A love for design and bespoke carpentry, William Durrant, owner and director of Herringbone, says it was “always a dream” to own his own business within design and manufacturing.
Starting out as a designer for one of the UK’s biggest kitchen companies, William worked his way up to eventually start his own cabinet and furniture company with his wife Elly ten years ago.
The award-winning business, with an equally impressive portfolio, has always championed craftsmanship, sustainability and giving back. Here, William shares his inspiration, why a new studio means so much, and we hear from the company’s interior designer, Martyna Nicolson, who has been a welcomed asset to the business.
William said: 'First and foremost, we strive to deliver projects that are both innovative in design and bespoke to our clients. Our skilled team make each piece of furniture in our workshop in Canterbury and I am really proud of the quality of our design and product.
'We started off offering bespoke kitchens, however, through the ten years we have expanded to full home projects and offer bespoke furniture for each room in the home. This has opened up more creativity in myself and the team because we get to be a part of the client’s full renovation or building journey. One-off pieces of furniture, for example, allow us to be even more bespoke. The new studio is where we get to showcase all of the different things we can design and make, including chess boards, coffee tables and humidors.'
How has Martyna’s arrival and knowledge of the industry helped to grow the business?
'Martyna’s interior design skills and knowledge have had a huge impact on the company. Herringbone can give our clients a rounded service, so they don’t have to worry about bringing each room together themselves. This has enabled us to do more home projects and offer our services for each room in the home.'
Your thoughts on being sustainable?
'When we first started the business, we knew sustainability would be a huge part of our ethos, and we have continued to implement sustainable practices across the business. We made a conscious decision to only use water-based low VOC paint and for each bespoke kitchen we make we dedicate a tree to the National Forest, a regeneration project across 200 square miles in the Midlands. In February, we became the first company in the UK, that we know of, to ban selling high silica engineered stone, we no longer sell this product to new clients, due to its health risks.'
Do you have a particular favourite project?
'It’s tough to pick a favourite, however, what I can say is that I always enjoy a project where there is a bit of problem solving in the sense of quirky uneven spaces, a complete configuration of a room or a colour scheme that stands out but completely works. The new studio encapsulates all of this for us right now.'
Where you gather inspiration from and favourite part of your job?
'I gather inspiration from pretty much everywhere, including the team. My favourite part is to problem solve by introducing new designs, processes and technologies that allow the team to bring visions to life and have fun whilst doing so. I really enjoy seeing a project through from start to finish, it gives me a huge sense of achievement.'
Any quirky or unusual client requests?
'We had a client who wanted to turn their kitchen space, into a champagne bar but still allow it to work as a kitchen. We lifted the worktop up higher to create a buffet bar to enable the display of food and drink, brought in a lot of veined marble, created a champagne cooler sink and a bespoke bar cabinet. It created a multifunctional space that works well.'
Your home?
'My grandfather’s bureau is a piece of furniture that means a lot to me, I remember it from when I was a child. For my own home we had quite a lot of fun. Our kids helped design their own rooms and they definitely chose colour patterns even we wouldn’t normally go for. I’d say our home is playful, bespoke to us and filled with character.'
Looking ahead?
'Our new studio, which is opening this month #mid-September#, is what I am looking forward to the most. It is just opposite the cathedral in Canterbury in a building that has been sitting empty for the last five years. It has been a lot of work to bring it back to life, but something we can’t wait to show everyone.'
Martyna Nicolson, interior designer at Herringbone.
Having previously worked as an architect, designing schools and housing projects, Martyna has brought her wealth of skills to all aspects of the business.
She said: 'Although I still love architecture, I always felt I am missing the more hands-on, abstract and creative aspect of designing, which brought me to study architecture in the first place. After ten years of building luxury hospitality projects all over the world, I decided to quit my office job and join Herringbone, to help design the new studio and work alongside the kitchen designers, assisting our clients with choosing finishing touches, lighting, upholstery, etc.
'Creating coherent spaces in which people live is such a joy and privilege, and the perfect opportunity to showcase Herringbone’s versatile skills and attention to detail. Our designers and carpenters can make any space work, with furniture which will last generations. I am definitely also looking forward to having our own line of smaller furniture pieces.'
What 2024 has been like for trade, design, trends and colours?
'I think it’s such a joyful, playful era, full of vibrant colours and clashing patterns.
With everything going on in the world right now, we all need a bit of fun and happiness in our surroundings.'
Do you have a particular favourite project?
'Hands down our new studio! William and Elly are the most opinionated and challenging clients, in the best way possible. We worked hard to create something special and fun.'
Your quirky or unusual requests from clients?
'We recently completed a kitchen with a peninsula clad in brass, which worked really well in the client’s space and with their personal style and character.'
Favourite part of your job and where you gather inspiration from?
'Staying curious is definitely a huge part of my job. I love travelling, visiting local artist studios, seeing how things are made. The most inspiring colour palettes can often be found in museums, or in nature, away from the design world.'
Your home?
'Even though I absolutely love designing colourful spaces for my clients, I am a minimalist architect at heart. My house is mostly black and white, with plenty of natural light and hidden storage. My favourite piece is our marble dining table. Many people are put off by the upkeep of marble, but for me the history of our family written in scratches and spills made by my children is what I love the most about it.'
Herringbone’s top ten tips for a seamless project
1. Involve a designer early.
Having a clear vision and plan for the space can save a lot of time and money further down the line. It’s best to get in touch with a designer before starting your project, to ensure all the contractors’ plans are aligned while there's still plenty of time to change them.
2. Lighting is key.
Avoid too many spotlights and fixtures with exposed light bulbs, giving off harsh, clinical light. Instead, go for warm light below your eye level - floor and table lamps, decorative wall sconces, dimmable pendants.
3. Create a physical moodboard.
Bring home samples of tiles, floorboards, paint and fabric swatches and look at them side by side, in the natural light of the space you design. Never choose finishes in isolation or based on pictures.
4. Add storage.
One can never have too much storage. It makes life easier and allows you to display the pieces you really love, without the additional clutter.
5. Pay attention to details.
Small details like hardware, trims and skirtings can make a big impact and add value to your home. Choose high-quality finishes for door handles, light switches, and cabinet knobs.
6. Strive for balance.
Mix various textures to add depth and interest to your interiors. Combining rough with the refined, polished with raw, and matte with sheen creates a layered and finished look.
7. Avoid too small rugs.
This is one mistake I see over and over again. Go bold with your rugs! In living rooms, make sure all pieces of furniture (or at least their front legs) are placed on the rug. In dining rooms, there should be at least 30cm between the back of the chair and the edge of the rug.
8. Follow your heart.
Best homes reflect the personalities of their owners. If you really love something, seeing it in your home is going to make you happy every day, and that’s the only thing that matters. Proudly display your personal photos and collections.
9. Take it slow.
After months of renovating, it might be very tempting to finish as fast as you can, show home style. Sometimes it’s better to live in your space before adding anything new. Best homes are created overtime.
10. Enjoy it!
The finished result will always be worth it. The sense of achievement you will get from finishing your project and being able to live in it will feel great. So also trust in the process and enjoy it.
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