Kitchen Design Think Tank

To mediate is to broker agreement and here we see a kitchen becoming a style peacemaker.   The industrial architecture sets the contemporary scene aptly aided by the exposed ventilation system which has been laid bare through the calculating incisions made by an architect’s drafting pen.   Light is allowed to penetrate and contradict the industrial space through more classically styled windows, casting shadows that have been polluted by the traditional influence of Georgian frames. The kitchens detachment from the floor is aesthetically powerful but it also shows how we have become scientific in our approach to functional furniture design.   We have learned that it is difficult to reach things at floor level while standing up straight!   The introduction of layers, shapes and warm light helps to soften the surroundings without confusing the picture.   It can be argued that the kitchen designer has been sensitive to the architecture while providing a reminder that people occ

Modern kitchen design is now “traditionally” linear, angular and determinedly simple!   But in the quest for development, advancement and design diversity we occasionally see conceptual mutations, a line of change that attempts to become a commercial trend. But however simple the change it is important not to underestimate the complexity of understanding that inspires the designer to move their pencil in an unsolicited manner! By removing the angular punctuations caused by vertical and horizontal planes meeting the eye is invited to infinitely follow the shape of this kitchen. The cascading appearance used on the gables changes of mood of this design making it more feminine and gentle, allowing it to flow instead of rigidly making a statement.   The soft geometry is also more approachable but when used in this way can arguably restrict the potential functional reach of the worktop. Love it!

Sometimes it can be hard to find balance, difficult to create perfection and virtually impossible to find the perfect combination of elements that will appease the tribal issues created by form and function. Upon looking at this design it becomes evident that functionality has become surpassed by the need for visual stimulation.   The worktop is allowed to envelop the cabinetry forming both a waterfall edge and a mirror image plinth.   The creation of a cabinetry gap and a subtle shadow line between the underside of the cabinetry and the plinth makes it appear as though the units are free floating, somehow suspended from the worktop above.   But consider what this powerful aesthetic focus has done to the functionality of the design. Despite the size of the kitchen both the cleaning and cooking areas appear to be compressed together in an uncomfortable functional arrangement.   Options have been limited by the inclusion of the cabinetry gap and even if the hob was placed into the free f

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 internal and external seating opti

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.  

The kitchen pales into insignificance awaiting functional resuscitation within a sanitised architectural space. We see the kitchens functionality diluted and absorbed into the architecture with only the island presenting influence upon the space. Both kitchen and architecture are submitting to the imposing influence of nature.   Possibly a little human animation required here?!

It is interesting to see how this contemporary design has been softened by introducing more approachable geometry.   The underside of the impressive cooking zone displays the aerodynamic qualities of an aircraft wing and could even be likened to the hull of a sea fairing vessel which uses smooth and gradual geometry to cut though the ocean more efficiently. But having the hard edges removed may not only have aesthetical advantages, as cantilevers and breakfast bar areas are notorious hazards for small children who can be unfortunate enough to occasionally pay a painful price for their parents   pleasure of owning a designer kitchen. The breakfast bar of this design also appears to be counter balanced across the lover storage area so it may have been possible to create a fantastic free floating cantilever that could swivel between states of use, rotating 90degrees and resting upon the lower storage area when in a standby position and leaving the living area free from physical obs

The Mogul loves this design as it flies in the face of convention!   Concept kitchen design can test our preconceptions and challenge the accepted norms of design.   T he idea of having a mobile and highly versatile kitchen island is great but in  order to ensure a tentative acceptance it is important that new concepts do not appear overly clinical.   In this instance the island could be likened to a hospital trolley and it could be argued that the tethered waste and water feed may limit the mobility!   Every new concept will receive a post-mortem, but it is important to realise that by pushing the boundaries we will deliver the designs of tomorrow!