Last week we published part 1 of the interview with Manuela Ricci, Marketing Manager for Signature Kitchen Suite in Europe, discussing the brand's rapid expansion in Europe. Today, we'll continue with the current trends in the luxury kitchen market and the advantages of collaborating with designers and architects.
Left: Manuela Ricci, Marketing Manager for SKS in Europe. Right: Patricia Urquiola with the Mantle designed for SKS.
Trends in luxury
This younger target market, 'young in mindset, not necessarily in age,' Manuela laughs, expects different things. Two contrasting trends are emerging in the high-end kitchen appliance market according to Manuela: the demand for multifunctional hybrid appliances and the desire for highly specialised, professional-grade products. 'Customers are asking for flexibility on the one hand, products that can be put in the living room, bathroom etc. On the other have for very specific single use pieces like wine cabinets.' Additionally, the integration of smart technology, akin to mobile phones, is becoming increasingly important.
Learning from collaborations
Trends like these are also reflected in SKS's recent collaborations with m2atelier and Patricia Urquiola. 'It's interesting as an engineering company to work with a designer. It's an opportunity to show what we have, but at the same time to learn from them too, and to understand the needs for the future better.'
SKINS Club collection, in collaboration with m2atelier.
The SKINS Club, made in collaboration with m2atelier, is a freestanding furniture piece with a humidor drawer and sophisticated design inspired by exclusive gentlemen's clubs. The product features customisable geometric wood and leather surfaces, integrating a high-tech wine refrigerator and a cigar humidor. 'Usually, it's a cabinet maker that wants an appliance and chooses a brand. But we tried to turn this around by providing a brief what we wanted to create for our appliances.'
Following the success of SKINS Club, Patricia Urquiola designed Mantle, a modular cabinet for SKS's under-counter refrigerator. In increasingly fluid spaces that blur the boundary between living room and kitchen, Patricia Urquiola aimed to transform the household appliance into a genuine piece of furniture, integrating Signature Kitchen Suite's technology into a substantial, sculptural piece. At Milan Design Week, a version with an exclusive covering made of Cimento tiles was presented. These tiles create a sculptural visual texture, almost like a modern totem.
Mantle, designed by Patricia Urquiola.
Future plans
While SKS's geographical expansion is nearing completion, the focus will shift to business development and strengthening international cooperation. 'We're excited about developing our brand more in the countries we're active in now,' Manuela concludes.
More information:
Signature Kitchen Suite
via Alessandro Manzoni 47,
angolo Piazza Cavour, 20121
Milan, Italy
+39 02 5002 0793
[email protected]
www.signaturekitchensuite.it