From the initial design concept to the finished home: On Instagram, Vanessa captivates her followers at @home.by.vanessa with her modern interior style and lovingly decorated rooms. The centerpiece of her home is her Nolte kitchen, which combines design, functionality, and coziness. In this home story, she reveals the ideas behind the design, why she chose the combination of SOFT LACK in Sahara soft mat and neoLODGE in Diamond Oak, and what tips she would share with other homeowners.
Community Kitchen of the Month for May 2026
A Kitchen-Diner That Makes You Feel Right at Home – Home Story in Sahara and Oak
An Overview of the Kitchen
- Front: SOFT LACK Sahara soft mat, neoLODGE Diamond Oak
- Countertop: Supplied by customer – Taj Mahal stone slab
- Handles: Handleless – MatrixArt stainless steel look
The First Meeting
Would you like to introduce yourself briefly? Who’s behind this beautiful home?
I’m Vanessa, 24 years old, and I live in our home with my 26-year-old husband. During our home renovation, I discovered my passion for interior design, and ever since, I’ve loved shaping our home step by step according to our vision.
You’re sharing your home renovation journey with your community—how did you decide to completely renovate your house?
Owning a home has always been a big dream for both of us. When the opportunity arose, we took on the challenge and decided to completely renovate it. With a lot of support from our family, we were able to make this dream a reality.
Were there any particular challenges during the renovation, or did everything go as planned?
I don’t think any home renovation ever goes exactly according to plan. Of course, we faced a few challenges too, but we overcame them together and found a good solution for every problem. In the end, that’s exactly what makes a renovation special.
Are you completely done with the renovation, or are there still more projects to come?
We’re not quite finished yet. There’s still some work to be done upstairs, which we’re currently working on. So things are still exciting, and there’s still a lot to design.
Your home is very cozy—where do you get your inspiration, and hhow would you describe your interior design style?
Our decor style is simple, modern, and timeless. I love light beige and natural tones, complemented by small accents. I like to draw inspiration from others, but I always develop my own vision from that so that our home suits us perfectly.
Do you think your decor reflects your personalities? If so, how does that show?
Yes, definitely. Our decor reflects our personalities because it conveys exactly what’s important to us: tranquility, coziness, and a harmonious home. We like clean lines, warm colors, and a timeless design that makes us feel comfortable every day.
Nolte explains
Why Open-Concept Kitchens Are So Popular
Open-concept kitchen-living rooms combine cooking, dining, and living into a single shared living space. A kitchen island provides additional counter space and also serves as a gathering place for family and guests. Light-colored cabinet fronts in cashmere have a warm and timeless look, while wood finishes like walnut exude warmth and natural charm. This combination is ideal for both modern new construction and open-concept living arrangements in existing homes.
The Idea Behind the Planning
How did you end up choosing a kitchen from Nolte Küchen with wood accents?
I was immediately drawn to the wood accents. I thought they were beautiful right away and knew instantly that I absolutely wanted that look in our kitchen. We’d also heard a lot of positive things from friends about the high quality of Nolte Küchen. So it quickly became clear to us that we wanted to go with a Nolte kitchen as well.
Did you design your kitchen entirely on your own, or did you get help from a kitchen designer?
We had help from a kitchen designer. We went into the planning process with a rough idea and worked with him to refine our ideas. In the end, we ended up with exactly the kitchen we wanted.
When planning your kitchen, did you prioritize design or functionality—or did you find a good compromise? Do you also pay attention to design and organization when it comes to the kitchen’s interior features (e.g., drawers, storage space)?
For us, the combination of design and functionality was key. We wanted the kitchen to not only look beautiful but also be practical for everyday use. That’s why we deliberately chose floor-to-ceiling cabinets to maximize storage space and included plenty of drawers, because they simply make it easier to keep things organized and are more convenient.
Your dream kitchen starts with good planning
Every kitchen is as unique as the people who live there. Our Nolte authorized dealers will guide you from the initial idea through to the final kitchen design and work with you to develop a solution that fits your home perfectly.
Ideas from This Kitchen
- Spacious kitchen island as the focal point
- Handle-free look with a sleek design
- Black faucet as a modern contrast
- Open-concept kitchen-living room with a seamless transition to the dining area
- Light colors for a timeless living experience
Favorite Place in Everyday Life
What role does the kitchen play in your home? Is it a gathering place for your family, or more of a practical space for cooking?
For me, the kitchen is a real haven. We spend a lot of time here, cooking together and enjoying everyday life. It’s the heart of our home.
What does “living in the kitchen” mean to you?
For me, life in the kitchen means spending time together and creating wonderful moments. It’s not just about cooking—it’s about getting together, having conversations, and enjoying everyday life with one another. For me, the kitchen is the place in my home that feels most like home.
Materials and Colors
What specifically impressed you about our products?
We were particularly impressed by the wide selection of colors and materials. Above all, we immediately loved the combination of the light-colored cabinet fronts and the wood accents—it fits perfectly with our interior design style.
Nolte explains
Why do Sahara and Diamond Oak go so well together?
The combination of a light, matte lacquered front and a natural wood finish is one of the most popular design options for modern open-concept kitchens. SOFT LACK in Sahara soft mat brings a sense of calm and elegance to the room, while neoLODGE in Diamond Oak radiates warmth and natural beauty with its distinctive wood grain. Together, they create a balanced overall look that feels modern yet remains timeless.
Small Details with a Big Impact
Is there a particular detail in your kitchen or home that you’re especially proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the entire design. It was the first kitchen we designed together, and it turned out exactly as we’d imagined. The fact that we fall in love with it all over again every day makes it something very special to us.
Personal Tips
What advice would you give to people who are currently planning a kitchen or renovating a house?
I’d recommend getting a rough idea of the final result beforehand and gathering plenty of inspiration. It’s also worth seeking out different opinions and advice. Ultimately, though, you should focus above all on what’s important to you and which solutions will make your daily life easier.
Is there a feature in your kitchen that’s indispensable to you—in other words, a must-have for you?
Definitely our Quooker and the fridge with the ice-making feature. Both make our daily lives so much easier, and for me, they’ve become features I couldn’t live without.
What three things were absolutely essential when planning the kitchen?
At the top of my wish list were a refrigerator with an ice maker, floor-to-ceiling cabinets for as much storage space as possible, and a spacious kitchen island as the focal point of the kitchen.
More information
In our kitchen journal, you’ll find even more inspiration for planning and designing your dream kitchen.
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