In early 2019, the Matsaerts got in touch with us to completely transform their existing kitchen setup. A somewhat dated kitchen with a less than ideal floorplan, we began by redesigning the overall floorplan and kitchen design in order to redefine the culinary experience in their abode. What were two distinctly separate spaces, a closed off dining area/workspace and kitchen, are now a single open and free-flowing space with a studio kitchen.

Modernized with a tasteful pop of colour, this kitchen space has been redesigned to perform effective storage and aesthetic function. Existing wall-wide cabinetry was taken down on either side of the shared wall and repurposed for the new kitchen where possible. The new white Caesarstone countertop running across the entire kitchen was an appropriate pairing to the Royal Blue pop of the kitchen cabinetry and shelving. Establishing harmony between function and aesthetics within the main cooking space came easy with integrated cooking appliances paired with an overhead open shelves unit which was split down the middle to store the Matsaerts' cookware on the kitchen side and a display space for very colourful glassware on the dining side. To complete the look on the overhead shelving, it was adorned with our carefully crafted hand-carved wood panels which were finished in white wash to harmoniously blend in with the colour palette. A free-standing cabinet made from solid Mvule, hand-carved and white washed at the top, and finished in our natural oils and waxes now sits in the Matsaert kitchen blending perfectly into this Afro-Modern space.

This great entertaining space wouldn't have been complete if it weren't for the large French door that replaced the old dining room window. It now opens up to a semi-circle masonry block work staircase which leads to the family's lush garden, giving the entire space a breath of fresh air and a burst of sunlight.

It doesn’t end there! The old kitchen was missing a much-needed pantry and the revision to the floorplan now accommodated for one where the old corridor to the kitchen was from the foyer. While shifting the floorplan about, we got rid of the broom closet adjacent to the bathroom which gave us more space to work with when it came to redesigning the foyer space. With the new overall space gain, the old bathroom was turned into a cloakroom together with a little nook for storing away those frequently used, day-to-day articles. Our meticulously hand-carved timber mirror frame encapsulates the wall-wide mirror in the cloakroom, coupled with Mvule vanities which are finished in our signature natural oils and waxes.

All in all, this fun project allowed us to showcase a little bit of everything that we do from interior fitouts to joinery and traditional Swahili wood-carving in creative ways to spruce up the space with Swahili and modern interior design.