Following the Scandinavian principles of minimalist luxury, two kitchens were transformed into modern sanctuaries.
Heart of the home
Cami Interiors
Nestled in the prestigious enclave of Bel Ombre, Constantia, a young European family’s kitchen was transformed from a dark, disconnected space into an airy oasis. Choosing Cape Town’s sheltered valleys as their new roots, the homeowners worked with Cami Interiors to bring their dream kitchen to life, using a design narrative that weaves together natural textures and earthen tones to create a space that bridges contemporary elegance and timeless character.
The team at Cami Interiors, experts in both the design and installation of kitchens and built-in cupboards, explain that this warm kitchen renovation’s success lies in the “thoughtful marriage of form and function”. Drawing inspiration from modern Scandinavian design principles, the kitchen’s elements include a palette of light wood and marble-effect surfaces to create a serene backdrop that is both timeless and contemporary.
“Every element has been carefully considered through the lens of the family’s daily routines and entertaining needs, resulting in a space that flows naturally and intuitively,” says the team.
A refined architectural language is established throughout the design, underpinned by the distinctive skinny shaker doors, finished in oak. Crowning the surfaces is a masterful Calacatta Aureo porcelain by Sapienstone, showcasing warm gold veins in milky white – a perfect complement to the wooden finishes. This brilliant alternative to traditional marble captures the timeless allure while offering superior durability.
The redesign of this kitchen centres around a commanding island that serves multiple roles: casual dining spot, culinary workspace and entertainment hub. The team made sure to seamlessly integrate a gas cooktop and custom-built sink in matching marble-like finishes to create a harmonious focal point. Further, it pays homage to the latest European design influences at Milan’s EuroCucina, the only major kitchen trade show in Europe.
The tall cabinet section housing the oven, refrigerator and pantry in a sleek configuration epitomises minimalist efficiency. A particularly striking element is the wine glass display, where strategic LED lighting creates an enchanting display of light and crystal, adding a layer of sophisticated ambience to the space, the team shares.
For those embarking on their own kitchen renovation journey, Cami Interiors says that the key lies in prioritising functionality while staying committed to quality. “A neutral foundation allows for personalisation through carefully chosen accent pieces, ensuring the space remains relevant and beautiful for years to come,” the team says. “The Constantia kitchen stands as testament to the enduring truth that when thoughtfully executed, a kitchen renovation transcends mere home improvement to become an investment in life’s daily pleasures?’
Instagram: @camiinteriors
Facebook: Cami Interiors
Townhouse sophistication
Susanne Brodnik
A fusion of modernity and timeless elegance, this townhouse in the heart of Vredehoek was reimagined to embrace a Scandinavian-inspired minimalist aesthetic. The second residence of a German family, the new space offers both serenity and functionality. Given the size constraints, interior designer Susanne Brodnik from My Place in Cape Town and her team planned meticulously to ensure every inch of the kitchen maximised storage, function and beauty. “With a turnkey renovation approach, we restructured the layout to enhance flow and openness, creating an expanded kitchen with seamless access from the living area,” says Susanne.
The homeowners desired a kitchen that valued clean lines, uncluttered surfaces as well as tactile richness in materials to create a space that “felt effortlessly sophisticated yet deeply practical – a tranquil retreat from their urban lifestyle”. The collaboration was a perfect match, as their design philosophy aligned seamlessly with that of the homeowners.
Before the renovation, the kitchen felt disconnected from the living space, its layout limiting both movement and airflow. The space was cramped, with bulky storage solutions that overwhelmed rather than enhanced the design, as well as materials that lacked warmth and refinement. Now, the reimagined kitchen is an exercise in contrast and balance, eschewing standard finishes for an interplay of warm Walnut, sleek quarts and monochrome tiles to create depth and timeless appeal. The layout is open plan, flowing into the living room to enhance the connection with the rest of the home and maximising the space.
The upper cabinets were replaced with floating shelves to allow for curated displays and easy access to everyday essentials. “By integrating floating shelves instead of upper cabinets, we introduced a sense of lightness, allowing the architecture to breathe while ensuring openness and accessibility. Built-in appliances and custom corner solutions ensured every functional need was met without compromising aesthetics,” says Susanne.
Black accents – from hardware to fixtures – create a striking interplay against the warm wood tones, while the lighting was approached with a layered philosophy, maximising natural light during the day, and LED strips, recessed spots and pendant fixtures offering tailored illumination. Every decision is considered yet nothing feels overdesigned, creating a space that is luxe but still lived in “A well-designed space is one where form and function are symbiotic – every decision must be intentional, ensuring the aesthetic beauty enhances, rather than compromises, liveability. Good design whispers; it doesn’t shout,” Susanne explains.
She says that, when redesigning a kitchen, priority should be on flow, quality materials, a timeless palette and refined detailing, layered lighting and embracing negative space. “Ultimately, a kitchen should be more than a place to cook – it should be a sanctuary of creativity, connection and calm.”
Instagram: @myplaceincapetown
By: Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography by: Ryan Abott, Vinylrae photography
Text courtesy of Livingspace magazine
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