In the thick of World War II, appliance manufacturers funneled much of their material resources to the military cause. This graphic reminder of that fact, with a gun turret taking the place of a new stove, concluded with the promise that "When the guns are stilled, you can be sure that Norge...will bring you even greater satisfaction, greater convenience than you have enjoyed before." From the vantage point of 2009, it's a revelatory marketing message: Somewhat shocking in its imagery, yet sincere in the sentiment that achieving peace trumps acquiring the latest appliance.
On the Home Front
In the thick of World War II, appliance manufacturers funneled much of their material resources to the military cause. This graphic reminder of that fact, with a gun turret taking the place of a new stove, concluded with the promise that "When the guns are stilled, you can be sure that Norge...will bring you even greater satisfaction, greater convenience than you have enjoyed before." From the vantage point of 2009, it's a revelatory marketing message: Somewhat shocking in its imagery, yet sincere in the sentiment that achieving peace trumps acquiring the latest appliance.
Watercolors
A gray, wet, raw day here in the northeast—ugh. A dollop of color and a sweep of shiny chrome isn't the perfect antidote, but these faucets, with their mod attitude, do brighten the spirits a bit. frattini.it
It Is What It Is
The designers who were dealt this petite, problematic space recognized it would be far better to acknowledge its limits than attempt to disguise them. As a result, there's an atelier quality to the space that—for me, at least—is irresistible. mlinaric-henry-zervudachi.com
Renewable Style
A few months ago, I started a gradual purge of the plastic items in my kitchen. Not to climb up on a soapbox here, but it has been a gratifying experience. This storage system, available with SieMatic's new S2 kitchen, features an elegant, eco-friendly detail: Wooden drawer organizers with china lids that can be labeled using a marker. siematic.com
Hot Stuff
An induction cooking element built into the base of the Cooking Chef machine lets you prepare risotto, braise and cook stews, proof bread doughs—and the proverbial much more—right in the mixing bowl. Stirring speeds and temperature controls are automatic. Food processor, steamer and blender attachments make this rather amazing small appliance a true culinary powerhouse. kenwoodworld.com
The Way It Was
What does it say about our domestic culture that we have gone from a freewheeling appliance palette of 50 colorways in 1956 to the triumvirate of white-black-stainless in 2009? Is it a sign of being a sadder but wiser society? Or do we now focus more on technology than appearance? KBCULTURE solicits your theories, thoughts and opinions.
Hydro Hydra
A few years back, the Butterfly House was built in England; the conceit being the structure represented the lifecycle of its eponymous insect. While the house as a whole isn't my cup of tea, some fanciful details do amuse me. A shaving brush, nearly lost in the tangle of supply lines, soap vials and gooseneck clamps that surround the bathroom sink, seems a bit like a helpless fly caught in a spiderweb. chetwood.co.uk
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