Sweet Suite

Kelly Hoppen may cite origami as the inspiration for this bath collection, but I beg to differ. It's obviously something far less arty: Cupcakes! The crisply fluted tub and pedestal sink are clearly derived from everybody's favorite bakery treat. [Don't worry, Kelly—your secret is safe with KBCULTURE.] apaiser.com

A Loss + An Appreciation

It's hard to imagine a profession more gratifying—and more grueling—than design. For all the momentary joy of fraternizing with peers at conferences or the glamorous roll-out of a new product at trade shows, there are countless meetings, number-crunchings, and other similarly soul-crushing occupational hazards that can dampen one's enthusiasm for the job. Designers work as much for The Man as the muse, and staying motivated and creative takes a major amount of energy and discipline.

I'm remembering Andy Wells, vice president of design and trends for MasterBrand cabinets, as a person who was able to see the business of design as an adventure, and he welcomed any and all to join him in the process. His charming and incisive observations—quintessentially British—made every encounter I had with him memorable. Today, he is missed by many.

Cool + Collective

As yesterday's peace-out post seemed to work, smoothing the way through a potentially bumpy day, I'll try the same superstition strategy again today. This bathroom offers tranquility through its single color, yet avoids monotony via a variety of materials and surface treatments. stevenvandooren.be

Calming Before the Storm

It's going to be a very busy week. [Make that weeks.] For me, that means it's a good idea to clear the mental decks as much as possible before wading into the thick of things. This minimalist kitchen, slipped almost surreptitiously into a larger, softly lit space, is a gentle, grounding beginning to the hectic days ahead. a-dn.be

Better Late Than Never

By the time this ad was published in 1977, Earth Day had been observed for seven years. Environmental awareness might have been a little slow in coming to the appliance industry, but it made an effort, enlisting no less a force than performer Pearl Bailey, the Ambassador of Love. Pearl's full-throated declaration of this washer's water-saving superiority, scripted though it was, helped raise the ecological consciousness of a generation.

In the Bud

With the advent of Earth Week, the first convincing signs of spring have appeared. Birds are nesting, cherry trees are in blossom, and the color green returns to the landscape palette—nature has at last begun its seasonal renewal. In due time, flowers will emerge, but until then, Tord Boontje's fanciful Primavera Colore ceramic tiles will suffice. bardelli.it

Watts Up—Or Rather, Down

While Earth Day provides an eco-excuse to reduce electrical power consumption, I think the good looks of this oil lamp justifies its use on a more regular basis. Designed with technical input from Harnish, a gas-lamp manufacturer founded in 1842, the black-chromed fixture sheds a clear and kilowatt-free light. castordesign.ca