Bespoke Furniture London: Built Properly Styled Boldly

Kensington’s been good to me, and I’ve made it my base for the last twenty years, and in that time, I’ve learned the value of getting things made properly. Kitchens, studies, lounges, snug rooms—you name it, we’ve done it. And if there’s one thing I won’t compromise on now, it’s furniture. Not the mass-market stuff. I’m talking custom-built furniture, built by people who understand detail—and that’s where Smithers of Stamford come into it. I first came across Smithers, and bydjsl.com I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect much.

But one look at their madcap cocktail cabinets and I was hooked. It wasn’t chasing trends—just solid, confident design with a bit of swagger. The first piece we bought was a brutalist sideboard for the dining room, and it just snowballed from there. Smithers don’t mess about. I’ve since had them build a bespoke drinks unit in the snug, and every time, they’ve delivered. What you’re really paying for with Smithers is this: the piece actually works in the room.

It doesn’t swallow the space or disappear into it. And unlike some luxury brands who charge more for less, Smithers actually give a damn. I like that they use reclaimed materials, but I also like that they’re punchy. You want a steel and brass bookshelf that curves into a corner? They’ll sketch it up in two days. You need leather that smells like an old Bentley interior? Done. I’ve sent friends to them in Mayfair and Holland Park and every single one