About Us
Welcome to The Secret Drawer
Designers & Makers of Bespoke Interiors
As a family-run Yorkshire business, we design and make luxury bespoke furniture and fitted interiors for homes across the UK. From our Skipton workshop and showrooms in Skipton and Ilkley, our experienced team combines traditional cabinetmaking with exceptional design, quality materials and personal service.
Lovingly handcrafted in Yorkshire, every project reflects our commitment to bespoke craftsmanship, refined interiors and enduring quality.
Workshop & Craftsmanship
At The Secret Drawer, we design and handcraft luxury bespoke furniture and fitted interiors from our Yorkshire workshop. Our skilled cabinetmakers combine traditional joinery techniques with contemporary design to create timeless interiors tailored to each client’s home, lifestyle and way of living.
From handcrafted kitchens and dressing rooms to fitted studies and standalone furniture, every piece is individually designed and made using carefully selected materials and exceptional attention to detail. Each project is managed by a single cabinetmaker from start to finish, ensuring consistency, precision and a truly personal approach throughout the process.
Using responsibly sourced timber and sustainable workshop practices, we create beautifully crafted furniture designed to last for generations.
We also work closely with a trusted network of highly skilled local artisans and specialist suppliers who share our commitment to craftsmanship and quality. From bespoke upholstery, handmade curtains and cushions to custom blinds, artisan lighting, handcrafted handles, fire surrounds and even bespoke wicker basket making, every finishing detail is carefully considered and individually tailored to complement the space.
These long-standing collaborations allow us to deliver interiors with exceptional depth, character and refinement. By bringing together the expertise of talented British makers and craftspeople, we create rooms that feel cohesive, layered and entirely unique — where every element works in harmony to elevate the finished interior from simply excellent to truly extraordinary.
Not forgetting
Our Signature Detail
Hidden within many of our bespoke furniture pieces is our signature detail: the secret drawer. Individually designed by the cabinetmaker creating your furniture, each one is expertly concealed using ingenious hidden mechanisms and traditional techniques. Inspired by classic furniture making, these discreet compartments have become a defining feature of The Secret Drawer — with some remaining undiscovered for years.
Visitors are always welcome to explore our workshop, meet the makers behind your furniture and experience the craftsmanship that transforms raw materials into beautifully finished interiors.
Bespoke Interiors Design Process
We design rooms that showcase your unique style while enhancing the comfort and functionality of your home. Lovingly handcrafted in our Skipton workshop, our precision furniture is crafted to fit your lifestyle perfectly.
From our first meeting to the final touches and beyond, we make sure you’re involved in all the steps, bringing your vision to life in every detail.
Working with top brands, our in-house interior design service is included for furniture clients and is also available as a standalone option for anyone looking for expert help with the finer details. With a deep knowledge of the latest trends and collections, our designer will bring your ideas to life, creating beautiful, inspiring, and practical spaces.
Design Journey
Every project begins with understanding your vision, your lifestyle and how you want your space to look and feel. Working closely with you, we combine your ideas with our expertise in proportion, colour, materials and spatial design to create something both beautiful and practical.
From the initial consultation through to installation, our carefully considered design process ensures every detail is thoughtfully planned and expertly delivered. Here’s what you can expect when working with us.
Design Brief Meeting
Your journey begins with an initial meeting with one of our designers, typically lasting between one and two hours. This can take place in your home or at one of our showrooms.
We’ll take the time to understand how you use the room, your likes and dislikes, and any ideas or wish list you may already have. We’ll discuss:
- how you use the space and what you would like to achieve;
- the furniture, appliances, fittings and fixtures you’re considering;
- your budget, so we can create the best possible design within it;
- any practical considerations or challenges, along with alternative ideas and solutions;
- whether you would like a complete turnkey service using our in-house expertise, or would prefer us to work alongside your chosen contractor.
Our aim is to create a design that reflects both your home and the way you live, while bringing our experience and ideas to the process.
Design consultation fee: £150 per room.
Concept Presentation and Estimation
At this meeting, we will present your initial design proposal and talk you through the ideas, layout and details. This is a collaborative process, giving you the opportunity to share your feedback and refine the design together until it feels right for you.
We will also discuss the estimated costs and any options available to suit your requirements.
The meeting usually takes place at our Skipton or Ilkley showroom, where you can explore examples of our craftsmanship, materials and finishes to help bring your design to life.
showroom.
Creation & Finishing Touches
Once you’re ready to proceed and your deposit has been paid and your project confirmed, we’ll move into the detailed design and production stage.
Your designer will continue to develop every aspect of the scheme with you, including finishes, colours, handles, worktops and soft furnishings. Samples of fabrics, materials and finishes will be presented to help you make your final selections.
You’ll receive:
copies of your final designs and a detailed project lookbook;
a full schedule of works, including key dates and anticipated delivery;
detailed plumbing, electrical and lighting plans where required;
a complete schedule of the agreed project details, finishes and specifications.
Your designer will project manage your work from start to finish, coordinating the different elements of the project and keeping you informed throughout.
Your furniture will then be handcrafted by our cabinetmakers in our Skipton workshop. During production, we’ll share weekly photographs so you can see your furniture taking shape. You’ll also be invited to visit the workshop, see your furniture being made and meet the cabinetmaker working on your project.
Delivery & Installation
We will coordinate the delivery of your furniture, fixtures, fittings and appliances, with every element professionally installed by our experienced team.
Once installation is complete, we will take you through your finished space, explaining how everything works and offering advice on caring for your new furniture. You will also receive a comprehensive care pack to help keep everything looking its best for years to come.
After 12 months we return to carry out a complimentary furniture service.
Lovingly Handcrafted In Yorkshire
Since
1998
Meet Our Team
Richard
Owner and Master Funiture Designer
Finding a passion for woodworking at school, and then completing a cabinet making apprenticeship, I realised I had a natural talent for design and started to work for myself.
After over 30 years my passion for wood and design burns as brightly as ever and I consider myself extremely fortunate to work in the environment I do, with the like-minded professionals within my team.
I am especially proud to have been named the UK’s ‘Cabinetmaker of the Year’ twice.
Its no secret..
The Secret Drawer was nearly called The Carpentry Shop until a client learnt about the secret drawer in their dresser and said “why not call the company The Secret Drawer?”
Andrew
After graduating from High Wycombe furniture college, I spent the first eight years of my career making furniture and learning practical skills. Since then, I have designed furniture and interiors, working for over 25 years in the industry, across a broad range of manufacturers and companies in the public and private sectors. I’m a strong believer in attention to detail which is paramount to my role at The Secret Drawer. I work on a variety of projects, working collaboratively from initial design brief to final hand over.
Its no secret..
I’m passionate about the outdoors and a keen runner.
Rebecca
In 2010 I graduated in Interior Architecture & Design (BA Hons) from Leeds College of Art & Design and have since worked for several specialist high-end residential organisations, working closely with furniture designers, creating beautiful and cohesive spaces for customers. I love everything about my job and making people happy. From the close relationships I build up with them to seeing their delighted faces when the final scheme is installed.
Its no secret..
I was a champion sports acrobat in my youth. I am also a bit of a speed freak – I love jet skiing! However, nowadays I spend most of my free time chasing around my 2 children.
Katie
After graduating from the University of London in Law 21 years ago, I worked in HR for over 20 years. I am a Fellow of CIPD and have worked for a variety of industries at a senior level including bread, sweets and beds. I trained as a bookkeeper 3 years ago. I love the fact that I wear so many hats at the Secret Drawer – my day might consist of looking after the accounts, doing HR, recruiting for roles and looking after customers. It’s fast paced, and every day is different.
Its no secret..
I do a lot of volunteer work for local charities, and I am a leader at Brownies and Rainbows.
Fiona
After graduating from UMIST I started my marketing career with a company owned by BP. I have since worked for other multi-nationals, brand leading franchise organisations, as well as family-owned businesses. With over 30 years of marketing experience my avid interest in and love of marketing remains.
My role at The Secret Drawer is to maintain our brand presence and authority across multiple channels and to help our customers have a great experience with us at every stage.
Its no secret..
I love dancing and spend most weekends at dances. I also run dance classes teaching Charleston and Lindy Hop.
Darren
I make sure that the workshop runs smoothly, ensuring that the cabinet makers have everything they need to create beautiful furniture for our clients in a timely fashion. I also go on site visits at our customers' homes, making sure that our teams are fitting, decorating and completing everyhthing to the highest standards.
Its no secret..
I love running and run a local charity event annually.
Tony
I’m involved with every piece of furniture created in the workshop, literally providing the finishing touches. We apply Farrow & Ball, Paint & Paper Library and other high-quality paints for our painted furniture and various lacquers and polishes to our timber furniture.
Its no secret..
You will occasionally see me out on site putting a final coat onto furniture once it has been fitted, ensuring our high-quality finish.
John
I’ve been a cabinetmaker since leaving school in 1988 and hold City and Guilds qualifications in Bench Joinery. I have a specialist interest in woodcarving and hand carve all the details we feature, such as the hand carved apple boxes in our kitchens and pantries.
Its no secret..
I love the noise made by a freshly sharpened hand plane as it removes a crisp shaving from the piece of wood.
Jonathan
Jonathan joined The Secret Drawer in 2018 bringing with him over 30 years of experience as a specialist bench joiner in the building and property industry. Now one of our senior cabinetmakers he also helps train our apprentices.
Its no secret..
A keen cyclist and fell runner, Jonathan spends much of his spare time in the great outdoors of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Dave
I’m a qualified cabinetmaker, carpenter and joiner with over 20 years' experience in the furniture industry. I started with The Secret Drawer as an experienced cabinetmaker and now work on site fitting all our furniture.
Working to a tight schedule I ensure the high levels of quality workmanship achieved in the workshop are maintained in the final product as it arrives in our clients’ homes.
Its no secret..
It takes a long time to become a Secret Drawer fitter; I was a cabinetmaker with The Secret Drawer for six years before becoming a fitter.
Andy
I have worked as a painter and decorator for over 19 years initially learning the trade from my father. I joined The Secret Drawer over nine years ago to provide our clients with a professional decorating service as part of our full in-house service.
Its no secret..
Completing a job and handing over to a satisfied client is my favourite stage of the job.
James
I joined The Secret Drawer in 2017 as an Apprentice Cabinetmaker, mentored by Darren Lambert, Production Manager. I qualified in 2020 and work as a Cabinetmaker looking after a variety of projects from start to finish.
Its no secret..
I’m a keen golfer. When I’m not in the Workshop there’s a good chance you’ll find me on the golf course.
Tom
I studied Sports Science for 1 year but decided that a career in sports wasn’t for me. I wanted to learn a trade and be hands on. I always enjoyed woodwork at school, and I am enjoying my apprenticeship learning on the job.
Tom is our newest apprentice and is already working on tasks in the workshop whilst also following the General Furniture Manufacturing qualification.
Its no secret..
I am generally active and particularly enjoy mountain biking. I have won several competitions including The Scottish Downhill Association AE Forest championship.
Steven
Starting out as an Escalator Engineer, Steven branched out after several years and has worked as a wagon driver, a roofer, and a builder. He loves working at the Secret Drawer with a great bunch of people in the workshop who are always eager to help each other out when needed. He likes the variety of the work and enjoys every aspect of it.
Steven, or Cloggie as he is known as at the Secret Drawer, loves to play snooker and is the local Skipton league. He was a keen footballer when he was younger but gave that up and now prefers snooker and socialising.
Its no secret..
Steven is our Site Assistant helping in all areas of our work.
Paul
After completing his City and Guilds apprenticeship, Paul was a successful, local self-employed painter and decorator for 30 years. We used Paul for many years as a sub-contractor. We were so impressed with his work that we offered him a full-time role and now works in our customer’s homes, putting the final coat and finishing touches to their furniture.
A lifelong, season ticket holding Leeds United fan, Paul says he has endured the ups and downs of the team’s fortunes over the years and never misses a game.
Its no secret..
Paul is our on-site painter and decorator, ensuring that every job is beautifully finished off in the customer’s home.
Alex
Alex has been a cabinetmaker for 17 years, working for bespoke furniture makers in the North. He enjoys all aspects of cabinetmaking but one of his favourite things to make are tables
Its no secret..
I learnt to ice skate last year and I am now a dedicated ice hockey player in my spare time.
Ed
Ed has been a cabinetmaker for 6 years including his apprenticeship. He enjoys the creativity of being a cabinetmaker.
Its no secret..
I play golf in my spare time and enjoy 3D printing. I recently fixed my mum’s dishwasher by 3D printing some broken parts for pennies. It saved a lot of money
Rufus
Rufus is local so has always known about The Secret Drawer since he was little- plus there was a Secret Drawer kitchen in the family home. He was always interested in carpentry and was working as a joiner when he saw the apprenticeship job at The Secret Drawer. He jumped at the chance to work and learn with the team.
Its no secret..
I am currently training for Hyrox which combines both running & functional workout stations. I will have to run 1km, followed by 1 functional workout station, and repeat this eight times.
Steve
Steve has been a fitter for over 35 years and with us on and off for 25 years.
Its no secret..
I used to go to school with Richard, so I could tell you a few secrets!
Jolanda
Originally from Holland and a graduate of the University of West London, I began my career in kitchen and furniture design after moving to the North of England. Over the past 25 years, I have built extensive experience in the industry, working on a wide range of bespoke design projects. Today, I am proud to bring that knowledge, creativity, and expertise to The Secret Drawer.
Its no secret..
I am very sporty and spend much of my spare time playing tennis in my local league, padel and hiking. I have gone to many countries on sport activity holidays with friends.
1 Secret Drawer Created
1998
Award-winning cabinet maker Richard Mason founded The Secret Drawer to create fine furniture for any room in the home opening a showroom in Cononley North Yorkshire
50 Secret Drawers Created
2003
We complete our first 50 projects including commissions in London and abroad.
68 Secret Drawers Created
2004
With a healthy order book, we purchase a new, larger workshop in Skipton.
95 Secret Drawers Created
2008
For the first time we employ an interior designer, offering expert guidance at every step of the design process.
175 Secret Drawers Created
2016
We move into a new Ilkley showroom
312 Secret Drawers Created
2021
We purchase a range of new machinery to help handcrafting bespoke furniture.
446 Secret Drawers Created
2023
We celebrate 25 years in buisness. Our commitment to sustainability includes 89 solar panels powering our workshop, a briquette machine utilising our shavings to create fuel to heat the workshop and start to change our vans to electric.
580 Secret Drawers Created
2026
New website goes live which is our fifth since the world wide web started. It includes our freestanding furniture and interior mouldings collections, guided by our design ethos of beautiful proportion, practical design and quality craftmanship.
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