Understated, functional and beautifully made. Plain English celebrates the simplicity and adaptability of English kitchens, taking Georgian architecture and traditional craftsmanship as inspiration. Founded in Suffolk, England 30 years ago, the roots of our aesthetic have never wavered. Working on numerous projects across North America over the years, we have learned to identify the timeless value of the English approach to kitchen design from our showrooms in New York and Los Angeles. Below, we describe the enduring appeal of a traditional English kitchen and how this reflects our distinct philosophy behind Plain English.
What is an English Kitchen?
Think of the hard-wearing joinery found below stairs in the grand Georgian estates of the 18th century, where long worktables and large dressers provide practical yet elegant solutions for a working space. Stylistically, this creates a “furniture”-like approach to the kitchen design or an unfitted look that serves modern-day storage and functionality needs. Above all, we are inspired by the understated furniture making of the 18th century and how this traditional craft delivers cupboards that fit seamlessly into how we live today.
Key Elements of a Traditional British Kitchen
At Plain English, our custom kitchen designs are expressly made to suit the specific needs of the space in question. We continue to uphold the following principles, which are elemental to our restrained sensibility and inherently English ethos.
Traditional, Bespoke Craftsmanship
Our construction methods remain true to the artisanal style of English craftsmanship, utilising centuries-old hand skills combined with 21st-century precision gadgetry to make each bespoke element. Sawn and sanded, hammered and pegged, honed and jointed, lined and waxed, polished and painted—our joinery is a testament to the decades of time-honored techniques evident in our workshops today.
Hand-Painted Cabinetry & Organic Use of Color
We pride ourselves on our hallmark, hand-painted finish, distinguished by intentional, subtle brush strokes. Our unique, bespoke colours reference historic English palettes found in Georgian, Regency, and Victorian country houses, including “lost” hues evocatively renamed shades such as Drafty Passage and Boiled Egg. Whether neutral or bold, custom or off-the-shelf, we welcome the use of colour to create a delightful and inviting look.
Custom Details & Well-Appointed Hardware Finishes
At Plain English, how our cupboards work and feel on the inside is as important to us as their outer appearance. Our expert design team advises on choosing the right internal customizations and external finishes for the project and understanding how our clients wish to use the space. Hand-cast brass, nickel, and blackened steel hardware add a touch of understated luxury. This methodical selection and tailoring of materials create a thoughtful design that is exemplary of our belief in traditional British craft.
A Considered Layout with Storage Solutions
An English kitchen sits at the heart of the home, with a returning demand for incorporating scullery areas, butler’s pantries and larders. In designing these ancillary rooms, we typically divide larger spaces with glazed screens as well as use abundant open shelving to turn everyday items into decorative and accessible pieces. These decisions keep the main kitchen clear and functioning during busy family life.
Natural, Sustainable Materials & Traditional Countertops
Rooted in sustainability, our joinery is crafted from natural materials like timber and stone—built to last, inspired by the classic designs of English kitchens from the 18th century that still exist today. Our design team thoroughly advises in selecting materials for the countertops and fixtures, ensuring a cohesive and durable space that can effortlessly maintain both beauty and functionality over time.
Why the English Kitchen Has Stood the Test of Time
Elegant yet practical, a Plain English kitchen is one that is ultimately timeless. Our unparalleled dedication to authenticity and bespoke approach result in joinery that suits any application: apartments, lofts, country homes and new builds. Using the finest materials and traditional, handcrafted methods, we are renowned for delivering projects of the highest quality.
Create Your Bespoke English Kitchen with Plain English Design
Designing an English kitchen is a collaborative and creative process, resulting in a space that is visually exquisite, deeply personal, and, above all, functional. At Plain English, we are committed to honoring our clients’ visions through exceptional craftsmanship, classic design, and a thoughtful approach that ensures their kitchens will serve them for generations. As a Design Studio, we welcome projects from clients, architects, interior designers, and contractors. Contact us for a complimentary consultation, explore our offerings, or visit our showrooms in the US to begin your bespoke kitchen journey.
