Steady as She Goes

In these turbulent times, I'm seeking stability in all its forms. With its sturdy brass structure and soft leather seat, the Yacht Stool offers a safe [and stylish] harbor when moored at a kitchen island. blackmancruz.com

Beautifully Off Balance

Newly-named creative director of Dada/Molteni&C, Vincent Van Duysen has introduced a typically cool kitchen. I find the asymmetry of the VVD design is elegant and sensible. The offset range hood and the adjustable-arm sconce give a bump to the composition. For storage, rolling carts docked under the counter offer functional flexibility, while flush, floor-based pantries contrast with protruding wall-hung units. Another notable instance of opposites working together: the transparent and opaque-fronted cabinets, united by a high-gloss finish. dada-kitchens.com

Alternative Facts

Put forth by a strikingly homogeneous group; inflated, improbable claims of curing conditions from asthma to typhoid [!]—sound familiar? Despite our current events, I am going to resist the temptation to make any puns at the expense of this 'hot air [bath] cabinet'. However, one promised benefit of the 1903 contraption—'soothes the nerves'—is something I can definitely get behind during these stressful days.

Tub Meets Textile

Water- and sun-resistant textiles for outdoor use have reached a performance pinnacle—so why not capitalize on that and bring them into the bath? The concept is being explored by designer Dominik Tesseraux and fixture manufacturer Bette. Upholstering an enameled-steel tub with a woven fabric: Imagine the possibilities! I think it's an idea whose time has come. bette.de

Northern Lightness

This morning found a thick ground-fog had settled down in the wake of a drenching Nor'easter, putting everything into soft focus. The effect was similar to this bathroom, with its pale colors and crisp shapes both diffused and defined by the filtered light.

I long for spring.

Spot Light

Equal parts decorative and industrial, the Pop Round fixture can be installed on the ceiling or the wall. The faceplate is offered in several colors, and different types of bulbs—Edison-style with an intricate filament, frosted make-up mirror globes, and more—shift the look of the light from Art Deco to vintage workplace. Michael Amato designed the quirky lumenaire. urbanelectricco.com

Escapist Kitchen

Even under ordinary circumstances, at this time of the season, everyone is looking for a respite from the unrelenting dullness of winter. [Southern hemispherians exempted, of course.] The cave-like materiality of this kitchen has a strong appeal for me, as does the quiet integration of the modern elements into the room. The chandelier seems like an afterthought, though; it doesn't strike quite the right discordant note in the space. And at this point, I'm exhausted by discord of any kind. stevenharrisarchitects.com