A Vision Brought to Life: Inside Lisa Adams’ Remarkable Kitchen Transformation

Ever pictured walking into a kitchen that feels as though it was lifted straight from the glossy pages of a design magazine—where elegance, practicality, and artistry blend effortlessly? That’s exactly what Lisa Adams achieved in her breathtaking Cape Town home. As the Founder and Creative Director of Against the Grain Interior Design, it’s no surprise she crafted a space that demands attention. At the centre of it all? Infinity’s striking Ocean Blue surfaces. Step inside as we uncover the story behind this extraordinary kitchen makeover.

A Dream Kitchen Takes Shape

This kitchen seamlessly blends modern and traditional aesthetics. Deep blue shaker doors, whispering tales of timeless elegance, sit against the sleek, contemporary canvas of the Infinity Ocean Blue countertops. The overall design is sophisticated and inviting—perfect for both everyday use and entertaining.

Lisa faced the challenge of transforming a lackluster kitchen into a showstopper. By rearranging the layout and incorporating a larger island, she created a more spacious and functional environment.

The Infinity Ocean Blue surfaces were key to achieving both the visual appeal and functionality she envisioned. Their striking color and pattern instantly elevate the design, adding a touch of luxury and drama. In addition, the durable, low-maintenance material makes them an ideal choice for any modern kitchen.

A Passion for Interior Design

Lisa’s interior design journey began in 2003, when she assisted her husband with his kitchen design business. She quickly realized her passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. Over the years, she has worked on a variety of projects—from large-scale residential renovations to commercial interiors. She loves the challenge of transforming a space into something truly special and the satisfaction of seeing a client’s vision come to life.

Against the Grain Making Waves

Against the Grain, her Durban-based kitchen design firm, is known for timeless and functional interiors that blend classic and modern elements with high-quality materials. Lisa gravitates toward natural finishes such as wood and stone. While she appreciates contemporary trends, her focus remains on creating spaces that stand the test of time. She believes in using white, textures, and wood to craft stunning kitchens—and loves when clients trust her adventurous spirit, giving her the freedom to explore bolder hues like the deep blues and greens featured in her Cape Town kitchen.

From Durban to Cape Town

While her Durban home exudes a more colonial feel with herringbone oak floors, white kitchens, and Congo cream walls, Lisa opted for a slightly different aesthetic in Cape Town. She believes that a holiday home should feel like a true retreat, so both properties are decorated with personal touches and unique finds from her travels.

Her Cape Town home—also planned as a holiday rental—features a curated mix of modern and vintage elements, all with a focus on comfort and style. Local art, antiques, and distinctive pieces give each room its own personality. The goal: to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and feel at home.

Timeless Yet Contemporary

Shaker-style doors hand-painted in deep blue add a classic touch, while the sleek Infinity Ocean Blue countertops introduce a contemporary edge. To complement the cabinetry, the walls were painted in a matching PVA shade. With dark wood making a strong comeback, Lisa incorporated walnut top units to bring richness and warmth into the space. A beautiful dresser unit with pocket doors, crafted from solid walnut, adds elegance and functionality. The island—equipped with underfloor heating—seats four and serves as the heart of the home on cozy winter nights.

Incorporating Infinity Surfaces

According to Lisa, the Infinity Ocean Blue surfaces elevated the kitchen to a completely new level. While the safer option would have been a white kitchen with white countertops and darker walls, taking the risk with Ocean Blue transformed an ordinary space into a true “wow” kitchen. As she notes, everyone who walks in immediately comments: “Wow, those tops!”

Her advice: if you’re bold enough to choose a dark, busy countertop, avoid pairing it with light cabinetry. Instead, pick a color or element from the surface and use it in the cupboards—allowing the countertop to shine as the feature.

Infinity surfaces also offered design flexibility. Lisa was able to plan her template layout so the patterns matched seamlessly. She used 12mm slabs built up to 30mm on the bases, and 6mm splashbacks patterned to suit. Infinity was also used on the bathroom cabinets and upstairs bedside tables—where the palette was neutral, making white the perfect choice. The outdoor braai area features Infinity’s weather-resistant material, bullnosed to match the concrete bench detail.

Lisa envisioned a kitchen that would wow everyone—and Infinity Surfaces helped make that vision a reality. These durable, heat-resistant porcelain slabs are easy to clean and ideal for busy kitchens. Their sleek design complements virtually any style. Her stunning renovation proves that a beautiful, functional kitchen is within reach. Explore Infinity’s colour range and transform your own kitchen today.

To book Lisa’s Modern Coastal Retreat Click here

Many thanks to Calzan Creations and Against the Grain Cabinet Co