I love a traditional kitchen but this little retro number is in a class of its own. So kitsch it’s good, this is the St Louis kitchen from Marchi Cucine which has its heart and soul firmly planted in the 1950s.
St Louis is a kitchen inspired by the innovation and creativity of that time, with its use of lacquered wood and soft colors, rounded shapes, and a cozy appearance that makes it fun and unusual. It is a kitchen designed for a young audience and for anyone eager to create an unusual and visually striking effect. It is a model that does not go unnoticed while maintaining at the same time a very simple and functional style.
The Marchi Cucine stand at this year’s Eurocucina was quite different to most stands in that it was set up like a museum or art gallery with a roped-off walkway through the middle and each kitchen featured as a “look but don’t touch” display. Marchi Cucine specialises in the more traditional designs so I was expecting to see handpainted surfaces, ornate features and classic styling.
What I wasn’t expecting was to see a kitchen that made me think of the Barbie kitchens I’d had as a child!
But, you know what? It works. I don’t quite know how but this design really worked for me. Maybe it’s because I know that behind that gorgeously retro exterior there is plenty of functionality and design aesthetics that make this kitchen highly practical. Modern appliances have been seamlessly integrated within the design but without making them the centrepiece of the kitchen.
I’m pretty sure this will be a kitchen design most of you will love or hate…and not much in between. But I’d love to know what you think. Could something like this ever work in an Australian home? I’ll admit I wouldn’t expect to find too many homes with a decor that would suit this style but I guess nothing’s ever impossible.
For more information visit www.marchicucine.com
