The Tyler Hill Kitchen
A Timeless Family Kitchen in Canterbury
When Lois and her family began renovating their home in Tyler Hill, just outside Canterbury, bespoke wasn't even on the list.
Like many homeowners, she'd assumed a handcrafted kitchen would be beyond her budget. What followed was a journey that proved thoughtful design, personal service and bespoke craftsmanship were far more accessible than she'd imagined.
The Story
"I'd always assumed ‘bespoke’ would be out of our price range," Lois explains. "We'd already worked up a design with Howdens. It wasn't exactly what I'd imagined, but I accepted that because the choices were limited."
There was one thing she wasn't prepared to compromise on, however—a Lacanche range cooker.
Searching online for a local Lacanche retailer led her to Collins Bespoke.
"We were offered a no-obligation quotation and decided to go ahead out of curiosity. We were pleasantly surprised. It wasn't much more than we'd already planned to spend, and the difference was absolutely worth it."
The island became another opportunity to introduce warmth without overpowering the room.
"I wanted to break up the white cabinetry with something different, but I didn't want a dark colour. I'd seen a natural timber island on a television programme and immediately knew that was what I wanted."
Choosing a favourite feature is still almost impossible.
"The island is wonderful, but I also love the little spice cupboards beside the cooker, the coffee pod drawer and even the bin drawer. They're the small things that make the kitchen work so well every single day."
Living With It
Perhaps the greatest compliment comes long after installation, when the excitement of a new kitchen has simply become part of everyday family life.
"I'm still in love with my kitchen and it looks as good as it did the day it was installed."
For Lois, the experience was about far more than beautiful cabinetry.
"I felt like everyone involved genuinely wanted to make it special and perfect. Nothing was ever too much trouble and every email and telephone call was answered so quickly. We always felt like we mattered and weren't just another customer."
Asked whether she'd choose bespoke again, her answer is immediate.
"I never dreamed I'd be able to have a bespoke kitchen, but it was worth every penny."
What began as a simple comparison quickly became something much more personal.
"The personal service, the design options and the quality made all the difference. Suddenly I could have everything I'd originally wanted rather than settling for the closest option."
Lois already had a clear vision for the space.
"Neutral and natural are my colours. Some people say they're safe or boring, but I find them incredibly calming."
The brass detailing on the Lacanche became the thread that tied the whole room together.
"I loved being able to carry the brass through into the taps, handles and even subtle hints within the quartz worktops."
Project Details
Location: Tyler Hill, Canterbury, Kent
Cabinetry: Beaded Shaker cabinetry hand-painted in Farrow & Ball School House White with a lightly stained oak island.
Handles: Armac Martin Cotswold collection in Aged Brass.
Tap: Abode Atlas in Brushed Brass.
Worktops: Classic Quartz Calacatta Gold.
Cooking: Lacanche range cooker with Siemens appliances and a Westin extractor.
Project Value: Approximately £45,000 (2023).
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