As we head towards the core festive period, a time when kitchens truly come into their own, we’ve been reflecting on an exceptional year at Roundhouse. The past 12 months have been defined by creativity, craftsmanship and cracking kitchen design collaboration, and we are so honoured to have seen that work recognised across the industry.

From winning Best Kitchen Design at the Livingetc Style Awards 2025 to receiving prestigious accolades at both the Designerati Awards UK 2025 and the SBID International Design Awards, our kitchens have resonated with judges who share our passion for purposeful, people-centred spaces. We were also delighted to be named a Best of Houzz 2025 winner for both design and service – a testament to the dedication of our kitchen designers and the trust of our clients.

At the heart of this success sits one project in particular, Bulpitt. This bespoke kitchen expresses everything we value, from textural detailing to ergonomic flow and the joy of living well at home. As we approach the festive celebrations, it feels like the perfect moment to explore how our approach might inspire your next project.

Why Bulpitt became our 2025 star

Winning across the Designerati Awards UK, the SBID International Design Awards and the Best of Houzz Design category is no small achievement, and Bulpitt captured the attention of all three panels for the same reason. It represents modern kitchen design at its finest. Designed for purpose, for how we live today

At Roundhouse, designing kitchens is a collaborative process, with the owners, of course, but also design professionals such as architects and interior designers. It isn’t simply about agreeing on finishes, it’s a shared vision built around how a family actually cooks, hosts and comes together. The Bulpitt project began with a deceptively simple brief: create a kitchen with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that supports busy family life. Like a swan, it needed to work hard beneath the surface and look serene and effortless day to day. From there, the design grew organically, shaped by the clients’ love for travel, the home’s architecture, and the bespoke craftsmanship skills available at our Malvern factory.

This is a kitchen where every junction and shadow line have purpose, each material chosen for its warmth and character. The cabinetry, in oak veneer with beautiful book-matching, allows natural light to pool across the space, while the island’s fluted timber profile brings another layer of texture into the mix. Encompassing cloakroom facilities and built-in media furniture, the open-plan space serves multiple roles with minimal stress. Beautiful but hardworking, elegant but inviting. We’re perhaps a bit biased, but it’s little wonder the judges felt its impact.

What the Bulpitt project can teach us about purposeful design

As we all prepare for the busiest month of the kitchen calendar, Bulpitt offers rich inspiration for creating a space that not only looks extraordinary but works beautifully when the pressure is on.

1. Celebrate warmth through materials

The festive season is a reminder that kitchens are emotional spaces, designed for comfort, conversation and connection. Bespoke kitchen design allows you to curate that feeling through texture: natural timber grain, brushed metal accents, honed stone and soft-matte lacquers. Even without a hint of tinsel, you can imagine how cosy and inviting this kitchen will be over the Christmas period.

2. Create flow for effortless hosting

Whether you’re serving mulled wine to friends or preparing Christmas lunch, flow matters. Our kitchen designers London and nationwide are spatial design specialists and start every kitchen floorplan by mapping natural movement through the room – something Bulpitt demonstrates beautifully. Wide circulation routes, intuitive zoning and strategic storage placement all play a part in creating a kitchen that’s easy to use, even when crowded.

3. Build in adaptable moments

A festive kitchen needs versatility. The Bulpitt island offers generous preparation space day-to-day, yet effortlessly transforms into a convivial hub for serving drinks or desserts. Integrated storage ensures surfaces can be cleared quickly, while concealed lighting helps shift the mood from day to evening. A bespoke kitchen provides the freedom to build in these adaptable layers.shifted doorway, an adjusted service run – can unlock significantly improved layouts and higher perceived value for end users.

Designing your own award-worthy kitchen in 2026

Awards are wonderful, but what means most to us is designing spaces that shape the way people live. If you’re planning a project for the coming year, consider these guiding principles drawn from our 2025 successes:

Start with intention: Before choosing colours or appliances, think about how you want the space to feel in the moments that matter – festive gatherings included.
Prioritise craftsmanship: A bespoke kitchen is an investment, but the longevity, precision and finish are unmatched.
Seek true collaboration: Working closely with experienced kitchen designers ensures your home’s architecture, your lifestyle and your aspirations all come together seamlessly.
Think beyond trends: Purposeful design ages well. Bulpitt’s elegance lies in its restraint and its confidence, two qualities we are certain will stand the test of time.

A festive thank you

As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to creating kitchens that are crafted with intention, skilfully engineered and genuinely lived in. To our clients, professional partners, collaborators and the wider design community, thank you for a year filled with creativity, conversation and celebration.

If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen next year, we would love to explore your ideas together. Our kitchen designers in London and beyond are here to support you through every step of your next kitchen project, from the first sketch to the final festive toast around your new island – simply get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions – Award-winning kitchen design

How can material choices influence the atmosphere and character of a new kitchen?

Material choices shape both the emotional tone and daily experience of a kitchen. In the Bulpitt project, natural timber, honed stone, brushed metal and soft-matte finishes work together to create warmth, calm and a space that feels inviting throughout the day.

What spatial planning principles from the Bulpitt project are most useful to consider at home?

Bulpitt demonstrates the importance of designing around natural movement and real patterns of use. Wide circulation routes, intuitive zoning and well-positioned storage create a kitchen that remains easy to navigate, even during busy family life or festive gatherings.

How do layered textures and detailing contribute to a kitchen that feels timeless rather than trend-led?

Layered textures add depth without visual noise. In Bulpitt, book-matched oak veneer, fluted timber detailing and carefully considered shadow lines create quiet interest, allowing the design to feel confident, restrained and enduring.

Which design features make a kitchen genuinely adaptable for hosting, cooking and day-to-day living?

Adaptability comes from spaces that can shift function effortlessly. The Bulpitt island provides generous preparation space by day and becomes a natural social hub when entertaining, supported by integrated storage and layered lighting that allow the mood to change with ease.

What role does architectural flow play in creating a kitchen that feels calm, intuitive and beautifully resolved?

Architectural flow ensures a kitchen works as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of features. By prioritising ergonomic movement, clear zoning and purposeful detailing, the space feels calm, intuitive and naturally suited to both everyday use and special occasions.