Architect Raymond D. Reed designed a unique hexagonal kitchen for his family home in the 1960s, which was featured in the September 1969 issue of House Beautiful. The kitchen, named Skyview Kitchen, was part of an “idea tour” of five new houses that showcased contemporary and unexpected designs.
The Skyview Kitchen was designed to maximize a tiny footprint, with a hexagonal shape that allowed multiple people to comfortably mingle and cook. The kitchen was only six feet in diameter, but the flowing design created the appearance of more space.
A Compact yet Functional Design
According to the report, Reed designed the kitchen with a huge skylight to open up the ceiling and enlarge the vista. The skylight admitted a flood of constantly changing daylight and provided light from fluorescent tubes recessed behind the fascia below the roof at night.
The design of the kitchen also took into account the beauty of nature. Clouds, stars, and floodlit trees all added their beauty to the space, making it a unique and functional area for the Reed family. They made the most of the available space.
Reed’s design was a reflection of his love of the outdoors and his desire to create a space that was both functional and beautiful, much like a tiny kitchen that packs a big design punch.
A Love Letter to Iconic Taste
The Skyview Kitchen is an example of the iconic taste that has defined House Beautiful for over a century. It is a treasure from the archives that still resonates today.
Designing for the Future
When an architect designs for their own family, they can be more adventurous in their design. This experience may have influenced Reed’s approach to future design projects, as he was able to experiment with new ideas and techniques in a personal space.
Reed’s experience designing the Skyview Kitchen was valuable. The kitchen may have been designed in the 1960s, but its unique shape and functional design make it a relevant example of design excellence today.
