Texture, tranquillity and modern flourishes were the three things the home owners of this beachfront home wanted from their interior renovation. Designer Annika Rowson took on the project and decided on a fresh and neutral aesthetic, with thoughtful and custom-made elements throughout the living areas of the home.

“I wanted the space to feel both elegant, calm and warm,” says Rowson. “I used a variety of materials to achieve this, from dark chevron oak flooring to fluted cabinetry, which was custom painted to clad the entire wall of the kitchen, lounge and dining, to add cohesion and give a seamless finish to the interior.” Sensa by Cosentino Taj Mahal granite was selected by Rowson to add texture and practicality to the rooms: it’s the star of the show in the kitchen, in the form of a five-metre mitred island and a butler’s pantry’s splashback; and it has been fabricated into a luxurious fireplace hearth in the living room. “Taj Mahal sits so beautifully within the space,” says Rowson of the natural granite surface. “I was inspired to use it because of the beachfront location and the connection to the natural surrounding environment. The waterfall end of the kitchen island is visible as you enter the home, offering a glimpse of what is to follow. The stunning sea views can be enjoyed while cooking at the island and it also allows the owners a connection to guests while entertaining.”

The stunning centrepiece was mitred to 100mm thick, fabricated in two pieces, and carried very carefully through a stepped entrance to be installed in the kitchen. Because Rowson loves to see the stone in both vertical and horizontal applications, it was also installed as a backdrop to the open shelving in the butler’s pantry. When the pantry doors are open, the gorgeous Sensa surface, which is stain-resistant and comes with a 15-year warranty, shines. Because the home owners are keen cooks and love to entertain, the kitchen also features an integrated Dishdrawer and Cooldrawer, along with a sink mixer that offers boiling, filtered chilled and sparkling water. There’s a  Fisher & Paykel oven, steam oven, warming drawer and integrated fridge/freezer and a Blum pantry unit, that takes care of everyday food storage.

Explore the full range of colours across Sensa®, Dekton® and Silestone® here.