VP1 FLOWERPOT LAMP Created by 20th-century Danish designer Verner Panton, the Flowerpot VP1 lamp is a stellar example of mid-century design. Designed in 1969, the ceiling-mount Flowerpot lamp takes its inspiration from the sunny '60s and is comprised of a pair of nesting spheres. A smaller sphere discreetly hides the bulb and is protected by the larger dome, both made from vibrant lacquered steel with a color-matched fabric cord.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the powder room on the main floor, &Tradition's Verner Panton-designed Flowerpot VP1 pendant pops against crisp, white subway tiles.

Showroom featuring the Football Lamp in gloss stainless steel

The lamps play with our perception of depth and space. Photo courtesy of Vera & Kyte.

Vera & Kyte's Topiary lamps are elegant in their pastel colors and almost two-dimensional character. Photo courtesy of Vera & Kyte.

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.

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.

A Tab F1 floor lamp from Flos stands behind the Edward Wormley–designed Dunbar sofa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The steel canopy protects the residents from Seattle’s notoriously rainy weather as they walk from the entry gate to the front door.

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

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.

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.

Available in seven bright colors, the Pliny Chair from Loll Designs is made from stainless steel and recycled high density plastic so you can be eco-friendly and channel some retro style.

Tokyo-based designer Yota Kakuda has designed many pieces for the Japanese company MUJI, including these sleek stainless steel knives.

Another Arne Jacobsen creation, this stainless steel martini mixer comes with its own spoon. It was designed in 1972 for Stelton.