The Inside Scoop – A Closer Look at the 6 Caesarstone Kitchen Designers
We interviewed the 6 finalists of the Caesarstone Kitchen Designers 2014 competition to get an in-depth understanding of each of their kitchen designs.
LUXURY CATEGORY
Beth Gillitt, Kitchen Classics, Durban
Who was your fabricator on this job?
The worktops were fabricated and installed by Afrigran, while the cabinetry was furnished by Kitchen Classics.
Who was the interior designer on this project?
O La La Interiors
Which materials featured in your kitchen design?
Tops: Caesarstone Shitake and Snow White
Doors and other finishes: White Polygloss, Oak veneer with a greyish stain.
What brief were you given that inspired this design?
The brief was to create a space that can be enjoyed by all, and at the same time be in harmony with the rest of the open plan living area. The island was created to be central to the kitchen space, whereby it is multifunctional for storage, preparation and seating. It needed to be perfect for the family to be together, so while the meal is being made, the children can finish off their homework and interact with mom and dad at the same time. It also needed to be a space for the guests to relax while being entertained. However, instead of just having a typical extension to sit at, it needed to be inviting and attractive, as this is the focal point as you enter the living area. I wrapped the timber island units in 40mm thick Shitake Caesarstone and created a recess with timber to define the seating area, and from this recess we floated a 60mm thick timber top extension, creating an interesting interplay with the Shitake Caesarstone and timber. The tall, white, high gloss units reflect the home’s interior and conceal the majority of the kitchen appliances.
Which kitchen design trends did you incorporate into this kitchen design?
This kitchen embodies class, sophistication and pure elegance, where aesthetics meets functionality. The combination of high gloss, wood and classic Caesarstone colours of Shitake and Snow White are the perfect tools to complete this contemporary styled kitchen.
A neutral colour palette has been one of the biggest trends seen this year, and this is portrayed here; with the subtleness of the Shitake Caesarstone; the textural element of the slightly grey timber and the classic high gloss white doors and Snow White Caesarstone, all create a timeless, tranquil and inviting space.
What advice would you give homeowners who are considering redesigning their kitchens?
It's important to establish what you require in your kitchen. Are you an avid chef, or do you prefer quick, fast convenient meals? This will help determine what appliances you require within your kitchen and help with the layout. Be practical and realistic with the space you have. Yes we would all love an island, seating, etc. in our kitchens, however, try not to squeeze absolutely everything in – the space needs to work so that you have a good, natural flow.
Do some research. Browse through design websites and magazines and choose a few, maybe three images which embody your ideal kitchen. Then allow your kitchen designer just enough freedom to take your dream to the next level.
Finally, enjoy the process. You've most likely waited a long time for your perfect kitchen, and when you get it you'll feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
Jon Case, AA Interiors, Cape Town
Who was your fabricator on this job?
Cabinetworks
Which materials featured in your kitchen design?
Caesarstone Snow White; bleached oak timber; high gloss white duco, satin white duco and gloss black.
What brief were you given that inspired this design?
The client wanted a show kitchen that was practical and attractive, also everything had to be concealed. They liked the idea of using the kitchen space for relaxing breakfast dining while enjoying the central courtyard space opposite.
Which kitchen design trends did you incorporate into this kitchen design?
The use of bleached, natural timber combined with minimalistic, monochromatic surfaces.
What advice would you give homeowners who are considering redesigning their kitchens?
Keep things ordered and simple, really understand how you use your kitchen prior to designing a new one. Kitchens can become highly complicated, think about the location of your appliances carefully and then design around them.
Murray Loder, Country Kitchens, Ballito
Who was your fabricator on this job?
Afrigran
Who was the interior designer on this project?
Michele Throssell Interiors
Which materials featured in your kitchen design?
Caesarstone
French Oak
Duco’ed Supawood
Stainless steel
Reclaimed, pressed ceiling boards
What brief were you given that inspired this design?
We were requested to modernise and ‘open up’ the kitchen space and in so doing create an improved flow between the kitchen and other living areas; incorporate a combination of interesting textures and materials and maximise the functionality of storage spaces.
Which kitchen design trends did you incorporate into this kitchen design?
We incorporated maximised storage by taking cupboards to ceiling height; all draws were equipped with latest internal organisers including a large number of internal draws; countertop depth was increased from 600mm to 800mm to accommodate stainless steel organisers that housed chopping boards, cutlery, blender and power socket etc.; priority was the use of traditional and new materials in such a way that they complemented each other instead of competing for the same space.
What advice would you give homeowners who are considering redesigning their kitchens?
Don’t be afraid of combining ‘old’ and ‘new’; a combination of colour, texture and various materials is important; lighting is fundamental to good design; some form of seating in the kitchen should be incorporated whenever possible; keep it simple – less is definitely more!
COMFORT CATEGORY
Vince Muir, Holly Wood Kitchens, Cape Town
Who was your fabricator on this job?
Globel
Which materials featured in your kitchen design?
Hand painted pine and MDF structures with Caesarstone and Ashwood counters.
What brief were you given that inspired this design?
The homeowners are a young professional couple who work in Cape Town. Natalie wanted a simple, relaxed country-style kitchen in white with hints of light-coloured wood here and there. Kelly wanted a modern kitchen with clean square lines and was more concerned with functionality than the style which he left to Natalie and I to agree on. The result was a modern, country, shaker style kitchen which is both uncluttered, functional and blended in beautifully in their newly renovated, minimalistic, open plan, living space.
Which kitchen design trends did you incorporate into this kitchen design?
Open shelf, French dresser with integrated fridge, movable island
What advice would you give homeowners who are considering redesigning their kitchens?
Furnish your kitchen, don’t fit it, and call Holly Wood Kitchens!
Kim Hansen, Kitchen Classics, Durban
Who was your fabricator on this job?
Afrigran
Who was the interior designer on this project?
Michele Throssell Interiors
Which materials featured in your kitchen design?
20mm Caesarstone White Star; Niemann Icy white Polygloss; Cerato Oak timber veneer doors, and Cerato Oak leg.
What brief were you given that inspired this design?
The granny flat kitchenette needed to have integrated appliances and sleek modern lines, like the rest of the home. Most of the storage is in drawers and pull-out larders, to make access easier and to maximize storage in a small area.The client had requested curved lines, so 20mm White Star Caesarstone was used for the breakfast bar, supported on a natural shaped leg, with a full hob cladding in Caesarstone.
Which kitchen design trends did you incorporate into this kitchen design?
Linear style; mixing of materials / finishes; integrated appliances; recessed LED lighting; handless cabinets; thin counter tops.
What advice would you give homeowners who are considering redesigning their kitchens?
The kitchen is the heart of the home. With open plan living, the flow from the kitchen to the living areas and patios needs to work well. Countertops that flow into the windows, and doors that open onto patios or herb gardens are key features. Islands make a focal point in an open plan kitchen and provide a great working surface with the countertops being deeper than standard. Adding seating on the island area at a lower chair height, or at the standard island level, depending on space, can work quite well. There are wonderful state-of-the-art touch control appliances, integrated fridges and freezers, flush fitted induction hobs and concealed extractors on the market. These appliances will give the kitchen clean, sleek lines and will be an pleasure to look at and use. They are often energy efficient, which is also a really important factor in this day and age.If you’re planning an open plan kitchen, consider including a large scullery and laundry area, separate from the kitchen and behind closed doors. The scullery needs to be well planned and to accommodate large, underslung sinks, dishwasher and various bins for recycling.
Nicola Mansfield, The Design Department, Cape Town
Which materials featured in your kitchen design?
Duco-sprayed Superwood; Caesarstone
What brief were you given that inspired this design?
My client bought a 2 bedroom house in Vredehoek, which needed a complete interior remodel. It was a great opportunity as the current layout was not conducive to family life. There was a bedroom at each end of the house, with a passage connecting them, and the enclosed kitchen and living spaces off the passage. The interior was dark and pokey and the best views were from the bathroom! My client wanted to create a family home where they could all spent time together when doing
different activities.
I rezoned the house with all the bedrooms at the front and then I opened up the rear of the building as much as structurally possible to create a large open plan living / kitchen and dining area, with sliding / folding doors onto a raised deck and swimming pool. The whole area can open up in summer and is a great entertaining and living space. The views from
the deck are wonderful and the best part is my client is so happy. She can cook dinner whilst her kids do their homework at the dining table, and she faces them so she can communicate with them. When the weather is good the sliding / folding doors all get opened up and the boundary between inside and outside living disintegrates, with the kids running out to the pool and always in view.
We also created an outdoor dining area, which is perfect on summer evenings. We made the kitchen the heart of her home, and it works incredibly well for her and her family.
Which kitchen design trends did you incorporate into this kitchen design?
Open plan & indoor/outdoor living; the kitchen as an interactive area; marble is making a come-back, but has qualities which make it difficult to maintain, so the Caesarstone product we used was perfect as it looks like marble but performs like Caesarstone; open shelving.
What advice would you give homeowners who are considering redesigning their kitchens?
The most important thing is to make sure the kitchen functions well, get the triangle (fridge, oven, sink) planned. Be clear how you want the kitchen to be used - you may want an eat in kitchen for example so adequate circulation space must be provided. Make sure you have enough and the right kind of storage - a good mix of cupboards and drawers etc. Plan where dry food, vegetables, and even the recycling will go. Getting together a mood board is a good way to hone down what styles you like and features you want - Pinterest is a great place to do this, and the more information you can give your designer (if you use one) the better. Don't be bound by the existing layout, it is usually easy to move plumbing and electrical points, but make sure you have enough!