Airy & Casual Kitchen

AIRY & CASUAL KITCHEN

A second Analysis of the Elements and Principles of Design.

Image source: Houseandhome.com

In this beautiful casual kitchen I can appreciate some natural and true materials.  The flooring and the gray brick give some rustic casual feel within some parameters.

Pitched roof gives height and volume above the users of this kitchen. The pendant lighting gives interest to the area, while balancing the ceiling height. 

I love the warm tones of the leather chairs and the wood from the cabinetry and beam above.

Good design is all about balance, balance, balance.

 Here is the detailed Analysis:

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

SPACE

• The pitched ceiling creates a negative space above the heavily perceived island. 
• The upper cabinetry dimensions are narrower than countertops and have some transparencies, which makes them feel lighter. 
• The fixed millwork furniture breathes as there is negative space above it. 

LINE

• Most lines are rectilinear in this space.
• The diagonal ceiling lines create a dynamic feeling. 
• There are some horizontal, long and heavy lines that bring a sense of grounding to the space.
• Organic lines from the natural planters bring freedom of movement and a relaxed ambiance to the space.
• Curved lines from the lighting fixtures and high stools soften the aspect of the space and the curved chairs resemble human ergonomics.

SHAPE

• Fixed millwork is rectilinear which is then softened by the curved lines of the lighting fixtures and high stools. 
• The shape of the high stools seem to begin in rectangle and trapezoid geometric shapes and then softened with curved shapes. These shapes integrate well with the  rectangular shape that is repeated throughout the room.

COLOUR

• The base colours belong to true materials, like brick and wood. The blue secondary colour has a matte finish and milky tone, perhaps of a paint wash technique.  This colour characteristic helps tone down the brightness of the colour and makes it coordinate well with the browns and whites colours. It is a good contrast of colour and integrates well.
• The colour palette is made of white, grays, browns (cabinetry and flooring wood), bright orange-tone browns (leather stools, pantry and beam natural wood, rug and wood staging elements), and blue as the accent colour.

TEXTURE

• There is a rich brick texture with an interesting colour variation from grays to whites.
• Natural materials textures softens this space and are found in the wood and greenery from the plants. 
• There is a rug slightly seen in the picture, it brings texture to the room and interest.

LIGHT

• Natural light enters the space creating an effect of natural shadows on the floor and island millwork.
• There is a sequence of lighting fixtures and repetition that would bring interest to the space at night hours when the artificial lights are on.

PATTERN

• Pattern is found on the rug.
• The wood ceiling and flooring have a linear pattern.
• The brick pattern brings interest and movement.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

BALANCE

• The kitchen has symmetry and feels balanced. The island center is aligned to the exposed ceiling beam; the back counter, upper cabinets and lighting is also centered to the beam.
• The colour of the island makes it look heavier and anchored. The lighter colours on the other elements bring balance to the overall look.
• There is balance on the grounding feeling of the room, created by the strong horizontal elements, and the dynamic vaulted negative space above.

RHYTHM

• The three lighting fixtures,hanging from the ceiling, create a dynamic rhythm.
• The stools on the island bring some rhythm to the area.
• The transparent cabinets above have a rhythm that plays well with its different elements of lighting fixtures, and tableware. 

EMPHASIS

• The symmetry on the main kitchen elements brings attention and emphasis to the spacious high ceiling.
• The island stands out because of the accent colour selection, its scale and position.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

• The proportion of the long and heavier island is well proportioned in relation to the negative space above it.
• There is an interesting proportion of the colour materials’ selections. Perhaps the colours allocation is not following the 60/30/10 rule, but when adding the repetition factor, the space feels balanced.

HARMONY

• There is simplicity in the design, in the elements and materials selection which makes it feel as a current and contemporary design. There are also some classic details throughout the space such as lighting fixtures, the transparent display on the cabinetry, the stools leather material and the central island details of painting technique and framing.
• The brick wall has a busy pattern. However, it balances with the other materials’ soft texture. Additionally, the other materials’ colours bring the eyes’ attention and the busy brick texture subdues.