COCINA Y VIDA - NEWS + TRENDS
2008-09: trends '08/'09
The world's leading manufacturers of kitchens and components are presenting the latest trends in design and technology at the international trade fairs in milan and germany. there is an unmistakable shift towards the 'integrated kitchen world'. this new planning philosophy marks a turning point - away from the purely functional kitchen with a professional image and more towards an individually styled, homely area for living, cooking and working. in short: the minimalist professional look is out, interiors with a personal touch are in. this also includes making the true purpose of a kitchen visible again. such functions as washing-up, preparing and cooking food no longer need to be hidden behind wide expanses of doors as a matter of principle, but are allowed to be seen and noticed by the residents. the kitchen is open at the dining and living end - cooking and living zones are part of a harmonious whole. the idea of a seamless integration of cooking, living and communication is increasingly in evidence in concepts like the kitchen for 'lounging', where the family and guests can make themselves comfortable on leather seats while the food is being prepared. the famous memphis style with its cheerful colours is also experiencing a come-back.
as from now, the kitchen will be dominated by a free-standing central island complete with hob, sink and work surface. planning focuses on high base units - all with pull-out drawers and flaps. as in the past, tall cupboards will be employed with restraint, shelves being the preferred solution for extra storage space. an interesting convenience feature that is enjoying increased popularity comes in the form of electrically operated drawers and flaps, extractor hoods and adjustable kitchen units and appliances that can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button.
as regards materials, dark timber like teak and walnut is gaining in popularity, teamed with lots of glass. white and black produce interesting contrasts, while fuchsia red adds touches of colour. a new optical highlight is the lacquered surface over a metal base. the general rule is: the right mixture creates the atmosphere.
The world's leading manufacturers of kitchens and components are presenting the latest trends in design and technology at the international trade fairs in milan and germany. there is an unmistakable shift towards the 'integrated kitchen world'. this new planning philosophy marks a turning point - away from the purely functional kitchen with a professional image and more towards an individually styled, homely area for living, cooking and working. in short: the minimalist professional look is out, interiors with a personal touch are in. this also includes making the true purpose of a kitchen visible again. such functions as washing-up, preparing and cooking food no longer need to be hidden behind wide expanses of doors as a matter of principle, but are allowed to be seen and noticed by the residents. the kitchen is open at the dining and living end - cooking and living zones are part of a harmonious whole. the idea of a seamless integration of cooking, living and communication is increasingly in evidence in concepts like the kitchen for 'lounging', where the family and guests can make themselves comfortable on leather seats while the food is being prepared. the famous memphis style with its cheerful colours is also experiencing a come-back.as from now, the kitchen will be dominated by a free-standing central island complete with hob, sink and work surface. planning focuses on high base units - all with pull-out drawers and flaps. as in the past, tall cupboards will be employed with restraint, shelves being the preferred solution for extra storage space. an interesting convenience feature that is enjoying increased popularity comes in the form of electrically operated drawers and flaps, extractor hoods and adjustable kitchen units and appliances that can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button.
as regards materials, dark timber like teak and walnut is gaining in popularity, teamed with lots of glass. white and black produce interesting contrasts, while fuchsia red adds touches of colour. a new optical highlight is the lacquered surface over a metal base. the general rule is: the right mixture creates the atmosphere.