Picture this: the sun sets over your terrace as the scent of wood-fired pizza mingles with laughter from friends gathered around your outdoor kitchen. What was once a simple backyard barbecue has transformed into something far more significant—a cornerstone of modern social life that's reshaping how we think about home, community, and connection.
The numbers tell the story: outdoor kitchen installations have surged by 30% in recent years, while restaurant dining remains below pre-2020 levels. This isn't just a trend—it's a fundamental shift in how we live, entertain, and connect with others. Gardens, patios, and terraces have evolved from seasonal extras into year-round social hubs that rival any interior space in both function and importance.
This transformation reflects something deeper than design preferences. In an increasingly digital world, outdoor dining offers authentic, sensory-rich experiences that screens simply can't replicate. The ritual of gathering around fire and food taps into something primal and essential in human nature.
Today's outdoor spaces are designed with connection at their core. Unlike traditional indoor kitchens that often isolate the cook, outdoor setups naturally encourage participation. Guests gravitate toward the grill, children help with simple prep tasks, and conversation flows as freely as the drinks.
This participatory approach mirrors culinary traditions from around the world. Argentine asados transform cooking into a social event lasting hours, while Korean Gogi Gui turns the table itself into the cooking surface, making every diner a participant. Japanese yakitori masters work in full view of their guests, creating theatre around the flame.
Modern outdoor kitchen design embraces this communal spirit. Strategic placement of grills and prep areas ensures cooks remain part of the conversation, while thoughtful lighting and comfortable seating create natural gathering spots that draw people together rather than dispersing them across the space.
The most successful outdoor spaces feel like natural extensions of the home's interior. This seamless integration requires careful attention to sightlines, materials, and flow patterns that make movement between spaces feel intuitive and purposeful.
Architectural features like retractable glass walls and continuous flooring materials help blur the boundaries between inside and out. When interior and exterior spaces share similar colour palettes and design languages, the home feels larger and more cohesive, while maintaining the distinct character that makes outdoor dining special.
These spatial relationships and material transitions are best understood experientially—Studio Anqet's 3D visuals and VR of Westmill House demonstrates how thoughtful design creates these seamless connections between interior and exterior spaces.
Climate considerations play a crucial role in this integration. Strategic placement of heating elements, wind breaks, and shade structures extends the usable season, while weather-resistant materials ensure spaces remain beautiful and functional year-round.
BBQ culture is experiencing a renaissance that extends far beyond traditional grilling. Techniques once confined to professional kitchens—wood-fired cooking, smoke infusion, live-fire roasting—are finding their way into residential outdoor spaces.
This evolution embraces global influences and innovative techniques. Wood selection becomes an art form: applewood for delicate fish, hickory for robust pork, or cherry for its subtle sweetness with poultry. Spice blends draw from international traditions—Korean gochujang rubs, Moroccan chermoula marinades, or Japanese miso glazes—creating flavour profiles that would be impossible to achieve indoors.
The plant-based movement has also transformed outdoor cooking, with techniques like smoke-kissed vegetables, grilled fruit desserts, and creative meat alternatives proving that exceptional outdoor cuisine extends well beyond traditional barbecue.
Beyond the obvious pleasures of good food and company, outdoor dining delivers measurable wellness benefits. Natural light exposure helps regulate circadian rhythms, while fresh air and open spaces can reduce stress hormones and improve mood. The slower pace of outdoor cooking encourages mindfulness, turning meal preparation into a form of active meditation.
Biophilic design principles—incorporating natural materials, water features, and abundant greenery—amplify these benefits. When outdoor spaces feel connected to nature rather than imposed upon it, they become restorative environments that nourish both body and spirit.
The outdoor cooking landscape is being revolutionized by artificial intelligence and smart technology. AI-powered grills now entering the market can automatically adjust temperature, predict cooking times, and even suggest optimal wood chip combinations based on the cut of meat and desired flavour profile. These intelligent systems learn from each cooking session, building a database of preferences that ensures perfect results every time.
Beyond grilling, integrated smart systems are transforming entire outdoor spaces. Voice-controlled lighting adapts throughout the evening, while solar-powered pergolas with integrated photovoltaic cells generate clean energy during the day to power evening gatherings, making outdoor kitchens increasingly self-sufficient.
Yet the most meaningful innovations remain beautifully simple: deeper understanding of how families and friends actually gather, leading to more intuitive layouts, enhanced comfort zones, and designs that naturally encourage connection rather than distraction.
Whether you're planning a complete outdoor kitchen renovation or simply reimagining how you use your existing space, the goal remains the same: creating an environment that naturally brings people together. The most successful outdoor spaces feel both sophisticated and welcoming, designed for both grand celebrations and quiet family dinners.
The investment in outdoor / indoor living pays dividends that extend far beyond property value. These spaces become the backdrop for countless memories—birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, spontaneous weeknight dinners that stretch late into the evening. They remind us that some of life's greatest pleasures are also its simplest: good food, good company, and the open sky above.
In a world that often feels fragmented and rushed, the outdoor table offers something increasingly rare: a reason to slow down, gather together, and celebrate the fundamental human joy of sharing a meal. That's not just good design—it's good living.
About Studio Anqet
Studio Anqet is a well-established multi award winning design studio providing interiors, landscape and architectural design services. At Studio Anqet, we believe that impeccable design has the power to improve lives. Our bespoke interiors & landscapes are conceived to uplift, inspire and delight. Guided by our clients’ aspirations, we breathe life into personal visions – turning houses into incredible homes and buildings into beautiful sanctuaries. We see possibilities others may not, finding beauty in the everyday and solutions where none seem to exist. This spirit runs through everything we create. Studio Anqet’s identity is shaped by our agility, persistence, and personal touch. We are Industry trailblazers committed to wellness-centric design and sustainable practices. Our work is a tribute to both our Egyptian namesake – the goddess of the Nile River – and the new life we help cultivate every day.
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.
The creative journey in interior design is frequently misunderstood—sometimes romanticised as effortless artistry, other times dismissed as a luxury or mere decoration. At Studio Anqet, we know this journey is a sophisticated, undervalued process that blends imagination, technical skill, and problem-solving to transform spaces and lives. As a multi-award-winning interior design studio, we demonstrate daily that great design is both an art and a science.
Unlike the instant makeovers often seen on TV and social media, the true creative journey in interior design is intricate and multi-layered. At Studio Anqet, every project begins with deep client exploration—understanding lifestyles, preferences, and aspirations. This foundation is followed by research, conceptualisation, sketching, technical planning, and hands-on execution. Each phase demands intentionality and expertise, not just an eye for style.
The work behind a well-designed space often goes unnoticed—until something goes wrong without a professional at the helm.
- Discovery & Research: We immerse ourselves in our clients’ worlds, gathering inspiration from art, travel, history, and the surrounding environment. This research shapes the narrative and function of each space. - Concept Development: The main idea or 'spirit' of the project is formed here. Mood boards, sketches, and brainstorming sessions—hallmarks of our process—help visualise the atmosphere and themes that will guide the entire design. - Space Planning & Sketching: We translate ideas into tangible plans, often hand-sketching layouts and unique features. Our meticulous attention to detail ensures every area is considered for both function and originality. - Material & Finish Selection: Our choices are guided not just by aesthetics, but by durability, sustainability, and—crucially—well-being. Wellness-centric design is at the core of our ethos, so every material is selected with the health and comfort of our clients in mind. - Technical Drawings & Visualisation: Detailed CAD drawings and 3D renderings ensure our creative visions are feasible and ready for execution. - Execution, Project Management & Site Follow ups: Our collaboration with artisans, contractors, and suppliers brings each design to life. Regular site visits and quality checks are integral to maintaining the integrity of our vision.
The undervaluation of interior design’s creative journey often stems from its invisibility. The final, beautiful room is tangible, but the months of research, technical problem-solving, and coordination remain hidden. DIY culture and influencer content further distort reality, making design seem simple and accessible to all, which undermines the profession’s complexity and expertise. The process of designing a space that works efficiently, harmoniously, and safely requires technical skill, education, and—most importantly—experience.
- Problem-Solving: We balance creativity with client needs, budgets, technical constraints, and building regulations, transforming challenges into innovative solutions. - Personalisation: Our best designs reflect the unique stories, values, and lifestyles of the people who inhabit the space. - Transformation: For us, interior design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about improving quality of life, enhancing well-being, and supporting productivity and connection. Our wellness-centric approach ensures every project is a sanctuary that nurtures body and mind.
While both experienced interior designers and amateurs may share a passion for creating beautiful spaces, the difference lies in depth of knowledge and execution. Choosing an inexperienced or unqualified interior designer can have serious—and sometimes dangerous—consequences, especially regarding building safety and compliance with fire regulations. Unlike seasoned professionals, amateur designers often lack the technical knowledge required to navigate complex building regulations and the ever-evolving landscape of safety standards. This gap in expertise can directly compromise the safety of clients and their loved ones.
Fire safety is a critical aspect of our work, encompassing everything from the selection of fire-resistant materials and the planning of escape routes to the integration of alarms and ventilation systems that prevent smoke spread. We are trained to incorporate these elements and ensure that every aspect of our work meets or exceeds the latest fire safety standards whilst maintaining design aesthetics and elegance in every detail. Amateurs, by contrast, may overlook or misunderstand these requirements, inadvertently creating spaces that are vulnerable in the event of an emergency.
With the introduction of stricter building control regulations last year and the updates to the Building Safety Act, the responsibility for compliance is now shared by all parties involved in a project—including interior designers. Dutyholders must demonstrate competence and provide evidence that their designs meet all regulatory requirements. Failure to comply can result in delays, refusal of building control sign-off, or even legal penalties and criminal charges. In the worst cases, non-compliant designs may lead to unsafe buildings, costly remediation, or the building being condemned.
Ultimately, hiring an interior designer without the proper qualifications and up-to-date knowledge of building and fire safety regulations is a risk not worth taking. The stakes are higher than ever, and only competent, experienced professionals can ensure both the beauty and safety of your space.
The creative journey in interior design is far from a myth. It is a rigorous, undervalued process that demands both artistry and discipline. At Studio Anqet, we believe recognising and respecting this journey is essential—not just for designers, but for anyone who seeks to live or work in spaces that truly support and inspire. The next time you step into a thoughtfully designed room by Studio Anqet, remember: the visible beauty is only the tip of a much deeper creative iceberg.
In recent years, our approach to well-being has undergone a significant transformation. Mental health has become a central focus in home design, with saunas emerging as powerful tools for psychological restoration. Drawing from biophilic design principles that connect us with natural elements, these amenities offer more than mere luxury—they provide essential spaces for mental rejuvenation.
The traditional sauna experience has been strategically elevated through the incorporation of natural aromatic elements, particularly eucalyptus oils and the rich, grounding scent of teak wood. Scientifically validated, eucalyptus oil offers remarkable psychological benefits. Its compound 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) has been shown to reduce cortisol stress levels by up to 27%, interacting with neurotransmitter receptors to stimulate dopamine and serotonin production—providing a natural mechanism for mood enhancement and mental clarity.
Teak wood's complex fragrance adds sensory depth, releasing a warm, slightly sweet aroma that mimics ancient forests, triggering a primal sense of safety and relaxation.
Saunas provide a powerful convergence of physical detoxification and mental relaxation. The heat experience promotes circulation, eliminates toxins through perspiration, and soothes muscle tension. This physical relief directly contributes to mental calm, creating a virtuous cycle of well-being.
Eucalyptus oil amplifies these benefits by: - Supporting respiratory health through antimicrobial properties - Counterbalancing intense heat with a cooling sensation - Reducing inflammation and mental tension
Enhanced by thoughtful lighting and strategic aromatherapy, the sauna transforms from a simple heat chamber into a holistic healing sanctuary. As essential oils diffuse, they create a microclimate of healing—eucalyptus oil penetrating deeply to offer respiratory and mental clarity, while teak wood's aroma provides a grounding counterpoint.
Inspired by ancient Greek elemental philosophy, the sauna design integrates Himalayan salt walls with the transformative power of fire, creating a sophisticated therapeutic environment that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Himalayan salt wall becomes a dynamic healing element when heated, releasing negative ions that offer significant health benefits. Scientific research demonstrates these ions can: - Neutralise stress-associated positive ions - Enhance serotonin production - Improve air quality - Reduce respiratory inflammation
When warmed, the salt wall activates its inherent mineralogical properties, creating a microclimate that mimics natural salt caves. The fire element, conceptualized in ancient philosophy as a force of revitalization, transforms from mere heat into a sophisticated healing mechanism.
This design bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific understanding, creating an atmosphere that simultaneously warms the body, purifies the respiratory system, and uplifts the spirit—embodying a holistic approach to wellness.
Saunas transcend individual healing by addressing the social dimension of mental health. Larger spaces become safe, informal environments for reconnecting with friends and family, fostering conversation and bonding away from everyday distractions.
Studio Anqet's vision of wellness design emerges as a transformative approach in this sauna project, embodying a holistic philosophy that transcends traditional architectural boundaries. Founded on the principle that physical spaces profoundly impact mental and emotional well-being, the studio has carefully crafted an environment that is more than a mere functional area—it is a therapeutic landscape.
The design philosophy reflects a deep understanding of biophilic principles, where natural elements are not simply decorative but integral to the healing process. By selecting materials like teak wood, Himalayan salt and incorporating therapeutic essential oils, Studio Anqet demonstrates a commitment to creating spaces that actively contribute to human wellness. The sauna becomes a testament to their belief that design can be a powerful tool for psychological restoration.
Each design choice—from the strategic placement of lighting to the careful selection of aromatic elements—is intentional. The studio's approach goes beyond aesthetic considerations, viewing the space as a living, breathing ecosystem designed to support mental health, reduce stress, and promote a sense of connection with natural rhythms.
By integrating natural elements—earth (wood), fire (heat & warm lighting), and sophisticated aromatherapy—modern saunas create a balanced environment that resonates with our innate need for nature connection. They are no longer mere rooms, but carefully crafted ecosystems designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
Luxury designers Studio Anqet have reimagined a contemporary countryside residence, transforming it into a serene haven for a sociable family. The ambitious project includes a lavish spa building, a spacious BBQ area complete with an indoor-outdoor living terrace, swimming pool and biophilic landscape design.
Located in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, the property with sprawling grounds presented a unique opportunity to merge the client's passion for luxury living, wellness, and sustainability. Drawing on the contemporary architecture of the main home, the additional buildings feature elements such as expansive wall-to-wall glazing and ambient lighting design. These design choices not only harmonise with the main residence but also seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings. Inspired by the homeowner's background in scientific research and his dedication to making the world a better place, Studio Anqet has crafted a design that not only embodies lavish leisure facilities but also promotes holistic wellbeing.
The landscaping and leisure areas surrounding the property were meticulously crafted to serve as a sanctuary for the family. From the expansive swimming pool featuring a distinctive central planter, to the BBQ area complete with a fully equipped kitchen and custom sunken seating zones, each area was introduced to elevate the experience. Both communal gathering spaces and secluded corners were seamlessly integrated to evoke moments of connection or privacy.
At the heart of the outdoor space stands a striking sculpture crafted from polished bronze, aluminium and steel by esteemed artist Lorenzo Quinn. This captivating artwork is visible from the pool and all the glazed outdoor buildings. Wellness amenities feature an outdoor hot tub, a cedar wood sauna adorned with a Himalayan salt wall, indoor and outdoor showers, and an array of massage features, including a soothing foot spa. Each area is designed to indulge relaxation and evoke mental harmony through multiple sensory experiences.
A selection of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies were also prioritised for the project. From ethically sourced stone tiles to composite wood decking made from sustainable materials, every aspect of the project reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact while retaining the luxurious lifestyle of the client.
Join SBID
Find out more about our flexible membership structure.
By subscribing, you agree to be added to SBID’s mailing list. As an industry’s standard bearer organisation, we strive to bring you the most up to date news and access to exclusive industry content through our various newsletters.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
I accept the SBID Terms of Use