EXTRAORDINARY KITCHENS WITH REFORM

(2 MINUTE READ)

Good design often comes at a high price. But there are exceptions. Copenhagen based Reform was born in 2014 with the vision to make custom-made kitchen designs affordable. We met the founder Jeppe and Michael to learn more about their concept and dream to reform our kitchens – and everyday lives – with great design.

It’s the center of your work: what is a kitchen to you?

The kitchen is the heart of the home and we all spend a lot of time there. But it is also a room overlooked when it comes to design. Often our kitchens are white and neutral with design as an afterthought. Reform wants to change that. We believe that a kitchen can – and should – be both highly functional and well designed at the same time.

The kitchen went from a private space into growing public spotlight. How come?

We think one reason is that the interior design trends move faster than ever. People get so much daily inspiration on platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram and we’ve noticed a growing trend for new and different details and materials in a kitchen. This has made people more open and experimental when it comes to kitchens. It’s no longer just a room for cooking; the kitchen has become more like a piece of furniture.

What current trends in kitchen design do you witness?

Sustainability and colors. And darker kitchens, too. People are braver when it comes to their kitchens today.

You created Reform to make extraordinary design affordable for most people: how do you do that?

We had to think creatively as designer kitchens are often at a high price range. So we came up with the idea of offering designer fronts to IKEA cabinets and already installed kitchens – a way to keep down the price. We also wanted to explore ways for people to keep the well-working parts of the kitchen instead of just throwing them out. The same thought led us to creating a sustainable kitchen in collaboration with Lendager Group and Dinesen (flooring) last year.

Why IKEA in the first place?

IKEA is second to none when it comes to creating high-quality kitchen modules at very reasonable prices. This combination makes it possible for our clients to get an affordable designer kitchen – and that’s our finest mission. Our architect-designed fronts and counter tops on IKEA or other kitchen cabinets create an aesthetic, up-graded and personal style; with a focus on quality construction, function and timeless design.

How do you chose the designers and architects you work with?

We are fans of all of them! We’re not only looking for the most well-known ones but designers that we think are talented in their own field. That is the criteria for collaboration: we believe they can bring something new to our kitchen portfolio. It’s important they focus on creating a durable kitchen that can last. It’s ok to choose a variant in a cool trendy color, but they should always offer something that is timeless – and it doesn’t have to be white.

Your design credo?

We want to create everyday kitchen classics that are modern and aesthetic and still beautiful in 50 years.

Your mission is to make good design affordable for everyone. How important is that sociological aspect for your work?

Very important, and also something the designers and architects we are working with really like: the thought of making designs for the more ‘average’ human being. Offering great design and well-designed kitchen to as many people as possible is essential for us, the foundation of our work.

What is the next step for Reform? Moving to new interior fields?

We will stick to kitchens! We will launch our own cabinets so it will soon be possible to get a total Reform kitchen this year. That’s the most interesting part here.

What advice can you give to those who can’t afford any Reform – but still want a nice kitchen?

Start with IKEA, and then you can always upgrade with Reform later. Or focus on small details – as some cool plants or cutlery – that will look nice in your kitchen.

Thanks, Jeppe & Michael!