Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Bespoke Kitchen Design
Established in 1992, Plain English has redefined the art of kitchen design by blending traditional Georgian joinery with contemporary elegance. Our commitment to authenticity and meticulous attention to detail has positioned us as leaders in bespoke cabinetry for both historic and modern homes. With workshops rooted in the Suffolk countryside, we handcraft every piece using time-honoured techniques, ensuring enduring quality that transcends trends. Our global clientele benefits from a collaborative design process that begins with an in-depth consultation, followed by tailored solutions that harmonise functionality with aesthetic refinement. As co-founders Katie Fontana and Tony Niblock envisioned, our work continues to evolve while preserving the values of craftsmanship and proportion that define our brand.From initial concept to final installation, our team of skilled artisans and designers delivers spaces that reflect individual lifestyles and architectural contexts. With showrooms in London, New York, and Los Angeles, we serve an international audience seeking timeless, handcrafted environments. Our dedication to natural materials and bespoke finishes, including an exclusive palette of fifty hand-painted colours, ensures each project remains a unique testament to our craft. By maintaining direct oversight of production in Suffolk, we guarantee consistency and excellence across every element of our work. This unwavering focus on quality has earned us a reputation as pioneers in reimagining classic English design for modern living.
Services
Kitchens
Pantries
Mudrooms
Bathrooms
Dressing Rooms
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of expertise in bespoke kitchen design
- All joinery is handcrafted in our Suffolk workshops
- Complimentary initial design consultation with expert team
- Projects completed across 15+ countries globally
- Exclusive collection of 50 hand-painted colours available
What people say
Impeccable attention to detail
Timeless design aesthetic
Superior craftsmanship
Personalised service
Global project expertise
Services
Bespoke Kitchen Design
Our handcrafted kitchens combine traditional Georgian joinery with modern functionality. Each design begins with a detailed consultation to understand spatial requirements and aesthetic preferences. Using sustainably sourced materials, our craftsmen create tailored solutions that enhance both traditional and contemporary homes. The process includes preliminary sketches, material selections, and final architectural drawings before production in our Suffolk workshops.
Bathroom Joinery
We extend our cabinetry expertise to create elegant bathroom storage solutions. From vanity units to mirrored cabinets, each piece maintains our signature attention to detail. The designs incorporate moisture-resistant materials while preserving the timeless aesthetic of our kitchen ranges. Installation includes bespoke ironmongery and hand-painted finishes to match individual schemes.
Dressing Room Design
Our dressing room solutions blend practical storage with refined aesthetics. Custom configurations include cedar-lined wardrobes, jewellery drawers, and tailored shelving systems. The joinery incorporates soft-close mechanisms and integrated lighting options. Each design maximises space efficiency while maintaining the classic proportions that define our brand.
Paint Finishes
We offer fifty exclusive hand-painted colours developed over decades of research. Our specialists apply finishes using traditional roller and brush techniques in our dedicated paint shop. The process ensures a durable, silk-like sheen that enhances the natural wood grain. Clients can view the full range in our showrooms to experience the subtle variations in different lighting conditions.
Ironmongery Design
Our in-house team crafts unique ironmongery pieces that complement each kitchen design. From drawer pulls to door handles, each component is hand-cast in England. The designs draw inspiration from Georgian architectural details while incorporating modern ergonomics. Finishes include polished brass, aged iron, and matching painted options.
People
Katie Fontana
Creative Director
Co-founder Katie Fontana leads design direction, drawing on three decades of experience in traditional joinery. Her vision combines Georgian architectural principles with contemporary living needs, ensuring each project maintains timeless elegance through meticulous attention to proportion and detail.
Tony Niblock
Managing Director
Co-founder Tony Niblock oversees operations and business strategy. With a background in architectural history, he ensures the company's commitment to craftsmanship remains central to every project. His leadership has expanded the brand's global presence while maintaining workshop traditions in Suffolk.
Questions
What makes Plain English kitchens unique?
Our kitchens combine traditional Georgian joinery techniques with modern functionality, all handcrafted in Suffolk using sustainably sourced materials.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in 15+ countries with our London-based design team managing global installations.
What is included in the design process?
The process includes initial consultation, preliminary sketches, material selection, architectural drawings, and on-site installation.
Are your paints and finishes custom-made?
Yes, we offer 50 exclusive hand-painted colours developed over decades, applied using traditional techniques in our Suffolk workshops.
Can you design storage for other rooms?
We create bespoke joinery solutions for bathrooms, dressing rooms, libraries, and utility spaces using the same craftsmanship standards.
How do I view your colour collections?
Visit our London or Suffolk showrooms to experience the full range of hand-painted finishes in person.
