Hiring an interior designer is an investment in both the appearance and functionality of your space. Whether you're renovating your home, designing a new office, or updating a single room, the right designer can transform your vision into reality while saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress. However, choosing the right professional requires more than simply browsing attractive portfolios. Here's what you should look for when hiring an interior designer:
One of the first things to consider is the designer's experience. Look for someone who has successfully completed projects similar to yours, whether that's residential, commercial, contemporary, traditional, or luxury interiors. Experienced designers are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality results.
Ask about their background, years in the industry, and any relevant certifications or professional affiliations.
In a market flooded with untrained hobbyists, SBID Accreditation distinguishes qualified and experienced interior designers to provide the public with security that services and advice received is provided by a fully trained and knowledgeable professional.
Our extensive database of skilled and accredited interior design professionals can help you source a trusted designer throughout the UK and abroad. By using an SBID Accredited interior designer, you can ensure that you receive the very best level of service, design quality and professional expertise required for your project. From room-by-room residential renovations to full turn-key interior design solutions for commercial properties, you’re sure to find the ideal professional for your needs in our comprehensive directory of registered designers.
A designer's portfolio provides valuable insight into their creativity, style, and capabilities. Review completed projects to see if their work aligns with your preferences. While versatility is a plus, make sure they have experience creating spaces that match the aesthetic you're aiming for. Pay attention to details such as colour coordination, space planning, lighting, and overall functionality - not just visual appeal.
A great interior designer doesn't impose their own style; they help bring your vision to life. During your initial consultation, evaluate how well they listen to your ideas, understand your lifestyle, and ask thoughtful questions about your goals.
The best designers balance their professional expertise with your personal taste, creating a space that feels uniquely yours.
Successful interior design projects rely on effective communication. Choose a designer who responds promptly, explains their ideas clearly, and keeps you informed throughout the project.
Discuss how often you'll receive updates, who your main point of contact will be, and how changes or concerns will be handled.
A professional designer should be upfront about pricing and help you establish a realistic budget. Ask for a detailed breakdown of design fees, furniture costs, contractor expenses, and any additional charges that may arise.
Transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures you know exactly where your money is being spent.
Interior design involves coordinating multiple moving parts, including contractors, suppliers, deliveries, and installation schedules. Strong project management skills help keep everything organised and ensure the project stays on track.
Ask how they manage timelines, handle delays, and coordinate with other professionals involved in the project.
Testimonials and reviews offer valuable insights into a designer's professionalism, reliability, and quality of work. Look for consistent positive feedback regarding communication, punctuality, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction.
Don't hesitate to ask for references from previous clients who can share their firsthand experiences.
Interior design trends evolve constantly, but timeless design principles remain essential. A knowledgeable designer stays updated on current trends while recommending materials, finishes, and furnishings that suit your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs.
They should also understand durability, sustainability, and maintenance requirements for different materials.
Every design project presents unique challenges, from awkward layouts to budget limitations. An experienced designer should be able to offer creative solutions that maximise space, improve functionality, and overcome obstacles without compromising the overall vision.
Their ability to adapt is often just as important as their creativity.
Since you'll be working closely together throughout the project, it's important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Trust your instincts during your initial meetings. A good working relationship built on mutual respect and open communication can make the entire experience more enjoyable and productive.
Hiring the right interior designer can significantly enhance the success of your project. Beyond creativity, look for experience, communication skills, transparency, project management abilities, and a genuine interest in understanding your needs. Taking the time to evaluate these qualities will help you find a designer who can create a beautiful, functional space while making the design journey smooth and enjoyable.
By choosing carefully, you'll not only achieve a well-designed interior but also enjoy greater confidence throughout the entire process, from the initial concept to the final reveal.
Cover image credits: Designed by Woulfe
Designer Directory
To help you find the right expert for the job, you can search our network of interior designers by design specialism, company name or project location.
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In each project, there is always a defining moment where it truly comes to life and more often than not, it is the introduction of light. Lighting is invariably the one element that defines the space, but sometimes the final component to be considered.
Beyond function, light shapes the atmosphere and reveals texture. It has both the ability to soften and to elevate, and in many ways it is the most emotive layer of design. Katharine Pooley's close collaborators John Cullen Lighting note that “lighting is not just about visibility - it is about creating atmosphere” and this distinction is essential. A beautifully furnished room can feel jarring without the right lumination, while a simple space thoughtfully lit, can feel deeply inviting.
When creating an interior and architectural design scheme, it is most effective to consider it as a series of subtle gestures. Whether it is the gentle wash of light across a wall, the focused pool of a reading lamp or gallery light, or the quiet glow that lingers in the background of joinery each source contributes to a broader narrative. Lighting should never feel imposed; instead, it should unfold naturally, supporting the rhythm of a space and enhancing how it is lived in.
Wall lighting is functional and atmospheric. Thoughtfully placed sconces soften the vertical planes of a room and create a gentle wash of light that feels intimate and composed. They frame spaces beautifully - flanking a mirror, punctuating a hallway or either side of the bedside - while avoiding the dreaded ‘big light’ effect of harsh, overhead lighting. This type of lighting's strength lies in subtlety. A pair of sculptural sconces can add depth without overwhelming, allowing the eye to move comfortably across a space.
Discreet yet transformative, LED strip lighting allows for seamless integration into the fabric of a space. It has become increasingly popular over the past few years and we love to conceal it within joinery, beneath cabinetry or along architectural lines for effect. It introduces a soft, continuous glow that enhances form without drawing attention to the source itself.
It is true that lighting can be used to emphasise elements and create different atmospheres depending on its intensity and colour and this is particularly true of LED lighting where flexibility allows for precise control. It can gently illuminate a corridor, define a staircase or add depth to shelving with quiet precision.
A chandelier remains one of the most expressive forms of lighting. Its impact lies not in scale alone, but in craftsmanship. Bespoke pieces offer the opportunity to introduce something entirely unique to the client and it really is a joy to collaborate with artisans to create something entirely new and specifically suited.
When done well, a chandelier becomes more than a focal point; it anchors a room while contributing to the overall functionality and composition of light. It should feel harmonious with its surroundings, responding to proportion and materiality rather than completely dominating them. The interplay of light through materials like glass, metal or crystal creates movement and reflection, bringing a sense of life and dynamism to the space as well as beauty of course.
Natural light remains the most compelling element within any interior. Its quality shifts throughout the day, bringing a sense of rhythm and connection to the outside world. The role of design is not to compete with it but to enhance its presence. Sheer drapery, reflective surfaces and considered floorplans and layouts allow daylight to travel more freely, softening shadows and brightening spaces.
Layered lighting creates a more dynamic and flexible environment and this begins with understanding how natural and artificial light work in harmony. When the day is done, artificial lighting takes over, maintaining that same sense of balance and continuity. The transition should feel seamless with spaces gently shifting to soft and intimate twilight without disruption.
Lighting is the language through which a space speaks. It is never merely functional - it is emotive, sculptural and transformative. When considered with care each source becomes part of a quiet choreography that guides the eye and shapes the atmosphere. Good lighting enhances the experience of living and life and should always be an initial consideration when planning any interior design or architectural project.
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.
If you’ve ever started a renovation or new build project, you’ll know how many moving parts there are — architects, contractors, engineers, suppliers, and so many decisions in between. The design & build approach brings all of that under one roof.
In simple terms, design & build means your designer and builder work together from the very beginning, united by one vision and one contract. The creative ideas, technical drawings, and construction plans evolve hand in hand — with everyone on the same page. This collaboration makes the process faster, more efficient, and often, far more enjoyable.
At Studio Anqet, we’ve seen how transformative this approach can be. Instead of working in silos, design and construction flow together as one process — blending creativity, practicality, and cost awareness at every stage.
It’s not just about building faster; it’s about building smarter. Clients stay in control, decisions are clearer, and surprises are minimised. The result is a project that feels considered, cohesive, and truly tailored to you.
- One unified team – No finger-pointing, no crossed wires — just one team devoted to your project. - Faster timelines – With design and build overlapping, progress happens sooner and smoother. - Real-time cost clarity – The builder’s input from day one keeps budgets realistic and decisions grounded. - Seamless communication – Everyone involved shares the same understanding of your goals. - A calmer client experience – You focus on the dream; your team handles the details.
- Smarter planning upfront means fewer costly surprises later. - Budget efficiency comes from having accurate costs tied to design choices early on. - No redesign costs — because the design and build teams coordinate before work begins. - Early procurement and scheduling often lead to better rates and quicker lead times.
A good designer does more than make your space look beautiful — they think ahead, anticipate challenges, and make sure everything works in harmony. From the first sketch to the final finish, their role is to ensure every detail is well-considered.
Most importantly, your designer should listen. They’ll get to know your lifestyle, your tastes, and your priorities, then guide you with honest, unbiased advice every step of the way. Their aim? To make sure your home not only looks incredible but functions seamlessly for years to come.
When design and build come together under one roof, the process doesn’t just save time and money — it creates better spaces and happier clients.
At Studio Anqet we champion design and build to help our clients simplify their build and renovations projects.
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.
Within the kitchen, the island increasingly defines the character of the space. Once considered primarily functional, it has evolved into a focal point where materials, craftsmanship and proportion converge. For interior designers, the island now presents an opportunity to introduce contrast, sculptural presence and refined detailing within the broader kitchen scheme.
Roundhouse has noticed a growing appetite for layered materiality, with designers moving beyond singular surfaces in favour of carefully considered combinations. From timber-led palettes to expressive natural stone, the kitchen island is becoming a platform for both visual interest and practical innovation.
Rather than relying on a single material, many contemporary kitchens are embracing contrast. Pairing surfaces allows the island to feel purposeful and architectural while supporting different functional zones. One approach is to combine natural stone with warmer, tactile finishes. A marble worktop, for example, may sit alongside patinated metal or timber elements, creating a dialogue between cool and warm textures.
Roundhouse’s Raine project demonstrates how thoughtful combinations can bring movement and depth to the kitchen. African Fusion Leathered quartzite finishes introduce subtle texture, allowing the surface to feel softer and more organic while retaining the durability required for everyday use. The result is a layered aesthetic that feels both contemporary and enduring.
For designers working with dark kitchen palettes, the island can act as a balancing feature. A darker base paired with a lighter surface, or vice versa, introduces contrast without overwhelming the overall scheme. It is a refined approach that brings both visual clarity and material richness to the space.
Another emerging direction sees kitchen islands conceived as sculptural forms rather than simple cabinetry blocks. In these kitchens, the island becomes a central design statement, often expressed through bold veining, dramatic stone slabs or distinctive edge profiles.
Statement marble surfaces are particularly effective when the island is treated as a monolithic piece. When fabricated from a single material and wrapped in continuous stone, the island becomes an architectural anchor within the room.
In Roundhouse’s Kensington project, for instance, the island was created from heavily veined marble, allowing the natural movement of the stone to take centre stage. The uninterrupted surfaces emphasise the scale of the slab while celebrating the unique character of the material itself. It is an approach that works especially well in open-plan environments which require clever zoning, where the island naturally draws the eye.
While statement stone continues to be popular, many designers are exploring the balance between contrasting materials to soften the overall aesthetic.
A combination frequently seen within Roundhouse projects pairs natural stone with timber cabinetry. In Roundhouse’s Oliver project, a limestone island is complemented by walnut cabinetry, creating a harmonious relationship between cool stone and warm wood tones. The effect is both tactile and visually layered, allowing each material to enhance the other.
This approach also offers practical advantages. Timber introduces warmth and texture, while stone provides the durability required for preparation areas. Together, they form a kitchen that feels both grounded and sophisticated.
Surface choices are only one part of the island’s evolution. Increasingly, designers are looking beyond materials to integrate bespoke functionality within the structure itself.
Custom storage solutions, concealed preparation areas and integrated seating allow the island to adapt to modern lifestyles. These details ensure that the island remains practical while maintaining a clean, architectural appearance.
One example is the use of dramatic stone slabs on waterfall edges, where the surface flows seamlessly down the sides of the island. In Roundhouse’s Avenue project, Patagonia Natural Quartzite was used in this way, allowing the expressive pattern of the stone to become the defining visual element. The waterfall edge emphasises the material’s natural movement, creating a striking focal point within the kitchen.
Such bespoke elements also encourage designers to think creatively about how the island interacts with the surrounding space, from informal dining areas to concealed appliances.
As materials become more expressive, attention is also turning to the finer details that complete the design. Edge profiles, once a subtle finishing touch, are increasingly being used to introduce character and craftsmanship.
Designers are revisiting traditional profiles and adapting them for contemporary kitchen islands. Soft bullnose edges, stepped detailing and fluted stone surfaces can all transform the appearance of a worktop, introducing texture and shadow. Edge profiles provide an opportunity to personalise a kitchen without altering the overall layout. Subtle variations in profile can dramatically influence how light interacts with the surface, enhancing the island’s sculptural quality.
Roundhouse’s Barnes project offers a striking example, where Black Vermont Granite was fabricated with an extra-thick edge profile. The result adds visual weight to the island while celebrating the solidity of the material. This level of detailing brings depth to the design, demonstrating how craftsmanship can elevate even the most minimal forms.
For Roundhouse, the island remains a defining feature of the kitchen - a place where materials, craftsmanship and lifestyle come together. Through the power of bespoke design, designers are able to combine materials in ways that reflect how their clients cook, gather and entertain.
As kitchen design continues to evolve, the island will remain a powerful canvas for creativity - one where thoughtful material choices and refined detailing can transform the everyday into something truly distinctive.
Experience Roundhouse design in person by visiting one of their showrooms; Wigmore Street, Clapham, Richmond, Fulham, Cambridge, Guildford, or Cheltenham.
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.
Timber has always had a place in bespoke design, but how it’s used continues to evolve. For 2026, wood is moving beyond cautious accents towards more immersive schemes, where grain, tone and texture shape the space as a whole. One of the clearest signs of this shift, and something you’ll spot across many current wood kitchen ideas, is the rise of “wood drenching”: wrapping cabinetry, islands and architectural elements in timber so kitchens feel cohesive, grounded and calm.
Once most closely associated with traditional classic kitchens, timber is now playing a more confident role in modern design. At Roundhouse, this renewed focus feels like a natural progression, aligning with an approach rooted in bespoke craftsmanship, architectural precision and responsibly sourced materials. Below are four contemporary ways timber is being used right now.
Fluted or ribbed timber detailing offers a refined way to introduce rhythm and depth. Typically arranged vertically, fluting draws the eye upward, subtly emphasising ceiling height while adding architectural interest without increasing the footprint of the room.
In Roundhouse’s Bulpitt project, fluted-grain feature doors are integrated into a timber-led scheme to create movement and elegance. This layered approach allows light to shift across surfaces throughout the day, adding richness while avoiding overly heavy or uniform finishes.
Texture is becoming increasingly important in timber kitchens, with designers stepping away from perfectly uniform finishes in favour of surfaces that feel more tactile and expressive. Rough-sawn cuts and open-grain timbers introduce depth and variation, allowing light and shadow to bring cabinetry to life.
When paired with clean lines, controlled palettes and considered proportions, textured timber feels refined rather than rustic. The use of rough-sawn oak in Roundhouse’s Ashbury project shows how embracing natural variation can add character while still sitting comfortably within a contemporary kitchen. For those exploring oak kitchen ideas, texture offers a way to introduce authenticity without compromising clarity.
Grain direction is a subtle detail, but one that can quietly shape the overall feel of a kitchen. When timber is run horizontally, it helps extend the space visually, encouraging cabinetry to feel cohesive rather than segmented.
This approach works particularly well with richer timbers. Walnut, specified with a horizontal grain on modern slab doors, enhances flow across open-plan layouts, as seen in Roundhouse’s Moony project. It’s a simple move that supports modern design principles: calm lines, visual continuity and a sense of ease throughout the space.
Timber kitchens don’t need to sit solely within light, neutral palettes. As confidence grows around creating more atmospheric dark kitchens, darker stains are being used to introduce depth, intimacy and presence.
Grounded in richly stained oak or walnut, darker kitchens retain the warmth timber naturally brings while creating a more enveloping mood. The key lies in layering -balancing lighting, metallic accents and tonal variation so the scheme feels intentional rather than overpowering. Roundhouse’s Munro project demonstrates how dark-stained oak can create a space that feels bold, sophisticated and timeless.
The success of every one of these projects lies in thoughtful application, ensuring the timber enhances the architecture rather than taking over. If you’re considering how timber might influence your next design, visit a Roundhouse showroom to speak to their team of expert designers.
Although the year has only just begun, kitchen trends for 2026 are already emerging, shaped by broader influences from fashion, furniture and global colour reporting. Together, these shifts outline how bespoke kitchen design is expected to evolve over the year ahead.
From Pantone’s Colour of the Year to a growing preference for softer materials and tactile finishes, Roundhouse anticipates that kitchens in 2026 will feel warmer, calmer and more grounded. Muted palettes, expressive surfaces and a renewed focus on craftsmanship point towards an approach rooted in longevity rather than short-lived trends.
White kitchens remain firmly in focus for 2026, though their expression is shifting. Rather than crisp, high-contrast whites, designers are leaning towards softer, warmer tones with greater subtlety.
Inspired by Pantone’s Cloud Dancer, these creamy, chalky whites introduce depth without dominating a scheme. The key change lies in how white is used: less as a statement and more as a backdrop. Applied across cabinetry, walls and feature shelving, it acts as a calm canvas that enhances contrasting elements, such as the black island featured in Roundhouse’s Alden project. In 2026, white is defined by contrast and context, moving away from uniform white-on-white compositions.
Green continues to play a defining role in bespoke kitchen trends for 2026. This year, Roundhouse anticipates a shift away from the deep, dramatic green kitchens that have dominated recent years, towards lighter, more herbal shades.
Valspar’s 2026 Colour of the Year, Warm Eucalyptus, sets the tone. With its vintage-leaning character, the colour brings a sense of calm and familiarity, making it well suited to modern kitchens. Industry colour reports reinforce this direction, highlighting clean olives, fresh sages and smoky fern tones as key shades to watch. When paired with pale stone, brushed metals and warm timbers, as seen in Roundhouse’s Oliver project, these greens create a natural, atmospheric palette. In 2026, green becomes less about drama and more about mood, gently anchoring kitchens in a restorative calm.
Texture continues to gain importance in kitchen design, with fluted cabinetry emerging as a considered way to introduce depth and movement. Rather than surface ornamentation, Roundhouse anticipates a move towards more generously curved fluted profiles that emphasise craftsmanship, as seen on the drawer fronts in the Alden project.
This approach allows light and shadow to interact softly across vertical surfaces, celebrating artisanal skill. Whether applied to bespoke kitchen islands, tall cabinetry or drawer runs, fluted detailing breaks up large expanses while adding rhythm and tactility. It reflects a broader shift away from flat minimalism towards bespoke kitchens that feel layered, crafted and rich in detail.
Stone remains a cornerstone of kitchen design in 2026, with quartzite expected to take precedence over marble as the preferred all-natural surface. Characterised by subtle veining and organic movement, quartzite offers a refined alternative to high-contrast marbles while providing improved strength.
Harder and more durable than marble, quartzite still requires a degree of care, making it particularly well suited to breakfast bars and splashbacks. In high-use cooking zones and around sinks, Roundhouse designers often recommend combining natural quartzite with manmade surfaces. In the Ashbury project, Taj Mahal quartzite splashbacks are paired with Caesarstone’s Cloudburst Concrete worktops, balancing natural beauty with practical resilience. The result is a surface that feels luxurious and well suited to everyday living.
Timber continues to evolve as a material language in bespoke kitchen design. While all-wood schemes have been absent for decades, Roundhouse suggests that 2026 will see a return to full timber immersion - not as a revival, but as a contemporary form of ‘wood-washing’.
Natural wood will extend across cabinetry, tall units and architectural detailing, with pale oak and walnut used floor-to-ceiling across storage, media furniture and adjoining living areas. This generous application introduces warmth, texture and continuity, particularly in open-plan homes such as Roundhouse’s Bulpitt project, where the kitchen needed to integrate seamlessly with surrounding spaces. Layered with fluted detailing, this approach to timber feels enveloping yet controlled, remaining crisp, architectural and distinctly modern.
Hardware in 2026 is going to become increasingly subtle, delivering the same visual calm as handleless kitchens while introducing additional material interest. Integrated pulls and slim handles in coordinated finishes offer a refined, understated aesthetic alongside improved grip.
This restrained approach supports longevity and ease of use, reinforcing the wider shift towards bespoke kitchens defined by proportion, materiality and thoughtful detailing.
The beginning of a new year offers a natural moment to reset and reassess. In 2026, the most compelling kitchen designs will be shaped by balance, material integrity and craftsmanship that stands the test of time - principles that sit at the core of Roundhouse’s design philosophy.
Explore how these trends could shape your 2026 projects, and visit one of Roundhouse’s seven showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Guildford, Cambridge or Cheltenham to speak with Roundhouse’s expert designers.
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.
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.
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