A new beginning
The kitchen in this story represents a significant cornerstone of a new life for an exceptional couple who have decided to live their lives joyfully and harmoniously, sharing their passion through their work.
Andrei returned to Romania after spending 10 years in Germany – a dream come true for a construction engineer. And he did not return alone but with his wife, Leila, a charming and delicate graphic artist born in Iran, who has dedicated herself to art and studied at one of the most prestigious universities in Germany, Bauhaus Universität Weimar, the place where they met.
For the two of them, the kitchen itself represents the feeling of Home.
Beyond its formal aspects, the kitchen is a space for exploration and creativity for both of them, being passionate about culinary art, a passion through which they have built a brand: KombiNut – an artisanal delicacy brand through which they wish to share their joy and love for life.
Space challenge and functionality
Located at the foot of the mountain, Andrei’s parental home was completely renovated under their careful coordination, resulting in an exceptional outcome reflecting maturity and balance.
For the kitchen, the space was not as large as they desired, but this very aspect formed the basis for the careful execution of the project, challenging us to use all our experience and creativity to achieve the desired result without compromises and without cluttering the space.
The kitchen configuration is a school demonstration of ergonomics that precisely respects the functionality triangle. We did not try to use all the space; instead, we tried to understand the space.
The work surfaces are perfectly organized, and the storage spaces are designed so that even someone unfamiliar with the kitchen will intuitively find everything – just within arm’s reach.
Visual tranquility and design focused on communication
“Togetherness” is the feeling we aimed for throughout the design process, and Communication is the defining key of the project.
The peninsula is the central piece of the kitchen, offering space for dialogue and creative culinary experiences while ensuring communication with nature, the picturesque landscape, and the changing light play typical of the valley area.
We maintained a balance between full and empty by avoiding an island hood. Therefore, for the hood, we opted for a ceiling-mounted model with an external motor ensuring performance in complete silence.
For visual tranquility, we resisted the temptation to add hanging light fixtures until the end, thus leaving a wide – breathing space – through the absence of any form.
And also for visual tranquility, we integrated a column with a retractable door – “pocket-door” type – providing an accessible yet discreet place for the coffee machine and countertop appliances.
The Contrast of Materials
The choice of materials was as surprising as it was natural, so natural that I don’t think we had a single doubt.
If normally, for such a complex geometry, we would have kept a leveled look with at most two colors and neutral materials, this time we expressed the volumetry in a dialogue of very different materials.
In stark contrast, we have the technological elements of the present: the browned metal of the suspended cabinets as a background in continuous change depending on the light reflection. The firmness is provided by the super-matte color of the base cabinets in Fenix “Castoro Ottawa”. The touches are provided by the metal elements in aluminum in the very elegant Champagne finish.
An open module for spices integrating the countertop outlets and a strategically positioned planter from a geometric standpoint are almost imperceptible elements that complete the volumetric equation.
The kitchen is the heart of the house
Our collaboration with MyKitchen has been a benchmark experience, an ideal example of a client-designer relationship. In just a few meetings, we managed to identify the specific challenges of the space, and the solution provided was so natural that we never felt the need to change anything.
From the very beginning, there was an intuition and balance in the design that, even after a year, continues to delight us. We enjoy a small space that feels large. This is the true essence of art.
Andrei
My kitchen is my sanctuary, a place where I love to spend my time. The design is exactly as it should be – elegant yet subtly comforting. It exudes a sense of safety, with everything having its rightful place. The harmonious and continuous design of the kitchen reflects our characters, mirroring the connection and balance between neatness and loudness. It’s a space that truly feels like an atelier.
Leila
The story of this kitchen is just beginning, and we can’t wait to taste the KombiNut delicacies being prepared there and will surely remain close admirers of Leila and her artistic creations.
Project details
Model: BLUNA (BINOVA Cucine)
Column doors: Wood venere „Rovere Termotrattato”
- Base unit doors: FENIX „Castoro Ottawa”
- Wall units doors: Tech Alluminio „Brunito”
Worktops and wall panelling – Ceramics LAMINAM InSide „Piasentina Taupe Fiammato” thickness 60/12mm
System „Life” – matt lacquered „Nero Traffco”
Appliances and sanitary: Neff, Bosch, Falmec, Smeg, Whirlpool, Franke.
