Design Independence

The clutch of Tom Dixon pendant lights in this kitchen puts me in mind of the pyrotechnics that will soon fill the skies, as we celebrate the Fourth of July. They're not exactly red-glaring rockets, but the metallic interiors of the shades do add some shine to the space. champeau-wilde.com

New! Really!

This circa 1950s ad makes me question the picture-worth-a-thousand words adage. It seems that the Kelvinator folks were quite content with a single word, albeit one used repeatedly. A curious decision by the artist, too, to sully the streamlined lines of the appliance by depicting its little blocky feet.

Product Plug

By sports-fan standards, this soccer ball drain stopper hardly counts as obsessive. If anything, it could be a symbolic reminder of the nature of the game: Missed shots on goal, like water down the drain, are opportunities forever lost. entia.de

Waste Not

Created as an exploration of sustainability and furniture-making, this project—Copenhagen-based designer Tobias Tøstesen calls it 'The Ethical Kitchen'—impresses me with its focus on the construction process. The unit housing drawers and doors is balanced on a trestle-like supporting frame; unlike a built-in kitchen, the two pieces can be transported and set up in another location. The leather sling for plates is a thought-provoking look at the role of wall cabinets. tobiastostesen.com

Gooooaaall Bowl

But of course there is a sink designed to resemble a soccer ball [It's even available in several colors.] But be careful that when washing up you don't touch the basin—that would be a hand-ball foul. meridianainternational.com

The Beautiful Game

Apologies, futbol fanatics: I have been remiss in failing to acknowledge the World Cup in any posts since the tournament began. In a nod to the host country, the late Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer designed this kitchen in southern California; it is part of his only residential work in the United States. Built in 1963, it's a space in stylistic transition. The blocky forms of mid-century modernism are meeting the then-nascent open kitchen plan. I like the detail that's shared by the suspended cabinets and the leg treatment of the base cupboard [look at the lower left corner].

Cold Colors

My first impression: That is one jam-packed refrigerator. Folks in 1956 had a tendency toward meat-and-potatoes [and cake] menus, I guess.

My second impression: Why didn't our swan-necked hostess choose a more coordinated color for the interior of her fridge? With seven options on offer—include two shades of green, dark and light blues, red, and, of all things, copper—she could have complemented her butter-yellow ensemble with 'Peach-glo'. But to each their own, especially if your kitchen has become a 'fashion centre.' It's interesting to note that today there's a similar feature on the horizon, but in a far more chic shade.