by

Carina Evison

Like all good trends, the concept of the Freestanding Kitchen has come full circle. Until the mid-20th century, kitchens were usually made up of a mismatched assortment of freestanding furniture, however they did not function in the same way we would expect them to today. Aside from a stove to cook on, and an icebox to preserve perishable foods in, other food items were kept in a separate pantry, cooking equipment was stored in a freestanding cupboard or dresser, and a large central work table was used to prepare, and later consume, meals.

The introduction of services such as gas, electricity and water, gradually modernised everyday life and by the end of the Second World War, the ergonomics of the kitchen had evolved considerably. Influenced by the likes of cabinet-maker, Freidemir Poggenpohl, and his business partner, Walter Ludewig, who together invented the first unit kitchen, the Form 1000 in 1950, kitchens gravitated away from their previous freestanding layout and were developed into the fitted, more organised kitchen aesthetic that we recognise today.

Recently, the Freestanding Kitchen has enjoyed a revival, however this time the concept comes complete with the necessities and functionality of 21st century kitchen living.

The Osea Kitchen by Plain English combines the principles of a freestanding kitchen, and the requirements of modern life, with the need for a contemporary aesthetic that is softer and more natural, than that of its high-gloss counterparts.

An increasingly popular design choice for contemporary kitchens, the layout revolves around a large central island. Similar to the work tables of the 20th century, islands provide multi-functional areas at which to prepare food, and to sit, eat and socialise. However islands can now be connected to all household services so that sinks, and modern technology such as dishwashers, can be incorporated into designs to enable food to be prepared, equipment and utensils washed, and smaller electrical aids used, in the same area.

Choosing a combination of worktop materials for an island as demonstrated in The Osea Kitchen which utilises Belgian Fossil Stone and Oak provides a variety of surfaces for a variety of tasks, the kneading of bread or chopping of vegetables for example. Worktops can also be extended over the main island unit, to provide a breakfast bar area where stools can be kept for social seating.

As a modern alternative to the separate pantries used in the traditional kitchens of the 20th century, The Osea Kitchen Island includes cupboard fa ades made from perforated Zinc, which allow air to circulate around perishable foods that are stored inside: the kitchen also has a freestanding larder cupboard, which boasts Blue Black Slate shelving to help keep perishables cool.

Wall space has been kept relatively uncluttered, with a simple line of shelving in Douglas Fir replacing the more conventional fitted wall cupboard run. Below sits a freestanding stove, accompanied by a set of marble-topped pan drawers that provide additional and convenient storage space, and a hardwearing preparation surface, particularly useful for resting hot dishes and saucepans, used in cooking.

\\”Carina Evison is the author of this article. Carina works for Plain English, a traditional joinery company that specialises in the design of

bespoke kitchens

, ranging from country house kitchens and

shaker style kitchens

to contemporary kitchens. Using the time-honoured Georgian techniques of furniture making, their designs are simple and long-lastin.

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