What Does ‘Bespoke’ Really Mean in Kitchen Design?

Have you noticed how every kitchen seems to be “bespoke” these days? From high-end showrooms to budget-friendly retailers, the word is plastered across advertisements, brochures, and websites. But what does “bespoke” really mean in the context of kitchen design, and has it lost its true essence? Let’s dive into the world of custom cabinetry and explore why this once-exclusive term has become the industry’s favourite buzzword.

The Rise of the “Bespoke” Kitchen

Picture this: You’re scrolling through Instagram, and every other post showcases a “bespoke kitchen solution.” You flip through a home design magazine, and the word “bespoke” jumps out at you more times than you can count. It’s everywhere, but what does it really mean in today’s market?

Originally, “bespoke” referred to custom-made items, tailored to individual specifications. In the kitchen world, it once meant truly unique designs crafted from scratch. But as the term gained popularity, its usage expanded faster than rising dough.

As the demand for personalised home spaces grew, kitchen manufacturers saw an opportunity. The term “bespoke” began to appear in marketing materials, promising customers a one-of-a-kind kitchen experience. But as its usage expanded, so did its interpretation.  Marketing teams quickly realised the allure of “bespoke.” It became a shorthand for quality, luxury, and individuality. Soon, kitchens with even the slightest customisation option were labelled as bespoke, diluting the term’s original meaning.

As consumers, we all want to feel special. The idea of a “bespoke” kitchen appeals to our desire for a unique home that reflects our personality. This expectation has driven manufacturers to use the term more liberally, even when the level of customisation is minimal.

In a saturated market, standing out is crucial. When one company started using “bespoke,” others followed suit to remain competitive. This domino effect led to an industry-wide adoption of the term, regardless of the actual level of customisation offered.

Pricing Strategies: The “Bespoke” Premium

Let’s face it: “bespoke” sounds expensive. And often, it is. The term has become a justification for higher price points, even when the product doesn’t necessarily warrant it. Consumers might be paying a premium for the idea of bespoke rather than truly custom work.

A genuinely bespoke kitchen should be:

• Designed from scratch to fit your space and needs
• Crafted with materials chosen specifically for your project
• Built by skilled artisans, often locally
• Unique in its design and functionality

Unfortunately, many “bespoke” kitchens fall short of these criteria.

Beyond “Bespoke”: Finding Clarity in Kitchen Design

It’s time to look beyond the buzzword and focus on what really matters in kitchen design. Here are some alternatives that more accurately describe different levels of customisation:

• Made-to-Measure: Standard units adjusted to fit your space
• Customisable: Pre-designed elements with options for personalisation
• Semi-Custom: A mix of standard and custom-made components
• Fully Custom: Designed and built entirely to your specifications

The next time you encounter a “bespoke” kitchen, dig deeper. Ask about the level of customisation, the manufacturing process, and what makes it truly unique. Remember, a well-designed kitchen that meets your needs is far more valuable than a loosely applied label.

As consumers and industry professionals, we have the power to reclaim the true meaning of “bespoke” or to move beyond it entirely. Let’s focus on substance over style, and create kitchens that are genuinely tailored to individual needs – whatever we choose to call them.

By Michael Douglas

Learn more about custom kitchen design options www.davidldouglas.com

What’s your take on the use of “bespoke” in kitchen design? Share your thoughts with me michael@davidldouglas.com