project insight
proof that a bespoke-looking kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune
When our client first came to us, the brief was simple: they wanted a kitchen that felt bespoke and tailored, but without the hefty price tag.
Many people assume that a unique-looking kitchen automatically comes with a huge cost— but we believe the best way to design is to invest thoughtfully in a few key areas. Sometimes it’s the ironmongery, sometimes a statement piece like an island, and sometimes it’s the flooring. Everything else can be modest but still carefully considered, and the overall effect makes the space feel special.
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From the outset, our goal was to create a kitchen that felt connected to the rest of the home, maximized storage and worktop space, and reflected a modern-traditional style. The final layout centered around a main working kitchen area, complemented by a separate pantry wall for extra storage without crowding the room. Early ideas were sketched to explore how the kitchen and pantry could work together while keeping circulation smooth and functional. We also created a 3D render of the space to give the client an overall view and help them understand how everything would come together.
To keep costs manageable, we used a Howdens kitchen for the two main runs along the walls, which came to £3,750 (supply only). To make the units feel more bespoke, we chose the 'in-frame' style, where a fixed frame surrounds each door—much like a carpenter might traditionally build a kitchen. This small detail gives a handcrafted feel without the cost of fully bespoke cabinetry. From the beginning, we sat down with the client and discussed how they would actually use the kitchen, working out where everything would go so the flow felt natural and functional.
At the heart of the kitchen, we introduced a bespoke oak island, which cost £2,940. This was one of the key areas where we chose to invest: the bespoke detailing, integrated towel bar, and baseboard for displaying decorative items make a big visual and practical impact. Recessed oak shelving elsewhere in the kitchen reflected the island material, pulling the design together and adding warmth and continuity without the expense of making everything bespoke.
We also added two fixed glazed screens to break up the long kitchen-living-dining space. They create defined zones while maintaining visual and physical connection, showing how a simple architectural touch can make a big difference in how a room feels.
To complete the design, we curated a material palette that balanced practicality and style. Zellige style tiles were chosen for the splashback, costing just £220, adding texture and character. The quartz worktop, including the island slab, cost £5,000 and delivers a durable, refined surface where it matters most. A small ledge along the top of the tiles, crafted from the same quartz material as the worktop, adds a subtle, polished finishing touch.
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The finished kitchen is functional, stylish, and thoughtful—but importantly, it didn’t break the bank. By investing in key statement areas—the oak island, the worktop, and select joinery details—while being economical elsewhere, we created a space that feels bespoke, considered, and elevated.