This month, we meet Barry Sawyer, of Bill Brayer Design in Surbiton, whose love of kitchen design is matched only by his enthusiasm for cooking

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine October 2010

This month, we meet Barry Sawyer, of Bill Brayer Design in Surbiton, whose love of kitchen design is matched only by his enthusiasm for cooking

Coming from a long line of cabinet-makers, Surbiton-based designer Barry Sawyer, 40, continues the lineage his great grandfather established in Shoreditch, London, back in 1912.

“I’m self taught,” says Barry, whose company, Bill Brayer Design, is named after his grandfather. “But I’m passionate about design and learned at an early age what can and can’t be done and what materials and colours go together.”

Today, kitchens are the main focus of his design skills. His style is simple yet stylish, and ideally he likes to work with sustainable woods such as oak or walnut.

“They’re timeless and very beautiful when combined with other materials,” he adds. “Colours come and go but neutral shades never go out of fashion and I want my furniture to look good today and not be outdated tomorrow.”

Stainless steel or leather handles are chosen to complement the finishes, together with granite or wood surfaces, natural stone or wood floors and just one accent colour like aubergine or lime in the fabric covering the stools or chairs.

“I’m only happy when everything looks fantastic,” he adds. “I want to get it just right.”

In my view...

What do you love most about your home?The open-plan kitchen and dining area – it’s a great place to entertain and chat with friends while cooking.

What’s the best thing about your job?The variety – every design project is different.

Which designer has influenced you most?Sir Paul Smith who started off in fashion but also applied his design skills to furniture. Like me, he wasn’t formally trained – proof that good design is very often instinctive.

How do you like to relax?I relax by cooking – with a glass of wine... or two!

What couldn’t you do without?My drawing board.

Bill Brayer Design, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7RA. Tel: 0208 397 1111