What Is a Bespoke Kitchen? (with pictures)

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The term bespoke once applied only to tailors and apparel makers, who would design custom garments based on the spoken requests of each individual customer. Today this term can be used to describe a wide variety of product lines, as consumers increasingly seek out unique items rather than mass-produced goods. A bespoke kitchen refers to a home kitchen that is built to order based on the exact specifications of the homeowner. These specifications take the place of traditional templates, cookie-cutter floor plans and store bought cabinets. Those looking to create a bespoke kitchen should understand the different levels that this customization can take, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of this type of project.

When kitchen designers and contractors advertise a bespoke kitchen concept, they could be talking about a partially customized design rather than one that's truly built to order. For example, people who buy town homes in new developments may be enticed by the idea of a bespoke kitchen, but this may simply mean that the buyer can choose from a limited range of finish and material options. A choice of colors and countertops is not truly representative of a bespoke design, though it does represent a certain level of customization.

Other bespoke kitchen offerings involve builders who create a customized kitchen using pre-manufactured pieces. For example, they may modify standard cabinets and countertops and use doors, hardware, and flooring selected by the owner. Even this level of customization can not truly be considered bespoke in the purist sense of the word.

For a true bespoke kitchen, every aspect of the room should be made to order. This includes custom furniture and cabinets that are not created out of stock pieces. It may also include special flooring, doors and elements designed to match these unique pieces. Each component is built and placed based on the specifications of the owner, and no other kitchen will look the same.

One of the obvious advantages of choosing a bespoke kitchen is that the buyer can ensure that the room is aesthetically and functionally matched to his needs. These one-of-a-kind kitchens can help a house stand out when it time to sell. They also serve as a way for people to showcase their unique style.

As with all custom designs, the bespoke kitchen comes at a much higher price than a standard or semi-custom design. The process of designing and building these kitchens can also be quite time-consuming. Finally, a room that's too personalized or unique may be a deterrent to potential buyers when it comes time to sell.