Reimagining an Arts and Crafts Home: Eunice’s Walnut Kitchen Transformation
"Have nothing in your house which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." – William Morris
As an artist and interior designer, Eunice’s deep love for architecture and design has always been a guiding force in her work. Growing up in South Africa, she developed a fascination with the beauty of the world around her—whether it was collecting pebbles from the beach or studying the intricate details of iconic buildings. “Studying art at school and after school fuelled my interest,” Eunice shares, “but it was really my love for travel that turned my interest into an obsession. I will never forget the first time I walked into St. Paul’s Cathedral. It quite literally took my breath away. It was everything—the art, the floors, the walls, the ceiling—everything! Since then, I’ve ‘collected’ images of architectural structures, sculptures, and beautiful but different interiors.”
Now living in an Arts and Crafts home, Eunice’s design philosophy has evolved into one that marries her passion for architecture with her love for nature and craftsmanship. The Arts and Crafts movement, which emerged in the late 19th century, celebrates beauty in simplicity, traditional craftsmanship, and a deep connection to nature. It values the use of local materials and the celebration of handwork, principles that perfectly align with Eunice’s approach to design.
When it came time to redesign her kitchen, Eunice knew she wanted to create a space that honoured these values. Her choice of walnut veneered fronts with a plywood edge was a perfect fit for her Arts and Crafts home. The warmth and richness of walnut, paired with the simplicity and modernity of the plywood edge, created a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. These materials echoed the craftsmanship and natural beauty found in the architecture of her home, while also providing a fresh, contemporary look.
Eunice reflects on the choice: “Custom Fronts have created something so unique with the walnut and plywood. It’s an exquisite product, and it fits perfectly within the vision for my home.” The walnut and plywood not only brought elegance to the space but also reflected the timeless design principles she values. “The materials not only tell a story but also create a space that evolves with those who live in it,” she explains.
For Eunice, the kitchen is more than just a functional space. It’s a place where beauty, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the natural world come together. Her walnut kitchen is a testament to the lasting appeal of thoughtful, well-crafted design, and a reflection of her belief that beauty is a fundamental human need—one that inspires and uplifts us in our daily lives.
Eunice’s Kitchen Planning Tips:
- Think about how you use your kitchen day-to-day: do you really need an oven, or would you prefer a sleek space for an air fryer?
- Incorporate practical features, like hidden storage for appliances, to maintain a clean look.
- Avoid ripping out a dated kitchen unnecessarily. Updating worktops, backsplashes, or cabinet fronts can transform a space while saving resources and money.
- Choose timeless designs and materials that evolve with you, creating a space you’ll still love in a decade.
When asked why she chose Custom Fronts for this project, Eunice shares: “Custom Fronts ticked all the boxes for us—their values aligned perfectly with our vision. The walnut fronts, with their beautiful patterns and craftsmanship, blended seamlessly into the architecture of our home. The customer care was exceptional, and the collaboration was a joy.”
Her walnut kitchen is not only a testament to timeless design but also to the beauty of collaboration, craftsmanship, and nature’s enduring influence on our living spaces.
For more on this project and her work, visit https://www.euniceaubertdesign.com/briarwood
Photography by Jamie Thomson.