This is the kitchen designed by Roberto Pezzetta for GeD Cucine.
Not so much a name “argento vivo” (quick silver) as a mood: a few simple yet masterly strokes leaving a vigorous, mature and stimulating mark; the mark of one who is well acquainted with the secrets of shapes, materials and machines as well as the secret dreams of men.
Argento Vivo is not a workshop for processing food, but is an extremely refined and magical place full of poetry.

The focal point of the whole arrangement just has to be the island, which draws everyone to it to share in the pleasure of cooking and being together.
These two aspects are emphasised by the use of two different materials, the steel being indicative of professionalism and the illuminated, painted, acid-etched glass giving a subtle poetic mood.
The polished steel top, with such a slender edge as to seem an ingot, houses all the working elements that epitomise excellence: the welded round flush-mount sink, the unobtrusive tap that returns to the upright position only when needed and the large single gas burners with very thick polished steel pan supports. The singular nature of this design is highlighted by the fact that both the tap and the burners can be readily used from either side of the island.
There is no interruption or difference in level between the steel top and the glass top, just uninterrupted continuity.
The end, which is intended for use as an eating area, is a concentrate of refinement and function.
The top widens out to form a semi-circle where four or more “friends” can be seated, while a diffused light spreads out from the central part to the edge. The polyhedral central part may be used as a bottle holder or cooler and has a very elegant spherical cover in highly polished steel that, turned over, can also be used as a fruit bowl.

Although the tall unit is placed as usual against the wall it has a totally new look.
The material curves at the edges away from the wall, resulting in an elegantly elongated front resting on a cushion of light. The acid-etched glass painted on the back is taken up again in the two new Electrolux ovens, emphasising once more the unique nature of the kitchen and the desire for utmost uniformity of the surfaces.

Also the corner cupboard is part of the design. This piece of furniture from olden days is making a comeback, moving from the living area into the kitchen where its interior is incredibly useful for storing plates and glasses. Also in this case the external surface curves at the edges, while the plinth is placed well under the cabinet so that nothing detracts from the impressiveness of this important new element in the kitchen. The interior shelves are in very thick extra clear glass that has been elegantly cut to form a continuous front curve.
The vertical lighting on the bottom is diffused by a sheet of acid-etched extra clear glass.

To complete the arrangement Roberto Pezzetta has had two very simple bar chairs made that use the same intense primary colours as the two wall posters by Enzo Mari, somewhat ironically underlining the fact that it is, after all, all a game…