Kitchen Design Think Tank

The Mogul has long argued that the modern kitchen can now be defined by its island, with the taller more cumbersome elements being absorbed by the surrounding architecture or being cloaked behind transforming cabinetry.   The kitchen is in-fact an island with some modified architectural cabinetry in support. So it is interesting to see how this design and an increasing number of others are detaching the island from the floor, creating a floating centrepiece which is only tethered to the architecture by the services required for function. This design accepts that there must be unity between kitchen and architecture but it also expresses an understanding that there must be a connection with the other pieces of furniture sharing an open plan space.   The T-shaped island unit is like a functional docking station, able and willing to accept elements that can temporarily enhance the functional experience without permanently polluting the aesthetic influence of the kitchen.     We

There are some interesting features in this design.   Immediately the eye is drawn to an impressive cantilever which extends endlessly across the room only defying gravity by leaning subtlety on a supportive crutch.   This zero gravity feature of fantasy has also been given a shoulder to cry on, a functional support which is designed to take the weight off the burdens that everyday life can throw at us.   The low level storage area which supports the end of the cantilever has been given an extended gable that transforms it into a cosy snug, perfect for casual entertaining.   The wall units mirror this feature by including a high level shelf which meets an extended gable end. These features are impressive allowing this kitchen to traverse the void between kitchen and living space but do these elements dilute the functional capacity of the kitchen.   Is it possible that potential storage space has been replaced by fresh air and that the high and low level cabinetry has become guar

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

This is a powerful image displaying all of the serious style contradictions required to create the perfect modern kitchen.   Contemporary styling has been perfectly counter balanced by the inclusion of some fantastic classical features. The kitchen has become a vortex of style with the ability to fuse polar design elements.  The newly empowered kitchen has become a source of inspiration, an epicentre of artistic and personal stimulation, amalgamating conflicting ideas and styles in a new and positive way. Love this one!  The seating is fabulous!

Reflective surfaces cause unavoidable introspective contemplation.   With this design there should be no regrets! It is fabulous!

For years kitchen design has been guilty of exaggerating scale, with the kitchen becoming the long suffering victim of an intensive and functionally random infestation of cabinetry.  But the misguided trend of fitting as many kitchen cabinets into an architecturally oppressive space has been replaced.   Now open plan architectural environments have become dominated by large monolithic islands. The Moby Dick kitchen is no exception, flaunting impressively elongated linear styling which has only been interrupted by the introduction of an unusual sink feature.  A feature which could be seen to sympathetically resemble the natural breathing aperture of a Sperm whale! The Mogul is unsure about this feature as it may draw specific attention to the cleaning zone, which on occasion may not be so clean.  It could be argued that in an open plan environment it may be more prudent to optionally camouflage this particular area.

The kitchen is a time capsule, a piece of functional furniture which can become an emotional trigger for our senses, encouraging us to relive our childhood memories and reminisce about people and friends who are no longer with us. It seems appropriate therefore that the adeptly named 1956 kitchen presents a very nostalgic approach to kitchen design. The design embraces some very innocent looking features that could be perceived as being potentially un-commercial in the refined mainstream market.   This kitchen is certainly quirky, with a homemade look, but it is also very different, allowing itself to be openly influenced by nostalgia and embracing the simpler materials and textures of yester year. Are we now going to see the development of an economic and socially influenced trend where mainstream style becomes perceived as being vulgar and kitchen design becomes influenced by re-runs of “The good life”! But no matter how much this design looks over its shoulde

Nature is an inspiration, an awe inspiring portfolio of design perfection which can exude a quiet influence over the refined disciplines of architecture, fashion and interior design.  Powerful natural elements like wind and water can inspire designers to express themselves in an exceptional way, reaching beyond the norm and delivering something which can enrich the senses.     The extended curve of this island design exudes the flexibility of canvas which arcs and moves with the wind.   The inviting and sensually smooth ebony curve reaches a refined climax by cutting though inherited design perceptions like a bow though the waves. There is real beauty in this design and an understated appreciation of feminine charm!  The Mogul loves this one.

The Mogul has always stated that kitchen design can be expressed though an artistic play with functional shapes, but here we see this belief taken literally. The design has a layered and asymmetrical appearance and the mix of textures and materials works really well.  High level open shelves provide a blank canvas for the personalisation of this design with their high level placement allowing the functional hot zone to become unpolluted with personal artefacts.  The introduction of extra tall oven housings provides a connection between the open shelves and the functional elements within the design.  Breaking the shelves in this way also emphasises the asymmetrical styling and quietly expresses this kitchens functional dominance which supersedes aesthetical and personal dressing. The design reaches beyond the norm by introducing a unique visual hook, a breakfast bar that plays tricks with your eyes and prompts you to ask the questions; how?  Why? And where can I get one!

It’s that run down warehouse thing again!  Interestingly in this image the bridged breakfast bar at the end of the island runs right though from the social side of the island into the functional zone allowing it to double up as a preparation area!

Stainless steel is an alloy, a combination of metals that become fused together when exposed to high temperature.  The functional elements of this super hot design are so seamlessly integrated into the work surface and their fusion may well have taken place while the metal was in a liquid state.  But just as the T-1000 terminator was made from liquid metal this design shows some similar weaknesses! Is it possible that this shining example if precision engineering has forgotten its functional obligations and that functionality has been compromised in order to achieve artistic perfection?  The cooking and cleaning zones are the most dynamic functional elements of any kitchen but here we see that an important storage area has been replaced with fresh air with the user being required to travel away from this island hot zone to gather the non-consumable items needed for cooking.  And although not visible in the image is it possible that an exposed sink and waste system could com

This is the latest flamboyant kitchen contribution from Karim Rashid who literally treats kitchen frontals like an artist’s canvas! In this design paints have been replaced with high pressure laminates and aluminium legs create a supporting frame for the free floating artwork.  This type of design may be overpowering if used on an entire kitchen but would work brilliantly as a colour accent to a more simplified and subdued kitchen palette.

There is a little bit of everything in this design; seamless architectural integration, soothing holistic elements and an empathetic unity between interior and exterior design. Coloured light is a powerful medium with the ability to sooth the soul, providing warmth to any design.  The reflective stainless steel overhang and white surfaces on the island allow the light to move around the room and provide a prelude to the fantastic exterior backdrop.   The integration with the garden area is seamless and the breakfast bar acts as a visual runway leading onto an external garden path.   The sight lines are connected and so too is the carefully thought out lighting. The Mogul loves this one!

Every picture should have a frame, an edge that can intensify the visual experience and draw the eye of the viewer.  That is why every contemporary kitchen manufacturer worth their salt owns a rundown warehouse! Here though the purchase of an expensive docklands warehouse was not necessary as this design has all the presence needed to stop you in your tracks!  Smooth curves, multiple textures and an industrial overtone help to make this design different.  However with so much space available in the warehouse, a warehouse with one previous and not so careful owner, it must be asked why the consumables area was not orientated a little differently to prevent the other functional zones becoming a functional obstruction.  It is also a shame that the plinth doesn’t follow the contour of the cabinetry! With that said this is still an exceptional design!

The kitchen is a functional mannequin which can be tailored and dressed to suit the individual style preferences of each and every client.   Although the appreciation of aesthetics may appear shallow to many kitchen design purists it is an element of the design that has far reaching implications.   The chosen aesthetics help to define the social and artistic affiliations of the user and whether we like or not the kitchen you own will outwardly proclaim something about you.    Functional design perfection will achieve a quiet contentment within the user but so too can individually styled aesthetics, delivering a holistic element to the design which can last as long as the personally tailored functionality. This functional human barometer will quietly display an empathetic understanding of those souls who occupy the space around it, as over time many personal items will become integrated into the original design, making it unique and personal.   But why not start as you mean to go on?

For years the kitchen has been planning its escape from the architectural incarceration that has restricted its natural development and resulted in years of solitary confinement. It seems ironic that only when the kitchen is beginning to influence its architectural sentinels and is being placed centre stage within the home, the very designers that set this jailbird free are trying to call time on its short lived parole.   It is interesting to see that this hybrid and on trend kitchen design introduces a transforming boundary between kitchen and the user; a pocket door prison guard that has the ability to send this kitchen down! Is it possible that the best and most progressive transforming and shape shifting concepts are retracting the kitchen from the open plan environment, diluting its influence and throwing away the key for another 25 years!?   The boundaries may be different but the restrictions are the same!

This photographic set up by Tayfun Cetinkaya looks to the future from a slightly retro standpoint, so it is interesting that this feature, which appeared in Marie Claire magazine depicts the perfect modern kitchen as being white, smooth and ever so slightly glossy with a statement island to match the models beauty! These images prove one very important point though; that kitchen design and fashion design are intrinsically linked together and in this set of images the relationship is mutually complementary!

Three cubes, one kitchen and an endless amount of contemporary style!   This concept was developed as an adaptable solution for compact apartment living!   Made up of three 800mm x 800mm x 1000mm cubes this transforming kitchen puzzle allows the user to create the kitchen that they need, when they need it.   Each element can be used independently or they can be combined to create a full kitchen.   Each element has wheels which allow the cubes to be moved around with ease.   Finished in Macassar, Corian and goldleaf this kitchen has the potential to replace an intoxicated game of Twister when dinner is finished!   But would the owner really want to clear up, wash up, stack away the dishes and then pack up the kitchen cubes!   In a society that loves convenience The Mogul assumes that an automated version must now be in development!!

Upon hearing that you are going to buy a new kitchen many friends and relatives look forward to seeing the results; but increasingly kitchen designers are becoming involved in an intricate game of cat and mouse.   You can only see the kitchen if you can find it first! Transforming kitchens like this one are becoming integrated and absorbed into the structure of buildings and are helping to elevate the influence of the kitchen upon architectural planning.   The kitchen is no longer an architectural hangover, it is now an architectural divining rod with the ability to find and harness the inspirational core within every client! Shape shifting designs allow the kitchen to be controlled by the user, only allowing it to influence the space and the people living within it when required.   The neutralisation of the kitchens physical presence is an increasingly popular trend and it will continue to grow as populations increase and living environments get smaller! Gone are the days where ev