Kitchen Design Think Tank

A breathtaking fusion of kitchen and architecture which delivers a crescendo of visual stimulation whilst achieving quiet functional order!

The search is on for a contemporary kitchen that will evolve past the flat expanses of uniform glossy panels; and that is why kitchen designers at the leading edge of the industry are now exploring angular definitions.   Contemporary kitchen design is mutating and the process is beginning to deliver the next generation of kitchens. These new designs are loosely built upon the flat linear lines that made contemporary kitchen design such an unstoppable commercial freight train, but now designers are adding some subtle punctuation to their designs. The use of depth, height and colour variation allows the popular linear appearance to stay, but it is now re-energised to create a completely new look.   Higher cabinetry sections become functional pods whilst lower sections blend more easily into a living space.   Key functional elements can appear less obvious because the viewer is distracted by aesthetical variations within the design.   By becoming more intensely scrutinised, kitchen desi

There is a fruity flavour to this design with the vibrant colours of nature being allowed to randomly explode over the back wall.    This abstract approach certainly brightens up this otherwise mundane design with variations in cabinetry size and colour creating functional niches and expressing artistic preference for all to see!   The Mogul wonders where the oven housing disappeared to and why was it placed so far away from the hob!   Fragmentation of kitchen zones can become problematic, reducing efficiency and functional flow! Remember aesthetic flamboyance is one thing but function efficiency is king!

Selecting metal as a material from which to create the physical manifestation of your design is a statement of intent.   Metal is cold, strong and exudes the kind of unforgiving steadfastness that is needed when going to war! There is no room for soft geometry or frilly curtains in this design as it sits menacingly awaiting the next culinary conflict to begin.   Even the fittings are brutally practical resisting smooth ergonomic design and embracing the kind of functional aesthetics more commonly seen by a German U-Boat commander.   This design is tough and unforgiving bringing masculine dominance to the kitchen environment!

Within every kitchen design there is compromise, an agreed armistice between conflicting elements that can only be brokered on a very personal level.   The battle raging between form and function can evoke some opinionated outbursts, but after consideration and reflection every design will find its natural equilibrium. Creating lines that deviate from conventional 90 degree angles will help deliver a strong aesthetic presence.   In this instance the unconventional approach is amplified by using monochrome accents that give this kitchen a futuristic feel.   The compromise for creating this look is the purposeful restriction of natural cabinetry size and the complications that will arise when placing internal drawer systems! Justification in the form of client satisfaction always repels criticism! The Mogul loves this one!

Expressively flamboyant architecture, shy and oppressed kitchen!     Missed opportunity!                                       

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.  

At first glance it might seem that this is your average, run of the mill, been there, done that white monolithic kitchen, but upon closer inspection it seems that this design is attempting to raise the bar by creating division. The snow blinding whiteness helps to camouflage a deep functional gorge, an abyss that strikes though the heart of this kitchen like a hot knife through butter.   This worktop fracture acts as a docking station for contrasting walnut accessories which help stimulate the design and assist functionality.   It could be argued though that this unique feature could resist its intended functional programming, unwittingly attracting worktop elements in an invisible gravitational tractor beam and causing them to fall beyond the natural reach of the user.   The integrated induction technology, which is only defined by light worktop incisions, gives this design a futuristic and minimal edge while the perforated doors add subtle texturing to the design.  

A sobering reminder that within kitchen design artistic expression is only allowed to exist as a consequence of functional necessity!

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 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.  

Kitchen design is a functional art form with the ability to influence the surrounding architecture in a way that can encourage harmony and balance.   Dramatic material choices can help to categorise functional art but it can also alienate the human desire for comfort and practicality. This design is certainly impressive, boasting a futuristic influence upon its regressive and minimal architectural surroundings.   The kitchen is allowed to sprawl out beyond its natural position with an additional line of cabinetry creating a sheltered harbour of functionality for the kitchen.   The free hanging and cantilevered cabinetry also helps to deliver a bold and interesting visual experience. But is it possible that this design has overstepped the mark, becoming art first and kitchen second.   Kitchen design is about creating an aesthetical and artistic impression but it is also about satisfying our pre-programmed desire to be subconsciously soothed within our private living space.   This des

This design is bold and it is brilliant.   Exploring alternating depth and the physical translation of rhythm this design re-writes the rules of contemporary kitchen design. The calculated 3D profiling exposes the beauty of precision cut stone, a beauty that has been hidden for too long within benign contemporary kitchen design!   The deliberate punctuation used along the length of this monolithic structure also presents an interesting canvas onto which natural light and shadow can dance a seasonal influence! The Mogul approves!

There is a lot going on in this design with the basic contemporary format delivering above and beyond the call of duty!   There is an introverted and narcissistic approach to this design with the mirrored door panels delivering a voyeuristic vision of the kitchen allowing the featured crisscross door pattern to become more subtly amplified. Have the reflective qualities of these particular doors been positioned in order to enhance the aesthetical impact of the design or is it something to do with the lap dancing pole! The classical styling of the posts and legs add some friction to the design but balance is restored by having these features finished in smooth, flashy chrome!   All we need now are some blue lights, a glitter ball and the supersonic sounds of the 70’s!   Queue the dancers! Note to self!   Mirrored doors are becoming a trend – possibly a by-product of continued population growth and smaller living spaces, or are we becoming more selfishly cosmetic with our aest

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 kitchen is like a functional thread, using its smooth curvature to stitch together polarised architectural styles.   The kitchen is being used like sophisticated design cartilage, preventing friction and using its irregular and undulating shape to soften the sharp distinction between architectural styles.       This approach works well using contemporary cabinetry as the minimal nature of the design allows the period features to shine though without fear of being up-staged.   Likewise the understated detailing flows seamlessly into any minimally styled room. Great job!!

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!

This kitchen is unplugged from the fast paced human existence that has blurred our judgement and systematically detached us from detail.   This design has opted out, rejected the rat race and embraced the idea that simplicity can deliver exceptional results. Light is allowed to penetrate the design, showcasing the warmth of the natural ash framework and enabling the angular cabinetry to display an effortless beauty. The simplicity of the design appears to invite the chaos of function, presenting itself for personalisation in a way that requires indulgence. The Mogul loves this fresh and enlightened approach!