“Bespoke” is one of those upper crust Britishspeak adjectives which was formerly associated exclusively with fashion yet became increasingly paired with interior design, food, and even water. (Made-to-measure water seems like a bizarre stretch…no wonder the adjective irks as many folks as it pleases these days!). What is Bespoke Kitchen Design? Let’s Dig Deeper and Tour Lovely Examples! unpacks the concept, answers common questions, clarifies how it varies from custom kitchen design, and shares glimpses of exceptional projects.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-london-4.jpg)
Seeking kitchen design inspiration? START RIGHT HERE where you’ll discover a slew of inspiration to pin.
![Inspirational quote from Anne Frank on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/green-inspirational-quote-anne-frank-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
My favorite kitchens are almost exclusively timeless and tranquil in style, and those design qualities can be expressed in a myriad of styles. My own kitchen is simple, classic, and serene and was executed by us on a tight budget since we had an entire house to renovate.
![Inspirational quote by Rainer Maria Wilke about nature on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspiration-quote-nature-rilke-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Another non-bespoke kitchen we recently gave a facelift was the blandest cookie cutter builder-grade space before we gave it love.
![Inspirational quote by Catherine of Sienna on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspiration-quote-be-st.-catherine-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Today, we’ll dream a little. We’ll indulge in a bit of fantasy as we admire and note a host of refined qualities at work in bespoke kitchen design. (Because if you’re a design freak like moi, you may see an extraordinary kitchen and think…hey, that gives me an idea!)
![Inspirational quote by C. S. Lewis about courage on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-inspiration-quote-courage-c.-s.-lewis-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
What is Bespoke Kitchen Design? Let’s Dig Deeper and Tour Lovely Examples!
Photos: Artichoke.
![New England style kitchen designed by Artichoke with Michael Smith for a Kensington home. Handpainted cabinetry, steel, and antiqued zinc were the primary materials in this amazing bespoke kitchen. #englishkitchen #londonkitchen #bespoke #artichoke](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-london.jpg)
What is the origin of the term ‘bespoke?’
The NY Times asked entymologist Michael Quinlon about the origin of the word “bespoke” which has been around since 1583.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-london-6.jpg)
What is the definition of bespoke?
In the Oxford Dictionary the word is defined as “(of goods, especially clothing) made to order.”
![New England style coastal kitchen design by Artichoke and Michael Smith. The pot rack above the island resolved a lighting issue. #bespoke #kitchendesign #artichoke #coastalkitchen #newengland](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-london-2.jpg)
(adj.) “custom or custom-made, made to order,” of goods (as distinguished from ready-made), 1755, the same sense is found earlier in bespoken (c. 1600), past-participle adjective from bespeak in its sense of “speak for, arrange beforehand,” which is attested in bespeak from 1580s.
How is bespoke related to fashion?
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-london-3.jpg)
You have to travel back in time to 17th-century when tailors stored fabric for tailoring and suit making in their homes or shops. If you were a customer and commissioned a suit, you selected your fabric, and it became known as ‘spoken for.’
So bespoke denotes not just a custom design by the tailor but an entirely original product for the customer based on the customer’s choices and needs.
![A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot - inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/green-quote-hello-lovely-studio-goal.jpg)
To Accompany Us as We Soak Up Bespoke Inspiration
Why is the term bespoke controversial at times?
![New England style kitchen design by Artichoke with Michael Smith for a Kensington home. Three green painted larder contains storage and a refrigerator. #bespoke #kitchendesign #artichoke #coastalkitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-london-5.jpg)
I was surprised to learn “bespoke” pushed so many buttons dependent upon where you land in internetland. Googling bespoke design fetches recurrent references to ‘snob factor’ as well as suggestions that bespoke is simply a marketing ploy to bait naive folks into overspending on their project.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire.jpg)
How expensive is bespoke kitchen design?
Bespoke designs obviously come with a higher price point because of how much more attention, labor, planning, crafting, and time they require. For example, rather than a short discussion with a kitchen designer about which cabinet will hold your spices and where said cabinet will be installed relative to the range, a bespoke kitchen design would likely explore the nature of the spices you routinely use, the species of wood for the cupboard, the dimensions required for storage, and detailed construction issues.
![Modern rustic bespoke kitchen by Artichoke in Gloucestershire, England. Flemish design details, painted kitchen cabinetry, bronze hardware, and Bental White marble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-2.jpg)
What is meant by ‘bespoke kitchen design?’
A kitchen with bespoke design is one which has been carefully planned with meticulous detailing to be completely unique for the client, customized with function, finishes, and aesthetics to suit the needs and desires of the homeowner.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-5.jpg)
The success of a bespoke kitchen design relies upon: communication between the client and design professional, innovation and creativity for bringing design plans to life, craftsmanship, expertise, and artistry of team members, a healthy budget, and commitment to excellence.
![Detail of central wood island. Modern rustic bespoke kitchen by Artichoke in Gloucestershire, England. Flemish design details, painted kitchen cabinetry, bronze hardware, and Bental White marble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-6.jpg)
More Tenets of Bespoke Kitchen Design
Bespoke kitchen design is highly personalized.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-4.jpg)
Meticulous attention to detail is an important distinction of bespoke kitchen design.
![Modern rustic bespoke kitchen by Artichoke in Gloucestershire, England. Flemish design details, painted kitchen cabinetry, bronze hardware, and Bental White marble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-3.jpg)
Bespoke kitchen design involves the finest quality materials.
![Glass door detail in a bespoke modern rustic country kitchen by Artichoke with large island. This bespoke modern rustic kitchen, designed for a new build country house, takes influence from Flemish design. The large central kitchen island has a specialist finish to age the material and give it a rustic feel. The painted furniture forms a backdrop to the island and has classical detailing with raised and fielded panel doors.Primary materials: Oak, Bental White marble, hand painted furniture and bronze handles #bespoke #kitchendesign #englishcountry #englishkitchen #flemish #modernrustic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-8.jpg)
A Bespoke Kitchen Design Relies on…
…experienced artisans who contribute to the creation of bespoke kitchen designs.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-gloucestershire-7.jpg)
…careful listening to clients since the design must function exclusively for their needs.
![Bespoke kitchen design with urban rustic style in Cotswolds, Gloucesterhshire by Artichoke. Distressed oak, stainless steel, and Calacatta Oro marble star in the design ingredients.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-cotswolds-2.jpg)
…a team including kitchen designers and cabinet makers.
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-cotswolds-3.jpg)
More Glimpses of a Variety of Bespoke Kitchens
![Bespoke kitchen design with urban rustic style in Cotswolds, Gloucesterhshire by Artichoke. Distressed oak, stainless steel, and Calacatta Oro marble star in the design ingredients.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-cotswolds.jpg)
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-cotswolds-4.jpg)
![Bespoke kitchen design with urban rustic style in Cotswolds, Gloucesterhshire by Artichoke. Distressed oak, stainless steel, and Calacatta Oro marble star in the design ingredients.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-cotswolds-5.jpg)
Luxurious Bespoke Kitchen Design in Tuscany
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa.jpg)
![Luxurious bespoke kitchen design by Artichoke for a Tuscan villa. The primary ingredients include hand-painted tulipwood, rift cut French oak, chestnut, and acid etched zinc.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-4.jpg)
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-5.jpg)
![Luxurious bespoke kitchen design by Artichoke for a Tuscan villa. The primary ingredients include hand-painted tulipwood, rift cut French oak, chestnut, and acid etched zinc.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-3.jpg)
![Luxurious and built to suit, these bespoke kitchen designs by Artichoke inspire with their meticulous attention to detail, architectural interest, and unique construction materials. #kitchendesign #bespoke #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-2.jpg)
![Luxurious bespoke kitchen design by Artichoke for a Tuscan villa. The primary ingredients include hand-painted tulipwood, rift cut French oak, chestnut, and acid etched zinc.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-6.jpg)
Bespoke Scullery
![Bespoke pantry and scullery design by Artichoke for a villa in Tuscany. #bespoke #kitchendesign #scullery](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-7.jpg)
![Bespoke pantry and scullery design by Artichoke for a villa in Tuscany. #bespokedesign #kitchendesign #scullery](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-8.jpg)
![This scullery off the main kitchen features glazed green tile backsplash, plate racks, oak cabinetry, and magnificent artchitecture. #bespoke #kitchendesign #scullery #pantry #luxurykitchen](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/artichoke-kitchen-tuscan-villa-9.jpg)
Even more lovely kitchen design inspiration can be savored here, here and also here.
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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As I am about to embark on a house renovation (thankfully mostly cosmetic changes!) each post you do becomes a part of my inspiration folder 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful kitchen ideas today!
Author
Ahhhh – that sounds like a wonderful adventure you’ll be on, and I’m so happy to be included. Peace to you, and wishing you extra reserves of patience and creativity in your work! 🙂
I’ve wanted to look into exactly what/where the term, bespoke, really meant/came from…though I generally knew it had to do with custom design. So this post did all that work for me and was so interesting to read! Thanks for the variety of enjoyable and helpful information you cover in your design blog…I always look forward to reading it, and I know it must take much time, energy, and effort to produce. Please know that we enjoy reading it and going back to refer to it, as much as it is apparent you enjoy writing it!!
Author
I’m so glad, Amy! Since I’m more of an everyday woman rather than an uppercrust elite, I have to dig a little deeper. There are all sorts of reasons a homeowner would be seeking a bespoke rather than simply custom design. Sometimes, money is no object. In other cases, a valuable historical property warrants the best of the best. For some properties, the investment for the highest quality makes good business sense. As a dreamer, I think of yet another category: folks who aspire to dwell in a living work of art created especially for themselves to enjoy without overthinking ‘resale’ or ‘practical considerations.’ It’s the artisan quality of bespoke kitchens that I’m drawn to…handmade and hand-crafted and hand-forged, all of those very human, very hands-on creations and endeavors interest me. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
That’s a fantastic kitchen design ideas.. Really loved to be implemented in my house
Author
Thanks for reading. 🙂
What a fantastic kitchen design concept! I truly admire it and would love to see it come to life in my own home
Author
Thanks for reading!