Platform on architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
Awards, exclusive trend insights, and entrepreneurship take center stage at the annual gathering at Slot Zeist
On Wednesday, June 17, the member entrepreneurs of The Kitchen Art Studios gathered at the historic Slot Zeist for their annual networking event. This inspiring day focused on knowledge sharing, entrepreneurship, design innovation, and celebrating craftsmanship. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Kitchen Art Studios Awards 2026, which honored the most distinctive kitchen projects in the Netherlands.
The event was opened by Nathalie Bakker, Managing Director of Marketing and Sales at The Kitchen Art Studios, part of DER KREIS Netherlands. She looked back on a successful year in which the concept further strengthened its position in the high-end segment of the kitchen market through a clear marketing communication strategy.
The member entrepreneurs combine their local entrepreneurship with the benefits of a strong network, where knowledge sharing, inspiration, and collaboration take center stage. Following that, trend watcher and trend forecaster Monique van der Reijden took the attendees on a journey through the latest international developments in color, materials, and interior design.
Monique van der Reijden developed four exclusive design trends specifically for The Kitchen Art Studios, based on the latest interior design trends from Milan. These trends demonstrate how materials, colors, and shapes are increasingly defining home identity and serve as a source of inspiration for consumers and designers seeking a kitchen that functions as an integral part of the interior. Users can explore these trends on The Kitchen Art Studios’ website and, using the innovative Moodboard Creator, refine existing styles or create their own mood boards. This visual representation helps both consumers and business owners design a kitchen that perfectly aligns with their desired living experience. In addition, the trends have been included in the exclusive inspiration trend brochure—which business owners can personalize.
The winners of the 2026 Kitchen Art Studios Awards were also announced during the event. Both consumers and an independent panel of industry experts evaluated the submitted projects based on design quality, originality, use of materials, and how the kitchen fits into the overall interior design concept.
Winners of the 2026 People's Choice Awards
Winners of the 2026 Professional Jury Awards
The awards highlight the high level of design, craftsmanship, and creativity within the network and demonstrate how the affiliated designers create unique open-concept kitchens that perfectly match their clients’ lifestyle needs and style preferences.
In addition to its activities within the network, The Kitchen Art Studios is making a significant investment in national visibility. Over the past year, The Kitchen Art Studios appeared weekly on the RTL 4 program The Good Outdoor Life – Extraordinary Living, which focuses on unique homes, exclusive interiors, and high-end living concepts. With all the reruns on RTL4 as well as on-demand availability on Videoland, the show has attracted a very large audience.
Various television programs showcase how participating designers create open-concept kitchens that are not only functional but also form an essential part of the overall interior design concept. This positions the kitchen as a full-fledged lifestyle element within the modern home.
During the gathering, the group also celebrated the fifth anniversary of The Kitchen Art Studios. To mark the occasion, the business owners who have been part of the concept since its inception were honored. As a token of appreciation for their dedication, entrepreneurship, and contribution to the concept’s growth, Kookhuis Keukens, NDR Keukens, Diepeveen Keukens, Huisman Keukens, Middelkoop Culemborg, Aart van de Pol Keukens, and Johan Bos Keukens were honored in a festive ceremony.
