A bespoke kitchen should be designed around the property, the available space and the way you use the room. Before commissioning one, it is important to understand exactly what the proposed service includes and how the project will progress from the initial ideas to the completed installation.
At R J Evans Cabinet Maker, we design and make bespoke kitchens for homes in Shrewsbury and across Shropshire. The following questions will help you compare proposals, make informed decisions and establish whether a kitchen maker is right for your project.
1. Will the kitchen be designed specifically for my room?
The term “bespoke” can be used in different ways. Some kitchens are assembled from standard-sized units with a choice of doors and finishes, while a genuinely made-to-measure kitchen is designed around the dimensions and characteristics of the room.
Ask how the proposed design will deal with alcoves, uneven walls, changes in floor level, low ceilings or other architectural features. A bespoke kitchen should use these characteristics intelligently rather than concealing them behind unnecessary filler panels.
Our kitchens are planned for the individual property. This gives us the flexibility to make cabinetry that uses the available space effectively and complements the proportions and character of the room.
2. Who will design, make and install the kitchen?
Establish who will be responsible for each stage of the commission. Some businesses design kitchens but outsource the manufacture or installation. That arrangement is not necessarily a problem, but you should understand who is accountable for measurements, construction quality and the final fit.
At R J Evans Cabinet Maker, our cabinet-making and joinery experience allows us to consider the design, manufacture and installation together. This is particularly valuable in older properties, where walls and floors may not be perfectly straight and standard solutions are less likely to work.
3. What materials will be used?
Materials influence the appearance, durability, maintenance requirements and price of a kitchen. Ask what will be used for the cabinet interiors, doors, drawer boxes, worktops and visible end panels rather than concentrating on the door finish alone.
The best choice depends on the design, budget and intended use of the kitchen. Solid timber may be appropriate for some elements, while carefully selected sheet materials can provide stability and a consistent finish elsewhere.
The materials should be selected to suit the proposed design, the available budget and the demands of the room.
4. Can I choose the internal layout and storage?
A bespoke kitchen should be tailored internally as well as externally. Think about what you need to store and how frequently each item is used.
Useful features might include:
- deep drawers for pans and cookware;
- cutlery and utensil dividers;
- full-height pantry storage;
- pull-out trays or internal drawers;
- integrated recycling bins;
- storage for small appliances; and
- made-to-measure cupboards for awkward spaces.
Discussing these details early allows them to be incorporated properly into the cabinetry rather than added as an afterthought.
5. How will the design suit the way we use the kitchen?
A kitchen may look impressive but still be frustrating to use if the layout has not been planned carefully. Explain how many people use the room, whether you cook regularly, how you shop and store food, and whether the kitchen also needs to accommodate dining, working or entertaining.
The position of preparation areas, appliances, sinks and frequently used storage should support a natural flow through the room. Door openings and walkways also need to be considered, particularly around an island.
We approach each design as a practical working space first, then refine the proportions, materials and details to create the desired appearance.
6. What choices of finish and hardware are available?
The finish affects the character of the kitchen and how easily it can be maintained. Depending on the design, options may include painted cabinetry, natural timber, stained finishes or a combination of materials.
Hardware also makes a considerable difference. Hinges, drawer runners, handles and catches should suit the weight and expected use of each component. Ask whether examples are available and whether the proposed hardware is included in the quotation.
We can help customers select finishes and fittings that complement the property while remaining practical for everyday use.
7. What exactly is included in the quotation?
A quotation should make it possible to understand what you are paying for. Check whether it includes:
- the design and site survey;
- cabinet manufacture;
- doors, drawers and internal fittings;
- handles and other hardware;
- worktops;
- delivery and installation;
- removal of the existing kitchen;
- appliances;
- plumbing and electrical work;
- decoration; and
- VAT, where applicable.
Not every kitchen maker will provide every service. What matters is that the responsibilities and exclusions are clear before work begins.
If some decisions have not yet been made, ask whether the quotation contains allowances and what could cause the final price to change.
8. What is the expected timescale?
A bespoke kitchen takes time to design and manufacture. Ask when the maker could begin, how long production is expected to take and how much time should be allowed for installation.
The programme may also depend on building work, plumbing, electrics, flooring, decorating or the delivery of appliances and worktops. These stages need to be coordinated so that the kitchen is not delayed or installed before the room is ready.
The expected sequence of work should be agreed before manufacture begins so that each stage of the project can be coordinated properly.
9. How will changes be handled?
Changes are easier and less expensive during the design stage than after manufacture has begun. Ask when the design will be considered final and how any later alterations will affect the cost and completion date.
Before approving the work, check the layout, cabinet sizes, door directions, storage arrangements, appliance specifications, finishes and hardware. If anything is unclear, ask for it to be confirmed before the design is signed off.
A clear approval process protects both the customer and the maker and helps avoid misunderstandings during production.
10. Can I see examples of comparable work?
A portfolio is one of the best ways to assess whether a maker’s approach suits your project. Look for kitchens with a similar level of detail, finish or architectural setting rather than expecting to find an identical design.
Examine how cabinetry meets walls, ceilings and floors, how doors and drawers align, and how corners and end panels have been resolved. These details reveal more about the quality of the work than decorative styling alone.
We are happy to discuss examples of our previous handmade kitchens, bespoke cabinetry and joinery work when considering a new commission.
What to prepare before the first conversation
You do not need to have every detail decided before contacting a kitchen maker. However, providing some basic information will make the initial discussion more useful.
It helps to prepare:
- photographs of the existing room;
- approximate room measurements;
- details of any planned structural work;
- a list of the appliances you want to include;
- examples of kitchens, materials or colours you like;
- your preferred timescale; and
- a realistic indication of the available budget.
This information provides a starting point. Accurate site measurements and the final technical details should be confirmed before cabinetry is made.
Why choose a bespoke handmade kitchen?
A bespoke kitchen offers more than a choice of colours and doors. It allows the dimensions, storage, materials and details to be designed for the room and the people who will use it.
This can be particularly valuable in period properties, extensions and rooms with unusual proportions. Made-to-measure cabinetry can work with the architecture, preserve important features and use areas that standard units might leave wasted.
At R J Evans Cabinet Maker, we combine cabinet-making skills with practical joinery experience. This enables us to create kitchens that are carefully made, properly fitted and suited to the character of the property.
Planning a bespoke kitchen in Shropshire?
If you are considering a handmade kitchen, contact R J Evans Cabinet Maker to discuss the room, your requirements and what you would like to achieve. We can explain the information needed to assess the project and the next steps towards developing a design.
