Pathways of design

Lines, Colours, Styles

The features of Smeg's iconic small household appliances from the point of view of the designers who created them.

Reading time 2 min
document.imageCompound.imageAlt

The collaboration between Smeg and deepdesign® owned by Matteo Bazzicalupo and Raffaella Mangiarotti began in 2011 and has continued with various projects, with the aim of defining the DNA and language of small household appliances. The aim is to create something consistent, durable, and expandable. 

This is how the award-winning aesthetic line ​​SMEG 50s style was created, consisting initially of 4 references: the kneading machine, the toaster, the blender and the kettle. A highly distinctive, innovative language was developed around these, recognisable in every single item of the product line, which today has been expanded to around 20 products and also includes coffee machines, coffee grinders and milk frothers. 

 

"The idea behind the design of the initial abacus, had the potential, it was sufficiently robust and flexible to be able to determine the expansion of the line and therefore create an extended family."  

Deepdesign®

 

The​​50s style line recalls fond memories, the soft shapes of yesteryear re-interpreted in a contemporary key. These small household appliances are rooted in modernity through the use of the super ellipse, the geometric shape devised by the Danish scientist Piet Hein, who was also a mathematician, an inventor, a writer, and a poet. 

 

"This is a fluid form which resembles a square yet has the fluidity of a circle, therefore it conveys calmness and tranquillity." 

Deepdesign®

 

These shapes are extremely distinctive and expressive, both in terms of their roundness as well as the recurrence of certain details such as the metal foot. The colours enhance the emotional aspect as they are typical Smeg colours: a rich, vibrant colour range, accentuated by chrome metal. 

 

"We don't refer to it as being vintage as we believe that each period should have its own particular form of expression."  

Deepdesign®

 

​​

​​​Further new Smeg small household appliances resulting from the collaboration between Smeg and deepdesign® can be recognised by their sculptural volumes characterised by clean-cut surfaces. Brushed metal becomes a recurring aesthetic code, its interfaces are richer, designed to carry out more complex functions, typical of coffee machines yet nevertheless easy to use, since man is at the centre of the design process. 

INSIGHTS

The ways of coffee

Stories, trivia and inspiration to become a real coffee expert and prepare your favourite coffee professionally at home.

item.imageCompound.imageAlt
COFFEE
The birth of a Made in Italy icon
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
COFFEE
The origins of espresso machines and new daily habits
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
DESIGN
The coffee bean - from the plant to roastin
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
DESIGN
The art of brewing coffee at home
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
DESIGN
A world of coffee
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
COFFEE
Award-winning internationally designed coffee machines
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
DESIGN
Italian espresso coffee: the coffee experience through our senses
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
DESIGN
Coffee and milk: the perfect match
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
COFFEE
Hidden technology
item.imageCompound.imageAlt
COFFEE
Lines, Colours, Styles
PREPARE AND SAVOUR

The art of coffee in 11 recipes

Coffee drinks to prepare at home: alone or with company, every day or for a special occasion. From the classic to the most surprising, they spread the scent and aroma of coffee in your rooms.

GET INSPIRED
item.video.coverAlt
CLASSIC RECIPE
From coffee beans to the true taste of espresso coffee
item.video.coverAlt
GOURMET RECIPE
Coffee Affogato
GOURMET RECIPE
Iced Latte
item.video.coverAlt
GOURMET RECIPE
Cappuccino
item.video.coverAlt
GOURMET RECIPE
Hot Ginger Coffee
item.video.coverAlt
CLASSIC RECIPE
Latte Macchiato
item.video.coverAlt
CLASSIC RECIPE
Flat White
item.video.coverAlt
CLASSIC RECIPE
Filter Coffee
item.video.coverAlt
GOURMET RECIPE
Matcha Latte
item.video.coverAlt
CLASSIC RECIPE
Italian-style shaken iced coffee