Unconventional Design Concept:
SieMatic presents BeauxArts, a new aesthetic in kitchen design
Presenting a classic kitchen in an unconventional style – SieMatic has reached this objective with the BeauxArts Collection, first presented in autumn of 2006. The collection, created in collaboration with their Chicago design partner Mick De Giulio, combines different stylistic directions, materials, and colors; thus building a bridge between seemingly contradictory styles and international design preferences – a concept that was inspired by American architects beginning at the start of the 20th century. The result is a completely new kind of aesthetic and elegance for Kitchen Interior Design in a contemporary sophistication. Ulrich W. Siekmann, CEO and owner of SieMatic Möbelwerke GmbH & Co. KG is quoted as saying “With BeauxArts, we are changing the rules. We are bringing together design elements and stylistic directions that have never before been combined. A concept that at first glance is unusual; at second glance, however, is fascinating.”
École des Beaux-Arts:
Architecture embodying unlimited possibilities
The Beaux-Arts architectural style had decisively shaped the face of the fast growing American metropolises, primarily at the start of the 20th century. A new generation of successful businessmen longed for an architecture that would allow them to express their wealth. This period brought forth skyscrapers, which not only made better use of expensive property, but were also symbols of the achievement of the American Dream in the land of opportunity. The buildings were supposed to create excitement, and to impress. Progressive American architects, such as Stanford White, Charles Follen McKim, Henry Hobson Richardson, Daniel Burnham, and Richard Morris Hunt, who had studied at the famous art institute École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, followed this spirit of their times and re-interpreted architecture and architectural planning. For example, monumental ornaments, such as splendid columns, complemented modern architectural elements.
Basically, however, Beaux-Arts was not a new style at all, but rather a bold combination of stylistic directions from various cultures and countries. Inspiration was taken from the structures of the Roman Empire and the Italian Renaissance as well as the architecture of the ancient Greece. Suggestions of the French and Italian Baroque can be found, but also elements of the late Gothic and Rococo. The architects thus followed the American philosophy of a metaphorical “melting pot”. By the way, one of the most famous examples for structures in the Beaux-Arts style is the Statue of Liberty, given to the Americans by the People of France in celebration of freedom.
Opportunities for individualists:
BeauxArts reflects the spirit of the times
Like the architectural style, the innovative BeauxArts Kitchen Interior Design by SieMatic composes from a collection of different – even seemingly contradictory – stylistic directions, which have never before been brought together in an authentic design. This allows you completely new opportunities for Kitchen Interior Design. With finishes and materials, colors and engineering, SieMatic is questioning commonly accepted views of aesthetics. What once was considered to be incompatible, now complements in SieMatic BeauxArts kitchens, both unpredictably and attractively. Finally there is an alternative to the prevailing uniformity of the past 40 years of Kitchen Design – from lines to materials; from colors to handles.
With its BeauxArts collection, which was first presented – and enthusiastically received – in the USA, SieMatic answers the demand for individual living concepts, which is also on the rise in Europe. Mr Siekmann justifies the great expectations for the new collection, “While the focus in Europe has long been on modern, minimalist design, the overwhelming preference on the American market was for Country Style. For some years now, we have noticed that the long-established European and American preferences are coming closer and closer together”.
Creative kitchen planning:
discovering a new freedom of design
Modern or classic? Warm, natural wood or matt painted surfaces? With BeauxArts deciding on one does not necessarily mean giving up the other. Instead, planning is done in segments. For example, from a design perspective, the cooking area is separated from the sink or preparation area. In each segment, fronts and countertops with different materials, handles, and material dimensions can be used. Quoting Ulrich W. Siekmann, “The design mix incorporates the entire room. With BeauxArts, therefore, we no longer talk about new fronts but rather about a composition of details, which contribute to a unique spatial communication and sensuality”. Elegant kitchen furniture combined with rustic stovetops, antiques, and heirloom items placed between stainless steel fronts – all that is possible, and even desired, with BeauxArts. “With the nearly infinite options to combine, we want to accommodate the desires of our customers for individuality and versatility,” continues Siekmann.
Kitchen Interior Design in symmetrical balance
Also characteristic of the architectural style – and of the BeauxArts Kitchen Interior Design by SieMatic – is symmetry. According to this idea, a large unit should always occupy a central position, while a balanced design is created around it. For example, extra-large traditional-style stoves are flanked on both sides by Base Cabinets with drawers. The same symmetrical distribution of space is also encountered in the sink area. Modern refrigerators in stainless steel and Display Cabinets featuring classic lines, with plenty of drawers and glass doors, stand detached in the room or are placed next to one another as if by chance.
The philosophy of BeauxArts demands that within the framework of symmetry, everything is allowed. The decisive factors in the design are solely the taste and wishes of the originator. As rigid stylistic conventions are being aborted from the Architecture and Interior Design of personal living spaces, this new freedom of design and architecture is now also expanding into the kitchen. In this way, the joy of creativity, the joy of the unconventional, which rules in the art of cooking itself, is transferred to the room in which it takes place. The sources of inspiration for this play with individual ideas and solutions are many and varied: foreign lands and cultures, as well as from everyday life, and from the fine arts, or from film and television.
Timelessly elegant color concepts
For the launch of BeauxArts on the European market, SieMatic has presented a timelessly elegant color selection of white, beige, green, and grey tones, as well as two new wood finishes. Although in principle any color lacquer is available, a conscious selection has been made to include warm matt tones of light brown, light green, light yellow, and light blue that are complimented by delicate, earthy colors and brown tones as well as natural green and ochre hues.
Light: combination of functionality and aesthetics
In conventional kitchen planning, lights, as a rule, are positioned over the countertops or shine on the fronts of the wall cabinets. In BeauxArts, the lighting serves more than just a functional purpose. It is much more indirect and unobtrusive. From wall cabinets and niches or from the ceiling, the light is distributed over the work areas and the center space. The effect is a sense of a comfortable and luxurious sensuality. At the same time, the kitchen appears to be larger, while the various light sources ensure perfect illumination for cooking. Another innovation for use in the kitchen is the use of living-room-like sconces for lighting. They not only convey a very atmospheric mood, but also enhance the overall symmetrical balance.
Information on Mick De Giulio:
In developing the BeauxArts collection, SieMatic worked together with its Chicago design partner of many years, Mick De Giulio. This kitchen designer stands for interior design with personality; his motto is: “Commitment to excellence”. For him, perfection is the first commandment, and top quality must never be compromised. Mick De Giulio’s philosophy, his way of working, and his dedication to quality of material and design, convinced SieMatic Möbelwerke GmbH & Co. KG, to work with him to develop the international Kitchen Interior Design concept “BeauxArts by SieMatic”.
BeauxArts – Concept & Design: Mick De Giulio
SieMatic presents BeauxArts, a new aesthetic in kitchen design
Presenting a classic kitchen in an unconventional style – SieMatic has reached this objective with the BeauxArts Collection, first presented in autumn of 2006. The collection, created in collaboration with their Chicago design partner Mick De Giulio, combines different stylistic directions, materials, and colors; thus building a bridge between seemingly contradictory styles and international design preferences – a concept that was inspired by American architects beginning at the start of the 20th century. The result is a completely new kind of aesthetic and elegance for Kitchen Interior Design in a contemporary sophistication. Ulrich W. Siekmann, CEO and owner of SieMatic Möbelwerke GmbH & Co. KG is quoted as saying “With BeauxArts, we are changing the rules. We are bringing together design elements and stylistic directions that have never before been combined. A concept that at first glance is unusual; at second glance, however, is fascinating.”
École des Beaux-Arts:
Architecture embodying unlimited possibilities
The Beaux-Arts architectural style had decisively shaped the face of the fast growing American metropolises, primarily at the start of the 20th century. A new generation of successful businessmen longed for an architecture that would allow them to express their wealth. This period brought forth skyscrapers, which not only made better use of expensive property, but were also symbols of the achievement of the American Dream in the land of opportunity. The buildings were supposed to create excitement, and to impress. Progressive American architects, such as Stanford White, Charles Follen McKim, Henry Hobson Richardson, Daniel Burnham, and Richard Morris Hunt, who had studied at the famous art institute École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, followed this spirit of their times and re-interpreted architecture and architectural planning. For example, monumental ornaments, such as splendid columns, complemented modern architectural elements.
Basically, however, Beaux-Arts was not a new style at all, but rather a bold combination of stylistic directions from various cultures and countries. Inspiration was taken from the structures of the Roman Empire and the Italian Renaissance as well as the architecture of the ancient Greece. Suggestions of the French and Italian Baroque can be found, but also elements of the late Gothic and Rococo. The architects thus followed the American philosophy of a metaphorical “melting pot”. By the way, one of the most famous examples for structures in the Beaux-Arts style is the Statue of Liberty, given to the Americans by the People of France in celebration of freedom.
Opportunities for individualists:
BeauxArts reflects the spirit of the times
Like the architectural style, the innovative BeauxArts Kitchen Interior Design by SieMatic composes from a collection of different – even seemingly contradictory – stylistic directions, which have never before been brought together in an authentic design. This allows you completely new opportunities for Kitchen Interior Design. With finishes and materials, colors and engineering, SieMatic is questioning commonly accepted views of aesthetics. What once was considered to be incompatible, now complements in SieMatic BeauxArts kitchens, both unpredictably and attractively. Finally there is an alternative to the prevailing uniformity of the past 40 years of Kitchen Design – from lines to materials; from colors to handles.
With its BeauxArts collection, which was first presented – and enthusiastically received – in the USA, SieMatic answers the demand for individual living concepts, which is also on the rise in Europe. Mr Siekmann justifies the great expectations for the new collection, “While the focus in Europe has long been on modern, minimalist design, the overwhelming preference on the American market was for Country Style. For some years now, we have noticed that the long-established European and American preferences are coming closer and closer together”.
Creative kitchen planning:
discovering a new freedom of design
Modern or classic? Warm, natural wood or matt painted surfaces? With BeauxArts deciding on one does not necessarily mean giving up the other. Instead, planning is done in segments. For example, from a design perspective, the cooking area is separated from the sink or preparation area. In each segment, fronts and countertops with different materials, handles, and material dimensions can be used. Quoting Ulrich W. Siekmann, “The design mix incorporates the entire room. With BeauxArts, therefore, we no longer talk about new fronts but rather about a composition of details, which contribute to a unique spatial communication and sensuality”. Elegant kitchen furniture combined with rustic stovetops, antiques, and heirloom items placed between stainless steel fronts – all that is possible, and even desired, with BeauxArts. “With the nearly infinite options to combine, we want to accommodate the desires of our customers for individuality and versatility,” continues Siekmann.
Kitchen Interior Design in symmetrical balance
Also characteristic of the architectural style – and of the BeauxArts Kitchen Interior Design by SieMatic – is symmetry. According to this idea, a large unit should always occupy a central position, while a balanced design is created around it. For example, extra-large traditional-style stoves are flanked on both sides by Base Cabinets with drawers. The same symmetrical distribution of space is also encountered in the sink area. Modern refrigerators in stainless steel and Display Cabinets featuring classic lines, with plenty of drawers and glass doors, stand detached in the room or are placed next to one another as if by chance.
The philosophy of BeauxArts demands that within the framework of symmetry, everything is allowed. The decisive factors in the design are solely the taste and wishes of the originator. As rigid stylistic conventions are being aborted from the Architecture and Interior Design of personal living spaces, this new freedom of design and architecture is now also expanding into the kitchen. In this way, the joy of creativity, the joy of the unconventional, which rules in the art of cooking itself, is transferred to the room in which it takes place. The sources of inspiration for this play with individual ideas and solutions are many and varied: foreign lands and cultures, as well as from everyday life, and from the fine arts, or from film and television.
Timelessly elegant color concepts
For the launch of BeauxArts on the European market, SieMatic has presented a timelessly elegant color selection of white, beige, green, and grey tones, as well as two new wood finishes. Although in principle any color lacquer is available, a conscious selection has been made to include warm matt tones of light brown, light green, light yellow, and light blue that are complimented by delicate, earthy colors and brown tones as well as natural green and ochre hues.
Light: combination of functionality and aesthetics
In conventional kitchen planning, lights, as a rule, are positioned over the countertops or shine on the fronts of the wall cabinets. In BeauxArts, the lighting serves more than just a functional purpose. It is much more indirect and unobtrusive. From wall cabinets and niches or from the ceiling, the light is distributed over the work areas and the center space. The effect is a sense of a comfortable and luxurious sensuality. At the same time, the kitchen appears to be larger, while the various light sources ensure perfect illumination for cooking. Another innovation for use in the kitchen is the use of living-room-like sconces for lighting. They not only convey a very atmospheric mood, but also enhance the overall symmetrical balance.
Information on Mick De Giulio:
In developing the BeauxArts collection, SieMatic worked together with its Chicago design partner of many years, Mick De Giulio. This kitchen designer stands for interior design with personality; his motto is: “Commitment to excellence”. For him, perfection is the first commandment, and top quality must never be compromised. Mick De Giulio’s philosophy, his way of working, and his dedication to quality of material and design, convinced SieMatic Möbelwerke GmbH & Co. KG, to work with him to develop the international Kitchen Interior Design concept “BeauxArts by SieMatic”.
BeauxArts – Concept & Design: Mick De Giulio