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When Wick couple Iain and Suzi Maxted were planning their barn conversion, they were looking for a company that could offer a bespoke, real wood kitchen. Little did local craftsman Paul Rathkey realise, that from designing and installing a kitchen he would spend the next nine months working on the property.
WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO
What's your background Paul?
Rathkey's has been trading for nine years. I went to Rycotewood College for my diploma in furniture and design. I was head hunted by David Linley Furniture Limited, the owner of which is Viscount Linley, the Queen's nephew. I worked there for the next ten years making bespoke fine furniture for a number of famous people. The furniture manufactured was fine inlay work and precise cabinet making.
How do people find out about you?
There's an element of advertising involved but, luckily, most of my work comes from word of mouth through satisfied customers.
How did you get involved in Mr and Mrs Maxted's property?
Initially, Mr Maxted contacted me to design and install a bespoke kitchen in his barn conversion. He must have been impressed with my work as he then asked me to design and install a staircase, cupboards in alcoves, wall panelling and cupboards, drinks case and hi fi cabinet, flooring, doors and skirting architraves, the study, a dressing room off the main bedroom, cupboards in the bedroom and even the bed!
What wood was used?
The kitchen was completed using oak and pippy burr oak, as were all of the wood panelling and the panels in the bedroom. The stairs were in oak, the study in American black walnut and the flooring in European oak.
How many people did it take to work on the job?
We had four people on the job and it took about eight months in total. I didn't anticipate spending so much time at the property. It just escalated from the kitchen. What was the most challenging part of the job? It would have to be the curved doors in the kitchen but I believe that it was worth the time and effort as it makes the kitchen.
What other services do you offer customers?
I can now offer building works as, very often, when designing and fitting a kitchen walls may need to be knocked down to fit that design. It's all part of the process.
What else is in the pipeline?
Our order books are pretty full at the moment with a number of building and design and fit work in the local area and in London.
How does it make you feel when a job is finished?
I am passionate about wood and the making of bespoke furniture. I get a sense of immense satisfaction when achieving beautiful pieces. I love the feel of the timber and when the furniture is completed, I get an immense sense of pride seeing the faces of satisfied customers, many of whom have become firm friends.
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SISTER MAGAZINES
 
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