For 25 years, culinary wonder twins Stefan and Kristof Boxy have been redefining food in Belgium with their Michelin-starred restaurants, catering services, and cookbooks. One of their latest ventures makes it easier to sample their delectable fare, provided that you're in Ghent. Boxy Fine Foods, located in an elegant 19th-century building in the old Flemish city, features takeout selections—seasonal local specialties, gourmet foods, and signature prepared meals—that offer a contemporary take on the best of Belgian traditions. The space, designed in collaboration with Frederic Hooft, reflects the brothers' palate—sumptuous yet simple.

Photographs by Frederik Vercruysse and Boxy Fine Foods.

Above: The pared-down display cases highlight the elegant architecture.

Above: Minimal opulence: The all-white interior is a Louvre-like gallery for food.

Above: A witty foil to the crystal chandeliers, hanging gardens at the entrance soften the stark white space.

Above: Though the Boxy brothers are known for their vegetarian fare, they also offer an impressive selection of charcuterie.

Above: Against pristine walls, culinary offerings present a modern version of a Golden Age tableau.

Above: Artisan cheeses bask in the glow.

Above: Minus the characteristic gilded frame, a still life harkens to a more opulent age while complementing the clean lines. 

N.B. For more must-see places to eat, stay, and shop in Belgium, visit our City Guides, including one of Alexa's favorites: Wild at Heart: A Nose-to-Tail Restaurant in Brussels. Over at Gardenista, Alexa indulged in a floral affair in Fashion's Favorite Fleuriste: Thierry Boutemy in Belgium.

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The perennially dapper Lee Stanton is a longtime collector and purveyor of British and European antiques. After years in the business dealing with furniture care products that he was hesitant to recommend to customers, Stanton decided to create his own line, CircaCare. As he tells us, "I feel these safer products are a major accomplishment in my career. Now my clients can properly maintain their cherished items." The vitamin-enriched products, which include cleaning serums, polishing creams, and protective balms, use only natural, nontoxic ingredients. Here, he shares his advice on how best to maintain wooden furniture, antique and otherwise. 

Photography by Jessica Comingore for Remodelista, except where noted.

Above: Lee Stanton at his eponymous showroom on La Cienega Boulevard in LA. Photograph via Lee Stanton.

RM: What basic care do you recommend for wooden furniture?
LS: Dust furniture frequently with a soft cloth, and rub the surface often to encourage a hard skin and good patina to form. From a day-to-day housecleaning perspective, be careful which polishes you choose. Use a good-quality polish, such as my own CircaCare Conditioning Creme and Conditioning Serum. And avoid silicone-based sprays; although they give a good initial effect, they leave a film that is very hard to remove. 

Above: An inlaid mahogany octagonal table with ebonized molding and an iron base at Lee Stanton.

RM: Anything to avoid? 
LS: Avoid sprays with a large proportion of alcohol; it evaporates quickly, taking with it some of the natural oils in the wood. On the other hand, you also have to be careful of oil-based polishes; they attract dirt and some might darken the wood. And avoid feather dusters—they can scratch the surface. 

RM: Preferred cleaning materials?
LS: Use a soft cloth made of terry or microfiber and clean intricate areas with a soft brush (a hard brush can scratch and damage patina). If you use a polish, apply it to the cloth rather than directly to the surface. Be careful not to catch or pull any decoration that could bend or come off. 

Above: The showroom is set up as a living room. Photograph via Lee Stanton.

RM: How best to maintain furniture?
LS: The best way to protect the finish of your furniture is to polish it at least once a year (twice a year for pieces that get a lot of use) with a good-quality wax, such as CircaCare polishing Balm or CircaCare Paste Wax. For those on a budget, Goddard's is a good hardware store staple. Select a polish appropriate for the color of wood. The wax should be applied sparingly with a soft cloth, followed by a polishing with another lint-free cloth. The polish should be left on the furniture for the longest time recommended by the product you're using (an hour to overnight) to allow it to fully nourish the wood. Then rub deeply in the direction of the grain. A good shine comes from rubbing rather than lots of layers of wax.

Above: Lee Stanton's CircaCare line. (We initially mistook it for beauty products.)

RM: Other things to consider?
LS: The temperature in your house can greatly affect the condition of your furniture. Try to keep your pieces in a stable environment in which the temperature and relative humidity don't fluctuate dramatically. Avoid extremes: Very dry conditions can cause furniture to dry out and make wood shrink; very damp conditions can cause mold growth. The ideal humidity level for any piece of furniture is fifty to fifty-five percent. 

RM: Humidifiers?
LS: Outside the ideal range, consider the use of humidifiers or dehumidifiers that will help maintain a constant level of relative humidity during the winter heating season and preserve your pieces. Prevention is always better than cure, and it's possible to safeguard good furniture from dry air damage. A simple alternative, but much less efficient, is an old-fashioned hang-on humidifier, or even setting out a bowl of water.

Above: A polished walnut armoire from Italy, circa 1860.

RM: Common mistakes?
LS: Furniture should be positioned at least two feet from any heat source. Heating sources may cause shrinkage, loosen joints, and warp veneers. If the furniture has to be near a heat source, some sort of protection should be put in place, such as an insulated or reflective barrier.

Many fine pieces of furniture that have survived for centuries in unheated conditions have suffered major harm from just one or two winters of central heating. The reason for this is that antique and fine handmade furniture is constructed from air-dried timber and has far higher water content than mass-produced modern furniture, which is usually made of kiln-dried wood. When subjected to low levels of relative humidity, air-dried wood gradually gives up moisture and starts to shrink and split along the grain. This is aggravated when underlying pieces of wood used in the construction are laid at right angles to each other and then veneered on top. The carcass wood moves and the veneer consequently tears and lifts and pieces may become detached. (If this should happen, make sure these lost pieces are kept for restoration.) Other typical dry-air problems include cracked and loosened joints (in places where glues dry out), sticky drawers, and warped doors that no longer close properly. 

RM: What about sun damage?
LS: Monitor the amount of sunlight that reaches furniture. A degree of light over a long period can mellow the color attractively, but too much direct sunlight will dry it out, perish the surface polish, and can lead to uneven fading. Where possible, turn pieces of furniture around occasionally to even the fading process and keep curtains drawn on sunny days when rooms are not in use.

Above: My own water-stained kitchen table in need of help. Photograph by Sarah Lonsdale.

RM: A couple of self-serving questions: I picked up a round Danish table in a yard sale. I'm not sure what kind of wood it is, but it came with plenty of water stains. Any recommendations on how to spiff it up? Also, Julie bought a new Belgian oak dining table that now has grease marks on it. Any suggestions for how to remove those?
LS: I would use a mild wood cleaner, such as the CircaCare Cleaning Serum, for the water stains. If the marks are deep, you can try a ring remover and perhaps the finest steel wool. Also a wood enhancer, such as the CircaCare Conditioning Serum and CircaCare Conditioning Creme or one of the CircaCare Enhancing Serums, helps to blend or add color. Julie should try a wood cleaner, such as the CircaCare Cleaning Serum. Be sure to apply it over the whole surface.

Go to Lee Stanton for more on CircaCare and to see the latest furniture finds at his showroom at 769 N. La Cienega Boulevard, in LA.

Looking for more expert advice? For wood floor maintenance, see our post on The Ins and Outs of Wood Floors. For general house maintenance, see Handywoman Kheli Mason's Tips.

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"Everything is a sculpture," said Isamu Naguchi, who put this belief into practice with his Akari lighting collection. Born in the US to a Japanese father and an American mother, he studied with modernist sculptor Constantin Brâncusi in Paris for two years in the 1920s before returning to the States to design stage sets for Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham. By the time he produced the iconic Noguchi table for Herman Miller in 1947, he had already become a distinguished sculptor in his own right. When traveling in Japan in 1951, he was asked to create a paper lamp for export to help revitalize the paper manufacturing industry there. His Akari (meaning "brightness" in Japanese) Light Sculptures are Noguchi's modernist response to lanterns used by night fishermen in Japan and represent the traditional form stripped down to its bones, all color and extraneous detail discarded. Because the designs were made of little more than rice paper and wire, they were inexpensive to produce and affordable. Ozeki & Co. in Gifu, Japan, has been manufacturing them by hand since 1951—the lamps are packed flat for easy shipping.

Six to buy

Above: A large Noguchi Akari light can make a big yet serene statement. See Five Quick Fixes: Oversize Noguchi Lanterns. Photograph by Melanie Acevedo. 

Above: The Globe Akari Lantern is available in five sizes ranging from 12 by 12 inch ($160) to 47 by 46 inch ($1,335), from the Noguchi Museum, in Long Island City, New York, which carries the full line of Akari designs. Note that because the designs ship flat, basic assembly is required.

Above: The Noguchi Floor Lamp Model UF3-Q, 57 inches tall and 22 inches wide, is $525 at Zinc Details.

Above: The statuesque Akari Floor Lamp Model UF4-J1 is 76 inches tall and 18 inches wide; $750 at the Noguchi Museum.

Above: The compact Akari XP1 Table Lamp is small enough, at 38 centimeters tall and 22 centimeters wide, to fit on almost any table; £150.83 at Nest in the UK. The XP1 Table Lamp is $105 at the Noguchi Museum.

Above: The Noguchi Lamp 3A is 22 inches tall and 11 inches wide; it's available at Surrounding for $370. Canoe in Portland, Oregon, carries a similar light, the Akari Lamp 7A, for $300.

Object Lessons columnist Megan Wilson is the owner of Ancient Industries and curator of the Remodelista 100, a collection of essential everyday objects presented in the Remodelista book. Watch for her column every Tuesday, and have a look at her past lessons on iconic designs, including the Eames Lounge Chair and Kaj Franck's Teema Dinnerware. We featured her Connecticut shop in our post Purveyor of the Practical and the Timeless.

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Our wellness expert Jackie Ashton says that making your bedroom a place of comfort is essential to a good night's sleep (it's No. 6 in her 10 Secrets for a Better Night's Sleep). "Invest in the best sheets you can afford," she advises. And given that we spend a third of our lives under the covers, that makes sense to us. With this in mind, we compiled our favorite luxury sheets—the ones we own or are saving up for. Here's our list.

(Have any great sheet finds? Please fill us in below.)

Above: Julie's dream sheets are Olatz's brightly bordered designs. Made of linen or Egyptian cotton percale in Italy, Olatz Palermo Collection Sheets are available in several color combinations, including white with a choice of 17 different border shades; $400 for the queen cotton sheet and $660 for the queen linen sheet. They're also a favorite of J. Crew's Jenna Lyons (see Steal This Look: Bohemian Bath) and of Julianne Moore (take a tour of Julianne Moore's West Village Townhouse and get her Behind the Scenes Design Secrets). Photograph by Melanie Acevedo for Living Etc.

Above: Alexa's idea of luxury is a full set of Matteo's Vintage Linen Sheets in greige. They're available in seven colors, including five earth tones, white, and off-white; prices range from $64 for a pillowcase to $322 for a duvet cover from Matteo, in Los Angeles.

Above: Rough Linen's Strong White Linen Sheets are a Remodelista favorite (Sarah, Meredith, and Christine all own a set). "There's nothing to compare with sleeping in Tricia Rose's Rough Linen sheets because they remind you on a daily basis about the simple pleasures in life," Christine says. The sheets only get better with time—and may well be the last set of sheets you'll ever need to buy. Available in strong white or smooth natural, Rough Linen's Belgian linen sheets range from $140 to $220, depending on size.

Above: Francesca loves Society Limonta bedding from Italy. Their Garza Linen Gauze Sheet is "very light and floats over you," Francesca. The line is available in 15 colors at Society Limonta Shops in New York, LA, and San Francisco, as well as in Australia and Europe.

Above: "I'm coveting sheets and a duvet cover from Modern Plum, a Chicago company started by designer Allison Warren," Margot says. "I love her use of restful colors and stripes," Modern Plum's Anna Sheeting, made from featherweight linen woven in the Czech Republic, is available in bright white, natural, and oatmeal; $215 for queen size and $230 for king size. The Aalto Colorblock Duvet starts at $556.

Above: For Dalilah, luxury is all about comfort. She's been obsessing over Coyuchi Jersey Sheets. "They're made of 100 percent organic cotton and sleeping in them is like being wrapped up in your favorite sweatshirt." Sold in a set (one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillow cases), they're $128 to $228 depending on size through Coyuchi.

Above: Janet favors sheets that are cozy but without the bulk of flannel, such asSferra's Villetta Sheets, which are at once soft and tailored. They're European-woven, 100 percent Egyptian brushed cotton percale with a chamois-like feel. The classic hemstitching adds a hint of dressed-up refinement; $240 to $360 for a flat sheet, depending on size.

Above: Julie is a fan of Matouk, a third-generation family-owned bedding company headquartered in Southern New England (a solar energy system produces more than 35 percent of the electricity required to operate the factory). The company's newly introduced Sierra Hemstitch line is "a beautiful basic at an introductory price," featuring subtle hemstitch details and made of 350-thread-count long-staple cotton percale. Prices start at $75 for a Sierra Hemstitch Boudoir Sham and go up to $374 for a Sierra Hemstitch King Duvet.

Above: Pratesi linens from Italy are known as the Chanel of bedding. Izabella was lucky to come across a set at a steep discount. "The sheets are the best Egyptian cotton and truly amazing," she says. Pratesi Griffe Hotel Sheets in white and gray are $540 for a queen set at Bloomingdales.

Above: Parachute Linens' line of luxurious but reasonably priced bed linens are made in a small, family-owned factory in Tuscany that's been in business for 70 years. "People think thread count is the most important factor with sheets," founder Ariel Kaye says. "Actually, it's the caliber of the thread and the quality of the fabric you should be concerned about." Parachute's sheets are made of long-staple Egyptian fibers and are available in white, powder, and ash. The Purist Set (one fitted sheet, one duvet cover, and two pillowcases) is $249 and can be ordered in percale or sateen.

Above: For informal luxury, consider Libeco's Santiago Belgian Bed Linens. The washed linen bedding is available in 10 colors and ranges in price from $231 to $320 for sheets; $365 to $570 for duvets; and $60 to $76 for pillowcases through Libeco.

For bedding basics, go to 10 Easy Pieces: Simple White Sheets. And don't forget about the importance of the mattress: See 10 Easy Pieces: Editors' Favorite Mattresses. On Gardenista, Rough Linen owner Tricia Rose offers Pillow Talk: 7 Secrets to Making a Perfect Bed. 

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Pale pink is our new favorite wall color: Take a look at Danish accessories designer Yvonne Koné's just-opened Copenhagen boutique, where the shade assumes a sophisticated—and decidedly ungirly—guise that serves as the perfect backdrop for Koné's dark leather shoes and bags. 

A fashion graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Koné launched her business in 2011, and has since become known for her pared-down, architectural approach to Italian-made leather goods, including a signature "bum bag" that has us reconsidering the fanny pack. She applies the same tantalizingly simple, well-orchestrated look to the Copenhagen apartment that she shares with her husband, an illustrator, and their three kids (the Legos, scooters, and skateboards were swept out of sight on the day of the shoot, she admits). Of her work, she says, "I'm very good at leaving out that last unnecessary detail." 

Boutique photography by Line Klein via Yvonne Koné. Apartment photography by Line Klein for Elle Decoration Denmark via Est Magazine; styling by Stine Langvad.

The Boutique

Above: Located in what had been an antiques shop in a landmarked building, the boutique was designed by Oliver Gustav whose own interior design shop and studio is just a few doors away. He's the one who suggested the color: "Oliver and I are both big fans of gray," says Koné, "but this time I wanted something softer. Oliver presented me with an environmentally friendly, water-based, chalk paint made from natural pigments. He showed me this exact dusty, powdery pink, and I fell in love. It's called Skin Powder."

Above: Koné's satchels, wallets, and bum bags hang from hooks on an iron bar. The rusty lamp came from a Paris flea market.

Above: The shelves are painted with the same dusty pink as the walls, and both are finished with two layers of environmentally friendly sealer—the paint is custom blended and is available, like many of the shop accessories, via Studio Oliver Gustav. The floor lamp, detailed with brushed brass and matte mirror glass, is from an edition of 18 made by Danish designer Kevin Josias.

Above: For trying on Koné's plum pumps: an Oak Stool by German carpenter and film director Fritz Baumann

Above: Display blocks made of terracotta stand in front of one of the original arched windows.

Above: Evidently, we like a lot of the same things Koné does—such as fiddle leaf fig trees and Industrial Chandeliers by Brooklyn firm Workstead (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory).

The floors are pine and were installed by the previous tenant. "They didn't wash or treat the floors for many years," Koné says. "When I moved in, I decided to emphasize the patina, but I wanted a less yellow tone, and I like the smell of newly washed pine. So we scrubbed with soap and water, and then treated the floor with two coats of gray stain and alcohol, followed by another soap wash. Now, they're easy to maintain, and we clean them every evening with soap flakes." Intrigued? There are a lot of ways to create a pale wood effect. See Izabella's solution in our Remodeling 101 post: Easy Whitewashed Scandi Floors and go to page 221 of the Remodelista book for a soap-washed approach similar to Koné's. Note the inset doormat, another Remodelista favorite.

Above: The boutique is located at 3 Store Strandstraede, next to Nyhavn, Copenhagen's 17th-century waterfront.

The Apartment

Above: Several years ago, Koné and her family lucked into their apartment in the middle of Vesterbro, in a 1910 art nouveau-style building designed by architect Anton Rosen. Like the shop, it has tall ceilings and period details that are paired with clean-lined furnishings, such as the Mags Module Sofa, shown here, by Danish company Hay. The low tables are from eBay—"I think they were used in factories to stack," Koné says. "I bought them for a very low cost." For a long time, Koné kept the windows uncovered; they now have "very discrete white blinds."

Above: "We had the bookcases built and treated the pine floor with white oil; that's it," Koné says. She singles out the shelving as one of her favorite things in the apartment: "It was custom-made by Danish firm Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri. The design is so simple and timeless, and brings some personality." The next room is Koné's home office.

Above L: Dried poppy pods and a photo mural. Above R: An outsized industrial light found by a collector friend hangs from the living room's original plasterwork.

Above: Brass vases that were props from a theater are paired with an African hairdresser sign, a perfect addition to the apartment's black-and-white palette.

 Above L: There's even a balcony. Above R: The scrap-wood table was once used in a photo studio.

Above: A hallway leads to the kitchen and a shared kids' room. The runner is Tine K Home's Jute Kit. The hanging light—"very cheap and old"—was purchased on eBay Germany.

Above: In the kitchen, a white Ikea cabinet supplies essential storage, and replaces existing white wood cabinets that were new but made to look old: "I don't like fake vintage," Koné says. The table by Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri is smoked oak and was designed to fit the room. The odd lot of chairs are all inexpensive vintage finds.

Above L: A kitchen tableau on a lacquered wood counter: "I didn't like the reddish color, so I stained it black and after that lacquered it many, many times to make it durable and easy to keep." Above R: A vintage cupboard holds some of the kids' artwork.

Above: The master bedroom's platform bed frame came long ago from a futon shop. An old wall cupboard, newly painted black and white, is mounted over an old set of wooden file drawers from a doctor's office.

Above L and R: The black-and-white theme extends to the bathroom. For more, go to Yvonne Koné.

Have a look at Black & White Interiors in our archive. Ready to go pink? See 5 Favorites: The Power of Pink by color expert Eve Ashkraft, and Expert Advice: The 10 Best Pink Paints. And for more of our favorite Scandi Designs, peruse our Photo Gallery. On Gardenista, take a look at the Most Beautiful Flower Shop in Denmark.

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Back in 2010, former video editor Samuel Lambert set out to open a Montreal lighting design studio devoted to interpreting midcentury and industrial shapes in a glamorous, minimalist way. 

Although not from a formal design background, Lambert had always yearned for a way to work with his hands (his late father owned a pottery workshop). He started refurbishing vintage lamps and learned about the design and technical aspects, which eventually led to designing his own lights, fine-tuning his minimalist aesthetic, and founding Lambert & Fils.

Today the company has its own boutique and showroom on Beaubien Street, plus a separate manufacturing location. Lambert and his team make a range of lamps out of brass, powder-coated aluminum, and marble, and offer both custom and ready-made designs, all with a notably bare, elegant look. Here are a few highlights.

Photography by Lambert & Fils. 

Above: The brass Atomium pendant features two bulbs per tube and is completely built from scratch; $1,100 CAD  (US $1,002). 

Above: The Dot Suspension Lamp is made of brass and black nylon wire; $245 CAD (US $223). 

Above: The Dot Murale wall lamp is also brass and black nylon wire; $285 CAD (US $260).

Above: The Luna Floor Lamp has a brass body and a marble base; $625 CAD (US $570).

Above: The Grue floor lamp, a combination of brass and powder-coated aluminum, comes in matte black, matte white, and gloss pistachio; $1,080 CAD (US $984). The design is also available in a table lamp version, Grue Petite.

Above: Lambert & Fils offers several wall lamps. The Waldorf-Large, shown here, is brass and powder-coated aluminum; $625 CAD (US $569). 

Above: Vintage hanging lamps are mingled with Lambert & Fils designs in the work studio. Photograph via Harmless Banter.

Above: Lambert & Fils founder, Samuel Lambert (second from left) with some of his collaborators. The studio has grown from a one-man operation to a 12-employee studio. To see the full collection, visit Lambert & Fils. Photograph via Harmless Banter. 

Into brass lighting? Check out Workstead's latest Brass Lighting Collection. Gardenista presents impressive products by the Garden Edit, including Carl Auböck's Brass and Cane Watering Can. 

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In SF's most hipster neighborhood, the Mission District, a new bar aims to avoid design clichés. It's called ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and was opened by three restauranteurs with serious Bay Area cocktail creds (Beretta, Dalva, and Bourbon & Branch), along with a chef who hails from local favorites Bar Tartine and Commonwealth.

The stake they claimed is a former 75-seat sushi restaurant that has undergone a modest redesign—expanded drinking space, shrunken kitchen, and aesthetic updates. But before anyone picked up a hammer, the founders vowed that they would keep the interior trend free: no Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood here. Their bar would be practical, comfortable, and affordable. As they told spirits blog Alcademics, "There's not going to be a uniform, and it's not like everyone is going to wear a certain kind of hat." 

Above: Hand-patinated wall mirrors and sconces hang opposite the bar. ABV aims to keep the drinks at under $10 each—and to make sure they're not so artisanal that they're gimmicky. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Above: The bar counter is made from an elm tree that lived for more than a century on the campus of San Jose State University, south of San Francisco. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Above L: At night, the mirrors and sconces have a warm sheen. Photograph by Pete Kane via SF Weekly. R: In daytime, they're a cool silver. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Above: Not much table space is required for food—the menu is all finger foods, and forks are not included. Hand-distressed mirrors and lamps give the space a glow. Photograph via ABV.

Above: Imbibers on the mezzanine have the best perch for people-watching. A pop art mural by SF artist Nathaniel Russell animates a swath of white wall (visit ABV's homepage for a video of the design being painted). Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Above: A sound-absorbing black foam ceiling is visible from the mezzanine. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Above: In the main lounge, the mural and a light fixture designed by owner Ryan Fitzgerald share center stage. Fitzgerald also designed ABV's tables, and the founding team of bartenders did much of the construction work themselves. Photograph via ABV.

Above: The facade got a dramatic redesign, including new street-level and clerestory windows to avoid the dungeon-style club look all too common in the neighborhood. A cafe table and chairs accommodate late lunchers (the bar is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.). Go to ABV for more. Photograph by Patricia Chang via Eater SF.

Keep exploring dining in San Francisco: See The Mill: A "Bright and Messy" Cafe, New Restaurant Alert: Souvla, and Boulettes Larder Gets Brassy. For recommended hotels, shops, and garden finds, visit our San Francisco City Guide.

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Just because a product is rendered in wood doesn't necessarily elevate it above its metal or plastic original (case in point: not every wooden iPhone case is a standout; I've seen some clunkers recently). And in the world of wooden bicycles, French brand BSG makes the only model that gets my vote.

Founded in Strasbourg by Thierry Boltz and Claude Saos, BSG was the first to manufacture a wooden bike, the Wood B, entirely within France. And while that fact is commendable in light of France's diminishing tradition of produits du terroir, for me, it's the design of the frame that makes the Wood B an object of desire.

Above: The four models of the Wood B can be customized with over 18 options of colored powder coating and six types of wood. Shown here is the Wood B Nexus 8 with a plywood ash frame and a Nexus eight-speed gear system and pedals, both from cycling company Shimano. The Nexus 8 is €3,690 (US $4,762).

Above: A detail of the aluminum handlebar and light-gray powder-coated steel frame.

Above: The seat is available in leather from either of two classic saddle companies, Brooks or Flyer.

Above: The Wood B Duomatic has a Sturmey Archer two-speed gear system with a plywood ash and black combination frame. The Duomatic is priced at €3,190 (US $4,117).

Above: A custom leather bike bag; contact BSG for more information.

Above: The Duomatic's pedals are also sourced from Sturmey Archer.

For a closer look at the bikes in action, a must-see is BSG's Wood B video on Vimeo.

For bike enthusiasts, see 10 Favorites: Indoor Bicycle Storage Roundup, Bicycle Bags from Save the C, and all our bike-related posts for more.

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Power outlets, data jacks, and light switches are the eyesores of interior design. The most common solution is the path of least resistance: We try to ignore them and their cumbersome cover plates. Others take the makeover approach and dress up cover plates to blend with backgrounds. Hiding outlets and switches is another popular option—but one that's not always possible because of code, safety, and convenience. What if instead we could make our power sources and controls almost invisible? A new generation of products is making this possible. Sorry, cover plates, we won't miss you.

N.B.: This is the second in our series of electrical outlet primers. 

Above: What's missing? The Jebbia family's New York loft kitchen by architects Fernlund + Logan has clean white cabinetry and walls free of outlet covers. Instead, power is provided via flush wall outlets sourced from Vancouver lighting and design company Bocci. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista. Take a full tour of the Jebbia kitchen in the Remodelista book, and see below for a close look at the outlets.

What are flush-mount power outlets and switches?

Flush-mount power outlets (including switches, data jacks, and keypads) are installed directly into walls so that the outlet surface is flush, eliminating the need for cover plates. Flush-mount outlets integrate seamlessly with their surroundings: No more wall clutter. 

Above: A nearly invisible Trufig flush-mount outlet. 

Where can flush-mount outlets be used?

They can be placed anywhere a regular indoor receptacle would go—and, thanks to their slim profile, are less restricted than other outlets from an aesthetic point of view. But note that they're subject to the same electrical codes and restrictions as all receptacles (no horizontal surface-mounting in the kitchen, for example, because of the hazard of having liquids seep into the outlets). See Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Living Room Edition for more location considerations. 

Above: A pair of Bocci 22 flush outlets in the Fernlund + Logan loft kitchen. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Above: A single Bocci 22 outlet inset into a bathroom wall. 

Above: A Trufig light switch blends into a bathroom wall. 

How are flush-mount outlets installed?

Flush-mount outlet placement is part of the drywall installation process—so it's only an option for remodelers and people doing construction. The electrical wall box/container is placed within the drywall and "mudded in" using common construction and finishing techniques by an electrician and drywall installer. This is not a DIY project. Installation varies depending on the make of the particular outlet, but generally the electric receptacle is put in after the box is embedded in the wall. Some models are designed with a fascia plate that fits seamlessly into the face of the receptacle box, flush with the wall. Not to worry, repairs do not require more holes in the wall: Outlets can be removed to access wiring after installation. 

Above: Bocci 22 Flush Mount Electrical Accessories are designed to be installed directly into drywall without a visible cover plate or trim. They can also be set flush into wood, marble, glass or any other wall surface.

Above: California company Trufig offers a family of flush-mount products including switches, power outlets, data jacks, keypads and touch panels. Unlike Bocci's outlets, Trufig's come with fascias, thin faceplates that fit flush on top of the inset receptacle box. The fascias can be treated the same way as walls—they can be painted, faux finished, wallpapered, or laminated with a material, including stone. 

Above: A flush-mount wall plate system for drywall and wood, Smoothline was developed by a remodeler frustrated by the lack of utilitarian elements with a clean, modern design. It's only available in white, so far, but can be painted and wallpapered. 

How much do flush-mount outlets cost?

The initial outlay for flush-mount outlets is well above that of your standard electrical outlet (the Trufig Single Outlet runs close to $300 for all the necessary parts, about 10 times more than a standard outlet). Manufacturers contend that while the initial costs are higher, other costs associated with efforts to hide outlets after installation are eliminated. To keep expenses in control, consider using flush outlets only in main living areas that are exposed.

Above: The Bocci 22 Single Gang Assembly is $125, and it also requires a $150 Bocci Remove Tool for installation (only one required regardless of the number of outlets installed).

Above: Smoothline is moderately priced: Its White 1-Gang Drywall Installation is $9.95 for a flush-mount wall box and faceplate; these work with the standard outlet electric parts (not included) for a flush-mount application. 

I'm not doing a remodel, are there alternatives to flush-mount outlets for reducing cover plate clutter? 

If you can't hide the cover plates, try to make them attractive: Work room by room to switch up the cheap plastic models with affordable metal, porcelain, or wood ones—or plates that blend into your decor. See 10 Easy Pieces: Switch Plate Covers and Switch Up Your Switch Plates for ideas. 

Consider outlet camouflage in the form of Recessed Outlets that enable you to hide protruding plugs behind furniture, appliances, or a flat-screen TV. Or try Pop-out Outlets that disappear when not in use. 

Above: French company Meljac makes top-of-the-line switches and sockets—see The World's Most Beautiful Light Switches by Way of France. 

Flush outlets are just one touch we find to be valuable. Here are More Luxuries Worth Adding to Your Remodel. Also don't miss Expert Advice: 15 Secrets for Saving Money on a Remodel. And go to Remodeling 101 for our primers on everything from kitchen-counter materials to the ins and outs of French doors.

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Located in the elegant lobby of Tribeca's 1900s Merchant's Square building at 220 Church Street, the newly opened Arcade Bakery elevates the bakery to an art form. Owner Roger Gural, a Staten Island native, worked in music and television production and dabbled in baking as a sideline. He left his day job after intensive study at the French Culinary Institute in New York City, moved to Paris for a yearlong apprenticeship at Au Duc de La Chapelle in Paris (where he learned about regional breads and perfected the baguette), and worked as head baker for Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery in Napa Valley.

When it came time to open his own bakery, he consulted Wythe Hotel owner and Brooklyn restaurateur Andrew Tarlow, who recommended Workstead designers Robert Highsmith and Stefanie Brechbuehler (members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory). 

Workstead struck a balance between past and present by using antique brass lighting and streamlined custom mahogany millwork. The couple deftly solved the problem of sloping floors by installing wall-mounted folding tables, which occupy a series of alcoves down the length of the lobby. Go to Arcade Bakery for more information.

Above: "The vaulted ceilings and minimal stone and terrazzo palette inspired the language of the design," Robert says. "With the renovation, we wanted to use materials that were warm, rich, and a contrast to the existing palette. The seating alcoves occupy what were formerly little-used display cases, with rounded details that echo the vaulted ceiling above."

Above: Owner and baker Roger Gural stands in front of the vintage Art Nouveau bakery cabinet that Robert and Stefanie sourced from Los Angeles and had shipped back to New York City. The small glass and brass pastry case on the front counter is an antique from a shop in New Hampshire.

Above: "The unique challenge of a sloped floor throughout the space inspired us to come up with a solution in which all of the elements fold out of the wall, since they could not be stationary," Robert says. The pendant lights in the bakery retail alcove were sourced from House of Antique Hardware in Portland, Oregon.

Above: The millwork was built by Ken Reynolds of Execution by Design and is either built-in hardwood mahogany or mahogany plywood.

Above: The Workstead studio designed and fabricated the 18 brass wall sconces that line the walls of the bakery.

Above: "The tables protrude at varying dimensions out into the space, and can be used either as standing tables or for sitting. Brass hardware pins the tables into the wall when the bakery is closed; when open, the tables fold down to rest on a solid brass bar."

Above: The exterior of 220 Church Street in Tribeca, New York City.

See Workstead's design of Andrew Tarlow's hotel in Brooklyn in our post White Heat in Brooklyn: The Wythe Hotel. For more in Tribeca, see our posts Spotlight: David Weeks' New Tribeca Studio and Sensuous Simplicity for the Thinking Woman: La Garçonne in NYC. Then have a look at one of our favorite loft spaces in Moon & Hey at Home in NYC.

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• The Ultimate High/Low Housewares Shop, Belgian Edition
• Smoke and Mirrors: A Glittery New Cocktail Bar in SF
• Sumptuous Yet Simple: Boxy Fine Foods in Belgium

We first fell in love with Sam Orlando Miller's faceted mirrored pieces at Hedge Gallery, in San Francisco. Apparently we weren't the only ones to admire the British artist's take on the looking glass.

Above: Sam Orlando Miller's Untitled Mirror 2 can be purchased through Hedge Gallery. Inquire about pricing and availability.

Above: Restoration Hardware's Baby & Child Jewel Mirror is $469.

We have a weakness for mirrored surfaces. You too? Have a look at Smoke and Mirrors: A Glittery New Cocktail Bar in SF. Also see Design Sleuth: 5 Bathroom Mirrors with Shelves, Through the Looking Glass, and Mirrors That Mimic Butterflies. And on Gardenista, check out Design Sleuth: Mirrored Planters from Paris.

This post is an update; the original ran on September 4, 2013, as part of our Low-Key Fashion issue.

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Innsbruck, Austria architect and designer Nina Mair had in mind "an exceptionally aesthetic experience" when she came up with her new Shell collection. Using high-tech machinery, she carves walnut bathtubs and basins for spa baths that gracefully dip into the old world and new. "A wood bathtub cannot be made any more delicate," she says.

Photography by Markus Bstieler via Nina Mair.

Above: Mair's Shell Bathtub is sculpted from a solid block of walnut using a CNC (computer numerical control) milling machine. "The exacting production process includes precise positioning of every corner and curve, and the ergonomic optimization of every radius and incline," she says. The Shell collection extends to the brass-and-leather stool, which is also available in black steel and leather.

Above: Mair suggests pairing the tub with a copper-piping spout. For freestanding tub filler ideas, go to 10 Easy Pieces.

Above: The bathtub is polished and oiled by hand "many times." 

Above: Like the bathtub, the Shell Double Basin is carved from a block of walnut using a CNC milling machine. It's then meticulously finished and integrated into a minimalist concrete wash table with a towel rail and drawer. The Adorer Mirror can be hung horizontally or vertically and its deep brass frame serves as a ledge for accessories.

Above: The basin is also available in a single size. "The sophisticated drain and overflow are integrated and lie flush with the surface," Mair notes. Her collection—which even includes concrete soap dishes in two shapes—is available to order directly from Nina Mair. Prices available on request; the firm ships worldwide and delivery takes six to eight weeks. 

More tub inspiration? See 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Freestanding Bathtubs and 10 Easy Pieces: Classic Freestanding Bathtubs. And have a look at the World's Tiniest Spa Bath. On Gardenista, Michelle has an Easy Tip for Adding a Spa Element to your bathroom (hint: aromatic plants are involved).

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• Best Amateur-Designed Bath Space: Deborah Bowman
• Best Professionally Designed Bath: Etelamaki Architecture
• 11 Camp-Style Bathrooms from Around the World

Back in 2010, we first heard word of Belgian interiors shop Magazyn; it continues to earn a spot on our hit list, especially now that the shop sells its collection online and delivers worldwide.

Owned by Thomas Haarmann, a former art director from Düsseldorf, Germany, Magazyn sells a range of tableware, furniture, and objects—everything from Astier de Villatte ceramics and Lobmeyr glassware to basic cotton laundry bags. Back in 2012, Haarmann moved the store from a location within Antwerp's central mall to a spot near Nationalestraat, a street featuring the likes of Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester. The store is more spacious with a palette of concrete and white walls cast in low lighting from Michael Anastassiades.

Photography courtesy of Stephanie Duval of 70percentpure, except where noted.

Above: Behind a large composite island is a thin shelf displaying a variety of ceramic serving pieces from French company Astier de Villatte. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Above: The Tube Chandelier by London-based Greek lighting designer Michael Antassiades hangs above the island.

Above: Ultra-thin crystal decanters and vases from Lobmeyr. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Above: A trio of Antassiades's large and small Ball Lights hang over a mock kitchen sink. Further down the countertop are various sizes of Oak Cutting Boards leaning against the wall.

Above: A rolling pin, an oil and vinegar glassware set, and Iris Hantverk Washing-up Whisks.

Above: Haarmann showcases a collection of furniture—stools, storage shelves, and seating—on seasonal rotation. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Above: Linen tote bags hang artfully from the ceiling by thin black leather ties.

Above: A vintage dining table and a set of rattan and steel chairs for sale in store. Photograph courtesy of Dieter Vander Velpen of The Epic Guide.

Above: A custom sofa in deep gray suede sits at the entrance to the store. In the background are a stack of Sisman SuperSputnik stools.

Above: Visit Magazyn at 34A Steenhouwersvest, in Antwerp.

Traveling to Belgium? Have a look at our favorite places to eat, sleep, and shop in our Antwerp City Guide.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on April 22, 2010, as part of our Postcards from Belgium issue.

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• Redefining the Bakery, Glamour Edition
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An uninhabitable, century-old worker's cottage has been reimagined as a drama-filled bachelor's abode, full of edgy details and custom furniture and lighting. The street-front exterior was reinstated to its pristine original state; the only hint that all is not what it seems is the gleaming gold-painted front door. The overhaul is the work of Glenn Lamont of Melbourne design and manufacturing practice LifeSpaceJourney (they're the team behind coffee bar Common Galaxia). Is this the ultimate bachelor pad?

Photography by Armelle Habib via LifeSpaceJourney.

Above: The restored facade looks respectable enough.

Above: Lamont designed the house for himself. "Now that we painted the original front door gold, I can always find my place after a big night out," he says.

Above: An original fireplace adds a traditional note to the otherwise pared-down space.

Above L and R: A meticulously arranged group of amber apothecary bottles form a decorative tableau.

Above: Vintage plow points mounted on the wall create a modernist collage.

Above: A view to the kitchen; all furniture, fixtures, and fittings are from LifeSpaceJourney.

Above: A yellow Vola faucet adds a dash of color to the black kitchen. For the Vola in a rainbow of options, see 11 Favorites: Vola Faucet Color Splash, Kitchen and Bath Edition.

Above: Tucked behind the living area, the small bedroom is enlarged by mirrors.

Above: The arrangement is kept simple, with a suspended reading light and not much more. 

Above: Life Space Journey's Copper Lights provide bedside illumination.

Above: A row of vintage lockboxes serve as a wall mural.

Above: A minimalist bachelor bath with more amber bottles.

Above: A view to the small, fenced-in deck area off the rear.

Above: The steel fire pit is made by LifeSpaceJourney. (On Gardenista, have a look at an architect-designed Geometric Fire Pit—it's portable. Also see 10 Easy Pieces: Fire Pits and Bowls.)

Above: A tool shed is cleverly concealed behind the deck walls.

Above: A side view of the house.

Above: Entry to the deck area is via sliding steel doors. To see more, go to LifeSpaceJourney. 

For more architecture and interior design in the region, have a look at: Rugged Sophistication in Australia, The Indoor/Outdoor Life in Sydney, and Slow House: A Serene Cabin in the Woods.

This post is an update; the original ran on July 23, 2013 as part of our Australia by Design issue.

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• Copenhagen Cool: Yvonne Koné at Work and Home
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Nothing says glamour like a gold-painted front door (it sounds gaudy, but done right it can be surprisingly understated).

Above: One of our favorite front doors; see the whole project in today's post A Walk on the Wild Side, Small-Space Edition.

Above: Though the name is a bit misleading, we think opaque Warm Silver is the perfect shade. It's not too bright or too yellow, and it has a subdued shiny finish.

Above: A 32-ounce pot of Modern Masters Warm Silver Metallic Paint is $36.74 from Amazon. 

See more at Palette & Paints: Modern Masters Metallic Wall Paint. And find the perfect color to mix with metallics in our Palette & Paints series, which includes expert advice on Happiness-Inducing Shades.

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• Remodeling 101: Flush Electrical Outlets
• Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Living Room Edition
• Expert Advice: 15 Secrets for Saving Money on a Remodel

An 80-something-year-old bakery in Kiryu, northwest of Tokyo, recently received a remarkable facelift courtesy of Sunao Koase, the principal at Snark, a young, up-and-coming Japanese firm that has its hand in everything from architecture to furniture and event design. Koase's solution for Style Bakery was to create a clean, light-filled shop with a modern edge using a palette of grays paired with white walls and pale oak. It's a combination worth applying at home.

Photography by Ippei Shinzawa.

Above: Large floor-to-ceiling windows were introduced to allow light into the bakery and maximize the height of the space. 

Above: Light gray subway tiles with dark gray grout are used as facing on the counters and on a central wall where the bakery's sign in metal lettering serves as a focal point. 

Above: A trio of white pendant lights showcases the bread on display, and echos the smaller trio of white lights over the counter.

Above: A metal-and-wood rack lined with various types of pan (the Japanese word for bread, derived from the French pain). Bread was first introduced by missionaries, but it only really gained ground with the country's postwar Westernization.

Above: In addition to the pendants, a square of neon strips introduces more lighting.

Above: Solid oak is used for shelving and countertops. Read about affordable wood counters in our post Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertops.

Above: In the window, a vintage wooden table displays the goods for sampling—with a toaster oven for shoppers to help themselves.

Above: Books and baked goods fill the oak shelves. 

Above: Industrial caged lighting in the entrance.

Above: The gray floor harmonizes with the tiles and grout. Curious about concrete? Read our Remodeling 101 posts on Polished Concrete Floors and Concrete Countertops.

Above: A neon sign welcomes shoppers. To see more, go to Snark. 

For another notable Japanese bakery design, check out our post on Panscape. Close to home, our own favorite bakery (with bread worth waiting for) is The Mill, in San Francisco, and on the East Coast, it would have to be Vergennes Laundry, in Vermont.

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• The Ultimate High/Low Housewares Shop, Belgian Edition
• Redefining the Bakery, Glamour Edition
• Smoke and Mirrors: A Glittery New Cocktail Bar in SF

"Glamour in the garden is definitely not an oxymoron," says Michelle. This week she and her team at Gardenista joined us in our celebration of high-style simplicity. Take a look at the highlights, including a new Before and After series.

Above: South Africa's famous wine estate Vergelegen, east of Cape Town, is home to 18 self-contained gardens—plus these elephantine camphor trees that, along with the house, date from the 18th century. In Garden Visit, Marie leads us on a tour.

Above: It's the time of year to switch to a darker palette on the patio. Read how in Little Black Accessories, Outdoor Edition. 

Above: Before and After: A Grande Dame in LA traces the transformation of "very fussy garden" in Hancock Park as it is streamlined by landscape designer Naomi Sanders for a True Blood producer. Shown here, the newly opened-up backyard with patio, pergola, and original fountain and palms.

This week, Gardenista also launched a second new column: Airbnb Visit with a look at a B&B on the Italian island of Ischia, ultimate courtyard included.

Above: A new variety of showstopping flowerpots. They're made by a 400-year-old Swedish metal manufacturer. And, yes, they're all brass. See Pots & Planters: Brass Tacks for the full details.

Above: Tie one on: Erin explains how to weave a hanging vase from simple black wire in this week's Small Space DIY.

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Have you ever wandered around a Henrybuilt showroom (or Boffi or Bulthaup or any number of high-end outfitters) and experienced kitchen envy? Or admired an architect-designed kitchen detail?  I have. Here are 11 ideas to steal from the kitchen masters (carpenter required, in most cases). If you're embarking on an update, consider incorporating one or more of these design details. And let us know how it goes.

Above: A custom dish drainer via Italian company Riva 1920.

Above: Custom etched cabinet pulls in a Telegraph Hill residence by Paulette Taggart Architects in SF. Photo by Bruce Damonte via SF Chronicle.

Above: Blanco Solon Compost System inset compost bucket.

Above: In the home of Italian architect Claudio Silvestrin, international master of minimalism (and Kanye's architect of choice), a custom sink with a discreetly positioned faucet. Photograph by Sarah Blee.

Above: A concealed outlet via Henrybuilt. For more outlet inspiration, Remodeling 101: Flush Outlets.

Above: A bespoke plate rack by Peter Henderson Furniture in the UK.

Above: Inset bread bin from Viola Park.

Above: A pull-out cutting board; via J. Ingerstedt.

Above: A built-in dish drainer by architect Eric Bommel.

Above: Oakland-based writer Michael Chabon devised this clever in-counter compost solution; see more at The Mysteries of Berkeley: A Literary Couple at Home. Photograph by Aya Brackett for Remodelista.

Above: Via Viola Park, a genius thin steel shelf that runs the length of the counter and allows for an inset knife block.

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• Steal This Look: Minimalist English Kitchen
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Take a look at what's on our radar this week:

• Above: We're delighted to welcome House of Brinson to the Say Media family. Check out the site's fab new design (powered by Say's publishing platform Tempest). You may remember their NYC kitchen (shown above) from Steal This Look: House of Brinson Kitchen in Manhattan. 

• Above: Mark your calendars: Design Junction is coming to the London Design Festival, September 18-21 at The Sorting Office, 21-31 New Oxford Street, London. Photograph by Tom Mannion. 
• On view at the Royal Institute of British Architecture, an exhibit of Edwin Smith photographs curated by Margaret Howell. 
• There's no way we'd live in a house that hangs off a cliff, but we like to admire it from a distance. 

• Above: Our new favorite real estate website? Stadshem, a compilation of stylish Swedish houses on the market, including this two-bedroom apartment in Gothenburg. Photograph by Jonas Bergman. 
• Fashion designer Vera Wang talks to the New York Times about her early career and studio. 
• The Citizenry's Butterfly Chair in copper and leather went on sale yesterday—it's already sold out in white. 

• Above: Transcendent Objects, which opens September 19 at Room 406 in Chicago, will feature the work of Ryota Aoki, Lilith Rockett, and Sarah Nishiura. 
• Our friends at Bà & Me, a Vietnamese restaurant in Upstate New York are currently crowdfunding for their second outpost. 
• We're inspired by a bathroom transformation spotted on Hometalk (spoiler: concrete counters are involved). 

• Above: This weekend Dalilah is planning to construct a DIY garment rack found on Homemade Modern. 
• Would you spend the night in an Ikea showroom? A reporter at UK newspaper Telegraph jumped at the opportunity. Read about it here.
• Calling all California-based design professionals: here's your chance to enter the 2015 California Home + Design Awards. 

• Above: Happy to see one of our favorite photographers, Brian Ferry, on SFGIRLBYBAY. For more, take a look at designer Lena Corwin's townhouse in Brooklyn (photographed by Ferry). 
• Julie picked a cushy navy blanket for Coastal Living's Beach House Must-Haves list. 
• New to Current Obsessions: Each week we'll highlight a Pinterest board and an Instagram account that we've been admiring. This week we're eyeballing photographer Bonnie Tsang's Architecture Board and Instagram feed. And don't forget to connect with us, too, on Pinterest and Instagram. 

For more from this week on Remodelista, have a look at our Minimalist Glamour issue, and head over to Gardenista to see Glamour in the Garden. 

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Here at Remodelista, we take a high/low approach to design and remodeling: Splurge here, save there. Now that it's fall, the desire to tear up our rooms has hit us yet again. And so we're delving into cost-conscious solutions this week. Join us for a celebration of standout design and remodeling ideas that are irresistibly affordable. 

Above: Corinne Gilbert's doorknob alternative with a bell. See her French bohemian Brooklyn townhouse in Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.

Monday

Above: Some of the best finds for our own homes come from vintage and secondhand sources. Later today in Editor's Picks, Dalilah rounds up our favorite websites for affordable furniture—Julie has her eye on these Thonet chairs that are just like the ones around her dining table. 

Tuesday

Above: In Tuesday's DIY & Remodeling post, Justine presents 10 zero-cost, room-changing improvements. Something like a wardrobe edit, these design tips and are all about using what you've got to full advantage. Photograph by Justine Hand.

Wednesday

Above: On Wednesday, stay tuned for an inspired Reader Rehab, a DIY kitchen remodel (new paneling and backsplash, included) for less than $500.

Thursday

Above: In Thursday's Domestic Science posts, we tour a compact, second-floor laundry room that uses a barn door and Ikea drying racks to full advantage. And we also take a look at old-fashioned, handmade laundry pins that have us getting out our own whittling knives.

Friday

Above: Our favorite new hangout in Brooklyn features a budget-minded design by Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects, a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory. Read about it in Restaurant Visit.

Saturday

Above: Pulltab Design, another member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory, is this weekend's Architect Is In. The firm's principals will be on standby to answer questions about their Tribeca loft design and its 21st-century Shaker kitchen.

Over at Gardenista there's more Style on a Budget this week.

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• Editors' Picks: 10 Favorite Sources for Bargain Vintage Furniture
• Current Obsessions: Autumn Is a Second Spring
• High/Low: Faceted Mirror