SNAPSHOT: Johnny Grey

25 February 2010

Legendary kitchen designer Johnny Grey gives his thoughts on curves, geometry and the future of design...

Q Can you explain your principles of 'soft geometry'?

A Soft geometry uses soft shapes to make body movement throughout interior spaces seamless, particularly in tight areas. Corners create body jerks and cause sudden changes of direction and therefore divert attentiveness to cooking tasks and such like.

Q In your book 'The Art of Kitchen Design' you explain the importance that curves on island units play in soft geometry. Is it possible to provide soft geometry in a galley kitchen?

A Yes. It enables you to use fully-curved peninsulas or circular dedicated work areas to enhance ergonomics. I also use the phrase 'soft geometry' to mean easy flow and this includes straight or tilted lines.

Q You work with made-to-order kitchen furniture. Could you create a Johnny Grey kitchen from modular furniture?

A In theory you could and increasingly there is a move to break up long runs of units by creating blocks. The problem is that the ends of modular units are not planned to be seen as they aren't designed as traditional furniture with a façade and sides.

Q How is the rise of the kitchen as part of the living space affecting your own design projects?

A Wonderfully. We now are able to design living environments, not just place boxes around walls. Particularly welcome is the move to link the kitchen space with the garden and put in French doors.

Q What are the practical ways you can 'zone' larger kitchen-cum-living room spaces?

A Once you have created a scheme for the culinary area - the working heart of the room - you can allocate the quotient for sociable and eating spaces. In larger spaces, these will allow for a fireplace, soft flooring and sofas, a household desk/organising centre, a second table - superb for families with school-age kids - and even the luxury of an auxiliary work station.Best of all, though, you can free up wall space for French windows.

Johnny Grey will be giving a seminar called "Designing kitchens for the long term" on March 23 at kbb Birmingham 2010.

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SNAPSHOT: Johnny Grey	Back
25 February 2010 Legendary kitchen designer Johnny Grey gives his thoughts on curves, geometry and the future of design... Q Can you explain your principles of 'soft geometry'? A Soft geometry uses soft shapes to make body movement throughout interior spaces seamless, particularly in tight areas. Corners create body jerks and cause sudden changes of direction and therefore divert attentiveness to cooking tasks and such like. Q In your book 'The Art of Kitchen Design' you explain the importance that curves on island units play in soft geometry. Is it possible to provide soft geometry in a galley kitchen? A Yes. It enables you to use fully-curved peninsulas or circular dedicated work areas to enhance ergonomics. I also use the phrase 'soft geometry' to mean easy flow and this includes straight or tilted lines. Q You work with made-to-order kitchen furniture. Could you create a Johnny Grey kitchen from modular furniture? A In theory you could and increasingly there is a move to break up long runs of units by creating blocks. The problem is that the ends of modular units are not planned to be seen as they aren't designed as traditional furniture with a façade and sides. Q How is the rise of the kitchen as part of the living space affecting your own design projects? A Wonderfully. We now are able to design living environments, not just place boxes around walls. Particularly welcome is the move to link the kitchen space with the garden and put in French doors. Q What are the practical ways you can 'zone' larger kitchen-cum-living room spaces? A Once you have created a scheme for the culinary area - the working heart of the room - you can allocate the quotient for sociable and eating spaces. In larger spaces, these will allow for a fireplace, soft flooring and sofas, a household desk/organising centre, a second table - superb for families with school-age kids - and even the luxury of an auxiliary work station.Best of all, though, you can free up wall space for French windows. Johnny Grey will be giving a seminar called "Designing kitchens for the long term" on March 23 at kbb Birmingham 2010.