When Sariaan Weich, an anaesthetist and ardent chef, moved into her new home two years ago, she soon realised that the kitchen wasn’t going to work. “I come from a large family of foodies and everyone always hangs out in the kitchen – Sunday lunch together is an institution,” she says. “In this kitchen, there definitely wasn’t enough workspace to prepare food for 20 people; nor for guests to gather around.”
Initially, Sariaan simply bought a new stove, but later she was ready for a brand-new kitchen. Drawing up plans was merely a formality as she knew exactly what she wanted and what needed to change.
“My search for a builder was a challenge and the first quote left me feeling as if I’d had ice water thrown in my face!” she says, laughing. Fortunately, she was able to approach renovation guru Ulrich Koster, who has helped her with previous projects. He hired the necessary subcontractors and completed the new kitchen within six weeks.
Firstly, the exterior wall was demolished, the kitchen enlarged and a new roof installed over about half of the house. “We moved some interior walls to make the kitchen more spacious,” says Sariaan. Then came the fun part.
“Louise Malherbe of Designed by Louise immediately understood what I wanted and was as excited as I was about my ideas. I like the combination of oak cabinets and granite worktops. It’s beautiful but also practical, as my kitchen has to work hard,” explains Sariaan. “I wanted a sociable kitchen and that’s exactly what it is. It’s one big happy place!”
Cladding was used to achieve the exposed brick look.
Brick cladding and floor tiles from Stiles
The island slab, like the cabinets, is made of oak to add warmth to the space; the other countertops are made of leathered granite, which has a slightly rough texture.
A convenient cupboard with sliding doors provides storage for crockery, while a coat of blackboard paint creates a playful feel with its chalk inscriptions.
STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS aCreate 082 727 9996, acreate.co.za African Oils africanoils.co.za
African Reed 082 896 9712, africanreed.co.za
DB Spaces 021 000 5017, dbspaces.co.za
Designed by Louise 082 936 9568, facebook.com/bylouise Fuego Lifestyle fuegolifestyle.com Galactic Kitchens & Cupboards 072 450 6216, galactickitchens.co.za Gelmar 021 203 4259, gelmar.co.za Handles Inc. 021 422 2322, handlesinc.co.za
Hertex 0860 437 839, hertex.co.za Italtile 010 271 2272, italtile.co.za K2 Cabinets k2cabinets@gmail.com Lanes Ceramic Works 021 873 1347, lanes.co.za Magnificent Barista Boys baristaboys.co.za Malco 021 981 5290, malco.co.za Mungo mungo.co.za Mr Price Home 064 584 1000 (WhatsApp), mrphome.com Natural Stone Warehouse 021 506 1300, facebook.com/ naturalstonewarehouse Papèl Cocreate papel.cocreate/ instagram.com Schattig schattig.co.za
South Bound 028 435 6016 Stiles 044 871 3222, stiles.co.za Stone Zone Granite 082 481 6207,
stonezonegranite.co.za Superbalist 087 362 7300,
superbalist.com The 2nd Hand Warehouse and
Antiques 060 095 8172, 2ndhandwarehouse.com Tile Space 011 796 5100, tilespace.co.za Ulrich Koster ulrichkoster55@gmail.com
Waterstone 021 975 9000, waterstone.co.za
Tap from Waterstone
The floor tiles with their black-and-white pattern add contrast against the seamless wooden cabinets. Cabinets manufactured by Malco