WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS
The Secret Drawer may be renowned for the little hiding place incorporated in each of its pieces of exquisite furniture, but it is the skilled craftsmanship that lies behind the enduring success of this company
If you require something in wood, then the Secret Drawer and the expert in-house team of designers and craftsmen will make it – it’s as simple as that. From conception to completion, the team can create the living space of your dreams whether that’s an elegant gin cabinet, a beautiful bookcase, a new kitchen, study, bathroom, dressing room or boot room, the choice is yours.
While the possibilities are endless – of one thing you can be sure. In each piece of hand-crafted furniture there will be an impossible-to-find secret drawer, in which to store valuables. Using spring release, push catches and recesses each secret drawer is crafted and located in a place that relies entirely on the choice and ingenuity of the cabinetmakers – pure genius!
The idea was introduced by Secret Drawer founder, award-winning cabinet maker Richard Mason: “Having secret drawers was commonplace in fine furniture hundreds of years ago, so I thought it would be a great idea to reintroduce them in each piece we make.”
Since founding the Secret Drawer 21 years ago, Richard has built up a team of designers and cabinet makers who handcraft cabinetry as well as stunning pieces of free-standing and upholstered furniture.
The showroom on the outskirts of Skipton is testament to the team’s skilled diversity – located in a huge 14,500 sq ft building, it showcases many and varied room sets that include a pantry with beautiful shelving, finely crafted vegetable boxes and wine rack – with a secret drawer of course!
Bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens, which feature the highest quality wood cabinetry, the latest appliances and gadgetry, including drawers that have built-in chargers for phones and iPads.
But what makes this company outstanding is the traditional craftsmanship that can be seen in all its glory next to the showroom, in the workshop, where each member of the team is given an individual project that they oversee from start to finish.
The craftsmen work from hand-drawn plans, using traditional methods to achieve the highest workmanship. The Secret Drawer cabinetry is famed for its discreet inlaid hinges and its seamless frames – it is made to last with dovetail, mortice and tenon joints.
Customers are often introduced to their allocated cabinetmaker and are regularly updated with emails as to the progress of their piece of furniture, enabling them to see it evolve, from choosing the finest piece of wood to the end product.
“Our workshop is where the magic happens,” explains Richard. “Having one cabinetmaker take care of an individual project makes a better piece of furniture and end result for the customer.”
Sustainable oak, walnut, tulip wood, sycamore and cedar are among the most common woods used by the Secret Drawer, which has developed collaborations with some of the world’s finest names including AGA, Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Quooker, Lacanche, Villeroy & Boch, Victoria+Albert and Samuel Heath.
No commission it too large or too small for the Secret Drawer, which may rely on tradition for its woodworking, but it’s a company that embraces technology. Its Ilkley showroom is a Control4 certified outlet meaning customers can integrate the latest home connectivity technology in their new installation.
The Secret Drawer also has its own interior designer enabling customers to complete their installation with expert advice and the latest fabrics and paint colours from world renowned brands Paint & Paper Library, Little Greene and Farrow & Ball.
“Over the years we have slowly expanded,” explains Richard. “We are truly bespoke and have worked for clients around the UK and abroad. Many customers come back to us, which is truly gratifying.”
The Secret Drawer
The Old Chapel
Sawley Street
Skipton BD23 1SX
01756 797800
27-29 Church Street
Ilkley LS29 9DR
01943 600295
