Friday, June 3, 2011

Unique and Innovative Kitchen Concepts

Today I'm thrilled to have Stacy Curran of Conspicuous Style Interior Design and South Shore Decorating here to talk about some very interesting trend concepts for kitchen designs. From pods to products incorporating new technology, these kitchens are a far cry from the vintage inspired kitchens featuring painted white cabinetry, subway tile, carara marble and stainless steel appliances that are at the top of many kitchen wish lists at the moment. What will become hot trends and what will pass? What is your guess?

In recent years, kitchens have continued to be the most used and loved rooms in many people's homes. Homeowners still spend more on their kitchens than any other room, and for good reason. The innovations in kitchen design are never-ending. Even the concept of kitchens as rooms has changed. In the photo below, the kitchen is a wide open space, perhaps to accommodate the inevitable gathering of guests in the heart of the house.



But then, quite the opposite of the wide open spacious kitchen design shown above, is the concept of small, revolving, even pod-like kitchens for small spaces. First, there is the "Tree Pod" by Australian designer Balin Lee. It is a fully functional kitchen: the center part is the refrigerator, and the adjustable "branches" are pods holding coffee makers and other appliances.




Similarly, Sheer has developed the "Sphere Kitchen," also meant for small spaces that might not be able to accommodate a full size kitchen. The pod opens to reveal a fully functional kitchen.






The "Clever Kitchen" by Compact Concepts, achieves the same goal.



Another great innovation in kitchen design is the use of unique materials throughout the room. For example, this kitchen by designer Luis Caicedo utilizes frosted glass in the cabinets, which open upward, unlike traditional cabinets that open sideways.




In this next kitchen, the counter tops and even the cabinetry are solid Corian




Another unique material in kitchen design is glass - not so much the use of it, but where it is used. Glass (mirrors and tiles) is often used in back splashes, but here, the manufacturer, Lechner, used glass for the counter top...




...and as a digital range top.



Here is another great idea, an easy to clean Acrylic Sink from Interior Choice Kitchens.




This next idea, to make modern even more modern and streamlined, is the Dune Kitchen Island by Pedini, which is a free form kitchen island with no handles.  Instead, users open the cabinets by pulling them from the groove at the top of the doors.




Reclaimed wood kitchens (and living rooms, and dining rooms, and furniture in general) are increasing in popularity every day.  This next kitchen is done beautifully by Greene Partners in reclaimed wood.




Interestingly, themed kitchens have also become popular recently.  Traditionally, themes in general have been left for children's rooms.  As these next two photos illustrate, though, designers have brought the trend to kitchens.  The first is the "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" kitchen, based on the novel by Jules Verne, created by Kevin Manus and Kitchens.com.




And this one, by XTC Design, is an ocean themed kitchen.




Lighting, always a key element of any room, has also evolved in kitchens.   Here, Mal Corboy incorporated under island strip lighting.




This next kitchen was designed by Hilsabeck Design Associates.  Here, the designer used lighting under the island counter top to add a warm glow to the entire room.




Finally, appliances have evolved along with the rest of the kitchen. My favorite is the ultra sleek Whirlpool Nova Side by Side Refrigerator.




I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that you'll visit my blog, Conspicuous Style. Thank you so much House of Fifty for the wonderful opportunity to guest post.

20 comments:

Stacy CUrran said...

Thank you House of Fifty for letting me guest post....it was a real honor. This post was unusual for me, as I usually post eye candy with less research involved, but it was a lot of fun to do, and I appreciate the opportunity to post on such a truly great blog.
Stacy

Stacy CUrran said...

PS....I know it is a little early to call it a "great blog" but I feel totally comfortable doing so knowing who it is written by and what is sure to come!

Karena said...

Hi Stacy those pods are so cool and how fun in a small contemporary space!!

Thanks for having her Janell!

Come and enter my amazing $250 Giveaway from Tracy Porter!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

Holy George Jetson!! So much for subway tile and marble. Amazing options for a work/live situation.

Stacy CUrran said...

Yes, I think they were actually designed for work spaces and smaller homes. Wouldn't one be so coll in an office kitchen?
Stacy

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Thanks Stacy for guest posting today, really fun post and informative post and I'd not seen many of these concepts before. Was quite surprised by some!! Fast forward 20 years, this all may be the norm?

Janell

Laura/Hayestone/Design Share said...

The pod kitchens are very James Bond-y, no? They are really cool looking and while they SAY they're fully functional, I wonder if they truly are. Maybe a bit like a motor home kitchen...only waaaay more stylish :-) I really like the fantasy element of the 20,000 leagues kitchen! Fun post, cool kitchens. Thanks Stacy! (and Janell!)
~Laura
hayestone.blogspot.com

Stacy CUrran said...

I can't really imagine having one in my home, but we'll see in twenty years I guess! I could put one in an office in a heartbeat though!

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Anonymous said...

i love this blog. fresh. congrats! i love the concept kitchens & lots of fun ideas, but, my soul dreams of a farm-style kitchen...with some of the space-age tech! lol

Unknown said...

Modern designs are spectacular. Along with technology, they add some glamour to a place. All the kitchens posted have this classy and luxurious touch to them, and their designs are breathtaking!

Rodger Ciliberto

Anonymous said...

So luxurious design.
I like the kitchen designs most and want to little bit replace may kitchen like this and all the furniture design are excellent looking.

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

There are those who do not want the conventional style of living and so they look for ways so that they will stand out. From the way they dress to the furniture that they have at home, and even the colors that they want their painting contractors Denver CO to use (for instance) to make their living spaces unique may not be common. The given photos above are very inspiring! They not only look great but each part of the kitchen design has function which is indeed a great idea.

Anonymous said...

These are absolutely amazing! These designs are just so overwhelming. The kitchen is one important part of the house and with these creations, it will become the favorite place of every family member. I really love the first design because it is so spacious and very refreshing. This would be helpful for those who are thinking of an epoxy flooring Louisiana project or another improvement idea for their homes. The kitchen by Greene Partners is also fantastic because of the warm and cozy ambience it has. These will really serve as inspirations.

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