The kitchen is no longer a purely functional zone. It’s become a space for hosting, memory-making, coffee-plunging, and curated playlists. With this in mind, Stiles called on some of the industry’s heavy hitters to share their insights.
“The best parties always end up in the kitchen. So, design it like you mean it.” From layout logic to finish finesse, we asked professional architects, kitchen designers, and tastemakers: what does it take to create the ultimate contemporary kitchen?
The Designer
Meyer Von Wielligh, a South African design studio co-founded by Norman Meyer, is renowned for crafting bespoke kitchens that blend natural materials with contemporary design. The studio places a strong emphasis on organic lines and showcases the intrinsic beauty of wood.
“There’s a general trend toward warm-toned woods,” explains Meyer. “Oak is a great wood to work with – it pairs beautifully with natural stone and offers a timeless, grounded aesthetic.”
According to Meyer, today’s homeowners are increasingly drawn to kitchens that reflect a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship. “We’re seeing more requests for contemporary kitchens made entirely from solid wood,” he says. “Not just the doors or shelves – but everything, down to the drawers. And instead of hiding the craftsmanship behind a façade, elements like finger joints are intentionally left exposed.”
This philosophy of honest design carries through the entire space. “It’s very much pared down,” Meyer adds. “Everything has a purpose. Every detail of the woodwork is exposed, and that means every aspect of the craftsmanship is on display.”
The result? A kitchen that not only functions beautifully but feels deeply personal – an enduring piece of design that speaks to materiality, skill, and authenticity.
Top Tips from Norman Meyer
Workflow 101. Consider what goes where: stove, fridge, prep area. These elements must support the way you move in the space. Beauty should be balanced with usability – and yes, pay extra for the downdraft extractor.
For a statement kitchen mixer, view the Meir Round Champagne Sink Mixer.
Quality is in the details. Invest in good hardware and surfaces – tiles, countertops, hinges, runners, and anything that moves. These are the parts that make your kitchen last.
Embrace Contrast. Darker wood tones like walnut, coffee, and chocolate pair well with muted warm cream and stone tile accents.
Consider the Tuscania Limestone Beige.
The Architect
Eddie da Silva, a George-based architect renowned for his contemporary aesthetic and emphasis on harmonising indoor and outdoor spaces, shares his perspective on the evolving role of the kitchen in modern homes. With a design philosophy that values simplicity and the use of natural materials, da Silva’s approach is timeless and contextually grounded.
“More now than ever before, the kitchen has become the beating heart of the home,” says da Silva. “It’s no longer a secluded space; it must interact seamlessly with other living areas, offering continuity between the kitchen, living room, and even outdoor dining spaces.”
To achieve this integration, da Silva emphasises the importance of consistent flooring materials. “Using the same flooring throughout these interconnected spaces enhances the sense of flow and unity,” he explains.
He also notes a shift toward viewing the kitchen as a bespoke furniture piece. “There’s a growing appreciation for joinery and craftsmanship,” he observes. “I personally favour the simplicity of a galley-style kitchen, where an island serves as a central hub for socialising, dining, and gathering.”
Da Silva’s insights reflect a broader trend in kitchen design – one that values the seamless blending of spaces to create a harmonious living environment.
Top Tips from Eddie da Silva
Showpiece Islands. Consider a single continuous natural surface over the entire island, with seamless waterfall edging. Thin slabs, like those in the Florim range, offer a sleek and contemporary finish.
View the large Florim slabs with a marble finish, such as the Calacatta Gold or the Statuario B.
Skip the Handles. Visible hardware can interrupt the flow of an otherwise clean design. Instead, opt for touch-to-open cabinetry or integrated, concealed handles for a more refined, furniture-like feel. “Too much hardware on display can spoil the overall look,” he adds.
One Floor to Rule Them All. Continuity is key. Extend the same flooring from the kitchen into the living and outdoor spaces for visual cohesion and a greater sense of space. “It’s all about the flow,” says Eddie.
Eddie chose the Navona Vein Honey for his own home as it ties into the warm oak flooring in the bedrooms.
The Tile Expert
Pierre du Plessis, showroom manager at Stiles Paarden Eiland in Cape Town, has a front-row seat to the evolution of kitchen design. With his keen eye for aesthetics and deep knowledge of tile applications, Pierre has observed a noticeable shift in how homeowners approach the heart of their home.
“Kitchens have become more than a place to cook,” Pierre explains. “They’ve become a form of self-expression.” In the past, people would start with cabinetry and countertops. Now, the Stiles team is seeing more clients begin a kitchen remodel with their tile selection and build the rest of the kitchen around it. “Tiles are no longer just the backdrop,” says Pierre, “they’re the main character.”
This trend towards expressive kitchens is echoed in the resurgence of colour and texture. “White kitchens had their moment,” Pierre says. “Now we’re seeing rich greens, earthy terracotta, and moody tones dominating. Colour is back – and it’s bolder than ever.”
Designers are also embracing visual depth through texture and material layering. “Brass mixers, natural stone, timber finishes, and funky tiles are all being combined to bring warmth and complexity into the kitchen. There’s a strong move towards contrasting finishes – like matt surfaces paired with high-gloss tiles – and it’s these layered elements that create real visual interest.”
Pierre’s Design Advice
Start with the Tile. Let your tiles guide the palette and tone of the kitchen. They set the stage.
Tuscania Ceramiche Cortinatiles have a stone look and a range of colours such as smoky grey and ash.
Play with Contrast. Mix matt with gloss for a standout, textural finish.
The Funky Tiles Nairobi (Season Prism) range has a gloss finish. The range includes finger tiles in blue and moss green.
Think Vertically. Vertical tile layouts subtly elongate the space and feel more contemporary.
The Funky Tiles Home range includes brick-shaped subway tiles ideal for vertical layouts. The range includes culinary-inspired colours such as grape, curry, and milk.
Explore a curated selection of tiles and sanware for the modern kitchen at your nearest Stiles showroom or browse online at stiles.co.za.
