A kitchen like a 4-season painting
We designed this Binova Cucine kitchen setup for a mature couple, so we looked for a mature approach to materials, geometry and functionality in the kitchen. The mission was to merge two different visions of what the kitchen should look like, and we sought a middle ground that combined influences from the two clients.
The concept we started from was Balance and we explored the means that enable this balance in furniture design. The choice of materials followed a dominant idea – to combine in a natural way materials that inspire the passage of seasons – spring (glass), summer (wood), autumn (ceramic) and winter (stainless steel).
Balance is a matter of symmetry
- The left base units, central island and showcase columns are designed to the same length and are positioned on the same horizontal axis. To visually define this aspect, the length of the bases on the left is accentuated by the plinth.
- The positioning line of the suspended units on the left, above the hood, is equivalent to the positioning line of the glass units on the right, above the appliances.
- The last column on the left from the window is a wall covering that hides a support pillar, but on the right we have a column with storage spaces, thus we keep the balance of the furniture volumes.
An asymmetric detail reinforces the rule of symmetry
- Notice the countertop console that integrates the sink, it is slightly raised and framed by a 12 mm ceramic frame. This console breaks the monobloc rhythm of the island’s geometry and serves some useful functions – it is dedicated to the washing area and does not allow water to flow to the rest of the island.
- The countertop console that integrates the sink evokes weight and solidity, but the fronts are slim, 12 mm, as is the thickness of the countertop, so we create a counterpoint with the same reinterpreted elements.
Alternatives sought in the choice of materials
- The two clients have relatively different tastes, so we sought to combine them on a complementary level. The lady prefers natural-looking wood essence and glass showcases, the gentleman wants masculine materials, stainless steel and stone.
- We mediated this relationship by choosing chemically sandblasted bronze glass fronts on an aluminum frame for the columns and base units on the left (Spechio Bronzo Opaco), and for the right columns we opted for columns with Rovere Termotratatto wooden fronts, alongside glazed columns with Fume glass that also integrates appliances.
- The wall units on the left are fluted ceramic and the wall cladding is smooth ceramic, as is the island.
- For the furniture on the left, the area created for the hob with absorption hood is defined horizontally by the stainless steel top, and the stainless steel also covers the sides of this area, including the upper section, above the suspended fixtures.
- For the columns on the right, the inner sides of the showcases are made of wood, and the back cladding is made of ceramic, a detail invisible in the renderings, but of great effect in reality.
- Coloanele din dreapta integrează două combine frigorifice cu deschidere Push în fiecare dintre corpurile laterale ale vitrinei. The columns on the right integrate two refrigeration units with Push opening in each of the showcase’s side.
The island is the element that mediates the geometry of the configuration
- The island is a star element of the kitchen, with a monobloc and slightly asymmetrical presence, with ceramic fronts (Calacatta X-Stone) and a slim 12 mm stainless steel top.
- The sink integrated into the stone console is also stainless steel, from Barazza.
- Generous storage space inside the island allows for order and accessibility in the kitchen.
Materials in 4 seasons
- Column fronts, overlapping columns + left base units: Glass in Spechio Bronzo Opaco finishing
- Fronts of suspended units left: Fluted ceramic (Calacatta X-Stone)
- Island fronts: Ceramic (Calacatta X-Stone)
- Island top and base top left: Stainless steel
- Right column fronts: Wood veneer in Rovere Carbone Termotratatto finish
- Showcase fronts: Stopsol smoked glass
How did we tackle the project?
This kitchen integrates many of our favorite elements of modern kitchen design – artistic concept (4 seasons), special geometry, luxury materials, alignments, mathematics, functionality, visual tranquility.
Our clients wanted a ceramic island in the middle of the kitchen space, so we focused on the island as the main element.
For the side units, we looked for a mirror effect, with symmetry at the concept level, but with alternations in terms of shapes and choice of materials to create a balance.
I worked with technological materials, two types of glass, stainless steel, but also with natural materials, ceramics and wood, juxtaposed in precise doses to outline a mature personality for the kitchen.
→ Andrei Gângă, Art Director MyKitchen Studio
Thinking about a kitchen design project?
Clients come to us for professional advice on designing and building a custom kitchen, but what we offer in consulting is more than technical. We offer an expert ear to listen to preferences, wishes, dreams, design ideas and materials that reflect the style of the future owner.
Our vision in kitchen design reflects your vision.
Kitchen design appointments
Choose the appointment date and time slot for a kitchen design consultation discussion at MyKitchen Studio showroom.
