Renowned design leader unveils 11 ambitious new showroom concepts
Mick de Giulio is one of the world's top kitchen designers. Starting in the 1980s, he is one of the few people responsible for transforming and elevating the kitchen from a utilitarian space to its current state, where it is the soul and heartbeat of most homes. This is due in no small part to his ability to consistently advance bold new ideas and artistic visions for warmth, comfort and style with each subsequent project.
De Giulio seems to be pushing the boundaries in the areas of product and showroom design, especially with brands like Kalista, SieMatic, and Sub-Zero/Wolf. His Beaux-Arts-inspired kitchen for SieMatic in 2002 is widely recognized as a significant design milestone in the industry.
Late last year, in response to a challenge from a longtime customer, the late Bob Abt, owner of Abt Appliances in Glenview, Illinois, De Giulio decided to build an interconnector on Abt's 100,000-square-foot property. completed a series of 11 kitchen vignettes. ft. location, resulting in an inspirational studio. Each vignette highlights the possibilities achieved using home appliances from 11 different brands: Bosch, Dacor, Gaggenau, Jenn-Air, La Cornue, LG, Monogram, Thermador, Samsung, Sub-Zero/ Wolf, Viking. “The spaces are designed as a continuum, with each space flowing into the other,” notes De Giulio. He consciously avoids proclaiming standard design boundaries such as traditional and contemporary design. “We wanted to challenge traditional design and make visitors think differently about their kitchens and appliances.” Mission accomplished.
