Great design principles

Great design and what it means is in some ways subjective.

No doubt there are philosophers who have expounded on the subject – probably at some length.  There are also some elements, such as balance, composition and functionality that must be in sync for a design to be great.

At Metalier, we’ve often worked with Sue Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design and the picture above is one of Sue’s kitchens.  In this kitchen the design’s central element is the unusual pattern and colour in the stone splash back.  The palette is muted in tones of cream and a mushroom brown.  Sue has carried forward the colours into the cream bench and the cream cabinets with their brown handles.  The range-hood tones perfectly in Metalier smoky bronze (one of Sue’s favourite metals).  The table and chairs complete the brown contribution to the theme.

Variety is added with having glass in the end cabinet to show off the owners’ glassware and crockery and there is a touch of whimsy in the little shelf high on the left side of the splash back. The towel rails with their ceramic knobs are a quirky touch too.

This kitchen is an illustration of all the elements that make up great design in our opinion – subjectivity again!  Above all good design contributes to how we live and how happily and well we live and function.  I am sure that the cook or cooks who get to work in this kitchen just love every minute they spend in this room.  I imagine too that this translates into the great dishes that are produced here.  And you certainly wouldn’t want to leave it in a mess!

And don’t forget that the design has to be stunningly beautiful.  We think this kitchen is and we’d love to take it home.

Contact Metalier in NZ, UK, USA, Vietnam or Australia for recommendations of great designers for residential and commercial fit-outs or complete the form below.