What is Bespoke?
Bespoke has become an exhausted term, using across many services, losing meaning and value. It is an increasingly common marketing lure often applied to the act of modifying something that already exists.
We decided to discuss the meaning with Alexander Forster, director of Hunt Bespoke Kitchens to understand bespoke and advice If you decide to have a bespoke kitchen.
What does a bespoke kitchen mean to you?
A bespoke kitchen needs to be designed for both your needs and the room. We start with a blank page and spend time understanding how you will use the kitchen now, and in the future. We also consider the property and challenges it might present. We often work in old houses with uneven walls and floors and our designers and fitters will work to make a kitchen fit perfectly into the space.
Can you give examples of really making a kitchen personal for a client?
In the last year, we have made a unique door design for one client, made a kitchen designed around an antique dresser for one client and incorporated oak from a tree on a client’s land into their kitchen. Each kitchen was unique and special to the client.
A kitchen designed for the client and their preference should reflect their individual tastes as well as being easy for them to use, and practical. We regularly work in listed property and will design clever ways to maximise space and light if we are constricted.
What is the most important advice would you give to someone thinking of a bespoke kitchen?
Communication. A bespoke kitchen is an investment both financially and of time. We need to understand the client and build up a mutual understanding of requirements. The best projects start with honest communication between the client and designer. Clear guidance should be given on a customer wants in their kitchen, how they will use the kitchen and what they don’t want in their kitchen.
Be honest with budget too. If you give an indication of what you are comfortable spending the company should be able to work with that. A good company will not ask you to spend more than you need to.
Spend time understanding the style you want for your kitchen. Each company will have a certain style and choose the one that suits you the best.
Appliances can vary enormously and there are many good brands out there. We know the ones worth the money and can advise accordingly. If you are considering a separate fridge and freezer, always weight the budget to the fridge. The hinges will have far more use!
You mentioned a bespoke kitchen as an investment. Is this true?
For most people, the kitchen is the most important room of the house. We aim to design and make a kitchen that will last a lifetime. We are often asked to refresh an old Hunts kitchen 10-15 years down the line with a change of paint colour, new handles and occasionally an extra cabinet. We love this as it proves the design was right in the first place and new paint and handles will make it look modern and new.
The investment is in the quality of design and craftsmanship. Our doors are 27mmand made of solid wood, designed to last a lifetime. Our only repeat customers are ones that have moved house and want a Hunts kitchen again.
Bespoke Kitchens tend to be more expensive. Are they worth it?
Over the long term, definitely. Our kitchens are made by us by our craftsman and fitted perfectly. We make a 27mm door from solid wood and are obsessive about details. We are proud that we tend to only see a client refresh a kitchen and change the paint or when they move house. A mass produced kitchen might need replacing in five to ten years’ time, causing massive disruption and cost.
For most people, the kitchen is now the most important room in the house. It should feel special and unique. We believe it is worth having a bespoke service as a result to create something that is both practical, unique and beautiful.
