Kitchen Design Think Tank

  Amongst the chaos there is order! And here we see a vibrant mix of functional art that inspires the onlooker to delve deeper into this design and realise the complex levels of thought that have inspired such a flagrant disregard for convention. Excitement can be conjured by the exotic, and this design by Gitta Gschwendtner for Schiffini floats the notion that functionality can become an artistic experiment.   To some this may just be a series of boxes but to others this could be seen as an attempt to deliver a functional revolution through artistic evolution. The Mogul approves!

The simplicity of linear design is appreciated for its purity, for its wilful determination to remain straightforward and for its ability to remain effortlessly understated in a World that has become complicated by un-necessary distractions! The challenge now is to take something that is commercially un-broken and allow it to evolve into the next generation of uncompromised purity!! This design allows the clean lines to remain but adds interest through the introduction of depth and height variation.   Functional cantilevers, mixed materials and shapes overpower the original monolithic island in a struggle which is sympathetic to the original concept but daring enough to challenge our preconceptions! This design presents great flexibility allowing the more daring elements to be stripped back to a more tried and tested format if necessary. But would the extended walking distances and the appearance of dissolved, unfocused functional zones call the functional inte...

Kitchen design is a play with shapes; a medium for delivering functionality while satisfying artistic curiosity.   This design has defied its architectural incarcerator, delivering a standalone design presence amid restrictive surroundings.   By manipulating only one of the 3 dimensional planes this design stands out from the crowd.   In this instance variable height is used to create interest and increase functional performance. The island is elevated allowing the floor to become un-masked; the removal of low level cabinetry also allows items to be stored within an ergonomically efficient hot zone. The elevated, table area allows this design to morph between states of use providing the user with the flexibility of casual dining and the aesthetic interest of a transforming shelf.   Consider how the feature looks when the table is retracted and not in use!   The cantilevered shelf hovers, causing shadows to manipulate the white surfaces and the ...

To ignore the accepted rules of design can be risky but then again risk can deliver its rewards!   This design defies both convention and gravity but in doing so reshapes our expectations! Check out the half bowl worktop cut in the sink area – has a kitchen design super hero signed their work!?   Brilliant!

To some this design may only be worth a second, nonchalant glance but The Mogul feels that this kitchen is quite noteworthy!   There is great use of contrasting materials and textures here with the design displaying some great contemporary features; but the real centre piece of this particular design is the stainless steel cooking zone. The stainless steel bridging element with inset domino hobs is chunky and masculine against the slender and arguably more feminine worktop being used along the sink run.   The thickness of the bridge is used to conceal the services but it also causes a dramatic step in the cabinetry as the kitchen gravitates away from the wall and moves towards the island.   Upon meeting the island the bridge again displays its dominance by embedding itself and dislodging a corner of the island!   This aspect is brilliant adding real aesthetic interest to the design.   The Mogul also loves how the bridge doubles up as an informal eating area, in...

Natural elements can bring out the basic instinct within us allowing innate, subconscious memories to surface.   No two materials do this better than wood and stone. This design emphasises the simplicity of the chosen materials by omitting the wall units and introducing some “plank like” shelving along the back wall.   This brilliantly clean feature gives the end user the option of displaying some of their personal functionality, making the space their own!   The overall effect is enhanced by the having two opposing, plinth-less monoliths that are harnessed together by the tall, recessed units along the right hand wall.   The overall effect is to create an impressively minimal but functionally adaptable space. Enter some asymmetry!   A two legged table that cosy’s up to the island and off-sets the picture.   This feature is very strong and could easily accommodate a long line of hungry mouths.   Just as well the cook is protected within the eddy of fun...

This image is fantastic and looks like something from the set of Miami Vice!   You can only imagine that the person who owns this kitchen will also have another high value consumable parked in their garage.   And just like its four wheeled counterpart this kitchen is a high performance product with the ability to turn a few heads when you put the top down! The functional elements of this kitchen have been neutralised making the design appear more artistic and allowing it to fully complement the surrounding bricks and glass.   The cooker and sink are concealed inside the raised area on the island and in true “Shape Shifter” fashion it can easily show you what’s under the bonnet by raising the worktop up to create a splash-back and revealing a functional cooking and cleaning zone underneath.   It could be argued though that this feature should actually be placed on the other side of the island with the functional tall units behind as this would make everything more eas...

Asymmetrical and unconventional kitchen furniture, absolutely brilliant!   Check out the glass table legs!

This is a cook’s kitchen and this cook has some style.   The cooking zone dominates this design with the extraction system becoming a strong visual feature.     The overall appearance of this kitchen is impressive as it bolts with untamed passion from the contemporary stable!   The worktops are raw and imposing as they present themselves for admiration and cascade from the walls.   Add to this the atmospheric lighting cavity and utility rack which allows for kitchen functionality to be fully addressed! There are subtle touches here that help to make this kitchen design special, such as the slightly tiered worktop levels and the super cool glass doors. This kitchen looks absolutely brilliant.   Oh yea it’s made by Rossana!