New directions

Contemporary kitchen design isn't just aboutnew materials and sleek, streamlined cab-inetry. It's also about creating a kitchen that reflects the personalities of the people using it.

This philosophy has determined the design of the LuxeHome kitchen displays by de Giulio kitchen design. Owner Mick De Giulio says the showroom, which includes three kitchen living environments and a butler's pantry, is a culmination of the personalized and eclectic direction the company believes is most relevant for the future.

"Our goal was not to have a typical showroom, showcasing products, but to pay homage to the idea of what kitchens have become over the past few decades the heart and soul of the family and the home," De Giulio says.

"Our world is now composed of many opposing themes that play an important role in shaping our lives high tech and high touch, organic and precision engineered, computers and antiques. Our customized designs celebrate these opposing themes, with both subtle and grand statements."

De Giulio says much of the success of these concepts comes from getting the proportions right.

"We may incorporate an antique armoire into a contemporary setting, but the scale of one element will always relate to the scale of the other."

De Giulio kitchen design specializes in customized solutions that blend interior architecture and product design for kitchens, and manages projects from initial concept through installation. The company represents SieMatic, a kitchen manufacturer renowned for its innovative styling and precision engineering, and La Cornue handcrafted, custom-built ranges from France.

For details, contact de Giulio, 1121 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091, phone (847) 256 8833; or 121 The Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL 60654, phone (312) 494 9200. Website: www.degiulio.org.

Story by: Trendsideas