A Guide to Bespoke Kitchen Design

A place for gatherings, family dinners or creating beautiful flavours, the kitchen is a coveted space within a home, and opting for a bespoke design ensures a welcoming environment for everyone who steps inside. 

Led by founder Craig Burley, the Burley Kitchens & Cabinetry team prides itself on the premium craftsmanship reflected in its bespoke kitchen designs. With a focus on seamlessly blending functionality alongside aesthetics, Burley Kitchens ensures that each kitchen design perfectly reflects the client’s lifestyle and preferences, promising the perfect space within your home.

The balance between functionality and aesthetics is make-or-break in bespoke kitchen design, and working with an expert in the industry will ensure your everyday needs are prioritised. “We consider the shape of the room, the two working triangles, with the general view that balance is aesthetically pleasing to the eye,” explains Craig Burley, founder of Burley Kitchens & Cabinetry. We use clever design techniques that give the space a sense of balance and allow us to integrate functionality—all adding to the beauty and unique experience of living and working in a bespoke kitchen.” This approach stems from a deep understanding that a kitchen should be visually appealing but also serve as a highly functional space that enhances your daily life - a balance harmonised by true experts in the craft. 

Innovation sits at the heart of bespoke design, putting together something off-the-shelf simply doesn’t offer. Today’s bespoke kitchens go beyond the simple oven and benchtops, with their designs usually incorporating unique, cutting-edge features that work to transform the kitchen into something more than the traditional. “Incorporating hidden doors in a clever way with very capable hardware to disguise scullery entrances. Combining benchtop materials to achieve client briefs that are outside the size limitations of an individual material. Utilising smart storage solutions and custom cabinetry to maximise space and functionality.”

The journey of designing a bespoke kitchen also means achieving a deep understanding of the client, their needs and their preferences. “Building a relationship with our clients is essential. This helps us immensely with the design and allows us to be so much more on point with our plans. Every new lead is offered a home visit and an initial consultation one-on-one with the client in their space.” explains Craig. “This is crucial for us to move forward with the correct concept in mind. It allows us to see the flow of the house as a whole and gives us an in-depth understanding of the client's perspective and how they want their bespoke kitchen to work for them as an individual/family. We have conversations around their wish list, ideas and styles.”

The journey toward creating the perfect bespoke kitchen begins with an in-depth conversation. The designer immerses themselves in the client’s world, and this initial phase is crucial for understanding not only the client’s aesthetic preferences but also the practical needs that will define the space's functionality. This consultation will allow the designer to observe the flow of the house, assess the existing space, discuss the client’s vision, and experience the client’s lifestyle, cooking habits and more. 

“From the first in-home consultation to when we are ready to present our plans and quotation is 2-3 weeks. During this time, our three designers discuss the desired outcome and how we can achieve it within the space and design,” explains Craig. “A designer is assigned to create a first concept plan, which is then left for a couple of days before our team meets again for a review. The assigned designer is then tasked with finalising the first rendition and quote to present to the client. At this stage, we invite our clients into our showroom so we can showcase the products we have allowed to create this design. We also ensure ample time for feedback and adjustments based on client input.”

The consultation also extends beyond functionality, ensuring the right materials, finishes, and technology are used, as well as sustainable design practices that may be available. “In our material choices, we are constantly evolving with the market and the products available. Modern machinery and technology allow for more efficiency and less waste.

Ready to transform your kitchen into the heart of your home? Contact Burley Kitchens & Cabinetry today.