Testimonials
A Selection of Testimonials
The Art Room - July 2024
“Finally, at the ripe old age of 75, I have the art space of my dreams!
I did rent a studio space for a while, but with no heating during the winter months, and an outside toilet from the dark ages, I decided enough was enough, and called on Ben to design and adapt my larger spare bedroom into the art space I needed, which would also double as a guest bedroom when needed.
This has probably been one of the best decisions of my creative life. Ben designed a room for me that has surpassed all my expectations, giving me the storage, display areas, and various work surfaces suitable for my mixed media art practise.
After I had described my initial requirements with Ben, and all the practical, and design ideas were fully discussed, including new electrical and rewiring work, Ben produced a detailed, illustrated guide for the electricians, to make sure that everything was completed without any hitches. My electrician was so impressed, and actually commented that this was a first for him, and that it would make his life so much easier if all his clients did the same!
Ben produced most of the units in his workshop, so after all the initial design and measuring up, only needed to be at my premises for the installation, fitting and finishing off. However, I was kept informed and consulted at all stages of the work, and while working in my home, Ben was always respectful, friendly and tidy, cleaning up thoroughly before he left and was a pleasure to have around.
Words can't describe how delighted I am with my wonderful, comfortable, art space, where I can not only work with ease, but where I can also relax and enjoy being inspired to create to my hearts content, your attention to detail is exemplary, Thank you Ben, for making an elderly artist very happy”!
Cath, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Paint, Walnut and Brass Bookcase - March 2024
“Ben designed and built a combined bookcase/radiator cover/TV unit for us and it looks fantastic. He took our vague ideas of replacing our current storage and turned them into a beautiful piece of furniture. It fits seamlessly into the room and really improves the space.
Ben has amazing attention to detail and problem-solving skills, for example, fitting the bookcase around a boiler flue, incorporating a hidden inspection hatch, and air vents. He is also a lovely guy to work with and always attentive to what you want out of the furniture.
We can't recommend him highly enough”.
Caroline and Tim, Dorking
Blue Study - December 2022
“Ben,
…The whole experience has been a pleasure and I am so pleased with the final result, the room looks great. From initial consultation, the design choice, to measuring up and finally the fitting, it has all been easy and I have felt totally included in the process. Your attention to detail and care is amazing and it shows”…
Private client, Newdigate, Surrey
Peacocks Stained Glass - 2022
“Ben is a fantastic joiner - we have used him so many times and are always thrilled with the results”
Jim and Natasha, Peacocks Stained Glass, Cheam
Brown Oak Study - October 2021
“Hi Ben,
This might seem an odd thing to do, but I’m working in the study you created ten years ago and just wanted to say to you what an amazing job you made of it, and indeed all the other bits and pieces you did for us. It is still in perfect condition despite being used daily and still looks great.
Thank you Ben for a wonderful job.”
Gill, Headcorn, Kent
Clapham Kitchen - 2020
“Thank you again for our beautiful kitchen - a true masterpiece!….can’t tell you how pleased we are with the outcome”…
Private client, Clapham, London.
Gildings Barn Doors & Other Pieces - 2019
“They are such a classy feature of our barns. Ben has also done other work for us; he is an absolute perfectionist, an outstanding craftsman, and is just the nicest possible person to deal with”
Penny and Richard, Gildings Barn, Newdigate, Surrey.
Free Standing Mahogany Wardrobe - 2019
“Everyone who sees my wardrobe comments on how good it looks and how well made it is! I couldn’t find the wardrobe to match the set of drawers I already had so Ben designed this for me and it matches perfectly, even down to the handles. Ben designed it to be taken apart too if I ever move. He’s always forward thinking! Thanks Ben!”
Emma, Beckenham, Kent
Paint and Stone Kitchen - 2019
“We approached Ben about designing and building a bespoke kitchen… The design process was easy. We told Ben we wanted a shaker style kitchen with half-moon handles and Ben suggested having no wall units where there were previously. This allowed more light to come in from the new patio doors and not block the line of sight into the garden. After that we just left Ben alone in the old kitchen for a few hours whilst he measured every nook and cranny! Ben had some great ideas about where to move the appliances, what type of shelving to use and it was his idea to have the quartz worktop to give it the classy finish.
We are thrilled with the outcome of the kitchen! The overall look of the kitchen is just what we wanted, and added extras like the under plinth lighting and curved cupboard at the end of the worktop add such a touch of sophistication that we couldn’t possibly have had with an off-the-shelf kitchen. Ben is so easy to work with too, with comprehensive plans for all the other trades to work from, instructions left at every stage and multiple site visits. The attention to detail is what sets Ben apart from other craftsmen because he’s so meticulous about not only getting the design just right, but making it look perfect too. Thanks Ben for the whole, painless process.”
Lilian, Beckenham, Kent
Walnut Bookcase & Other Pieces - 2019
"My house is becoming an ode to Ben. Each piece Ben designs and makes is a beautiful creation and makes me want more. Ben is fantastic at the big stuff but is also prepared to do small jobs which I would rather Ben did as his attention to detail and pleasant manner is excellent. A true craftsman."
Karen, Brockham, Surrey
Copper Kitchen & Others - 2018
“We have worked with Ben Stonard on three occasions whilst constructing our new build property.
He designed and made our kitchen , front door and utility room. Ben was a pleasure to work with being efficient, tidy and importantly communicative regarding our requirements. The work Ben carried out is of the very highest standard and we will undoubtedly use his services again. We would also happily recommend Ben’s services to our friends and family.”
Chris and Tracey, Newdigate, Surrey
Oak and Cast Kitchen - 2015
“Ben designed, made and installed what can only be described as our dream kitchen. From the initial design through to the finished product, the attention to detail and standard of Ben’s work is second to none…He is a pleasure to work with. The icing on the cake was that our kitchen was completed on time and within budget!! Amazing!!!”
Rick and Gwen, Sutton, Surrey