Blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, Japandi has transcended trend status to become a cornerstone of modern interiors. Celebrating simplicity, expert craftsmanship and nature-led connections, this enduring design philosophy has quietly informed homes for more than a decade. As Roundhouse Design observed at Milan Design Week 2025, Japandi’s ethos remains as vital as ever, particularly in the heart of the home. For an in-depth look at how these principles can transform any space, download the comprehensive Roundhouse Design brochure.
Wood has always underpinned Japandi’s warm simplicity. In 2025, Roundhouse Design’s team is embracing wood’s individuality more deeply than ever by celebrating unusual grain patterns, textural effects and considered installations. A recent project named Bulpitt showcases bookmatched crown-cut oak veneer that stretches across handle-less push-touch cabinets, creating movement and intrigue. By highlighting the tree’s natural heritage, a luxury bespoke kitchen feels both grounded and inviting. To discuss how wood can shape your bespoke Japandi kitchen, book a design consultation with Roundhouse experts.
Early Japandi schemes favoured strict monochromes; today’s interpretations layer warm whites, stone tones and earthy accents such as terracotta, clay, bronze and copper alongside muted greens like sage and moss. These richer, more balanced colour stories allow kitchens to flow effortlessly into open-plan living areas, reinforcing Japandi’s holistic approach to home design.
Functionality meets form in 2025’s storage solutions. Timber-lined drawers with bespoke dividers, removable cutlery trays and floor-to-ceiling glazed cabinets featuring fluted glass and timber frames marry practicality with refined aesthetics. Walk-in larders and pantries concealed by sliding shoji-inspired doors keep clutter at bay, nurturing the zen-like calm that defines modern Japandi kitchens.
As throwaway culture gives way to lasting quality, Japandi’s commitment to enduring construction resonates strongly. Roundhouse Design kitchens fuse time-honoured British joinery with precision engineering by combining frameless cabinets, soft-close mechanisms and integrated LED lighting to promise years of whisper-quiet, reliable performance. Every kitchen is backed by a 10-year guarantee, ensuring peace of mind and true longevity in home design.
Environmental responsibility lies at the core of Japandi and of Roundhouse Design. From concept to completion, sustainability informs every decision: sourcing only FSC-certified timber, partnering with The Woodland Trust to support UK reforestation, and operating a biomass-fired factory that repurposes offcuts to minimise waste.
To bring Japandi to life in your home, download the brochure, book a design consultation or visit one of Roundhouse Design’s seven showrooms in Wigmore Street, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford or Cheltenham to experience these ideas firsthand.
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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Planted Community is proud to announce a new partnership with global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks to launch Design for Regeneration, an exciting UK-wide student design competition seeking to champion the next generation of regenerative designers.
Undergraduate students from across the country are invited to submit work for the Design for Regeneration competition, which reimagines the built and natural world through regenerative design.
The competition is open to students studying architecture, interior and landscape design, furniture, product and industrial design. The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a one-year subscription to Vectorworks Design Suite, and a two-night stay in Planted’s luxury off-grid cabin at River Cottage, Axminster.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Vectorworks on Design for Regeneration, a competition that will showcase the very best in emerging British design talent,” said Planted co-founder Deborah Spencer. “It provides a vital platform for young creatives to demonstrate how regenerative thinking can shape a healthier, more sustainable future.”
“We are committed to nurturing new approaches that centre nature and sustainability at the heart of design, helping to safeguard the planet for future generations.”
Projects will be judged on creativity, innovation, material choices, aesthetics, and crucially clear regenerative intent. The panel will look for designs that not only minimise harm to natural ecosystems, also actively contribute to their restoration and renewal.
As a leading platform for sustainable design, Planted connects people, businesses, and ideas through events, content and collaborations that promote nature-based solutions and regenerative practices.
Deborah Spencer, whose career began at New Designers held at the Business Design Centre and who later founded the award-winning designjunction before co-founding Planted will lead a distinguished judging panel. The panel includes fellow Planted co-founder and former Sunday Times journalist Sam Peters, biophilic design expert Oliver Heath, and River Cottage CEO Stewart Dodd.
Entries must be submitted by Wednesday 31 July 2025. Finalists will be announced in early September, with winners revealed at the Vectorworks Design Day conference at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Tuesday 14 October 2025.
“At Vectorworks, we believe the future of design lies in regenerative thinking that not only respects but actively restores our natural world,” said Tyler French, Vectorworks Academic Marketing Manager.
“We’re proud to support Design for Regeneration in partnership with Planted, a leading platform for sustainable design that shares our commitment to driving positive change. Together, we aim to empower the next generation of designers with the tools to shape a more regenerative built environment.”
Students can enter by submitting their project via the official competition entry form, available at: www.planted-community.co.uk/vectorworkscompetition
Submissions must include: - A short project description (max 300 words) outlining the regenerative intent - Supporting visuals (drawings, renders, models created in Vectorworks) - A brief biography and course/university details
All entries must be received by midnight on Wednesday 31 July 2025.
About Vectorworks
Exceptional design demands exceptional tools - a platform built to deliver absolute creative expression and maximum efficiency. Vectorworks believe your design software should offer the freedom to follow your imagination wherever it may lead you, to seamlessly share your vision at any phase, and to easily interpret the information needed to make the smartest decisions every time.
This summer, allow sofa.com to transform homes into a haven of comfort and light with the new Malibu sofa.
The Malibu caters perfectly to those seeking indulgent comfortability and elevated design. Slanted arms and deep seats make for ultimate lounging, while sumptuous scatter cushions form the back of the Malibu, filled with feather and fibre, striking the perfect balance between softness and structure. The durability of the Malibu is second-to-none, offering a lifetime frame guarantee.
Beautifully piped edges around the sofa frame add a sophisticated elegance to its finish which can be in the sofa’s colour, or you can play with a contrasting trim – either way the result evokes a chic effortlessness. In line with all other sofa.com products, the Malibu is available in over 100 fabrics and available to be made in customer’s own fabric, offering a truly bespoke option. Available in variety of sizing from armchair to corner sofa, the Malibu gives the option of decadent comfort in living spaces – compact or vast.
Wheat-inspired neutrals create a bright and airy ambiance, gently embracing the space’s natural light and evoking a sense of warmth and tranquillity. These soft, earthy tones provide a versatile backdrop that enhances the room’s openness while fostering a calm, inviting atmosphere. Complementing this, calming blues embody the freedom and ease of summer, introducing a refreshing splash of colour that feels both vibrant and soothing, perfect for coastal-inspired boutique hotels.
To further enrich the design, layer in soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and curtains that adhere to the cohesive colour palette. This layering not only adds texture and tactile comfort but also enhances spatial depth, creating a harmonious flow that ties the room together effortlessly. Whether through plush velvet cushions or lightweight linen throws, each element contributes to a balanced, serene environment.
Sofa.com sofas are made-to-order with a 6-8 week delivery time and are available in customer own fabric too. To discuss your next project, contact our trade team at [email protected] or call us at 0345 241 1509.
About Sofa.com
Passionate about outstanding interiors, sofa.com offers a diverse and design led collection of made-to-order sofas, armchairs, beds, footstools and home accessories. With an extensive range of styles and over 100 fabrics to choose from, as well as the option to upholster in your own fabric, the customisable nature of sofa.com’s products make each piece easily adaptable to any interior style – perfect for interior designers and specifiers looking for stand-out pieces for upcoming projects.
Luxury bath and kitchen fixture company GRAFF debuts the Riva Chandelier shower, the latest addition to the Riva collection, presenting a spectacular silhouette and exquisite customisation options for the bathroom. Designed with slender, cylindrical shower heads of staggered lengths, the Riva Chandelier shower mesmerises like a glittering contemporary chandelier.
With clean lines and a delicate aura of modern glamour, each element of the Riva Chandelier Collection is an ode to harmony, with textured, diamond, and oblique finishes that caress the light in a play of unparalleled reflections. The coordinated accessories complete the ensemble, creating a flawless aesthetic that celebrates contemporary beauty.
GRAFF CEO and Founder Mr Ziggy Kulig comments “Embodying GRAFF’s Art of Bath philosophy, the Riva Chandelier Shower represents the heights of beauty, luxury, quality, and engineering. Available in a rich palette of finishes and a wide array of shower plates, the Riva Chandelier Shower demonstrates that GRAFF is passionate about bringing dream spaces to life with boundless choices for personalisation.”
The Riva Chandelier Shower features versatile options of shower plates with timeless appeal, designed to complement and elevate a wide range of interior styles. Options include traditional plates with knurled control knobs, contemporary plates with flat push-button controls, and a single knurled temperature knob, with round contemporary plates that combine push-button functionality with a matching knurled temperature control knob. Additionally, there are square contemporary and traditional elements, with push-button and traditional control knobs.
Riva shower plates can be mixed and matched in a variety of combinations for a truly customised luxury experience. The Riva Chandelier Shower is available in 26 handcrafted finishes, including striking two-tone options such as Polished 24K Gold and Architectural Black.
The Riva Chandelier collection is available to buy in the UK now, POA.
About GRAFF
GRAFF’s luxury taps and shower collections elevate the bath space with designs that are both timeless and cutting-edge, complementing endless architectural and interior styles. Available in 21 luxury finishes such as Brushed Brass, Polished Nickel, and 24K Gold, and with a choice of three Tuscan marble inserts, GRAFF basin mixer or shower controls offer bespoke and unique customisation possibilities. Backed by a rich heritage of European artisanship, GRAFF products transform the bath space into a masterpiece of tranquillity, wellness, and spa like experience. With a focus on design, sustainability, and high technology, GRAFF caters to the senses with features such as chromotherapy, bringing bath and shower experiences to luxurious heights.
Cosentino, global leader in the production and distribution of innovative surfaces for architecture and design, launches four stunning quartzites to its range of protected natural stones, Sensa byCosentino®. An ambitious commitment to this premium line, that combines the beauty and natural elegance of quartzites and granites with an exclusive anti-stain treatment that acts at the molecular level for minimal maintenance.
Cosentino introduces four highly aesthetic quartzites that, like the entire brand portfolio, boast the avant-garde Senguard NK anti-stain protection, developed exclusively by Cosentino. Thanks to this technology, the entire Sensa portfolio offers a high level of protection against harmful substances, is scratch resistant and easy to maintain. All new designs come with a certified 15-year warranty.
This performance is accompanied by an incomparable aesthetic. Marau, Oihana, Itara and Cristalo, are designs full of personality, ideal for creating depth and beautiful spaces. These quartzites also feature "Mirage" texture, which, thanks to an abrasive treatment, produces a glossy finish over the entire surface.
Slabs are available in large formats (from a minimum of 110 x 71 inches) and in thicknesses of 20 and 30 mm, perfect for multiple surface application, including bathrooms, kitchens and furniture coverings.
Sensa by Cosentino® is perfect for the most demanding users and professionals, lovers of the unique beauty of natural stone, who need a resistant material with outstanding performance.
Marau: Satin quartzite in a cool grey with nuances of blue, gold, burgundy, and cream. Marau’s striking pattern blends broad veins and sharp lines, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Oihana: Oihana has white veins that slide across the deep black surface, altering the pattern with touches of grey, cream, and brown. The clear lines create dynamism, captivate the eye, and evoke unexpected depths against the intense black background.
Itara: An emerald green quartzite with white and copper accents that draw soft, peaceful waves. It is a refined and sophisticated stone with a life of its own.
Cristalo: A stunning natural stone with translucent white to light grey hues and subtle veining. This silvery shades evokes a boundless expanse of ice and snow, creating a relaxing atmosphere in any space.
About Cosentino
Cosentino Group is a global, Spanish, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of design and architecture. It works together with its clients and partners to provide with solutions that offer design and value, and inspire the life of many people. This objective is possible thanks to pioneering and leading brands in their respective segments such as Silestone®, Dekton® or Sensa by Cosentino®. Technologically advanced surfaces that allow the creation of unique environments and designs for the home and public spaces.
Bazaar London is the customisable furniture brand built for interior designers. Created by the award-winning team behind Accouter Group of Companies (AGC) - Britain’s first B-Corp certified interior design collective - Bazaar London offers you direct access to the same expert craftsmanship, manufacturers, and bespoke pieces that have furnished over 5,000 of the world’s most luxurious residences.
Designed for trade professionals, Bazaar London combines over a decade of design expertise with exclusive trade pricing, a highly customisable product range, and a trusted network of British artisans and manufacturers. Whether you need a unique centrepiece or a full collection of heirloom-quality pieces, we’re here to support your creative vision with precision, reliability, and style.
Our collections are inspired by real spaces and real stories. From the iconic OWO Residences in London to Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai, pieces once created exclusively for these landmark projects can now be made yours.
Take The OWO Collection, born from Accouter’s show residences at London’s iconic Old War Office. Designed to balance classic grandeur with contemporary lines, each item in this collection reflects the building’s storied past and its reimagined future as one of the city’s most prestigious residences.
The Whitehall Dining Table exemplifies this vision. With its high-gloss tabletop and sculptural, wave-like base, it offers a refined yet inviting aesthetic. Designed to anchor a room and draw people together, it transitions effortlessly from grand entertaining to intimate gatherings - illuminated by candlelight or framed beneath a statement chandelier.
In the same collection, The Horse Guard Corner Sofa delivers a masterclass in quiet luxury. Wrapped in cloud-soft neutral upholstery, its clean lines, fluted wood base, and integrated side table offer a serene escape. It was crafted to complement the scale and elegance of The OWO, and now serves as the perfect centrepiece for living spaces that favour comfort without compromise.
Another story unfolds at The Walpole Townhouse, newly unveiled as the headquarters of Walpole - the official body for British luxury. Designed by A.LONDON, this exceptional space is a gathering point for the country’s most esteemed luxury brands and a celebration of British craft.
At its heart is The Walpole Members’ Room, where Bazaar London pieces were commissioned to reflect the townhouse’s refined atmosphere. The Vine Street Swivel Armchair, with its sculptural silhouette and plush form, brings drama and comfort in equal measure. Upholstered in Zoffany and Sanderson’s Suzani Archive Weave Serpentine Fabric, it features a contrasting back that adds bold visual interest - making it a conversation piece in any room.
Complementing this, the Wilson Armchair introduces tailored sophistication. Upholstered in Sanderson’s Sunflower Caffoy Velvet Fabric in Tump by Morris & Co., it offers both elegance and ease. Whether styled in a private study, a home library, or a luxury lounge, it’s made for spaces where detail matters. This same model has also featured at The Old Abbey House Hotel, proving its versatility across both residential and boutique hospitality settings.
Completing the Walpole collection, the Bains Bench was upholstered in a bespoke fabric to match the deep coral tones of the Members’ Room. Understated and elegant, it’s the perfect accent for hallways, bedrooms, or anywhere that calls for quiet luxury.
All Bazaar London pieces are handmade in England, and we work closely with a network of skilled artisans who bring each design to life with precision and care. This close collaboration ensures exceptional quality and craftsmanship, meaning our customers can feel assured that their pieces are made from and by the very best in the industry.
We are proud to uphold the values of British manufacturing while championing modern design. Our commitment to AGC’s B Corp certification is woven into every piece: from responsibly sourced hardwoods to low-impact finishes and eco-conscious packaging. Each product reflects our ambition to leave a lighter footprint on the world without compromising on luxury.
At Bazaar London, we understand that the sourcing process is a craft in itself. Our Trade Account programme is tailored for interior designers, architects, and industry professionals who need partners they can rely on for exceptional products and collaborative service.
By becoming a Bazaar London Trade partner, designers gain access to exclusive benefits including: - Pricing and trade discounts - Dedicated account management - Direct liaison with our design teams
We aim to support your vision, not compete with it. Whether you’re furnishing a single room or sourcing for a global project, our team is here to bring your design narrative to life with confidence and flair.
Applying is simple. Fill out our online form and a member of our trade team will be in touch to guide you through the process.
About ACCOUTER
Since opening the doors to our London interior design studio in 2012, international award winning Accouter has turned exclusive spaces into exceptional homes for high profile individuals around the world. From first sketch to final touch, we collaborate with clients to transform flashes of inspiration into unique environments; drawing on the expertise of our artisans, designers and storytellers to turn ideas into reality. It starts by re-imagining the interior architecture of a space, and ends when the quest for the perfect piece of art is complete. We travel the globe to find one-of-a-kind items that tell the narrative of a space, seeking out individual pieces with stories as unique as the lives of our clients.
RAK Ceramics, one of the largest ceramics brands in the world, proudly announces the launch of its next-generation slab production facility featuring the advanced Continua+ PCR 2180 technology—marking a major upgrade in its large-format slab manufacturing capabilities. This milestone further solidifies the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
RAK Ceramics was one of the first in the world to adopt Continua technology in 2012 and the first to introduce large-format slabs in the Middle East with its pioneering Maximus product range. This initial step revolutionized the regional ceramics market and positioned the company at the forefront of slab innovation. Since then, RAK Ceramics has continuously expanded its slab portfolio, leveraging Continua to improve design flexibility, production efficiency, and digital capabilities.
The newly operational facility leverages Continua+ PCR 2180, one of the most advanced and efficient slab production technologies available today. This technology ensures high productivity with minimal material wastage and enables full digital synchronisation at every stage of production, allowing for precision and flexibility in manufacturing.
In a bid to enhance sustainability, the facility features a seven-layer horizontal dryer, designed to operate on total heat recovery from the kiln, significantly reducing fuel consumption while optimising energy efficiency. The new line is evaluated to be more energy efficient in comparison to current continua setup.
The slab production facility boasts state-of-the-art digital glazing technology, enabling the combined application of inks and materials. This innovation enhances design capabilities, offering high-definition patterns, deep digital structures, and advanced dry digital glaze/granule applications. Additionally, the facility incorporates multilayer granule application technology, fully synchronised with digital processes, ensuring uniform and seamless finishes across all slab productions.
RAK Ceramics has also introduced the longest European kiln in the Middle East, stretching 300 metres, reinforcing its high-capacity production capabilities. The facility integrates a smart scheduling storage system, incorporating real-time control and monitoring to enhance operational efficiency. A fully automated quality control system eliminates manual inspections by monitoring tiles at multiple production stages, ensuring unmatched product quality.
With the launch of its first-ever matting line for slab production, RAK Ceramics has standardised processes to maintain uniform finishes across various slab sizes. Additionally, the auto cutting line ensures consistency in customised product formats, optimising the production process.
The newly launched facility also features an automatic shrink hood wrapping machine, eliminating manual packaging processes and improving efficiency. Its advanced packing line supports multiple palletisation methods, including A-frames, L-frames, and wooden boxes, with a robotic arm for seamless logistics management.
With an annual production capacity of 4 million square metres, the facility is equipped to manufacture slabs in multiple thicknesses ranging from 6mm to 20mm, with a maximum size of 180x360 cm—currently the largest in the industry. Standard slab sizes include 162x324 cm at 12mm thickness, as well as 80x320 cm uncut slabs for countertops. To further enhance durability, mesh reinforcement is applied to all 162x324 cm slab productions.
The launch of this 100 million AED facility represents a strategic investment in the future of slab manufacturing, reinforcing RAK Ceramics' position as an industry pioneer. By integrating IoT-enabled smart manufacturing, zero manual intervention for quality inspection, and enhanced digital glazing techniques, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
This milestone reflects RAK Ceramics' ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its global clientele, ensuring superior quality, unparalleled design possibilities, and an optimised production process.
Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics, stated, "At RAK Ceramics, our commitment to innovation and sustainability is at the core of our growth strategy. The launch of our exclusive slab production facility reflects our dedication to advanced, efficient, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. By investing in cutting-edge technology such as the Continua+ PCR 2180 technology, we are not only enhancing our production capabilities but also reinforcing our leadership in sustainable ceramics manufacturing. We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative products that meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide."
RAK Ceramics’ strategic investments in advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing are shaping the future of the ceramics industry. With the successful launch of its state-of-the-art slab production facility, the company is reinforcing its position as a global pioneer, delivering superior products that meet the highest standards of quality, design, and environmental responsibility.
About RAK Ceramics Ltd
RAK Ceramics products feature in some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Known for a wide product range and the ability to produce bespoke solutions for both small and large scale projects, RAK Ceramics enable clients to bring their ideas to life. They respect, inspire, improve and deliver; today, tomorrow, no matter the ambition, no matter the challenge, RAK Ceramics take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. Their passion and expertise combined with a careful attention to detail means they can provide you with a range of integrated ceramics solutions, allowing you freedom to be creative and plenty of room for imagination.
At Clerkenwell Design Week 2025, Karndean unveiled a powerful installation exploring how flooring can support neurodiverse individuals. Using the principles of neuro inclusive design, the experience highlighted how the built environment can meet both hypersensitive and hyposensitive needs—through calm, stimulation, and the thoughtful transitions in between.
“Designing for neurodiversity is about more than accessibility. It’s about recognising and celebrating difference,” said Richard Allen, sales director at Karndean Designflooring. “Flooring plays a vital role in shaping how people feel, move, and focus in a space.”
One half of the installation was designed to soothe. With soft wood grains, low contrast matte finishes and a muted, biophilic palette, the space showed how calm environments can support those sensitive to sensory input. A cocooning arch form added a sense of safety, ideal for settings like quiet rooms or waiting areas.
In contrast, the other half stimulated the senses with bold geometric flooring, vibrant colours, and varied textures. Designed for those who seek stimulation to stay focused, this zone echoed the energy of play areas, gyms or breakout spaces. Every detail encouraged movement, curiosity and engagement.
Linking the two was a staircase that gradually blended calm and bold elements, demonstrating how transitional spaces like corridors and hallways can help people move comfortably between sensory states. Step by step, the flooring shifted in colour and texture, serving as both a practical and conceptual bridge. “Many environments are unconsciously designed around neurotypical experiences,” said Richard. “But inclusive design must consider the full sensory spectrum, and we believe flooring can be a powerful tool to do just that.”
The installation included talking points to spark reflection and conversation. It supported Karndean’s wider mission—empowering designers with the tools and knowledge to create inclusive spaces. Their RIBA approved CPD, Designing Neuro Inclusive Environments, offers practical guidance on how to integrate neurodiversity into every stage of the design process.
With one in seven people in the UK identifying as neurodivergent, and only one in three feeling comfortable disclosing it at work, there is a clear need to design spaces that support different ways of thinking and being. Flooring, often the most visible and tactile element in a room, plays a significant role in that experience.
“By combining insight, design guidance and products that bring calm and clarity to a space, we’re proud to support the growing movement toward more inclusive, human centred environments,” added Richard.
Karndean’s installation was more than a visual showcase. It brought inclusive design principles to life and reaffirmed the brand’s role as a trusted partner for designers committed to making a real difference.
To find out more and register your interest for the Designing Neuro Inclusive Environments seminar, visit karndean.com/cpd.
About Karndean Designflooring
Karndean is a global supplier of commercial and residential luxury vinyl tile flooring. We’re an industry leader in flooring design, offering a wide range of colours, textures and finishes, helping you create unique looks that are both stylish and practical; guaranteed to last. We see flooring differently. We travel the world in our quest to bring you exceptional floors that inspire and delight. From the ancient forests of Europe, to the remote Australian outback, we seek out expressive and intriguing forms in the natural world to influence our unique floor designs. By combining original features with cutting edge design, we create beautiful floors that bring your vision to life and take our clients on an endless journey of design discovery.
When designing a kitchen for serious cooking, drawing inspiration from the layouts preferred by professional chefs can be incredibly valuable. Since chefs spend countless hours in the kitchen, their expertise offers practical insights that can enhance both the functionality and efficiency of your kitchen design ideas.
Over the years, Roundhouse Design has collaborated with numerous talented chefs, designing both their personal kitchens and the chef-friendly working kitchens in our showrooms. One thing has become clear – when it comes to creating the ultimate chef’s kitchen, the galley layout reigns supreme.
A galley kitchen is a corridor-style layout with two parallel countertops and a central walkway. In narrow kitchens, a single galley is often preferred. Whether single or double galley, this design consistently proves to be the top choice for professionals, offering exceptional workflow efficiency and maximising space in kitchens of all sizes. But what makes this layout so effective, and how can it be adapted to suit different homes? Let’s explore why chefs love the galley kitchen and how you can make it work for your space.
Chefs prefer the galley kitchen layout because it is designed for maximum efficiency, by which we mean minimal walking around the kitchen. With everything positioned within arm’s reach, exactly where you need it, the galley layout minimises unnecessary movement and allows for a smooth workflow. Not great for your step count, but excellent for getting dinner on the table quickly and easily. Ideal for high-intensity cooking, this linear layout keeps prep, cooking and cleaning areas within a few steps of each other. In a single one-wall galley kitchen, you’ll move from side to side – almost like a crab! – whereas a double galley layout provides additional workspace and storage, allowing you to pivot effortlessly between both sides.
The galley layout is very versatile and can work in most kitchens, including small kitchen ideas, but there are a few points to consider. In an ideal world, a galley kitchen should be around 3-4.5m long to accommodate all the essential appliances, storage and sink, with sufficient workspace between. Any shorter, and prep space could get tight; any longer and you’ll lose efficiency. On width, aim for a 1.2m minimum walkway between cabinets and the opposite wall in a single galley and at least 1.8m walkway between the two parallel runs for a double galley layout. This will allow people to pass each other comfortably and doors to be opened without obstructing the aisle.
Many chefs love to entertain while cooking and will opt for an open-plan galley layout, whereby an elongated island sits parallel to a long run of units. This provides all the benefits of a double galley layout but within a much more sociable setting. To make their home kitchens more family-friendly, chefs will often add extra prep spaces and prep sinks on the bespoke island to encourage communal cooking and share skills.
Whatever layout you go for, it’s easy to bring a professional touch to your kitchen. Chefs swear by the working triangle rule, where the sink, cooker and fridge are positioned in a triangle formation for optimal efficiency. When planning storage, aim for a clear view of cupboard contents in one glance – clear storage containers and a label maker are chef essentials. Walk-in pantries with open shelves are also great for gathering ingredients quickly, like professional chefs do in the food stores of commercial kitchens.
Finally, keeping your workspace clutter-free is essential when you’re cooking up a storm. A boiling water tap removes the need for a kettle, while magnetic knife strips and custom in-drawer compartments for utensils and herbs help to minimise countertop clutter, ensuring everything you need is always within easy reach.
There’s plenty to learn from the best layout ideas for a chef’s kitchen. While we can’t promise Michelin-star meals, our made-to-measure service ensures that a bespoke kitchen from Roundhouse will create a professional-grade cooking space that elevates your culinary experience and makes light work of dinnertime. Whether you’re looking for a modern kitchen design, small kitchen design, or a more tailored kitchen cabinet design, pop along to one of our showrooms to find out more.
CAD blocks — known as “symbols” in Vectorworks Architect — play a crucial role in modern interior design workflows, providing reusable, pre-drawn elements that streamline the design process. These standardised components help you maintain consistency, improve efficiency, and reduce repetitive work.
Continue reading to explore the significance of CAD blocks, their role in BIM workflows, and how you can maximise their potential through symbols.
CAD blocks are pre-drawn objects in design software that provide 2D and/or 3D representations of design elements such as furniture, appliances, and more.
CAD blocks streamline the drafting process by saving time and eliminating repetitive drawing tasks, allowing you to focus on creativity and problem-solving. They also promote organisation and standardisation, helping ensure consistency across projects while reducing the likelihood of errors such as misaligned furniture layouts, inconsistent fixture placements, or incorrect scale proportions. Additionally, CAD blocks provide flexibility through customisation to suit specific project needs, whether by adjusting dimensions, materials, or configurations. This adaptability makes CAD blocks useful for maintaining precision and design intent throughout interior design projects.
Symbols in Vectorworks Architect are classified into the following: - 2D symbols - Used for plan graphics and schematics. - 3D symbols - Used for modelling and visualisation. - Hybrid symbols - Combine both 2D and 3D components for better BIM integration.
A key feature that enhances your efficiency with symbols is the Generate 2D from 3D command, which automatically creates plan graphics from 3D models, saving time and providing better control over symbol detail. With greater control over detail, you then have more options for different graphic outputs at different scale drawings.
Concerning graphics, you can also take advantage of various graphic tools, such as drop shadows, gradients, and custom pen attributes, to enhance the visualization and presentation quality of your symbols. You can also import images as a resource, which can be attached to your symbols to customise and enhance your branding.
Additional data can correspond with your Vectorworks symbols via an attached Record Format. Within these, you can specify things like what department in the store a piece of furniture may be in, the manufacturer, and more.
By maintaining a well-organised and properly scaled symbol library, you’ll have consistency across projects and enriched, imported CAD blocks with additional data, improving their functionality within a BIM environment.
You can build bespoke custom symbols from scratch in Vectorworks Architect or simply choose from a rich library of pre-built symbols from recognised brands like Knoll, Geiger, and Herman Miller. Then, using the Resource Manager, you can improve your BIM workflow by adding relevant information to items such as doors, cabinets, and chairs, ensuring they comply with industry standards.
Brands like Starbucks EMEA leverage symbols to standardise their design processes and accelerate workflows. By creating a well-organised library of reusable symbols, they can design consistently across their retail spaces worldwide. Watch the full customer story.
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