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Belgian luxury kitchen appliance brand, Novy, has launched Designer Lighting 2.0, its latest collection of smart touchless gesture-controlled lighting products for the kitchen. The collection includes the Pendant, Shelf and Wall models in a range of new lengths starting from 95cm up to 305cm. In addition, all Designer Lighting 2.0 models are now available in a new Mineral White colourway, together with Mineral Black.

Providing a premium aesthetic for the contemporary kitchen, Novy’s Designer Lighting 2.0 collection has been developed to provide smart lighting solutions for kitchen specialists and interior designers to showcase in their projects. The Pendant is an ideal overhead accompaniment to a Novy vented hob installed within a kitchen island, while the Shelf and Shelf Pro models answer the growing trend for floating shelves as opposed to wall-mounted cabinets in a scheme. The Wall is a further solution that can be used to illuminate a recess in the kitchen or within a home bar, where there is an option to change the colour temperature and hue to create a specific ambience, as required.

New Mineral White Colourway

The Designer Lighting 2.0 collection is available in Mineral Black or new Mineral White colourways. Every model in the 2.0 collection is manufactured and hand-assembled at the Novy factory in Kuurne, Belgium. Each is hand-sprayed using a specially formulated matt finish powder-coated paint that features a mineralised structure, ensuring it is less sensitive to fingerprint marks and is easier to clean.

Choice of Lengths

All Pendant, Shelf and Wall models in the Designer Lighting 2.0 Collection are available in the following lengths: 95cm, 125cm,155cm,185cm, 215cm, 245cm, 275cm and 305cm. The Shelf Pro models that feature Novy’s Gesture Control Pro technology are available in the following lengths: 125cm, 155cm,185cm, 215cm, 245cm, 275cm and 305cm.

Advanced Illumination

The Designer Lighting 2.0 collection benefits from advanced lighting technology. All models feature smooth illumination from a powerful integrated LED strip line that delivers 3500 Lux, an equivalent of 50% more Lumen per m² than in previous versions. The adjustable light intensity and colour temperature range from 2,700K to 4,000K to deliver ambient lighting with greater depth, and stronger functional or task lighting.

Gesture Controls

Touchless gesture-controlled lighting is simple to use with a range of learnt gestures that activate the light and adjust the luminosity. With the Pendant, Shelf and Wall models, there is a sensor at the centre of the base. By swiping under the sensor the LEDs are activated, holding your hand under the sensor then changes the light intensity from functional to ambient, while another quick gesture will deactivate it. The Shelf Pro model features Gesture Control Pro with sensors along the entire base of the shelf so the beam can be directed where you want it, above or below the shelf. Holding your open hand just beneath the sensor accesses a palette of colour options, ideal for changing the mood in the room.

Five Year Warranty

Every Designer Lighting 2.0 model in the collection comes with a five-year warranty.

About Middleby Residential Luxury and Premium Brands

Novy is part of the Middleby Residential Group. Middleby Residential offers a collection of premier international consumer brands, dedicated to manufacturing and distributing many of the best-known and loved kitchen appliances in the world. Middleby is a world leader in developing advanced innovation and solutions for commercial, residential, and industrial foodservice. The company is proud to connect with communities through philanthropic engagement, sustainable initiatives and more. Middleby’s aim is to set the standard for tomorrow, with a goal of serving excellence in everything we do.

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The owners of the latest Ledbury Studio project were undertaking a complete renovation of their home when they approached Charlie Smallbone and team to design this elegant open-plan kitchen. For this space, their primary goal was to create a kitchen and dining area that could serve as a versatile room for the entire family to cook, dine and spend time in together.

“This kitchen was designed to be both beautiful and practical,” explains Charlie. “The use of different materials and textures creates a dynamic and engaging space, while the layout ensures it meets the needs of a busy family. The combination of metal, marble and quartzite adds depth and interest, making it a room that is not only functional but also a joy to be in.”

Stylish neutrals

The clients wanted a neutral palette, so Charlie selected painted cabinets with a single panel design in Ash White. But then to prevent the solid fronts from overwhelming the space, he added ribbed glass wall cabinets into the mix, bringing an element of lightness and texture that breaks up the uniformity and enhances visual interest.

The stunning island features a reeded surround and Diamond Quartzite worktop.

Beautiful metallics

Various metallic elements throughout the kitchen add Charlie’s signature wow factor. Aged brass handles and kickplates enhance the cabinetry, while the spice rack features delicate brass rails. The kitchen taps are also brass, as are the fittings on the trio of pendants hung over the island. These touches of brass not only add a luxurious feel but also provide a cohesive look to the kitchen.

The show-stopping island

The central island is another talking point of the space thanks to its reeded surround and stunning Diamond Quartzite top. Home to the kitchen sink as well as a breakfast bar for casual dining, this eye-catching island serves as both a functional workspace and a social centrepiece. The same Diamond Quartzite is used for the adjacent worktop and splashback, elegantly tying all the kitchen elements together and ensuring a harmonious flow throughout.

The refrigeration cupboards are clad in sheets of aged zinc.
The refrigeration cupboards are a deliberate contrast with the cool Ash White elsewhere in the kitchen.

Industrial chic

In contrast to the Ash White cabinets and cool quartzite, the coffee-making station and tall refrigeration cupboards are clad in sheets of zinc that have been aged and patinated. The zinc adds a touch of industrial chic, juxtaposing beautifully with the kitchen’s otherwise polished aesthetic. This contrast both highlights this functional section of the kitchen and adds depth to the overall design.

The book rack with marble surround is a fabulous focal point.
The walk-in larder provides practical food storage.

A focus on food

A walk-in pantry was a must-have addition for the clients, creating convenient storage for the family's food. Given their passion for cooking, Charlie also integrated a floor-to-ceiling book rack into the design, which is stylishly framed in marble and provides ample space for their collection of cookbooks.

A space in which to cook, dine and spend time as a family.

Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.

About Ledbury Studio Ltd

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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Fitted kitchen design is packed with benefits. You can optimise every inch of your luxury kitchen with built in storage cupboards to create space for all your stuff – from ingredients to cookware, even a desk in an unused corner. But introducing a freestanding element to bespoke kitchens will elevate your kitchen design to the next level. Blending fitted kitchen cupboards with a standalone cabinet or bespoke kitchen island, will add masses more character and functionality to your luxury kitchen room.

Here are just some of the ways our kitchen designers mix fitted and freestanding furniture. And why a bespoke kitchen from Roundhouse Design is the ultimate style choice.

Roundhouse Design

Go for a bespoke kitchen island

It’s easy to see why modern kitchen islands remain a popular fixture in today’s luxury kitchens. They can create more storage and kitchen work surfaces plus room for an extra sink. We are also often asked to add a seating perch, so bespoke kitchen islands become the communal hotspot of your kitchen design. But it is the freestanding nature of bespoke kitchen islands that adds so much to a fitted kitchen layout. Play around with shape and colour. Try curved ends to break up the straight lines of built in storage cupboards. Or how about an accent material to enhance the freestanding silhouette of your beautiful bespoke kitchen island.

Roundhouse Design

Add a statement dresser to your luxury kitchen

If you have the space, why not add a freestanding dresser to your luxury kitchen. Our Nightingale display cabinet, backed with mirror panelling, will create a striking statement on an empty wall. The more modern Brompton cabinet mixes clean lines, metal frames and integrated lights to display your favourite glassware and pottery. Combining a fitted kitchen design with a standout dresser will instil so much personality – and you can even add this at a later date. Everything from Roundhouse London is manufactured to order. And we pride ourselves on using traditional British joinery techniques and luxury materials to craft the kitchen design of your dreams.

Roundhouse Design

Mix and match doors in kitchen design

Another clever way to mix fitted and freestanding furniture in a Roundhouse kitchen is by drawing from both our Design and Studio collections. In this kitchen, black matt built in doors from the Studio collection cover three sides of the layout. Then a bespoke kitchen island clad in antique brass creates a freestanding showstopper that takes centre stage. The look is unified by the gorgeous green stone work surfaces. It’s the perfect example of how mixing Design and Studio cabinetry opens up greater design scope for your budget.

Roundhouse Design

Break up wall-to-wall units with shelving

Ok, so long rows of shelving aren’t technically freestanding. However, by substituting built in wall units for kitchen display shelves you’ll create a relaxed, unfitted mood in bespoke kitchens. It’s a design trick we are fond of using here at Roundhouse London: simple yet full of impact. Choose chunky oak shelves to display earthenware bowls, jugs and plants. Or painted white shelves that blend invisibly into the walls of your luxury kitchen. You might even decide to ditch built in storage cupboards altogether on one wall. And don’t worry, our kitchen designers will make sure you have enough kitchen storage before you take the plunge.

Roundhouse Design

Create a freestanding look with a kitchen pantry cabinet

Whether your luxury kitchen is big or small, a kitchen pantry cabinet is one of our favourite storage saviours. Roundhouse designers can tailor your pantry to your lifestyle with a choice of herb racks, wicker baskets, slide-out shelving or plug sockets to name but a few. But a kitchen pantry cupboard can also create the appearance of freestanding furniture – even if it’s a fully fitted piece. With double doors, wide drawers, lighting and perhaps painted in an accent colour, a pantry cupboard can add so much to bespoke kitchens. It’s the perfect way to create a freestanding look but with all the efficiency of built in cabinetry.

For more inspiration on how to use standalone furniture in your luxury kitchen head to our blog here.

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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What do you get if you bring together elegant, understated style and skilled craftsmanship? In this case, Ledbury Studio's beautiful new design, the Wimbledon Village kitchen. Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio, created the kitchen in partnership with renowned interior designers Hill House Interiors and the stunning results are a fitting showcase of their very considerable combined talents.

"We wanted to create a kitchen that not only complements the open-plan layout but also offers something truly special with artisanal finishes and custom touches," explains Charlie. "The result is a space that feels luxurious yet approachable, perfect for both everyday use and entertaining."

Photography: Nick Smith
Photography: Nick Smith

Beautiful bespoke finishes

Ledbury Studio specialises in taking natural materials and giving them a bespoke finish, so every piece of furniture has a unique look. In this case, Charlie stained and coloured the oak cabinets with a grey colourwash, chosen to complement the scheme in this open-plan kitchen, dining and living space. For a luxurious artisanal touch, the cupboard doors are then inlaid with bronze marquetry, which beautifully frames each one.

Photography: Nick Smith
Photography: Nick Smith

Metallic highlights

In addition to the bronze inlay on the doors, Charlie used the metal for the cupboard handles and the kickplates underneath, and there is also a bronze tap. Meanwhile, the splashback, which reflects light back into the room behind, is made of bronze-tinted antiqued mirror. Bringing the wow factor, however, are the wall cupboards above the splashback. Here, the hand-applied textured liquid- bronze finish creates a real focal point in an already showstopping kitchen.

Photography: Nick Smith

A kitchen for living and entertaining

The comfortable bar stools at the island and large dining table show that this is clearly a space intended both for entertaining and family life. With that in mind, the relatively compact footprint of the kitchen has a practical layout with hob, ovens and sink all within easy reach. In addition, Princess Quartz was chosen for the worktops, which gives the cook useful prep space as well as the luxurious look of marble without the associated upkeep.

A fabulous finishing touch is the drinks and breakfast cupboard to the right of the kitchen. This essential station hides all its useful functionality behind pocket doors, which slide right out of the way when in use, but pull back over to create a seamless piece of furniture the rest of the time. And in a link back to the bronze detailing in the rest of the design, the glass shelves are edged in aged bronze.

Prices for a Ledbury Studio kitchen start from £70,000.

About Ledbury Studio Ltd

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Why do we love modern country kitchen design so much? Put simply, we’ll never tire of the classic lines and warm hues that make country kitchens so enduring. These are versatile bespoke kitchens too. And whether you live in an urban pied-a-terre or a rural cottage, modern country kitchen designs are a great choice. Even super contemporary, minimalist homes can benefit from the soft, cosy and comforting silhouette of modern country bespoke kitchen design. So if you’re in the mood for a luxury kitchen design that will never date, let Roundhouse show you how.

Discover the key design tips of a modern country kitchen design and fall in love with this classic look all over again…

Choose heritage hues for luxury kitchen design

You won’t go far wrong with a neutral palette when it comes to modern country kitchen design. Think warm shades of buttermilk, off white and vanilla for light and inviting bespoke kitchen design with a little touch of French country flair. Alternatively, why not add a little drama with a darker shade. We work closely with Farrow & Ball and Little Greene to offer a huge selection of colours for our Design bespoke kitchens. Meanwhile, our Studio collection includes statement-making Indigo Blue, Forest Green and Graphite Grey – perfect for modern country kitchen designs big or small.

Roundhouse Design

Mix fitted and freestanding in bespoke kitchens

Adding freestanding pieces to bespoke kitchen design is an expert-proof way to create the modern country look. A standalone kitchen pantry cabinet or dresser for example instils instant country charm into any layout. Our freestanding furniture can transform your luxury kitchen design and embrace an artisan craftsmanship that Roundhouse is so proud of. Because everything from Roundhouse kitchens is manufactured to order – and that includes our freestanding Brompton and Nightingale cabinets. So whether you want to show off your best glassware or simply create extra storage, choose unfitted furniture for modern country appeal.

Roundhouse Design
Roundhouse Design

Use natural materials in country kitchen design

Natural materials such as timber, marble and metal are a signature look of modern country kitchen design. Here at Roundhouse we work with a mix of high quality materials and warm textures to create bespoke kitchens to suit your space. Try walnut veneer mixed with antique brass accents or a beautiful marble kitchen island. This bespoke kitchen design in a barn showcases book matched oak veneer offset with a patinated silver. Natural beauties that need nothing else…

Roundhouse Design

Cook up a storm in country kitchen design

Cooking is a big event for the modern country kitchen. So a robust range cooker should be top of your shopping list in country-inspired bespoke kitchen design. Go for a professional-style range in slick stainless steel with sturdy handles and matching steel wall racking. Or take a more vintage mood in luxury kitchen design with a colourful stove in enamelled yellow, cream, red or racing green. Finish off your Roundhouse kitchen with rows of gleaming copper pans, chunky cookware and great food.

Roundhouse Design

Focus on Farmhouse fixtures

Choose a large double bowl kitchen sink in chunky ceramic to set the tone in country bespoke kitchens. Belfast and Butler sinks won’t just add masses of style to your Roundhouse kitchen, they are perfect for washing bulky pans and large oven trays. Pair with a beautiful wall-mounted pot filler oozing with rustic charm. Pick a design in brushed nickel, copper or brass. And look out for an extendable arm so you can fill up kitchen pots and pans quickly and conveniently.

Roundhouse Design

Don’t neglect kitchen design details

Details count. So for the modern country bespoke kitchen design, try tongue-and-groove panelling, tactile surfaces or a chic tiled splashback. Dark oak floorboards look striking against white and neutral kitchen storage cabinets. Or try pale timber in a chevron style pattern to add a touch of modern rustic cool. Glazed door fronts add a light welcoming touch while exposed brick walls create the perfect modern rustic backdrop. This is how to do modern country kitchen design for twenty-first century living.

If you’re looking for more inspiration on classic kitchens, head to our blog here.

Our expert kitchen designers can help you make the best choices for your Roundhouse bespoke kitchen, furniture or wardrobes. Visit any of our seven Roundhouse showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham and get planning!

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Typically associated with bespoke kitchens and fitted wardrobes, built in furniture is increasingly finding its way into every corner of the home, from hallways and bathrooms to home offices, dining rooms, and so many other projects. The advantages of fitted furniture are plentiful but not always obvious. Here’s just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to think beyond the kitchen and take a more holistic approach to fitted furniture when renovating your home.

Roundhouse Design
Roundhouse Design

Optimising space

As with the best kitchen design, fitted furniture is tailormade to fit perfectly within your space, which means no awkward gaps or wasted corners. Unlike off-the-shelf pieces, which might not make the most of a room’s layout, fitted furniture is designed to optimise every available inch. Small hallway with nowhere to discard outerwear? With sleek, built in furniture your entranceway can easily accommodate shoes, coats and bags without encroaching on walkways, making the area feel bigger, tidier and more welcoming. Similarly, fitted furniture in the dining area – for example built in seating with storage inside – can boost storage provisions while working in harmony with the shape and size of the room.

Seamless style and cohesion

One of the greatest advantages of fitted furniture is the way it allows you to achieve seamless flow throughout the home, which is the key to creating a relaxed and inviting environment. By commissioning fitted pieces for various rooms, you can ensure a consistent aesthetic, whether that’s through coordinating finishes, materials, or design style. This is not about strict matchy-matchy, which can quickly lead to bland, but more geared towards fitted furniture with a common thread that’s subtle yet intentional. A boot room or laundry room fitted with the same cabinetry as your luxury kitchen, for example, creates a sense of unity and flow. Don’t forget, at Roundhouse you have the option to coordinate your luxury kitchen with fitted cabinetry from our Studio Collection in ancillary rooms. Learn how to combine our Design and Studio Collections to help your budget go further while enjoying the benefits of our skilled designers and installation team in every room.

Roundhouse Design
Roundhouse Design

The personal touch

The joy of fitted furniture lies in its ability to be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Whether you want to set up a home office in your kitchen, or are seeking stylish shelving for your dining room, or a smart broom cupboard in your utility room, bespoke fitted furniture can be designed to suit specific requirements. In bathrooms, fitted vanity units can seamlessly integrate basins and storage, making the most of small or irregular spaces while promoting a polished look. The versatility of bespoke furniture means there is endless potential to customise – be it smart chargers inside drawers, his and hers mirrored cabinets or file storage sized to fit your documents. Furniture that’s made to suit your individual requirements doesn’t just look good, it can make your home function more smoothly and efficiently, ultimately resulting in an easier life.

Cutting out clutter

This advantage is really quite simple – by providing designated places for all your belongings, throughout the home, fitted furniture supports clutter-free living and a calmer atmosphere. When working from home, for example, fitted desks, shelving and file storage can create an efficient and organised workspace, keeping paperwork and stationery out of sight but easily accessible. In the utility room, think built in laundry baskets and bespoke wardrobes for outerwear, pull-down clothes rails and cleaning cupboards with specialist storage dividers. This clutter-blitzing benefit not only makes daily life more manageable but also enhances productivity by ensuring everything you need is close to hand and easy to find.

Roundhouse Design

Increasing property value

Fitted furniture can be an investment but the outlay is offset by the knowledge that, done well, it can significantly enhance the value of your home. Beautifully made bespoke Roundhouse furniture will undoubtedly be viewed as a premium feature by potential buyers and can help your home stand out in a competitive market. Built in wardrobes, elegantly appointed living rooms, well-organised hallway storage and of course a luxury bespoke kitchen, will all lead to a more desirable property that reflects thoughtful design, quality workmanship and attention to detail. Above all, Roundhouse fitted furniture is built to last, making it a smart investment that brings both immediate enjoyment and long-term benefits.

Why not work with a designer to resolve all your fitted furniture needs and explore the clever built in storage solutions in our inspirational showroom displays? To book a design consultation, click here, or visit any of our Roundhouse showrooms in Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham. Come and experience the benefits of fitted furniture for yourself!

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.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

As we step into 2025, kitchen design trends are taking a turn towards nature-inspired elements, textured surfaces and a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and quality. This is something that chimes perfectly with the values of Ledbury Studio, where the team have always championed sustainability and the beauty of understated luxury. Here's Ledbury Studio's take on how those trends are set to redefine the heart of the home in the coming year.

Ledbury Studio

Trend One: Honouring Organic Materials

Natural stone and sustainably sourced wood are increasingly popular in our kitchens, mirroring a broader societal move to reconnect with nature. Materials like marble, granite and richly grained woods such as oak and walnut are being celebrated for their unique imperfections, adding depth and authenticity to kitchen spaces. These elements don't just look great, they also tell a story and give each kitchen individual character.

Ledbury Studio
Ledbury Studio

Trend Two: Texture Takes Centre Stage

Techniques like reeding and fluting, often applied to kitchen islands and cabinetry, add a rhythmic, sculptural quality to kitchen designs that feels both modern and timeless. Textured wood finishes, whether through hand-carved detailing or treatments that highlight natural grain, bring a sense of warmth and craftsmanship to kitchen designs. For example, Ledbury Studio's signature 'Choppy Water' surface, adds a tactile dimension to cabinetry and islands, softening the typically hard lines of kitchen spaces.

Ledbury Studio

Trend Three: Distressed Metals Add Authenticity

Distressed metals are making a strong comeback in 2025, offering a unique blend of character and history to kitchen interiors. Unlike the perfection of highly polished finishes, distressed metals bring a sense of heritage and authenticity to contemporary spaces. Their distinctive patinas add visual interest and evoke a feeling of craftsmanship that enriches the overall design. For those looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, these metals offer the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern elegance, transforming the kitchen into a lived-in, welcoming space.

Ledbury Studio

Trend Four: A Return to Timeless Design

The appreciation for mid-century design continues and deep wood tones, particularly walnut, are making a strong statement in today's kitchens. This rich, elegant wood, known for its complex patterns and warm hues, is being used in everything from cabinetry to furniture pieces, offering a sense of sophistication and grounded beauty. The appeal of mid-century design lies in its ability to blend form and function seamlessly, making it an enduring favourite for those seeking both style and practicality.

Ledbury Studio

Trend Five: The Influence of Quiet Luxury

Quiet luxury is once again poised to be one of the defining trends of 2025. This design philosophy moves away from ostentation, instead embracing materials that are inherently luxurious, such as natural stone and fine woods. The result is a refined, serene atmosphere that feels effortlessly sophisticated. Quiet luxury also champions the principle of 'buying once, buying well', encouraging investment in durable designs that will stand the test of time. It's a smart, stylish approach for those who value longevity and authenticity in their home and bespoke kitchen furniture fits perfectly within it.

Trend Six: Stainless Steel Combined with Timber

One of the most exciting emerging trends is the combination of stainless steel with wood and painted finishes. This design approach creates a striking visual contrast, balancing the sleek, industrial aesthetic of stainless steel with the warmth of wood or the soft tones of painted cabinetry. Coming soon to several stunning Ledbury Studio kitchen designs!

About Ledbury Studio

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

Helen Lord, Co-Founder at Rehome has given her insights into the industry. Offering a unique and much-needed solution for pre-owned interiors, we are delighted to introduce you to Rehome. Rehome.co.uk is the UK’s No. 1 interiors marketplace for business professionals and homeowners. Our business-to-business ecosystem has evolved to meet many of the unsolved commercial and sustainability needs of professionals, manufacturers, and retailers. It encompasses but is not limited to, the sale of customer pre-owned interiors, ex-display, reconditioned, end-of-line, and cancelled order stock. With sustainability at the forefront of everything we do, we provide the necessary support to help professionals and manufacturers succeed sustainably.

Rehome

How do your services enhance interior design projects?

The role of an interior professional is so much more than enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a client’s space. Material considerations, innovative solutions and waste reduction are an added complexity, with budget adherence and sustainability all now part of a client’s expectation.

Rehome supports interior designers by giving them a bolt on sustainable solution for quality pre-loved interiors, seeing waste as an asset to be re-sold and providing an outsourced dismantle and removal solution rather than skipping.

Further benefits include the opportunity to buy luxury kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and appliances at a fraction of their original retail price. All helping to support the circular economy and reducing carbon footprint and renovation cost.

Rehome

How do you work with interior designers to enhance their projects?

Through our affiliate referral gateway, Rehome Plus, designers can refer a customer and benefit from our fully managed, pre-owned interior solution, all whilst enhancing their own sustainability commitment.

Most projects require a waste management solution, and this comes at a cost. By re-selling pre-loved interiors through Rehome, dismantling and removal is covered, reducing the need for multiple skips and the project management of this essential but often inconsequential part of the project.

Rehome project manages the whole sale process: Assess, inspect, measure, photograph, sell, dismantle and deliver, reporting verified carbon and tree-saving stats to all parties.

Rehome

What has been your most significant company highlight or success from the past year?

Over the past 10 years, Rehome has brought circular economy thinking into focus within the luxury interiors sector, understanding that for this to be possible, a fully managed solution is required with verifiable sustainability results. Over the past couple of years, we have been nationally recognised for our contribution to this future thinking and are the proud recipients of the Queen's Award for Sustainability as well as renewing our BCorp-certified status this year with an even higher impact score.

Formerly Used Kitchen Exchange, we rebranded in 2023 to Rehome. Our new brand better reflects our service expansion to cover all rooms in the home and gives a sustainable, premium feel that sits well with partnering luxury brands. With our ethos of ‘live in possible’, we are changing the way people renovate.

Rehome

Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

Partnerships with sustainability focussed brands and professionals is something we continually look to develop. Our biggest initiative in 2024 has been the introduction of our affiliate gateway, Rehome Plus.

Rehome Plus enables design professionals to sign-up for their own private label referral gateway. The gateway provides a fast track, personalised service, and the assets to build customer-facing sustainability into their working methods or even their website to encourage everyone to do better.

It is a pleasure working with our newest partners such as Tom Howley Kitchens, Clive Christian, Humphrey Munson, Quooker, Miele, Thomas Crapper, The London Rug Company, and The John Lewis Partnership, and we hope to build many more in the years ahead.

Rehome

How does your partnership with SBID assist its members in business?

We are delighted to partner with SBID and applaud the focus given to helping its members accelerate sustainability. When meeting with the SBID team, there was a genuine buzz about our collaboration and its saliency. It's exciting to know that together we can all work towards enhancing consumer awareness and help to shift behaviour towards more sustainable thinking. Our partnership with SBID will help to drive a cultural change that will future-proof the industry.

Rehome
Helen Lord, Co-Founder at Rehome

How do you see the interior design industry evolving in the year ahead?

The focus on sustainability and the value of reuse is growing in momentum and we are very focused on future proofing our partners from looming waste legislation. Whilst this legislation won’t land this year, its coming, so why wait? Let’s champion the circular economy and support our customers with a pocket and planet agenda for pre-loved interiors being replaced.

About Rehome

Rehome provides designers with an opportunity to offer clients an ethical solution for replacing their pre-loved interiors. Whether one item, or a whole home, Rehome project manage the surveying, photography, sale and dismantle, removing the need for the skip, and instead providing additional funds towards their renovation/ interior update. Quality fitted and unfitted furniture (kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms etc.) can be evaluated. If something is end-of-life, they will offer an ethical removal/recycling service. An uncomplicated nationwide service that is win, win for your client and the environment. Rehome are BCorp Certified and sustainability is fully verified using a carbon and tree saving inventory, allowing designers to showcase an impressive commitment to sustainability.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

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Founders & Design Directors, Keith and Helena Myers of The Myers Touch Kitchen Design Studio have announced their planned retirement from the industry after 21 years in business.

Leading their award-winning studio in Winchester, Keith and Helena Myers have mapped out a plan to retire by the New Year. Their team of designers, installers and business support staff have been informed of their decision and they are working closely with those individuals to plan this transition.

The Myers Touch team are completing the process of notifying all current clients of their commitment to complete projects. For any 2025 projects, they will ensure a smooth handover to one of their manufacturing partners. Suppliers are also in the process of being notified to ensure the successful completion of all projects.

The husband-and-wife team began their kitchen design business in 2003 with the vision to open a premium design studio and consultancy service that showcased state-of-the-art kitchen displays, growing the business over the years to one that is recognised as one of the leading kitchen design studios in the UK winning several retailer, showroom and project design awards over the past two decades.

Before embarking on a career in the kitchen industry, Keith and Helena had previously worked in global sales and account management in IT and pensions business process management in Insurance. Whilst raising three small children and being trained in engineering design and interior design, they gained architectural, interior and spatial design experience from overseeing three complete home renovations in their spare time, which gave them the confidence to both leave their jobs.

Keith and Helena Myers inside their kitchen design studio

They began their dream of starting their design business journey from their home study, offering a home remodelling consultancy service with a focus on the kitchen space as the hub of the home.

In 2007, the design duo found a previous contemporary fireplace showroom just a stone’s throw from their family home which they turned into their Design Studio, remodelling the main space to showcase contemporary kitchen display examples and converting the original garage to their ‘designer’s hub’ space.

As their business grew, Keith and Helena began plans to expand the studio in 2015. The extension enabled them to double the size of the studio so they could showcase additional luxury kitchen displays and expand their hosting space for clients and customer events. This development turned the studio into a 210 sqm contemporary, state-of-the-art, ‘Mies Van Der Rohe’ style architectural building for architects and homeowners, which over the years has offered interactive kitchen displays from leading partner brands including eggersmann, Copatlife, KH Kitchens and SieMatic.

Their pioneering approach to kitchen design has led Keith & Helena to regularly host and take part in industry talks at RIBA, The KBSA, Grand Designs Live and Ask the Expert, KBIS (virtual), and The Homebuilding & Renovating Show – in 2022 Helena received an invitation to America’s largest industry show in Orlando, KBIS where she took part in a talk alongside other American industry experts. They have also been proud to have won many global and national showroom, retailer and project awards over the past two decades. Keith is a current Regional Director of the KBSA and a former Regional Director of SBID.

Keith & Helena Myers said “After 21 years of fun and adventure in the world of kitchens, we have decided to retire. It’s not been an easy decision, as it’s never a good time to say goodbye to our studio, our wonderfully supportive and talented staff team, as well as the friends and partners we have enjoyed such fulfilling relationships with over the past two decades.

We are proud of what made our business stand apart in an ever-competing industry - our design approach has always been to ensure each of our designs enriches household relationships first and foremost and the homeowner's quality of life through the efficiency, relevance and beauty of their designed spaces bringing into a home what we are renowned for – creating kitchens with light, space & laughter.

We look forward to saying a personal thank you to our amazing staff for their long-term commitment and hard work over the years. We also want to thank our customers and industry friends who we have had the pleasure to get to know personally and professionally throughout our business journey. It was our vision in 2003 to create an award-winning showroom in the heart of our home town of Winchester and looking back we are proud to have achieved that and been privileged to have designed many exceptional kitchen living spaces for homeowners across the UK and Europe.

We will be watching from the sidelines at the future of an industry which we love, and we hope it continues to get the recognition that designers across the UK deserve.”

All business enquiries about the purchase of the studio should be made in writing directly to: [email protected]

About The Myers Touch

We are The Myers Touch, award-winning interior architects and designers who specialise in creating luxury kitchen living spaces. Our goal is to enrich your life through the creation of an exceptional kitchen space that reflects your practical, aesthetic and emotional aspirations. We believe every kitchen should contain elements of beauty, efficiency and personalisation – a place that expresses Light, Space and Laughter for you.

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Whether you're hosting a cosy family dinner or a grand soirée, the design of your kitchen plays a pivotal role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. By blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, you can craft a space that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances the overall experience for you and your guests. After all, a well-designed kitchen is the heart of memorable gatherings. Here, Charlie Smallbone, the founder of Ledbury Studio, shares his insights on three key elements that make a kitchen perfect for socialising.

A Place to Gather: The Kitchen Island

An island is an indispensable feature for any party kitchen, transforming the space into a lively, social hub. This versatile centrepiece invites guests to gather, chat and savour appetisers while meals are being prepared. My island designs often incorporate a breakfast bar, providing extra seating that encourages interaction and connection between guests and hosts. It also doubles as a practical area for buffet-style serving, allowing guests to effortlessly help themselves to food and drinks. The Kensington kitchen has a beautiful island with breakfast bar, prep space and sink.

The Hackney kitchen has a fully-stocked home bar by the dining table and away from the main kitchen.

Let the Good Times Flow with a Home Bar

A dedicated home bar can transform your kitchen into the ultimate entertainment powerhouse. With an array of spirits, mixers, and professional bar tools at your disposal, you’ll be mixing cocktails like a seasoned mixologist. Incorporating features such as a wine cooler, ample space for glassware and smart storage for all your essentials ensures that everything you need is always within reach. By strategically placing the bar away from the main kitchen area, guests can serve themselves without interrupting the chef’s flow. A well-stocked home bar not only enhances the functionality of your kitchen but also creates a perfect spot for socialising, making sure the good times keep flowing.

The St John’s Wood kitchen features an island with integrated banquette seating.

Move Seamlessly from Cooking to Eating

Integrating a dining table into your kitchen creates a seamless flow from meal preparation to dining, eliminating the need to relocate to a separate dining room - a practice that now feels outdated. This design keeps everyone at the heart of the action, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere. A perfect example is our St John’s Wood kitchen, where banquette seating is elegantly built into the island. This arrangement not only enhances the functionality of the space but also encourages longer, more relaxed meals, allowing guests to linger and enjoy each other's company. By combining the practical aspects of a kitchen with the comfort of a dining area, this setup elevates the entire entertaining experience, ensuring that your kitchen remains the true heart of your home.

About Ledbury Studio

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

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If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

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