ABOUT US We established Plain English in 1992, first setting up shop in an old tannery and then later in a rather grand Georgian farmhouse deep in the Suffolk countryside. As the business grew we gradually converted outbuildings, barns and stables into workshops and design studios. It's where we still make all our cupboards and kitchens today. And it's often the re-imagining of life in this old building in its heyday - a life of genteel and bohemian aristocracy - that frames much of the inspiration for our work.
Kitchens Plain English are traditionalists. We make kitchens the old fashioned way, by hand. Bespoke kitchens; larders and laundries, sculleries and pantries, rooms dened by the dignity of utility, crafted from the best possible materials and infused with a unique sense of style, our kitchens start from 50,000 or $45,000.
Interiors As part of a kitchen commission we are able to make metal screens and glazed partitions to create smaller rooms within larger spaces. We love the way they give a sense of containment to a walk-in pantry or laundry room, and how part glazing allows light to flow through a space. We also make bespoke wardrobes, and can turn an expert hand to pretty much any custom joinery within the home.
WORK FOR US Plain English is always happy to hear from designers, draughtsmen, joiners, fitters and painters. If you would like to work in a close-knit team, with a beautiful product, you'll enjoy working with us. To apply for any of the roles below, please email a CV and Covering Letter to Sue Wildman.
Metal mesh. What do we mean by that? We used a fine brass mesh here at this project on Rhode Island's Block Island. These special doors stylishly hold crockery; this door treatment makes the cupboards feel light and the space quite airy. #WeArePlainEngli sh
A look back - Originally our baskets were woven by a man named Jonathan who lived in the charmingly named Teapot Cottage. He soaked the willow in a stream at the end of his garden and once woven, left the baskets to gently dry on the cottage's thatched roof. The team used to take turns to drive out.
How it all began. This was taken last year, on the steps of Stowupland Hall - co-founders Katie Fontana & Tony Niblock looking very jolly. 28 years ago they couldn't find a simple painted kitchen they liked for their own house, so they designed one, found a local craftsman to make it, sent some.
