A Kitchen In Bloom: A Conversation with Cherrywood Bespoke
Kitchen Island in Bloomsbury™ No.267
Luke Cherry, founder of Cherrywood Bespoke, has spent over two decades honing a craft defined by impeccable detail, timeless design, and a deep respect for traditional joinery. His ability to merge classic techniques with contemporary style has earned him a reputation for creating elegant, functional pieces tailored to each client’s vision.
In this interview, Luke shares the roots of his craftsmanship and his unique connection to our paints—now an essential part of his process. From preparation to finishing touches, he reveals how their depth and versatility elevate his work, giving every piece its own quiet, considered artistry.
Left Image: Cabinets in Hoxton Grey™No.72, Right Image: Inside shelves in Bloomsbury™ No.267
What inspired you to start the business, and how did your journey in bespoke joinery and furniture making begin?
My path into bespoke joinery was a natural one. I'm a cabinet maker by trade with over 20 years of experience, and I still find myself back on the tools when an extra pair of hands is needed in the workshop. For me, it's never about doing things quickly or cutting corners. It's about making something properly, something that lasts and something that makes a difference to the person using it everyday.
That desire to create beautiful, functional spaces that genuinely improve everyday living is what inspired Cherrywood Bespoke.
Where is the workshop and how many people work with you?
Our workshop and showroom are just a short five minuet drive apart, in lovely North Oxfordshire villages. The showroom is based in Cropredy, in a building owned by my father as a part of his trade business. Our workshop sits in Edgcote, on a farm that's part of a successful horse racing trainers yard. But right now, we have a brilliant team of two full time cabinet makers, two fitters, myself, Jodie my wife, our part time marketing and PR manager and a talented interior designer.
We all work really well together and I really value having a small but dedicated team.
Left Image: Kitchen island in Bloomsbury™ No.267, Cabinets in Hoxton Grey™ No.72, Right Image: Cabinet in Hoxton Grey No.72
How long have you been using our paints in your work? What first drew you in?
I first came across Mylands over 10 years ago, and it quickly became a favourite. What drew me in was the story behind the brand. Knowing it was a family-run company really resonated, that sense of heritage and independence felt familiar and meaningful to me. The quality of the paint really stood out also; it has a beautiful, rich finish, and the colour palette feels timeless and well considered. Mylands impressed me because they were one of the only specialist paint companies offering three primers that could run under a wide range of shades.
That meant we could reduce waste, which really appealed to me both practically and environmentally. Mylands felt like the more thoughtful choice.
Why have you continued using our products over the years.
Mylands has always been a favourite of mine. The colour palette just feels considered, classic with a creative edge and I've always loved the distinct names that tell a story. I was also really drawn to the fact that your paints are used in the creative industries, theatre, TV, film and galleries. It adds a richness to the narrative, and to the spaces we create. It's those kind of details that matter to me.
Why do you think our paints work for kitchens?
They have a real depth and quality to them that works beautifully for kitchens. They're durable, have great coverage, and they level out really well, which is especially important when you're hand painting.
Left Image: Cabinet in Soho Pink™ No.266
Do you have a favourite Mylands colour or palette that you return to often? What makes it special?
I really like Messel ™ No.39 - it's the colour we chose for our own kitchen at home, so I've lived with it day-to-day and still really enjoy the colour. It's got a depth to it that feels grounding, quite a masculine tine perhaps, but very calming. We loved it so much we painted a large run of cabinetry in Messel in our showroom too.
Tell us of a recent project where Mylands really elevated the end result?
A few come to mind straight away! One of our most recent was a classic farmhouse style shaker kitchen painted in Soho Pink™ No.266 , Hoxton Grey™ No.72 and Bloomsbury™No.267 (featured photos). Our customer wanted a pink kitchen and it took time to find just the right shade, the final result looks incredible and timeless, with a lovely softness that sits beautifully against the dark range cooker.
Another favourite was a kitchen we completed last year in a traditional Cotswold stone cottage. We painted the cabinetry in Brompton Road™ No.205, a rich, earthy green that worked so well with the texture of the stone walls, and Clerkenwell™ No.21. The cabinetry had to be carefully cut into the stonework, and that mix of materials and colours created a really striking result.
Cabinets in Brompton Road™ No.205 and Clerkenwell™ No.21
And most recently, we've finished a project in Cadogan Stone™ No.59. We haven't photographed it yet but it's a beautifully simple scheme with an oak pantry at the heart of it, and the neutral warmth of the paint colour complements the oak perfectly.
Are people favouring painted kitchens over natural wood? A mix of both?
Most of our clients still gravitate toward painted cabinetry. A painted kitchen with a natural oak island or freestanding kitchen pantry could become a popular choice which, in my opinion, creates a beautiful balance in the space.
What wood polishes, stains, and protective finishes are your go-to?
Luke Cherry: Staining wood is a bit more involved than painting. Of course, as a maker, I have to choose finishes based on their end use. There's no doubt in my mind that a solvent-based two step wood stain provides the most sophisticated and durable result. So, for designs that call for fully stained cabinetry, we're investing and exploring your wood stain range. Your collection is interesting and extensive and covers everything I can foresee for our future projects. For a new project, we are currently testing four colours: Mylands Earth Stain in Chalk and Clay, and Nitrostain in English Light Oak and a Lightfast stain in White.
What does quality craftsmanship mean to you?
Quality craftsmanship is a beautiful blend of creativity and high skill. You need to be able to vision the end design and find a way to create it carefully using techniques by hand with tools, alongside the use of amazing machinery. It's something that always takes time, patience, diligence, and it something to be treasured.
Today, I find people often feel rushed. Many of us are looking for ways to slow down, to savour the small things again and feel more contentment in our lives. Craftmanship holds all of those values at its heart.
Kitchen Island in Bloomsbury™ No.267, Cabinets in Hoxton Grey™ No.72
True craftmanship isn't just about the end result, its about the journey to get there. For me, it's always been a source of calm, focus, and pride. And I think that's why people respond to it, because they can feel that story in the finished piece.
Looking ahead, what's next for Cherrywood Bespoke?
Looking ahead, I feel very grounded and optimistic. It feels like we are in a good rhythm, building steadily, making thoughtful changes, and continuing to focus on what matters most: quality, honesty, and design that improves how people live in their homes.
