Iyia Liu elevates family living with Neolith Calacatta Gold

Iyia Liu is a New Zealand serial entrepreneur and the founder of Make it Happen, a platform dedicated to empowering others through online mentorship, workshops, and live events - sharing real, practical strategies to turn ideas into profitable businesses. Based in Auckland, she is also a well-known influencer and TV personality, currently co-starring in the New Zealand reality series BassBabes, while frequently speaking at many business and marketing events, both locally and internationally.

With her signature clarity of vision, Iyia imagined a kitchen for her own home that would seamlessly combine beauty, practicality, and enduring style. In her latest home transformation, Iyia partnered with Neolith and brought this vision to life through Neolith Calacatta Gold, a surface celebrated for its timeless elegance and superior performance. The result is a refined family kitchen that elevates everyday living while standing the test of time.

Neolith Calacatta Gold takes centre stage in her kitchen, flowing seamlessly from the expansive island bench to the sleek splashback. Its soft veining and satin finish add depth and character without overwhelming the design. Balanced with neutral cabinetry, tactile textures, and polished silver accents, the space embodies an airy sophistication that perfectly reflects modern refinement.

“I wanted something that would feel fresh and timeless in 10 years but also elevate the everyday”. “Neolith offers durability and strength, requires little maintenance, is scratch resistant, withstands high temperatures, and is non-porous so it won’t stain—all while delivering the look of natural stone.”

- Iyia Liu, entrepreneur and content creator

Beyond its striking appearance of a classic model with the elegance of marble, Neolith Calacatta Gold delivers all the technical performance a busy family kitchen demand. Made entirely from natural raw materials, it is resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and UV exposure—ensuring long-lasting durability in a high-traffic environment. Non-porous and easy to maintain, it ensures a hygienic surface that remains perfect over time, even in high-traffic spaces like the kitchen, without compromising on style.

“It’s stunning, but it’s also practical,” Iyia noted. “Knowing that we can be messy in the kitchen, and with young kids running around, we had to be very intentional about the material we chose.”

- Iyia Liu, entrepreneur and content creator

Every element of the design was chosen with purpose, and Calacatta Gold plays a central role in bringing the vision together. The mitred edge of the island creates a sculptural focal point, while seamless detailing highlights the craftsmanship and thought behind each decision. The result is a kitchen that feels elevated yet effortless, inspiring both in form and function.

Iyia Liu’s kitchen goes beyond design trends. It reflects her lifestyle— a balance of simplicity and sophistication, brought to life with Neolith Calacatta Gold’s unique combination of beauty and performance. Bold in its restraint and refined in its execution, the space embodies the enduring qualities that homeowners seek when creating a timeless family home.