Kitchen Design Think Tank

Wouldn't it be fantastic if this futuristic design by Amanda Levete could be re-absorbed into the wall! 

This kitchen is both simple and ornate.   The designer has stripped it naked removing the cornice and any other feature that would complicate the idea and dilute the impact of the kitchen art! This kitchen holds a secret.   This kitchen wants attention.   This kitchen could step into the lime light as a truly magnificent piece of functional kitchen art.   The turned legs and ornately framed wall unit take this concept into a league of its own; the eye is drawn to these decorative features and it almost feels as though you should not be looking!   This kitchen strikes a pose that is impressive enough to be on the cover of Vogue magazine.   This design is evocative, expressing individuality and hedonism.   The Mogul loves how this one pouts at the camera.

Functional kitchen art entombed in an architectural masterpiece! The Mogul appreciates the engineering applied to make this island sculpture possible.

Concept kitchen designers are certainly of the thinking that kitchens will need to be much smaller and efficient.  This design effectively removes food preparation.

Just imagine how this larder would look at night! Colour changing LED's with coloured glass will allow for a personal expression of mood and facilitate the encouragement of a calming influence. Thumbs up from The Mogul!

This design clearly demonstrates how a simple L-shaped room can be manipulated into a socially functional space.    The breakfast bar area is cleverly stepped back from the returning wall to create a "social eddy", complete with worktop overhang and book shelf for informal eating and conversation.   There is a clear boundary between the working and social elements of this kitchen but it is designed with human interaction in mind.  The use of colour and materials in this kitchen is fantastic, creating a crisp visual contrast that helps to emphasise the clean linear nature of this design.   Add the tall units which run to the ceiling and clever corner storage and this design becomes super cool.

The kitchen is the heart of the home beating at a pace dictated by those who live there.   Many individuals find comfort and safety in tradition, choosing styles, colours and textures that encourage reflection and a sense of place. This kitchen conjures up an image of a muddy gun boots and the aroma of pipe tobacco smoke mixed with home made pies.   This is a timeless design with the quality of something that will not go away.   It could be argued that traditional design is static and dwelling in the past, but with the introduction of modern, concealed internal technology this kitchen style can be taken back to the future. The Mogul likes this type of kitchen as it offers individuals the opportunity to invest in a product that could technically last a life time!

In 1968 Stanley Kubrick presented an iconic view of the future.   This kitchen concept by Ernestomeda could easily be seen as part of that Space Odyssey, right down to the landing pod legs and alien pipe casing! Kitchen design is on an evolutionary path where there is regular conflict between functional necessity and visual aesthetics.   This kitchen is functional and it is also beautiful but unless you own a space ship you are unlikely to buy it. However, the designers of this kitchen must be highly praised for their vision and determination to create something different.   The use of Corian and stainless steel in this design is fantastic and The Mogul particularly appreciates how the drawer unit is on casters, allowing this minimal design to become flexible and user friendly.

Entering the room it would appear that the architecture is clinical, contemporary and concrete.   Smooth architectural finishes are designed to allow natural light and reflections dictate the viewer’s perception.   Enter the gloss olivewood kitchen texture with mocha glass in a contemporary context and the room is transformed.   Much warmer but still inviting the light! The Mogul loves this idea and in particular how the gables are finished in this design..recessed and contrasting. The Mogul will travel to meet like minded individuals this week and may not be as vocal, but hopefully he will return encouraged and infused with new ideas and opportunities!

Architecture is the purest form of art allowing human beings to become inspired and emotionally connected to their surroundings.   In the 21 st century the kitchen has become as important as the architecture that surrounds it allowing the user to gain pleasure from its aesthetics but also fulfilling a functional role.   The modern kitchen user can demand different things from a design as many people cook in different ways; pre-packaged, slowly prepared, on the run and in a social setting are all possibilities today.   It is also true that the aesthetics of a kitchen can mirror our own self image and allow a certain freedom of expression with some individuals allowing the artist within them to be exposed while others take satisfaction at the social acceptance a fantastic kitchen can offer. A well designed kitchen has the ability to encourage tranquility within a home offering the user an environment that caters for their own needs and idiosyncrasies and giving satisfaction that the

This design uses asymmetric design, mirrored panels, stainless steel and matt lacquer finishes creating a cool sophisticated look.  The Mogul likes this one even though it may be perceived as cold.   This design could be easily warmed for a more homely contemporary experience by using colour changing ambient lighting.

This is a fantastic example of a how a kitchen can be installed as a functional art installation.  The design totally contradicts the architectural setting and allows for perfect synergy between the classical and contemporary styling.  There is also fantastic attention to detail in that the Marble grain has been matched to become a mirror image on the island.

Very tasteful design that has been approached from the left field by the Halstock Team.  A European style that has been softened by English charm.  Very Effective!

This is a fun design that doesn't stick to the rules...The Mogul would argue that this design, although tasteful, will prove to be more concept than commercial!

This modern Welsh dresser is currently on show on the Johnny Grey stand at Decorex.  Designed by Johnny Grey and Miles Hartwell this dresser attempts to straddle the divide between contemporary and traditional.  The Mogul is a fan of how light can increase the sensory pleasure of the viewer and how its use can have holistic advantages for the overall architectural space.  The use of coloured glasses and translucent tableware allows this piece of furniture to become personalised and also changes the look of the design making its use an interactive experience. The Mogul always considers that a kitchen is not always being used and using light in this way allows kitchen furniture to become a stunning backdrop to our home lives. This design has its styles polarised so much that it can be likened to a Centaur, a mythical creature that is half horse and half man!

Angular, Artistic and Authentic…..Enough Said!

This island presents itself as a cool, dark monolithic block with some hidden features.   The cooking area of the island slides back to create a cantilevered informal seating area, this function also allows the user to easily access the storage drawers beneath. The Mogul particularly likes the simple but incredibly effective wine storage area on the front of the island.   The use of lighting shelves in this area breaks up the rigidity of the island design and introduces an interactive feature that will change over time.   The introduction of new or differently coloured bottles will change the appearance of the island and the texture of the lighting.   This idea softens the design and allows for an expression of self.   The use of light in this way can have a calming effect on the viewer. The minimal, shape shifting bank of units behind the island is a fitting extension to this idea.  

This kitchen is a perfect example of how a designer can use self expression in every creation.   This avant-garde design originates from the pen of Belgian designer Joe Wynant and it shows that there is a growing trend towards an artistic expression within kitchen design. This design remembers that the world in which we inhabit allows us to see things in three different planes and therefore cabinet frontage does not need to sit at a ninety degree angle to the floor.    This concept speaks volumes for kitchen design as a fashion, as a style influencer and as a discipline that encourages artistic flair. The main sink area encourages the idea of strong European techno culture with its sharp angles and clean lines, the tall appliance housing is reminiscent of an Icelandic sauna, and the island encourages the cabinet maker’s skill.   Mixing these ideas together gives this design an edge and puts it outside the box of standard kitchen design. With every new idea there can be a certain amo

Infinitely beautiful is how this design by Marco Gorini should be described.   There is a real attempt here to engage the senses of the viewer allowing them to immerse themselves in the artistic function of this kitchen.   The kitchen of tomorrow is independent of walls and could even be considered to be a pod.   This idea goes back to Johnny Grey’s principles of the un-fitted kitchen.   The Mogul absolutely loves this one.

This is an example how a good ideas can cross the divide between and contemporary and traditional.  At first glance this kitchen appears to be a timeless classic, a safe option that will offer the user a retreat from the stresses of the high speed world in which we live.  The only thing that appears different is the machined aluminum fascias on some of the units.  But look again; this kitchen is in fact a “shape shifter”!   Look how the panels in the centre of the design slide back to reveal modern kitchen appliances.   Sliding panels are nothing new but the Mogul believes that the context of this change makes the design stand out.

Kitchen design is now as important as architecture, it is as important as Art and it is slowly evolving into a discipline that can be appreciated by those who have an eye for style.  No longer should a client be faced with a choice of dull timber finishes for their kitchen, they should be allowed to explore their imagination to facilitate the fusion of   their personalities into a product that will share their home for a very long time.  The next time a client asks for something different why not suggest custom etched glass doors and Swarovski encrusted crystal handles.  Splendid!

America is a world super power; it is at the forefront of technological advancement and is perceived to be a forward thinker when it comes to industry and social structure.   Why then do the citizens who make America a great nation settle for a standard of kitchen design that is perceived to be 10 to 15 years behind the rest of the World? American kitchen design can be perceived as dated, tired and stagnant with lower and middle class families choosing a “Safe” kitchen design that will ensure that their home will appeal to the widest spectrum of possible buyers, should they decide to sell.   Many kitchens in America have an old homely feel with designers specifying solid timber doors with raised centre panels and ornate trimmings and fittings to match.   This is a throw back to the late 70’s and early Eighties when Mark Wilkinson was still finding his feet as a designer and launching kitchen lines that were decorative and fussy.   These early Mark Wilkinson ranges were fantastic and h

Some kitchens can be hidden, designed to appear when necessary and disappear when no longer needed.   The unseen kitchen is a "Shape Shifter" that allows the user to dictate its presence within the surrounding architecture.   It can be argued that the development of the hidden kitchen is facilitating the removal of many of the key sociological elements required to make our world work.     The kitchen is not just a place where food is prepared; the kitchen creates a sense of place, a sense of home and encourages social interaction between family and friends.   It could also be argued that if the kitchen is only occasionally present we will require our meals  to appear more instantly.  The basic function of food preparation will no longer be welcome within this alien, open planned space which no longer features a visible kitchen. The Mogul believes that clients will always want to see what they have purchased and appreciate the choices they have made along the design path.   An