Beautiful Kitchens
Yesterday's post was a first course. Today is the entree!
It is always a pleasure of mine to show you Scandinavian kitchens, as you may know. The reason is that I think the Scandinavians have a very, very special gift for combining their modern design point of view, which seems to be in the collective DNA, (always with some exceptions) with historic surroundings or smaller traditional elements. They do it well, very well.
If you can, go through this slide show slowly. Examine the parts and pieces of each kitchen design. Think about what you like and what you do not like.
Some of these kitchens speak to me in a strong way, others do not speak to me at all. I do know one thing....I need about 6 houses to express myself in all my kitchen design "moods".
If you click on "notes" you will see my comments. What speaks to you and why?
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 09:03AM
Reader Comments (8)
You have started a very interesting discussion on kitchen design. I'm a cabinetmaker who really does not want to make kitchens for a living, because the most of what is done in the US is just boxes with a "choice of doors and drawer fronts," the most of which are made in a factory somewhere. Boring. I want to do something else if I can, but what?
Last year I started a blog site with a fellow cabinetmaker and have since been exploring this very subject. European design just absolutely blows my mind, and I find myself doing quite a bit on it, even though these are often modular kitchens that one would simply send away for and have installed by a local craftsman. But what fascinates me is the utter innovation of those designs, so I find myself returning to them quite a bit.
I am also looking to design a kitchen for my wife in a too small space in a tract home, which necessarily lets out those wonderful European designs that excite me so. And whenever I find myself going out on a limb with some idea or another for our kitchen, my wife always grounds me by saying, "If you stick with the classics, you won't grow tired of them."
So, what do you do that is different and yet timeless and practical and stimulating to make if you're a cabinetmaker? Damned if I know, but if I ever figure it out, I mean to make it for us and splash that baby all over the Internet!
What you've written, though, has given me quite a bit to think about, and I thank you for sharing your concepts.
Oh this post is, of course, after my heart. I especially love the first image which uses antique furniture along side contemporary appliances. The blend of both really attracts me because of the warmth and depth. While the overall contemporary designs are "cool" I do find they can be a bit cold and feel a touch of something from the "past" would help to create a space that feel more comfortable and inviting.
Thanks so much for sharing these images. I really enjoyed going over them and reading your notes.
Tricia - Avolli
Joseph, you know what? Your vision will come. It will reveal itself in the right time. I promise! Thanks for your thoughts, very interesting reading. :)
Tricia, ah, I'm getting you sucked into the world of Scandinavian kitchen design, I know it. I think you're the perfect candidate for it too! ;) Glad to see you here. I happen to agree with you about a "too cool" setting. I need something more too.
Oh it's just me again. I thought you might enjoy seeing this post
http://avolli.com/docs/17.TraditonalSwedishResidentialDesign1.doc
....the kitchen is only OK but the rest of the house is pretty classic Scandinavian with a modern touch.
Enjoy!
Tricia - Avolli
Photo #2 speaks to me with the window seats on two walls (great storage underneath), lots of windows, a desk on another wall, island in the center with bar stools and a stovetop/hood above, great floors,...all of which beckon guest and family to gather in the kitchen which seems to always happen anyway.
Coooler Blog
Good post indeed! Thanks for sharing such nice information.
kitchen accessories
a beautiful kitchen makes the home l think