Simplicity in the cheerful kitchen labyrinth

«The modern kitchen is a functional entity radiating warmth and comfort. The current turbulent economic times are certainly influencing the consumer's taste. We are discovering that people tend to go for simplicity, quality and functionality - user-friendliness with a human touch. So, a pleasant setting, with technology kept out of sight where possible.»

This explanation comes from Silvio Fortuna, the big man at Arclinea, one of Italy's leading kitchen manufacturers. He was talking to OBJEKT©International about kitchens in the near future.

For many kitchen designers the prediction of trends in their bailiwick is largely guesswork in view of the current economic malaise. One thing is certain: quality and restraint are major factors in the development of new models. Extravagant designs have been shelved for the time being, with functionality and simplicity at the forefront. That goes both for manufacturers of highly modern kitchens and for those who are specialised in more classical designs.

Simplicity is by no means equated with a Spartan kitchen: quite the reverse. The present-day kitchen emanates both functionality and warmth, and thus continues to be the hub of every interior. You are struck by the fact that kitchen manufacturers go to great pains to transform simplicity into a new kind of luxury, with special focus on quality. Quality for the kitchen itself, as well as the food that is prepared there.

Particular emphasis is given to the qualities of the materials and to integrating - and concealing - the latest technology. Natural stone is cut with almost surgical precision and forms a distinguishing feature into which the functional components would seem to have been sunk. Laser techniques ensure the seamless transition of materials and surfaces, and the combination of recycled wood and stainless steel gives an unexpected angle on the concept of 'kitchen'. The company further focuses on incorporating all the essential elements in kitchens for smaller dwellings - a trend that is found in the urban context world wide.  Square-metre prices in global hotspots often reach such extreme heights that every centimetre has to be used, without compromising luxury or comfort.

Arclinea's Silvio Fortuna described developments at the top of the world of kitchens: «These are interesting times, in which the consumer's tastes are changing under pressure from the economic circumstances. At present we are unable to predict what the end result will be.  And so we pursue our own course. What is apparent is that people want more natural materials and more focus on function, especially simplicity and user-friendliness with a human touch. Our philosophy is to develop the kitchen as a functional entity. The kitchen is made to be used and must, in addition, be comfortable. In our kitchen designs we do not aim at minimalism, but at a simple, warm ambience. A mixture of technology and warm materials and colours. A kitchen must be alive, even when a real chef is at work.»

With respect to the ubiquitous ecological aspect he said: «Well, in the world of kitchens there's a lot of talk about ecology. It applies more to a new feeling than something specifically all-embracing.»

In his view the real kitchen trends can be seen at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. It sets the standard for the rest of the world - something he can confirm from experience, since Arclinea has showrooms world wide. «You see that many of the markets are specifically interested in the European, and in particular the Italian lifestyle. That's our competitive edge. If someone wants a modern kitchen it generally means Italian design. The only exception is Russia, because there kitchen design is mainly traditional. Asia, on the other hand, prefers modern trends. That's why we are opening new showrooms in Shanghai and Beijing alongside those we have in various other Asian countries. That's how we attune ourselves to the market. By the way, Europe is still our main market. And it's where the ideas for new kitchens originate.»