Concrete Worktop

we is unsure about this design!  There is something special going on with the redesign of the traditional peninsula, the fact that this common feature has now become a free floating loop of pre-cast concrete certainly creates a talking point, making the design different and worthy of being noticed.  But we can’t help feeling that this design is cold and un-inviting. 

The images depict someone casually lounging on the lowered seating area which runs off the looped peninsula, but we would argue that the use of materials and the absence of some soft materials to rest against would leave this feature useless.  Ergonomically ineffective!

However it is important to understand the complexity of creating a feature like this.  The words; free floating, concrete and gravity usually don't work that well in reality and certainly require a little dedicated management!

Concrete Worktops 14.17 No comments Read More

The Matrix

This design is so clean and fresh; it is not over designed and radiates an air of quiet sophistication that requires appreciation. 

The architecture and decor are permitted to envelop the units along the back wall which have been embroidered with a delicate but mathematically precise matrix.  The similarity of colour used here fuses all of the design disciplines together allowing the contrasting island to stand out as a significant feature.

The island looks natural, man-made, as though it has been crafted by hands who appreciate traditional woodworking techniques.  But the lines here show that this island has been spawned from a mind with contemporary vision and an appreciation of the purity of simple forms.

Kitchen Island 13.43 No comments Read More

Virtual Kitchen

This design is a virtual vision, a glimpse into what can be achieved when you have a disciplined, fertile imagination that has been honed to deliver functional satisfaction and aesthetical pleasure on many levels.  It is an example of what can be achieved when you employ a great kitchen designer.  So you should hire Paul Anater then, the creator of this concept!

we was drawn to this design because of its softness and warmth.  The colours and textures run into one another in a way that soothes the eye, inviting you to get tactile, placing your skin on the various elements that make the design different.  But you won't be touching this kitchen anytime soon!

The feature curve on the island that doubles up as a splash back is the hook in this design; offering femininely curved modesty to a cleaning zone that has potential to embarrass from time to time.  The island curve has been emphasised further by using a custom hood with a matching radius over the cooking zone and the stage is set by the wall units bowing out gracefully to the minimal, “cook’s kitchen” shelves!

 This design was never actually manufactured; it was created as a virtual brief solution for an outdoor kitchen for the website www.kitchens.com.  Amazing work!

Virtual Kitchen Design 15.05 No comments Read More

Move In With Me?!

This concept creation by Robert Lange celebrates the idea that the kitchen is a social hub, allowing people living in a communal environment to interact socially while preparing independent meals.  The space is also versatile enough to adapt to changing communal demographics. 

Many kitchens now feature duel cooking and cleaning zones in order to aid work flow and function but it is interesting to see this idea adapted specifically for a “flat share” situation. 

Maybe in the future we will all be forced to reconsider our living arrangements and these social pressures may remould our expectations of the kitchen.

Within kitchen design human and social elements dictate the equilibrium and influence the pace of change...we have interesting times ahead! 

Communal Kitchen 14.41 No comments Read More

Rubik's Cube Kitchen

When it comes to functionality, mathematical precision, artistic expressionism, architectural influence and sociability you will find that good kitchen designers have it covered!  It is therefore only to be expected that the next step for this band of intrepid designers is to defy Mr Newton and gravity itself!

This abstract design gives the cabinetry freedom of movement on the vertical plane giving rise to a personally defined clustered structure under the worktop!

Concept Kitchens 14.20 No comments Read More

Pet Shop Boys Kitchen

we always appreciates something new and this concept certainly causes us to rethink things a little.

This compact and functional kitchen would be perfectly suited to the interior architecture of the Star ship Enterprise or would be the perfect functional prop on the abstract stage set at a Pet Shop Boys concert.  However just like Electropop this kitchen will not be universally accepted, instead it may find a limited following of open minded, artistically influenced individuals who may wear base ball caps and futuristic clothing!

Our approach to everything must change for this design to become main stream. 

Love it!

Future Kitchens 14.24 No comments Read More

Axis of Domestic Life

The kitchen is becoming more focused, precise and calculated in every way.  Designers have released it from its traditional architectural confines and are presenting this functional furniture in a new light. 

we loves this design as it is determined to keep our attention on the task at hand with short walking distances between functional zones playing a key role in this concept. 

This is not just a square island; it is a kitchen that considers ergonomics, functionality, sociability and natural light.  It is a design that appreciates how layers and voids can make simple shapes interesting, user friendly and artistically influential. 

The dropped ceiling and significant canopy only act to focus our attention on this axis of domestic life.  This design is the dot on the "I" of the word kitchen – punctuated, and deliberately influencing the surrounding environment.

This is a very clever concept with complex layers and it should be appreciated!

Kitchen Island Design 13.38 No comments Read More

A Gentle Embrace

A simple “L” shaped kitchen with a table!  Not usually all that interesting but there is something really unusual going on here.  The most obvious break from the norm is the flamboyant choice of colour which presents the shaker door profile in a new contemporary light.  The use of this strong blue colour works fantastically well against a pale architectural canvas.

But is the gentle embrace between kitchen and architecture that is the most striking element of this design.  There is a sophisticated collaboration here, a pre-planned execution of mutual respect between design disciplines that allows this design to gain well deserved recognition by us

Blue Kitchen Doors 14.53 No comments Read More

The Emperor’s New Clothes Kitchen

we can see where this design is going and what is trying to do but unfortunately no one will ever buy it.  From an artistic stand point the design must be given a fair hearing as it is different, abstract and demands our attention but would the average customer want to live with it?  This kitchen could easily have been assembled from a collection of left over panels that the manufacturer wanted shot of. 

we calls this design “The Emperor’s New Clothes Kitchen”.  In the beginning everyone will gather around amazed at the bold design but in the end the client will realise that there is little substance in the design becoming nakedly exposed to criticism of their choices!  There is just something lacking here, maybe the panels are too large, too uniform or maybe it is just we subjective opinion that is blurring the concept.

we always prefers to be adorned with mask, cape and spandex suit when going out and does not like the idea of going out naked even if it is in the name of design!

Colouful Kitchen 13.43 No comments Read More

Contemporary Kitchen Design

You have to appreciate the aesthetical quality of this design.  It sits as a modern monument to contemporary style. 

The most striking and original element of this design is the slender white worktop which sits at a reassuringly ergonomic height, assisting in food preparation and cleaning. It is interesting, if not a little disappointing to see that the designers have used a big solid casing beneath the sink to conceal the wastes and offer some support to the wafer like work surface above.  we can imagine other ways of doing this!  It is also interesting to see that the cooking zone is set at a slightly lower level than the cleaning zone.

The layering of the surfaces here is great, giving the design an artistic presence and allowing the user to mix up the cooking experience.  Although not a fan of having so much worktop at a low level we appreciates that this area can still be used to accommodate large electrical appliances and non-consumable items used in food preparation.

This is a lovely design and only the client can decide if the functionality suits their needs.

Kitchen Design UK 09.39 No comments Read More

Designer Kitchen

It was only going to be a matter of time until we decided to comment on one of Philippe Starck’s creations for Warendorf.  we’s initial reaction was to dismiss the range as a grotesque celebration of ego, an example of the industry bowing to the power of one individual, and embracing the control of a celebrity designer.  And yes, this range is guilty of putting Starck on a pedestal, enabling him to loom over other less celebrated designers who create change and industry drive on a daily basis, and are using more humble budgets to do so. 

But you do have to appreciate Starck’s skill as a designer.  There is real depth to this design and he is obviously a keen observer of the industry, either that or he is able to take advice well!  His range could be described as a selection of “unfitted kitchen pods with a flamboyant sprinkling of eccentric”!  Aesthetically there is a drive to be unusual, a blatant effort to be “designer”; and this element of the concept certainly ticks all the right boxes for many. 

The exclusive looking trumpet legs work brilliantly adding design flair and hiding the island services in a dignified way.  The appliances can be hidden behind doors, aesthetically neutering the functionality of the kitchen and allowing it to become the centre piece of any home.  Special motors have even been included that dissipate residual heat from the ovens so that the door can be closed immediately after use. 

One thing we is unsure about though is what happens to the tall “oven modesty” door whilst the ovens are actually being used, does it protrude into the room causing an obstruction or does it neatly slide into a pocket only to be pulled out when cooking is finished?  If this design is pocket-less it could easily loss points on the functionality front and the number one rule of kitchen design will have been broken.

Overall though this is a great design and it shows why Starck is still seen to be at the top of the professional design ladder.

Philippe Starck 03.53 No comments Read More

Insignificant Kitchen Design

Notice how the kitchen is absorbed into its surroundings as the stronger colours and textures in the foreground dominate the field of vision.  The white kitchen sits humbly in the background, almost insignificant, but providing great aesthetical contrast and balance.

In an open plan space like this it is vital to consider what impact the kitchen will have whilst sitting in the “standby” position. 

Great renders – we are entering a virtual World...or is the KBB industry already there?

Open Plan Kitchens 15.07 No comments Read More

Abstract Design

Abstract self expressionism strikes again!  There is just something spontaneously sporadic about this design that is compels you to look and question the designer’s rationale! 

Is this a modern masterpiece, a Picasso inspired design, or is this a blatant attempt to be different that hasn’t really worked? 

Whatever decision you come to it must be said that the tall wall units to the left of the image seem isolated and strange, temporarily causing the eye to drift from the main body of the design.

But maybe that’s abstract!?

Abstract Kitchen Design 14.32 No comments Read More

The Elephant and the Daisy!

Okay there is allowing the kitchen to be absorbed into the surrounding architecture and there is losing the opportunity to actually have a kitchen!  This idea is forward thinking but it could be seen as a little naive! 

The idea of the kitchen transformer is one that has been explored by lots of designers in many different ways but this particular creation lacks soul.  we can appreciate how this design could be considered to be a piece of contemporary art but feels it might be stretching it a little to actually describe this design as a commercially viable kitchen. 

Seeing the outline of the kitchen on the wall would eventually irritate we....if the kitchen is going to disappear into the wall it would be nice not to have such a strong reminder of its presence.  we would even argue that having an island in the centre of the room with transforming elements and subtle lighting may be less obvious than this kitchen, which while in the standby position gives away its position like an elephant hiding behind a daisy!

There is also the little issue of creating the architectural void into which the kitchen will slide!

It is great to see individual designers trying to come up with new ways of expressing kitchen design and although we has voiced an opinion, concepts can be fine tuned and become revolutionary.

Transformers 14.06 No comments Read More

Splatter Art Kitchen

This kitchen embraces the dominance of asymmetry in modern kitchen design, empowering the imagination and offering the eye something that is casual and yet calculated.  The series of wall units in the first image look as though they have been splattered onto the wall by an uncomforting artist.  And just as with splatter art the act is deliberate but the result is open to critical interpretation!

The physical layering here is fantastic and presents an opportunity to cross-dress the kitchen, disguising it as something less functional; the perfect life-space accessory.  The handless, free-hung, box matrix design which is only occasionally interrupted is brilliantly adorned by basalt ceramic finishes.  The use of a ceramic cabinet frontage opens the door into a whole new range of sensory pleasures.  The colour of the ceramic fronted design mixed with the slender stainless steel worktops is great and having this accessorised with wood veneer and lighting only adds to the kitchen-less experience. 

Eventually the design cascades from the wall and has been given a set of landing gear to ensure the touchdown is smooth and effortless!

Sometimes presenting wall units in this way can be perceived as being a gimmick, a hook to get the design noticed but in this instance the flexibility and use of materials just make this a good design!

Hacker Kitchens 04.16 No comments Read More

See the light!

We all demand a little luxury from time to time, the ability to switch off from the daily grind and experience an indulgence of pleasure, gratifying all five of our senses and allowing us to feel revitalised and refreshed. 

In the field of kitchen design there is mounting pressure on designers to create not just a functional space that caters for every requirement, but to create a breathtaking, interactive experience for the user. 

Modern luxury kitchens must have a Zen like quality, the ability to promote calm and offer mood setting control to the fortunate owner.  There is no better way of doing this than to integrate some lighting into the design.

Design Republic came up with this design which has all the quality hallmarks that can make the mouth water without the smell of food!  This design embraces interactive LED lighting in a powerful way and in some of the images the impact almost appears overpowering, allowing the kitchen to transform into a nightclub!  But isn’t this what we all want?  A controllable, adaptable space, which can be a kitchen by day and a social hub by night?!

Owning such an example of functional sensory extravagance can bring with it (comes in a separate box) a quiet satisfaction that you have something different!  There is the opportunity to wallow in the social adoration that will be bestowed upon you by friends and family as you demonstrate how the new kitchen works.  And in a kitchen like this you will find that the owner will not choose to demonstrate their new fan assisted oven, this will present an opportunity for a lighting show!

Kitchen design is all about identifying needs and challenging the norm.  This design is exceptional for loads of different reasons but it is a shame that many designers never ever get to meet clients with deep enough pockets to release their imaginations like this!

Great Job!

Kitchen Lighting 03.03 No comments Read More

Take Me To A More Enlightened Place

This concept is beautiful and is an example of how a kitchen should be designed.  Design quality has preceded manufacturing quantity.  The designer has reflected what is important to the client and translated their desires into something special. 

All the modern kitchen design trends are here but the use of colour and texture as well as an innocent ignorance of traditional kitchen design legacy has allowed both designer and client to evolve.

How you see this design will be influenced by where you live, who you know, what you do and what you aspire to be.  On a personal level kitchen design can be controlled by the road you have trodden, but by considering the vision of others you can allow yourself to end your journey in a new and more enlightened place.  

Chefs Kitchen 15.23 No comments Read More

The first cut is the deepest one!

The kitchen is becoming an island but every now and again the surrounding architecture decides to reach out to grab hold of the kitchens new found influence.

This design displays the resilience of the modern kitchen, brilliantly building upon its architectural foundations and highlighting the power of a fertile human imagination.

There is a natural right to left movement within this design with the user obtaining consumable items from the dry and chilled storage area then gradually moving left, collecting non-consumables and then steadily working through the preparation and cleaning areas to finally end up at the cooking zone.

The aesthetics are powerful too, with the low level cabinetry resting upon an impressive stainless steel hilt while vigorously lunging towards the high level units.  The depth of the penetration is emphasised by using open shelving and a contrasting finish. 

This design is certainly sharp and has the ability to cut deeply into any architectural space!   

Galley Kitchen 14.10 No comments Read More

Canvas Kitchen

You have to ask; at what point does the kitchen end and the art begin?!  The answer will be found at the source of intellectual inspiration and the empathetic understanding of another’s needs.

The kitchen is art!

The modern kitchen is becoming a canvas for individual expressionism!  Go on...express yourself!

Artistic Kitchens 14.08 No comments Read More