Kitchens usually outlast everything else in a home – sofas are replaced, walls are repainted, but a kitchen tends to stay the same for a decade or more. So when you’re planning to have a bespoke kitchen fitted, it pays to consider more than just the colour of the cabinets.
A bespoke kitchen is one of the bigger investments most people make in their home, and not every “bespoke” service means the same thing. Before you commit to a designer or sign off on an order, here are 10 questions worth asking them first.
1. Which parts of the kitchen design are bespoke?
When it comes to home refurbishments, there are varying degrees of “bespoke”. Some kitchens are created using standard-sized cabinets with a choice of colours and handles, whereas others are designed and built entirely around your home.
A truly bespoke kitchen should work with the space you have, rather than forcing standard components into the unique measurements of your home. Whether you have sloping ceilings, uneven floors or awkward corners, none of these should mean compromising on your dream design.
Ask how much of the kitchen is made to measure, and whether the cabinets and other features are built specifically for your space.
2. What makes a bespoke kitchen worth the investment?
Every part of a bespoke kitchen can be designed around your home, from the overall layout and proportions to the storage inside each cabinet. Rather than working around standard components, every detail will be considered specifically for your space.
That attention to detail continues through to the materials and craftsmanship. Quality materials, thoughtful design and skilled workmanship ensure your kitchen is built to last, while creating a space that looks beautiful and works effortlessly for years to come.
3. How do I choose the right style for my home?
Your kitchen should look like part of your home, not something that’s been added as an afterthought. Think about the character of your property and the existing colours and materials.
For example, a period home may call for more traditional details, while a contemporary property might suit cleaner lines and simpler finishes.
A good designer will help you explore different options, from cabinetry and worktops to handles and finishes, while keeping the rest of your home in mind.
4. What materials will be used?
The quality of the materials used for your bespoke kitchen plays a huge part in how it looks and performs over time.
Ask what materials will be used for the cabinetry, worktops and other key elements, including where they come from and how they have been selected. The right materials should complement your design, but they also need to be practical for the way you live.
5. Where will my kitchen be made?
Once you’ve signed off on the design, you may also want to find out whether the kitchen is built by the same team designing it or manufactured elsewhere.
When furniture is hand-crafted in a dedicated workshop, you’ll know that every detail has been meticulously planned, from construction through to the finishing touches.
At Holme Tree, every piece is made to order in our workshop in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, meaning your kitchen is carefully crafted specifically for your home, not ordered from pre-made parts.
6. How much input will I have during the design process?
Your new bespoke kitchen needs to feel like yours, and you should be able to talk through what you want and how you want the finished space to feel.
That’s why it’s worth asking what the design process is like. For example, will you meet your designer in person? And can you make changes before anything goes into production?
It should feel like a collaboration, with a designer who fully understands you and your home before they start putting plans together.
7. What’s included in the quotation?
Before committing to the project, make sure you understand exactly what your quotation covers, including:
- Cabinetry
- Worktops
- Handles
- Internal storage
- Appliances
- Delivery
- Installation
You don’t want to receive two quotations that seem to offer the same thing, only to discover further down the line that one included considerably more than the other. A comprehensive quotation will give you a clear picture of what you’re investing in and what you can expect from the finished project.
8. Who will install the kitchen?
Installation is where all those carefully considered plans and crafted components become a real kitchen, so it’s only natural to want to know who is going to install it.
You should know whether installation is handled by an in-house team or brought in separately. You should also be aware of who is responsible for the project on site and how any issues will be managed.
At Holme Tree, we want the final result to be exactly as you envisioned it when you saw the designs, which is why we use our own expert installation team to fit your bespoke kitchen.
9. How long will the whole project take?
Every kitchen is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.
There are several factors that can all affect how long your project takes, from material availability to the complexity of the design.
Your designer should be able to give you an idea of the timing at the beginning of the project, from the first consultation through to the installation.
10. What happens after the kitchen is installed?
You may think that your bespoke kitchen service ends once the installation team packs up their tools, but at Holme Tree, we like to think of our projects as part of an ongoing service instead of a one-off order.
We offer aftercare and support once your kitchen has been installed. If you have a question, need some advice, or want to talk something through, we’re here.
A kitchen designed around you
There’s a lot to think about when investing in a bespoke kitchen, but ultimately it comes down to creating a beautiful space that works for all life’s little moments.
At Holme Tree, we want to create the perfect backdrop for you, your family, and a lifetime of experiences.
By taking the time to learn all about your home, your routines and the vision you have for your space, we’re able to engineer a kitchen that is truly tailored to how you live your life.
From the first conversation in our showroom to the final installation, every detail is carefully considered. And because we handle everything, you can rest assured that you’re in a safe pair of hands.
