Kitchen Design Think Tank

This is architectural integration displaying a defiant functional message!  This kitchen is resisting complete architectural absorption allowing its presence to be subtly defined through the use of depth variation and contrasting veneer!  The visual result instantly ignites the natural curiosity within us!  Does the surrounding architecture need this kitchen to define the space, using its bulk to create spatial separation were walls were used before!? A monolithic island stands as a solitary indicator of culinary and social intention! The Mogul Approves!! Eggersmann 

Even the simplicity of contemporary design can benefit from aesthetic layering.   Layers can provide definition and interest to a design and help the viewer appreciate how simplicity can be derived from complex thought! Here we see how a simple step in the work surface and deliver multiple contrasts of material, texture, colour and form.   Offsetting the feature creates definition along three planes and introduces some asymmetrical styling to the design.   The elevated placement of the cleaning zone may also deliver enhanced ergonomic performance. This idea is simple but effective and The Mogul loves it!

This on trend kitchen has some subtle design features which make it quite unique.   The extraction system has been detached from the kitchen, instead being merged into an architectural multi-media pod, which drapes itself over the functional island.   Heavier stainless steel worktop mirrors the ceiling feature by enveloping the island to create a multi layered work surface.   These double impact features may at first appear independent or unobvious but their positioning and shape add continuity to the design while delivering the required functional performance. Resisting the urge to centre the oven housings along the back wall also adds the right amount of contemporary asymmetrical styling to this design to make it quirky and trendy.  

This kitchen has been given an inner sanctum, a protective layer of architectural skin, a buffer against the harsh industrial surroundings, a space that could actually be described as a room.   But is this feature a restriction upon the open plan influence the kitchen has recently enjoyed and a regression into the past? The glass panels expose the somewhat featureless kitchen and living space allowing them to exude a glimmer of warmth into the bleak surroundings.   The elevated room level, contrasting materials and independent structural alignments provides the kitchen with further architectural detachment.   It is as though this is a kitchen within a house within a warehouse! Oh you might want to mind your head when entering or leaving this space.  

This concept combines the warmth of wood and the strength of steel by using artisan techniques to entomb brushed pine veneer in liquefied metal. The aesthetics are impressive with the shimmering finish exposing the beauty of nature, lusting after light with the onlooker being beckoned to experience a truly unique tactile sensation. Fantastic!    

In the beginning we created fire; harnessing a seemly uncontrollable element that had the power to transform our primeval diet and stimulate basic sociability.   The pace of kitchen evolution has been driven by a human desire to do things better, quicker and more efficiently, that is why the modern kitchen has become a console of communication built upon a foundation of function.   This concept by Toncelli illustrates the power and influence of modern kitchen design.   If we simply wore clothes there would be no fashion, if we had stayed at home there would be no cars and if the kitchen was just for cooking we wouldn’t have designs like this!   Featuring an impressive interactive, translucent worktop complete with Samsung tablet technology this design redefines kitchen function by fusing cutting edge interactive technology with primary functionality.   The kitchen is evolving into a design parasite, absorbing furniture, technology and architecture ...

This is great!   There an amazing flow to this design as it stretches out in the middle of the room.   The usual boundaries between cooking and sociability seem to have been abandoned for a more liberal, and inviting approach.   It is as though the kitchen has become the main attraction at a private art exhibition, attracting admiration and gasps of surprise from family and friends as they schmooze around the room drinking champagne and munching on canapés!   The rich dark shelves contrast strongly against the camouflaged white storage area and the integration of these open shelving units allow kitchen and living space to merge into one.   It is also interesting that these shelving units have been constructed so that light and sight lines are not obstructed, allowing those mingling within the space to view the design from interesting and obscure angles through the shelves!   You can also personalise this art installation by placing your own possessions ...

This space is great, releasing powerful style statements and conjuring up feelings of warmth and safety all at the same time.  The island is not centred focusing the sight lines on the over-sized doors at the end of the room.  These doors reach up towards the ceiling giving the design an “Alice in Wonderland” appearance.  In this example the kitchen is used as an aesthetical channel of architectural focus.  Soft tones and light enhance the simplicity and effectiveness of the design. The kitchen is understated and consists of a very functional island with some free hung cabinetry along the back wall which helps to dilute the appearance of the kitchen.  The overall combination of architecture and kitchen is brilliantly spacious and delivers the kind of understated “wow effect” that everyone desires. Top marks!

This design is absolutely beautiful, a magnificent example of how contemporary kitchen design can be appreciated by architecture that doesn’t have the stereotypical hallmarks of a contemporary build.   There is a growing trend at the moment that seems to point to a contradiction, a skewed alignment between kitchen and architecture that works brilliantly well!   Classically styled architecture and interior design can soften the edges of a minimal kitchen concept and provide a subtle avenue for artistic expression.   Doing this also makes contemporary kitchen design more accessible to those who don’t have a contemporary dwelling, so although this looks great and works well there may well be a commercial interest driving the notion of this style.  Interestingly though this idea doesn't work as well in the opposite direction where you have contemporary architecture and a traditional kitchen! Whatever the reason....it looks fantastic. However, just to burst the bubble o...