'More Wonderful'

Putting a toddler in front of a refrigerator should make the appliance seem larger, right? In this 1956 image, it didn't quite work out that way, at least to my eye. Scale notwithstanding, the Foodarama family is sure happy in their well-stocked kitchen—why, I bet if given a chance, they would burst into the catchy Kelvinator song [and maybe the dance, too]. I am happy for them.

White Out

You dear, patient readers who put up with my griping about this interminable winter, I beg your pardon. Again. Today's storm—which will segue into tomorrow's storm—threatens to snap my senses as it has snapped several tree limbs. Well after dark, we are in the midst of a white out.

Is it ironic that I find some solace in these back-lit panels of white quartz? Their patterned surface reassures me that Nature has more to offer than a seamless, suffocating blanket of drifting snow. concettous.com

Head's Up

Looking like a cross between a turban and a UFO, this shower head certainly isn't for the timid. More than its form, its material impresses me: It's Murano glass. And it's available in colors other than this ultra-dramatic black. bongio.it

Compact Impact

While designed for small spaces, the tidy look of the Nook lav would certainly translate to more spacious bathrooms; I can envision two—or even three—of them installed in a neat row. It's flexible, too: Faucets can be wall- or deck-mounted. azzurraceramica.com

Design In Sight

While many decisions—on matters material, procedural, proportional and more—go into the making of a successful design, there are instances when a single element comprises the make-or-break factor of a space. In this bathroom, a window placed over the tub is the key to its appeal, acting as source of light as well as a compositional linchpin. johnclagettarchitect

Spin Cycle

Detroit Edison has given us much to contemplate here—or 'there', back in 1956. Anticipation and regret, freedom and servitude, humanity and automation: Pretty heavy stuff, coming from a utility company.

The washer is imperturbable, despite its novelty. Newly ensconced as the electric savior of the household, it sits dutiful and uncomplaining, even though it is fated to a life of loneliness.

The woman exits the laundry with a slightly uneasy backward glance. She knows full well her future is 'touch and go'. How will the inevitable additional appliances impact her world? Will they support or supplant her?

Marshall McLuhan said, 'The future is not what it used to be.' I say, it's enough to keep you up at night.

Just a Peek

I'm choosing to feature this oblique view of the Clip vanity because it showcases several qualities that set the bath cabinet apart from the crowd. There's depth and dimension to its imaginatively-plotted curves. There's an aesthetic relationship between the sink unit, the hardware and the overall form of the furniture. And I always appreciate a dialogue between traditional and contemporary design schools. If you're like-minded, you won't mind exploring the manufacturer's full catalogue. eurolegno.it