It's [Trade] Show Time!

This utterly candid photo graces the dust jacket of Liberace Cooks!, a collection of recipes which the pianist published in 1970. [A note to the devoted: Inscribed copies can be found online for anywhere between $250 and $450.] For me, Mr. Showmanship epitomizes Las Vegas, which is where I'm bound next week to report on the 2014 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

Alas, while I don't expect to come across piano-themed vent hoods or cabinets with a Hollywood Regency pedigree—although you never know—I'll be posting photos, comments, and videos on the @kbculture Twitter feed over the course of the conference.

Against the Flow

I admit to a fascination with design that rethinks the norm. The Vertigo faucet takes its adjustable-height mechanism from the hand-shower and strips away the solid exterior of the typical spout. The exposed armature appeals to the reductivist in me, but my inner pragmatist frets about keeping the fitting clean. strubinetterie.it

Hidden in Plain Sight

In kitchens that are pressed for space, the Ranger stool could help ease the squeeze—or at least lessen the clutter. Constructed of white oak and powder-coated steel, the under-seat shelf could hold the daily paper or a favorite cookbook, and the hook can hold a handbag or shopping tote. It's available in three heights in green or cream, with custom colors a possibility. scoutregalia.com

Warm Thoughts

Well, of course this is all about the fireplace. How, with our wind chill on the negative side of zero, could it be otherwise? I like the incidental nature of the hearth; while it's a focal point of the space, its modest design—just carved out of the wall, unadorned by mantel or statement-making artwork—doesn't dominate the bathroom as much as it complements it. mcalpinetankersley.com

Whiteout [or -In]

This morning, the sun is a fuzzy white blur in the thickening grey sky; it's a typical sight, in the wake of a snowfall. The effect is somewhat like the backsplash lighting in this virtually colorless kitchen. The room relies on materials to rouse it out of design hibernation. The leather banquette, chrome-and-stone table, and even the acrylic Panton chairs subtly stir things up in a way I find—dare I say—cool. costudio.be

Millinery Madness

To each their own, but right now I would opt to hole up in my Kelvinator kitchen rather than march around in the snow. The fourteen inches of snow which is currently suffocating my senses, as well as the landscape. [There's more to come tomorrow, I hear. Joy.] Although on second thought, if I had one of those snood/kerchief/babushka things to keep my head warm as does our 1947 fashion plate, I might reconsider.

Getting Warmer

As the temperature continues to torment us—today, we're on our way to a numbing 4ºF—I'm trying to stave off a brain freeze by focusing on products that take the chill off in the kitchen and bath. It's not the color of this fire-engine red sink that fits that bill, though; with a twist of the knob at the front of the fixture, the surface of the drainboard can be heated to 122ºF. The Indutherm feature keeps plates as toasty as a warming drawer, but without sacrificing cabinet space. Fear not: It's available in white. schock.de