Ciao for Now

Next week, as products editor for The Architect's Newspaper, I'll be attending EuroCucina, the biennial kitchen extravaganza that is part of design week in Milan. Reporting from trade shows can be an iffy situation, as internet connections, phone service, and press facilities are often unknown quantities until you're on the scene. So while I'm still on home turf, I'll share some sneak previews of product introductions.

While I haven't been able to verify the translation, manufacturer Scavolini notes that the name of its new line, Ki, is Japanese for 'container'. That's the operative idea behind this kitchen. Designed by Nendo, wall cabinets are replaced by bins. The same form is found at the sink, cooktop, and vent hood, and is also echoed by the seating. The exposed orderliness seems to encourage modesty in the accumulation of stuff; call it inconspicuous consumption. scavolini.com