Frequently Asked Questions
Questions asked about our Bespoke Kitchen Design Services
At Papilio Bespoke Kitchens, we design and build handmade kitchens with your space and how you live in mind. We make our kitchens the traditional way, using time-honoured skills and techniques, so you can have peace of mind that your new kitchen will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Papilio different from other kitchen companies?
At Papilio, we don't believe a kitchen should simply fill a space. It should enhance the architecture of your home and reflect the way you live.
Every project begins with a blank sheet of paper. We don't work from standard cabinet sizes or fixed collections, allowing every detail to be considered, from proportions and materiality through to the way drawers open, light falls across surfaces and spaces connect.
Our furniture is handcrafted in Britain using carefully selected materials and traditional cabinet making techniques, combined with modern engineering and precision manufacturing. The result is furniture designed to last for decades rather than follow short term trends.
Most importantly, we deliberately take on a limited number of commissions each year, allowing us to remain personally involved throughout every stage of the project.
How much does a bespoke kitchen cost?
Every Papilio kitchen is individually designed and manufactured, so there isn't a standard price.
As a guide:
- Smaller bespoke kitchens typically start from around £30,000.
- Kitchens with an island generally start from around £40,000.
- Many of our projects fall between £45,000 and £90,000, depending on the scale of the space, level of detailing, materials and specification.
Appliances and worktops are usually quoted separately, allowing complete transparency over where your investment is being made.
We are always happy to discuss budgets at an early stage and can advise how different design decisions influence the overall cost.
Why don't you have a showroom?
We made a conscious decision to invest in craftsmanship rather than a showroom.
Maintaining a large retail space inevitably becomes part of the cost that every client pays. Instead, we've chosen to invest in our workshop, our people and the quality of the furniture we create. We believe your investment should be reflected in the craftsmanship of your home, not in the overheads of ours.
Unlike many kitchen companies, we don't offer a collection of standard ranges displayed in a showroom. Every project we undertake is designed from first principles, responding to the architecture of your home, your lifestyle and the way you want to live. As no two projects are the same, a showroom could never truly represent the work we do.
Instead, our design process is centred around your project. Through detailed design presentations, carefully prepared material samples, full size finish boards and thoughtfully curated photography of completed commissions, we help you visualise every aspect of your furniture before it is made.
Many clients also appreciate that our time is spent designing, refining and crafting exceptional furniture rather than maintaining a retail environment. It allows us to remain focused on delivering a highly personal service and creating furniture that is truly bespoke.
When should I contact Papilio?
Ideally, as early as possible.
The best time is during the architectural design stage, before you break ground with any building works. Early involvement allows us to influence layouts, structural openings, lighting, appliance locations and service positions before they become expensive to alter.
While we can often join projects later, involving us early almost always produces a better result and helps avoid unnecessary compromises.
How long does the process take?
Every project is different, but a typical programme is:
- Initial consultation
- Design development
- Final design approval
- Manufacturing (approximately 7 to 8 weeks)
- Installation (typically 1 to 2 weeks)
- Worktop templating and installation
From commissioning the project to completion, most clients should allow around six months, although this varies depending on the complexity of the design and the wider building programme.
What does the design commission include?
Our design commission allows us to fully develop your project before any commitment to manufacture.
This typically includes:
- Site survey
- Detailed design development
- Layout planning
- Material and finish selection
- Appliance specification
- Lighting recommendations
- Presentation drawings and visualisations where appropriate
- Detailed manufacturing drawings
- Coordination with your architect, builder and other consultants
The design stage ensures every detail has been carefully resolved before production begins.
Can I make changes during the design?
Absolutely.
Design is an evolving process, and it's completely natural for ideas to develop as you begin to see your project take shape. We encourage discussion and refinement throughout the design stage, taking the time to explore different options until every detail feels considered and right for your home.
Our collaborative approach allows the layout, materials and finer details to be carefully developed before anything is manufactured, giving you complete confidence in the finished design.
Once the design has been finalised and approved for production, we move into manufacturing.
Where is your furniture made?
Every piece of Papilio furniture is handcrafted in The West Country by skilled cabinet makers using premium materials and carefully selected hardware.
Our furniture combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, allowing us to achieve exceptional accuracy while retaining the character and individuality that only handcrafted furniture can provide.
Nothing is imported as flat-pack cabinetry or selected from standard modular ranges. Every cabinet is made specifically for your project.
Can you work with my architect and builder?
Absolutely.
Most of our projects form part of larger renovations or new builds, and we regularly collaborate with architects, interior designers, builders, lighting designers and specialist contractors.
We provide the detailed information needed throughout the construction process, helping ensure electrical layouts, plumbing, structural openings and installation details are coordinated well before manufacturing begins.
This collaborative approach helps avoid delays and ensures every element of the project works together seamlessly.
What warranty do you provide?
We take great pride in the quality of our craftsmanship and want you to enjoy your furniture with complete confidence.
Our bespoke cabinetry is covered by a five-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials under normal domestic use, from the date of installation.
As timber is a natural material, subtle movement and changes in colour over time are part of its character and should not be considered defects. Likewise, general wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse or issues arising from building movement or environmental conditions are not covered.
Many of the hardware components we specify, such as hinges and drawer runners, are backed by extensive manufacturer warranties, while appliances and specialist products are covered by their respective manufacturers.
Should you ever have a concern, we're always happy to help. Our aim is to build lasting relationships with our clients, and we remain available long after installation to offer advice and support.
Design Philosophy
Why is good design more important than expensive materials?
A beautifully designed kitchen doesn't rely on expensive materials alone. Careful proportions, thoughtful planning, natural light and attention to detail have a far greater impact on how a space feels and functions. We believe the best projects achieve a balance between aesthetics, practicality and craftsmanship, ensuring the investment continues to reward you every day.
How do you design a kitchen that won't date?
We don't follow short term trends. Instead, we focus on timeless proportions, natural materials and refined detailing that will feel as relevant in twenty years as they do today. Trends can always be introduced through lighting, furniture and accessories, while the cabinetry remains enduring.
Craftsmanship
What materials do you use?
We carefully select materials for their beauty, longevity and suitability for each application. Depending on the project, this may include hand selected veneers, solid timber detailing, painted finishes, natural stone, porcelain, engineered surfaces and premium hardware from leading European manufacturers.
Every material is chosen to complement the architecture of the home and the way it will be used.
Why don't you use standard cabinet sizes?
Standard cabinetry is designed to suit manufacturing efficiency rather than your home.
Every Papilio cabinet is designed specifically for its location, allowing us to maximise storage, improve proportions and create a more architectural appearance without unnecessary filler panels or compromises.
Investment
Is bespoke furniture worth the additional investment?
For many of our clients, yes.
Bespoke furniture allows every element to be tailored to the property, the architecture and the people using it. Rather than adapting your home to fit standard cabinetry, the furniture is designed to fit your home perfectly.
It also offers greater freedom in materials, proportions, storage and detailing, creating a result that simply isn't achievable with modular systems.
Can you help me stay within my budget?
Absolutely.
Budget is considered from the outset of every project. Throughout the design process we can suggest alternative materials, simplify certain details or adjust specifications where appropriate, always protecting the overall design rather than simply reducing cost.
Process
What happens before manufacturing begins?
Before any furniture enters production, every aspect of the design is fully resolved.
Final dimensions are verified on site, materials and finishes are approved, appliances are confirmed and detailed manufacturing drawings are signed off. This careful preparation helps ensure manufacturing proceeds smoothly with minimal surprises.
How involved will I need to be?
We guide you through each stage of the process, making key decisions at appropriate points rather than overwhelming you with choices from the outset.
Many clients appreciate having a single point of contact throughout the project, providing clarity from the initial concept through to completion.
Practical
Can you design utility rooms, dressing rooms and other furniture?
Yes.
Many of our clients commission us to design multiple rooms throughout their home, ensuring a consistent level of craftsmanship and a cohesive design language.
This may include utility rooms, boot rooms, dressing rooms, studies, media furniture, libraries and bespoke joinery.
Do you provide lighting advice?
While we aren't lighting designers, we work closely with your architect, electrician or lighting consultant to ensure cabinetry, task lighting and feature lighting are carefully coordinated.
Thoughtful lighting is one of the most important elements in creating a successful kitchen.
Sustainability
Is bespoke furniture more sustainable?
We believe longevity is one of the most important aspects of sustainability.
Furniture designed and built to last for decades reduces the need for replacement and avoids the waste associated with short lifecycle products. We also work with responsibly sourced materials wherever possible and manufacture to order, minimising unnecessary waste.
Sustainability
What happens after installation?
Once installation is complete, we'll walk you through the finished furniture, answer any questions and ensure everything is operating as intended.
As your home settles, minor adjustments can occasionally be required. Should this happen, we're always happy to help.
