Secrets to an entertainer’s kitchen

Billi Interviewer: This striking black kitchen was designed for a retired couple as a powerful statement. Was the bold palette at the client’s request, or did it evolve from the stonework? 

Alan Nasrallah: The black cabinetry was actually driven by the stone selection. The clients wanted a sleek, modern aesthetic, but we leaned into the dramatic black to complement the Brazilian Avocado Quartzite. The contrast lets the stone’s natural veining take center stage—it’s a perfect example of how materiality can guide design. 

 The Conversation-Starting Details

Billi Interviewer: Beyond the stone, what unique touches did you incorporate to reflect the clients’ desire for a luxurious yet personal space? 

Alan Nasrallah: Their brief was clear: this apartment needed to rival the warmth and grandeur of their previous home. The 4.5-metre Quartzite benchtop became the heart of the open-plan kitchen—its organic movement feels like a piece of art. We framed it with full-height black cabinetry to amplify its impact, then added metallic accents to the island for a touch of refinery. 

But the real hero? It has to be custom timber floors. We sourced wide-plank boards from Germany, stained to a rich, mid-tone that grounds the space. It’s those layers—texture, tone, and craftsmanship—that make a design feel lived in, not just styled.