By Julie Gedeon
Photography by SieMatic
Binns kitchen + bath design presented state-of-the-art home design at the Living Luxe Design Show in April with a display from SieMatic’s innovative URBAN SG6 line. “We had a SieMatic kitchen set up so everyone could experience this wonderful modular approach for themselves,” says creative director and designer Beverley Binns.
SieMatic’s new URBAN line evolves the clean, minimalist elements of modernism into a softer phase that is entirely customizable. “There’s a rounding of corners, a return to warmer organic tones and purposely open areas where homeowners can express their individuality while maintaining the aesthetic flow into adjacent spaces,” Binns says.
Art Deco nods infuse the innovation with exquisite details. “When you walk around this kitchen, you discover all of these unique elements in the different patterns, textures and modular options,” Binns says. “The Hollywood bevel created for the countertop edges is not only beautifully decorative but prevents spillage.”
The swing back towards the warmer side of the colour wheel is a welcome change after years of cooler tones. “Whenever the economy or the world, in general, becomes a bit more unsettled, our design aesthetic shifts to warmer shades and softer lines because we all need to feel even cozier at home,” Binns says.
Incorporating greenery is another new essential for setting a soothing tone in city living. “When we’re primarily surrounded by concrete in a high-rise unit or loft, we need a touch of nature,” Binns says. The SieMatic modular lines can accommodate a custom-built planter alongside the island for easy access to fresh herbs. A discreet trough behind the sink is another great place to add plants, or it can be used as storage for frequently reached-for bottles.
The handle-free cabinetry is made of a superior laminate that mimics a rich wood finish while being super durable. And, Binns adds, “The warm charcoal tones are fingerprint resistant.” The modular aspects offer exceptional flexibility for customization, along with adding practical elements, such as a rail for tea towels or a trivet at the end of a counter.
Focused on enduring craftsmanship, the overall design is purposely understated in some of its elements. The finishes on the faucets, for example, are muted to blend with the earthier tones in a setting that prioritizes functionality. “You still admire its design, but it’s no longer the showy piece,” Binns says. The same goes for wine storage. She notes that clients are increasingly opting for more discreet wine fridges that don’t have glass doors.
When it comes to countertops, the timeless elegance of marble is still a favourite. Yes, it will likely get stained, but that becomes part of its character,” Binns says. “It adds to the beauty of this ageless stone and is a wonderful choice as long as people understand and appreciate its nature.” Otherwise, a wide range of stone or even concrete finishes complement the earthier elements of this design. The primarily monolithic slabs showcase more pronounced colours and patterns in the countertops and backsplash.
For those wanting to maximize design flow in an open-concept space, glass cabinetry, fluted or flat panelling, and open shelving can be continued into adjacent rooms. “It all connects for a smooth continuation of this design’s story,” Binns says. And another perk: Exposed shelving is a great opportunity for homeowners to personalize their kitchen while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic. “This design gives us the spaces to tell our story by displaying important elements of our lives, whether it’s a conversational piece that we picked up during our travels or the beautiful cookware that we use and should celebrate,” Binns says.
Ultimately, Binns notes, this kitchen design is about being practical while also incorporating unexpected elements. For proof, just look at SieMatic’s elegant interpretation of the classic hutch in the living area. “The urge to place glass cabinetry on both sides of a hutch is resisted in favour of having just one cabinet with an exquisite reeded design along with a larger open space defined by a stone backdrop and reed panelling,” she says. The secondary hutch in the dining room area brings modern flair to the very first such buffet units manufactured by SieMatic in the 1920s. “It’s inspired by the modularity that characterized homes a century ago with standalone elements that extended smaller historic kitchens into a dining room or dinette,” Binns says. “It responds so well to the current desire for coffee bars and beverage centres that are now in our top five client requests.”
As with the whole SieMatic line, available at Binns kitchen + bath design and on view at its Toronto showroom, the hutch honours a long-standing history of design while keeping an eye toward the latest innovations and advancements.