Caesarstone 5151 Empira White and 5100 Vanilla Noir bring a striking contrast to this family kitchen blending 1930s style with modern living.
In the charming home of content creator and founder of homeware brand Oh So Kel, Kelly Harmer – known to her Instagram followers as @ohsokel – the kitchen stands as a true reflection of her vision for a modern yet timeless family space. Kelly, her husband Dan, their two daughters Isla and Emmie, and their Goldendoodle pup Cosmo live in a 1930s house that has been lovingly transformed into a warm, welcoming, and highly functional home. The kitchen, which serves as the heart of their family life, is a masterpiece of thoughtful design and careful planning, featuring Caesarstone’s 5151 Empira White and 5100 Vanilla Noir surfaces.
From the beginning, Kelly envisioned a kitchen that would allow the entire family to be together, even while doing their own things. The open-plan layout was designed with dedicated zones for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing. This setup allows for seamless interaction, making it possible for cooking and preparing drinks whilst guests relax at the island and the kids watch TV - all whilst still feeling connected.
The kitchen’s design is both functional and beautiful, with a modern organic style that pays homage to the 1930s origins of the house. Traditional white Shaker-style cabinetry is paired with an oak slab island, and both elements are topped with the classic Empira White surface, which ties the whole space together. Featuring elegant marble-like swirls, the worktop showcases intricate veining in soft shades of grey over a pure white base, creating a luxurious look. Empira White extends into a matching splashback and floating shelves above the back run of cabinets, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the scheme.
Kelly explains: “We absolutely love the marble-style swirls that run through Empira White. It’s a classic design that has its own personality and makes a bold enough statement without clashing with the rest of the kitchen elements.”
In the hidden walk-in pantry that’s adjacent to the kitchen, Kelly opted for a different look, matching a Vanilla Noir worktop and shelves with inky black cabinets. Bold and dramatic, Vanilla Noir has a rich ebony base, washed with creamy vanilla veins. The dark and moody tones of the surface create a striking contrast against the light and bright main kitchen, whilst still harmonising with the overall design.
Kelly notes “We chose Vanilla Noir for our walk-in pantry because its style and veining are reminiscent of Empira White. We adore the gold-toned swirls and the black-on-black look works so incredibly well without being flat because of these details.”
Looking back on her choice of Caesarstone surfaces, Kelly shares: “Non-porous, low-maintenance and beautiful surfaces were key priorities for us, and Caesarstone offers such quality and service that we never wanted to look elsewhere.” She continues: “When we ordered samples, the difference in design and quality of Caesarstone was evident. It was clear that Caesarstone are the experts in this area and it was so easy to fall in love with their designs.”
Since 1987, Caesarstone has been at the helm of surface innovation, continually setting the standard for excellence in the industry. The company’s commitment to research and development ensures that every surface not only meets but exceeds contemporary demands for durability, beauty, and functionality. Plus, Caesarstone’s extensive range of designs - from classic marble-inspired veining to bold, contemporary textures - reflects its ability to anticipate and shape trends in interior design. By marrying aesthetic appeal with practical performance, Caesarstone continues to transform spaces into sophisticated environments where timeless design meets functionality.
Are you embarking on a kitchen renovation and looking for more inspiration? Why not browse Caesarstone’s catalogue to find your perfect surface or continue reading the blog to discover endless design possibilities.
Photography by Kelly Harmer, @ohsokel
