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From the planning process to the fulfilment of the dream

A vase with flowers sits on the countertop in a modern kitchen with dark cabinets. Nolte Kitchens.

With clear ideas, great attention to detail and a passion for minimalism, Elif has brought her dream black kitchen to life – elegant, functional and perfectly suited to her style.

My name is Elif (@interiorfairy93) and I am 29 years old. Together with my husband and my two sons, I live in our own home, which was built in 2021.
We own another house, which has been rented out since its new construction, and which we completely renovated several years ago. At that time, I already wanted to start with Instagram but simply never dared to do so. I had created my account a long time ago but only actually took the step in June 2022.

With currently just under 50K followers, you've already built up a considerable following. How do you separate your Instagram activities from your private life?
I never expected to reach around 50 thousand followers within one year. It truly makes me happy to receive wonderful feedback and to see how you can inspire people, but also get to meet many great people with whom you share a lot of your life.
Nevertheless, I must say that primarily my family, especially my still-young children, comes first.
I have a very structured daily routine and then schedule time for Instagram.
But of course, there are days when things don't always go according to plan and I have to postpone some things.

Why did you decide on a black kitchen in a handleless version?
In the other house, we have a white high gloss kitchen with handles and also an island. Over time, tastes change and I actually saw a black, handleless kitchen on Instagram that blew me away. Black kitchens really look so elegant and classy. I love it!

What do you especially like about your kitchen?
What I especially like about my kitchen is my integrated fully automatic coffee machine. For me, truly a must-have!

Did you plan your kitchen yourself? Feel free to describe the planning process for us.
Yes, I did. I had specific ideas. 5 tall cabinets combined with 3 built-in appliances for a visually uniform look. Of course, the island with lighting was also another must-have.

What challenges did you face when planning your kitchen?
At some point, it was said a few centimeters were missing and the kitchen wouldn't fit in as planned, even though I'd already had my architect subsequently plan for a smaller hallway. Fortunately, I'd done some research and discovered there's also an option for horizontal recessed handles, and it fit perfectly.

MatrixArt – Handleless elegance with lighting accent

Handleless, clear, sophisticated – MatrixArt stands for modern kitchen design with structure. The integrated LED lighting in the handle recess sets stylish lighting highlights and creates a warm or functional atmosphere depending on the mood. A design that impresses through minimalist form and targeted illumination.
A modern kitchen with dark cabinets and wood accents, equipped by Nolte Kitchen.

What did you enjoy most about kitchen planning?
Generally, the entire planning process. I was so happy to be able to plan my dream kitchen.

What were three must-haves that absolutely had to be in your kitchen?
My 3 must - haves were: Quookeer, integrated fully automatic coffee machine, island with lighting

Do you have a few tips for builders and those who plan to become one? What would you always do again exactly the same way, and what would you do differently next time?
Really try to imagine everything as precisely as possible. Plan and design yourself, e.g. with the help of Roomplaner. Of course, the appearance plays a very big role too, but you should also try to plan everything practically, as ideally it should last forever.

With its subtle decoration, your kitchen makes a very tidy and clean impression. Does this restraint towards decoration continue through the entire house?
Definitely. I love minimalism. Less is more.
 

In your everyday family life, does it always need to be especially practical and functional, or is design also a priority for you?
I would say a bit of both.

How important is orderliness in the kitchen to you? How do you stay organized here?
I have a very serious cleaning and organizing obsession. Therefore, orderliness in the kitchen, as well as throughout the entire house—even up in the attic—is very important to me.

GlossaryWhat exactly is minimalism?

Minimalism is more than an interior style – it is a conscious attitude towards life. In design, it means: Less is more. Instead of excess and decoration, the focus is on concentration on the essentials. Clean lines, neutral colors and selected materials create calm, order and structure. In furnishing, minimalism appears through reduced shapes, functional furniture and an airy sense of space. Each object has a purpose – and often also its fixed place. The style appears modern, timeless and unobtrusive.

An elegant dining room with a modern table and chairs, highlighted by stylish lighting, by Nolte Living.
Open living concept with clear lines: The handleless kitchen is elegantly separated from the dining area by the fireplace.
A modern kitchen with dark cabinets and an island, stylishly designed by Nolte Kitchen.
Matt matte fronts, warm wood look and a subtle lighting line – the kitchen island combines function and aesthetics.
A modern kitchen with black decor and a fireplace, dining table in the foreground. Nolte Kitchens.
A harmonious transition from cooking to enjoyment: pendant lights, muted colors and minimalist forms create atmosphere.

What do you like about your kitchen island? Is it practical in everyday life?
That I have the full depth and thus could also include storage space on the back side.

Where do you get inspired when it comes to interior design?
Instagram, Pinterest and my own ideas.

What advantages and disadvantages do you see in an open living-dining area like the one you have?
Advantages: everything appears much bigger and brighter
Disadvantages: possibly cooking smells

How would you describe the house and your interior design style?
Modern, minimalist, nordic/scandinavian 

What does life in the kitchen mean to you?
Clearly: the kitchen is the heart of the house, because as we know, the way to the heart is through the stomach!

Further information

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

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