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For more than two decades, Tom Howley has been at the forefront of bespoke British kitchen design, crafting spaces defined by timeless Shaker style, balance, and enduring craftsmanship.
Now, we’re proud to introduce Malone, our first contemporary collection, and a bold new chapter in the Tom Howley story.
At the heart of Tom Howley lies a commitment to timeless design. Our classic Shaker kitchens have long embodied craftsmanship and proportion, qualities that transcend trends. But as homes evolve, so too must design.
“We’ve spent years perfecting Shaker kitchens,” says Tom Howley, Creative Design Director. “The natural next step was to reinterpret those same principles, balance, functionality, and simplicity, through a contemporary lens. Malone is minimalism with substance; it’s modern design, rooted in craftsmanship.”
Recent research reflects this shift. The 2025 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Study revealed that traditional styles have declined by 50% in just five years, while contemporary designs now represent 28% of all new projects. Homeowners, particularly in urban settings, are seeking cleaner lines, lighter materials, and a sense of calm sophistication. Malone was created in response to this movement, a design that embodies quiet luxury and timeless restraint.
Minimalist kitchens may appear simple, but in reality, they demand exceptional precision. With clean-lined, unframed doors and subtle shadow gaps, every millimetre matters.
“The simpler the design, the harder it is to perfect,” says Tom. “When you remove ornamentation, you’re left with form and proportion and every joint, line, and finish must be flawless.”
Malone takes this principle to heart. Its flat, architectural doors are defined by an ultra-fine cock-bead detail that adds softness to the geometry. The bespoke engraved edge-pull handles, milled from solid metal, bring a tactile touch that feels distinctly Tom Howley, refined, functional, and beautifully understated.
Each piece is handcrafted in Britain, using traditional joinery methods and carefully selected materials. From solid timber cabinetry to precision-applied paint finishes, every element reflects our unwavering attention to detail.
In today’s homes, kitchens are more than places to cook; they’re dynamic, multifunctional spaces. They’re where we work, gather, and unwind. Malone was designed to reflect that lifestyle.
“Malone has a quiet confidence,” explains Tom. “It’s minimalist and architectural, but never cold. It brings warmth through tone, texture, and proportion. It feels fresh yet familiar, equally at home in a Georgian townhouse or a modern city apartment.”
Each kitchen can be personalised in any of our 24 paint colours, including new seasonal shades, Hazelwood and Sumac, both created to complement Malone’s architectural simplicity.
While many contemporary kitchen brands rely on mass production, Tom Howley remains proudly British-made. Every kitchen is designed, crafted, and hand-finished in our UK workshop, ensuring exceptional quality and care at every stage.
“Even as we embrace modern design, we’ll never compromise our values,” says Tom. “Every Malone kitchen is still made by hand, still built to last, and still unmistakably Tom Howley.”
This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each piece, however minimal, retains depth, texture, and soul. It’s what separates Malone from other slab-door designs: contemporary in form, but artisanal in execution.
Over the past two decades, kitchen design in the UK has mirrored broader architectural shifts, from the framed cabinetry of traditional country homes to the open, light-filled spaces of contemporary living.
At Tom Howley, we’ve always led this evolution. From redefining Shaker design in the early 2000s to now introducing Malone, we’ve continually reimagined what craftsmanship looks like in the modern home. “Malone represents a design evolution, from framed to fearless,” says Tom. “It honours our heritage but speaks the language of today’s interiors: clean, composed, and beautifully made.”
Beyond its contemporary appeal, Malone is designed for longevity, both in build and aesthetic. Its minimalist form gives it versatility; with subtle shifts in colour, lighting, and material, it can transform from warm and inviting to bold and architectural.
As Tom explains, “Longevity comes from getting the fundamentals right, good proportions, honest materials, and respect for detail. That’s what ensures a kitchen still feels relevant in twenty years.” This is the essence of modern heritage, the meeting point of innovation and integrity.
Malone makes its debut at our Chelsea showroom, designed to reflect the elegance of modern London living. This compact, beautifully detailed display demonstrates how the range adapts effortlessly to a range of homes and lifestyles, from small city kitchens to expansive open-plan spaces.
“Chelsea is a fitting home for Malone,” Tom reflects. “It’s a space where old and new coexist, much like this collection. The design feels fresh, architectural, but still has that soul our clients recognise instantly.”
Samples of our Malone door will be available to explore in all Tom Howley showrooms, with design consultations available to see how this exquisite new design could look in your home.
Follow @tomhowleykitchens on Instagram for exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes content, and real-home inspiration.
This is Malone, crafted minimalism for the modern home.