A Design That Opens to the World: A Success Story from OLEA to Milan Design Week 2025 by Şebnem Buhara
In April 2025, one of the most striking designs at Salone del Mobile during Milan Design Week was the OLEA outdoor kitchen, created by Şebnem Buhara. OLEA introduced a fresh perspective to outdoor living and the world of design, becoming more than just a product—it emerged as the symbol of a brand-new lifestyle.
It all began with a simple yet powerful question: Why should the modern urbanite confine their passion for gastronomy within four walls? Could the longing for nature, the joy of sharing, and moments spent outdoors become today’s true luxury? Inspired by these questions, OLEA was designed to redefine the open-air kitchen experience—introducing, for the first time ever, a fully modular and completely customizable culinary station built for the outdoors.
With her interdisciplinary approach as an architect, designer, and sculptor, Şebnem Buhara crafted OLEA to transform every space—be it a compact terrace or a vast countryside garden— into a unique stage. From grand dinner parties to intimate evening meals, OLEA elevates each moment into an unforgettable experience.
At the heart of OLEA lies biophilic design, functionality, and advanced technology. Its custom aluminum body and perforated shelving are as aesthetically pleasing as they are practical, allowing airflow while maintaining visual elegance. Integrated storage units, concealed induction cooktops, surface cooling technology, and customizable accessories make OLEA truly one of a kind.
Its most notable innovation comes from a specialized surface technology imported from Spain: a countertop that remains invisible when not in use but transforms into a fully functional cooking station when needed—seamlessly blending form and function.
Customization is at the core of OLEA. Thanks to its modular structure, users can tailor their kitchen to match their style, space, and needs. From color palettes to shelving arrangements, built-in ice buckets to hidden burners, every detail is left to the imagination.
Sustainability is not only reflected in the choice of materials but is embedded in OLEA’s entire design philosophy. Durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting, OLEA is not a seasonal trend, but a lasting solution that evolves with changing lifestyles over the years.
As the pioneer of the “customizable kitchen” concept in outdoor settings, OLEA transcended boundaries through the overwhelming attention it received at Salone del Mobile, becoming the embodiment of a free, creative, and nature-infused way of living.
The result?
OLEA is more than just a kitchen.
And with nature as its backdrop, every recipe, every gathering becomes a celebration.
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