Kitchen Design Think Tank

Managing to understand and control proportion whilst delivering exemplary functional performance and unrivalled aesthetic impact is a skill which kitchen designers continually hone. Sitting majestically in the centre of the room this island cluster presents itself like an elevated alter of style complete with a ceiling drop that can deliver celestial messages direct to the Gods of design! Soft approachable geometry and the precise sightline and functional arrangement ensure that the impressive architectural scaling must cower down in the presence of this functional master piece. An island is one thing, but if you have enough space why don’t you let your imagination explore the endless possibilities of multi-island arrangements. The Mogul Approves!

Walls can leave an abrupt and permanent impact upon a living space, the type of restrictive influence that can be expensive to reverse and can deliver an un-compromising legacy for future design! By creating separation between architecture and kitchen new possibilities begin to emerge!   The kitchen can be used as an approachable, multi functional buffer, providing spatial definition in an open plan setting that maximises storage and leaves sightlines free from obvious obstruction. To embrace change is to consider new possibilities – so imagine the missed opportunity here if this kitchen had been placed against a wall! The modern kitchen can now be defined as an island and this design showcases its potential!

This is a powerful design showcasing beauty and strength as well as an impressive portion of human imagination.   There is an unspoken contradiction between the materials here which works wonderfully allowing the smooth, polished steel to merge seamlessly with the raw and unrefined beauty of wood.   Boasting a seven meter oak dining table and an impressively curvaceous stainless steel bridging element the sheer scale of this design is inspiring.   This kitchen dominates the entire internal and external space, replacing the need for traditional furniture and providing a quirky fusion of precision engineering and nature.   In the beauty stakes it appears nature is taking on the power of machines and winning! The design has also been allowed to meander throughout the architecture even breaking free and escaping beyond its traditional architectural confines.    The impressive architectural getaway appears to run seamlessly though the glass panels creating inter...

The palate here is crisp and futuristic delivering an immediate visual experience.    There is presence to this design with sharp stainless steel edges contrasting strongly against the surroundings.   The cabinetry backdrop is absorbed by the architecture and the resulting solidarity of colour gives the monolithic functionality even greater authority. Duel islands are certainly trending at the moment and this is a fine example of what can be achieved!   The Mogul loves the spiral staircase!!

This design is simple but it manages to ignite our human curiosity with things that look a little peculiar.   We may question why the island looks off set, asymmetrically unbalanced and wonder why we find it interesting?   A closer examination of the design satisfies our inquisitive nature as we discover some crafty functionality integrated into this monolithic configuration!   Ornate detailing can be exquisite, showcasing flamboyant flair and inherited craftsmanship but simple shapes can be equally inspiring.   The simplicity of this island takes centre stage surrounded by an architecturally embedded and arguably impotent kitchen backdrop.     It is interesting that the mirrored panels around the oven housing reflect the island, allowing its influence to resonate throughout the architecture. Sometimes softly spoken words can deliver tremendous consequences.   The same can be said of this design!

This off set cantilever is certainly impressive but you can see how it may have some practical limitations.   Creating an angled feature like this can create a nip point which limits the seating on one side.   The angle also allows the feature to reach beyond its natural position allowing it to become a potential obstruction! Looks great though!

The Mogul would have to question the inclusion of a social deflector shield on this island.   Making the cooking zone a secluded and private space is one thing but this design surely has its limitations.

So you are thinking of buying a kitchen for your new house.   You’ve spent a lot of time getting the design of your new house just right and you have invested a fair bit of your hard earned cash in the process...what kind of kitchen do you want, what kind of kitchen do you need. Do you rush out and visit the local sheds who can sell you something that is definitely fit for purpose and looks quite good, or do you decide to find a kitchen designer with vision who will design a kitchen that will be an anchor onto which you will tether your new house and your future home life. This kitchen lives up to the surrounding architecture by presenting a solid granite island that is suitable for the sacrificial slaughter of anything un-stylish or un-cool!   There is raw power in this design from the primitive use of the material to the socially impressive cost of the installation. The Mogul loves this expression of wealth!

Functional, angular cooking wing with sociability thrown in!   That’s better!

This design is quite simple and safe, straddling the divide between traditional and contemporary.   The doors are shaker style painted and have been formatted to fit snugly into the architecture.   Designer Sean Cochrane has made a feature out of the possible problematic high ceiling, adding a feature ladder in a contrasting timber gives secure access to the very high storage.   A good place to place the forbidden goodies!! However, the feature that makes this design different is the very long island top with custom turned legs.   This feature draws the eye and certainly is different!   The shape of the legs are almost human!!! The placement of the grandfather clock is brilliant and is the final piece of wardrobe required by this contemporary / traditional cross dresser!   This one won the IDFX awards 2010.

This design exceeds all expectation as it is a piece of function art.   There is a serious amount of self expression in this design allowing the viewer to appreciate the innermost feelings and tastes of the designer and the client.   The main show stopper here is the island, or should that be islands!   The two islands are set at a lower level and are connected by a dramatic bridge which has been elevated to an ergonomic height.   This bridge has been designed to create the illusion of being a solid slab of worktop but it actually conceals some very functional glass bottomed drawers; a bit of a speciality from manufacturers Valcucine!   The Mogul loves the fact that the designers have created a recessed cavity between the lower islands and the upper bridging worktop, doing this makes it appear that the bridge is floating, giving this design some contemporary class! This kitchen has style and is a great example of how personality can be expressed in every kitche...