Bespoke Handmade Kitchens
What defines a Handmade Kitchen?
The kitchen is no longer just a place to cook. It’s the heart of the home a space for culinary delights, entertaining friends and loved ones, and even tackling homework or emails. A handmade kitchen should cater to everyone. With a bespoke kitchen design service, the possibilities are endless.
Papilio’s handmade kitchens are crafted in the UK. We use meticulous joinery, premium materials, and refined detailing tailored to your home. Our bespoke, crafted design service ensures a truly handmade kitchen. We make everything from scratch; there are no set parameters or templates. Our handmade kitchens are stylish, but what makes them special is the artisanry, expertise, and experience that go into each design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make & install a new handmade kitchen?
Manufacture takes around 8 weeks. Your kitchen is made and fully constructed in the workshop, including pre-fitting all appliances. Installation typically takes 2 weeks, depending on the kitchen size. The work surfaces have a further lead time of around 2 weeks.
Can you incorporate antique furniture and heirlooms in the kitchen design?
Absolutely! We have done so on numerous occasions. We are respectful to existing features and are more than happy to work with suitable pieces. A great example can be found in our Mid-Century-Inspired Kitchen in Somerset.
Can you make other handmade elements? Like hardware and bespoke features?
We can indeed. We have produced our own handles, ice troughs, lighting rails, fittings and more. If you have ideas, we can make them happen.
Recent Handmade Kitchen Projects
Materials and Cabinet Construction
The beauty of handmade kitchens is that anything is possible. Engaging a bespoke kitchen designer allows you to dream big. But you must also expect high-quality materials and exceptional cabinet construction. At Papilio, we only work with the best natural and engineered materials. We want our bespoke, crafted kitchens to last a lifetime.
In our Clifton Kitchen in Bristol, we designed a bespoke, dedicated bar in a luxurious, newly built home. We transformed the blank canvas into a stunning handmade kitchen with golden oak featuring heavy grain, black cabinet handles and taps, the finest American walnut, and Italian Carrara marble for the peninsula and coffee/breakfast station. The highlight was the bespoke home bar. More than a simple wine storage solution, it includes tall, handmade cabinets in wood, metal, and glass, plus elegant brass handles. Behind the bar, we created a bespoke wine storage system and installed a wine fridge, a beer fridge, a glass washer, and a sink. The finishing touches included discreet lighting integrated into the cabinetry—all ideal for entertaining.
Worktops, Hardware and Detailing
The beauty of handmade kitchens is that every detail is considered, allowing creativity to shine. By working with a skilled crafts team, you can discuss your vision, materials, and layout. Even unusual ideas or special requests can be realised by a bespoke design company.
Our Copper Kitchen in Somerset project is a special example of what true artisanry can achieve with solid timber, copper and stone. Keen entertainers, our client wanted to incorporate seating, a functional cooking space, and a wine fridge, but also wanted the wow factor. We decided on walnut and oak timbers, natural copper and engineered Neolith worktops. The copper was used to clad the drawers and sections of the handmade kitchen island, creating focal points. To accelerate the ageing of the copper, we applied heat from a blowtorch, resulting in an iridescent, almost oily appearance. The result of artisan innovation and expertise epitomises what handmade kitchens can be.
Storage and Practical Planning
A handmade kitchen is undeniably special. The craft, unique character, and personal touch make it feel like it was created just for you. Storage and practical planning must take precedence. At Papilio, we love designing bespoke walk-in pantries and sculleries. These magical spaces aren’t just extra storage. They’re an extension of meticulous design and thoughtful functionality. A pantry or scullery is a testament to a passion for cooking and shows the seamless blend of form and purpose by the designer and maker.
An example of clever scullery design can be found in a 17th-century Grade II-listed home in the Cotswolds near Oxford. For the Cotswolds Manor House Kitchen project, we created a bespoke, crafted design with a walk-in pantry with a Sub-Zero & Wolf wine store to complement the kitchen. In addition to ancillary storage, the space also accommodated a washing machine and dryer. Our clients were avid dog lovers, so we also created a shower and sink station by the back door, ensuring their beloved pets could stay comfortable and clean.
Kitchen Islands and Layout Options
If you’re considering a new kitchen, a bespoke kitchen island should be on your list. A custom-made island fits perfectly in your space and meets your needs. We design kitchen islands that take into account the room’s size, shape, and layout to ensure they do not take up unnecessary space. We design them to your exact specifications. This gives you the freedom to be creative in the kitchen.
A distinguished example of our handmade kitchens is our Richlite Kitchen project. The bespoke design is centred around the kitchen island layout. The custom-made island became more of a sculpture than a piece of furniture. It showcases some of the finest materials and artisanry. Its structure was cut by hand from a single oak section. This allows the grain to naturally weave along its entire length. We exposed the finger joints to showcase our expert cabinetmakers’ skill. We also used naturally occurring cracks in the timber, filling them with resin and reinforcing them with hand-cut brass ties. The worktop is made from a single sheet of Richlite, an engineered material from sustainable paper and phenolic resin. We chose it to contrast with the oak’s sturdiness and make the golden tones pop.
Book a Consultation
We would love to design your new handmade kitchen. Enjoy the benefits of expert guidance, personalised design, and lasting quality. Contact us to discuss your vision and book a consultation with our knowledgeable designers.
