Are Painted Kitchens Durable? What You Need to Know
“I have a painted MMF kitchen myself... coming up to 5 years... two young children... never needed to use my touch-up paint.” -Jennifer, Senior Designer
Why Choose a Painted Kitchen?
Exposed to everything from busy family mornings and everyday cooking to evenings spent entertaining, the kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. Despite this, our painted kitchens have remained a firm favourite for generations.
Our painted kitchen furniture works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary homes. With a wide range of colours to choose from, you can create a space that feels completely yours.
Each piece of our painted furniture is hand-finished in our workshops by our expert sprayers and painters. We only use the highest-quality, premium paints to create a beautiful, durable finish that is easy to maintain.
How Durable Is a Painted Kitchen?
Our painted kitchen cabinets are designed to be lived in, but as with any well-loved kitchen, a little wear may naturally appear over time.
How quickly this happens will depend on the individual household and how the kitchen is used.
Senior Designer, Jennifer, has lived with her own painted Matthew Marsden Furniture kitchen for almost five years: “The main advantage of a painted Matthew Marsden Furniture kitchen is that it is easily repairable if required. Alongside our client hand over bags at the completion stage of every job, we supply you with a tin of touch up paint should you ever need it. The paint we use is a premium product used to deliver outstanding performance in durability and appearance.
I have a painted MMF kitchen myself and it is coming up to 5 years since it was installed, I have never needed to use my touch up paint. I have two young children, and it is a well-used kitchen and entertaining space.”
What If the Paint Gets Chipped?
Small chips and marks don’t necessarily mean replacing a door or a piece of cabinetry.
As each piece of our painted furniture is hand-finished with a paintbrush, small touch-ups can blend naturally into the existing finish, making repairs much less noticeable.
This means everyday chips and marks can often be touched up quickly and effectively, helping to maintain the appearance of your furniture for years to come. We recommend addressing any chips, scratches or fading promptly to help preserve the quality of the paintwork.
How to Care for Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Looking after your painted kitchen is surprisingly simple. A few good habits can help protect the finish and keep your cabinetry looking its best.
To care for your painted furniture, wipe gently with a clean, slightly damp cloth (well wrung out) using lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid for stubborn marks. Dry the surface immediately to protect the finish.
We also recommend:
-Cleaning spills and greasy marks as soon as possible.
-Regularly dusting cabinetry with a clean, dry microfibre cloth.
-Using coasters and placemats to protect painted surfaces from heat and moisture.
-Avoiding spray cleaning products on painted furniture.
-Arranging prompt repairs for any chips, scratches or fading.
A Kitchen Designed to Be Lived In
A beautifully designed kitchen shouldn’t be a space you’re afraid to use.
Considering a painted kitchen for your home? Speak to one of our designers to discover the possibilities of a completely bespoke Matthew Marsden Furniture kitchen.
Contact us or visit our showroom to book your design consultation.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
Rosewood Farm: Whole House Project
We're excited to reveal our latest whole-house project, a beautiful farmhouse renovation designed by Holly for our long-standing client and close friend.
Where the Day Starts
This kitchen was designed to become the heart of the home, creating a space where cooking, entertaining and everyday family life could all come together. A soft, neutral palette keeps the room feeling calm and welcoming, while practical features are thoughtfully built into the design.
The large island provides plenty of space for gathering, with L-shaped booth seating and an integrated beverage centre making it just as suited to relaxed mornings as it is to hosting friends. One of the most personal details is the engraved range mantle, proudly displaying the house name. Integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances and hidden storage help keep everything organised, allowing the space to feel both effortless and lived in.
Where Family Gathers
Designed as an extension of the kitchen, this bespoke media wall completes the open-plan living space and brings the two areas together. Finished in matching cabinetry colour, it creates a seamless flow while giving the room a clear focal point.
The client’s sound system is neatly concealed behind brass Regency grilles, allowing the technology to disappear into the design without compromising performance. A mix of closed storage and open shelving keeps everyday items out of sight, while leaving space to display books, artwork and treasured pieces that make the room feel like home.
Everyday Luxury
Private and personal, this bathroom was designed to bring a sense of luxury to everyday routines. At its centre is a bespoke double vanity crafted in lime-washed oak, introducing warmth and natural texture, balanced by a crisp quartz worktop for a clean, timeless finish. Bespoke mirrors complete the design, adding balance and reflecting light throughout the space.
Generous drawers and open shelving provide practical storage for towels, toiletries and everyday essentials, keeping everything organised while maintaining the calm, uncluttered feel of the space.
A Space to Switch Off
Designed to be the perfect place to retreat to at the end of a busy day, each bedroom was carefully designed to feel calm, comfortable and personal. From bedside cabinets and dressing tables to bespoke mirrors, every piece was made to suit its space.
As pictured, the bedside cabinets are topped with the luxurious ‘Roma’ quartz from Granite Tops UK and paired with the stylish ‘Brokk’ handles by Hendel & Hendel.
Testimonial
“The craftsmanship and attention to detail are exceptional, and the finished spaces have completely transformed my home.
A special thank you to my designer Holly, who was lovely to work with, and always willing to help — nothing was ever too much trouble.
I’m delighted with the result and would highly recommend them.”
-Louise, Client
Start Your Project
Are you planning your own kitchen or home renovation? Get in touch with our team, we’d love to help you create a home that’s perfect for you!
Contact us or visit our showroom to book your design consultation.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
LapPack Endure24 Smashes Fundraising Target for Derian House Children's Hospice
"Every member of the team dug deep when it mattered most, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to take on this challenge with."
-Dan Green, MMF Director
A Challenge That Started Before Sunrise
At 6am on Friday 5th June, while most people were reaching for their first coffee of the day, six swimmers entered the pool at Ribby Hall to begin an ambitious 24-hour relay swimming challenge.
The LapPack Endure24 relay swim saw Ribby Hall regulars David Mason, Adam Taylor, Adam Gregson, Dan Green, Jack McGuinness and Michelle Tickle take on a continuous 24-hour challenge in support of a cause close to their hearts.
More Than Just a Swim
The team set out to raise £5,000 for Derian House Children’s Hospice, supporting the specialist care and respite services it provides to children, young people and their families.
Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, local businesses, Ribby Hall members and the wider community, the target was not only met but exceeded with an impressive £7,909 raised at the time of writing and donations continuing to come in.
24 Hours in the Water
For our Director, Dan Green, the 24-hour relay was every bit as demanding as expected.
Over the course of the event, Dan completed an incredible 8.2 miles of swimming while running on no sleep. Reflecting on the experience after crossing the finish line, he said:
“What a 24 hours. Swimming 8.2 miles over a 24-hour period on zero sleep pushed me further than I expected. There were moments during the night when both physically and mentally it became incredibly tough, but remembering exactly why we were doing it helped me keep going. Every member of the team dug deep when it mattered most, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to take on this challenge with. We set out hoping to raise £5,000, and to see the total reach £7,909 is incredible. We’re grateful to everyone who donated, sponsored an hour, sent messages of support or cheered us on along the way.”
Thank You for Your Support
To everyone who donated, sponsored, shared the fundraising page, offered encouragement or followed the swimmers’ progress throughout the challenge — thank you.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
Garden Kitchens: Designed for Year-Round Living
“The whole idea was to barbecue, cook and eat with the family in the garden but in a space that works whatever the weather.” - Matthew Marsden
More Than an Outdoor Kitchen
When most people think of an outdoor kitchen, they picture summer BBQs and the occasional sunny evening. But in the UK, we all know how unreliable the weather can be.
That’s why our garden kitchens are designed to create an outdoor space that can be used all year round, not just when the sun decides to show up.
A Place to Gather
A great outdoor kitchen shouldn’t separate the cook from the crowd.
We intentionally design our layouts to bring people together. From bar style seating areas to relaxed perch seating, our spaces are designed so you can:
- Cook and host at the same time
- Stay part of the conversation
- Create a more relaxed, social atmosphere.
Premium Appliances
From perfectly seared steaks to crisp, ice-cold drinks, our garden kitchens are equipped with premium appliances that turn everyday cooking into an experience and make entertaining effortless.
Each appliance is carefully selected and positioned to create a high-performance cooking environment. Our designs incorporate premium brands such as:
- Sub-Zero & Wolf
- Westin
- Fisher & Paykel
- Quooker
Lighting Is Never an Afterthought
Clever lighting is incorporated to create a space that feels just as impressive at night as it does during the day.
Using scene-based lighting, your garden kitchen can shift effortlessly throughout the evening:
- Bright, focused lighting for cooking
- Warm, ambient tones for dining
- Soft, dimmed settings for late-night drinks
Thinking About Your Own Garden Kitchen?
The biggest difference with a Matthew Marsden garden kitchen is simple. It’s not just for occasional use, it becomes part of everyday life. From midweek dinners to weekend entertaining, even winter mornings with coffee, it’s a space designed to be enjoyed all year round.
If you’re looking to create a space that goes beyond a traditional outdoor kitchen, something that’s functional, social and built for every season – we’d love to help!
Contact us or visit our showroom to book your design consultation.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
The Goosnargh Project: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary
"History repeats itself! we had a marvellous kitchen designed and installed by Matthew Marsden 22 years ago. For our new build house, we had no hesitation to return to Mathew Marsden Furniture for a modern kitchen and utility room."
- Susan & Tino
22 Years in the Making
After moving back to the UK from Italy, our client came back to us, 22 years after we designed their first kitchen. We’re proud to see so many of our clients return to us time and time again, whether for a different space, a new home or a completely new chapter in life. Projects like this remind us exactly why we love what we do.
Meaningful Details
The engraved range mantle is a focal point in this kitchen, adding a detail that’s deeply personal. Our engraving service is a favourite among clients who want to bring an extra layer of meaning to their bespoke space. We engraved a much-loved family phrase — “il cuoco è il capo” (“the cook is the boss”) — carefully crafting the accent over the “è” by deepening the banding in the mantle itself.
In addition, Jennifer designed tall cabinetry with glass doors to proudly display treasured pieces and family keepsakes. Finally, we incorporated a dedicated bookshelf within the island, creating the perfect home for the client’s collection of authentic Italian cookbooks.
A Perfect Pair
Having worked with us before, Susan and Tino already knew the quality craftsmanship behind our Classic range. However, after visiting our showroom, they were drawn to something different… the contemporary look of our new 1929 range. More specifically, the striking Forge materials featured in our latest display.
Having designed their first kitchen, Jennifer came up with the solution to combine the two contrasting styles. The finished result pairs our classic cabinetry with bolder, stone like materials from our 1929 range which makes the space feel fresh but timeless.
Intentional Design
To mirror the clean, architectural lines of our 1929 range, Jennifer designed the space predominantly handleless (with only a small number of appliance pulls where needed). Our push-to-open cabinetry keeps the look uninterrupted, enhancing the contemporary feel.
A discreet double socket was integrated into the island for convenient charging. Finally, integrated spotlights beneath cabinetry offer practical task lighting by day and a warm, atmospheric glow by night.
Built for Modern Living
The worktops are Emporar Gold from Granite Tops UK. As a quartz surface, they offer the beauty of natural stone with added durability. With a high resistance to stains and scratches, they are ideal for everyday living.
The kitchen is completed with a double Shaker butler’s sink from Shaws of Darwen and a Quooker Fusion Round Classic tap in stainless steel for instant boiling water. A Westin extractor hood sits above, while appliances from Fisher & Paykel and Neff — including an American fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher and wine fridge — ensure the space performs as beautifully as it looks.
Testimonial
“History repeats itself! we had a marvellous kitchen designed and installed by Matthew Marsden 22 years ago. For our new build house, we had no hesitation to return to Mathew Marsden Furniture for a modern kitchen and utility room. The whole process from concept, design, manufacture and installation was a truly positive experience. The whole team, from the top down, manifested a very customer friendly approach leading to a timely completion to a high quality standard. A special thanks to all for a positive experience on completion of a truly beautiful kitchen and utility room to be proud of which we will enjoy for years to come.”
– Susan & Tino
Start Your Project
If you’re planning your own kitchen or home renovation, Matthew Marsden Furniture is a name you can trust. Get in touch with our team, we’d love to help you create a home that’s perfect for you!
Contact us and speak to one of our expert designers today.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
Inside Our Luxury Bespoke Dressing Rooms
"In addition to the kitchen, the amazing team also designed and installed our home office, his and her dressing rooms, and a laundry room – each space is equally as impressive and beautifully crafted. "
- Julia, Client
Designed Around You
Your dressing room is a deeply personal space and should be designed around your everyday routine. From the way you live, dress and move, our dressing rooms are designed to feel intuitive and indulgent.
Bespoke design allows us to accomodate the pieces that matter most. From intelligent internal layouts to material choice and lighting, every dressing room we design is built around you.
How to Create a Luxurious Dressing Room
To feel luxurious, a dressing room should be designed with intention, it shouldn’t be designed in excess. Key elements of a luxurious dressing room include:
- -Thoughtfully zoned storage
- -High-quality materials
- -Integrated, layered lighting
- -A future proof layout
- -Quality craftsmanship
Start With Your Existing Wardrobe
Before deciding the finish or layout of your new dressing room, look at what you already own. A bespoke dressing room should solve problems, not create new ones. Ask yourself:
- -Where does your current storage fall short?
- -Do you struggle with overcrowded rails or inaccessible shelving?
- -Are there specific items you struggle to store properly?
His & Hers
As part of a whole-house project, we were commissioned to design and manufacture two bespoke dressing rooms. Both dressing rooms were tailored to the individual needs of the homeowners while maintaining a cohesive design style.
Both spaces were created in our 1929 Range, using our distinctive Strata materials. Clever lighting was incorporated to accentuate the tonal variation and surface detail of the finishes, creating a quiet, understated sense of luxury.
Start Your Project
Get in touch with our team, we’d love to help you create a home that’s perfect for you!
Contact us or visit our showroom to book your design consultation.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
The Rainford Project: A Timeless Bespoke Kitchen
"Absolutely thrilled with my new dream kitchen! To say it fills my heart with happiness and brings a smile to my face every time I walk in is an understatement — and we have Matthew Marsden Furniture to thank for that.
From the initial design right through to the fitting and every step in between, the whole experience exceeded our expectations." -Melanie
Timeless Design
This kitchen is designed in our Billinge Hall range, which is part of our classic collection. The range takes its name from a Marsden family farmhouse and that influence can be felt in the proportions and detailing throughout the space. What sets Billinge Hall apart from our other classic ranges is the horizontal cotmould detail on the rail, a subtle feature that adds depth and definition while keeping the overall look calm and timeless. The result is a beautiful kitchen designed to stand the test of time rather than following trends.
A Seamless Walk-in Pantry
In an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, flow is essential. To maintain a sense of continuity, the same rich green cabinetry used in the kitchen extends into the walk-in pantry, allowing the space to feel connected rather than separate. Thoughtfully designed to support everyday living, the pantry provides generous, concealed storage while keeping the main kitchen calm.
Functional Features
Functionality has been designed into every corner of this kitchen. The bi-fold breakfast cabinet houses small appliances such as the toaster and microwave, keeping the workspace uncluttered. Pull-out storage is discreetly built into the mantel legs, offering convenient access to spices while cooking. Finally, the mirrored splashback not only completes the space but also cleverly disguises any cooking splashes.
Built for Modern Family Living
The stunning worktops are Calacatta Gold, a timeless choice from Granite Tops UK, ensuring the overall look of the kitchen is bright and clean while remaining durable enough for busy family life.
The kitchen is complete with appliances from Fisher & Paykel, Neff and Perrin & Rowe.
Start Your Project
We’ve built an impressive portfolio of high-profile projects, designing for leading business figures and other affluent individuals. With a client base largely established through word-of-mouth, we’ve earned a reputation for consistently exceeding our client’s expectations.
Contact us and speak to one of our expert designers today.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
A Classic Kitchen With a Contemporary Twist
This project is for a lovely couple with two young children. They live busy lives, balancing work, family and their shared passion for health and fitness. The kitchen is truly the heart of their home - a space for cooking fresh, nutritious meals, entertaining friends and spending time together as a family.
Contrasting Design Styles
Aesthetically, the couple had different tastes. One preferred a traditional style, whereas the other leaned towards a more contemporary look. The final design brings these together seamlessly, respecting the character of the original house while complementing the modern extension. Classic painted cabinetry is balanced with subtle contemporary details, creating a kitchen that feels cohesive, considered and perfectly suited to both tastes.
Unique Design Features
Several bespoke features give this space its identity, most notably the wave wall and the oak “goalpost” framing the cooking area. Inspired by a design the clients admired in the Lake District, the wave wall introduces texture and movement without overpowering the room. Extensive research and careful sourcing ensured the cladding felt special and unique. The oak goalpost adds warmth to the layout, anchoring the space and subtly zoning the kitchen within the open-plan setting.
Discreet Storage
Designed for busy family life, the kitchen also includes a walk-in pantry tucked neatly out of sight with “secret doors”. This additional space houses smaller appliances, extra storage and a second oven, making it invaluable when entertaining or cooking for larger gatherings. It allows the main kitchen to remain calm and clutter-free, while still offering the practicality needed for everyday use.
Premium Appliances
Premium appliances were a key part of the brief, chosen to complement the bespoke furniture and support the clients’ lifestyle. The clients were set on Gaggenau, and we went the extra mile to source and coordinate the appliances directly to ensure every detail was right. This commitment not only delivered exactly what the clients wanted, but also marked the beginning of our partnership with the brand.
Special Thanks to Inside Studio
Special thanks to the team at Inside Studio for collaborating with us on this whole-house project. It’s been a pleasure working together to bring this space to life and this kitchen is just the beginning! We can’t wait to share the rest of the rooms.
Start Your Project
We’ve built an impressive portfolio of high-profile projects, designing for leading business figures and other affluent individuals. With a client base largely established through word-of-mouth, we’ve earned a reputation for consistently exceeding our client’s expectations.
Contact us and speak to one of our expert designers today.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
Create Your Dream Luxury Bespoke Tack Room with Matthew Marsden Furniture
"The whole team have done the most incredible job on our bespoke tack room. We love it to bits. Thank you for everything!"
Why Go Bespoke
A bespoke tack room isn’t just about creating a space that reflects your personal style, it’s about creating a space that fits into your everyday routine. With genuine, lived experience, we design with real equestrian functionality in mind, ensuring your most valued equipment is stored, maintained and organised exactly how you need it, all while adding lasting value to your stables. If you’ve been dreaming about a tack room, Matthew Marsden Furniture is a name you can trust.
Authentic Equestrian Roots
The Marsden family has lived and breathed equestrian life for decades, with founder Matthew himself once a highly successful competitive showjumper. The family previously kept their own horses at Sand Paddock, their personal stables, giving them years of genuine, hands-on insight into what riders truly need from a tack room. Today, our commitment to the equestrian community continues through our close ties with Church Farm Stables, who we proudly sponsor.
Why Choose Matthew Marsden Furniture?
Matthew Marsden Furniture has built a reputation for creating spaces as breath-taking in design as they are in performance. Our heritage, craftsmanship and uncompromisingly personal approach is what sets us apart. Matthew Marsden Furniture is first and foremost, a family run business with almost a century of design legacy. Unlike most retailers, every single piece we create is completely bespoke and handmade in our on-site workshop in Eccleston. We take immense pride in our craftsmanship, using only the finest materials and industry leading techniques to ensure every detail is executed to the highest standard.
Start Your Project
No two equestrian lifestyles are the same, so why settle for a one-size-fits-all solution? Get in touch with our team, we’d love to help you create a tack room that’s perfect for you!
Contact us or visit our showroom to book your design consultation.
Our Lancashire showroom opens the door to the best of UK and overseas designers, it’s local with an international perspective.
The Thompson Project: Industrial Farmhouse
"It’s completely transformed the heart of our home, and we genuinely enjoy spending time here every day. The space is not only beautiful but also highly functional, and we’ve had countless compliments from friends and family. We would recommend Matthew Marsden’s Kitchens without hesitation."
-Lauren, Client
A Dream Kitchen for a Growing Family
This project began with a lovely couple renovating their beautiful farmhouse for life with their three young children. They envisioned a kitchen that could keep up with their busy family life while embracing a modern, industrial aesthetic.
Our new 1929 Range was the perfect fit. With its Scandinavian-inspired simplicity and crisp, clean lines, it offered the modern aesthetic our clients were looking for while providing the durability and functionality needed for everyday family life.
Materials That Tell a Story
To achieve the industrial farmhouse look, we combined two contrasting materials from our 1929 collection. The first material was from the Forge design family, capturing the rugged character of natural stone with striking realism. The second, Strata, is crafted from real wood veneers, offering a quiet elegance and rich, natural warmth. To finish the space, Holly, incorporated a unique glass backsplash from Rough Old Glass.
Storage was a priority. With young children in the home, thoughtful planning ensured practicality and safety. Generous cabinetry runs throughout, with additional storage placed higher up, including top boxes above the extractor, perfect for keeping delicate or less-used items safely out of reach.
A Place to Gather
The clients wanted a place that didn’t feel cold for the family to gather without losing the modern aesthetic. Holly achieved this by introducing a warm wood feature to the island, creating a comfortable place to sit. With waterfall edges, the island maintained the clean, contemporary lines central to the brief and true to the 1929 Range.
Testimonial
“After five years of renovating our home, the kitchen was the final piece that would make our dream home complete. Choosing where to get our kitchen from was not a decision we took lightly, but from the moment we stepped into the Matthew Marsden showroom, we knew we’d made the right choice. From the very first design meeting to the final installation, the whole experience was exceptional. The team took the time to truly understand how we wanted the space to look—incorporating an industrial farmhouse feel with a sleek, modern, yet timeless style. The 1929 range was perfect for this: the stone-like texture of the cabinets adds a contemporary edge, while the timber finish brings warmth and character. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are outstanding — every finish feels premium, and the layout works perfectly for our family. It’s completely transformed the heart of our home, and we genuinely enjoy spending time here every day. The space is not only beautiful but also highly functional, and we’ve had countless compliments from friends and family. We would recommend Matthew Marsden’s Kitchens without hesitation.”
–Lauren, Client
Start Your Project
Are you planning your own kitchen or home renovation? Get in touch with our team, we’d love to help you create a home that’s perfect for you!
Contact us or visit our showroom to book your design consultation.