Timber Industry Customer Report: Kitchen manufacturers | 55


machinery to create a highly versatile precision engineering capability. The 4-axis machine excels at high-speed drilling and complex routing, enabling us to produce bespoke kitchen components with greater agility.


In addition, we have introduced a Schubox drying system to support our busy finishing plant, and a transition to water-based paints and lacquers. The Schubox system is capable of drying components, doors and cabinetry in under an hour, significantly improving production efficiency. We have also upgraded our design software to SolidWorks, to enhance design analysis alongside barcode identification to improve production. This allows our team to develop increasingly complex designs and integrates directly with our CNC machinery, ensuring a seamless transition from concept through to manufacture.


TTJ: How have kitchen designs evolved? AS: We are always looking to introduce new developments, often driven by customer needs and our ability to deliver bespoke features. Inspired by Art Deco interiors, we recently launched a Deco range featuring elegant, framed doors reminiscent of this style. In response to growing demand for more artistic, statement features, we have also developed a ‘picture frame’ for appliances, creating a striking border around double or triple ovens. These can be crafted from materials such as quartz or granite to match worktops and finished with integrated LED lighting to highlight the appliances and enhance the overall design.


TTJ: Are you selling into both new build and refurbishment markets? AS: While we do manufacture kitchens for new build developments, our primary market is the home improvement sector, particularly customers undertaking full kitchen renovations, including extensions and remodelled living spaces. This allows us to focus on highly bespoke projects tailored to individual homes and client requirements.


TTJ: Is the working from home trend continuing to influence kitchen design? AS: We still receive requests for features that support at-home working, however, these have now become standard considerations in kitchen design rather than optional extras. These include pop-up sockets and charging drawers to support multiple devices seamlessly within the kitchen environment. Kitchen islands with integrated booth seating are another increasingly popular solution, offering a more comfortable alternative to a traditional desk area. These spaces now serve multiple functions, working, dining and socialising, reflecting the kitchen’s continued evolution as a multi- purpose room.


The new Homag 4-axis CNC machine at Stoneham’s workshops. Photo: Stoneham Kitchens


TTJ: Is timber still a prime material for you? AS: Timber is very important to our business as it has characteristics and desirability that our customers expect from us.


What are the principal types of timber you use in your kitchens? AS: We primarily use solid and veneered oak, which are stained or tint sprayed in a range of tones from natural through to limed oak and greige oak finishes. American black walnut is used where a deeper, more characterful finish is required, often for feature elements such as pantry bars, dovetail drawers and detailed joinery. For painted cabinetry, we typically use tulipwood, beech and maple due to their fine, consistent grain and stability. American red oak is also used for doors, where its pronounced grain and durability make it well suited to both natural and painted finishes. While timber remains central to many of our designs, worktop selection is increasingly led by performance and aesthetics. Quartz is a popular choice with customers due to its durability, wide range of colours and the continued demand for veined, marble-effect finishes.


TTJ: What is your policy in terms of validating the sustainability of your materials? AS: The timber and veneers we use are sourced from suppliers committed to responsible forest management and continuous improvement in environmental performance. We prioritise certified materials and procure FSC and PEFC-certified timber wherever possible, ensuring full traceability and compliance with recognised sustainability standards.


TTJ: What are the latest kitchen colour trends? AS: For 2026, kitchen design has moved towards warmer, more personalised spaces. Cooler greys and stark whites are giving way to softer, earthier tones such as mushroom, beige and light brown, creating a more inviting and natural feel. Alongside this, deeper, nature-inspired colours, particularly rich greens, are growing in popularity, adding depth and sophistication while complementing other natural materials. Timber is central to these trends, with


darker woods used for internal cabinetry and feature accents such as pull-out trays and open shelving, while lighter oaks, such as greige oak are being used for island cabinetry or runs of units, often paired with painted doors for contrast.


Detailing is also becoming more refined, with elements like ribbed timber doors, fluted glass and curved forms adding visual interest and a more crafted aesthetic. Functionality continues to evolve alongside design, with a focus on intelligent storage and usability. Wider drawers, integrated solutions and bi-fold cabinetry help keep spaces organised without compromising accessibility. At the same time, kitchens are becoming more lifestyle-driven, with larger entertaining areas and layered lighting, such as integrated LED features, helping to create spaces that are both highly practical and visually distinctive.


TTJ: How do your recent developments set the company up for the future? AS: Together, our investments enhance efficiency, increase capacity, and support our continued delivery of the high-quality finish customers expect from Stoneham Kitchens.


www.ttjonline.com | Summer 2026 | TTJ


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