How did a small family-run manufacturer of kitchen dressers grow into a world-renowned kitchen industry leader?

With decades of experience in manufacture, countless iconic ranges over the years and numerous design awards to back this, a SieMatic kitchen truly stands in a league of its own when it comes to the German kitchen market. By choosing a SieMatic kitchen you are safe in the knowledge it will always be at the forefront of design and quality – or how else would a brand tell such a legacy?

With its 100^th birthday now on the horizon, enjoy our summary below of SieMatic’s journey through the ages.

1929-1930s

In 1929, August Siekmann founded ‘August Siekmann Mobelwerke’ alongside 100 employees in Löhne, East Westphalia. They exhibited their traditional kitchen dressers for the first time at the Liepzig Trade Fair in 1931.

*The original SieMatic dresser: a design icon that is still available (although modernised) in the form of the award winning ‘SieMatic 29’ buffet*

1940s-1950s

After suffering a bomb attack during the Second World War, much of the factory site was destroyed. As a testament to the company’s resilience the site was reconstructed and production began again in 1946. August’s son, August-Wilhelm Siekmann, joined the company in the ‘50s and sales reached the million mark level. The freshly remodelled ‘reform kitchen’ series was launched, and the company presented for the first time at the world renowned ‘International Furniture Fair’ in Cologne.

*The ‘Reform Kitchen’ series was characterised by striking ‘golden elm’ surfaces. Note the first use of corner storage solutions!*

1960s

Enter the swinging sixties and the newly named ‘SieMatic’ presented the SieMatic 6006. It quickly became a world sensation as the first completely built-in strip handle kitchen, setting new trends in kitchen design and establishing a German style of kitchen which is still recognised globally today. The SieMatic 6006 became the most sold fitted kitchen in Germany.

1970s

As trends developed, SieMatic, continuing to lead the market, launched the SieMatic 1001 AL. Featuring polished surfaces, smooth panels and distinctive mouldings, it became the most successful kitchen of the 70s whilst SieMatic celebrated their 50^th anniversary.

1980s

Welcome to the ‘80s, where highly polished doors, square profiles and gold knobs were widely admired. The SieMatic 1001 KL ticked all these boxes, becoming another design classic, offered by SieMatic for the next 20 years.

This era also launched SieMatic SL, featuring continuous recess channels and a simple, pure design that would pave the way for a style that is still popular to this day. Later to be renamed the ‘S2’ it is still our most popular SieMatic kitchen range.

**1001 KL** – An iconic 80s style kitchen (and probably my least favourite style from the archives!)

**1001 KL** – An iconic 80s sContinuous recess channels on the island are still a popular feature of S2 and SLX kitchens today

1990s

Ulrich Wilhelm Siekmann joined the company as the 3^rd generation of Siekmann and the decade saw the launch of new distinctive styles: SieMatic 7007 MR and SieMatic Modula – ‘the kitchen for a new generation’. Alongside these contemporary designs, SieMatic launched their most exclusive range to date: the SieMatic 1001 Painter’s Collection. Each door was meticulously hand painted, coat by coat and according to the ‘paint and wipe’ technique of the 19^th century.

2000s

SieMatic celebrated the turn of the century with a relaunch of their iconic SieMatic 6006 – the first ever fitted kitchen – 40 years after it was first presented and mirroring the purist design aesthetic with a modern new look.

In stark comparison, the SieMatic BeauxArts collection (in collaboration with Chicago designer Mick De Giulio) reflects a unique design philosophy which was strongly influenced by the Beaux Arts architectural style of American metropolises.

August Wilheim Siekmann passed away in 2004 aged 81. The ‘August-Wilheim Siekmann-Forum’ opened as part of the company’s 75^th anniversary and still welcomes visitors from across the globe as SieMatic’s headquarters and flagship showroom.

The iconic SieMatic S1 launched in 2008. Seemingly conservative, it uses seamlessly integrated technology to create a kitchen that is practical and intuitive with simple functionality – perhaps a nod to the ‘smart kitchen’ of the future?

*Although now over 20 years old, this 6006 kitchen would not look out of place today’s kitchen showroom!*

*MultiMatic – ‘the best idea since the discovery of storage space’ was launched in 2003*

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the ‘August-Wilheim Siekmann-Forum’ on a number of occasions over the years, whether for product training or the annual house fair. It is an endless source of design inspiration and always the highlight of my trip.

*Classic **Beaux Arts** kitchen featuring the striking ‘Chinese wedding cabinet’*

*The iconic S1a ‘celebration of the senses’*

2010-2014

Celebrating 50 years of truly handleless kitchens, the SieMatic 6006, a true design classic, is once again reimagined for the modern day and reasserts itself as an ultra-modern and contemporary kitchen.

**Beaux Arts** 2.0; once again in collaboration with Mick De Guilio, the collection features new design elements and door-styles that add a unique elegance unlike anywhere else.

*S3 – A new concept with aluminium handles in seven different colours that can easily be changed, combined and replaced depending on mood; whether subtle and casual, or vibrant and expressive.*

2015-2019

The 2015 LivingKitchen exhibition at Cologne saw SieMatic unveil three new distinct style collections: PURE | URBAN | CLASSIC.

PURE – function and design combined with minimalist and sophisticated style.

URBAN – modular and asymmetrical; juxtaposition of textures and a combination of open and closed spaces.

CLASSIC – elegantly combining values of old and new.

*The **SieMatic 29** – an homage to the original kitchen buffets manufactured at the company’s conception*

**PURE** Collection – the S3’s successor: ‘The art of reduction, elegantly framed’ developed in collaboration with Berlin based KINZO studio, the sculptural and minimalist range went on to win the 2017 German Design Award.

‘Timeless by Tradition’ – SieMatic celebrates its 90^th anniversary in 2019 alongside the innovative and striking new PURE SLX range, originally introduced in Milan to coincide with the biannual Euro Cucina exhibition.

A new concept for handleless kitchens, its ergonomic, mitred, grip profile is delicately highlighted by integrated LED strip lighting, only visible by shadow gap.

*The PURE SLX as presented in Milan: I was lucky enough to travel over and be a part of its launch*

2020s

SieMatic becomes a valued member of the internationally successful, family-run Nison group in 2020.

Despite a turbulent start to the decade, 2022 saw the launch of MONDIAL, a brand new style collection. Characterised by the simplicity of geometric forms and opulent expressive materials, MONDIAL pushes the boundaries of conventional kitchen design once again.

If you’re interested in learning more, or if you’d like to incorporate a SieMatic kitchen into your project, please get in contact with one of our designers. Alternatively, pop along to our stunning showroom, home to a SieMatic kitchen display, to see and feel the brand for yourself.

History of SieMatic Kitchens: Precision Design Since 1929