The Architect's retro kitchen in blue
Together with the Norwegian architect Ingrid Pay, we have created an oak kitchen that draws inspiration from the 60s and combines warm natural tones with an unexpected blue contrast that meets the demand of contemporary design and functionality.
Ingrid’s overarching interior style is Scandinavian with a forward-thinking twist. Here you get the quintessential muted neutrals and sleek elegance but paired with unexpected contrast. All her projects put strong emphasis on the connection between mathematics and arts, often showcased through lines – either sleek and straight or experimentally bold.
The grandiose oak kitchen is one such example. For Ingrid, the main priority was to find a partner that were able to understand her creative vision. Additionally, the new kitchen would substitute a notable, 40-year-old solution.
– I wanted to create a custom-made and built-in kitchen space that doesn’t compromise with high quality. Nordiska Kök was the given option. Nordiska Kök were very precise, implementing each aspect of my very detailed kitchen vision, she explains.
Notable for this kitchen is its unique color palette. Overarching warmth, characterized by darker oaks, meets lively blues in a well-curated mix.
– I was longing for an old-meets-new kind of aesthetic while my husband wanted a charming, traditionally French countryside-influenced kitchen in green. Naturally, we had to compromise, and warm oaks with unexpected blues was the result. It is colorful, yet traditional and will stand the test of time.
– We also prioritized the social aspects of a kitchen. The idea of a countryside kitchen really sparked the idea to go bigger, with an inviting kitchen table placed in the very middle. Contemporary spaces tend to be open and minimal, but we wanted that buzzy, homely feel. We see it as a natural meet-up point for the family.
Besides conscious color play, soft corners and tactile detailing truly stand out in this kitchen.
– A personal favorite is the door to the display cabinet, which is in lined glass. It elevates the space and you’re also able to see what’s going on behind there. I really like the rounded corners too; they are modern yet soft and build on the soothing energy.
For Ingrid Pay, it felt natural to pursue the architectural path. Her father worked in housing development, and early on she developed an interest for both building planning and designing. Today, she owns her own business, Pay Hus.
– As long as I remember, I have always loved to deeply indulge in my father’s drawings and as an architect, you do work very focused on projects. To me it’s hectic and exciting, but most importantly meaningful, ponders Ingrid.
Photo by Dag Sandven Text by Linnéa Ruiz Mutikainen