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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.
Sævik compares her house to a contemplative hideout. “It’s very quiet,” she says. “You can concentrate and let thoughts fly.” Her favorite summer pastimes include reading, painting, drawing, yoga, and “just sitting and feeling the forest,” she says.
Sævik compares her house to a contemplative hideout. “It’s very quiet,” she says. “You can concentrate and let thoughts fly.” Her favorite summer pastimes include reading, painting, drawing, yoga, and “just sitting and feeling the forest,” she says.
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.
This simplehuman™ steel frame dish rack with wine glass dryer from Williams Sonoma will generously meet your dishwashing needs.
This simplehuman™ steel frame dish rack with wine glass dryer from Williams Sonoma will generously meet your dishwashing needs.
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.
Sævik designed the wood tub in the bathroom, which features an adjacent sauna. The Inxx A5 faucet is by Mora.
Sævik designed the wood tub in the bathroom, which features an adjacent sauna. The Inxx A5 faucet is by Mora.
Architect Chris Pardo designed the Element 1 model for prefab builder Method Homes, cladding it in Cor-Ten steel and cedar. Pardo’s design “is the definition of simple, elegant, straightforward building,” resident Karen Kiest says.
Architect Chris Pardo designed the Element 1 model for prefab builder Method Homes, cladding it in Cor-Ten steel and cedar. Pardo’s design “is the definition of simple, elegant, straightforward building,” resident Karen Kiest says.
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.
The interiors are clad in white-glazed pine, a contrast to the black-stained facade. The brick fireplace is original. Near a Polder sofa by Hella Jongerius for Vitra is a coffee table of Sævik’s design. The rocking chair is vintage and came with the house.
The interiors are clad in white-glazed pine, a contrast to the black-stained facade. The brick fireplace is original. Near a Polder sofa by Hella Jongerius for Vitra is a coffee table of Sævik’s design. The rocking chair is vintage and came with the house.
With clever storage and a retractable skylight, a London apartment designed by metalworker and owner Simone ten Hompel and Roger Hynam of Rogeroger Design Solutions feels larger than its 576 square feet. The team worked in a uniquely collaborative way, with Ullmayer Sylvester planning the space, Hynam creating the built-in storage and the kitchen island, and ten Hompel making models and scrawling on the wall to better envision their proposals. The kitchen island features a compact cooktop by Whirlpool and an integrated drainboard incised into the countertop for easy cleaning.
With clever storage and a retractable skylight, a London apartment designed by metalworker and owner Simone ten Hompel and Roger Hynam of Rogeroger Design Solutions feels larger than its 576 square feet. The team worked in a uniquely collaborative way, with Ullmayer Sylvester planning the space, Hynam creating the built-in storage and the kitchen island, and ten Hompel making models and scrawling on the wall to better envision their proposals. The kitchen island features a compact cooktop by Whirlpool and an integrated drainboard incised into the countertop for easy cleaning.
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 toaster also features a stainless steel bun warmer and toast rack.
The toaster also features a stainless steel bun warmer and toast rack.
Regain focus and boost your productivity—here, we walk you through seven steps to soundproofing your home office.
Regain focus and boost your productivity—here, we walk you through seven steps to soundproofing your home office.
The house is divided into three sections connected by a series of outdoor galleries. “When I walk from one room to another, I have to go outdoors and feel the weather and nature—rain, cold, and sun,” says Sævik. Instead of emphasizing the expansive panorama of oak, pine, and aspen trees, the house frames select views—a move inspired by Japanese design.
The house is divided into three sections connected by a series of outdoor galleries. “When I walk from one room to another, I have to go outdoors and feel the weather and nature—rain, cold, and sun,” says Sævik. Instead of emphasizing the expansive panorama of oak, pine, and aspen trees, the house frames select views—a move inspired by Japanese design.
A section of the roof reaches over a rock outcropping—a detail that visually connects the house to the landscape and offers a handy way to climb up to the roof deck without using a ladder.
A section of the roof reaches over a rock outcropping—a detail that visually connects the house to the landscape and offers a handy way to climb up to the roof deck without using a ladder.
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.
The Miller House and Garden features a custom-made sofa in the open-plan living area designed by Saarinen with textiles by Girard. The home was widely published and is in part credited for the popularity of conversation pits in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Miller House and Garden features a custom-made sofa in the open-plan living area designed by Saarinen with textiles by Girard. The home was widely published and is in part credited for the popularity of conversation pits in the 1950s and 1960s.
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.
Convenience and camouflage are found in the quiet curves of the BAUM coat rack, designed by Andrea Lucatello for Cattelan Italia.
Convenience and camouflage are found in the quiet curves of the BAUM coat rack, designed by Andrea Lucatello for Cattelan Italia.
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 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.

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