How a Notting Hill Kitchen Designer Is Redefining Luxury Kitchens with Timeless Craftsmanship – We Meet Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio

Ledbury Studio specialises in bespoke, handcrafted kitchens, with designs firmly rooted in an expert understanding of luxury. Using only the finest materials, they bring to life kitchen ideas that genuinely transcend the ordinary, creating spaces that many will only ever dream of, evoking the timeless elegance of a gold-tipped, illustrated fairytale.

Celebrated designer, Charlie Smallbone, founded the brand in 2013. After a successful career in designing kitchens, including founding Smallbone of Devizes, he established Ledbury Studio as a more personal, refined approach to creating high-quality luxury kitchens.

With Ledbury Studio, Smallbone focused on creating design-led spaces that combine timeless craftsmanship with modern innovation, continuing his legacy of creating functional and beautiful kitchens – often laced with rich, oxidized brass or aged copper throughout. Charlie delves into what defines a luxury kitchen, unconventional Shaker style, the revival of marquetry, and more.

How Would You Describe the Ledbury Studio Look and Style?

'Many luxury kitchen brands claim to offer bespoke services, but for us, true bespoke means tailoring every detail to the client’s vision – without limitations on style or material,' Charlie says.

'We favour the authenticity of solid sheet metals like copper, pewter, zinc, brass and steel, rather than liquid metal finishes. Each metal is hand-patinated and texturised to create finishes that add depth, warmth and individuality to our kitchens. This commitment to craftsmanship and material integrity truly sets us apart.'

What's Your Point of Difference?

'At Ledbury Studio, we create unique, handcrafted kitchens that push the boundaries of traditional design. What sets us apart is our innovative use of materials – especially metal – combined with expert craftsmanship. I’ve always believed a kitchen should be more than functional; it should be a work of art.

'Our design philosophy is deconstructionist and style-agnostic. We break down design into its essential elements and reassemble them to create something unique and cohesive. We also specialise in sourcing distinctive, high-quality materials and showcasing them in fresh, innovative ways. Every project reflects our genuine passion and skill, ensuring a level of quality and originality rarely found elsewhere.'

What's Been Your Favourite Kitchen You've Ever Designed and Why?

'My favourite kitchen I’ve designed has to be our Kensington kitchen. The project was part of a major two-year refurbishment of a stunning seven-floor Kensington home. The client wanted a space that reflected her ‘Australian Scandi’ aesthetic – combining the clean simplicity of Scandinavian design with the warmth of her Australian roots. Designing furniture that captured this balance was an exciting challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed.

To achieve the look, I used natural and painted oak for the cabinetry, keeping the space light and fresh. The pale oak was carefully book-matched on the drawers of the hob run and island, while the full-height cupboards were painted white to ensure they didn’t dominate the room. Fluted oak panels added texture to the island and the base of the breakfast bar, and for a touch of drama, I incorporated a Statuario marble worktop that cascades in a waterfall effect.'

'Attention to detail was key. I used patinated brass for the handcrafted handles, kickplates, and trim on the extractor hood, tying everything together with a refined, understated elegance. A standout feature is the sculptural hanging rack over the island, suspended from a curved, backlit ceiling section. It serves as both a functional storage solution and a striking focal point, perfect for task lighting and displaying trailing plants.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this kitchen is incredibly practical. Clever storage solutions keep it beautifully clutter-free, with features like a concealed pantry that also hides the microwave. The fluted oak detailing extends beyond the kitchen into the dining area and TV snug, creating a seamless flow throughout the space.

This kitchen is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can merge style and function, and it remains one of my proudest projects.'

What Defines a Luxury Kitchen Today?

‘Where once a luxury kitchen was defined solely by high-end materials and money-no-object fixtures, the definition has evolved. It may still showcase unique finishes, but today a luxury kitchen anticipates and surpasses the client’s every expectation. It meets every requirement they’ve imagined – and even those they didn’t know they had. This is the role of a bespoke kitchen designer: to explore every nuance of a client’s brief, uncover the heart of their desires, and translate it into a kitchen that is truly, unmistakably luxurious.’

How Has Your Ledbury Shaker Kitchen Evolved?

'Design shouldn’t stand still. The essence of design is to present something new and offer an alternative way of seeing things. I believe in staying open to new ideas and constantly evolving. With the Shaker kitchen, I took all the traditional elements and then added contemporary touches, such as variations on the frame and panel sizes of the doors, adding an oversized contemporary cornice and modern cast handles in aged and patinated brass.'

You’ve Been a Huge Proponent of the Classic Marquetry Design. What Does That Involve?

'Marquetry is the art of applying veneer pieces to furniture to form decorative patterns or designs. Staying true to Ledbury Studio’s signature aesthetic, our Marquetry Collection is a contemporary take on this traditional craft. For instance, in the Weybridge kitchen, the directional veneers were applied by hand to form a decorative pattern, inlaid with aged bronze, with bespoke handles in aged bronze to finish the look.'

What Materials and Finishes Do You Love to Use in a Kitchen?

'Metal adds sophistication and depth, qualities few other materials can match. At Ledbury Studio, we focus on real metals like copper, pewter, zinc and bronze, which bring an authenticity that painted metallic finishes on wood simply can’t replicate. The result is a refined, high-end aesthetic that elevates the space.

We’ve pioneered ways to use metals in door fronts, islands and bespoke cabinetry. Metal’s versatility allows us to age, texture, or patinate it, creating unique finishes. We’ve also explored liquid metal techniques like pewter shagreen and bronze inlays to add intricate detailing to surfaces.'

How Do You Achieve Such Beautiful Patinas on Your Copper, Pewter and Zinc Panels?

''Living metals' like copper and pewter develop a natural patina over time, which works beautifully for cabinet doors or island exteriors. However, high-use areas, such as around hobs and sinks, require sealed finishes to prevent discolouration and ensure durability. To enhance longevity, we apply specially formulated coatings to metals like copper, preserving their beauty while protecting them from everyday kitchen conditions. This lets homeowners enjoy the aesthetic of metal without sacrificing practicality.'

What Are Some of the Biggest Challenges You Face When Designing Kitchens in Historic or Heritage Spaces?

'Heritage properties come with a unique set of challenges, particularly if they’re listed and you have to work around certain features or accommodate uneven walls or floors. This is where bespoke furniture comes into its own, as every piece can be made exactly to fit – and to be freestanding, if fixing to the walls is difficult or even forbidden.

One particular example was the Stroud kitchen, which we created in a 16th-century Cotswolds home. Fitting furniture against the wonky walls or around the original doorways would have been too difficult. So, we avoided this issue by creating not only an island, but also two other large pieces of freestanding furniture to contain the ovens and the fridge, and the freezer.'

What Does the Future Hold for Ledbury Studio?

'We are exploring innovative techniques to craft curved designs in marble and stone, creating striking and dramatic kitchen islands. Additionally, I am passionate about incorporating English hardwoods, particularly English walnut – an under-appreciated yet exceptional resource – into my designs. To fully harness its beauty and potential, we are developing advanced technology to enhance its stability in kitchen environments.'

Crafted for those who appreciate the finer things in life, Ledbury Studio offers not just a place to cook but an experience to cherish. For a true luxury kitchen, it's hard to resist the siren call of Ledbury Studios, where design, innovation, and comfort come together to create a masterpiece. From reviving classic techniques such as marquetry to experimenting with striking metallics and patinas, Charlie Smallbone and his team are constantly striving for excellence and achieving it.