In a kitchen where flour flies freely, glitter glue makes its occasional appearance, and the scent of freshly baked cakes lingers in the air, there’s something quietly powerful at play - durability, beauty, and a deep sense of home.
Welcome to the world of Nessie Welschringer - glam mum-of-three, founder of The Chelsea Cake Company and Cooking with Kids & Co., and a woman whose career has taken her from the kitchens of royalty to the famous Bake-Off tent.
Splitting her time between London and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Nessie’s life is anything but quiet. But when it came to designing the new island at the heart of her kitchen, she knew exactly what she wanted: something beautiful, functional, and family-proof.
"With three kids, constant cooking, and daily craft chaos, I needed something beautiful but practical," Nessie explains.
"Quartz won me over because it’s super durable, low maintenance, and still gives that polished, luxe look without the fuss of marble. Plus, no worrying about juice spills or glitter glue disasters!"
From chaotic school mornings to birthday cake prep for clients (including a few royals!), Nessie’s kitchen sees it all. She chose quartz for its balance of elegance and resilience - a surface that could keep up with the pace of family life while still feeling premium.
"It looks like a showpiece," she says, "but it’s made to be lived on."
And live on it they do. Whether it’s crafting, science experiments, or baking with the kids, the kitchen island has become the epicentre of family life - a place where memories are made in the everyday.
Undertaking a kitchen renovation is a challenge at the best of times - throw in three children, a business, and a tight schedule, and you've got a logistical jigsaw puzzle.
"Timing was the hardest part," Nessie admits. "Making decisions quickly without sacrificing style or quality was tough but having a quartz island I didn’t have to stress over made a big difference."
When it came to sourcing her worktop, Nessie bypassed the traditional showroom route in favour of working directly with a stone specialist - and it made all the difference.
"I loved the personal touch," she says. "It didn’t feel like I was just ordering a quartz slab. I felt looked after from the start. I could ask all my questions without being rushed."
This bespoke approach gave her the freedom to truly design a space around her family’s lifestyle - not someone else’s showroom display.
The journey from sample to installation turned out to be a family affair.
"It felt like a mini event at home!" Nessie laughs. "The kids helped me choose, and the samples made it so much easier to imagine the final look. Seeing the quartz in our own lighting was a game changer."
Now installed and in daily use, the Minerox quartz Siena Gold worktop has exceeded expectations.
"The island has become the heart of our home. From family breakfasts to last-minute science projects, it’s where all the family magic happens."
Interested in a Siena Gold worktop for your kitchen? Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote today.
As someone who spends more time than most in the kitchen, Nessie’s advice is simple:
"Don’t be afraid to use it. It’s easy to clean, it doesn’t stain, and it’s brilliant for pastry because it stays cool. It’s built for real life."
Nessie’s kitchen is more than a showcase - it’s a lived-in, loved-in, and beautifully designed space that reflects the rhythm of her life: fast-paced, creative, and full of heart.
And if there’s one thing, she’d tell her past self?
"I wish I’d known how much of a difference it would make. If I’d realised how transformative premium quartz from Gemini Worktops would be, I’d have done it much sooner!"
Take a cue from Nessie: design it with purpose, live on it fully, and never underestimate the power of a surface that’s made to shine - no matter what life throws at it.
Interested in a Minerox quartz worktop for your kitchen? Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote today.
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