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Every collection begins with a question. For Malone, that question was simple yet profound: How do you evolve a classic?
At Tom Howley, we’ve built our reputation on the timeless principles of Shaker design. But design is never static. As architecture, lifestyle, and taste evolve, so too must the way we express craftsmanship.
Malone is the result of that evolution, a study in refinement and restraint. It distils decades of design expertise into something new: a contemporary kitchen that embodies modern luxury while staying rooted in British tradition.
The story of British kitchen design is one of quiet transformation.
The Framed Era (Pre-2000s): Traditional framed cabinetry was the hallmark of craftsmanship, sturdy, balanced, and beautifully made.
The Shaker Renaissance (2000s–2020s): As homes modernised, the Shaker kitchen became a symbol of timeless design, blending simplicity with luxury. Tom Howley helped define this era, perfecting the art of proportion and hand-crafted precision.
The Contemporary Shift (Now): Today’s homeowners are drawn to clarity and calm. According to interior design trend research, 72% of high-end homeowners now favour contemporary or transitional styles, seeking kitchens that feel lighter, simpler, and architecturally considered.
Malone emerges from this moment, not as a rejection of tradition, but as its evolution. A movement from framed cabinetry to a purer expression of the same values: craftsmanship, precision, and beauty built to last.
Creating a beautiful contemporary door might sound simple—a flat panel, smooth and unadorned—but in reality, it’s one of the most technically demanding designs to perfect. Without traditional framing, every millimetre of proportion, joinery, and alignment becomes critical. Any imperfection in cut, grain, or finish is instantly visible.
Our design and production teams spent months refining Malone’s profile, balancing visual weight and precision with subtle softness. The result is a design that feels effortless, yet requires exceptional technical control to achieve. Each door is crafted and finished by hand in our British workshop.
It’s this attention to unseen details that transforms simplicity into sophistication. “In many ways, the simpler the design, the harder it is to perfect,” says Tom Howley, Creative Design Director. “Minimalism leaves nowhere to hide; every join, every line must be flawless. That’s where craftsmanship truly shows.”
Malone redefines what contemporary craftsmanship can be. It introduces modern restraint without losing the artistry that defines our heritage. Subtle cock-bead detailing around the door creates a delicate shadow line, softening the otherwise sleek silhouette.
Our engraved edge-pull handles are another hallmark: designed exclusively for the range, milled from solid metal, and seamlessly integrated into the cabinetry. It’s a functional detail that feels bespoke, tactile, timeless, and quietly luxurious.
Even the painted finish, applied in our in-house spray facility, undergoes a multi-stage process to achieve the perfect depth of colour and texture. Whether in soft neutrals, rich greens, or our new seasonal shades, Hazelwood and Sumac, every finish enhances the form rather than overpowering it.
While many contemporary kitchens are made overseas in large-scale factories, every Malone kitchen is handcrafted in Britain.
In our Glossop workshop, a team of cabinetmakers and finishers brings each piece to life, combining traditional joinery with state-of-the-art precision. Every kitchen is bespoke, built to order, and meticulously inspected before installation.
“We don’t design for mass production,” says Tom. “We design for longevity. That’s the real mark of luxury, when every surface, every joint, every mechanism feels made for you.”
This commitment to craftsmanship ensures Malone retains something that mass-produced kitchens can’t replicate: soul.
Behind every design decision in Malone lies a deep respect for materiality. Timber remains central, chosen for its natural warmth and enduring strength. Paired with reeded glass, brushed metal accents, and matt painted finishes, it creates depth and tactility within a minimalist aesthetic.
Surfaces are kept calm and uncluttered, allowing light and shadow to shape the space. Every material has been selected not only for its beauty but for its longevity, to age gracefully and maintain integrity over time. And because every kitchen is bespoke, clients can tailor the palette to suit their own style, from understated neutral schemes to striking architectural contrasts.
This flexibility ensures that Malone feels equally at home in a modern apartment, a Victorian townhouse, or a rural retreat.
Minimalism today is not about austerity; it’s about balance and wellbeing. In a world of visual noise, clean lines and open spaces bring calm and clarity. According to design research, nearly three-quarters of homeowners now prioritise light, function, and flow over ornate styling, choosing spaces that feel harmonious and enduring.
Malone responds to that need. It’s a design that feels composed and intentional, a kitchen that simplifies without stripping away character.
Malone debuts at our Chelsea showroom, a space that celebrates the elegance of modern London living. The display captures how this collection transitions seamlessly from compact urban kitchens to expansive open-plan spaces.
Samples will be available across all Tom Howley showrooms. Book a design consultation to discover how Malone could transform your home.
Follow @tomhowleykitchens on Instagram for exclusive previews and design inspiration.