Minimalism and techno-jazz
(the
kitchen)
Minimalism
is Dead! Or at least it’s not everybody’s cup of tea in old and
established areas of Melbourne , such is North Brunswick . Most clients wanting to acquire a new
kitchen will steer away from the ‘chill of a too clinical style’ as Minimalism
sounds like. Though there are some great lessons we can take away from
minimalism, and this is exactly what J and T asked for when delivered
the brief for their new kitchen: a blend between minimalism and a warm, cozy feel.
They wanted the kitchen to look great, like examples they saw overseas and to
suit family needs as well as friend’s gatherings.
The
design proposition is based around some essential minimalist principles: it is
strikingly simple, without being simplistic; spatial composition evolves around
large calming, horizontal lines that are featured in the oversize bench; wall
units alignment; the narrow glass splash back and the extended island. The idea
of the generous horizontals is enhanced by a secondary group of elements:
horizontal handles, brushed aluminium kicker, front island open shelve.
Other
minimalist principles employed here are: regularity of the rhythm, streamlined
surfaces and consistency
in modularity.
In
this kitchen, the wall units with no handles of identical size, create a
repetition dear to minimalist savvy that is comparable to a techno beat. Aux
contraire, the base units are based on alternation rather than repetition. If
wall units have the strength in aesthetic, base units contribute to the whole
outcome with their inherent functionality. Appliances are integrated into
sculptural shapes, such are the oven, microwave and range hood or blended into
the countertop surface such are the sink and the induction cook top. The flow
is uninterrupted and effortless between centres!
Family
and friends are incontestable values of our life and in J and T’s case,
they become accountable design criteria. The Kitchen has to blend in with the
family home, lifestyle and taste.
And
from here comes the rich flavor added to the minimalist core: a touch of colour
through the large glass surfaces, warm tones through the timber pattern of the
base units, contrasting textures between the satin finish of the wall units and
pantry and the glossiness of dark laminate.
Texture,
colour, reflections and the play of surfaces, industrial lights, along with architectural
enhancements such as the large, long window open toward the back garden, the flush
bulkheads that integrate the kitchen into the body of the room are playful and
warm jazzy like additions to the consistency of the minimalism beat.
Text and Kitchen design by Valentin
Tinc
Photos by Tim Turner Photography
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