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Zeynep's Homestory: A kitchen for living, enjoying and falling in love

A modern kitchen with dark cabinets and a central island by Nolte Kitchen.

Elegance in black-and-white: How Zeynep realized her dream kitchen with clear vision and attention to detail.

Dive into Zeynep's home story: She is living her dream of a modern, welcoming home and shares daily design ideas, decorating tips, and personal insights on @keepingupwithzeys. In 2024, she fulfilled her greatest dream together with her family by building a house that reflects her clean, timeless yet elegant style: clear lines, natural materials, and minimalist colour tones combined with sophisticated details. A true highlight is her U-shaped Nolte kitchen in black-and-white: thanks to its handleless design, thoughtful storage solutions, and high-quality appliances, it's both an eye-catcher and extremely practical. Here, she cooks, bakes, and lives everyday – precisely the balance between style and suitability for daily life that Zeynep loves so much. Take a look and let yourself be inspired by how you can realise your own dream home with great attention to detail!

Please briefly introduce yourself and tell us something about yourself. 
My name is Zeynep, I'm an interior enthusiast and I'm living my dream of creating a home that is not only modern but also inviting and lively. On Instagram, I share my passion for design, lifestyle and the small details that make life more beautiful. Besides creative projects, I love interacting with my community and sharing inspiration. My goal is not just to show trends, but to design spaces that truly fit the people who live in them.

You yourself are genuinely active on Instagram, what sets you and your account apart and what do you show us there? 
My account @keepingupwithzeys is a place full of ideas and inspiration. I want my community not only to watch, but to actively feel inspired to realize their own home dreams. Besides interior design, I also share personal insights into my everyday life, tips for organization and decoration, and the little moments that make life special. What distinguishes my account is authenticity – I don't only share perfection, but also the challenges behind every idea.

In 2024 you fulfilled your dream of owning your own home. Is there a story behind the construction of your house? 
The journey toward our own home was a mix of big dreams, intensive planning and challenges. We wanted to create a home that is not only modern but also reflects our personal style and provides space for our family life. It was particularly exciting to bring different ideas together and turn an empty space into a place that continuously inspires us every day. The house tells our story and is the result of hard work and much attention to detail. My interior design style is a combination of modernity, minimalism, and timeless elegance. I love clean lines, subtle shades, and natural materials that radiate calmness and harmony. At the same time, I like to set accents with extraordinary decorative elements that give individuality to rooms. My goal is to create an atmosphere that is stylish yet inviting, a place where you immediately feel at ease. 

Does your furniture reflect your character? 
My furniture is like a reflection of my personality: structured, clear, yet full of small details that tell stories. I like it tidy and harmonious, but at the same time not sterile. In every room there are elements that represent me – whether it's a special vase, a picture, or a piece of furniture that has a story. My home is a place that reflects my values and fits my lifestyle.

What inspired you to this interior style? 
I take a lot of inspiration from modern architecture and design magazines. Traveling and exchanges with other design enthusiasts also influence my style.

You have an open living and dining area; what do you particularly appreciate about it? 
An open living and dining area promotes communication and creates a welcoming atmosphere in which family and friends can come together. Moreover, the openness creates a sense of community and makes the space appear brighter and larger.

How did you decide on a kitchen by Nolte in this style? 
Choosing a Nolte kitchen was a deliberate decision, resulting from many considerations and comparisons. I immediately fell in love with the quality and timeless design. The possibility of customizing the kitchen entirely to our needs and style especially impressed me. What distinguishes Nolte for me is the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. The handleless design creates a modern, elegant appearance, while the high-quality materials and thoughtful details ensure that the kitchen is convincing even in everyday life. Additionally, it was important to me to choose a kitchen that is durable and at the same time allows room for personal accents.

Black and Concrete

Cooking requires a frame – and this kitchen provides it in an especially elegant manner. The design combines striking black and concrete tones with clear lines and thoughtfully structured spaces. The ceiling-high cabinets offer generous storage, while the open areas seamlessly connect the kitchen with the living space. A harmonious interplay of function, aesthetics and openness.
More about black and concrete
A modern kitchen with black countertops and large windows, designed by Nolte Kitchen.

Were there any particular trends or inspirations that influenced your kitchen choice?
In the beginning, I was unsure whether I should opt for an entirely black kitchen. I liked the look, but I had concerns that it might appear too dominant. After much consideration, I finally decided on the Beton Optik front from Nolte, which convinced me with its modern yet stylish appearance, as well as being extremely easy to maintain.

Did you plan your kitchen yourself or have it planned professionally?
I planned our kitchen myself, and it was one of the most exciting challenges in designing our house. From the very start, I had a clear vision of how the kitchen should look and which functions it needed to achieve. It was particularly important to me that the kitchen would not only be modern and aesthetic, but also cover all the practical demands of our everyday life.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process? 
What I enjoyed most was the creative process, in which an initial idea gradually became tangible reality. Choosing materials, colours and fronts was particularly exciting, as it allowed me to carefully consider how each element interacts and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.

You chose a black-and-white kitchen; what do you particularly like about it? 
The black-and-white design of our kitchen inspires me especially due to its elegance and timeless aesthetic. Black radiates strength and modernity, while white adds lightness and freshness. This combination creates an impressive contrast that makes the space appear both sophisticated and inviting. I particularly appreciate how versatile this color combination is. It allows me to continuously redefine the kitchen atmosphere through decorative elements or lighting accents. Moreover, the clear color scheme gives the kitchen a calm structure that suits my minimalist style perfectly.

What advantages do you see in the U-shape of your kitchen for your everyday life? 
The U-shape of our kitchen was a deliberate choice because it optimally utilizes the available space and is also very functional. The short distances between work areas significantly facilitate the cooking process and ensure that everything is within easy reach. Furthermore, the U-shape provides ample work surface, which is especially practical when multiple tasks are occurring simultaneously—whether that's cooking, baking, or preparation. The additional storage space offered by this layout was also a major advantage for me. As a result, the kitchen always remains tidy and organized.

GlossarHow to achieve modern minimalist luxury?

Modern minimalist luxury combines simple elegance with exclusive materials and thoughtful design. The focus is on clear shapes, calm color schemes and high-quality surfaces – such as matte fronts, natural stone or textured wood. Instead of decorative abundance, targeted highlights impress: indirect lighting, elegant fittings or selected statement pieces. This style creates a sophisticated living atmosphere that feels open, restrained yet warm. Everything has its place, nothing appears cluttered – precisely this restraint gives the space its special value. Less, but better: That is the essence of modern, minimalist luxury.

A modern kitchen with dark cabinets and large windows, Nolte Kitchens.
The front PLUS black soft matt with anti-fingerprint meets concrete look and light – modern and functional.
A modern black fitted kitchen with a bouquet of white flowers, Nolte Kitchen.
The matt black tall cabinets create calm and offer well-thought-out storage space. for maximum order.
Stylish decor with vases and bottles in a modern Nolte kitchen.
Elegant accessories create stylish accents in the kitchen, too.

What is the most important function in your kitchen for you? 
For me, the most important function is the perfect balance between organisation and everyday practicality. Every cupboard and every drawer in our home has a clear purpose, ensuring everything has its place and making work in the kitchen efficient and enjoyable. Another important element is the worktop. It must not only be robust and easy to care for, but also offer sufficient space to work comfortably. A well-thought-out functionality ensures that the kitchen is not only a workspace but also a place of wellbeing.

How often do you cook or bake and what role does the kitchen play in this? 
I cook almost daily, and the kitchen is for me the central place where I can be creative. Whether simple dishes or elaborate menus, the kitchen offers me everything I need to realise my ideas. Baking is particularly a passion of mine, especially when trying out new recipes. At these times, I appreciate the carefully planned design and functionality of my kitchen, supporting me at every step and making the process pleasant.

What were three must-haves that absolutely had to be in your kitchen? 
1. High-quality electrical appliances. 
2. A durable and elegant ceramic worktop. 
3. A sophisticated organisation system in the cupboards.

Do you place more importance on functionality or design in your kitchen? 
For me, functionality and design are inseparably intertwined. A kitchen can look ever so beautiful, but if it's not practical in everyday use, it loses its value. At the same time, I believe a functional kitchen doesn't have to compromise on aesthetics. I have placed great importance on my kitchen being both practical and stylish. For example, clever storage solutions and high-quality appliances ensure work goes smoothly, while the concrete-look design and handleless fronts create a modern and harmonious atmosphere.

How important to you is a well-organized interior in your kitchen, and how do you implement this?
A well-organized interior is crucial for me to use the kitchen efficiently and create a calm atmosphere. I've ensured that each compartment and drawer has a clear purpose to avoid chaos. To achieve this, I use intelligent organizational systems such as drawer inserts, rotating carousels, and hanging systems for kitchen utensils. This organization not only makes work easier but also gives the kitchen a tidy and inviting appearance.

Zeynep is an interior enthusiast with a passion for modern, functional design.

“My kitchen is more than a room – it is my retreat, my creative studio and the heart of our family life.”

A modern kitchen with large windows and dark countertops. Nolte Kitchen.
The STONE Beton front brings raw charm and modern clarity into the kitchen – distinctive, easy-care and absolutely on trend.
A modern living room with a fireplace and decorative elements, matching Nolte Living.
The interplay of fire, light, and dark contrasts brings warmth into the puristically designed interior – modern minimalism with maximum feel-good factor.
A stylishly furnished living room with coffee tables and decor, presented by Nolte Living.
Light natural tones, clear lines and elegant marble-look accents turn the living room into a harmonious zone of calm – perfectly matched to the overall ambience of the house.

Would you change anything about your current kitchen if you had the chance?
Overall, I'm very happy with our kitchen, but if I had the opportunity, I'd love to change the fronts in the future. The new slate-effect front from Nolte particularly appeals to me. It looks incredibly modern and stylish and would bring an entirely new dynamic to the kitchen. This small dream of change shows that design is always evolving and there are always new possibilities to develop your personal style.

For you, what are the three most important tips for maintaining a good household? 
1. Regular cleaning and maintenance. 
2. Firm organization. 
3. High-quality appliances and furniture that are durable.

Which spot in your home is your favourite and why?
My favourite spot in our home is definitely the kitchen. It is the heart of the house and connects not only us as a family, but also functionality and comfort in a special way. Here, I spend plenty of time cooking, baking, and eating together. It’s a room that is not only practical, but also full of life and wonderful memories. Whether engaged in a good conversation, experimenting with new recipes, or having a cozy breakfast – the kitchen is the place that always feels like “home”.

More information

In our Kitchen Journal you will find even more inspiration for the individual planning and design of your dream kitchen.

A modern kitchen with light cabinets and a large window, stylishly presented by Nolte Kitchen.
View here

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