Homestories

Community Kitchen of the Month: October 2025

Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Laura (https://www.instagram.com/casa_2.o/), I’m 37 years old, and I’m the mother of Noa, who is 11. Together with Fred, we’re a blended family — my 'Family 2.0', as I like to call it. Fred also has an 11-year-old son, Oscar. We’ve been together for 8 years, and Casa 2.0 is our first joint project, our first home of our own. I’m the director of a nursing home. For me, working with this population is more than just a job — it’s a true calling. I’ve been working at the same facility for 13 years and am still deeply passionate about it.

Bright Nolte kitchen with an island in Sahara Softmatt and a wood countertop in a modern, open-concept living space

A home full of light and life

Laura on her Casa 2.0 – a place that brings the family together

Together with her partner Fred and their two sons, Laura has created a home that is more than just a new build: Casa 2.0 is a place full of light, tranquility, and genuine family moments. Planned with great attention to detail and developed over many months, the house combines modern architecture with a warm, natural atmosphere.

The kitchen is at the heart of family life. The bright Nolte kitchen in Sahara combines timeless design with thoughtful functionality — and quickly becomes the most important gathering place for the whole family in everyday life. Whether cooking together, chatting after a long day, or simply relaxing together: this is where life happens.

The kitchen at a glance

Front: FEEL Sahara soft mat, ARTWOOD natural knotty oak
Countertop: Supplied by customer – Travertino Bianco - Covarte
Handles: Handleless – MatrixArt stainless steel look
Cabinet height: 90 cm with Matrix900
Highlight: neoBOX interior organisation

Home: Thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Laura (@casa_2.o), I’m 37 years old, and I’m the mother of Noa, who is 11. Together with Fred, we’re a blended family — my “Family 2.0,” as I like to call it. Fred also has an 11-year-old son, Oscar. We’ve been together for 8 years, and Casa 2.0 is our first joint project, our first home of our own.

I’m the director of a nursing home. For me, working with this population is more than just a job — it’s a true calling. I’ve been working at the same facility for 13 years and am still deeply passionate about it.

A modern kitchen with a sleek island and barstools. Nolte Küchen.

What was particularly important to you when building your house in 2024, and how did you bring your ideas to life?

The most important thing for us was natural light.
We envisioned a house flooded with light, featuring large windows — some of which even exceeded standard dimensions. We thought about angles, openings, and times of day.
Since we live in the countryside and some trees filter the light, it was important to us to compensate for this and bring as much light into the house as possible.

What makes your new home special for you as a family?

This house is special because every detail has been carefully thought out.
Fred drew the plans himself, and we really took our time — months, even years — to think things through, make adjustments, and design it. Everyone should find their place in it. And above all, it should be our home — a home that reflects all four of us.

Laura on her kitchen

“The kitchen island is the heart of the home.”

The kitchen as the heart of the home

In Casa 2.0, the kitchen is much more than just a functional space — it’s the central hub of family life. With its open layout, abundant natural light, and use of natural materials, it blends harmoniously into the home’s overall design.

What role does the kitchen island play in your daily life?

The kitchen island is the heart of the house. I was actually convinced that we would eat in the dining room every day. But in the end, we spend all our time around the island.
When we have guests, they automatically gather around the island. I even work from home there because I feel so comfortable there. We spend hours there — talking, laughing, playing…and, of course, cooking.

A modern kitchen with wooden surfaces, Nolte Küchen.

Why Choose a Nolte Kitchen? The Thinking Behind the Design

The decision to choose a Nolte kitchen wasn’t a coincidence — it was the result of inspiration, expert advice, and a clear commitment to quality.

You even traveled all the way from Belgium to visit our Nolte FORUM — how did you like the showroom?

We were really impressed by the Nolte FORUM — not just by its size, but by everything there is to discover there. We could really picture ourselves there.
A little anecdote: After the visit, we were initially convinced by a dark kitchen — even though we originally wanted something light.
We even went back to Expert Huy to confirm this decision. And then, a week later… a complete change of direction. We returned to our first intuition: a light, airy kitchen.

Why did you choose a Nolte kitchen? What convinced you the most?

First of all, we were won over by the manager at Expert Huy, who knew Nolte very well and spoke about it with great enthusiasm.
When we saw the kitchens in the store, we were immediately impressed by the quality and the designs. Our visit to the FORUM confirmed that impression.
At that moment, the decision was clear to us.

Plan a visit to the FORUM

From Concept to Reality: Planning, Inspiration, and Turning Points

The planning process for Casa 2.0 shows how important it is to take your time and make informed decisions — even if those decisions change along the way.

How did you decide on a light-colored kitchen with wood elements?

At the very beginning, we wanted a white kitchen with wood. Then we saw some inspiration, particularly the “Sahara” color, and were thrilled by the combination with wood. It’s less classic, but just as bright.

A modern kitchen with sleek cabinets and integrated appliances by Nolte Küchen.

Modern, bright, natural: The interior design style of Casa 2.0

Clean lines, warm tones, and carefully placed accents define the home’s style. The combination of minimalist design and natural materials creates a calm, timeless atmosphere.

How would you describe your interior design style in a few words?

Modern, bright, warm, and natural. A rather contemporary, clean style. I don’t like cluttered rooms with too many decorations and visual elements. Instead, I prefer to add subtle pops of color with individual decorative elements, without overloading the rooms.

A modern living room with a sofa and TV, stylishly furnished. Nolte Living.

Everyday Life in the Family Kitchen: Life Around the Island

Whether it’s a hectic family day or a quiet evening for two — the kitchen adapts flexibly and always remains the central gathering place.

What does a typical day look like in your new home?

When the kids are around, our weeks often feel like a race against time — just like for many families. We organize our schedules around the boys’ sports activities. Our weekends with them are precious, and we try to enjoy our family time as much as possible.
When it’s just the two of us, we work more, and at the end of the day, we spend hours in our kitchen to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet.

A modern kitchen with elegant features and a central island. Nolte Kitchens.

Functionality meets design: What really matters in planning

Your kitchen has a handle-free design — what was important to you in that regard, and what do you particularly appreciate about it?

For me, goinghandle-free was a given, because I wanted a completely minimalist, clean-lined kitchen and didn’t want to get tired of looking at it. At the same time, it was important that it remain functional — and it absolutely is.

What role does storage space play for you when planning a kitchen?

We gave this a lot of thought, based on our old home. For me, it was clear: at least as much storage space as before, not less.
We thought carefully about where every item would go. I wanted a kitchen where everything that belongs in a kitchen could be stored, while the furniture in the dining area is used for other things.

Do you have a particularly helpful decorating tip for young families?

Remember to make the most of the space. Focus first on functionality and practicality — and only then on aesthetics. Everyday life can quickly become stressful in a home that isn’t very functional.
When four people live in a house, you should consider how you move around, create enough space, and ensure that everyone has their own area.

A place that brings people together: What the kitchen means to the family

Ultimately, the kitchen is one thing above all else: a place of life that brings the family together and shapes our daily routine.

Which rooms do you most enjoy sharing as a family — and why?
Without a doubt: the kitchen. It’s the only room where we spend hours together as a family. It’s the heart of the home and the place where all four of us gather at the end of the day and on weekends.

What does life in the kitchen to you personally?
For me, the kitchen is where everything happens — often without us even realizing it.
In the morning, everything moves quickly: a cup of coffee, a few quiet moments, everyone slowly getting into the day.
And then there are the other moments: in the evening, when we talk about our day, our feelings, and our experiences.
The kitchen is never static — it lives in our rhythm. It’s not just a functional space, but a place of life and connection.