Kitchen Transformation: Where Elegance Meets Everyday Functionality

When interior designer Erica Colpitts set out to revamp a 24-square-metre kitchen, her vision was clear: a space that radiates elegance and functionality, seamlessly blending darker hues with luxe materials. The result is a space that turns everyday tasks into an experience of refined beauty.

The original kitchen, while in good condition, did not align with the owner's aesthetic or cooking style. ‘The existing layout was functional, but the finishes were not to the homeowner's taste,’ Erica recalls. Rather than merely updating cupboard doors, the decision was made to redesign the space entirely, ensuring the custom cabinetry would make the space pop.

The transformation began with the removal of the old counters and cabinets, which were salvaged for future use. New design elements were introduced to optimise storage and aesthetics. Floating wood shelves replaced upper cupboards, and a corner-mounted cabinet was created to house frequently used items such as glasses and serving ware, blending practicality with visual appeal.

The kitchen’s design incorporates dark colours and raw textures to create a dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere. ‘Where dark tones are used, they have either been muddied and neutralised, or their textures are raw and organic,’ Erica explains. This palette is complemented by cream Calacatta Oro marble, neutralised white oak, and a mix of metal tones including brushed brass, stainless steel and matte black. Woven textures and a curated collection of ceramics further enhance the kitchen's rich, layered aesthetic.

Erica and her team also tackled the adjacent prep kitchen and guest WC. In the prep kitchen they removed a dividing wall to create a more open and functional workspace, incorporating new cabinets and a stylish tiled backsplash. The WC received a high-impact refresh, with Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallpaper and Statuarietto marble accents, aligning it visually with the main kitchen.

The mudroom, once cumbersome and inefficient, was redesigned to optimise space and functionality. Stacked washer and dryer units and ample storage now make the room both practical and stylish. Black marble tile in a herringbone pattern ties the space to the kitchen design. Through considered planning, the space not only serves as a hub of daily activity but also as a testament to the beauty and joy of well-designed living spaces.

Text by Catherine Mo