A welcoming space with the power of colour and Dekton

Few things are as personal as the home of an interior designer. In New Zealand, interior designer Delwyn McClennan has taken her vision to the next level by transforming her home into a masterpiece of dark tones, durable materials, and a cosy aesthetic. The key to this renovation: the choice of Dekton Grafite by Cosentino, a material that combines beauty and functionality in perfect balance.

The most striking space in the renovation is undoubtedly the kitchen. Designed to integrate into the architectural structure of the house, the furniture layout follows a bold approach: “The dramatic architecture contributed to the look and scale of the kitchen. The intentional use of Dekton to envelop the cooking area, extending under the ovens and connecting to the drinks station, unified the kitchen’s appearance,” explains McClennan. The same logic led to the use of Dekton at the base of the fireplace, reinforcing the sense of cohesion in the design.

The dark colour palette is another key element. McClennan left nothing to chance: “The colour Grafite was a key influence, complementing the existing wall paint with its blend of grey-blue tones and warm mustard undertones. These warmer shades guided the choice of tiles and flooring.”

The renovation stemmed from a practical need: the original kitchen was not intended to be permanent. With the house extension, McClennan saw the opportunity to create an entirely new kitchen. This allowed for a radical transformation of the space, which now plays a central role in family life: “During the extension, we saw the opportunity to include a pantry and made significant modifications to other areas of the house. These changes created a spacious kitchen and dining area that blend seamlessly into our daily lives, turning the kitchen into the heart of our home.”

The use of an intense colour palette has its roots in artistic inspiration: “The bold and dramatic colour and material palette is inspired by one of my favourite artworks. It integrates seamlessly with the strong architectural elements of the house.” This approach allows the design to go beyond mere functionality and become an aesthetic statement with personal meaning.

Beyond the visual impact, “durability was also a key factor in choosing Dekton. Having previously used stainless steel worktops, Dekton was the obvious replacement,” notes McClennan. Its resistance to scratches, stains, and impacts makes it a perfect solution for a heavily-used kitchen: “The durable properties of Dekton are essential: it is resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts, making it ideal for a space like the kitchen,” she affirms.