Elementa recently collaborated with the Hacker/Innerspace team to explore the art of crafting timeless kitchens. By combining innovative German engineering with Elementa’s bespoke design approach, they create stunning, functional spaces that serve as the heart of the home.
When designing custom kitchens, how important is the kitchen design in your approach?
Whether you’re having your morning coffee, hosting a work meeting, celebrating a kids’ birthday party, or enjoying your evening dinner, the moments spent together in the kitchen are among the most valuable. This is where life happens and where we feel happiest. For us, a design should always be timeless and balanced, and we like to design from the inside out. More often than not, our designs begin with the kitchen layout.
When designing a kitchen with the Hacker/Innerspace team, what are the usual characteristics of the collaboration?
Our starting point is usually: how can we create a stunning, custom-looking kitchen with contrasting textures and a monochromatic palette to produce a dynamic play of lines that enhances the space? Key features include integrated storage solutions that ensure a clutter-free environment, preserving the kitchen’s clean, cohesive look.
We often have to push boundaries, making the impossible possible. A marble slab as a backdrop that continues through see-through high cabinets? Absolutely! The team might say, “But we’ll need to use a ceramic tile instead, as the high cabinets are so elegantly thin and connected, leaving a shadow gap.” Designing a new kitchen is often a collaborative process, where both design aesthetics and practical boundaries are explored to achieve the best results.
What are the key tips for designing a kitchen with us?
1. Function above everything
A kitchen should not only look beautiful but also serve its purpose seamlessly. How will the kitchen be used? This is incredibly important, as the kitchen is where everyone gathers daily. The layout needs to meet all functional requirements.
- Is there enough closed storage to hide clutter and keep the space tidy?
- Where will food be prepared and washed? Is there easy access to the dishwasher near the sink for rinsing?
- Can the space comfortably accommodate more than 3 or 4 people?
- Is there enough room to move around freely?
We tend to ask our clients countless questions to ensure every detail is considered before designing their kitchen.
2. Proportions determine a lot
At Elementa, we focus on achieving the perfect balance between proportions and functionality. Thoughtful placement of key elements, such as a centred sink, an oven, or built-in coffee machines, enhances both aesthetics and practicality. The Hacker/Innerspace team complements this with seamless hinges and their professional approach, resulting in kitchens that are not only functional but also stunning.
3. Timelessness pays off
We design with timelessness in mind because a timeless kitchen design is inherently enduring. Using a neutral ton-sur-ton colour scheme, we introduce dimension through organic shapes or interesting textures. Not everything needs to be overly decorated or feature busy marble tops. Simplicity and a thoughtful mix of materials make all the difference.
4. Spacious tranquillity
A kitchen should speak for itself. Its beauty lies in the materials used, with finishing touches that enhance the space. Small details—like frame handles, taps, real plants, or a large statement pot—add an artistic feel. Hacker Kitchen beautifully showcases this philosophy in their Dubai showroom.
Beautiful kitchens at a fair price. How important is this to your clients?
Most of our projects include a Hacker kitchen. We’ve been working with their products for the past 20 years because they’re a solid German brand that delivers quality and durability. In Dubai, their excellent after-sales service makes them even more valuable.
When allocating budgets, we never cut back on the kitchen. This is the heart of the home, where investment pays off. A well-designed kitchen doesn’t lose value—it increases the property’s worth. Whether clients plan to live in their home long-term or sell after a few years, the kitchen is always an asset.
But… some of my clients have loved their kitchens so much, they’ve even taken them overseas with them!
