Our commitment to outstanding design
Open-plan kitchens require design-pieces to interact with their environment.
Open-plan kitchens require design-pieces to interact with their environment. The kitchen is the hub of the home, the center-point of social activities. Its design and the incorporated materials have a real effect on the atmosphere and visual perception of the whole living environment. Those who want to have a flush, closed fronted style can seamlessly integrate their appliances into a built-in kitchen. Outstanding design isn’t only about external appearances. Inner design harmony is crucial, too. When an appliance is in use, or when it is opened and closed, you become aware of how important design, materials, and workmanship are.
Appliances that look amazing and are a joy to use
A stainless steel refrigerator is an impressive statement in a generous loft space and provides an interesting contrast in a closed-fronted kitchen. Liebherr fully understands how outstanding design transforms an ordinary stainless steel fridge into an extraordinary one. For example, you can take a classic Side-by-Side unit and add a transparent glass-fronted wine compartment, interplaying the natural timber shelves, atmospheric mood-lighting, and the stainless steel exterior - creating an out of the ordinary design. Good design brings enjoyment in use: Liebherr appliances bring living areas to life with well-balanced lighting concepts, quality materials and harmonious design – inside and out. “It’s a Liebherr” isn’t just about the refrigerator. It is a statement of extraordinary design and outstanding quality.
“Design gives our products unique identity”
19th century American architect Louis Sullivan postulated that “form follows function,” a concept heartily embraced by the Bauhaus and German modernism aesthetics. This guiding principle is as relevant as ever, especially when it comes to product design, although it is now not so radically applied. At Liebherr, design is a part of product development, making our products highly distinctive.
“Design is never an end in itself,” explains Jan Ctvrtnik, Senior Product Designer at Liebherr-Hausgeräte, “because design gives products an identity and thereby makes them unique. Even the actual hard-product features are supported by design elements.”
Jan Ctvrtnik outlines the guidelines he follows when developing designs for Liebherr, and how trends and inspiration flow into the design:
What inspires a Product Designer who works on refrigerators?
At Liebherr, technology and a drive to constantly deliver exceptional performance are part of the philosophy in creating a superior product, which is something that inspires us as Product Designers. We don’t consciously follow a particular visual trend: rather, the lasting quality of our appliances is given expression through their design. Our solutions are designed for use over the course of many years and, during that whole time, they should continue to deliver pleasure in use. Therefore, it is our goal to flow high quality materials, innovative technologies, and everything that an appliance incorporates into a timeless and elegant design.
What do you think makes a ‘beautiful’ refrigerator?
One that impresses me with minimal design yet demonstrates clear presence. One that is straightforward and able to carry the quality that it promises on the outside through to the interior as well. Perhaps even one that is not actually perceived as an appliance at all.
Where do you see future trends heading?
Many countries are returning to their roots: quality regional ingredients and home cooking are very popular right now. For food products to retain their quality for as long as possible, it all comes down to appropriate storage and top-notch refrigeration. In addition to this, uncomplicated storage innovations and achieving a clear overview of stored products always play an important role. We work diligently to develop really advanced solutions that deliver.
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Recognition of high quality design
Over the decades, Liebherr appliances have received multiple awards for quality, design and innovation. We have perfected classic materials like stainless steel, experiment with new surfaces, like glass and stone. We always strive to optimize form and ergonomics. Our design retains its value: Good design outlasts short-lived trends. Our stainless steel fridges are iconic designs, which challenges us to reinterpret them. Our range extends from all-time favorites through to exclusive wine tempering cabinets.
