No, Virginia, ovens were not always self-cleaning. And in 1965, this novel drawer-like device was the state of the art solution to the grimy chore. While it might have been an ergonomic improvement on the old way of doing things, I wonder [being a subscriber to the fewer-moving-parts-the-better school of thinking] what would happen if those ovens were jostled off their tracks or otherwise got stuck in the open position. Convenience turned into calamity!
Dirty Work
No, Virginia, ovens were not always self-cleaning. And in 1965, this novel drawer-like device was the state of the art solution to the grimy chore. While it might have been an ergonomic improvement on the old way of doing things, I wonder [being a subscriber to the fewer-moving-parts-the-better school of thinking] what would happen if those ovens were jostled off their tracks or otherwise got stuck in the open position. Convenience turned into calamity!
Clean Lines, Indeed
From the reliably outré Antonio Lupi, the Talamo tub is pleasantly responsive to a bather's needs. The tall, gently scooped backrest looks supportive and spacious, and I love how the shelf is well above the splash line [a term I just made up]. Part cradle, part cube, it's an elegant yet challenging design. antoniolupi.it 
Cooling Tower
For some reason—could it possibly have something to do with the record-setting July temperatures that continue to torment us?—I'm drawn to this snappy little fridge, which goes by the name Trio. The drawer between the cooler and freezer compartments is for deli items. It's on the market in Europe, where its 24-inch width and 80-inch height is more in keeping with kitchen dimensions. fagor.com
In the Round
How wonderful it must be to amble through this bathroom, views changing from every vantage point. And I don't mean the outward-looking views—it's the varying sightlines of the interior landscape that make it such a dynamic space. What's particularly interesting is that despite the room's openness, there is near-complete privacy within its walls: standing at the sink, you can't see the tub; from the tub, the shower is deftly hidden. It's so much more effective than the artificial drama of just plunking a big tub down in the middle of the room.
The Great Outdoors, Part 6
For the past few weeks, my enjoyment of the Great [Hot] Outdoors has been severely curtailed by global warming. Today the heat wave broke, if only for a short while. In gratitude, I offer this poetic lighting design for al fresco dining. The Halley 4150 fixture is a brilliant use of LED strip lights, perfect for nights when the moon and stars are hiding in the clouds. vibia.es
Wash Out
For this Flashback Friday, we return to 1986 to see this funky collection of kitchen faucets inspired by Peter Max, who started out in the 70s as a graphic designer with a unique Pop-psychedelic style and ended up following in the cheesy footsteps of LeRoy Neiman, sporting-event lithographer. The faucet itself has some character, but the colors—red and yellow [white, black and almond really don't count]—are anything but imaginative. A missed opportunity.
Surreal Space
No right angles, an odd foreshortening, a gnawing feeling that time passes a little slower in this space—this is Salvador Dalí's kitchen in Púbol, Spain. I like the smallness of the room; its rigidity is surprising. The furniture is deliberately placed in a way that is useful but not comfortable. Dalí remodeled [if that's the right word] the building in tribute to his wife and muse, Gala. salvador-dali.orgBefore Marfa
101 Spring Street, New York City. Donald Judd purchased this building in 1968, and used it as a testing ground for exploring the spatial relationships between art and architecture; I can see by how Judd opted to orient seating towards the wood stove versus the kitchen that an occasional pragmatic concern took precedence. Listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the property will reopen for public tours after this year's renovation. juddfoundation.orgRound Up
If you've ever visited Richard Serra's 'Torqued Ellipses' installations, the Roll sink might seem familiar—although, of course, the scale is reversed. Greatly. I think that comparison makes a suitable kick-off to Art Week at KBCULTURE. [As you can see, our gallery isn't closed on Mondays.] I'll post a mix of artist's homes, projects and products that I hope you find as curious as I do. ceramicaflaminia.it
Cold Feet
I certainly can appreciate the convenience offered by the 1920 Len-A-Dor. Many is the time I've been caught with platters of molded gelatin salad in both hands, and was completely flummoxed as to how to open the refrigerator door—but, unlike the unfortunate lass above, I at least have counters in my kitchen upon which to rest said jiggly dishes. I do envy her grace as she [in pumps, no less] angles her toe upon the pedal that will spring open the fridge. Let's hope the cabinets arrive soon.
Recycling the Past
Creative but just a tad too eccentric for me, this idea of converting an old fridge into a closet. Making it all the more mystifying is the presence of a rather pricey range in the kitchen; this unorthodox move wasn't done for economical reasons. And it surely wouldn't qualify for the cash-for-clunker-appliances program.I think I detect a show-house project. But I had to share this weirdness, nonetheless.
One for All
In a short conversation with architect Patricia Urquiola, who designed a complete suite of bathroom fixtures and fittings for Axor [a sink faucet is shown above], she convinced me of her belief in the importance of the individual in design; in particular, the role of the ultimate user of an object or a space. Coming hard on the heels of a most materialistic era, it's a reassuringly humanistic stance. With a toothbrush cup—of all things!—growing out of the faucet in a most unexpected elegant and organic way, she makes her point. axor-design.com
The Great Outdoors, Part 5
As a rule, I am annoyed by firepits: They don't serve any essential purpose like heating or cooking, as a campfire does, and seem like a poor excuse to smoke up the air. And of course they are usually squat, ugly looking things. So I was quite pleased [cranky-pants that I am] to come across the Fireplate, a well-crafted model with a grill attachment. Maybe there's hope for the firepit, after all. radius-design.com
Off the Wall
Down in the basement, there's a box or two of Function Tiles, one of my favorite items ever produced by the always-inventive crew at Droog. Destined for our bathroom remodeling, I look forward to the lively exchange of ideas with our tile setter ['You want what?'] that they will likely provoke. Nota bene: The knowledgeable folks at Moss coordinated the special order process for the tiles; they are not an off-the-shelf item.
Sweatin' to the Oldies
Three WHOLE cents? While we've been having a hamam-worthy heat wave this week [absolutely free, I might add], way back in 1899, the confident folks at Racine Bath Cabinet offered a Turkish-bath-in-a-box that comprised 'a tight, double-walled room, rubber coated inside and outside and fitted with a door...alcohol stove, vaporizer and face-steaming attachment included.'Frankly, it sounds like a ride on the subway—only you could sit down.
Stream of Consciousness
These interchangeable spray heads—the designer calls them 'mobile faucets'—intrigue me with their tactile qualities and dedicated functions. The large faceted sphere can be used for washing the torso; the others deliver targeted spray, mist and jet streams to other parts of the body. Of course, there are products on the market that combine similar functions in a single housing. But such convenience can lend itself to unthinking consumption; the mobile faucets force us to reflect on the water we use. feliperibon.com
Cool It!
"Triple-digit temperatures."It's a phrase I don't want to hear ever again—but one that's been on the [parched] lips of every meteorologist in the Northeast for several days, now. Here's my riposte: a triple-headed shower. While its agricultural appearance is actually rather appealing, it's the idea of being drenched by three refreshing sprays that makes it a winner with me. douches-de-jardins.com
A Shore Thing
While you might glean from the last couple posts that I'm cooling off at the beach, down the coast, up the creek, et cetera, I'm not—it's all wishful thinking on my part. In reality, the closest body of water is the Hudson River.That said, I'll continue my fantasy island hop with this now-classic bath. Slightly sentimental design, sure, but summer brings out the daydreamer in us all, yes?
Kicking Back
The long weekend continues [in spirit, if not in practice] with this sun-washed space. The textures of the ceiling and cabinet doors are a funky contrast with the smooth, liquid-like floor. As we're not even at the half-way point of a searing, seven-day heat wave, I am happy—very happy!—imagining the barefoot coolness of that surface.
Red, White and Blue
Should stormy weather spoil your plans for a Fourth of July barbecue—and I certainly hope it doesn't, dear readers—let's trust you have a suitably patriotic kitchen to which to retreat. To take shelter in this space, we'll need to go back to 1966, a time when colors were bold, the microwave oven had yet to be realized, and photo styling was a nascent art form. To that last point, it looks to me like the side panel of the fridge has been fudged; surely only the front of the appliance would have been given the royal-red treatment. And what of the dishwasher? An opportunity missed.