Enduring Beauty, Effortless Living- Katrina Simmonds

There are some decisions in a new build that carry real weight, and benchtops are one of them. They are seen every day, used constantly, and once installed, not easily changed. It is a choice that needs to feel right both now and long term.

For her kitchen and laundry, Katrina selected Vasari porcelain benchtops and splashbacks in the colour Morocca from our Vasari Surfaces range. Now that she is living with them, she says she could not be happier with that decision.
Katrina mentioned she wanted something beautiful, but also genuinely practical. This home was designed to be properly lived in.

“I wanted something I could put hot pots on, wipe down quickly, and not stress about every little spill or mark,” Katrina says.

For her, Vasari Surfaces simply made sense. She was drawn to its non porous nature, durability and heat resistance, along with how low maintenance it is. No sealing. No babying it. No second guessing everyday use. That peace of mind made it an easy decision.

Katrina says porcelain is still slightly underrated compared to natural stone, yet from a real life perspective it is incredibly hard to beat. It does not absorb moisture, making it ideal for laundries. It resists staining, which is perfect for kitchens. And it is easy to clean, holding up beautifully to daily use.

Using the same surface for both the benchtops and splashbacks was equally important to her. Katrina mentioned that carrying one finish throughout keeps the spaces feeling calm and cohesive, creating a sense of flow rather than visual interruption.

When it came to colour, Morocca was immediate.
“Morocca was love at first sight for me,” Katrina says.
She was drawn to its warmth and depth without heaviness. It adds interest without overpowering the space and works beautifully with timber, neutral cabinetry, and both warm and cool tones. In the kitchen, it introduces character while maintaining balance. In the laundry, it elevates the room, making it feel considered rather than purely functional.

Katrina often encourages others to simplify their selections wherever possible. Carrying the same porcelain through both the kitchen and laundry has been one of her favourite decisions in the build.

“Sometimes choosing less actually gives you more,” she says.
The continuity creates flow within an open plan home and removes unnecessary decision making along the way, resulting in a space that feels resolved, intentional and effortless to live with.