Kensington’s been good to me, and I’ve made it my base for the last twenty years, and in that time, I’ve refitted every room at least twice. 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 pieces, built by people who understand detail—and that’s where Smithers of Stamford come into it. My wife actually discovered Smithers, 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 chasing trends—just solid, confident design with a bit of swagger. We started small—a console table for the hallway, 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 build a bespoke drinks unit in the snug, and every time, they’ve delivered. Here’s what you get with proper bespoke furniture: it fits like a tailored suit.

The size is right. And unlike some luxury brands who phone it in, Smithers actually give a damn. I like that they work with independent workshops, 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 click to read them in Mayfair and Holland Park and every single one