Why Not?

Here's something different: brass bath fittings that are encased in reclaimed blackbutt [a variety of eucalyptus] wood or cast in concrete. Meticulously handcrafted, these showerheads, taps, and spouts have a straightforward, geometric design. A fairly specialized look, it's doubtful the collection will be toppling chrome from its pedestal—alas—but that is hardly the point of the matter. It's all about individuality. woodmelbourne.com

Kitchen for Reflection

In truth, not all kitchens are made for cooking. This design, I think, is more attuned to the needs of the psyche than the stomach. The patterned floor gives the space an upbeat tempo, while the proportions of the room, natural materials, and muted, neutral color palette all serve to soothe.  kattyschiebeck.com

One Word, Benjamin...

...Plaskon. [My apologies to Mike Nichols and Dustin Hoffman.]

Hopefully by the time the Graduate had his abbreviated career counseling session, the chemistry of the material in question had evolved from its 1937 formula; in this ad, the manufacturer proudly cites formaldehyde as an ingredient. Who cared if perishable [ahem] foods were surrounded by such noxious stuff—it brought "beauty and permanent color" to the appliance.

A digression: The proofreader in me insists on noting that while the boast of ten Plaskon parts are in every fridge, I count only nine arrows highlighting the feature.

Pouring It On

A frankly glamorous interpretation of the boiler-room style of plumbing, the hefty Regulator kitchen faucet, in either its single- or double-spout design, physically commands the sink. Wielding the veggie sprayer gives one a certain sense of invincibility, as does pivoting the central knob-topped control lever. I'm not accustomed to a fitting that exudes such an aura of power—but I could get used to it. waterworks.com

Transporting

The elegance of this bath is wonderfully modern. Elongated arches playing against straight lines, machined steel meeting natural marble, and the soft but bright light—all these elements combine in a near-perfect manner. To say more would take away from the experience of the fabulous design, so I'll just step away from the keyboard, now. christian-liagre.fr

Ring of [Faux] Fire

In the world of technology, there are the early adopters, there are the Luddites, and in between are the uncommitted-but-persuadables. It is to those teeming masses I direct this post. To wean people off the visible cue of gas flames and introduce them to induction cooking, the folks at Samsung have devised an illusion. Turn the control knob to set the heat of each burner, and blue licks of LED-light 'fire' rise up and down the walls of the pan, indicating the temperature setting. samsung.com

Looking Ahead

Although we have reveled in an early autumn that has been distinctly summer-like, the snow that hit our friends to the north today is a reminder of the inevitable. This kitchen, with its flurry of pendant lights and cool palette, is my abstract acknowledgement of the winter that will eventually arrive. matthew-quinn.com