What we now call Shaker-style kitchens started life in the early 1980s, when Charlie Smallbone launched the Original Hand Painted kitchen. Its single panel door in a frame with a hand-painted finish became synonymous with the simplicity and functionality of 18th century Shaker furniture. Since then, Shaker-style kitchens have become the characteristic of country-style kitchens and one looks much like another. As such, when Charlie founded Ledbury Studio, he was determined to evolve the story once again and to redefine Shaker furniture in a contemporary way, to suit today’s kitchens.
“Design shouldn’t stand still, as its very essence is to present something new and offer an alternative way of seeing things. I believe in staying open to new ideas and constantly evolving,” explains Charlie. “With the Shaker kitchen I took all the traditional elements and then added contemporary touches, such as variations on the frame and panel sizes of the doors, adding an oversized contemporary cornice and modern cast handles in aged and patinated brass. The result is our Ledbury Shaker range.” Here are three beautiful examples.
The Shaker-style evolution: Slim down the width of the door framing, add reeded cupboards and mix with aged and patinated zinc.
The result: The slimmed-down framing creates a contemporary feel, while the ribbed glass wall cabinets bring an element of lightness and texture that breaks up uniformity and enhances visual interest. In response to the client’s request for a neutral palette, the furniture is painted in Ash White, in stark contrast to the coffee making station and tall refrigeration cupboards, which are clad in in aged and patinated sheets of zinc. And again to bring this Shaker design bang up to date, instead of the usual small round knob handles there are tactile aged-brass ones, plus brass kickplates and fixtures throughout.
The Shaker-style evolution: Add stainless steel into the mix to provide contrast to the minimal framing on the doors.
The result: Designed as part of a renovation of a country house, the Hampshire kitchen is a scheme that perfectly balances rustic simplicity with contemporary sophistication. At the heart of the kitchen sits a stainless-steel island, conceived as both a showpiece and a hardworking hub. It houses a Lacanche range cooker, has custom-cast stainless steel and brass handles and limestone worktop edged in stainless steel. As a contrast, allowing the island to take centre stage, Charlie designed the surrounding cabinetry in the Ledbury Studio Shaker style, using minimal framing to the single-panel hand-painted doors.
The Shaker-style evolution: Add an over-sized contemporary cornice and brass detailing.
The result: The brief for the Muswell Hill design was to maximise every inch of storage space by pushing the cupboards as high as they could go. Charlie therefore designed the cupboards almost to the ceiling, introducing a large contemporary cornice with a lighting recess in between the cornice and the cabinets. This Shaker-style hand-painted kitchen achieves its contemporary resonance with the introduction of Ledbury Studio’s signature metals. Charlie added aged brass to the edge of the cooker hood and also used it for the plate rack’s supporting brackets, the hanging rails mounted on the splashbacks and the cupboard handles.
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.
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In an industry often focused on what is new, Yotam Ottolenghi's recently refreshed kitchen offers a valuable reminder of the importance of designing for longevity. More than a decade after its original installation, the Roundhouse kitchen remained so successful that the refurbishment focused not on replacing it, but on carefully evolving it.
Few compliments carry more weight than a returning client. When someone has lived with a kitchen every day, raised a family around it, cooked thousands of meals, hosted friends and relied on the space for years, choosing to return to the same designer speaks volumes about the success of the original project.
That is exactly what happened when internationally renowned chef, restaurateur and food writer Yotam Ottolenghi returned to Roundhouse to refresh the kitchen in his North London Georgian townhouse.
The original kitchen was designed and installed in 2013 using Roundhouse's Urbo collection. Defined by its understated aesthetic, practical layout and carefully considered functionality, the space was designed around the realities of everyday life rather than passing trends.
As Ottolenghi explains: "Roundhouse designed my kitchen 13 years ago, and it still works brilliantly. The refresh was not about changing the fundamentals, I wanted to build on a design that had already stood the test of time."
For interior designers and professionals, the project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, durable materials and adaptable layouts can significantly extend the lifespan of a kitchen without compromising aesthetics or performance.
Rather than embarking on a complete redesign, the refurbishment focused on enhancing a space that was already working exceptionally well. The original layout continued to support the way Ottolenghi and his family lived, while the material palette remained as relevant and appealing as when it was first installed.
"Everything is at my fingertips. The kitchen works intuitively, which makes cooking a pleasure," says Ottolenghi.
That simple observation highlights one of the most important measures of successful design. Beyond appearance, great kitchens make everyday routines feel effortless and intuitive.
While the foundations remained unchanged, the refurbishment introduced carefully considered updates that brought new character to the room.
The most significant addition was a hand painted tiled splashback created by artist Cecilie Maurud Barstad of Gilles & Cecilie Studio. Inspired by family memories, favourite foods and shared experiences, the artwork introduced a deeply personal layer to the space.
"I wanted a kitchen that felt personal. The new splashback brought character and individuality that made the space my own," explains Ottolenghi.
For designers, the project serves as a reminder that personality does not always require dramatic intervention. Sometimes a single carefully chosen element can transform the atmosphere of a room while preserving everything that already works.
Alongside the new splashback, a series of practical improvements helped bring the kitchen up to date.
Storage around the oven wall was reconfigured, appliances were upgraded and the kitchen transitioned from gas to induction cooking. A new suite of Gaggenau appliances and a Quooker tap enhanced performance while maintaining the familiarity of a well-established space.
One of the most notable aspects of the refurbishment was the decision to retain the original white lacquered cabinetry. Years after installation, it remained in excellent condition and continued to provide a calm backdrop for daily life.
As Ottolenghi notes: "A simple, calm backdrop allows everything else to shine. That's true in our restaurants, and it's true in my kitchen. The tiles designed by my dear friend Cecilie Barstad bring some fun and character to the space."
The project also highlights the enduring appeal of restrained material palettes. White lacquered cabinetry, walnut interiors, and stainless-steel worktops create a timeless foundation that allows artwork, objects and ingredients to become part of the visual composition.
For interior designers, there is an important lesson in the way this kitchen has evolved.
Longevity is not simply about durability. It is about creating spaces with enough flexibility to adapt alongside the people who use them. The most successful interiors are rarely those that remain frozen in time. Instead, they mature, evolve, and accumulate character while continuing to support changing lifestyles.
By prioritising functionality, simplicity and quality from the outset, the original design created a framework that could be refined rather than replaced.
The project demonstrates that successful kitchen design is not measured by how quickly it is replaced, but by how well it continues to perform over time. By combining enduring design principles with carefully considered updates, Ottolenghi's kitchen continues to support the changing needs of its owner while retaining the qualities that made it successful from the outset.
In a profession often driven by the pursuit of the new, it is a refreshing reminder that thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and a deep understanding of how people live can create spaces that remain relevant for decades.
Yotam Ottolenghi's kitchen demonstrates the value of designing spaces that can evolve over time.
If you are planning your own project, book a design consultation or visit a Roundhouse showroom to discover how thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and carefully considered materials can shape the way you live for years to come.
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.
Frank Iaria, Kitchen and Interior Designer at Mint Kitchen Group, has given his insights into the industry.
My career in the industry began as an apprentice cabinet maker, which gave me a strong hands-on understanding of joinery, construction and detailing from the very beginning. After sustaining a back injury, I moved away from the physical side of cabinet making and into the design field. What started as a necessary career shift quickly became a genuine passion, and I found that I enjoyed the creativity, problem-solving and client interaction of design even more.
I went on to become a Certified Kitchen Designer and built my career around creating highly functional, detailed and beautifully resolved kitchen spaces. After working with major retailers and developing a strong reputation within the industry, I decided to go out on my own and open my own showroom. From there, it was a natural progression to expand into other areas of the home, as many of my clients were renovating multiple spaces at once. This led me to further study bathroom design, allowing me to provide a more complete design service across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and whole-home joinery.
Entering industry awards became an important turning point in my career. In the first year alone, we achieved 10 awards, which gave me the confidence and motivation to continue pushing the design side of the business further. Year after year, we continued entering awards and collecting recognition, which helped strengthen our reputation and increase demand for our style of work.
As the business continued to grow, I formed a group with industry colleagues to create better buying power, greater exposure and stronger collective advertising. This became Mint Kitchen Group. Since then, we have continued to build on our success and are proud to have become one of the most awarded kitchen design groups in Victoria. Today, I operate two design studios with a team of six designers, and much of our work comes through referrals from existing and past clients.
I am very proud of the work we produce and the care we put into every project. For us, great design is not only about how a space looks, but how well it functions, how carefully it is detailed and how successfully it is executed. That commitment to detail, craftsmanship and the client experience continues to drive the way we work today.
I was drawn to interior design because it combines creativity with problem-solving in a very practical and meaningful way. My early background in cabinet making gave me a strong understanding of how things are constructed, but moving into design opened up a much broader opportunity to shape spaces from the very beginning. I enjoyed being able to think not only about how something was made, but how it would function, how it would feel, and how it would improve the way people live.
For me, the profession is about much more than selecting finishes or creating a stylish space. It is about listening carefully, understanding a client’s lifestyle, and then translating that into a design that is both beautiful and practical. That combination of creativity, functionality, detail and human connection is what first attracted me to the industry and continues to motivate me.
I really enjoy the process of taking a client’s brief and turning it into a resolved design that feels both beautiful and effortless. There is something very rewarding about working through the details — the layout, proportions, materials, storage, lighting, finishes and joinery — and seeing all those elements come together into one cohesive space.
I also enjoy the relationship-building side of the profession. Every client is different, and every project has its own story. Being trusted to help shape such personal spaces in someone’s home is a privilege. The best part is seeing the finished result and knowing that the design has genuinely improved the way the client uses and enjoys their home.
One of my most memorable career highlights from the past year has been the transformation of our South Melbourne Design Studio. We converted what was once a commercial office space into an apartment-style showcase, designed to feel like a real home rather than a traditional showroom. This allowed us to demonstrate the type of work we do across all areas of the home, from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries through to wardrobes, living spaces, custom furniture and detailed joinery solutions.
The studio was designed to help clients experience our work in a more personal and immersive way. Rather than viewing individual displays in isolation, they can walk through connected spaces and see how materials, finishes, storage, lighting and joinery details work together in a complete interior environment. It has become a valuable space for presenting design ideas, inspiring clients and showing the level of detail, craftsmanship and functionality that sits behind every project we deliver.
My favourite projects are those where we are able to create a complete design solution rather than looking at one room in isolation. Whole-home renovations, kitchens connected to living spaces, and projects with custom joinery throughout are particularly rewarding because they allow us to create consistency, flow and a strong design language across the home.
I also enjoy projects that require careful planning and detailed problem-solving. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries can be some of the most technically demanding spaces in a home, but that is what makes them interesting. When a space works beautifully from both a design and functional perspective, the result feels seamless — and that is always the goal.
One of the most challenging aspects is balancing creativity with practicality. A successful design needs to look beautiful, but it also needs to be functional, buildable, durable and suited to the client’s budget and lifestyle. There are often many layers to consider, from design intent and client expectations through to manufacturing requirements, site conditions, lead times and installation details.
Communication is also critical. Interior design involves many people — clients, designers, suppliers, trades, manufacturers and installers — and every decision needs to be clearly documented and understood. The smallest detail can have a big impact, so maintaining clarity throughout the process is one of the ongoing challenges, but it is also what leads to the best outcomes.
I wish I had understood earlier just how much of interior design is about communication, documentation and decision-making. Many people see the creative side of the profession, but behind every successful project is a huge amount of planning, coordination and attention to detail. Good design is not just about the idea — it is about how clearly that idea is communicated and executed.
I have also learned that every project will evolve. Site conditions, budgets, client preferences and technical requirements can all shift along the way. Being flexible, calm and solutions-focused is essential. The ability to adapt while still protecting the overall design intent is one of the most valuable skills a designer can develop.
My advice would be to learn how things are actually made. Understanding construction, manufacturing, installation and detailing will make you a much stronger designer. A concept may look beautiful on paper, but it needs to work in the real world. The more you understand materials, hardware, joinery construction, clearances and site limitations, the better your designs will become.
I would also encourage aspiring designers to listen carefully. Clients may not always know how to explain exactly what they want, but they will usually give you clues through the way they talk about their lifestyle, frustrations and routines. A great designer knows how to interpret those details and turn them into a space that feels considered, personal and practical.
I think the industry will continue moving toward more personalised, lifestyle-driven design. Clients are becoming more considered about how their homes function, not just how they look. They want spaces that support the way they live, work, entertain and relax, with a greater focus on quality, longevity and intelligent storage solutions.
I also see technology, documentation and communication becoming even more important. Clients expect a clearer understanding of their design before it is built, while design and production teams need accurate information to reduce errors and improve efficiency. The future of interior design will still rely heavily on creativity, but it will also depend on strong systems, clear processes and better integration between design, documentation and delivery.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer represents professional recognition and a commitment to maintaining high standards within the industry. It is an acknowledgment of experience, design capability and professionalism, but also of the responsibility designers have to deliver considered, ethical and well-resolved outcomes for their clients.
For me, SBID accreditation is also about being connected to a broader international design community. It reinforces the importance of continual learning, professionalism and striving for excellence in every project. It is a privilege to be recognised within an organisation that values design integrity, innovation and the ongoing development of the interior design profession.
About Mint Kitchens by Designwize
Mint Kitchen Group is a Melbourne-based kitchen and interiors company specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke joinery. We create custom kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes and interior spaces that are tailored to each client’s lifestyle, home and design vision. With a strong focus on quality craftsmanship, practical functionality and personalised service, our team manages each project from concept through to completion. By combining thoughtful design with locally made joinery and attention to detail, Mint Kitchen Group delivers beautifully resolved spaces that are made to be lived in and built to last.
The presentation will explore the kitchen’s historical context, its role in homes, and its transformation to enhance modern living. We will cover various product categories, discussing dimensions, practical aspects, style and installation consideration.
Lunch will be provided.
SBID Members earn 4 x CPD points for attending!
Mint Kitchen Group is proud to introduce its South Melbourne Design Studio — a refined and immersive destination for clients, designers, builders, and architects seeking beautifully resolved residential interiors and bespoke joinery solutions.
Located in one of Melbourne’s most established design precincts, the South Melbourne Design Studio has been created to showcase the company’s expertise across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, wardrobes, and whole-home custom joinery. The space reflects Mint Kitchen Group’s ongoing commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, materiality, and considered design, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the quality, detail, and functionality that underpin every project.
The South Melbourne Design Studio has been thoughtfully designed as more than a display space. It acts as a design destination where clients can engage directly with materials, finishes, hardware, surfaces, storage solutions, appliance integration, and cabinetry detailing in a tangible and inspiring environment. Each display has been carefully curated to demonstrate how strong design thinking, technical precision, and manufacturing knowledge come together to create interiors that are not only visually impressive, but also practical, durable, and highly liveable.
As a business that designs, manufactures, and installs custom joinery, Mint Kitchen Group offers a seamless end-to-end service from concept through to completion. This integrated approach is central to the studio experience. Clients are able to better understand the full design journey, from early planning and layout development through to specification, production detailing, installation, and final delivery.
The South Melbourne Design Studio also allows visitors to explore a wide range of premium materials and design options in person. From cabinetry finishes and benchtop surfaces to hardware selections, lighting considerations, storage mechanisms, and appliance integration, the studio supports informed decision-making and helps clients visualise the possibilities for their own homes. This hands-on experience is particularly valuable in custom interior design, where the relationship between form, function, texture, scale, and detail plays such an important role in the final outcome.
For Mint Kitchen Group, the South Melbourne Design Studio represents the continued growth of the business and its commitment to elevating the standard of custom interiors in Melbourne. With 40 years of industry experience behind its leadership, the company has built a strong reputation for design detail, quality craftsmanship, client-focused outcomes, and highly resolved residential spaces.
The studio brings together the company’s design expertise and manufacturing capability in one cohesive environment. It showcases not only the aesthetic possibilities of custom joinery, but also the technical knowledge required to deliver complex and functional interior spaces. Every element has been considered to highlight the importance of proportion, usability, material selection, construction quality, and long-term performance.
Mint Kitchen Group continues to work closely with homeowners, architects, and designers to create tailored interiors that reflect each client’s lifestyle, brief, and individual home. The South Melbourne Design Studio provides a valuable platform for collaboration, allowing ideas to be explored, refined, and transformed into highly personalised design solutions.
The opening of the South Melbourne Design Studio reinforces Mint Kitchen Group’s position as a trusted name in premium residential interiors and custom joinery. It is a space designed to inspire, educate, and demonstrate what is possible when thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and precise manufacturing come together.
The South Melbourne Design Studio welcomes clients looking to renovate, build, or transform their home with beautifully designed, expertly crafted interior spaces that balance style, functionality, and enduring quality.
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.
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.
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.
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