Senior design consultant Allison Lynch runs the Cambridge showroom of bespoke kitchen maker Roundhouse
Top image by Mary Wadsworth
Cambridge Edition: What’s the story behind Roundhouse?
Allison Lynch: We’re actually approaching our 30th anniversary at Roundhouse! We’ll be 30 next year.
Our founder Craig Matson, an architect, started this company with the dream of being able to provide beautifully made, well-designed kitchens for those clients who want to make their homes work better for them.
Through a partnership of expertise and passion with our factory in Malvern, we began creating bespoke kitchens which were contemporary, innovative and played with a variety of materials and styles.

Whether modern or period, Allison works in parallel with your preferences. Image by Mary Wadsworth
I was attracted to this dream and vision all those years ago, and I’ve been so lucky to be part of it. Opening the seventh showroom for Roundhouse in Cambridge was therefore an amazing accomplishment for me.
CE: What point of difference does manufacturing locally bring you?
AL: It means we’re using traditional English cabinetry-making skills and are able to invest in the right equipment with cutting-edge technology that refines precision without replacing human expertise.
Our investment in research and development also ensures we stay ahead of trends, setting new benchmarks for creativity and excellence. Sustainability is embedded in every process, from where materials are sourced to energy efficiency.
CE: What was it like first walking into the Cambridge showroom?
AL: I often ask clients what made them walk in, and they almost always reply with something like: “It’s just so beautiful; we’ve walked by several times and thought, when we’re ready for a new kitchen we’re definitely coming here!” To hear that makes my job easier because the experience can only get better, as I’m just as excited to work on the design as they are – creating a space that will solve problems, enhance family life and keep giving them that feeling they had walking into the showroom!
CE: Tell us about the current kitchen trends out there…
AL: Current kitchen trends include the Japandi style (a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design), metals in accents, well-designed handles where needed, unusual natural stone being the focal point and mixing styles to create unique looks. However, we also offer timeless styles that work for the property and client’s taste, so they aren’t just on-trend currently and soon start looking outdated.
CE: Do you have a favourite style? What’s your own kitchen like?
AL: I love period homes – the more original features saved and respectfully restored, the better! I think that provides inspiration to carry it through to the furniture pieces, colours, stone worktop choices and even the layout. For me, it’s about everything working together.

Allison uses creativity and passion to curate gorgeous kitchens
In my home, an Edwardian semi, we added a modern extension to the back where the kitchen is, which provides lots of natural light. It meant I could use darker, heritage colours and handles that are more traditional, but on a contemporary Shaker door, combining the modern and old, with matte stone concrete effect worktops that are practical but bounce light around, and large format porcelain stone tiles on the floor as a warm backdrop.
Pendant lights and a range cooker also give a nod to the traditional style of home. With that being said, I also like a modern kitchen, but in a modern home – something very Scandi works!
CE: What aspect of the company’s work brings you the most satisfaction?
AL: Different stages of the process bring me satisfaction, which is great because each project can be fairly long. First and foremost, I love meeting people. I’m naturally creative and passionate about property renovations, so this role allows me to combine both, while helping others – something I find incredibly rewarding.
Seeing the project progress from concept through to manufacture is another highlight; knowing the design is tailored specifically for that client and will truly work for them.
But the most fulfilling part is the end of the journey, when the client expresses genuine joy and excitement about their new space. Knowing they will enjoy and use their kitchen for years to come is the ultimate reward.