Hand Painted Kitchens
The Timeless Appeal of Hand-Painted Kitchens
In the world of bespoke kitchen design, few elements can rival the charm, versatility, and craftsmanship of a hand-painted kitchen. At Downland and Scullery, we specialise in creating stunning, hand-painted kitchens that elevate your space with elegance and individuality. With premium paint options from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, as well as specialist finishes like crackle glaze, we can create a kitchen that truly reflects your style. Here’s why hand-painted kitchens remain a timeless choice for homeowners who value quality and character.
Our Kitchen and Furniture Painting Services
At Downland and Scullery, we offer a wide array of hand-painted services designed to breathe new life into your kitchen and home furnishings. Every project receives the same meticulous care and attention to detail, ensuring a flawless finish that reflects your personal style.
What we offer includes:
Full Kitchen Refurbishment
Whether your cabinets are natural wood or previously painted, we handle the complete transformation process. Our service includes careful preparation, priming, and hand-painting of every visible surface—doors, drawers, cornices, plinths, pelmets, end panels, and frames—using premium paints from Farrow & Ball or Little Greene. For kitchens with unique features like open shelving or a decorative mantle, these are given equal prominence and are quoted with the same dedication as the main cabinetry.Repainting Existing Kitchens
If your current hand-painted kitchen needs a refresh, we can expertly restore and repaint it—addressing everything from a simple colour update to rescuing previous paint jobs that may have missed the mark. Our approach ensures the finish is as beautiful and durable as a brand new kitchen.Furniture Painting
Beyond kitchens, we transform standalone pieces of furniture, dressers, or built-in cabinetry. No two pieces are alike, so we tailor our finishes and colours to complement your home’s character.Customisation Options
While the standard service covers all visible external surfaces, we can also paint the interiors of display or glazed cupboards—perfect for those wanting to showcase a pop of contrasting colour. For solid cupboard interiors, painting or oiling is available upon request, though it’s rarely necessary due to factory-applied finishes. We’re happy to advise on DIY options should you wish to tackle cupboard interiors yourself.
In every case, our aim is to deliver a hand-painted finish that feels uniquely yours—timeless, elegant, and made to last.
1. A Bespoke Finish Like No Other
One of the standout features of a hand-painted kitchen is its completely bespoke finish. Unlike machine-applied paint, hand painting allows for an artisanal touch that enhances the beauty of the cabinetry. Every brushstroke adds a sense of individuality and authenticity, making your kitchen truly one of a kind.
With paints from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, you can choose from a rich palette of timeless and contemporary colours, each with exceptional depth and vibrancy.
Why It’s Special:
Achieve a smooth, flawless finish or embrace the subtle texture of brush marks for added character.
Farrow & Ball’s eco-friendly paints and Little Greene’s heritage-inspired shades ensure your kitchen has an exquisite finish with premium durability.
Versatility Across Surfaces
A common question we’re asked is: what surfaces are suitable for hand-painting? The beauty of the hand-painted approach lies in its remarkable versatility. Whether your kitchen cabinets are crafted from dark oak, honeyed pine, or modern MDF, our skilled painters can work their magic. Even more challenging finishes—such as clear lacquer, varnish, wax, or laminate—can be flawlessly transformed with the right techniques and preparation.
So, no matter the base material, a hand-painted finish opens up limitless possibilities for revitalising and personalising your kitchen.
How Many Coats Does a Hand-Painted Kitchen Need?
When it comes to achieving that smooth, enduring finish in a hand-painted kitchen, the number of coats truly matters. Typically, most cabinetry looks its best with two to three coats of high-quality paint.
The process usually starts with a primer to ensure the colour adheres evenly and stands the test of time. After priming, two full coats of your chosen paint—whether it’s a classic shade from Farrow & Ball or a statement hue from Little Greene—are applied. For deeper tones or particularly light colours, a third coat may be used to achieve perfect saturation and an impeccable finish.
What to Keep in Mind:
A primer forms a solid foundation for colour.
Two coats provide depth and coverage; a third is sometimes needed for complete richness.
Allow adequate drying time between each layer to ensure a flawless, durable result.
This careful attention to detail is what gives hand-painted kitchens their beautiful, long-lasting appeal.
2. Endless Customisation
Hand-painted kitchens offer unparalleled flexibility when it comes to colour and finish. Whether you’re inspired by Farrow & Ball’s soft, muted tones or Little Greene’s bold, dramatic hues, the options are endless. You can also incorporate specialist finishes, such as crackle glaze, to add even more personality to your space.
Ideas for Inspiration:
Classic Neutrals: Farrow & Ball’s “Skimming Stone” or Little Greene’s “French Grey” for a timeless, elegant look.
Bold Statements: Deep navy like Farrow & Ball’s “Hague Blue” or Little Greene’s “Basalt” for a dramatic, modern aesthetic.
Specialist Finishes: A crackle glaze or distressed finish can add a touch of rustic charm and texture, perfect for a country-style kitchen.
Suitable for Every Kitchen Size
A hand-painted finish isn’t just reserved for grand, sprawling kitchens—it can transform spaces of any size. Whether you have a compact galley kitchen or a spacious open-plan layout, the hand-painting process delivers the same attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. The bespoke nature of this approach means every kitchen, big or small, receives a tailored finish that highlights its unique character.
Small kitchens benefit from carefully chosen colours and finishes that create a sense of light and openness.
Larger spaces can showcase bold hues or layered specialist techniques, making every cabinet a statement.
No matter the scale, hand-painting offers consistent beauty and durability throughout your entire kitchen.
What About the Inside of My Cupboards?
A common question we’re asked is whether the interiors of kitchen cupboards are painted as standard. The answer is: not usually. Most kitchen cupboard interiors are crafted from veneered, laminated, or already oiled materials that don’t require a painted finish. However, if you’d like the insides painted to match or contrast with your cabinet doors, we’re more than happy to offer that as an additional service.
This option allows you to customise every detail of your kitchen—though it does involve additional time and cost due to the intricacy of the work. Alternatively, oiling the interiors is also possible and can be a DIY-friendly approach if you prefer to maintain or enhance the wood’s natural beauty, and we’re happy to guide you on the right products and techniques.
For glazed cupboards where the interiors are on display, painting the inside in a complementary or contrasting shade can create a beautiful feature—perfect for showcasing your favourite china or glassware. This tailored detail truly exemplifies the bespoke nature of a hand-painted kitchen.
Complete Your Transformation with Additional Upgrades
A hand-painted kitchen offers the perfect opportunity to tailor every detail to your taste—including more than just the cabinetry colour. If you’re considering a full transformation, we can also coordinate additional upgrades to complete the look.
Whether you’d like to complement your freshly painted cabinets with new handles, elegant worktops, extra cabinetry, or updated flooring, our team works seamlessly with trusted joiners and fitters to bring your vision to life. From sleek brass pulls to solid oak counters or cleverly designed storage additions, no detail is too small.
Popular Upgrade Ideas:
Swapping out existing handles for contemporary brass or classic ceramic knobs
Replacing tired worktops with luxurious quartz, marble, or solid wood
Adding bespoke cabinetry for more storage and organisation
Refreshing your flooring to coordinate perfectly with your new colour palette
By combining these finishing touches with our hand-painted service, you can achieve a truly bespoke kitchen that reflects both your style and your practical needs.
Enhancing Your Kitchen with Thoughtful Upgrades
While a hand-painted finish works wonders for the overall look of your kitchen, you might wish to complement your transformation with a few well-chosen upgrades. These extra touches can elevate both style and function—without the upheaval of a complete refit.
Consider Customising Further With:
Handles & Hardware: Update cabinet handles to match your new palette—choose from contemporary brass, classic ceramic, or sleek matte black for a subtle yet impactful refresh.
Worktops: Replace tired work surfaces with luxurious options like quartz, granite, or sustainably sourced wood, perfectly paired to your chosen paint shades.
Tiles & Splashbacks: Swap out old tiles for something more in keeping with your new scheme. Whether you opt for traditional metro tiles, Moroccan-inspired patterns, or a striking glass splashback, this detail can truly transform your kitchen’s feel.
Cabinet Modifications: Subtle alterations, like adding soft-close hinges, pull-out shelving, or even reconfiguring a run of cabinets, can greatly improve everyday functionality while retaining your kitchen’s original footprint.
Lighting: Introduce new pendant lights or under-cabinet LEDs to highlight the craftsmanship of your bespoke finish and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
By incorporating these additional elements alongside your hand-painted cabinetry, you can achieve a fully refreshed space—tailored exactly to your taste and lifestyle—all without the need for a total renovation.
Combining Hand-Painting With Full Kitchen Redecoration
When considering a hand-painted kitchen, it’s natural to wonder if you can also refresh other elements of your space at the same time. The good news? Absolutely. Hand-painting your cabinets blends beautifully with redecorating your kitchen’s walls, ceilings, or woodwork, allowing for a harmonious transformation from top to bottom.
Our skilled team brings years of decorating expertise—not simply applying premium paints to cabinetry, but ensuring every surface in your kitchen is finished to the same high standard. This means that whether your room features plaster or tongue-and-groove ceilings, period cornicing, or expansive skirting boards, we deliver meticulous, consistent results.
Seamless Coordination:
Walls, ceilings, and skirting boards can be updated to complement your freshly hand-painted cabinets, offering a cohesive look.
By using the same trusted brands—think Farrow & Ball or Little Greene—for both cabinetry and other surfaces, we can expertly coordinate colours or finishes across the entire space.
This one-team approach eliminates the hassle of hiring multiple decorators and ensures your kitchen achieves a polished, integrated style.
Pairing kitchen hand-painting with other home improvements means no corners are cut—every detail receives equal attention, creating a kitchen that feels truly bespoke and complete.
3. Easy to Refresh
One of the most practical benefits of a hand-painted kitchen is its longevity. Over time, wear and tear can naturally occur in any kitchen. With a hand-painted finish, touching up or even completely refreshing your cabinets is simple, ensuring your kitchen looks stunning for years to come without the need for a full renovation.
The Benefits:
Scratches or chips can be seamlessly repaired without replacing the cabinetry.
Repainting offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to update your kitchen's look.
With paint brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, matching or reimagining your colour palette is easy.
Refresh, Reimagine, Restore
Whether your kitchen is a 20-year-old oak classic, a recently installed MDF suite, or even a laminate finish, hand-painting provides remarkable flexibility for ongoing upkeep and transformation. No matter the original material—oak, pine, maple, or a modern melamine—expert preparation and the right primers mean virtually any surface can be renewed with a flawless hand-painted finish.
If you love your kitchen’s layout and functionality but crave a new look, a thorough clean, careful prep, and expertly applied paint can deliver a showroom-fresh result for a fraction of the cost of a replacement—typically just 10-20% of the price of a new kitchen. Even well-loved bespoke kitchens benefit; doors and drawers can be adjusted, hinges tweaked, and handles refreshed as part of the service, ensuring everything works as beautifully as it looks.
From compact galley kitchens to sprawling family spaces, the process remains the same: meticulous attention to detail, careful surface preparation, and high-quality finishing coats. Whether you’re looking to revive faded cabinetry or simply fancy a change of colour, hand-painting makes it easy to keep your kitchen looking its best for years to come.
Revitalising Older Bespoke Kitchens
If you have an older, well-made bespoke kitchen—perhaps crafted from solid timber or adorned with traditional joinery—hand-painting can be transformative. These kitchens are often built to last and, with the right care, can look exquisite for decades. At Downland and Scullery, we assess your cabinets and fittings thoroughly, ensuring doors and drawers function perfectly and small details like hinges or handles are in top condition. We’re no strangers to subtle upgrades, from refreshing the hardware to expertly repairing drawer runners, ensuring your kitchen feels as good as it looks.
Should you wish to take your kitchen’s refresh a step further, our skilled craftspeople are on hand for thoughtful enhancements. This might include installing new worktops, retiling, or even making minor modifications to cabinetry—always with a keen eye for craftsmanship and respect for the kitchen’s original character.
Ideal for Property Updates and Second-Hand Kitchens
If you’re considering selling your home and worried that dated cabinetry might hold you back, a professional hand-painted finish can work wonders—estate agents often note how a beautifully painted kitchen can help attract buyers and support your asking price. Whether you’re restoring a beloved family kitchen or breathing new life into a second-hand kitchen, hand-painting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to achieve a premium look without an extensive renovation.
With quality paints from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, you can elevate older kitchens to rival new, bespoke installations—often achieving a more refined, original finish than when the cabinets were first installed.
4. Enhances Craftsmanship
At Downland and Scullery, we believe that every detail matters. Hand-painting enhances the intricate craftsmanship of bespoke cabinetry, bringing out details like panelling, mouldings, and joinery. The brushwork highlights these features, adding depth and a tactile quality to your kitchen.
Specialist finishes like crackle glaze or aged effects can further enhance these details, creating a truly unique look that complements traditional and shaker-style kitchens beautifully.
Why It Works:
Hand painting adds a softer, more luxurious feel than factory-sprayed finishes.
Specialist techniques bring out the best in intricate detailing.
Cost-Effective Transformation
A hand-painted kitchen doesn’t just offer beauty and practicality—it’s also an incredibly cost-effective way to refresh your space. Rather than investing in a brand new kitchen, opting to have your existing wooden cabinetry professionally hand-painted can deliver dramatic results for a fraction of the cost.
For example, refreshing an average-sized oak or pine kitchen typically ranges from £2,500 to £3,500, depending on the size and complexity. Even larger kitchens—think those with 30 or more doors—remain significantly more affordable to repaint than to replace. By choosing to update rather than start from scratch, you’ll see considerable savings, with the added advantage of keeping the character and craftsmanship of your existing cabinetry intact.
Simply put, the larger your kitchen, the greater your potential for savings. Hand-painting is a smart way to breathe new life into your space while making the most of your investment.
Is Hand-Painting a Kitchen Disruptive?
It's a common concern—will having your kitchen hand-painted turn your home upside down? Rest assured, the process is far less disruptive than you might expect. At Downland and Scullery, our approach is designed with your comfort and routine in mind.
We hand-paint kitchens on site, taking exceptional care to keep things orderly from start to finish. Our team uses advanced dust extraction systems and specialist sanding techniques (even wet sanding where needed) to minimise mess. Each step is carried out methodically, so there's no drifting dust or disruption to the rest of your home.
In short, your daily life can carry on smoothly. We prioritise tidiness and respect for your space, ensuring that the beauty of a freshly hand-painted kitchen isn’t overshadowed by chaos or inconvenience.
Can You DIY Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
Absolutely—painting your own kitchen cabinets is entirely achievable with the right approach, a steady hand, and a bit of patience. Many homeowners have discovered the satisfaction of transforming their space through a well-executed DIY project.
If you’re considering taking on this challenge:
Preparation is Key: Begin by thoroughly cleaning and lightly sanding your cabinet surfaces to ensure excellent paint adhesion.
Choose Quality Products: Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers, as well as reputable paint brands such as Farrow & Ball or Little Greene for a more professional result.
Take Your Time: Plan for multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer, allowing each to dry fully before proceeding. This will help you achieve that coveted smooth, even finish.
DIY hand-painting is a manageable and rewarding process, but it does require careful planning and attention to detail. With a methodical approach, your efforts can result in cabinets that rival a professionally painted kitchen, imbued with your own personal touch and pride of workmanship.
5. Durable and Long-Lasting
When done by skilled professionals, a hand-painted finish is both beautiful and durable. Using high-quality paints like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene ensures that your kitchen can withstand the demands of daily life while maintaining its elegance.
Our Process:
We use premium, durable paints designed specifically for kitchens.
Every coat is carefully applied to ensure a smooth, even finish that resists stains and scratches.
Specialist finishes like crackle glaze are sealed to ensure they stand the test of time.
Attention to Detail from Start to Finish
Hand-painting a kitchen is a craft that goes beyond simply applying paint. We start by thoroughly masking and protecting floors, appliances, and work surfaces to keep your home spotless throughout the process. All surfaces are prepared with meticulous care—including cleaning, sanding, and priming with the appropriate wood primers or sealers—ensuring the best possible bond and longevity for your chosen finish.
Multiple coats are applied by hand, allowing the natural beauty of the cabinetry to shine through while providing durability and depth. Our experienced painters pay close attention to every brushstroke, highlighting intricate details, panelling, and joinery for a truly bespoke result.
Finally, we make sure your kitchen is dust-free and ready to use, with every touchpoint finished to showroom standard. The result is a kitchen that not only looks stunning but is also built to withstand the demands of daily life, providing lasting beauty for years to come.
What’s Included in a Hand-Painting Service?
If you love the layout and functionality of your current kitchen but crave a fresh look, a professional hand-painting service can transform your space at a fraction of the cost of replacing your cabinetry. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Thorough Cleaning & Preparation: Every project begins with a meticulous clean-down of your existing cabinetry to ensure a pristine surface. Surfaces—whether solid wood, MDF, oak, pine, laminate, or even melamine—are prepared using the appropriate abrasives and cleaning agents for optimal paint adhesion.
Expert Priming: Depending on the substrate (bare timber, lacquered finishes, foil-wrapped doors, etc.), specialist primers are carefully selected to create the ideal base. This ensures that whether your kitchen features oak panels or MDF doors, the final effect is both durable and beautiful.
Minor Repairs and Adjustments: Before painting, all doors and drawers are checked for smooth operation. Hinges might be adjusted, handles upgraded, and drawer runners swapped if needed—so your kitchen feels as flawless as it looks.
Artisanal Painting: Multiple coats of premium paint—such as those from Farrow & Ball or Little Greene—are hand-applied, building up a flawless eggshell or satin matt finish. This hand-crafted approach gives you a finish that’s smooth yet characterful, all while highlighting your kitchen’s original craftsmanship.
Optional Upgrades: If you want to elevate your refresh, skilled craftsmen can be brought in to install new worktops, lay tiles, or even modify cabinetry for an updated layout, ensuring the end result suits both your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Each step is tailored to your kitchen’s needs, and the process is overseen by experienced professionals who understand the importance of using the right products for lasting results. Your kitchen doesn’t just look new—it feels renewed, ready to serve as the heart of your home once again.
Preparation and Protection: Setting the Stage for Perfection
Before the first brushstroke is even considered, meticulous preparation is absolutely essential. At Downland and Scullery, we take great care to ensure your home and cabinetry are protected throughout every step of the hand-painting process.
Here’s How We Prepare and Protect Your Kitchen:
Masking & Covering: All surrounding floors, worktops, appliances, and walls are carefully masked and covered with professional-grade materials to prevent any accidental splashes or dust settling where it shouldn’t.
Protecting Surfaces: We use durable, non-slip coverings and specialist masking tape to shield delicate finishes and ensure nothing is left exposed.
Dust Control: Dust extraction systems and protective sheeting help keep the rest of your home clean and comfortable during sanding or surface preparation.
Safe Environment: Paints from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene are low in VOCs, ensuring a safer environment during application and drying.
Systematic Approach: Each cabinet door and drawer front is removed and labeled to guarantee a seamless reinstallation—so there’s no mix-up when it’s time to reassemble your transformed kitchen.
By taking these careful preparatory steps, we ensure that the painting process runs smoothly with minimal disruption, protecting both your home and the beautiful cabinetry that’s about to get its bespoke new look.
Cost Guide: How Pricing Works for a Hand-Painted Kitchen
One of the most frequent questions we’re asked is: How much does it cost to have my kitchen hand-painted? The answer depends on a few key factors, but there’s a simple rule of thumb to help you estimate.
Typically, professional hand-painted kitchen projects are priced per cabinet door. As a guideline, the cost usually averages around £150 per door. This allows for the time, care, and expertise required to deliver that flawless, bespoke finish—think full preparation, priming, and painting to a showroom standard using premium paints such as Farrow & Ball or Little Greene.
Here’s how to estimate your project:
Count your doors: Tally up all cabinet doors in your kitchen.
Include features: Don’t forget to count drawers, end panels, open shelving, cooker hoods, plinths, pelmets, cornices, and frames. These elements contribute to the total cost and are usually treated as equivalent to a “door” for pricing.
Multiply by £150: Multiply your total by £150 to get a good indication of the overall investment for a full, hand-painted transformation.
Keep in mind:
Kitchens with intricate features or additional elements may carry a slightly different rate, but this approach provides an accurate ballpark figure for most projects.
Maintenance work, such as touching up or repainting an existing hand-painted kitchen, is typically priced similarly—cleaning, sanding, and fresh coats ensure your cabinetry is restored to its original beauty.
With this approach, you can budget confidently for your next kitchen refresh, knowing exactly where your investment goes and what’s included in the service.
What’s Included in Your Hand-Painted Kitchen Quote
It’s natural to wonder exactly what’s covered in a professional kitchen painting service. At Downland and Scullery, our comprehensive quoting process ensures every visible surface receives the same exacting attention to detail—so there are no surprises.
Every standard kitchen painting quote includes:
Both sides of all cabinet doors and drawer fronts
Cabinet frames, end panels, cornices, pelmets, and plinths
We treat each element—whether it’s a classic end panel, a statement overmantel, or open shelving—with the same level of care as a door or drawer. This means your entire kitchen benefits from a consistent, beautifully hand-painted finish, right down to the smallest detail.
If your space includes additional features (like a feature shelf or decorative cooker hood), these are thoughtfully factored into your quote to maintain the cohesive look and premium quality you expect.
With us, every part of your kitchen gets the full bespoke treatment—nothing overlooked, everything elevated to our highest standards.
Pricing for Kitchens of Every Size
No matter the size or style of your kitchen—from cozy galley layouts to open-plan chef’s spaces—our approach to hand-painting remains consistent: meticulous preparation, premium paints, and an eye for detail. Pricing is determined on a pro-rata basis, ensuring each project is scaled fairly according to its scope.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all quote, we look at the number of doors and cabinetry features in your kitchen. This tailored pricing means:
Smaller kitchens require less time and materials, resulting in a lower investment.
Larger kitchens naturally involve more cabinetry, but benefit from economies of scale—meaning the cost per door often decreases as size increases.
Cost Considerations:
Refreshing your existing cabinets is significantly more cost-effective than a full replacement.
For example, a standard-sized lacquered oak or pine kitchen can often be restored with premium paints from Farrow & Ball or Little Greene at a fraction of the cost of installing new cabinetry.
Larger spaces see greater overall savings, as updating what you have delivers a showroom finish without the expense or upheaval of a complete renovation.
By hand-painting your current kitchen, you not only achieve a bespoke, beautiful result, but you also maximise value—no matter the scale of your space.
6. Cleanliness and Minimal Disruption
Maintaining a spotless and orderly workspace is one of our top priorities. When we hand-paint your kitchen, all work is carried out on site with meticulous care—no clouds of dust drifting into nearby rooms, and no trace of disruption elsewhere in your home.
To achieve this, we use specialist equipment, including high-efficiency extraction sanders and vacuums, and adopt dust-minimising techniques such as wet sanding where appropriate. Every surface is carefully protected before we begin, ensuring your home stays as pristine as when we arrived.
Throughout the entire process, you can expect:
Minimal dust and mess through modern sanding and cleaning tools
Careful protection of floors, countertops, and adjoining rooms
Respectful, unobtrusive service that fits seamlessly around your household routine
With this level of attention, you can enjoy the transformation of your kitchen without any of the usual upheaval or inconvenience.
Protecting Your Home During the Painting Process
Ensuring your home stays pristine throughout the painting process is a top priority. Professional hand-painters take great care to minimise dust and protect your space, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful new kitchen without worry.
Precautionary Steps:
Meticulous Masking: Floors, worktops, and appliances are carefully masked with high-quality protective sheeting to prevent any paint splashes or dust.
Dust Barriers: Temporary barriers are installed around the work area to contain dust, keeping the rest of your home clean and undisturbed.
Clean Work Habits: Surfaces are wiped down both before and after painting, and all tools are cleaned and tidied away at the end of each day.
This careful preparation ensures your kitchen transformation is as stress-free and mess-free as possible.
Painted to Perfection, Right in Your Home
At Downland and Scullery, we typically carry out hand-painting directly in your kitchen—no need to remove doors or cabinets and disrupt your home longer than necessary. Our experienced team works on site, ensuring every detail is lovingly finished in its rightful place.
We’re dedicated to making the process as smooth (and dust-free!) as the finish itself. That means:
Using dust extraction equipment and wet sanding techniques to keep your kitchen—and the rest of your home—immaculately clean.
Tidying up thoroughly at the end of each day so your space remains as undisturbed as possible.
Adapting our methods to suit your home, whether that’s careful masking and protection of surrounding areas or working in stages to minimise any inconvenience.
With our meticulous approach, your beautifully painted kitchen comes together seamlessly—right where it belongs.
6. Suits Every Style
Whether your home leans towards a modern aesthetic or exudes rustic charm, a hand-painted kitchen can be adapted to suit your style. The versatility of hand-painting, combined with the variety of colors and finishes available from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, allows for endless creative possibilities.
Popular Styles:
Classic Traditional: Neutral tones with soft brushwork for a timeless feel.
Modern Minimalist: Bold colours with a clean, polished finish.
Rustic Country: Distressed or crackle glaze finishes for added charm.
Versatility Beyond the Kitchen
Hand-painting isn’t just reserved for your kitchen cabinets—its transformative power extends seamlessly to other areas of the home. Whether it’s a utility room in need of fresh character, a bedroom suite longing for an elegant refresh, or free-standing wardrobes that could benefit from a touch of artistry, the same techniques and premium paints from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene are perfectly suited for a variety of furniture pieces.
From revitalising built-in bookcases to updating a well-loved study or adding bespoke charm to hallway furniture, a hand-painted finish brings new life and cohesion to every corner. The flexibility of this approach means you can achieve a harmonious look throughout your home, tying rooms together with consistent quality, style, and attention to detail.
7. Eco-Friendly Choice
Choosing a hand-painted kitchen is an environmentally conscious decision. Brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene use eco-friendly, low-VOC paints, ensuring that your kitchen is safe for your family and the planet. Instead of replacing cabinets to update your kitchen, you can repaint them, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Why It Matters:
You’re reducing your carbon footprint.
Your kitchen is made with sustainable materials and techniques.
Expert Colour Guidance
Choosing the right colour for your kitchen can feel overwhelming with so many beautiful options available. Our team has extensive experience painting kitchens in a wide variety of shades and styles, and we’re more than happy to guide you through the decision process. Whether you’re after a classic, calming neutral or something bold and contemporary, we’ll help you find a palette that complements both your space and your personality. If you’d like a more in-depth consultation, we can also recommend trusted colour specialists to ensure you achieve the perfect result.
With Downland and Scullery, you’re not just getting a hand-painted kitchen—you’re gaining a dedicated partner invested in bringing your vision to life.
Clear and Honest Pricing for Your Peace of Mind
Transparency is at the heart of our pricing structure for hand-painted kitchens. We know that budgeting is an important part of any home improvement project, so we aim to make our costs as straightforward as possible.
How Our Pricing Works:
We provide an easy-to-understand “per door” estimate to give you a clear sense of the investment involved—typically calculated by counting your kitchen’s doors and multiplying by a set rate.
This approach covers not just both sides of every door, but also drawers, frames, pelmets, cornices, plinths, end panels, and any unique features like open shelving or overmantels. Our quotes ensure that nothing is missed.
No Hidden Surprises
Occasionally, kitchens may include extra architectural details or require restorative work if previous finishes have failed. We’ll always discuss these in advance and provide a full, itemised quote before any work begins, so there are no unexpected costs along the way.
A Fair Approach
Our aim is to provide exceptional value—not the cheapest quote, but pricing that reflects high-quality workmanship, premium paints from brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, and a finish that will last for years. If you’re comparing quotes, always consider what’s included to ensure you’re making a fair comparison.
What You Can Expect:
Fixed pricing for complete peace of mind.
Honest, no-obligation quotes with every detail explained.
A collaborative approach—if you have questions or spot something you want addressed during the process, we’re always happy to talk it through.
With Downland and Scullery, you’ll always know exactly where you stand—no cutting corners, no hidden fees, just beautiful results from passionate specialists.
Requesting a Kitchen Painting Quote: What We Need
To provide you with an accurate and tailored quote for your hand-painted kitchen, we kindly ask for a few key details to get started. This helps us understand the scope of your project so we can deliver a clear, fixed-price estimate with no surprises.
Here’s what to include when you get in touch:
Kitchen Details: Let us know the type of cabinets you have—whether solid oak, lacquered, waxed, laminate, or another material. Please also share the number of doors and drawer fronts, as this helps us gauge the project size.
Additional Updates: If you’re considering upgrades—such as new handles, worktops, extra cabinets, or flooring—mention these in your enquiry. We’re happy to coordinate with skilled joiners or fitters if needed to ensure a cohesive result.
Photos of Your Kitchen: Clear, well-lit photographs are incredibly helpful for our team. They provide us with an overall view and help us spot details that influence preparation and finishes.
Special Requests: If you have a particular look in mind, favorite colours from Farrow & Ball or Little Greene, or would like advice on finishes like crackle glaze or distressing, let us know your preferences.
Once we have this information, we can usually provide a fixed quote remotely. Occasionally, we may suggest a site visit if your kitchen requires a more detailed assessment. From there, we’ll finalise your project schedule, colour palette, and any additional details.
We’re here to make the process seamless, from first contact to final brushstroke—so you can relax knowing your kitchen transformation is in expert hands.
Timely and Transparent Project Delivery
One of the most common concerns when planning a hand-painted kitchen is whether the project can be completed on time and within budget. Rest assured—with Downland and Scullery, you can have complete confidence in the process from start to finish.
Here’s How We Keep Your Project on Track:
Clear Estimates: From the outset, we provide a detailed, transparent quote so you know exactly what to expect—no hidden costs, no surprises.
Reliable Scheduling: We work closely around your timetable, ensuring every stage—from preparation to finishing touches—happens when promised.
Professional Team: Our experienced artisans pride themselves on punctuality and efficient project management, making the process seamless and stress-free.
By combining expertise with a commitment to service, we ensure your hand-painted kitchen is delivered beautifully, on schedule, and within your agreed budget.
Booking a Hand-Painted Kitchen: What to Expect
Planning your dream hand-painted kitchen does require a bit of forward thinking—quality craftsmanship is always in high demand.
We allow you plenty of time to discuss designs, choose your preferred Farrow & Ball or Little Greene colours, and finalise those all-important details. If your schedule is flexible, you may occasionally benefit from a cancellation slot, but we recommend reaching out as early as possible to reserve your place in the queue.
Taking the time to plan ahead ensures every step—from colour consultation to the final brushstroke—is executed with care and precision, so your bespoke kitchen is nothing short of exceptional.
What to Expect When Inviting Us Into Your Home
Entrusting your kitchen to professional painters isn’t just about achieving a flawless finish—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident throughout the process. At Downland and Scullery, we understand that opening your home to craftsmen is a big step, and we’re committed to making every aspect smooth and reassuring.
Here’s what our clients appreciate about the experience:
Clear Communication: From your first enquiry through to the final brushstroke, we prioritise keeping you informed. Whether it’s answering questions promptly or updating you on progress, we’re only ever a phone call or email away.
Personalised Advice: We take time to understand your vision, discuss options, and offer practical suggestions on colours and finishes—using trusted brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene—to help you achieve the perfect result.
Transparent Pricing: You’ll always receive a detailed, straightforward estimate with no hidden costs. Everything is agreed upon upfront, so there are no surprises.
Reliable & Respectful Service: We work around your schedule and take punctuality seriously, arriving when promised and treating your home with the utmost care and respect.
Trusted Professionals: Many clients choose to leave us with keys, confident that we’ll care for their home as if it were our own.
Ultimately, your peace of mind is every bit as important to us as the beauty of your hand-painted kitchen.
Additional Decorating Resources
If you’re seeking inspiration or guidance for your next kitchen project, there are plenty of helpful resources to explore:
Kitchen Refurbishment Guides: Comprehensive step-by-step manuals are available online to help you breathe new life into your kitchen, from subtle refreshes to full makeovers.
Preparing to Sell: Looking to increase your home’s value? Guides on upgrading your kitchen specifically for the property market can provide practical advice and tips.
Colour Inspiration: Colour cards from paint specialists like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene are perfect for experimenting with palettes and finding that just-right shade.
Furniture Painting Tips: Detailed how-tos and video tutorials walk you through the best techniques for painting kitchen furniture, ensuring a professional finish.
Advice for Painters: Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or seeking tips for working with professional decorators, expert articles and marketing tips are readily accessible.
Feel free to ask our team for recommendations or direction to trusted resources—we’re always happy to share advice to help bring your vision to life.
Understanding Lead Times for Hand-Painted Kitchens
You might wonder why there's often a wait before a hand-painted kitchen project can begin. The answer lies in the level of care and planning that goes into every bespoke kitchen transformation.
Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, a hand-painted kitchen requires a detailed consultation, colour selection, and scheduling with a team of skilled artisans—artisans who are in high demand due to their craftsmanship and attention to detail. Because each project is tailored to your home and vision, these experts often book projects several weeks in advance.
This lead time also benefits you. A kitchen makeover is a significant investment, and having a few weeks to finalise your design choices and prepare your home can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
To ensure your place in the schedule and to get the colours and specialist finishes you love—whether it's a classic Farrow & Ball shade or a unique crackle glaze—it's best to get in touch early. That way, you’ll have time to collaborate with our team and bring your vision to life without feeling rushed.
How to Compare Quotes Fairly
When considering quotes from different service providers, it’s important to look beyond the bottom line and ensure you're truly comparing like for like. Here’s how to make sense of those quotes:
Check the Details: Review what each quote includes—surface preparation, number of paint coats, use of premium brands like Farrow & Ball or Little Greene, and any specialist finishes such as crackle glaze. Even a single omitted coat can affect both durability and finish.
Ask About Materials: Confirm the type and brand of paint, as the quality can vary widely. Low-VOC, eco-friendly paints not only perform better but are better for your home environment.
Examine the Process: A reputable provider will explain their approach, from thorough prep work to careful hand-application and sealing. Rushed jobs or skipped steps are often reflected in low prices.
Experience Matters: Skilled artisans with a passion for craftsmanship make all the difference in achieving a long-lasting, beautiful finish. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience with bespoke projects like yours.
Long-Term Value: Investing in quality workmanship may cost a little more upfront, but it ensures your kitchen remains elegant and resilient for years to come.
By considering these factors, you're more likely to receive an accurate, transparent quote—and an end result that matches your expectations for both beauty and longevity.
See Our Work in Action
Curious to see the transformation a hand-painted kitchen can achieve? We’re proud to showcase a gallery of our recent projects, featuring everything from contemporary colour updates to revitalised heritage cabinetry. Each case study highlights the process, paint choices, and the stunning before-and-after results.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration or assurance, these kitchens tell the story of craftsmanship, creativity, and care that goes into every project we undertake. We invite you to explore our portfolio—perhaps you’ll spot ideas that spark your own kitchen refresh.
Community Support and Knowledge Sharing
At Downland and Scullery, we’re passionate about sharing our expertise to help everyone create their ideal hand-painted kitchen—whether you’re a fellow professional or a homeowner tackling a DIY upgrade. We believe that open, friendly advice benefits everyone, and that’s why we’re always happy to answer questions and share guidance.
From detailed tips about paint application to practical advice on caring for specialist finishes, our team is here to make each step clear and approachable. Whether it’s a quick email enquiry, a chat in our workshop, or a more in-depth design consultation, we’re committed to demystifying the process and making expert knowledge accessible.
By fostering a spirit of collaboration and support, we help ensure that every hand-painted kitchen—no matter who’s wielding the brush—has the opportunity to look truly exceptional.
Is Price Negotiation Possible?
We believe in offering fair, transparent pricing that reflects the expertise and care poured into every hand-painted kitchen. Our quotes are crafted to ensure you receive exceptional craftsmanship from specialists dedicated to a flawless, long-lasting result—never cutting corners, never compromising on quality.
Should you wish to discuss your budget, we’re always happy to have a conversation. We'll provide a fixed, no-obligation quote tailored to your project so you know exactly what to expect. While you may find cheaper options elsewhere, it’s important to compare like for like; the thorough preparation, premium paints, and our meticulous process are not elements we’re willing to dilute for the sake of a lower price.
Entrusting your kitchen to skilled artisans means attention to detail at every stage—no shortcuts or rushed finishes. After all, your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it deserves to look beautiful every single day.
Why Choose Downland and Scullery for Your Hand-Painted Kitchen?
At Downland and Scullery, we bring artistry and expertise to every hand-painted kitchen we create. By incorporating premium paints from Farrow & Ball and Little Greene, as well as specialist finishes like crackle glaze, we ensure your kitchen is truly bespoke and timeless.
What Sets Us Apart:
Tailored Service: From colour selection to application, we work closely with you to achieve the perfect look.
Skilled Artisans: Our experienced team brings precision and passion to every project.
Sustainable Practices: We prioritise eco-friendly materials and techniques in every kitchen we create.
Start Your Hand-Painted Kitchen Journey
A hand-painted kitchen is more than just a functional space—it’s a work of art that reflects your personality and style. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refresh your existing kitchen, Downland and Scullery can help you achieve a stunning, timeless result.
Transform Any Kitchen—Old or New
Our expertise covers a wide range of projects, from breathing new life into 10- or 20-year-old oak or pine kitchens to painting newly installed wooden cabinetry. No matter the age or finish—dark oak, orange pine, maple, MDF, clear lacquered, varnished, waxed, or even laminate—our skilled team can transform virtually any surface with a flawless hand-painted finish.
Refresh, Don’t Replace
Love your kitchen’s layout but crave a new look? We offer a cost-effective alternative to a full renovation. We’ll thoroughly clean, prepare, and prime your existing cabinets before applying your chosen colour in a beautiful, durable finish—often at just a fraction of the cost of replacing your kitchen.
Attention to Detail—Every Step of the Way
Older bespoke kitchens are often built to last, and we take the time to check all doors and drawers, adjust hinges, replace handles, or fix runners as part of our comprehensive service. If you’re looking to take things further, we can coordinate with trusted craftsmen to upgrade worktops, add new tiles, or even modify cabinetry to suit your evolving needs.
Perfect for Every Project
Revive existing kitchens with an expert repaint in any colour you desire.
Commission new kitchens for a luxurious, hand-finished look right from the start.
Update fitted furniture and other cabinetry for a cohesive, elegant feel throughout your home.
With Downland and Scullery, artistry meets precision—so your kitchen doesn’t just look good, it feels uniquely yours.
Contact us today to discuss your project, or visit our workshop to see our process in action. Let’s create a hand-painted kitchen that you’ll love for years to come!