Custom Furniture Notting Hill Kensington: Why I Chose Smithers

Kensington’s been good to me, and I’ve made it my base for the last twenty years, and in that time, I’ve redone my house top to bottom more times than I care to admit. 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 Bespoke Furniture London Co. pieces, built by people who understand detail—and that’s where Smithers of Stamford come into it.

A friend in Chelsea mentioned Smithers during a dinner party, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect much. But one look at their madcap cocktail cabinets and I was hooked. It wasn’t over-designed—just solid, confident design with a bit of bite. I began with a custom mirror frame, and it just snowballed from there. Each piece looks like it belongs in a film set and a townhouse, somehow. I’ve since had them fit out the library, 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 think branding does the work, Smithers get stuck in. I like that they work with independent workshops, but I also like that they’re approachable. 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