Lighting has long been an important feature of the kitchen, but as the space evolves into something more multifunctional, the latest lighting trends are shaping it more than ever. Lighting is now shaping layouts, zoning areas and defining the overall ambience of the home – illumination is now becoming a seamless blend of architecture and art, and that fusion is unlocking extraordinary creative potential.
Roundhouse is predicting a move away from the traditional spotlight-and-pendant formula and towards lighting schemes that feel more layered, expressive and character-driven. From sculptural statement pieces to illumination that almost behaves like furniture, lighting is proving to be one of the most transformative tools in bespoke kitchen design.
Softer, more organic lighting is influencing kitchens for the year ahead. Crescent profiles, arcs and rounded silhouettes are becoming more prominent, offering a gentle counterbalance to the clean lines of modern cabinetry. This direction has been led by designers such as Tom Raffield, John Pomp and Lindsey Adelman, whose work explores sculptural circularity, curved glass and halo-like forms. Their pieces demonstrate how circular lighting can create a warm, atmospheric glow with refined, architectural impact.
Roundhouse’s Ashbury Project highlights this beautifully. Tom Raffield’s Loer Crescent Pendant, suspended over the breakfast bar, introduces quiet drama without asserting itself too strongly. Curved lighting works particularly well in busy family kitchens, encouraging a more soothing, inviting atmosphere. These rounded shapes also pair effortlessly with natural materials like timber, stone and plaster, which are hallmarks of many of Roundhouse’s bespoke designs.
Another key movement for bespoke kitchens in 2026 is the integration of lighting traditionally associated with living rooms. Designers such as Bert Frank, Matteo Bianchi and Gabriel Scott have helped champion this evolution, showing that decorative lighting can actually enhance practicality. Kitchens are now beginning to borrow the warmth and intimacy of lounge environments - not just through sconces or wall lights but increasingly through table lamps. A table lamp in a kitchen immediately softens the aesthetic, creating a sense of comfort and intentionality.
Roundhouse’s Ling Project illustrates this shift with Vibia’s Mayfair table lamp in gold satin placed on the island. Its soft glow and touch-dimmer control offer a salon-like refinement, demonstrating how ambient lighting can add depth and cohesion in open-plan settings.
Personalisation continues to be a defining theme in interior design, and lighting is following suit. Brands such as Buster + Punch, Martin Huxford and Porta Romana have pushed forward with modular systems, mix-and-match components and adaptable silhouettes, enabling lighting to evolve alongside the demands of multifunctional family homes.
This appetite for customisation reflects an evolving desire for flexibility - designers are embracing adjustable cords, pivoting heads, interchangeable shades and modular assemblies.
Roundhouse’s Weir Project captures this versatility with Buster + Punch’s Hooked 6.0 Pendant Nude. Each element can be repositioned or reconfigured, allowing the piece to serve different roles within the same space. In bespoke design, this adaptability is especially valuable, responding to unique architecture and varied family routines.
A more curated form of eclecticism is emerging, driven by a desire for spaces with narrative depth and authenticity. Designers such as Kelly Wearstler, Beata Heuman and Martyn Lawrence Bullard have embraced the dialogue between past and present, blending vintage lighting with contemporary architecture to create interiors with soul.
Roundhouse’s Moony Project with Webb Architects demonstrates the strength of this approach. A vintage chandelier is suspended within a modern take on an Arts & Crafts kitchen, adding instant character and a sense of history. This interplay works particularly well where the kitchen forms part of a wider architectural storyline. A heritage light can anchor a streamlined contemporary space, while surrounding modern elements keep the overall design feeling balanced and current.
For homeowners seeking boldness, oversized pendants continue to make a commanding statement. Influenced by the sculptural, gallery-led collections of brands including Tom Dixon, Bomma and Moooi, these larger-scale fittings combine visual drama with generous illumination.
In a recent Roundhouse kitchen project created in collaboration with QWC Stone (photographed by Carmody Creative), Tom Dixon’s Beat Stout LED pendants take centre stage. At more than 50cm tall and wide, they offer architectural presence while delivering focused light. Oversized pendants work best when given space to breathe, with clean sightlines and complementary materials ensuring the scale feels intentional rather than overwhelming.
Explore these evolving trends first-hand by visiting one of Roundhouse’s seven showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Guildford, Cambridge or Cheltenham, where Roundhouse’s expert designers can help you reimagine lighting for 2026.
About Roundhouse Design Ltd
Founded by architects, Roundhouse is a multi-award-winning British company, creating beautiful bespoke kitchens and furniture. Their stunning kitchen designs feature a signature understated aesthetic, influenced by contemporary and traditional design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Each project is made to measure from a wide range of stunning finishes. Expertly crafted by skilled designers and makers in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire. Visit any of seven Roundhouse Design kitchen showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham.
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As the clocks go back and evenings draw in, the kitchen reclaims its place as the true heart of the home. Autumn brings with it a slower pace – candlelit suppers, warming meals and interiors that invite comfort. Yet, within the clean architectural lines of a contemporary kitchen, achieving that sense of warmth requires a careful balance between precision and personality.
At Roundhouse, each kitchen is designed to achieve harmony between form and feeling. While minimalist design celebrates clarity, bespoke craftsmanship ensures it never becomes cold. By layering materials, finishes and light, Roundhouse designers create spaces that remain refined yet unmistakably welcoming – kitchens that embrace both elegance and emotion.
Texture plays a pivotal role in transforming a cool, contemporary kitchen into a tactile and grounded space. Smooth cabinetry gains depth when paired with fluted timber, ribbed glass or leathered stone, inviting both touch and visual interest. The Roundhouse Kinsey project demonstrates this perfectly – its fluted oak cabinets and stone splashbacks bring richness and rhythm without compromising clean lines.
Underfoot, natural flooring in reclaimed timber, tumbled terracotta or rugged limestone enhances the sense of warmth. Metallic details, from brushed brass handles to softly glowing bronze taps, complete the look with a gentle radiance that catches the evening light.
Lighting defines atmosphere, particularly during darker months. To create a space that shifts effortlessly from functional to intimate, plan lighting in layers – ambient for relaxation, task for practicality, and accent to highlight form and materiality. The illuminated glass display in the Roundhouse Nash kitchen is a perfect example, where concealed LEDs transition the mood from daytime energy to evening calm. Discussing lighting design early ensures circuits, controls and fittings all work in harmony with how you live in the space.
Colour underpins emotional connection, and autumn’s earthy tones offer natural inspiration. Deep forest greens, clays and umbers can be balanced with paler mushroom or stone shades to maintain a contemporary freshness. Pairing paint with timber or stone grounds the palette in nature – a hallmark of Roundhouse design. Even cooler schemes can feel inviting when layered with tactile finishes or subtle metallics that lend softness and depth.
Natural materials offer authenticity, warmth and longevity. Marble with expressive veining, oak shelving or handcrafted ceramics all introduce character and tactility. The Roundhouse Hardings kitchen embraces this philosophy, with natural oak and glazed cabinetry displaying artisan pottery and glassware. Sustainability is integral, too – choosing responsibly sourced timber and low-VOC finishes ensures that luxury remains both beautiful and conscientious.
A truly inviting kitchen encourages people to linger. Consider curved islands, upholstered seating or a built-in banquette that becomes a natural gathering spot. Soft furnishings – linen blinds, wool cushions, woven shades – add acoustic comfort and a relaxed aesthetic. Thoughtful storage solutions, meanwhile, maintain the calm by keeping surfaces clear. The art lies in marrying practicality with beauty, where every detail supports a sense of ease and belonging.
To experience the balance of warmth and precision that defines Roundhouse, visit your nearest showroom and discover how Roundhouse bespoke kitchens bring contemporary comfort to life.
In contemporary home design, kitchens are more than places to cook, they are social hubs, open living spaces, and architectural focal points. Yet with this new visibility comes a challenge: how to balance elegant entertaining with the inevitable mess of food preparation. Enter the Dirty Kitchen; a modern revival of the scullery that is transforming the way we live, cook and host.
Historically, the scullery was a service space hidden from view, used for dishwashing, pot-scrubbing and food prep. Today’s Dirty Kitchen retains its practical purpose but elevates it into a design-led feature. No longer a neglected backroom, it is conceived as an intelligent extension of the main kitchen, seamlessly integrated with the home’s architecture.
Behind sliding pocket doors or discreet partitions, these second kitchens house the heavy-duty appliances, deep sinks and generous storage needed for modern entertaining. From extra ovens and dishwashers to bulky mixers and chest freezers, the functional elements of culinary life are tucked neatly away, allowing the front-of-house kitchen to remain pristine and composed.
The renewed popularity of the Dirty Kitchen is driven by lifestyle. Today’s kitchens are rarely used for cooking alone, they are living, working and entertaining spaces. A support kitchen makes it possible to maintain calm, clutter-free interiors while still preparing food for family dinners or large gatherings.
Architecturally, this approach solves one of the great challenges of open-plan design: how to reconcile generous social space with the storage and functionality a working kitchen demands. By relocating bulk preparation and cleaning tasks, the Dirty Kitchen ensures that open spaces remain visually serene while still performing at a professional level.
The success of a Dirty Kitchen lies in thoughtful planning. Appliance capacity is often the first consideration; a second oven, dishwasher, prep sink or oversized fridge can take the pressure off the main kitchen, freeing it up for more social and aesthetic functions. Storage, too, is key. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry makes the most of every inch, with open sections for trays, pans and bulk provisions. Far from being purely utilitarian, these elements can be designed with elegance in mind to introduce both practicality and architectural presence.
Lighting should be treated with the same care as in the main kitchen. Good task lighting ensures efficiency, while under-shelf LEDs or even a statement pendant bring atmosphere and design intent to the space. Integrated motion sensors can add both convenience and a sense of theatre, making the room feel active and alive as soon as you step inside. Finally, flexibility is what sets the Dirty Kitchen apart. It can be conceived as a pantry, a dedicated wine store, a laundry zone or even a coffee bar – a multi-functional room shaped precisely to the rhythm of each household.
Every household uses its kitchen differently, and a Dirty Kitchen should be tailored to these individual needs. At Roundhouse, we have designed everything from compact concealed larders to expansive walk-in preparation rooms with chef-grade equipment. The goal is always the same: to let the main kitchen breathe, maintaining its architectural presence while ensuring no functionality is sacrificed.
The Dirty Kitchen may be rooted in tradition, but its design language is entirely modern. Crafted with the same level of detail and material quality as the main kitchen, it feels like a natural extension of the home.
A second kitchen is no longer a luxury reserved for grand houses, it is increasingly the hallmark of considered, contemporary living. The Dirty Kitchen represents a quiet revolution: a space that liberates the main kitchen, enhances entertaining, and brings style and efficiency into perfect alignment.
To discover how Roundhouse can create a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle, visit one of our showrooms and explore how bespoke design can transform your everyday culinary rituals into something extraordinary.
Picture this: the sun sets over your terrace as the scent of wood-fired pizza mingles with laughter from friends gathered around your outdoor kitchen. What was once a simple backyard barbecue has transformed into something far more significant—a cornerstone of modern social life that's reshaping how we think about home, community, and connection.
The numbers tell the story: outdoor kitchen installations have surged by 30% in recent years, while restaurant dining remains below pre-2020 levels. This isn't just a trend—it's a fundamental shift in how we live, entertain, and connect with others. Gardens, patios, and terraces have evolved from seasonal extras into year-round social hubs that rival any interior space in both function and importance.
This transformation reflects something deeper than design preferences. In an increasingly digital world, outdoor dining offers authentic, sensory-rich experiences that screens simply can't replicate. The ritual of gathering around fire and food taps into something primal and essential in human nature.
Today's outdoor spaces are designed with connection at their core. Unlike traditional indoor kitchens that often isolate the cook, outdoor setups naturally encourage participation. Guests gravitate toward the grill, children help with simple prep tasks, and conversation flows as freely as the drinks.
This participatory approach mirrors culinary traditions from around the world. Argentine asados transform cooking into a social event lasting hours, while Korean Gogi Gui turns the table itself into the cooking surface, making every diner a participant. Japanese yakitori masters work in full view of their guests, creating theatre around the flame.
Modern outdoor kitchen design embraces this communal spirit. Strategic placement of grills and prep areas ensures cooks remain part of the conversation, while thoughtful lighting and comfortable seating create natural gathering spots that draw people together rather than dispersing them across the space.
The most successful outdoor spaces feel like natural extensions of the home's interior. This seamless integration requires careful attention to sightlines, materials, and flow patterns that make movement between spaces feel intuitive and purposeful.
Architectural features like retractable glass walls and continuous flooring materials help blur the boundaries between inside and out. When interior and exterior spaces share similar colour palettes and design languages, the home feels larger and more cohesive, while maintaining the distinct character that makes outdoor dining special.
These spatial relationships and material transitions are best understood experientially—Studio Anqet's 3D visuals and VR of Westmill House demonstrates how thoughtful design creates these seamless connections between interior and exterior spaces.
Climate considerations play a crucial role in this integration. Strategic placement of heating elements, wind breaks, and shade structures extends the usable season, while weather-resistant materials ensure spaces remain beautiful and functional year-round.
BBQ culture is experiencing a renaissance that extends far beyond traditional grilling. Techniques once confined to professional kitchens—wood-fired cooking, smoke infusion, live-fire roasting—are finding their way into residential outdoor spaces.
This evolution embraces global influences and innovative techniques. Wood selection becomes an art form: applewood for delicate fish, hickory for robust pork, or cherry for its subtle sweetness with poultry. Spice blends draw from international traditions—Korean gochujang rubs, Moroccan chermoula marinades, or Japanese miso glazes—creating flavour profiles that would be impossible to achieve indoors.
The plant-based movement has also transformed outdoor cooking, with techniques like smoke-kissed vegetables, grilled fruit desserts, and creative meat alternatives proving that exceptional outdoor cuisine extends well beyond traditional barbecue.
Beyond the obvious pleasures of good food and company, outdoor dining delivers measurable wellness benefits. Natural light exposure helps regulate circadian rhythms, while fresh air and open spaces can reduce stress hormones and improve mood. The slower pace of outdoor cooking encourages mindfulness, turning meal preparation into a form of active meditation.
Biophilic design principles—incorporating natural materials, water features, and abundant greenery—amplify these benefits. When outdoor spaces feel connected to nature rather than imposed upon it, they become restorative environments that nourish both body and spirit.
The outdoor cooking landscape is being revolutionized by artificial intelligence and smart technology. AI-powered grills now entering the market can automatically adjust temperature, predict cooking times, and even suggest optimal wood chip combinations based on the cut of meat and desired flavour profile. These intelligent systems learn from each cooking session, building a database of preferences that ensures perfect results every time.
Beyond grilling, integrated smart systems are transforming entire outdoor spaces. Voice-controlled lighting adapts throughout the evening, while solar-powered pergolas with integrated photovoltaic cells generate clean energy during the day to power evening gatherings, making outdoor kitchens increasingly self-sufficient.
Yet the most meaningful innovations remain beautifully simple: deeper understanding of how families and friends actually gather, leading to more intuitive layouts, enhanced comfort zones, and designs that naturally encourage connection rather than distraction.
Whether you're planning a complete outdoor kitchen renovation or simply reimagining how you use your existing space, the goal remains the same: creating an environment that naturally brings people together. The most successful outdoor spaces feel both sophisticated and welcoming, designed for both grand celebrations and quiet family dinners.
The investment in outdoor / indoor living pays dividends that extend far beyond property value. These spaces become the backdrop for countless memories—birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, spontaneous weeknight dinners that stretch late into the evening. They remind us that some of life's greatest pleasures are also its simplest: good food, good company, and the open sky above.
In a world that often feels fragmented and rushed, the outdoor table offers something increasingly rare: a reason to slow down, gather together, and celebrate the fundamental human joy of sharing a meal. That's not just good design—it's good living.
About Studio Anqet
Studio Anqet is a well-established multi award winning design studio providing interiors, landscape and architectural design services. At Studio Anqet, we believe that impeccable design has the power to improve lives. Our bespoke interiors & landscapes are conceived to uplift, inspire and delight. Guided by our clients’ aspirations, we breathe life into personal visions – turning houses into incredible homes and buildings into beautiful sanctuaries. We see possibilities others may not, finding beauty in the everyday and solutions where none seem to exist. This spirit runs through everything we create. Studio Anqet’s identity is shaped by our agility, persistence, and personal touch. We are Industry trailblazers committed to wellness-centric design and sustainable practices. Our work is a tribute to both our Egyptian namesake – the goddess of the Nile River – and the new life we help cultivate every day.
Dark kitchens have moved beyond trend status to become a confident, enduring choice. In spaces where form and function must work in tandem, deeper palettes provide a refined backdrop for daily life; practical, hard-wearing and quietly dramatic.
Discover how Roundhouse are delivering dark kitchens, the bold new sign of true luxury.
Black kitchens offer clarity and composure. Deep tones simplify the visual field, letting proportion, shadow and material take the lead. They frame veining in stone, make metals read as intentional highlights, and sit comfortably in both period and contemporary settings. With layered lighting and tactile finishes, black feels less “statement” and more a quietly confident backdrop to daily life.
In the Lipman project, that approach is distilled into a calm, material-led scheme cabinetry in matt black is paired with black-stained, rough-sawn oak, honed Antique Nero granite, and walnut-lined interiors, with a concealed larder keeping elevations composed. Roundhouse’s kitchen bridged the original home and its zinc-clad extension and was named Livingetc’s “Best Kitchen Design” for 2025.
From deep graphite to soft charcoal, dark grey provides a versatile foundation for luxury kitchen schemes. It pairs elegantly with pale worktops for layered tonality and takes on a jewellery-like quality when set against metallic accents. For clients who prefer a softer contrast, pastels and natural neutrals introduce warmth without diluting the overall depth.
In the Stephens project, Classic doors hand-painted in Farrow & Ball “Hopper Head” are balanced with fluted-glass wall cabinets and walnut-veneered interiors—an inviting composition that reads both tailored and welcoming.
Emerald, verdant and racing-green tones bring a natural depth that flatters texture and metalwork. A matt-lacquered kitchen in an earthy near-black green, paired with burnished copper and a monochrome worktop, creates a crisp silhouette with strong architectural lines. Crucially, dark green proves as effective in traditional settings as it is in contemporary ones, its inherent warmth works hard alongside timber, stone and patinated finishes.
The Cheung project demonstrates how deep green elevates classic detailing, with proportion and joinery doing as much of the talking as colour. For clients seeking a more accessible route, the Roundhouse Studio Collection includes a Forest Green shade, offering similar impact.
Deep navy, royal and midnight blues are a sophisticated alternative to black or charcoal, often chosen to encourage a composed, restful atmosphere, useful in family kitchens and open-plan spaces. Blues also excel at framing warm metals and softly reflective surfaces.
In the Fawnbrake kitchen, Hague Blue matt-lacquer cabinetry is offset with antique-copper splashbacks and shelving. The result is serene yet characterful, demonstrating how considered material contrast lends depth without visual noise.
If colour-blocked doors aren’t the brief, dark-stained veneers provide an equally striking route while showcasing grain, texture and craftsmanship. The tonal variance and tactility of timber add warmth and longevity to darker schemes, particularly when book-matching or end-grain details are used to express making.
The Brooks project with its dark-stained, book-matched veneer, delivers a calm, cohesive space that feels robust and welcoming. Proof that a dark palette can be family-friendly as well as refined.
Dark kitchens succeed when they are personal: tuned to the architecture, the client’s routine and the material language of the home. With thoughtful specification and well-resolved detailing, a darker palette offers longevity, performance and a quietly luxurious presence. Design that works beautifully, day after day.
In today’s fast-paced world, our home environment plays a vital role in supporting our overall wellbeing. From mental clarity to physical health, the spaces we live in deeply influence how we feel and function each day. By thoughtfully shaping our surroundings, we can create a home that nurtures and restores us.
GI Design has provided several reasons why a supportive home environment is essential to wellbeing.
Home should be a sanctuary, a place where we feel protected and at ease. When we feel secure in our surroundings, both physically and emotionally, we are better able to relax and recharge. A supportive, calm, and respectful household can greatly reduce stress and promote a sense of emotional balance.
Our homes can have a powerful impact on our daily routines and choices. A well organised kitchen can make healthy cooking more convenient and enjoyable. Creating dedicated spaces for movement, such as a corner for yoga or a peaceful spot for meditation, encourages regular physical activity. Even small changes like keeping fresh produce visible or setting up a daily hydration station can support healthier behaviours.
By intentionally designing our home to support wellbeing, we set ourselves up to make more positive choices effortlessly.
Cluttered spaces often lead to cluttered minds. A tidy, well-ordered home helps reduce visual and mental distractions, making it easier to focus and feel calm. When our surroundings are clear and purposeful, we’re more likely to stay on top of daily tasks, avoid stress, and maintain a balanced mindset.
Investing time in creating an organised home, even if it’s one room at a time, can make a significant difference to mental clarity and productivity.
Bringing nature indoors is a simple yet powerful way to elevate wellbeing. Houseplants, natural materials and ample natural light all help foster a sense of calm. Even a small window view of greenery or the gentle sound of water can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
This connection to the natural world, known as biophilic design, is proven to enhance mood, lower anxiety, and improve overall health. Incorporating nature into the home doesn’t need to be complicated. A few indoor plants, natural textures, or soft earthy colours can make a meaningful difference.
A home that reflects who we are contributes to our sense of identity and emotional wellbeing. Personalising our space through meaningful objects, artwork or colour choices fosters a feeling of comfort and belonging. It’s not about following trends but creating an environment that aligns with our values, tastes and memories.
Whether it’s a gallery wall of family photos or a reading nook styled just for you, these small details help turn a house into a home.
The bedroom environment plays a crucial role in sleep quality. A calm, dark and quiet space encourages deeper, more restful sleep. Reducing clutter, minimising electronic distractions and maintaining a comfortable temperature all contribute to a better night’s rest.
Simple adjustments such as blackout curtains, soft bedding or a gentle evening routine, can have a lasting impact on your physical and mental recovery each night.
The home environment is more than just a backdrop to our lives, it is a dynamic contributor to how we feel, behave and thrive. By creating spaces that promote safety, support healthy habits, enhance mental clarity, connect us to nature, reflect our identity and improve sleep, we can significantly boost our overall wellbeing.
Take time to assess how your living environment supports you. Even small, intentional changes can lead to lasting improvements in your daily life.
About GI Design
At GI Design, we believe that spaces should do more than just look beautiful—they should inspire, rejuvenate and connect people to the natural world. Founded on the principles of functional elegance and a deep appreciation for nature, we specialise in creating interior environments that enrich lives. With a team of experienced designers, we blend aesthetic expertise with innovative biophilic design, bringing organic elements into each project to create harmonious, sustainable spaces that nurture wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to redesign a single room or transform an entire building, GI Design is here to bring your vision to life.
The beauty of bespoke kitchen design is that it is entirely yours. It’s more than just picking out cabinets and worktops; it’s about designing a space that complements your life, surpasses your expectations, and adds those small daily indulgences that make home life feel exceptional. Even on a drizzly Monday morning with a full day of work looming.
Be it a cosy breakfast nook bathed in gentle morning light, drawers that glide shut with effortless grace, or an elegantly designed wine room to cradle your cherished collection, every element is crafted with you in mind. At Roundhouse Design, we believe true luxury is found in personalisation, where masterful craftsmanship intertwines with boundless creativity, ensuring every corner of your kitchen feels purposefully curated and enduringly exquisite.
Discover why bespoke kitchens remain the gold standard in luxury living.
Craftsmanship lies at the very core of every luxury bespoke kitchen. This isn’t about uniform units churned out by countless factory lines with scarcely a human touch. It’s about the artistry of time-honoured joinery techniques, meticulously hand-finished surfaces, and detailing that only skilled artisans can achieve. That’s not to imply we’ve shunned modern manufacturing technology at Roundhouse; our Malvern factory is equipped with some of the most advanced machinery in the industry. Concurrently, our approach remains deeply human-focused, drawing on traditional hands-on expertise that no robot can currently hope to replicate.
Our newest bespoke wine room exemplifies crafted perfection. Thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted to exact specifications, it features striking, black-framed glass doors that reveal exquisite joinery, ambient lighting, and specialist finishes. Whether you’re an avid collector or enjoy hosting guests, bespoke wine storage offers a personal and elegantly crafted statement within your home.
Craftsmanship goes beyond just aesthetics; it’s about functionality and tactile experience. Drawers glide effortlessly on precision runners, cabinet doors align perfectly as they close, and every surface feels robust and substantial. True craftsmanship is a daily luxury you can both see and feel.
One of the joys of bespoke kitchen design is the ability to incorporate personal details that make you smile every time you use them. In the kitchen, this could be a breakfast pantry complete with a built-in coffee station, bespoke spice drawers tailored to your preferred selections, or dedicated larder drawers labelled for each family member.
At Roundhouse, we collaborate closely with our clients to grasp how they live, identify the little indulgences that spark joy, and discern what they’re content to forgo. There’s no standardised approach here and that’s exactly what makes your journey enjoyable.
With bespoke kitchens, it’s not just the exterior finishes that deserve attention – the interiors can be every bit as beautiful. Every Roundhouse project is tailored to your wants and needs.
Take our fitted wardrobes as an example. Concealed behind refined doors, you may discover soft-close drawers lined with luxurious leather, built-in watch charging stations, and subtle mood lighting that gently illuminates upon opening.
The same applies for the kitchen: think pull-out storage with integrated lighting, and beautifully veneered internal drawers that look as good open as they do when closed. By tailoring storage solutions to your needs, we ensure your space reflects who you are.
Luxury bespoke isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also about smart problem-solving. Our design team loves finding ways to solve tricky design challenges. A concealed extractor seamlessly tucked within a custom hood, cabinetry artfully angled to complement a sloping ceiling, or ingenious approaches to tricky corner spaces, each design element is thoughtfully crafted to suit the distinctive character of your home. Such meticulous personalisation guarantees that your kitchen and fitted furniture remain practical, functional, and a delight to use.
Every Roundhouse bespoke kitchen is made-to-order in our own Malvern factory. This allows us to control quality at every stage, from concept to completion. Our talented designers work hand-in-hand with our experienced project coordinators and skilled craftspeople to ensure every detail is perfect. From start to finish, every cabinet, drawer, and worktop is crafted to meet your exact specification.
Bespoke kitchen design is about creating a space that reflects who you are and how you want to live. That requires expert craftsmanship, thoughtful details, and practical solutions. Every project has you at the heart of it; designed around you, made for you, and fitted with expert precision.
There are so many options when it comes to choosing a kitchen worktop. Lots of suppliers have created quick tables to compare the properties of different materials. But all these grids focus on the worktop and not on the client. At Athena Stonecare, we think that it is important to put design priorities at the forefront.
When it comes to natural stone it is hard for any beholder to deny its beauty. Marble, limestone and granite have been formed over thousands of years. Even the most premium man-made versions cannot match the intricacies that nature produces. When you walk into a kitchen with a stunning marble island or glistening granite worktops it takes your breath away. If the island is to be the centrepiece of your client’s kitchen, then stone is the natural choice.
Marble is often hailed as the premier choice for a luxury kitchen. If you choose marble for a kitchen worktop there is an array of colours to choose from. It is also guaranteed that the chosen piece is completely unique. You might not realise, that there is also an abundance of choice with granite. Although typically associated with darker tones, there is a plethora of tones and finishes available in granite that are just as beautiful as marble.
If creating a kitchen with wow-factor is your top priority, then you can probably stop reading here and book in a visit to your local stone supplier. However, it is usually only one of many considerations. How to maintain that wow-factor and continue to enjoy the beauty of natural stone is usually the next question. So, let’s look at that in a little more detail.
Choosing to use natural stone for a worktop is an investment. We always think of it akin to choosing a luxury car. A brand-new Ferrari will be beautiful and shiny and certainly make a statement. But just like any car it will get dirty, could get scratched and it will need to be cleaned. However, you’re not going to take your Ferrari through the drive-through car wash. Instead, you will invest in specific products to clean it and have repairs completed by specialist.
We urge you to think of worktops similarly. If your client chooses marble, then they need to be prepared for the ongoing maintenance. Marble is acid sensitive and softer than other materials. This is particularly relevant in a kitchen. There’s no such thing as a self-cleaning worktop no matter what material you choose. But with marble it is important to use the correct products in the right way.
If, however, practicality is an important consideration, then marble might not be the best option. Lots of people prefer a kitchen worktop that requires a little less maintenance or that they can use with less concern about what they do day-to-day. With this in mind, granite is considered more hard-wearing than marble. It is usually denser and doesn’t scratch as easily. Granite is also not acid sensitive in the same way as marble and limestone.
If practicality is the no.1 priority, then man-made is the best option. There’s a huge range of brands that manufacture worktops to look like stone. Quartz has been a popular choice for low-maintenance kitchen worktops for a long time. These materials look like stone, but they don’t have the same qualities. This means that the products that you use to clean them don’t have to be as carefully considered.
Very closely linked with practicality is durability but the two shouldn’t be confused. Natural stone has been used in buildings for centuries so there’s no denying that it is durable. A marble or granite worktop won’t wear out. That doesn’t mean that it won’t wear though. And this is where the old cliché of beauty being in the eye of the beholder really comes into play. If your client wants a worktop that always looks perfect, then marble will need special care and even professional maintenance. However, marble can also be just as stunning when it naturally develops a patina over time. Many people are happy to live with the odd etch mark or scratch on their marble worktop and it’s still a statement in their kitchen. Enjoying the natural wear of a worktop is something that is completely personal.
Granite too is a great choice for a durable worktop. Being a little more hard-wearing than marble, means that you are less likely to experience staining and scratching that create that patina as described above. The other main advantage of granite is its restorability. Being a natural stone, means that the surface of granite can be repolished back to perfection. The structure of a man-made stone such as quartz means that this is not the case. If a granite worktop becomes dull or is damaged, then we can use diamond abrasives to bring it back to its original condition making this stone an incredibly durable choice for a kitchen worktop that is beautiful too.
The durability of stone is one of the factors that makes it also makes it a sustainable choice for a kitchen worktop. Ensuring that the materials chosen for a project will not need to be replaced is a key consideration if you are planning a sustainable build. There is also lots of evidence to support natural stone as being more sustainable to produce than man-made alternatives and our recent blog series explores this in more detail.
One of the huge benefits of stone that makes it sustainable once in situ, is its restorability. Marble, granite and limestone worktops can all be restored. If are aware of the ongoing maintenance requirements there is no reason that a marble worktop can’t be enjoyed for many years without needing professional restoration. However, spillages do occur the great news is that stone worktops can be repolished and refinished back to their former glory. And what is more, it will never go out of fashion. No matter how many times a kitchen is redecorated, the marble or granite worktop will always fit in. Natural stone is timeless and with the right know-how its beauty really can endure.
About Athena Stonecare
Natural stone is an investment and we are committed to ensuring that its beauty endures. We specialise in working with marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and all types of natural stone, ensuring that stone will continue to be a beautifully sustainable feature within any property. As natural stone restoration experts we work with floors, worktops, shower walls, sinks and vanity units. The ongoing care of stone is important to us too and so we have developed a suite of advice and guidance on how to maintain the finish of any stone surface. This is distributed through stone suppliers across the UK and is also available to anyone who works with natural stone.
The design landscape is rapidly evolving as Katharine Pooley moves beyond visual experiences to something more immersive and appreciative of the full spectrum of human perception. Sight is no longer the deciding force in shaping the aesthetic experience of a space, and so we are weaving considerations for sound, touch, smell and even taste into our projects to create spaces that not only look good but feel good by leaning into our intuition. As we discover more about the multisensory nature and intricacies of the brain we begin to realise how important our world around us is to our personal experience and sense of wellbeing.
Enter sensory design. Sensory design considers how each element of an environment influences our mood and behaviour whether consciously or not. Textures of natural materials, the ambient silence of a room with gentle acoustic and bespoke fragrances are some of the more known practices in crafting a space that speaks to the senses. Here are my considerations for each of the senses being thoughtfully integrated into today’s interiors.
Going far beyond that which we feel with our hands, touch encapsulates a number of elements that stem from the body's sense of balance and spatial orientation. Proprioception is regularly called the sixth sense and describes how your body senses where it is in ‘space’ or its position and movement. It’s how we walk without constantly looking at our feet, or how we’re able to touch our noses with our eyes closed. In interior design this translates to creating environments that gently engage the body through subtle movement. Rather than static, passive rooms, we can integrate things like varying floor levels or a mixture of textures to stimulate feedback. Small shifts in elevation or underfoot material are enough - not every living space needs a conversation pit.
Touch in architecture isn’t only about material, it’s also symbolic. As Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa famously said, “the door handle is the handshake of the building.” The first thing we often touch when entering a space is the entry point, it sets the tone for what follows. A good front door is one of the most important elements in a residential home and I love creating a moment through bespoke handles, shapes or weights to a doorway. Once inside, every surface we contact - floors, railings, upholstery, elevator buttons - contributes to a tactile experience both emotional and physical. Heavy doors with textured handles are a low-effort way to enhance tactility, while larger gestures like curved corridors, soft corners, or material changes (think the coolness of marble or the grain of wood) all influence how the space feels and how we feel within it. Texture and temperature are core elements of tactile design and can subtly support our limbic system and anchoring us through memory, comfort, and embodied presence.
Sound is often at the bottom of the list in considerations to factor in architectural design yet it has one of the most profound impacts on how we experience a space. Jarring or unpredictable noise is typically seen as something to eliminate but it's also important to recognise how the presence of certain sounds can shape atmosphere and emotional response. Acoustic design is becoming increasingly considered essential in homes, schools, healthcare environments, and as we continue to live in increasingly urbanised environments the effects of noise pollution on wellbeing are becoming harder to ignore.
Most architectural discourse on the topic has been historically centred on the reduction or isolation of sound and past research has focused almost entirely upon noise or the presence of ‘unwanted sound. Previously, sound in architecture was often addressed in terms of absorption and insulation. But we now know every space carries its own auditory identity. I like to adopt careful zoning, material selection, and sound-absorbing surfaces to sculpt the auditory impact of a space to ensure the soundscape is not only controlled but comforting and has a welcoming rhythm to it.
Taste holds surprising potential in creating immersive experiences and this is especially the case within hospitality design. It can evoke powerful emotional memories and effortlessly enrich a space’s narrative. In residential settings kitchens and shared living areas are where food and drink naturally bring people together and in these moments taste becomes a powerful connector that fosters a sense of belonging. I love encouraging casual interaction around food, and incorporating spaces that support hosting and social ‘rituals’ creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A well-designed kitchen with ample casual dining space invites debriefs at the end of a long day, while a thoughtfully planned bar or tasting nook offers residents a place to relax and unwind. Outdoor dining areas that blend food experiences with nature extend these sensory moments beyond the walls and are increasingly important to my clients. Good design invites guests to engage, share stories, and build relationships—making dining a multisensory experience that goes far beyond the plate.
Scent has a uniquely direct line to the brain’s limbic system which is the primitive centre of our emotion and memory, making it an incredibly potent sensory tool. Even subtle aromas that are delivered through essential oils, fresh botanicals, or the natural qualities of materials like cedar, leather, or natural stone can instantly influence mood and atmosphere. In sensory design olfactory, or scent, elements are used strategically to influence the mood and experience of the individual. Scientific studies confirm that ambient fragrances can reduce stress hormones and increase feelings of wellbeing, underscoring scent’s profound potential as an invisible yet impactful design element.
Many brands and businesses have appreciated this fact and adopted their own signature scents to deepen the connection to their branding - brands like Chanel or Hermes use bespoke scents in their boutiques, hotels like the Aman or Ritz-Carlton have been doing the same for years, and myself I like to have a distinctive diffuser oil at each of my homes.
Sight remains a primary sense in interior design, but the focus has shifted from pure aesthetics to creating visually soothing and supportive environments. Natural light is now understood as essential for mental and physical health, influencing circadian rhythms and emotional wellbeing. Designers employ dynamic lighting—adjustable in tone and intensity throughout the day—to mimic natural cycles, promoting alertness or calm as needed. Biophilic design principles bring nature indoors through views, organic forms, and natural materials, enhancing visual comfort and reducing cognitive fatigue. Colour palettes are selected not only for style but for psychological impact, with calming hues reducing stress and vibrant tones energising. Minimalist compositions and balanced spatial arrangements help to prevent sensory overload, allowing occupants to process their surroundings with ease and clarity. The visual environment is thus crafted to support both the function and emotional resonance of a space.
Designing for the senses is not a trend but a fundamental shift toward more inclusive, engaging, and wellbeing-focused environments. As our understanding of sensory processing and cognitive diversity deepens, so too must our design strategies. Thoughtfully crafted interiors offer a chance to reconnect—with ourselves, our surroundings, and our senses. In doing so, they elevate spaces from the merely functional to the experiential, deepening our connection to the world around us.
About Katharine Pooley London
Recently named ‘British Interior Designer of the Decade’, ‘International Designer of the Year in Asia’ and ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Katharine Pooley has in a short space of time become one of Europe's leading designers. Her portfolio encompasses a multitude of interior styles and architectural genres and her design ethos is one of luxurious eclecticism. No two projects are ever alike, but they are universally beautiful and timeless.
Blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, Japandi has transcended trend status to become a cornerstone of modern interiors. Celebrating simplicity, expert craftsmanship and nature-led connections, this enduring design philosophy has quietly informed homes for more than a decade. As Roundhouse Design observed at Milan Design Week 2025, Japandi’s ethos remains as vital as ever, particularly in the heart of the home. For an in-depth look at how these principles can transform any space, download the comprehensive Roundhouse Design brochure.
Wood has always underpinned Japandi’s warm simplicity. In 2025, Roundhouse Design’s team is embracing wood’s individuality more deeply than ever by celebrating unusual grain patterns, textural effects and considered installations. A recent project named Bulpitt showcases bookmatched crown-cut oak veneer that stretches across handle-less push-touch cabinets, creating movement and intrigue. By highlighting the tree’s natural heritage, a luxury bespoke kitchen feels both grounded and inviting. To discuss how wood can shape your bespoke Japandi kitchen, book a design consultation with Roundhouse experts.
Early Japandi schemes favoured strict monochromes; today’s interpretations layer warm whites, stone tones and earthy accents such as terracotta, clay, bronze and copper alongside muted greens like sage and moss. These richer, more balanced colour stories allow kitchens to flow effortlessly into open-plan living areas, reinforcing Japandi’s holistic approach to home design.
Functionality meets form in 2025’s storage solutions. Timber-lined drawers with bespoke dividers, removable cutlery trays and floor-to-ceiling glazed cabinets featuring fluted glass and timber frames marry practicality with refined aesthetics. Walk-in larders and pantries concealed by sliding shoji-inspired doors keep clutter at bay, nurturing the zen-like calm that defines modern Japandi kitchens.
As throwaway culture gives way to lasting quality, Japandi’s commitment to enduring construction resonates strongly. Roundhouse Design kitchens fuse time-honoured British joinery with precision engineering by combining frameless cabinets, soft-close mechanisms and integrated LED lighting to promise years of whisper-quiet, reliable performance. Every kitchen is backed by a 10-year guarantee, ensuring peace of mind and true longevity in home design.
Environmental responsibility lies at the core of Japandi and of Roundhouse Design. From concept to completion, sustainability informs every decision: sourcing only FSC-certified timber, partnering with The Woodland Trust to support UK reforestation, and operating a biomass-fired factory that repurposes offcuts to minimise waste.
To bring Japandi to life in your home, download the brochure, book a design consultation or visit one of Roundhouse Design’s seven showrooms in Wigmore Street, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford or Cheltenham to experience these ideas firsthand.
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