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A Moody & Masculine New Build with Dekton & Silestone
This new build in Christchurch by Modi Designs called for a bold and masculine approach. The client brief was clear, says designer Georgia Chappell: “Moody, masculine, sleek lines, no clutter, easy to look after, a place to entertain and have guests to stay.”
To achieve this, Chappell paired strong materiality with clean architectural detailing. Dekton and Silestone were selected for their performance, as well as their ability to enhance the dramatic, monochromatic palette.
In the kitchen, Dekton Portum was specified across the benchtop, splashback and profile of the cabinetry, all the way through to the benchtop and splashback in the scullery. Portum’s subtle veining sits beautifully against the dark cabinetry. “We chose Dekton for being so practical and complementary,” Chappell explains. Portum frames the space, creating a sense of structure and visual weight in the room. Matching Dekton, Portum was even carried through to the back of the shelves inside the sideboard in the dining room, creating a consistent material language across the home.
For a kitchen designed to be used, Dekton offers real performance under pressure for the home owners. “To be able to put a hot pot on the bench either side of the hob, it makes cooking a breeze,” says Chappell. Resistant to heat, stains and scratches and easy to clean, Dekton provides a surface that can handle the intensity of cooking and entertaining while maintaining its elegant appearance.
Silestone was selected in other parts of the house. The ensuites were finished with Silestone, Arden Blue, chosen for its depth of colour. “The veining and colouring of the Silestone in the bathrooms was perfect for the palette,” says Chappell. In the guest ensuite, the double box basins were custom-made in Arden Blue, extending the use of Silestone from the benchtop into the basin itself, a striking gesture that elevates function into feature.
With its resistance to stains and low maintenance, Silestone is particularly suited to bathrooms. Its longevity is reinforced by a 25-year warranty, ensuring these high-use spaces retain their elegance over time.
The result is a cohesive story where every surface contributes to the home’s overall sense of drama and refinement. Chappell notes her favourite aspect was, “leaning into a moody masculine palette and emphasising textures through architectural sleek lines and profile returns.”
By combining Dekton’s strength in the kitchen with Silestone’s resilience in the bathrooms, the project achieves a balance of performance and style. Together, they ensure that the home’s bold aesthetic is matched with surfaces designed to perform beautifully over time.
