Roughing It [Not Exactly]

Not as coddling as a caravan kitchen, more comfortable than squatting around a campfire, the no-frills Grub Hub Mesa does its job—and then some. Although not much to look at, there's an efficiency to this backpack design that must be admired. And it does remind me of how much we take the comforts of home for granted. grubhubusa.com

Check [Out] this Luggage

No worries about toiletries exceeding the three-ounce liquid limit here; this valise won't be going through NSA checkpoints any time soon. It's been grounded and re-purposed as a wall-mounted bathroom medicine cabinet.

Bon Voyage

Let the exodus of summer travelers begin! For my part, I'm spending summer—at least most of it—in the city. Designed by Bambi Sloan, this kitchen, with its exotic Moroccan lights and decor from Milanese artist Piero Fornasetti, both satisfies and piques my wanderlust. And so I invite armchair adventurers, staycationers, and inveterate globetrotters alike to follow KBCULTURE's vicarious vacation week.

See you tomorrow.

Design Independence, The Conclusion

The black and white garb worn by this assumed erstwhile jailbird is the height of fashion today, as it was, apparently, in 1950. The cause for her jubilation: the defrosting feature of the fridge. As one who many years ago took a cleaver to the icy innards of an old refrigerator—and, in the process, liberated the freon from its confining coils—I'd say that counts towards the pursuit of happiness.

A jubilant Fourth of July to you all, dear readers.

Design Independence, Day 4

It's safe to say that over the next few days—Hurricane Arthur notwithstanding—there will be millions of backyard and beach barbecues as we celebrate the Fourth of July. The purpose behind this inventive design is portability; the tripod stand, fuel 'cradle', and star-shaped grate all fold up into a neat package. The 'Grillo' is made of stainless steel. formaxiom.com

Design Independence, Day 3

This range is a fine example of freedom of expression, I'd say. The irony that the appliance is produced by a UK manufacturer is not lost on this Yankee. [No hard feelings!] That it conjures a mad display of pyrotechnics is OK, too. britannialiving.co.uk

Design Independence, Day 2

Its red, white, and blue palette and explosive pattern make the 'Big Bang' tile a natural fit for this week of patriotic posts. The near-psychedelic graphics may have the same retina-burning effect as fireworks, though, so I'd suggest limiting applications to a small backsplash. crinson.com