The Way It Was

I'm in the home stretch of writing an article about refrigerators, and have been learning about things like linear compressors, cyclopentane and medium-temperature glycol. Heady stuff, yes? So I am especially appreciative of this 1931 advertisement that celebrates the science behind the humble [and might I add homely] fridge. The housewife and the lab technician drawing open the drapes of consumer ignorance to reveal the glorious Monitor Top, resplendent—and large—against a blazing backdrop that evokes nothing less than the Creation.

And now back to dual-capillary energy valves. Sigh.

Culinary Cabinet

An elaborate piece of craftsmanship, this. It's a baking center; note the rolling pin storage smack in the center of the piece, flanked by a drawer and double pull-out cutting boards. Screen inserts in the natural wood doors, riveted edge bands and corners in contrasting metals, hand-distressing—it might border on overkill, but nonetheless, I think it could be a pastry chef's dream. marchicucine.it

Roll: Away

I know there are plenty of serviceable paper towel holders on the market; some of them are even well designed. But this built-in solution to the unsightly roll is genius, wholly worthy of forfeiting a drawer. brooksandfalotico.com

Out of Line

Well, Mr. van der Rohe wouldn't be too thrilled with this wavy sink design, but that's neither here nor there. I like how the front of the Just sink is contoured to accommodate the body of the user[s]. Installing it on a striped wall is a neat visual trick; it would be neater still if it had been centered between the grout lines of the floor tile [Ja, Mies?] plavisdesign.it

We Interrupt This Blog...

...to let you know that at the kind invitation of Stacy Garcia, I'll be hosting the venerable, vibrant and veracious #kbtribechat. The topic of discussion is near & dear to us all: kitchen appliances of the major kind. The chat begins on Wednesday, 28 March at 2:00PM EDT/NYC time; sign in at tweetchat.com/room/kbtribechat. Please drop by and add your comments. Or lurk quietly and just read the feed. It's all good.

Warm and Cool

Just a couple days ago, temps were in the 70s; tonight we're in for a freeze. I think I've found an appropriate kitchen to reflect this schizophrenic spring weather: high-ceilinged and sunny, with a countertop fireplace to combat any loitering chills. sashaseymour.com

Glad Men

In 1957, it must have been the ultimate corner-office perk: to suavely swing open the faux-wood-paneled door of the mini-fridge, grab a cold one and toast the close of a deal. Of course, the Executive 500 would still be a status symbol in today's workplace [although it looks a little large for the typical cube farm], as would its residential counterpart, the Party Port. Grab a floor pillow, spin some platters and pass the Pigs in Blankets!