THE STORY

In 2012, two decades after establishing Plain English Design as one of the most highly regarded bespoke kitchen companies in the world, Katie Fontana and Tony Niblock saw the growing demand for off-the-peg, ready-to-go cupboards. 

Their idea was to design and develop a group of standard-sized cupboards - a pared-back selection of shapes that work well together in multiple configurations. So British Standard Cupboards was born. Back then, the first pieces of British Standard launched in a Shepherd's Hut - a traveling showroom now settled in Suffolk. This was later followed by a showroom in Hoxton Square, London, and a 'Roving Showroom ' which brought cupboards to people's doors all over England. 

As of February 2024, the decision has been taken to cease production of British Standard Cupboards and focus the business on the growth of Plain English Design. We will not be taking any new orders for British Standard Cupboards; however, our current order book will be fulfilled as usual over the coming months. We will continue to supply add-ons and offer full customer support and resolutions for existing customers with orders in the pipeline, or for clients with existing British Standard kitchens. 

For more information, please see our Important Notice page. 

Like Plain English, British Standard shares the same values in cupboard making - traditional craftsmanship and a careful selection of quality materials - everything properly made to last a lifetime. 

"When we launched British Standard in 2012, the idea was to create a range of beautifully simple wooden cupboards, hand-crafted in Suffolk and ready to fit. Our traditional joinery methods pay tribute to the British craftsmen of the past whose honest, unfussy but eminently practical designs were built to withstand a lifetime of use. 

We think of the set selection of cupboards as ‘building blocks’ from which you create your room – whether it be the kitchen, utility room, bedroom, dressing room, home office or even potting shed!

We hand complete creative control over to you so you can add your own personal stamp and style. As a result, no two British Standard projects are ever the same, and we love seeing new projects of all shapes and sizes come to life." 


Katie Fontana & Tony Niblock - Co-Founders, Plain English & British Standard