This beautiful and functional Nordic kitchen combines the best designer tricks

Kathryn Hawkes started writing a design blog as an amateur, purely out of passion; today, 12 years later, she has turned interior design into her profession through House of Hawkes, her boutique studio. It undertakes warm and elegant commercial and residential projects in Dubai, where it is based.

This time, however, the project was not external: it was her own home in Meadows that needed a makeover. Specifically, her kitchen. To carry it out, the designer drew inspiration from the Scandinavian simplicity that runs through the rest of her home, using timeless materials and integrating handcrafted elements.

“The kitchen stands out for its functional design, smart solutions, and wide range of finishes,” explain House of Hawkes. Among them is Silestone Lime Delight, from the Urban Crush collection. "The smooth, speckled surface, in a range of beige tones, complements the walnut cabinets and understated interiors to create an appearance of serene elegance," they continue.

It wasn’t easy to find the perfect material for the worktop, splashback, and cascading island in this clean-lined Nordic kitchen. Hawkes admits she spent a long time searching and considering all kinds of options until she saw it and fell in love instantly: “I was drawn to the colour of Silestone Lime Delight from the Urban Crush collection for its resemblance to natural limestone, but adapted to an urban setting with a minimalist approach,” she recalls.

When the professional learned about the brand’s eco-friendly features, the choice became even more compelling: “I was impressed by Silestone’s evolution with the introduction of innovative technology that significantly reduces the silica content in the product’s composition. Additionally, it is sustainably manufactured using recycled water, renewable energy, and recycled materials,” she explains.

Now, after the renovation, Hawkes enjoys her new kitchen every day with her family. What does she like most about this redesign? The framed walnut cabinet doors made by her other company, Fronteriors. This company, which she founded with a friend, also customised the transition between the upper cabinets and the ceiling.

The Quooker tap, which provides filtered, boiling, chilled, and sparkling water, is another of her favourite indulgences, as are the integrated appliances. “They are key to a clean and uncluttered look, something essential in our open-plan kitchen design.”

In this regard, she is also pleased with the generous spaces she has left to use the kitchen comfortably while maximising storage. One of the elements that helps her the most are the IKEA drawers: “They have the best selection of internal components, such as pull-out shelves, vegetable baskets, etc.,” the expert explains.

Finally, the decision to place sockets on the island, which initially worried her due to its aesthetic impact, has turned out to be a great success that they use every day. And, of course, she is delighted with the beauty and extreme durability of Silestone, which ensures easy and carefree use of the space during the preparation, cooking, and serving of all family meals.