When designing a kitchen, it’s easy to create a space that looks good on the surface. But what takes a kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary? Tess, one of our Home Collective’s Selections Consultant, gave her insights on the key elements that bring luxury and sophistication to one of our newest kitchens, now showcased in our space. With years of expertise and recognition as ABN Group’s Prestart Most Professional Employee (2018/2019) and Home Collective’s Employee of the Year in 2024, Tess has a keen eye for what makes a kitchen stand out.
The power of natural materials
Tess believes that natural materials are key to creating a serene and luxurious kitchen. “When I first saw this completed new kitchen, I instantly felt a sense of calm. The warmth of the Polytec Prime Oak in both the Woodmatt and Steccawood, paired with the soft green Polytec Topiary Smooth, is a perfect match,” Tess shares. “A luxurious space should bring a sense of comfort, and it’s scientifically proven that colours and textures connected to nature help us feel more at ease.” The use of these materials, along with the abundance of natural light streaming through the window, creates a soothing environment that immediately elevates the space.
Curves that make a statement
In a world where straight lines dominate kitchen design, this kitchen stands out by incorporating curves, which add both elegance and warmth. “The organic curve at the rear of the island bench is inviting – you’re left wanting to take a seat at the breakfast bar!” Tess explains. This unique detail draws attention without being overbearing, highlighting the stunning movement in the Caesarstone Mineral Alpine Mist. The curved rangehood, connecting the island to the cooking area, is another standout feature. “The curve detail on the island challenges the norm of fitting the entire island with bar chairs,” Tess says. “Instead, we’ve created a focal point that showcases the natural beauty of the stone and adds a point of difference to the design.”
Functionality meets luxury
Extraordinary kitchens are not just beautiful; they also need to be practical. Tess emphasises the importance of a well-thought-out layout. “The island bench quickly becomes the heart of the kitchen, where you’ll spend time preparing meals, serving up dinner, or chatting with the family,” she says. A key to making the space both functional and luxurious is the incorporation of practical features like a sink for food prep, an integrated bin, and drawers with built-in organisers. “I always vote for the sink on the island,” Tess adds. “It allows you to be part of the conversation while you prepare food, without compromising your prep space. If your island isn’t very large, you can opt for a single-bowl sink to avoid crowding the area.”
Subtle elegance in every detail
For Tess, the key to luxury is simplicity and subtle elegance. “This kitchen achieves balance by limiting the number of colours and textures,” she explains. “The Alpine Mist benchtop features delicate white veins that you can only fully appreciate up close, whether you’re standing at the cooktop or sitting at the breakfast bar.” The bespoke texture of the Safi Gloss splashback adds another layer of sophistication, offering a neutral addition to the space that, when viewed up close, exudes elegance. “Less is more,” Tess says. “The kitchen’s design doesn’t overcrowd the space with too many colours or finishes, it’s the understated features that make it truly luxurious.”
The use of premium appliances further enhances the luxury feel, with self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens, a comfort-lift dishwasher, and an induction cooktop. “The induction cooktop doubles as extra bench space when not in use, which is perfect for maintaining a clean, streamlined look,” Tess explains. The sunken undermount Polar White Fragnite sink is another functional yet elegant feature, blending seamlessly into the Alpine Mist benchtop. “It’s there for functionality, not as a focal point,” Tess notes.
While every element of this kitchen contributes to its luxurious feel, Tess has one standout favourite: “The curved rangehood and the use of negative space around it. Instead of overcrowding the wall with more overhead storage, we’ve let the rangehood become the hero. The open space around it allows the feature to shine and makes the whole kitchen feel more open and airy.” Tess imagines the soft light bouncing off the Prime Oak Steccawood cladding in the evening, adding to the kitchen’s serene ambiance. “It’s a space where you can truly relax and enjoy the atmosphere,” she says.
Experience how luxury and style come together to inspire you! Visit Home Collective and discover our stunning new kitchen design first-hand.
