Designing a home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that nurtures your well-being and allows you to unwind, focus, and pursue your passions. For artist Red Hong Yi, who balances a fulfilling creative career with family life, having a dedicated space to relax and recharge is essential. Whether it’s cooking for joy or reading for inspiration, Red shares how she designed her ideal home hobby space with Cosentino, combining her love for culinary exploration and literature into one inviting area.
(L-R) Red Hong Yi in her kitchen featuring Dekton Marmorio and hobby space with a Totem Shelf featuring Earthic by Silestone®XM collection
Designing a Culinary Space to Cook for Loved Ones
Kitchen Island Countertop and Backsplash featuring Dekton Marmorio
For many, cooking is a hobby that offers a creative outlet and a way to relieve stress, especially when preparing meals for loved ones. Red Hong Yi is no exception—she finds joy in experimenting with new recipes and dishes, using cooking as a way to express herself creatively. To nurture her passion for culinary exploration, Red set out to design a kitchen that would inspire creativity and foster a sense of calm.
As her home is a middle-terrace house with limited natural light and space, Red wanted to make the kitchen feel expansive. She achieved this by enhancing the flow of the space from the front to the back of the house, creating the illusion of a larger area. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Red explains, “and I wanted it to be cosy and calming, with soft neutral colours and a warm, inviting palette.” Rather than opting for light woods, she chose darker wood materials to add depth and character to the space, giving it a more grounded and sophisticated feel.
Red Hong Yi preparing ingredients on kitchen island countertop featuring Dekton Marmorio
The kitchen countertop, which would serve as a central feature for her culinary activities, needed to be durable and visually appealing. After consulting with friends, architects, and industry professionals, Red selected Cosentino for its quality and functionality. “I conducted my own scratch and stain tests at home using kitchen utensils and turmeric juice to ensure they met my standards,” she says.
Kitchen Island Countertop and Backsplash featuring Dekton Marmorio
After testing various surfaces, Red decided on Dekton Marmorio for her countertop and kitchen island. Its travertine-like texture and horizontal patterns not only enhanced the kitchen’s sleek, linear design but also offered the perfect canvas for her culinary experiments—particularly when exploring high-temperature recipes. Additionally, Dekton’s sustainable production process and eco-friendly qualities aligned with Red’s commitment to both design and the environment.
A Hobby Space to Unwind and Collect Memories
In addition to her love for cooking, Red is an avid reader—a passion that fuels both relaxation and inspiration. She created a dedicated “study corner” in her home, a space where she could escape into the world of books and unwind after a busy day. To house her growing collection and further enrich the space, Red partnered with Cosentino to design the Totem Shelf, a unique storage piece that combines form and function.
Totem Shelf featuring Earthic by Silestone® XM collection designed by Red Hong Yi
The Totem Shelf was crafted using the innovative Earthic by Silestone® XM collection, a collection that incorporates recycled offcuts from Cosentino’s previous ranges. The design also integrates reclaimed wooden planks from a demolished house in Penang, as well as unused metal and enamel bowls typically found in local ‘kopitiams’ (traditional coffee shops).
Totem Shelf featuring Earthic by Silestone® XM collection designed by Red Hong Yi
More than just a functional storage unit, the Totem Shelf is a personal gallery for Red’s favourite books and cherished trinkets. Each item tells a story, a reminder of places, people, and experiences that have shaped her creative journey. “It’s where I go to relax and unwind, and I love that I can see a piece I’ve designed as part of my home. It makes the space feel even more special,” Red shares.
The Totem Shelf also serves as an expression of her creativity and commitment to sustainability. It embodies Red’s philosophy of creating spaces that reflect her values, merging artistry, functionality, and a deep respect for the materials that shape her world.
Design Your Own Ideal Creative Space
By combining her love for cooking and reading, Red Hong Yi has created a home hobby space that offers a sense of calm, inspiration, and connection to the world around her. Whether cooking or unwinding with a book in a reading nook, you too can design your own space with Cosentino to help you achieve the perfect environment that balances work, rest, and personal passion.
To find out more design inspiration, follow @cosentino.asia or visit the Cosentino Blog for fresh ideas and design tips.
