Save the Date

That day, should you need reminding, is 20 January 2017. The true identity of the owner, however, is TBD; perhaps a congressional investigation will shed some light on that.

The last line of this 1954 ad is particularly, presciently chilling: Why not see your nearest President retailer today....

2016 KBCULTURE Awards

For anyone who's laboring with 2016 as an annus horribilis, here's a tonic: The winners of this year's KBCULTURE Awards have been announced!

A Fitting Remembrance

In the shadow of its designer's death, the Vitae faucet, by Zaha Hadid, made a melancholy debut at last week's i Salone. Unlike her previous fitting, which emphasized an exuberant swooping line, this lav set is more focused on mass. The shell-like form nestles comfortably in the palm. noken.com

Serene + Spirited

I'm not ready for Monday. The quick ramp-up to work and the resumption of routine comes all too soon. This kitchen, with the visual jumble of appliances skillfully concealed behind the wall panels, is the kind of room that could ease the harsh transition from weekend to weekday. liebkeprojects.com.au

The Right Light

Not everything shown at iSalone is flamboyant, striving design. Case in point: Shine, the understated yet elegant towel bar/light/grab bar by Monica Graffeo. The light can be focused in different directions without compromising the gripability or strength of the installation. This accessory is universal design in the truest sense of the word. everlifedesign.it

Japan, Via Milan

Designer Stefano Cavazzana cites the bento box as inspiration for his new Oblon bathroom fixtures. Similar to the bento's functional form, the interchangeable basin, its rim, and accompanying tray/lid can be stacked in different color combinations. The collection premieres at iSalone this week. novello.it

Material Switch-Up

Mixing marble and smoky glass, the Bespoke vanity makes a suave entrance at iSalone this week. While combining opacity and transparency in a single unit has been done before, the application protocol has been upended by designer Carlo Colombo; usually it's the sink that's glass, not the cabinet. antoniolupi.it