What Makes a True Bespoke Kitchen (and How to Spot the Difference.)
This bespoke kitchen’s island, in Sevenoaks, was designed to curve and to create a cosy cooking area.
Everyone Says ‘Bespoke’
It has become a bit of a design buzz-word and if you’ve been researching new kitchens, you’ve probably noticed that everyone calls themselves ‘bespoke’ or offers ‘bespoke’ options. It’s become one of the most overused words in home design — yet very few companies deliver on its real meaning’s promise.
And, we don’t stress this enough about ourselves! A recent email from one of our kitchen customers told us we should be celebrating this more - there was no other kitchen option for her beautiful, quirky, country-home space than a bespoke kitchen.
At Collins Bespoke, every kitchen we create is completely individual. Every cabinet, panel and joint is made to fit your space, the height, depth and width of the cabinetry, even the placement of the handles and hinges - they are designed and made to suit you — not the other way around.
A pretty Kent cottage kitchen with some very imposing oak beams - but what beautiful features to work around.
What Does ‘Bespoke’ Really Mean?
The term ‘bespoke’ comes from the old English verb ‘to bespeak’, meaning ‘to speak for something’ or ‘to order in advance’. In the 18th century, gentlemen would ‘bespeak’ their tailor — reserving a length of cloth that would be cut and stitched to their exact measurements and their suits would be ‘bespoken.’ That same heritage of craft and individuality still defines true bespoke work today.
A true bespoke kitchen is designed and built entirely around you — not adapted from a standard range or pre-sized unit.
It’s made to measure for your home, your needs, and your taste.
That’s why no two Collins Bespoke kitchens are ever alike. They are all bespoken.
Every single element of our kitchens is built by a skilled cabinet-maker.
How to Spot the Difference
Many high-street and showroom brands offer what they call ‘semi-bespoke’ or ‘made-to-order’ kitchens. In reality, they’re pre-built modular units available in limited sizes and colours. You’ll often find filler panels hiding gaps, restricted layouts and a narrow palette of finishes.
A Collins Bespoke kitchen is different. Every element — from the cabinet carcasses to the door profiles — is made in our workshop. That means seamless corners, perfectly aligned joins, and storage solutions built to millimetre precision. And, also why our workshop is our predominant feature - it is where the real crafting happens - sorry designers!
Low ceilings, cottage oak beams, and a farmhouse chimney nook - no problem for handcrafted kitchens.
The Benefits of True Bespoke Craftsmanship
• Perfect Fit: Every kitchen is designed around your home’s dimensions and quirks.
• Design Freedom: From curved cabinetry to concealed larders — no limitations.
• Enduring Quality: Built by skilled joiners using the finest materials.
• Timeless Value: A Collins Bespoke kitchen will look and feel exceptional for decades. (Read our testimonials!)
Experience Bespoke at Collins Bespoke
From your first consultation at our Ashford showroom to the final brushstroke of paint, we make the journey personal and enjoyable. Our designers listen carefully, sketch ideas, explore finishes, and oversee every stage of manufacture in-house. Our workshop team is very much involved with the designer’s ideas.
Discover the difference true bespoke craftsmanship makes. See more of our projects.
Book your complimentary design consultation at our Ashford showroom today and start planning a kitchen that’s genuinely made for you.
