For interior designers, Milan Design Week 2026 remains one of the most influential moments in the global design calendar. It is where ideas are tested, materials are refined and the direction of residential design quietly resets for the year ahead.
At Roundhouse Design, Milan is never approached as a trend report. It is a working research trip. Designers step away from projects and showrooms to experience 2026 interior trends first-hand across Salone del Mobile and the wider city installations. What returns is not a catalogue of styles but a clearer understanding of how kitchens and interiors are evolving in real homes.
This year felt notably restrained. Less spectacle. More refinement. Materials were more tactile, forms were softer and technology was more discreet. For Roundhouse Design, this reinforces a long-held belief that the most successful kitchens are not defined by impact but by how naturally they support daily life.
One of the clearest shifts in Milan was the continued move towards organic curves which we highlighted in last years’ Milan Design Week report. Across furniture, lighting and interiors, softer geometry replaced rigid structure. The reference point for this approach was the Barene collection by Marco Zito for Carpet Edition, where form follows a natural rhythm rather than strict symmetry.
For Roundhouse Design, curve appeal is never purely decorative. They are functional decisions that shape movement through a space.
In kitchens, a curved island worktop edge improves circulation and removes harsh corners in open-plan layouts. It creates a more natural flow between cooking, dining and living areas. Within Roundhouse Design projects, these details are always subtle. A softened cabinetry run. A gently radiused worktop edge. A transition that feels considered rather than imposed.
The result is a kitchen that feels easier to live in, not just easier to look at.
Metal finishes was one of the strongest material stories in Milan, but its role has evolved. It is no longer an accent material. It is architectural.
At De Castelli, cabinetry systems demonstrated how steel can feel sculptural and layered rather than industrial. Across EuroCucina, stainless steel appeared in softer finishes such as brushed, satin and burnished surfaces.
These finishes were often combined with timber, stone or lacquer to create balance and warmth. The shift is clear. Metal is becoming more domestic and more refined.
Roundhouse Design has long explored this territory. Liquid metal finishes, for example, allow cabinetry to carry the depth of metal without its hardness. Surfaces shift subtly with light and reveal variation across large runs. In practice, this makes metal feel bespoke rather than uniform.
The direction is consistent. Metal is becoming quieter, warmer and more integrated into the overall language of the kitchen.
Colour in Milan 2026 continued the move towards warmth and depth. Earthy tones are now firmly established within contemporary interior design.
Terracotta, rust and clay are increasingly used as foundational tones rather than accents. Deep burgundy and rich reds also appeared frequently, often expressed through stone rather than paint. At Lema, the Traverso Table by Carlo Colombo showed how strongly a single material decision can anchor an entire scheme.
For Roundhouse Design, colour is always used with intention. Strong tones are never applied across a full scheme. Instead, they are anchored to a single moment such as a kitchen island or dining surface. The surrounding palette is then built to support that decision.
This approach creates balance. It allows colour to feel confident without overwhelming the space.
Green continues to shift, moving away from heavier olive and khaki tones towards lighter and more optimistic expressions.
Pistachio emerged as a key direction in Milan. It is softer than traditional greens and carries enough warmth to sit comfortably within layered interiors as seen in our Kinsey project.
For Roundhouse Design, this makes it particularly effective in kitchen design. It works alongside timber, stone and warm neutrals while still offering a clear point of interest. Used on cabinetry, it introduces colour in a way that feels controlled and architectural rather than decorative.
At FTK – Technology for the Kitchen, the message was clear. Appliances are becoming quieter, more integrated and less visually dominant.
Brands including Miele, Neff, Falmec, Elica and Beko all presented softer matt finishes and muted tones designed to sit within cabinetry rather than stand apart from it.
Technology itself is also becoming more intelligent but less visible. AI driven systems now support performance in ovens, refrigeration and energy use, but without adding complexity to the user experience.
Roundhouse Design has always prioritised this approach. Appliances are considered from the earliest design stages to ensure full integration. The goal is simple. Technology should support the kitchen without defining its appearance.
One of the strongest themes across Milan was the renewed focus on craft. Across FuoriSalone, installations explored process, material origin and the human decisions behind design.
The SiMa Townhouse by Massimiliano Locatelli was a clear example. Handcrafted ceramic fragments were assembled into large scale surfaces, highlighting the importance of skill, time and collaboration.
For Roundhouse Design, this thinking is fundamental. Craft is not an aesthetic layer applied at the end. It is embedded into every stage of design and manufacture.
Every detail matters. How a drawer closes. How a handle feels. How storage is configured for daily rituals such as cooking, entertaining or family routines.
All Roundhouse Design kitchens are made in the UK by skilled cabinetmakers using responsibly sourced materials. This control over production ensures precision from concept to completion. It also ensures that design intent is carried through every detail.
Milan Design Week 2026 confirmed a clear direction. Kitchens are becoming calmer, more tactile and more personal. For Roundhouse Design, this is not a shift in thinking, but a continuation of principles already embedded in the studio’s approach.
The most relevant ideas are not trends. They are design values. Flow. Material honesty. Integration. Craft.
When translated through bespoke design, they become kitchens that feel resolved, functional and deeply personal.
If Milan Design Week 2026 inspires you, explore more inspiring projects and considered kitchen design details, by downloading the latest Roundhouse brochure and begin shaping your own vision. Or visit a showroom to experience the craftsmanship, materials and quality of Roundhouse Design’s bespoke kitchens first-hand, and speak with a designer about a space tailored to the way you live.
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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Ledbury Studio, the luxury design studio founded by Charlie Smallbone, is excited to unveil its latest stunning kitchen, created for a family home in the heart of the Kent countryside. The Sevenoaks kitchen is the final chapter in a complete house renovation that has taken its owners 10 years to fulfil.
The result is a kitchen entirely worth the wait, in which rich materials and artisanal touches combine to deliver something that is truly one of a kind. It delights both on first sight and on closer inspection into the thoughtful design touches Charlie and the team have included. Here, he explains how it was all achieved.
Our clients had owned the house for 10 years, slowly renovating and making it their own. After contemplating the plan for kitchen all that time, they had a really clear idea of what they wanted – which is where we came in. The brief was for a contemporary kitchen that had exciting, individual touches. In short, they wanted something that didn’t look like anything they’d seen before. That’s exactly the kind of challenge we like at Ledbury Studio!
The kitchen is part of a large open-plan space that flows into a beautiful glass orangery, which serves as both dining and living room. With views over the surrounding countryside, the rooms are flooded with natural light. As such, I created a deliberate contrast by choosing dark stained oak as the primary material for the cabinetry. This is then complemented by aged brass accents and our signature Verdigris copper panels.
The tall floor-to-ceiling cabinetry along the back wall incorporates the fridge-freezer, plus both pantry and breakfast cupboards. With the addition of six panels of aged Verdigris copper, it becomes a striking feature wall and a focal point in its own right. Other details include liquid metal trims on the copper-fronted cabinets, as well as on the glazed cabinets, which are fluted for another point of interest.
There are a number of Ledbury Studio signature finishes crafted in our workshops by hand, ensuring they are unique to each project. As well as the aged metallic panels and accents, we include painted fluted wall cabinetry for a tactile touch. In addition, the crockery and drinks cupboards have our Choppy Water finish, hand-carved oak that adds even more texture. The latter piece also has a bi-fold door, so looks just as beautiful whether open or closed.
This is a family home, so the kitchen was always destined to be its focal point. As such, the large island was an essential feature. It is a working space but also a natural gathering point, whether for drinks with friends or cosy family dinners at the breakfast bar. I chose Monte Cristo Oro Quartzite for the worktops, which gives the luxurious veining of a natural stone in a hard-wearing surface that will retain its good looks. The waterfall sides on the island deliver real wow factor, creating a magnificent centrepiece in this sleek, stylish and one-of-a-kind kitchen.
Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.
About Ledbury Studio Ltd
Ledbury Studio is a new and exciting design studio, showcasing Charlie Smallbone’s latest kitchen designs. Small and personal, Ledbury Studio has been established to explore and develop the interface between kitchens to cook and work in, and kitchens to live in. The company offers something very different in the world of kitchen design, something not found elsewhere. Combining exquisite materials and artisan craftsmanship, the new kitchen collections are striking and innovative and the culmination of Charlie Smallbone’s history at the forefront of cutting edge kitchen design.
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.
A very tired and drab kitchen was given a huge makeover, by NB Interiors, which totally transformed how this family used the space.
A once very tired and dull space is now a very warm and welcoming kitchen that has both aesthetic and functionality at it's heart.
By adding a small extension to create a compact utility room meant the layout of the kitchen could be adapted to make space for a dining area, complete with banquette seating with some all important storage.
The addition of the seating area meant this room went from feeling cramped to spacious and a social hub of the home.
The pink colour on the walls actually made the space feel much bigger and brighter, plus opening up the chimney allowed the cooker to be relocated to this space and made the seating area possible. This has been a huge transformation and once that has totally transformed the family home.
About NB Interiors UK
I have a passion for colour and texture, I enjoy helping clients be brave and take the leap into injecting personality into their homes. Whilst keeping spaces cosy, welcoming and feeling like their home. I aim to create spaces that can be truly lived in, comfortable and that will stand the test of time.
For three decades, Roundhouse has been designing and creating spaces that enhance the way people live. Founded in 1996 on a clear and simple belief that thoughtful design can enrich daily life, the company has grown into a multi-award-winning British manufacturer that places people, purpose and longevity at the centre of everything they do.
Established by architects Craig Matson and Victoria Marriott, Roundhouse’s approach has always been shaped by architectural thinking. A deep understanding of proportion, flow and spatial balance continues to inform each project, ensuring every kitchen feels resolved, relevant and enduring, grounded in principles that stand the test of time.
This architectural foundation is brought to life through British craftsmanship. All Roundhouse furniture is designed and made under one roof at its purpose-built workshop in the Malvern Hills, where traditional skills sit alongside evolving manufacturing techniques.
Roundhouse’s craft has been refined over the years, enhanced by modern machinery and technology, yet always rooted in precision, material integrity and meticulous attention to detail. The result is furniture made not only to look beautiful, but to last for years to come.
Over the past 30 years, Roundhouse has evolved from a small Camden showroom into a multi-award-winning British manufacturer. From its purpose-built factory in Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, Roundhouse designs and produces luxury bespoke kitchens and furniture.
With over 100 employees and seven UK showrooms, they are recognised for creating spaces that are individual and designed around how people live.
Longevity has always been central to the Roundhouse ethos. Many kitchens created more than 25 years ago remain in daily use today - a reflection of timeless design, enduring materials and exceptional craftsmanship.
Reflecting on the milestone, founder Craig Matson notes: “Many of our clients still love kitchens we made over 25 years ago. It reflects what Roundhouse stands for, purposeful design, British craftsmanship and longevity.”
Behind every project is genuine collaboration. Roundhouse designers work closely with homeowners, architects, interior designers, developers and contractors to understand priorities and shape solutions that respond to both the architecture of the space and the needs of those who use it.
This collaborative way of working sits at the heart of how they work and ensures each kitchen feels personal, practical and carefully considered.
Thirty years of experience continues to shape how Roundhouse works today. The knowledge gained over decades informs how the team designs, makes and delivers, responding thoughtfully to evolving lifestyles, advancing technologies and changing client expectations.
As homes continue to evolve, so does Roundhouse - guided by the enduring belief that considered design has the power to enrich everyday life.
To explore Roundhouse’s kitchens and other furniture in more detail, you can download a brochure, browse their kitchen gallery, or experience Roundhouse design in person by visiting one of their showrooms; Wigmore Street, Clapham, Richmond, Fulham, Cambridge, Guildford, or Cheltenham.
The small dark kitchen wasn't working for the client, it felt cramped, not organised and it was cut off from the dining and living room.
The connecting wall was removed and this instantly opened up this whole area. The new kitchen design by NB Interiors felt more spacious, more purposeful for how the client used and lived in the space.
Being north facing the brighter yellow colour worked at keeping this part of the room feeling brighter and warm. As well as being brave and feeling more energised, this whole space went from neutral and dark to brighter and warmer.
The mix of wood and yellow softened the space and added some texture. Balanced against the blue that leads into the dining and living area makes this a fun, cheerful and invigorating living area.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and industrial kitchen design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Sticks+Stones Design.
Sticks+Stones Design was commissioned to create a space for these clients linking the home with a bold and strong kitchen creating connection of living spaces for the family. This design a Canvas for their colourful art collection and everyday life.
Category: Kitchen Design
Design Practice: Sticks+Stones Design
Project Title: The Canvas
Project Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Design Practice Location: Auckland, New Zealand
This kitchen is part of a renovation of a 1940s-era home in central Auckland, for a family of four with teenage children. It's often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home; in this case, it truly is, as it serves as the only link between the living and outdoor areas, dining, and the other areas of the home.
The brief was to make this a family hub where they could all comfortably enjoy each other’s company, as well as enhance the flow through to the other parts of the house. They requested a modern, industrial vibe and a palette that would showcase their art collection and other colourful touches throughout their home.
Much of the inspiration came from my client's art collection; the amount of colour and vibrancy required a robust and grounded design. Existing structural elements in the home (and the renovation), such as beams and partition walls, had to be worked around, as well as the skylights, which were already in place. The design and layout of this kitchen was created as a connection point; a space that had good flow but connected everyone and all the areas of the house.
With renovations of older homes, there are always hurdles: walls that can’t be moved, uneven floors, structural beams, and differing ceiling heights. All these factors came into play with this project, which made things a little more challenging. But we enhanced the space and gave character.
It was very rewarding seeing the island coming together; being completely clad in porcelain, including hidden storage along the front, and the customised metal frame. However, the biggest highlight for us was seeing the custom light being installed over the island; the way that it suspended over the skylight, creating a sculptural component, was very fitting with the client's brief and the overall look and aesthetic of this kitchen.
Coming from New Zealand, which has a very small population, I wanted to push my designs into the global arena to test the waters and see how they would fare on a larger stage. Seeing what is being designed internationally and being part of that is very exciting and ultimately very motivating, making sure that our little nation’s design is keeping up with the rest of the world.
Personally, it has been one of the highlights of my career. It really puts into perspective what we are capable of, even though feeling very far away. It's reassuring to know that we are judged and can stand alongside such amazing peers in the global design industry. It now feels like there are no limits and anything is possible, no matter where you’re from, how far away, or how big or small.
Questions answered by Katie Scott, Director of Sticks+Stones Design.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an elegant show flat design, click here to read it.
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.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sleek kitchen design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, German Kitchens.
Faced with a stunning backdrop and a challenging interior German Kitchens Limited were handed a renovation project that would test their skill level and broaden their search for the best products, all while creating the perfect environment for their clients wishes. This beautifully located residence in Queenstown, New Zealand required specialist assistance to turn a very tired and dated existing kitchen into the ideal entertaining space. Challengers were met and overcome and a worldwide search was undertaken to find the perfect benchtop and splashback material to replicate the Remarkable mountain range that hovered above the property and the lake beyond.
Design Practice: German Kitchens
Project Title: Kelvin Heights
Project Location: Queenstown, New Zealand
Design Practice Location: Wellington, New Zealand
My clients were renovating their exquisitely located, elevated home in Queenstown New Zealand and are frequent entertainers and passionate cooks so their wish was for a large functional kitchen with lots of separate working and entertaining spaces. They also desired an area to hide away the small appliances and mess when they entertain. Some informal seating where the stunning lake views and warm afternoon sun can be appreciated and a separate coffee area and wine fridge added to their wish list.
As the kitchen was very much a part of their main living area, my clients desired a kitchen that would act as both the daily cooking and socialising family space and when entertaining was able to accommodate large groups, extended family and social gatherings. In response we centred a very long large island in the middle of the room with social cooking and easy cleaning located on the island for maximum functionality and flow. This allowed us to then create locations for the tall appliances, coffee station, wine area and a pocket door cabinet to hide away the small appliances. The design then allowed us to create a lowered servery under the window to allow the perfect entertainers kitchen.
Our biggest challenge was that there were two windows along the North Wall and these were different heights due to one being in the raised kitchen and the other on the normal floor level. This presented us with an issue that to keep both windows would mean that they would be different heights with one far too high to be functional. As the New Zealand sun travels East to West across the Northern sky, a North facing window is desirable due to the light and the warmth it brings. To remove a North facing window is normally not advised without good cause. We looked at lowering the higher window, but this would involve major rework to the exterior cladding of the home and this was something the client was reluctant to do due to the costs and uncertainty. Therefore, we had to make a very good case with the proposed design to prove that the window should be covered over for the best interests, functionality and aesthetic of the desired kitchen. Thankfully the design won through as the client could see how the kitchen space was vastly improved without the higher window and that we had worked out a solution to still retain the desired sunlight into the space.
My client’s home is surrounded by the world famous 'The Remarkable's' (aptly named) mountain range that hovers over my clients home and looks ominous raising sharply from Lake Wakatipu with its dark Greywacke Rock and snow filled crevices. While these stunning mountains surround the home, they are not seen from the kitchen area as the architecture has been designed to face the Lake. Therefore, I wanted to bring The Remarkable's into the home through the use of natural stone. We searched far and wide and found a stunning stone in Spain called Sensa Black Beauty by Cosentino which creates a synergy with the mountain range with its black base with snow filled highlights. The Black Beauty benchtop material was carefully hand-picked in a leathered finish to allow a very natural and tactile response in a rugged environment. The design of the kitchen, and especially the island was adjusted to suit the overall lengths of the Black Beauty slabs.
It's the one award that I am determined to win. I have been a finalist in the SBID Awards 9 times (including this year) and have still not won it yet. I have attended the fabulous Awards evenings in London 5 times and that’s a lot considering we live in the furthest country from England. I have watched three of my design peers from NZ win the award and I would dearly love to add this award to my list of achievements.
Winning awards is key to our business as it is another way of proving our design capabilities and professionalism when you are judged by your peers. Our clients respect the SBID awards and show that our design work is at an international level and has a desirable aesthetic.
Questions answered by Damian Hannah, Lead Designer at German Kitchens.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a characterful cottage design, click here to read it.
This in person event is an informal opportunity to meet with Mark and the team at our home kitchen showroom in Cookham Dean. Come along and find out more about our portfolio including our Bespoke and MeThD kitchen ranges and how we collaborate with interior designers, architects and project managers.
Friday 8th May 2026, 9:30am-11am GMT:
SBID Members earn 2 x CPD points (per session) for attending!
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