MotzDesigns

Beyond the beautiful surface lies a kitchen designed with purpose.

For me, great design begins with the materials.

This kitchen was the first space I redesigned in the home and became the foundation for every design decision that followed. Each material was carefully selected to create a balance between functionality, durability and timeless aesthetics.

From the hardwearing engineered stone and natural timber detailing to the concealed appliances, soft curves and considered lighting, every element was chosen with intention. The result is a kitchen that not only performs beautifully for everyday living but also feels calm, refined and enduring.

I believe true luxury isn’t about excess - it’s about thoughtful design, quality materials and craftsmanship that will stand the test of time.

Swipe through to discover the details that brought this vision to life, and continue to the final images to see where this transformation began.

Melissa
MotzDESIGNS

The kitchen was the very first space I redesigned in this home, and it became the foundation for everything that followed.

From that point on, every material, texture and finish was carefully considered to create a cohesive palette that flowed throughout the entire home.

For me, great design begins with the materials. I love combining hardwearing, stain-resistant engineered stone with the warmth and authenticity of natural timber. The vertical timber slatted detailing to the island introduces texture and character, balancing the refined surfaces while creating a timeless focal point.

Every selection served a purpose. Functionality and durability were just as important as aesthetics, ensuring this kitchen would perform beautifully for everyday living while maintaining its enduring appeal.

Lighting was another key consideration. Chosen for its generous scale and sculptural form, the rope pendants became a statement feature, introducing warmth and a relaxed coastal influence that perfectly complements the material palette.

Designing this kitchen was about far more than creating a beautiful room - it was about establishing a material language that would guide every design decision throughout the rest of the home.

I’m incredibly honoured that this project has been recognised as a Finalist in the 2026 KBDi Design Awards - Queensland Large Kitchen Category. It is a privilege to have this work acknowledged alongside so many talented designers.

Thank you to my wonderful clients for trusting me with their home and embracing the vision from the very beginning.

Every transformation has a beginning. Swipe to the final images to see the kitchen before its redesign.

These oversized pendants were the perfect choice for our KBDi finalist Raby Bay kitchen.

While the lights are positioned within the kitchen, their inspiration came from the vertical panelling feature I designed for the adjoining dining room. As a detail carried throughout the home, the panelling established a strong design language, and I wanted the lighting selection to reflect that same rhythm and verticality.

Crafted from woven cord with brass detailing, these statement pendants bring texture, warmth and personality to the space. Their playful silhouette, reminiscent of a Mad Hatter hat, creates a striking focal point while complementing the clean lines and architectural details beyond the kitchen.

It’s these connections between materials, form and design intent that help create a cohesive home where every element feels considered.

The details you don’t always see are often the ones that make the biggest difference.

A beautifully designed kitchen is about more than the finishes - it’s about creating a space that supports the way you live every day.

Behind the refined exterior of this kitchen are layers of thoughtful functionality:

✦ Blum Revego duo pocket doors, allowing the working zone to be concealed when desired

✦ A discreet secondary pantry entry, creating seamless access from the adjacent space

✦ Integrated pop-up GPOs and USB charging points within the benchtop

✦ A Space Step providing effortless access to overhead storage

✦ Engineered stone surfaces continuing into the pantry for durability and cohesion

✦ Carefully considered power points and storage solutions for everyday appliances and gadgets

Every drawer, cupboard and detail was planned with intention - creating a kitchen that not only looks beautiful, but works beautifully.

Design is in the details.

Honoured to share that my Raby Bay kitchen project has been selected as a Finalist in the KBDi 2026 Design Awards in the Large Kitchen category.

Designed as the heart of the home, this kitchen brings together sculptural form, refined detailing, and a rich material palette to create a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply functional. Every decision was guided by a commitment to longevity, craftsmanship, and the way the space would be experienced every day.

What I love most about this project is its sense of quiet confidence - beautiful materials, thoughtful proportions, and carefully resolved details working together to create a kitchen that feels timeless rather than trend-driven.

A sincere thank you to my wonderful clients for their trust and collaboration throughout the journey, and to the talented trades, artisans, and suppliers whose skill and dedication helped bring the vision to life.

To have this project recognised by KBDi alongside so many outstanding designers is a privilege, and I look forward to celebrating the industry’s incredible talent at the awards.

If you love what you see, l'd be incredibly grateful for your support in the KBDi People's Choice Awards. Simply copy and paste the voting link into your browser, visit the Large Kitchens category, and cast your vote for the Raby Bay kitchen project. Every vote means so much and is a wonderful way to celebrate the collaboration, craftsmanship, and creativity that brought this project to life:

https://www.completehome.com.au/2026-kb-kbdi-peoples-choice-awards

I’m so excited to share that this kitchen has been selected as a Finalist in the KBDi 2026 Design Awards – Large Kitchen Category.

This project is one I’m deeply proud of. Every detail was carefully considered to create a timeless, highly functional space that reflects the way my clients live while celebrating quality craftsmanship and beautiful materials.

It’s especially meaningful as this is my very first entry into the KBDi Design Awards.

As a material-led interior design studio, I believe great design is about more than aesthetics - it’s about creating spaces that feel considered, cohesive and made to last.

A huge thank you to my wonderful clients for trusting me with their home, and to the talented trades and suppliers who helped bring this vision to life.

Being recognised by KBDi alongside so many talented designers is a real honour, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone at the awards.

Every home tells a story, and sometimes that story evolves.

These solid brick interior arches were full of character and perfectly complemented the home’s Tudor roots. I’ve always personally loved the brickwork and the warmth and character it brought to the space. It has truly served its purpose, but as this renovation has unfolded, we’ve made the decision to cover the arches in favour of a more modern European aesthetic.

This transformation is about more than just the arches. The windows that sit behind them and the entry door will also be completely reimagined to create a cohesive look that feels intentional and in keeping with the home’s new direction.

Design is about creating spaces that reflect both the architecture and the lifestyle of the people who live there. While it’s always a balance between preserving character and embracing change, we’re excited to see this home take on its next chapter.

This is only the beginning - not the finished look. Stay tuned to see how this space comes together, and let us know in the comments: would you have kept the arches or embraced the transformation? 🤍