Sven Baacke has been Global Head of Design for luxury kitchen brand Gaggenau , since 2011 . Gaggenau is the world ’ s oldest kitchen brand , founded in 1683 , dedicated to uncompromising perfection and exclusive culinary culture . The company has taken a pioneering role in innovation and design “ Made in Germany ”, and is now represented in more than 50 countries worldwide .
SVEN BAACKE FOR THE ART OF DESIGN :
‘ FINDING THE SWEET SPOT BETWEEN LUXURY AND PRACTICALITY ’
In addressing how to find the sweet spot between luxury and practicality , it is important to firstly ask ‘ what is luxury ’? Whilst in the past luxury may have been defined by opulence and richness , the new luxury is something completely different . It ’ s not lavish , it is individual – understated even – and ultimately quality , like an elegantly crafted handbag with no garish labels .
Luxury is also a feeling as well as an appearance . There is a joy in something that ‘ just works ’ that you use every single day . When an appliance works seamlessly and is equally pleasing to look at , that is a luxurious feeling . Applying this thinking to home spaces , kitchens for so many of us imbue feelings of pleasure and passion , and serve to enhance our whole living environment . If the kitchen is the heart of the home , then kitchen appliances are the soul of it .
Luxurious design should not be the opposite of practicality . A beautiful product that you cannot use is just art . Good design has to be functional , and if you can achieve this harmony you can then realise the joy of use . Gaggenau aims to strike this balance in every product it makes . Each must be applicable in a professional kitchen , but also stunning to look at in your home every day . This is in our DNA and embodies the mindset of our global team of designers .