Luciano Lorenzatti’s Penguin soap dispenser is playful and minimal, plus it allows for infinite soapy refills. $16

WineStation by Napa Technology, $4,999 If you are a serious wine collector and imbiber, put this in your kitchen. Install the bottles you wish to drink, and the temperature-precise wine dispenses through a tap that will keep an open bottle in pristine condition.

Architect Filippo Caprioglio punched oversized, single-pane windows into the facade of an old farmhouse in Tuscany to open up the interiors to the rolling scenery outside.

In the Dolomite mountains, an angular copper-clad apartment building echoes the topography of its site. Photos by Hertha Hurnaus

The clever design of this deceptively simple soap dispenser allows for easy one-hand operation, thanks to a large pump and a heavy rubber base that provides extra grip.

Architect Alfredo Vanotti sourced the home's stone exterior from the woods behind the property. “I believe that mountain architecture is an emblematic example of sustainable architecture,” he says.

This serene retreat by acclaimed Italian designers Ludovica+Roberto Palomba, carved out of a 17th-century oil mill in Salento, demonstrates the charm of historic Italy.

Locally sourced Italian slate covers the ground floor rooms; the coat rack near the entrance is from Zanotta.

“The inside is, for the most part, concentrated on the local craftsmanship, because I believe it is very important,” Vanotti says. “It represents our history.” Artisan Vanotti Mauro built many parts of the building, including its most prominent feature: the larch wood accents. A custom fireplace warms the living room.

Rialto Bridge, Italy-The oldest and most famous bridge across the Grand Canal in Venice. Photo by: llamnudds

Use this as a guide to finding the right architect for your new home or renovation—and what to expect during the process.

Gunnar Knechtel Photography, Italy, Sicily, Town: Syracuse, Island of Ortigia. The house of Francesco Moncada. Francesco reading the newspaper in a street Cafe called Caffe Aretusa. photographed on the 27+28,12.2010 for Dwell Magazine

1986 Bolidismo movement is founded.

Studiopietropoli created two houses on one site, each with fluid connections to the surrounding garden. A green roof creates a portico between them.

Designer Jonas Damon strikes again, this time turning his eye to another oft-stashed-in-the-back-of-the-desk object: the Scotch tape dispenser. Recalling a grinning whale, Moby is bound to brighten any desktop.

This brightly colored streamlined dispenser is designed to hold a roll of toilet paper just like a box of tissues.

Starter Kit by Click and Grow, $80 You can now grow basil and chilies, even if you’ve failed with a cactus. Install four AA batteries, fill the tub to the water line, and place the plant where it can get some daily sunshine. The system dispenses water automatically.

Automatic Pet Feeder Now when you go out for a long day, you do not have to worry about who will feed your pet. Automatic pet feeders can be set to a timer, and will release small amounts of food gradually throughout the day. Photo via Luxist.

NSF Certified Fusti Container With Spigot // Fustis (pronounced as foo-stees) can be translated as drums in Italian. Fustis are classic stainless steel containers that have been around for centuries with its origins in Italy. Originally designed for use with olives oils, these popular containers have made their way to America and have been proven a hit with owners including chefs, business owners and even for private home use. Popularly used for dispensing water in America. Comes in various sizes to fulfill different needs and includes spigot dispenser.

The positioning of the home’s roof allowed for a double-height, north-facing wall with four matching windows and an accompanying skylight. “The house refers to rural houses: a sloping roof, completely coated by stone and with no eaves,” Vanotti says.

The ground floor is comprised of a living room, kitchen, and bathroom that are all detailed with larch wood. In the kitchen, a retro Bompani refrigerator and freezer blend in with the minimal aesthetic.

As per the owner's request, the second floor’s open landing receives ample sunlight. The space is used as a study and the home's two bedrooms are situated to the right, their doors just outside the frame.

Visitors pass by a sentry wall of lamps from Design House Stockholm on their way to the airy living-dining room with its 52 windows. Photo by Wichmann + Bendtsen

Stainless Steel FustiOriginally used to dispense olive oil we use our fusti's for serving some of the best tasting water you've ever had. They look so pretty on a kitchen counter and are perfect for parties. Can also be used for wine. We mostly like em because they're so much nicer than those awful plastic water bottles.

Gunnar Knechtel Photography, Italy, Sicily, Town: Syracuse, Island of Ortigia. The house of Francesco Moncada.The market of Syracuse, photographed on the 27+28,12.2010 for Dwell Magazine

Gunnar Knechtel Photography, Italy, Sicily, Town: Syracuse, Island of Ortigia. The house of Francesco Moncada,Town houses and sea wall Syracuse Sicily. Syracuse is famous for its rich Greek history culture amphitheatres architecture and as the birthplace of Archimedes photographed on the 27+28,12.2010 for Dwell Magazine

Photo: David L. Ryan/Boston Globe

Smart Fridge (RF31FMESBSR) by Samsung, $3,799 This 30.5-cubic-foot fridge has a SodaStream carbon dioxide cartridge in its door to make fizzy water at one of three different levels of effervescence. (Yes, it also dispenses ice and still water.)

Italy on the Cross, 2010. Urethane resin, wood and stones. 4.6’ x 4.5’ x 4.5’ maquette. Photo courtesy of Gaetano Pesce.

The full range of 3M's Pebble Collection by Karim: the Post-It Dispenser and Scotch Dispenser each in white, black, and purple.

The floor plan shows three of the house’s four levels; the basement level contains a wine cellar and laundry room.

Located about 12.5 miles outside Cortina d'Ampezzo, guests arrive via snowshoes or snowmobile.

Part of the Birillo family of products created for Alessi by Italian designer Piero Lissoni, the Cotton Pad Dispenser is an innovative interpretation of an everyday essential. Made from shatter-proof PMMA, the top to the dispenser glides back to elegantly stow bathroom necessities while rounded corners lend the design a modern feel.

The experience, which comes with dinner, will run you about €300 per night.