Plain English

Plain English’s beautiful kitchens are based on 17th- and 18th-century examples and handmade in Suffolk. Designs are beautifully simple; the London-popular Spitalfields is timeless without being olde worlde, and adapted to suit contemporary living. The Shaker kitchen was designed for the Shaker Shop in London while the Longhouse was inspired by a Georgian butler’s pantry. The designs differ slightly, but are very much in the same restrained – and yes, plain – mould. Look around and the displays ooze craftmanship and longevity. Drawers are dovetailed and cupboards can have ‘Wapping holes’ or a ‘Spitalfields hole fret’ for ventilation. Three coats of Farrow & Ball paint are applied before installation plus a final coat once the kitchen is in place. You’ll pay £35,000 for an average kitchen, including appliances and fitting.