The project

The well-designed solid oak kitchen cupboards were in excellent condition but Elzaan says the colour was very dated. The couple also wanted to buy a freestanding gas stove, which meant that the cupboards had to be adapted. “I adore floating shelves, so these became another requirement for the new kitchen,” says Elzaan.

She also wanted a new island that would make a better impression. Elzaan says that the original one was tiny and totally out of proportion in their kitchen space.

And in terms of their colour choice, Elzaan says: “The palette had to be as neutral as possible, but not white; that’s just too clinical and cold.”

Although the pair usually get stuck in themselves, this time they decided to call in some help. Christo Barnard of Mr Do It All did the necessary woodwork for the cabinets, built the floating shelves and installed new Silestone countertops. In turn, he asked Marlene Kruger of Inspired Interiors to take care of the painting.

“We knew about Marlene through her handiwork featured in Home. I think the entire project was a breeze, simply because Christo and Marlene knew exactly what we expected.”