In this guide we compare painted kitchens and wood kitchens, looking at their appearance, durability, maintenance and suitability for different types of homes.

Painted Kitchens

Painted kitchens are one of the most common choices for bespoke kitchens in the UK. Cabinets are typically made from materials such as MDF or timber and then finished with a sprayed or hand-painted coating to create a smooth, durable surface.

Painted kitchens offer excellent flexibility in colour and design, allowing homeowners to create everything from traditional shaker kitchens to more contemporary styles.

Advantages of painted kitchens include:

• Wide range of colour options
• Smooth, consistent finish
• Works well with both modern and traditional kitchens
• Can be repainted in the future if styles change

Natural Wood Kitchens

Natural wood kitchens showcase the grain and character of real timber rather than covering it with paint. Cabinets are often finished with oils, stains or lacquers that protect the surface while highlighting the natural beauty of the wood.

Wood kitchens are particularly popular in traditional homes or properties where natural materials and craftsmanship are an important part of the overall design.

Advantages of natural wood kitchens include:

• Natural warmth and character
• Unique grain patterns in every kitchen
• Durable and long-lasting materials
• Timeless appearance

Painted vs Wood Kitchens: Key Differences

Both painted and wood kitchens can work beautifully in bespoke kitchen design, but they offer different visual styles and practical considerations.

Painted kitchens offer greater flexibility in colour and are often easier to match with modern interiors. Wood kitchens, on the other hand, provide a more natural and characterful appearance that many homeowners prefer in traditional or period properties.

The best choice often depends on the overall design of the home, the desired style of the kitchen and how the space will be used day to day.

Examples of Painted and Wood Kitchens

Looking at real installations can help homeowners decide which kitchen style suits their home best.

Painted Shaker Kitchen – Witham
A Bespoke Painted Shaker Kitchen and Utility in Barnstead Surrey
A Bespoke Setting Plaster Shaker Kitchen in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Choosing the Right Kitchen Finish

Both painted kitchens and wood kitchens can be excellent choices when designed and built as bespoke kitchens. The decision usually comes down to personal preference, the character of the home and the overall style you want to achieve.

For a broader overview of bespoke kitchen design, materials and planning, you can also read our Complete Guide to Bespoke Kitchens in the UK.

Because every kitchen is made to measure, bespoke kitchens allow for better use of space, higher quality materials and a design that works perfectly with the way you live.

In this guide we explain what bespoke kitchens are, how much they cost in the UK, the materials used and how to plan a kitchen that will look great and perform well for years to come.

What Is a Bespoke Kitchen?

A bespoke kitchen is a kitchen that is designed and built specifically for an individual home rather than using standard off-the-shelf units. Every cabinet, panel and detail is made to suit the space, allowing for a layout that fits perfectly and works around how the homeowner uses their kitchen.

Unlike flat-pack kitchens, bespoke kitchens offer far greater flexibility in design, materials and construction, resulting in a kitchen that is both more functional and longer lasting.

Key features that define bespoke kitchens include:

• Made to measure – cabinets and units built to fit the exact space rather than standard sizes

• Built in-house – often manufactured by skilled joiners rather than mass-produced in factories

• Tailored layouts – the design can be customised around the room, appliances and how the kitchen will be used

• Better materials – bespoke kitchens often use higher quality timber, hardware and finishes compared to flat-pack options

How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost?

Bespoke kitchen costs in the UK can vary depending on the size of the kitchen, the materials used and the level of customisation required. Because bespoke kitchens are designed and built specifically for each home, they are typically more expensive than flat-pack kitchens but offer far greater durability, flexibility and long-term value.

Many bespoke kitchens are designed around the unique layout of each home, which is why real project examples can be helpful when planning a new kitchen.

You can read our full breakdown here: What Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost in the UK

Many bespoke kitchens are also designed around the unique layout of the home, which is why real project examples can be helpful when planning a new kitchen.

See some of our recent bespoke kitchen projects.

Bespoke Kitchen Design Ideas

Bespoke kitchens offer complete flexibility when it comes to design, layout and materials. Because every kitchen is built specifically for the space, homeowners can choose styles, materials and layouts that perfectly suit both the character of the property and how the kitchen will be used.

Some of the most popular bespoke kitchen styles found in UK homes include:

Shaker Kitchens

Shaker kitchens are one of the most popular choices in the UK. They feature simple framed cabinet doors, clean lines and a timeless design that works well in both traditional and modern homes.

Modern & Handleless Kitchens

Modern bespoke kitchens often focus on clean lines, flat cabinet doors and handleless designs. These kitchens create a sleek, minimalist look and are often combined with integrated appliances and large kitchen islands.

Traditional Kitchens

Traditional bespoke kitchens often include classic detailing, natural timber finishes and more decorative cabinet styles. They are particularly well suited to period properties or homes looking for a more characterful kitchen design.

Contemporary Kitchens

Contemporary kitchens combine modern layouts with a mix of materials such as painted cabinetry, timber accents and stone worktops. They offer a balance between classic craftsmanship and modern styling.

Many bespoke kitchens combine elements from several styles to create a design that suits both the character of the property and the homeowner’s lifestyle.

You can also explore our full article on Kitchen Design Ideas & Styles for Bespoke Kitchens for more inspiration and examples or explore some of our recent bespoke kitchen projects to see different kitchen styles in real homes.

Materials Used in Bespoke Kitchens

Bespoke kitchens allow homeowners to choose from a wide range of materials, each offering different benefits in terms of durability, appearance and long-term performance. Because bespoke kitchens are made to order, the materials used can be selected to suit both the design of the kitchen and how the space will be used.

The most common materials used in bespoke kitchens include cabinet materials, worktops and surface finishes.

Cabinet Materials

The structure of a bespoke kitchen is usually built using high-quality cabinet materials designed for strength and stability.

• Solid timber – often used for frames, doors or decorative elements where durability and natural character are important.

• MDF (medium-density fibreboard) – commonly used for painted kitchens because it provides a smooth surface that produces a high-quality sprayed finish.

• Plywood – a strong and stable material often used for cabinet construction due to its durability and resistance to movement.

• Veneered boards – allow the appearance of real timber while maintaining stability and consistency.

Kitchen Worktop Materials

Worktops play a major role in both the appearance and durability of a kitchen. Popular options include:

• Granite worktops – a natural stone that offers excellent durability and a premium appearance.

• Quartz worktops – an engineered stone that provides consistent colour, strong durability and low maintenance.

• Solid wood worktops – often used in traditional kitchens to introduce warmth and natural texture.

• Laminate worktops – a more affordable option that can replicate the appearance of stone or timber.

Finishes and Surface Treatments

The finish applied to kitchen cabinetry can significantly affect both the look and durability of the kitchen.

• Painted finishes – one of the most popular choices in bespoke kitchens, offering flexibility in colour and a timeless appearance.

• Spray-painted cabinetry – provides a smooth, consistent finish often used in modern or contemporary kitchens.

• Natural timber finishes – highlight the grain and character of real wood.

• Protective lacquers and oils – used to improve durability and protect surfaces from wear.

The combination of materials chosen can dramatically change the overall look and character of a kitchen. You can explore how different materials are used in real homes by viewing our recent bespoke kitchen projects.

Example Bespoke Kitchen Projects

Bespoke kitchens are designed to suit each individual home, meaning every project is slightly different. Looking at real kitchen installations can help provide inspiration and show how different layouts, materials and styles work in practice.

At Colding Group we design, manufacture and install bespoke kitchens tailored to each property. You can explore some of our recent projects to see how different kitchen styles, layouts and materials come together in real homes across Essex and the surrounding areas.

Some of our recent bespoke kitchen projects include:

• Painted Shaker Kitchen in Witham, Essex
• Bespoke French Grey & Acqua Viva Shaker Kitchen in Great Saling, Essex
• Bespoke Green Smoke Shaker Kitchen – Chorleywood

You can explore more installations on our Bespoke Kitchen Projects page.

Planning a Bespoke Kitchen

Planning a bespoke kitchen involves more than simply choosing cabinet styles or colours. Because the kitchen is designed specifically for the space, it is important to consider how the room will be used, the layout of appliances and the materials that will work best for everyday living.

When planning a bespoke kitchen, homeowners should think about several key factors.

Layout and workflow

A well-designed kitchen layout ensures that cooking, preparation and cleaning areas work efficiently together. Many kitchen designers use the idea of the “kitchen work triangle”, which positions the sink, cooker and fridge within easy reach of one another.

Storage and organisation

One of the main advantages of bespoke kitchens is the ability to create storage that fits the way the household uses the space. Custom cabinets, deep drawers and integrated storage solutions can make everyday kitchen tasks far more practical.

Lighting and atmosphere

Lighting plays a major role in how a kitchen looks and functions. A well-planned kitchen often combines several types of lighting, including task lighting for work areas, ambient lighting for the room and feature lighting for islands or dining areas.

Choosing materials

Materials should be selected not only for their appearance but also for durability and maintenance. Worktops, cabinet finishes and hardware all need to withstand daily use while complementing the overall design of the kitchen.

Looking at real installations can often help homeowners visualise what works best for their own space. You can explore a range of different layouts and designs in our recent bespoke kitchen projects.

Bespoke Kitchens Designed & Built by Colding Group

Colding Group designs, manufactures and installs bespoke kitchens built specifically for each home. Our in-house team works closely with homeowners to create kitchens that combine quality materials, practical layouts and long-lasting craftsmanship.

You can explore our recent bespoke kitchen projects.

These gates were designed and built as part of our bespoke driveway gates service in Essex.

These bespoke iroko driveway gates were designed and handcrafted for a private property in Wickham Bishops, Essex, combining traditional curved profiling with durable hardwood construction. Chosen for its natural resistance to moisture and weathering, iroko offers long-lasting performance with a rich, refined finish that will mature beautifully over time.

Designed with a classic curved top profile, each gate leaf was made to measure to suit the entrance width and site levels, ensuring a balanced and symmetrical appearance when closed. Solid iroko boards were selected and carefully jointed to provide strength, privacy, and long-term stability, while the smooth planed finish enhances the natural grain and colour of the timber.

Fitted with high-quality external-grade ironmongery and installed onto existing masonry piers, these gates provide both security and kerb appeal, creating a strong first impression at the entrance to the property while remaining in keeping with the surrounding architecture.

Project Overview

• Project type: Bespoke hardwood driveway gates
• Location: Wickham Bishops, Essex
• Style: Traditional curved-top driveway gates
• Material: Solid iroko hardwood
• Finish: Natural iroko finish (externally sealed for weather protection)
• Construction: Made-to-measure, solid-board construction
• Installation: Fitted to existing piers with external-grade ironmongery
• Key features: Curved top profile, solid hardwood boards, weather-resistant timber, handcrafted joinery

Bespoke Iroko Driveway Gates in Wickham Bishops, Essex

Handcrafted iroko driveway gates featuring a traditional curved profile and solid hardwood construction, designed for durability, security, and kerb appeal.

We design and build bespoke wooden driveway gates across Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, and surrounding counties. Every gate is handmade to order, tailored to the entrance, the belief of the property, and the client’s requirements.

Start Your Bespoke Gate Project

If you’re looking for bespoke driveway gates in Essex, our team designs, manufactures and installs handcrafted hardwood gates tailored to your entrance, style and security needs. Every gate is made to measure in our workshop and installed by our experienced joinery team.

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

If you’re planning a bespoke kitchen, choosing the right design style is just as important as layout and materials. From classic shaker kitchens to contemporary handleless designs, a made-to-measure kitchen allows every detail to be tailored to your home, space, and lifestyle.

Below are some of the most popular bespoke kitchen styles we design and build, along with layout ideas and design considerations to help shape your project.

For a full overview of bespoke kitchens including costs, materials and planning advice, read our Complete Guide to Bespoke Kitchens in the UK.

Bespoke Shaker Kitchens

Shaker kitchens remain one of the most popular choices, combining traditional detailing with a timeless, versatile look. Because our kitchens are fully bespoke, shaker designs can be adapted to suit both period properties and modern homes.

Common features include:

• In-frame shaker doors
• Painted finishes in soft neutrals or heritage colours
• Traditional cornicing and overmantels
• Custom pantry cupboards and larders

Bespoke shaker kitchens work particularly well in:

• Farmhouses and rural homes
• Period properties
• Homes looking for a timeless, character-led kitchen

Modern Bespoke Kitchen Design

For homeowners wanting a clean, contemporary look, modern bespoke kitchens focus on simplicity, proportions, and high-quality finishes. Because everything is made to measure, modern designs can be built around architectural features and awkward spaces without relying on standard cabinet sizes.

Popular modern features:

• Handleless cabinetry
• Flat panel doors
• Integrated appliances
• Clean lines with minimal detailing
• Bespoke storage solutions

These kitchens suit:

• New builds
• Open-plan living spaces
• Homes with contemporary architecture

In-Frame vs Lay-On Kitchen Doors

One of the biggest design decisions in a bespoke kitchen is choosing between in-frame and lay-on cabinetry.

Because we manufacture in-house, both styles are fully bespoke and tailored to your layout and space.

Bespoke Kitchen Layout & Storage Ideas

A well-designed bespoke kitchen isn’t just about how it looks — it’s about how it works day to day. Made-to-measure cabinetry allows layouts and storage to be designed around how you actually use your kitchen.

Popular bespoke layout ideas:

• Full-height larder units
• Built-in breakfast cupboards
• Integrated recycling storage
• Custom island units
• Made-to-measure corner solutions

This flexibility is where bespoke kitchens differ most from off-the-shelf systems.

Colour Options

All our kitchens are fully colour-matched to your chosen finish.
Whether that’s Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Dulux, or a custom sample — we spray in-house for a perfect match.

You can explore real examples of completed kitchens on our bespoke kitchen projects page.

Ready to Start Your Bespoke Kitchen?

Contact Colding Group to arrange a free consultation and design discussion. All of our bespoke kitchens are designed, handcrafted, and installed by our in-house team, ensuring consistency, quality, and attention to detail throughout.

While we are based in Essex, we also design, manufacture, and install bespoke kitchens for homes across neighbouring counties including Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, Kent, and Surrey.

Start Your Kitchen Project

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

Considering a bespoke kitchen? We’ve written a detailed guide on How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost in the UK?, including realistic price ranges and the factors that influence final cost.

If you’re researching a bespoke kitchen, the first question is almost always:

Final Thought

A bespoke kitchen isn’t about “luxury for luxury’s sake” — it’s about fit, function and longevity.
Done well, it adds daily enjoyment and long-term value to your home.

Ready to Start Your Bespoke Kitchen in Essex?

Contact Colding Group to arrange a free consultation and design discussion. All of our bespoke kitchens are designed, handcrafted, and installed by our in-house team, ensuring consistency, quality, and attention to detail throughout.

While we are based in Essex, we also design, manufacture, and install bespoke kitchens for homes across neighbouring counties including Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, Kent, and Surrey.

Start Your Kitchen Project

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

This painted shaker kitchen was designed and handcrafted for a private home in Witham, Essex. Finished in French Grey and Acqua Viva, the kitchen was created as a fully bespoke, made-to-measure design, combining traditional shaker detailing with practical modern features.

The design includes a solid oak block worktop, bespoke shaker cabinetry built in-house, and a central island providing additional workspace and storage. Integrated appliances include a built-in microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, and a 900mm range cooker set beneath a custom overmantel, creating a strong focal point within the space.

Bespoke Shaker Kitchen Design & Build

Designed around the layout and proportions of the room, this bespoke shaker kitchen was built entirely in-house to ensure precise fit and consistency throughout. Painted finishes, traditional joinery, and carefully selected materials were combined to create a kitchen that is both functional and timeless.

Project Overview

• Project type: Bespoke painted shaker-style kitchen
   
• Location: Witham, Essex
   
• Style: Painted shaker kitchen
   
• Paint finish: Farrow & Ball 
   
• Construction: Made-to-measure doors
   
• Worktops: Solid oak block worktops
   
• Key features: Custom overmantel, central island, Built-in Appliances, bespoke cabinetry

Start Your Bespoke Kitchen Project

Inspired by this bespoke shaker kitchen in Witham, Essex?
We design, manufacture and install handcrafted kitchens tailored to your space, lifestyle and home. From initial concept through to installation, every kitchen is built in-house with a focus on quality, detail and long-term durability.

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

This bespoke shaker-style kitchen was designed and handcrafted for a private home in Great Saling, Essex, combining classic detailing with a bold yet balanced colour palette. Finished in Little Greene French Grey and P&P Library Acqua Viva, the kitchen delivers a refined, character-led aesthetic tailored to the client’s vision.

Designed in a beaded in-frame shaker style, each door was made to the customer’s exact specifications, creating a subtle non-uniform appearance that enhances the handcrafted feel. Shaker end panels and a bevelled shaker cornice add traditional detailing, while a custom-built overmantel houses cabinetry on both sides, constructed using fire-resistant MDF for safety and durability.

Finished with 30mm Carrara quartz worktops and matching upstands, and complemented by Amtico flooring, this kitchen blends elegance, practicality, and long-term performance in a space designed to be both functional and visually striking.

Project Overview

• Project type: Bespoke shaker-style kitchen
   
• Location: Great Saling, Essex
   
• Style: Beaded in-frame shaker kitchen
   
• Paint finish: Little Greene French Grey & P&P Library Acqua Viva
   
• Construction: Made-to-measure doors with fire-resistant MDF overmantel units
   
• Worktops: 30mm Carrara quartz with matching upstands
   
• Flooring: Amtico flooring
   
• Key features: Custom overmantel, central island, farmhouse sink, bespoke cabinetry

Bespoke Shaker Kitchen in French Grey & Acqua Viva

A handcrafted shaker kitchen in Great Saling, Essex, featuring bespoke cabinetry, custom overmantel detailing, and Carrara quartz worktops.

We design and build bespoke shaker kitchens across Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, and surrounding counties. Every kitchen is handmade to order, tailored to the home, the space, and the client.

Start Your Bespoke Kitchen Project

Inspired by this bespoke shaker kitchen in Great Saling, Essex?
We design, manufacture and install handcrafted kitchens tailored to your space, lifestyle and home. From initial concept through to installation, every kitchen is built in-house with a focus on quality, detail and long-term durability.

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

Crafted for timeless charm, this bespoke shaker-style kitchen was designed and handmade for a private home in Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Painted in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke, the kitchen balances traditional craftsmanship with refined, modern detailing.

Featuring beaded shaker doors with tulipwood frames, moisture-resistant MDF panels, and birch-faced plywood carcasses, the build prioritises durability without compromising aesthetics. The design is finished without plinths, instead integrating legs seamlessly into the front frames for a distinctive, furniture-style appearance.

A custom-built overmantel frames the AGA perfectly, creating a strong focal point tailored to the client’s vision. The result is a handcrafted kitchen that feels warm, characterful, and built to last.

Project Overview

• Project type: Bespoke shaker-style kitchen
   
• Location: Chorleywood, Rickmansworth
   
• Style: Painted Beaded shaker kitchen
   
• Finish: Farrow & Ball Green Smoke 
   
• Construction: Tulipwood-framed doors, moisture-resistant MDF panels, birch-faced plywood carcasses
   
• Design details: Built without plinths, with legs integrated into the front frames
   
• Key features: Custom AGA overmantel, integrated refrigeration, quartz worktops, farmhouse (butler) sink

Bespoke Shaker Kitchens Across the South East

We design and build bespoke shaker kitchens across Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, Cambridgeshire, and surrounding counties. Every kitchen is handmade to order, tailored to the home, the space, and the client.

Start Your Bespoke Kitchen Project

Inspired by this bespoke shaker kitchen in Chorleywood?
We design, manufacture and install handcrafted kitchens tailored to your space, lifestyle and home. From initial concept through to installation, every kitchen is built in-house with a focus on quality, detail and long-term durability.

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

This bespoke shaker-style kitchen in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire was designed, handcrafted and installed to create a timeless yet highly functional family space. Painted in Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster, the cabinetry brings a soft, elegant warmth that complements the natural light throughout the room. Traditional shaker detailing is paired with modern design solutions, resulting in a kitchen that feels classic, practical and beautifully balanced.

At the heart of the space is a handcrafted island, finished in a contrasting tone and topped with luxurious quartz worktops. Thoughtfully planned storage, integrated appliances and carefully selected materials ensure this kitchen works effortlessly for everyday living while maintaining a refined, bespoke finish.

Project Overview

• Project type: Bespoke shaker-style kitchen
   
• Location: Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
   
• Style: Painted shaker kitchen
   
• Finish: Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster
   
• Features: Handcrafted island, integrated appliances, quartz worktops, butler sink

Start Your Bespoke Kitchen Project

Inspired by this bespoke shaker kitchen in Barnstead?

We design, manufacture and install handcrafted kitchens tailored to your space, lifestyle and home. From initial concept through to installation, every kitchen is built in-house with a focus on quality, detail and long-term durability.

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

This bespoke painted shaker kitchen and utility was designed for a Barnstead home, combining a classic dove grey colour palette with practical, considered detailing. The kitchen and adjoining utility were planned as one cohesive space, allowing both rooms to sit comfortably together while maintaining a calm, balanced feel.

Traditional shaker proportions are enhanced with subtle detailing, including a bevelled shaker cornice and beaded tongue-and-groove end panels. Softly radiused corner posts and a consistent painted finish help create a clean, timeless look across the cabinetry, balancing traditional character with modern functionality.

Designed around everyday use, the finished space feels ordered, purposeful and built to last — a kitchen and utility that work seamlessly together while retaining a sense of understated craftsmanship.

Project Overview

• Project type: Bespoke painted shaker kitchen and utility
   
• Location: Barnstead, Surrey
   
• Style: Classic shaker
   
• Finish: Painted dove grey
   
• Features: Integrated appliances, bespoke cabinetry, utility room designed as part of the kitchen scheme

Start Your Bespoke Kitchen Project

Inspired by this bespoke shaker kitchen in Barnstead?

We design, manufacture and install handcrafted kitchens tailored to your space, lifestyle and home. From initial concept through to installation, every kitchen is built in-house with a focus on quality, detail and long-term durability.

Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.