Bespoke Kitchens & Joinery, Crafted In-House

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Bespoke kitchen projects handcrafted by Colding Group LTD, showcasing made-to-measure kitchens designed and built in-house across Essex.

  • Kitchen Design Ideas & Styles for Besoke Kitchens

    Kitchen Design Ideas & Styles for Besoke Kitchens

    Kitchen Design Ideas & Styles for Besoke Kitchens

    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.

    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
    Bespoke in-frame shaker kitchen in Little Greene French Grey with Acqua Viva accents, featuring a handcrafted island, Carrara quartz worktop

    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
    Bespoke open-plan kitchen in a new Essex home with white flat slab units, granite worktops and central skylight

    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.

    In-Frame Kitchens

    • Traditional appearance
    • Doors sit within a solid timber frame
    • More detailing and craftsmanship
    • Popular in shaker and classic kitchens

    Lay-On Kitchens

    • Cleaner, more modern appearance
    • Doors sit on the cabinet carcass
    • Greater flexibility in style
    • Works well for contemporary designs

    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.

  • How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

    How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)

    How Much Does a Bespoke Kitchen Cost in the UK?
    (2026 Guide)

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

    How much is this actually going to cost me?

    The honest answer: it depends.
    The helpful answer: here are real UK price ranges, what drives the cost up or down, and how to budget sensibly without nasty surprises.

    Quick Answer: Typical UK Cost Ranges

    For a bespoke (made-to-measure) kitchen in the UK, you can expect:

    Small bespoke kitchen: £10,000 – £18,000

    Medium bespoke kitchen: £15,000 – £30,000

    Large bespoke kitchen: £25,000 – £50,000+

    These figures usually include:
    design, cabinetry manufacture, doors, basic internals, and fitting.
    Appliances, stone worktops, electrics, plumbing and building works are often extra.

    What “Bespoke” Really Means (and Why It Costs More)

    A bespoke kitchen is made to your exact room size and layout — not standard factory sizes. This means:

    • No filler panels or awkward gaps
    • Cabinets built to the millimetre
    • You choose materials, finishes, colours, storage layouts
    • Better use of space (especially in period homes & awkward rooms)
    • Higher craftsmanship and durability

    You’re paying for:

    • Design time
    • Skilled joinery
    • Custom spraying/finishing
    • More precise installation

    It’s closer to furniture-making than flat-pack.

    Example Budgets (Realistic Scenarios)

    💷 £12k – £15k Budget

    • Small bespoke kitchen
    • Painted doors
    • Laminate or entry-level quartz
    • Standard appliances

    💷 £18k – £25k Budget

    • Medium bespoke kitchen
    • Shaker doors
    • Quartz worktops
    • Good-quality internals
    • Integrated appliances

    💷 £30k+ Budget

    • Large kitchen or open-plan space
    • In-frame cabinetry
    • Premium worktops
    • Pantry units, islands, storage systems
    • Higher-end appliances

    What Drives the Price Up or Down?

    Here are the biggest cost drivers 👇

    1️⃣ Size & Layout

    More cabinets = more cost.
    Islands, tall units and pantry cupboards increase price.

    2️⃣ Door Style & Finish

    • Painted shaker doors: mid-range
    • Solid wood or in-frame: higher
    • Hand-painted or specialist sprayed finishes: higher

    3️⃣ Internal Cabinet Quality

    Soft-close hinges, solid drawer boxes, pull-out storage, internal organisers — all add cost but massively improve day-to-day use.

    4️⃣ Worktops

    Worktops often shock budgets:

    • Laminate: £
    • Quartz: ££
    • Granite: £££
    • Dekton / porcelain: ££££

    Worktops alone can range from £1,500 to £6,000+.

    5️⃣ Appliances

    Integrated appliances vary wildly:

    • Budget set: £1,500 – £2,500
    • Mid-range: £3,000 – £5,000
    • Premium brands: £6,000 – £10,000+

    6️⃣ Installation & Building Work

    Older homes often need:

    • Rewiring
    • New plumbing
    • Levelling floors
    • Plastering
      These can quietly add £1,000 – £5,000+.

    Is Bespoke Worth It?

    Bespoke kitchens make sense if:

    ✅ Your room isn’t standard
    ✅ You care about finish & longevity
    ✅ You want maximum storage
    ✅ This is a long-term home
    ✅ You hate filler panels and awkward gaps

    If budget is tight and the room is simple, semi-bespoke or rigid factory kitchens can still work well.

    How to Get an Accurate Price (Without Wasting Time)

    Before getting quotes, have:

    • Rough budget range in mind
    • Room measurements
    • Inspiration photos
    • Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
    • Appliance preferences

    This stops you falling in love with a £30k design when your budget is £15k 😅

    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.

  • Painted Shaker Kitchen in Witham, Essex

    Painted Shaker Kitchen in Witham, Essex

    Painted Shaker Kitchen in Witham, Essex

    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
    Painted shaker kitchen with range cooker and bespoke overmantel in Witham, Essex
    Solid oak block worktop on painted shaker kitchen island in Witham, Essex
    Painted shaker kitchen cabinetry in Witham, Essex
    Painted shaker kitchen cabinetry with integrated appliances in Witham, Essex

    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.

    Start Your Kitchen Project

    Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

  • Bespoke French Grey & Acqua Viva Shaker Kitchen in Great Saling, Essex

    Bespoke French Grey & Acqua Viva Shaker Kitchen in Great Saling, Essex

    Bespoke French Grey & Acqua Viva Shaker Kitchen in Great Saling, Essex

    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.

    Bespoke in-frame shaker kitchen with custom island and farmhouse sink.
    Bespoke in-frame shaker kitchen in Little Greene French Grey with Acqua Viva accents, featuring a handcrafted island, Carrara quartz worktop
    Bespoke shaker kitchen with central island in French Grey and Acqua Viva.
    Left-hand cupboard within a bespoke kitchen overmantel, handcrafted in the workshop with recessed shaker-style detailing.
    Left-hand overmantel side in workshop manufacture, showing precision joinery and recessed detailing.
    Handcrafted kitchen overmantel under construction in the workshop, built using fire-resistant MDF as part of a bespoke shaker
    Right-hand overmantel cupboard detail in workshop manufacture, showing recessed joinery and clean internal finish.
    Right-hand side of a bespoke kitchen overmantel in workshop manufacture, showing precision joinery and recessed detailing.

    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.

    Start Your Kitchen Project

    Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

  • Bespoke Green Smoke Shaker Kitchen – Chorleywood

    Bespoke Green Smoke Shaker Kitchen – Chorleywood

    Bespoke Green Smoke Shaker Kitchen – Chorleywood

    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.

    Handcrafted shaker-style kitchen units in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke with integrated legs, quartz worktops, and farmhouse sink in Chorleywood
    Full view of a bespoke shaker-style kitchen painted in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke with custom cabinetry and integrated AGA.
    Bespoke Green Smoke shaker kitchen featuring a custom AGA overmantel and traditional tiled splashback in Chorleywood, Rickmansworth.
    Close-up of a bespoke Green Smoke shaker kitchen featuring a farmhouse sink, quartz worktops, and traditional chrome bridge tap in Chorleywo
    Bespoke shaker kitchen tall units in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke with integrated refrigeration and furniture-style detailing.

    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.

    Start Your Kitchen Project

    Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

  • A Bespoke Setting Plaster Shaker Kitchen in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

    A Bespoke Setting Plaster Shaker Kitchen in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

    A Bespoke Setting Plaster Shaker Kitchen in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

    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
    Close-up of bespoke shaker kitchen island with Carrara quartz worktop and integrated hob
    Bespoke shaker-style kitchen appliance wall with built-in ovens painted in Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster
    Handmade shaker kitchen with butler sink, open oak shelving and quartz worktops in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
    Bespoke shaker-style kitchen tall units with integrated fridge cabinetry painted in Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster in Rickmansworth, Hertford
    Bespoke shaker-style kitchen with integrated ovens, butler sink and quartz worktops in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
    Full view of bespoke shaker-style kitchen painted in Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
    Bespoke shaker-style kitchen island painted in Farrow & Ball Downpipe with quartz worktop and seating in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

    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.

    Start Your Kitchen Project

    Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.

  • A Bespoke Painted Shaker Kitchen and Utility in Barnstead Surrey

    A Bespoke Painted Shaker Kitchen and Utility in Barnstead Surrey

    A Bespoke Painted Shaker Kitchen and Utility in Barnstead Surrey

    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
    Painted shaker kitchen island with curved quartz worktop in Barnstead, Surrey
    Bespoke shaker-style utility room cabinetry in Barnstead, featuring an integrated washing machine fitted beneath a solid worktop
    Bespoke shaker-style utility room cabinetry with quartz worktop in Barnstead, Surrey
    Full view of bespoke painted shaker kitchen with integrated sink and quartz worktops in Barnstead, Surrey
    Bespoke painted shaker kitchen with quartz worktops and island in Barnstead, Surrey

    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.

    Start Your Kitchen Project

    Or call us on 01376 800260 to discuss your ideas.