I read a recent post in the Multi-Housing News Blog, November 3rd, 2008 by Kevin M. Henry titled, "The Essential Kitchen." I certainly enjoyed his writing style, although his perspective struck me as somewhat provocative. He walks his readers through the evolution of the kitchen in a story book fashion. I could envision a soft summer day, with little Billy and his sister playing in their wading pool whilst their ever smiling mom, in her red and white checkered apron, looked on admiringly through the always present kitchen window above her wash basin. Mr. Henry artfully moves the reader through the development of the kitchen to what it is today, "the social center of the home", "the modern kitchen."
By the end of the post Mr. Henry has certainly brought the walls down around kitchen design. The kitchen has a literal place at the center of a home's function. It is the meeting place, the place to write quick notes. After the kids are in bed, mom and dad entertain, or brunch is served for family and friends. The sink no longer needs to be under a window. No one spends much time there anymore, there are dishwashers. Today's kitchen, "the modern kitchen" is open, with lots of seating, two sinks and often two dishwashers. It is hard to dispute that the kitchen, in full color, with its furniture quality cabinets and its' natural stone or free formed concrete counter top, has become an aesthetic marvel.
What I do dispute is Mr. Henry's conclusion that "aesthetics outweighs functionality." I do so with humility, because although published and having been told that I probably have spoken just about enough, I don't match up to Mr. Henry's pedigree.
As a designer and manufacturer however, I much prefer the perspective that artful application of functionality allows freedom in design. There is a reason so many can be entertained, there is seating. Those big, glorious islands can accommodate a crowd. Typing notes or reading recipes is convenient, data cables have been wired in. Not having clutter may very well be the result of well planned work zones and appropriately designed cabinets.
My point here is not to criticize. It is to highlight what I feel is the bigger discussion and that is how to communicate amongst ourselves within the professional community and our clients that there is great freedom in design when functionality is embedded seamlessly, transparently and is always present within the design.
Fred B Thompson http://www.eXprzit.com http://www.wholesalecabinetoutlets.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fred_B._Thompson |
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