Let’s Make it Personal: Rochelle Jackson shares her motivation to improve people’s lives through good design.
Kitchen Elements owner Rochelle Jackson
In the ever-evolving world of interiors, few designers can claim a career as personally driven as Rochelle Jackson’s. As founder and creative force behind Kitchen Elements, her Wellington-based kitchen design studio, Rochelle has spent the last 21 years transforming how people live, cook and connect in their homes. Her career path began with a bold decision. After five years in the kitchen industry, Rochelle decided she could do it better.
Soft, sage-coloured Melteca finish with a curved bench and ribbed cupboard doors, all work to elevate this elegant beach house kitchen.
At just 29, with two young children in tow and a passionate determination to create spaces that genuinely improved people’s lives, she launched her own business. “Looking back now, as a single mum for much of that time, it seems unreal,” she reflects. “But I had this passion for creating and adding value.” Fast forward two decades, Rochelle’s business has grown from a one-woman operation to a thriving team of 16, including talented designers, computer detailers, CNC operators and joiners. “It really is a team effort,” she says. “We all have the same work ethic and love creating homes that are stunning – and practical.” Kitchen Element’s approach to a project is never about imposing a style, says Rochelle, but about listening closely to how their clients live. “Our homes should be an expression of ourselves,” she says. “So much of it is about getting in tune with the homeowner. I don’t want to sound too woo-woo, but there’s often this magic that happens when designers and clients click.”
The blend of organic materials in this mid-century kitchen reflect Rochelle’s love of texture.
Designs evolve organically with each project, fine-tuned through careful modelling and attention to proportion and material balance. The result? Kitchens and cabinetry that aren’t just functional – they feel intuitive and personal. Rochelle’s own aesthetic influences are refreshingly varied. She draws inspiration from the warm minimalism of New York-based designer and author Athena Calderone and the human-centric ethos of British furniture designer and interior designer Ilse Crawford. While some clients come with a clear vision — be it a bold, Mondrian-inspired palette or a purely Scandinavian scheme — most trust the Kitchen Elements team to mix styles with confidence and flair. “We’re always looking at new materials, new ways to detail things,” Rochelle says. “Often it’s taking something classic and giving it a twist.” When it comes to materials, the team’s passion for craft is unmistakable. Custom-stained oak and walnut veneers from the Kitchen Elements’ factory, handcrafted timber handles, mitred stone waterfalls, steel and glass feature doors — each element is chosen for its tactile beauty and longevity. “We’re doing a lot with curved cabinetry at the moment, especially in coffee bars and feature units,” she adds. For their local clients, practicality and durability are key. Covered outdoor kitchens, large-format splashback tiles to avoid grout lines and sculleries concealed behind sliding cabinetry are just some of the ways the designers adapts to Wellington’s unique homes and weather patterns.
A staircase is transformed with dynamic black joinery, while a concealed wine bar cleverly maximises the space under the stairs.
And, while they are known for pushing creative boundaries, they’re also quick to balance this with practicality. “Don’t tell us we can’t — tell us how we can,” Rochelle laughs. Her female-led team thrives on challenges, often finding that the best ideas emerge from clients asking ‘what if?’. But Rochelle also knows when to rein it in. “A great designer will show you where to spend and where to save.” Her top advice for anyone embarking on a kitchen renovation? Think deeply about how you want to live. “Do you want space to talk to your kids while cooking? Somewhere social with a hidden bar? Or something that looks like furniture but works like a chef’s kitchen?” Looking ahead, Rochelle dreams of one day designing her own Malibu-style beach house. Until then, she continues to pour her creativity into helping others realise their dream homes.
