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

Melbourne, March 2012