Monday, 25 August 2008

Interview with idFX Magazine

Award-winning luxury kitchen designer Simon Bray was recently interviewed by idFX Magazine on a trend that is beginning to appear at the latest kitchen design shows across the world: the use of interesting surface patterns.

Funnily enough, it is not a new trend to Simon. It’s a beautiful design feature he’s been using for many years.

idFX: What is your reaction to the introduction of striking surface pattern to the kitchen?

Simon Bray: About time too! Minimalism is so cold and soulless. I have always believed in the beauty of natural, heavily patterned wood veneers, such as Burr Oak and Burr Walnut, and they have been features of my designs for years. The use of new methods of applying coloured and textured patterns by computerised processes allows the large manufacturers to cost effectively create some visual stunning effects. The results should provide more variation in the large ranges thereby giving the customer greater choice. Although, of course, as with any off-the-shelf patterns, the degree of success with which they are used will ultimately depend upon the skill of the individual kitchen designer.

idFX: Do you think it is time to be bold, or should we still tread with caution bearing in mind a kitchen is usually in-situ for at least 5 years?

SB: In my mind it is definitely the time to be bold. Last year I wrote an article predicting that in 2008, due to the economic uncertainty and a general onset of doom and gloom, kitchens would become more decorative and more colourful because of our need to be cosseted and comforted by our surroundings at such times. It is also true that with the slowing of the housing market we will all be staying put longer and the effects of creating a more personal kitchen space can be fully enjoyed. The blandness of the minimalist look that was needed to appeal to a wide cross section of house buyers is no longer so important.

idFX: What materials and colours do you think work best in a kitchen setting, and have you spotted anything especially exciting on this score recently?

SB: I prefer to use a mix of materials that may include two types of wood veneer, highly polished colour lacquer and stainless steel. This mix allows me to design different areas into the kitchen with their own unique features. The results are zones with aesthetics and therefore moods that match functions. I am often experimenting with new decorative veneers and also ways of incorporating them within my designs such that they integrate and decorate rather than over power.

idFX: How would you personally work surface pattern into a kitchen design if requested and are there any design rules or inspiration you can offer?

SB: For me, working patterns into a design is what I do. I will use decorative panels behind big handles on a combination of larders and fridges. They give the section of cabinets a powerful sense of purpose and status as a grand piece of furniture. I may use a horizontal band of decorative veneer through a run of straight veneered doors to visually tie them together as a block. There will normally be more decorative veneer within the dining zone for the ambiance that it creates, while the cooking zone will contain more of the highly polished coloured lacquer.

idFX: Is this a look you would go for in your own home?

SB: Yes, I have this look at home. Kitchen-living rooms are places where so many different activities happen. We cook, chat, do homework, pay bills, have family meals and entertain friends. To perform well under so many conditions they are best divided into zones. By using the heavily patterned veneers, mixing a range of materials and with the help of well designed lighting it is possible to create these zones in a manner which allows them to integrate during the day for the family and yet have their own ambiance at night.

 

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Anne Stabler
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