March 14, 2025
Inglis Hall x Number Twenty Four: Crafting Kitchens, Creating Homes
Inglis Hall: Handcrafted kitchens, built to last
On a misty March morning, we took the short journey from Rottingdean to Lewes to visit An Actual Kitchen—Inglis Hall’s showroom. Nestled in the heart of this historic town, its well-presented yet subtle shop front holds a hidden detail: a distinctive Koffieboon painted wooden chair hanging above the door – which bizarrely, we didn’t think to ask about.
Inside, we were welcomed by Geri Fory, Inglis Hall’s Brand and Design Manager, who made us coffee in the showroom’s working kitchen—a thoughtful touch that allows clients to experience the space as they would in their own homes.
If a client wants to come and cook their lunch here, they’re more than welcome.
We then sat down with kitchen designers Joe Turner and Jay Powell, who walked us through Inglis Hall’s unique approach. Founded in 2013 by woodworker Toby Hall, the company operates from both its Lewes High Street showroom and its workshop at Golden Cross. Specialising in handcrafted kitchens, they work with raw materials like solid oak, blending modern innovation with traditional craftsmanship to create spaces that are both functional and timeless.
Joe and Jay, both long-standing members of the team, bring years of experience to the design process. Jay, who studied product design and technology at university, has been with the company for seven years, drawn to its strong focus on craftsmanship. Joe, who started as a cabinet maker a decade ago, now designs the very kitchens he once built—offering hands-on expertise that ensures every detail is considered.
Just as they do with their clients, we were then taken to Inglis Hall’s workshop in Golden Cross, where Growth Marketing Manager Laura Francis guided us through the meticulous craftsmanship behind each kitchen—from raw materials arriving to the finished product ready to be installed.
What stood out most? The passion and care ingrained in every stage of the process. Every kitchen is built with precision, intention, and a deep understanding of how people live in their spaces—resulting in beautifully crafted kitchens designed to last a lifetime.
Now, let’s dive into our conversation with Joe and Jay…
An Actual Kitchen – Inglis Hall, 29 High Street, Lewes – photography by Jack Beard at The Light Room Media
Inside the design process: A conversation with Joe and Jay from Inglis Hall
What makes Inglis Hall unique and why do you like working there?
Jay – I think it’s because we’re a small company and it’s the connection that Joe and I have as designers to the workshop and the work that comes out of it. I don’t think there’s many other companies where, as a designer, you can meet the clients at the beginning, take them through a design stage, manage their project whilst seeing it being made in the workshop and then see it be delivered on site. So it’s being part of the process that I think is really special.
Joe – At the core of everything we do is a dedication to how each piece is built. Every design decision we make is driven by the materials we use, their performance, and how they age over time. This governs how we approach each design. Initially, we only made painted kitchens, but as we expanded into modern design, we were careful not to lose the craftsmanship and skill inherent in traditional kitchen making. We take that skill seriously, applying it to every kitchen we create. While our kitchens may appear modern, clean, and simple on the outside, opening them up reveals layers of quality and craftsmanship.
Can you walk us through your process and explain how you collaborate with clients to create something truly perfect for them?
Jay – We like to get clients into the showroom as soon as possible. Being surrounded by our furniture and all the materials we use really helps. We’ve got a cupboard full of samples—everything from materials to handles—so we can show them all the options. Then, it’s about discussing the space and what they want from it. Do they have any rituals, like being avid coffee drinkers or baking enthusiasts? Do they have pets? We aim to understand how they live and what they need in a kitchen, and from there, we can focus on how it looks and feels.
Joe – Our first step is always bringing clients into the showroom so they can see the face of the company. The kitchen here is a great example, and we invite clients to cook or sit down with some pastries to chat about what they’re looking for in a kitchen. The next stop is always our workshop. We take clients to see kitchens being made by a small, select group of incredibly skilled craftsmen and women.
Once the kitchen is fully installed, either Joe or I—depending on who’s been working on the project—will go and hand it over to the client. We’ll leave them with a crate of goodies and information about their kitchen, making sure they’re completely happy with everything.
What are the key elements that make a kitchen both stylish and functional?
Jay – I think it’s not filling it up, not overfilling a space and thinking carefully about where you want to put things. Not just thinking ‘I need loads and loads of cabinets or storage’. It’s picking materials that are timeless and quality rather than anything too bold that might go out of date or that you might want to change in the future. Something that ages nicely, patinates over time. A space that will feel better in twenty years time rather than worse.
Joe – I have to go back to materials. Tactile surfaces, things that feel nice and are made from real materials makes our jobs as kitchen designers quite easy because the materials are doing a lot of the talking.
IH.559 – photography by Leigh Simpson
How does Inglis Hall focus on sustainability?
Joe – Our biggest sustainable element is that our kitchens are designed to last a lifetime. All the appliances and hardware we use are all top-spec. We use a lot of solid timber, especially oak, and we like to try and source that from as nearby as possible whether that’s from English woodlands or stretching into Western Europe.
How do you tailor a kitchen design to suit different lifestyles and property styles?
Joe – The biggest challenges are when the space is either too small or too big. The ones in the middle are always the easiest to work with. With a small space, the challenge is creating a kitchen that’s as functional as a larger one, but you have to be more clever with the layout. In a larger space, the goal is to occupy the space effectively without overcrowding it with cabinets or driving up costs. It’s about making sure the kitchen functions well while also fitting seamlessly into the room.
Trends go against our ethos – we try to build something that stays in the kitchen for the life of the person living there – Jay.
How can you help Number Twenty Four clients?
Jay – Having plenty of inspiration around you during the initial discussion is really helpful, especially with someone there to answer your questions. Defining what you need functionally is often the hardest part of the process, so having someone like Joe or me in a space like this (the showroom) to help pinpoint those key requirements is invaluable. From there, it’s about guiding the client on where those elements can fit and how to best organise different parts of the kitchen.
Joe – Often clients will come in and they want us to make decisions for them because that’s what they’re coming here for – they want professional opinions. Other times they’re coming here because they know exactly what they want and they need someone who’s capable of adapting to those needs. You just have to scope out from early on what the client wants, whether it’s your opinion or your skills.
IH.570 – photography by Leigh Simpson
Inglis Hall put the craft into contemporary kitchens. Contentment into the everyday.
What’s the most creative kitchen design you’ve worked on, and what made it special?
Jay – One of the most unique kitchens we’ve done was for a tiny flat just up on the High Street in Lewes. The living room and kitchen were right next to each other, and the client wanted the kitchen to feel as little like a kitchen as possible. The challenge was to make it feel more like beautiful furniture than a typical kitchen with hobs, taps, and appliances. Working with such a small space made it an exciting project. We incorporated living room-style bookcase storage that housed the ovens from a different angle, which cleverly concealed the sink. By choosing rich oak fronts and dark worktops, the space started to feel more like a bar than a kitchen. Smaller spaces often present more restrictions, but that’s what makes them more fun and creative to design. With a large space, there are more options, but fewer restrictions, making it a bit less challenging.
Joe – There are so many! One that stands out was a painted kitchen we did for a client whose career revolved around colour. We were able to design a highly functional, hardworking kitchen for her, as she was planning to use it as a cookery school. The best part was that she chose all the colours, and watching that kitchen come to life in a beautiful, multi-coloured reality was amazing.
Case Study: A beautiful kitchen transformation in Hove
As estate agents, we at Number Twenty Four are often lucky enough to witness the personal touches and design choices that make a house truly feel like home. One such home is a Victorian villa in Hove, owned by Mark and Paulo—two professionals who share a passion for Japandi and mid-century design. Their home is a carefully curated collection of art, travel mementos, and personal treasures, with highlights like a unique yellow and black dot pumpkin by contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. So when it came time for a renovation, they knew they wanted a kitchen that wasn’t just functional but would reflect their love of craftsmanship and style.
This is where Inglis Hall came in. Alongside architect Richard Doone of Doone Design, they set out to create a kitchen that would blend seamlessly with the home’s existing beauty while also providing the functionality Mark and Paulo needed for their lifestyle. The challenge was to make the most of a tight urban plot while connecting the interior of the home to the secluded garden. The result was a spacious, open kitchen that flowed effortlessly through the home, thanks to clever design choices by Inglis Hall.
The kitchen design was all about balancing beauty with practicality. The team used materials like soft American walnut for the cabinetry and Nero Ingo Fenix for the lower units, creating a warm, earthy feel that complemented the home’s minimalist and natural aesthetic. Thoughtfully placed niches housed large appliances, while clever zoning kept the cooking and living areas distinct but connected. The result was a space that felt just as much like a peaceful retreat as it did a functional kitchen—complete with a hammock for those relaxing moments.
For Mark and Paulo, this renovation was about more than just upgrading a space—it was about creating a home where every detail reflected their personal style and love for traditional craftsmanship. Thanks to Inglis Hall’s timeless design and thoughtful approach, this kitchen isn’t just a place to cook; it’s a reflection of their life, their travels, and their passions.
IH.568 – photography by Leigh Simpson
Buy a house, make it a home
At Number Twenty Four, we truly admire the ethos of Inglis Hall. Their dedication to putting clients and integrity at the heart of everything they do aligns perfectly with our own approach. Just like Inglis Hall, we believe in crafting spaces that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring that every client has a home they can be proud of. It’s this shared commitment to quality and personal touch that makes our collaboration so meaningful.
If you’re inspired by the stunning work of Inglis Hall, head over to their projects page to explore more beautiful kitchens. And, if you’re looking for the perfect space to place a beautiful Inglis Hall kitchen in, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Number Twenty Four. We’d love to help you create your dream home.
