SERVING STYLE

Editor-in chief Catherine Mo explores kitchens where design transcends function — revealing how bold gestures can transform the everyday into the spectacular

- Editor-in chief Catherine Mo explores

Rhythm & restraint

Arched partitions lend this kitchen a lyrical rhythm, transforming a purely functional space into an architectural composition. Arched partitions lend this kitchen a lyrical rhythm, transforming a purely functional space into an architectural composition. Lane Reeves of Metaphor Designs balanced restraint with warmth here, using brushed oak cabinetry, marble surfaces and burnished brass detailing to craft a palette that feels enduring rather than trend-driven. What stands out here is not ornament but proportion. By layering honest materials with sculptural gestures, the design achieves an atmosphere that is at once quiet, elegant and deeply connected to its setting.

metaphordesign.co.za

All the drama

This kitchen by London-based studio Hubert Zandberg Interiors, demonstrates how colour and pattern can turn utility into theatre. Painted cabinetry in a gentle hue establishes a serene architectural base, while botanical-print curtains introduce depth and movement, framing the space almost like a stage set. A rolling ladder lends a nostalgic library character, softening the rigour of full-height storage. Overhead classic pendant lights reinforce a sense of timelessness. Conceived as a soft play on English tradition with a bohemian Notting Hill twist, the scheme layers bold textiles over a calm, tonal envelope that shows how even the most practical spaces can exude both charm and high drama.