We may prefer our coffee strong and unadulterated, but a coffee maker itself doesnโt have to abide by such strict conventions of caffeinated design. Benjamin Hubertโs design agency LAYER takes on a softer geometric approach to the kitchen appliance with a gentle palette and tactile functionality designed to keep simplicity at the forefront of every cup brewed.
The Breezeย is a softly modern coffee brewing appliance conceived for Korean food corporation Dongsuh. While the design firm attributes its mild modernity to the influence of mid-century design language, itโs also hard not to recognize some semblance to Naoto Fukasawaโs line of kitchen appliances for MUJI. All share a conscious attention to detail โ โmicro considerationsโ โ each conceived not just to improve functionality, but also aware of the importance of designing objects imagined to visually and spatially cohabitate within a domestic interior peacefully.
The Breeze is composed of a simple arrangement of block forms, with a head that cantilevers from the body and an adjustable drip tray that doubles as a platform for a glass or coffee mug.
The resulting compact design offers an almost PEZ candy-like charm, inviting a touch across all of its surfaces. The coffeemakerโs concise and narrow profile is accentuated by a tall water tank and a ridged wrap-around base finished in matte white, charcoal, and light pastel pink, while the Breezeโs controls are equally simple, a tactile iconographic interface comprising just four backlit buttons.
No word yet about the machineโs proficiency at preparing a proper cup of coffee, but like a good single origin roast, the Breezeโs softened simplicity already appeals to one of our senses nary any additives.