THE STORY OF BARNES OF ASHBURTON CRAFTED FOR LIFE
A commitment to traditional joinery techniques and cabinet-making at Barnes of Ashburton’s workshop in Devon ensures its designs endure for generations to come
When furniture designer Patrick Gunning decided to turn his hand to creating handmade, bespoke kitchens in 1980, he was unwavering in his vision for the business. He had two priorities: to use traditional joinery techniques and make the highest-quality cabinetry – both of which remain at the heart of his company, Barnes of Ashburton, 40 years on.
Gunning is still involved in the business, but 10 years ago he decided to step back and focus on his passion for music. He knew, however, that he would be leaving the day-to-day running of the company in safe hands – the team now in charge have all worked there for many years and the brand’s ethos is as strong as ever.
Kim Whinnett, director, says, “At Barnes of Ashburton it has always been about the craftsmanship. In today’s world the demand for things to be made quickly and cheaply means kitchens can lack the quality and longevity of a more traditional approach. We offer a lifetime guarantee because we have complete confidence our kitchens will last.” This confidence comes from using the strongest wood-joining technique – the traditional, hand-crafted morticeand-tenon joint. This is where one piece of wood is inserted into a corresponding hole in another piece of wood at 90 degrees.
Today, like other purveyors of fine kitchen craftsmanship,
Barnes of Ashburton has moved into making cabinetry for other areas of the home – from living rooms and bedrooms to studies and boot rooms – with the same attention to detail.
Over the years, the company has designed, built and installed kitchens and other cabinetry in a staggering array of properties, from luxurious seaside developments to historic buildings.
“We pride ourselves on making kitchens that enhance your home. We are as happy working within the irregularities of an old period building as the dramatic designs of modern architecture,” Whinnett says.
All the kitchens and cabinetry are made from scratch in the company’s Devon workshop. Typically, the process begins with a site visit so the designers can get a feel for the client’s home, before budget, timescale, style and specific needs are discussed.
The spaces are measured meticulously, taking into account everything from irregular walls and ceiling beams to uneven floors.
“A new kitchen is a major investment, but because the kitchens are made by hand, we have absolute control of costs and can tweak the design so we always stay within your budget,” says Whinett.
“In most houses these days, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it is vital that the space really works for the family. It’s all about ensuring there is ample storage and the best use of space. Kitchens are for so much more than cooking these days, so need to work as a place to relax and entertain, too.”
Though craftsmanship is at the core of what Barnes of Ashburton does, the company knows that alongside the bespoke, hand-crafted elements of the kitchen, customers these days also want all the mod cons. It has strong relationships with leading appliance manufacturers as well as worktop and lighting suppliers.
With so much of its business coming through word of mouth, it is the personal touch that seems to set Barnes of Ashburton apart. It is proud of its history and encourages all its customers to visit its workshop in Devon to really see the heart of the business and the attention to detail that goes into every aspect of a new kitchen.
The company’s successful traditional approach seems to demonstrate that sometimes the old ways are the best. ■