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Typography guru Erik Spiekermann and his wife, designer Susanna Dulkinys, hate clutter. That’s why they love the super-sleek Berlin domicile they constructed to have just the right lines—and a host of energy-saving features behind the scenes. The stainless-steel Bulthaup kitchen "cost as much as a small house," said Spiekermann, though he did get a discount: Bulthaup is one of his clients.
Typography guru Erik Spiekermann and his wife, designer Susanna Dulkinys, hate clutter. That’s why they love the super-sleek Berlin domicile they constructed to have just the right lines—and a host of energy-saving features behind the scenes. The stainless-steel Bulthaup kitchen "cost as much as a small house," said Spiekermann, though he did get a discount: Bulthaup is one of his clients.
Julie Torres Moskovitz, who designed New York’s first certified Passive House, recently finished her first book, The Greenest Home (Princeton Architectural Press), about the first wave of ultragreen homes in the United States (following the 40,000 already constructed in Europe). The title hits shelves in May 2013. Here, a custom stainless steel stair with treads of perforated steel replaces the old wood staircase in the rehabbed Park Slope brownstone.
Julie Torres Moskovitz, who designed New York’s first certified Passive House, recently finished her first book, The Greenest Home (Princeton Architectural Press), about the first wave of ultragreen homes in the United States (following the 40,000 already constructed in Europe). The title hits shelves in May 2013. Here, a custom stainless steel stair with treads of perforated steel replaces the old wood staircase in the rehabbed Park Slope brownstone.
Pros: Stainless-steel countertops are used in restaurants and the food service industry because it is durable, easy to maintain, and scratch- and bacteria-resistant. Cons: Installing stainless steel countertops means being ready for louder cooking, with plates and pots making more noise than they would on other surfaces. And just because the surface is stain-resistant doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to denting and scratching.
Pros: Stainless-steel countertops are used in restaurants and the food service industry because it is durable, easy to maintain, and scratch- and bacteria-resistant. Cons: Installing stainless steel countertops means being ready for louder cooking, with plates and pots making more noise than they would on other surfaces. And just because the surface is stain-resistant doesn’t mean that it’s impervious to denting and scratching.
A salvaged 19th-century soaking tub wrapped in stainless steel is topped by Hudson Reed faucets.
A salvaged 19th-century soaking tub wrapped in stainless steel is topped by Hudson Reed faucets.
Steel allowed Kunding to be playful with the staircase’s form.
Steel allowed Kunding to be playful with the staircase’s form.
Stainless-steel cables along the stairs function as a second railing without blocking views through the adjacent windows.
Stainless-steel cables along the stairs function as a second railing without blocking views through the adjacent windows.
Designer Joey Roth has introduced a hand-finished steel-and-glass teapot with a spout sieve that allows hot water into the glass steeping chamber while keeping out the leaves when pouring. To brew, you open open the handle to pop out the Pyrex tube. Fill that with leaves, seal it back in the handle, then pour hot water through the spout. When it’s steeped and ready to pour, the sieve on the end keeps the leaves inside.
Designer Joey Roth has introduced a hand-finished steel-and-glass teapot with a spout sieve that allows hot water into the glass steeping chamber while keeping out the leaves when pouring. To brew, you open open the handle to pop out the Pyrex tube. Fill that with leaves, seal it back in the handle, then pour hot water through the spout. When it’s steeped and ready to pour, the sieve on the end keeps the leaves inside.
Bottom line: If coffee-making can be elevated into an art form, why not tea? The pot retails for $285 via Joey Roth (ships November 2014).
Bottom line: If coffee-making can be elevated into an art form, why not tea? The pot retails for $285 via Joey Roth (ships November 2014).
“Sorapot 2 is a realization of my original design intent,” Roth says. “It's lighter, its geometry is more subtle and precise, and it uses about half the stainless steel of the first version.” The center tube holds 11 ounces, or about enough for two teacups. The whole rig, without water, weighs roughly three pounds.
“Sorapot 2 is a realization of my original design intent,” Roth says. “It's lighter, its geometry is more subtle and precise, and it uses about half the stainless steel of the first version.” The center tube holds 11 ounces, or about enough for two teacups. The whole rig, without water, weighs roughly three pounds.
Nick Munro’s stainless steel cafetiere was inspired by an old bike pump and its sturdy shape won’t shatter like the popular glass versions.
Nick Munro’s stainless steel cafetiere was inspired by an old bike pump and its sturdy shape won’t shatter like the popular glass versions.
The interior is BPA-free, so hot liquid won’t release any toxic chemicals. It’s not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand-washing. It comes with an acrylic straw to mimic the feeling of a store-bought cold-brew.
The interior is BPA-free, so hot liquid won’t release any toxic chemicals. It’s not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand-washing. It comes with an acrylic straw to mimic the feeling of a store-bought cold-brew.
A Boston loft in a former textile factory receives a minimal, efficient kitchen at the hands of Bunker Workshop. In the kitchen, the island features a stainless-steel countertop with a gas cooktop, oven, and a brick half wall.
A Boston loft in a former textile factory receives a minimal, efficient kitchen at the hands of Bunker Workshop. In the kitchen, the island features a stainless-steel countertop with a gas cooktop, oven, and a brick half wall.
The standing shower is set off by etched-glass panels supported by stainless-steel hardware. There is no threshold; instead, the tile within the shower zone slopes down very slightly to a floor trough with a custom stainless-steel grille. Along the wall, a Corian shelf—“the longest soap dish in the world,” resident Don Evans jokes—runs the length of the space.
The standing shower is set off by etched-glass panels supported by stainless-steel hardware. There is no threshold; instead, the tile within the shower zone slopes down very slightly to a floor trough with a custom stainless-steel grille. Along the wall, a Corian shelf—“the longest soap dish in the world,” resident Don Evans jokes—runs the length of the space.
Drawer Microwave by Wolf, $1,825 Available in 24- and 30-inch sizes, the microwave has ten power levels and its spacious drawer can accommodate nine-by 13-inch casseroles.
Drawer Microwave by Wolf, $1,825 Available in 24- and 30-inch sizes, the microwave has ten power levels and its spacious drawer can accommodate nine-by 13-inch casseroles.
Lalita stands in front of the coffee nook in the couple’s kitchen—one of several details that relates to their shared Brazilian heritage. Her childhood was split between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, while Fabio grew up in São Paulo before moving to various cities around the world as part of his career in advertising.
Lalita stands in front of the coffee nook in the couple’s kitchen—one of several details that relates to their shared Brazilian heritage. Her childhood was split between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, while Fabio grew up in São Paulo before moving to various cities around the world as part of his career in advertising.
Stainless steel has been the hallmark of the modern American kitchen for years. But today’s appliance launches show that stainless is not the only material fit for modern design seekers. KitchenAid’s new Black Stainless Steel line is a natural evolution, as it has the same material qualities as stainless steel but features a new, warmer tone.
Stainless steel has been the hallmark of the modern American kitchen for years. But today’s appliance launches show that stainless is not the only material fit for modern design seekers. KitchenAid’s new Black Stainless Steel line is a natural evolution, as it has the same material qualities as stainless steel but features a new, warmer tone.
800 Plus Series Dishwasher by Bosch, $1,299 A recessed handle helps the stainless-steel appliance maintain a low profile, while three internal racks offer more cleaning capacity. At 42 decibels when running, the 800 series is also among the quietest dishwashers around.
800 Plus Series Dishwasher by Bosch, $1,299 A recessed handle helps the stainless-steel appliance maintain a low profile, while three internal racks offer more cleaning capacity. At 42 decibels when running, the 800 series is also among the quietest dishwashers around.
Fresh from the permanent collection of the Centre Georges Pompidou, the stainless steel Chiringuito Cocktail Shaker by Ron Arad for Alessi timelessly keeps its cool.
Fresh from the permanent collection of the Centre Georges Pompidou, the stainless steel Chiringuito Cocktail Shaker by Ron Arad for Alessi timelessly keeps its cool.
The Japanese brandBeehouse offers an array of sizes, shapes and colors for teapots. We like this one in cobalt blue featuring a removable screen infuser and stainless steel lid.
The Japanese brandBeehouse offers an array of sizes, shapes and colors for teapots. We like this one in cobalt blue featuring a removable screen infuser and stainless steel lid.
OIVA TEAPOT Make a pot of hot water...
OIVA TEAPOT Make a pot of hot water...
This Staub teapot is a distinct aubergine color and modern Japanese design. The cast-iron construction of the pot ensures a quick boil for your water.
This Staub teapot is a distinct aubergine color and modern Japanese design. The cast-iron construction of the pot ensures a quick boil for your water.
Light from two frosted windows fills the bathroom. The custom, stainless steel countertop sits atop a luxurious marble-encased bath by Caml Tomlin. The faucets are by Cabano.
Light from two frosted windows fills the bathroom. The custom, stainless steel countertop sits atop a luxurious marble-encased bath by Caml Tomlin. The faucets are by Cabano.
A Cutlery Above The meal itself may be the main event, but your tender victuals aren't much of an attraction without a means to make their way from plate to mouth. Put aside the sporks as we test out the tastemakers of timeless flatware.
A Cutlery Above The meal itself may be the main event, but your tender victuals aren't much of an attraction without a means to make their way from plate to mouth. Put aside the sporks as we test out the tastemakers of timeless flatware.
Prop bookends by Jonathan Nesci, priced upon request Made by Columbus, Indiana–based industrial designer Jonathan Nesci, these handsome bookends are made from mirror-polished bronze (shown) or stainless steel.
Prop bookends by Jonathan Nesci, priced upon request Made by Columbus, Indiana–based industrial designer Jonathan Nesci, these handsome bookends are made from mirror-polished bronze (shown) or stainless steel.
When developing the line, KitchenAid turned to the watch industry, taking note of matte black and brushed metal detailing on modern timepieces.
When developing the line, KitchenAid turned to the watch industry, taking note of matte black and brushed metal detailing on modern timepieces.
Some indoor plants need a light mist every now and then, in addition to watering due to dry indoor air. Give your greens a little spritz with this sleek metal sprayer.
Some indoor plants need a light mist every now and then, in addition to watering due to dry indoor air. Give your greens a little spritz with this sleek metal sprayer.
Malle w. Trousseau’s Stainless Steel Oil and Vinegar Cruet Set is designed to keep oil and vinegar out of light, as well as providing an easy-to-control, fine stream in each pour. Each cruet set is made in Portugal by a family-run company, focused on finely crafting quality stainless steel. Each container is structured in a conical shape and the spouts can be repositioned as needed.
Malle w. Trousseau’s Stainless Steel Oil and Vinegar Cruet Set is designed to keep oil and vinegar out of light, as well as providing an easy-to-control, fine stream in each pour. Each cruet set is made in Portugal by a family-run company, focused on finely crafting quality stainless steel. Each container is structured in a conical shape and the spouts can be repositioned as needed.
The BN-31 Women’s Watch from Braun is a simple, refined watch. A reissue of the original design by Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs, the analog watch features a white face with a bold yellow second hand. The 33mm case and stainless steel mesh band is unobtrusive and will complement a variety of occasions. The BN-31 is a modern classic that a friend or loved one is sure to wear every day.
The BN-31 Women’s Watch from Braun is a simple, refined watch. A reissue of the original design by Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs, the analog watch features a white face with a bold yellow second hand. The 33mm case and stainless steel mesh band is unobtrusive and will complement a variety of occasions. The BN-31 is a modern classic that a friend or loved one is sure to wear every day.
This optical illusion-like Royal VKB Stainless Steel Fruit Bowl designed by Gijs Bakker looks more like a decorative art piece than a fruit container, but trust us, it's fully functional.
This optical illusion-like Royal VKB Stainless Steel Fruit Bowl designed by Gijs Bakker looks more like a decorative art piece than a fruit container, but trust us, it's fully functional.
Malle w. Trousseau’s Stainless Steel Oil and Vinegar Cruet Set is designed to keep oil and vinegar out of light, as well as providing an easy-to-control, fine stream in each pour. Each cruet set is made in Portugal by a family-run company, focused on finely crafting quality stainless steel. Each container is structured in a conical shape and the spouts can be repositioned as needed.
Malle w. Trousseau’s Stainless Steel Oil and Vinegar Cruet Set is designed to keep oil and vinegar out of light, as well as providing an easy-to-control, fine stream in each pour. Each cruet set is made in Portugal by a family-run company, focused on finely crafting quality stainless steel. Each container is structured in a conical shape and the spouts can be repositioned as needed.
One of the benefits of black stainless steel is that it hides fingerprints and other marks.
One of the benefits of black stainless steel is that it hides fingerprints and other marks.
The lower floor houses a spa, gym, and office. A built-in bathroom by Espace Cuisine includes a sauna.
The lower floor houses a spa, gym, and office. A built-in bathroom by Espace Cuisine includes a sauna.
The steel canopy protects the residents from Seattle’s notoriously rainy weather as they walk from the entry gate to the front door.
The steel canopy protects the residents from Seattle’s notoriously rainy weather as they walk from the entry gate to the front door.
When it comes to decorating a small space, always remember to keep the scale of furniture in mind. “The biggest mistake I see people make when decorating a small space is small scaled furniture,” Berkus says. “You end up with a room that is scaled for a small space and is uncomfortable with nowhere to lounge around.” Berkus also suggests using software to test placement of furniture to help make more informed decisions about what works in every area of the home. Pictured, a mid-century modern kitchen updated with black cabinetry and stainless steel appliances by contestant Andrew Flesher. Photo courtesy NBC.
When it comes to decorating a small space, always remember to keep the scale of furniture in mind. “The biggest mistake I see people make when decorating a small space is small scaled furniture,” Berkus says. “You end up with a room that is scaled for a small space and is uncomfortable with nowhere to lounge around.” Berkus also suggests using software to test placement of furniture to help make more informed decisions about what works in every area of the home. Pictured, a mid-century modern kitchen updated with black cabinetry and stainless steel appliances by contestant Andrew Flesher. Photo courtesy NBC.
Wooten asked Massie to incorporate a 1960s steel screen by Don Drumm into the house; Massie placed it on a central pivot so it acts as a gate, a privacy barrier, and an architectural gesture. “We actually changed the whole roofline of the porch to accommodate the screen being able to pivot,” says Massie. “The screen also allowed the building to have an immediate history.” dondrummstudios.com
Wooten asked Massie to incorporate a 1960s steel screen by Don Drumm into the house; Massie placed it on a central pivot so it acts as a gate, a privacy barrier, and an architectural gesture. “We actually changed the whole roofline of the porch to accommodate the screen being able to pivot,” says Massie. “The screen also allowed the building to have an immediate history.” dondrummstudios.com

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