Designing a bespoke kitchen is about more than selecting cabinets and appliances, and it’s important to also consider the smaller details, such as your worktop, handles, and finishes. These elements not only play a vital role in the overall look of your new kitchen, but also impact durability, maintenance, and practicality.
If you’re wondering how to choose the right kitchen worktop or how to decide which handles complement the design best, this guide will help you make informed decisions that bring your dream kitchen to life.
Before focusing on colours and textures, think about how you use your kitchen. Do you have a passion for cooking and need durable, heat-resistant surfaces? Or do you like to use your kitchen for socialising and want space for entertaining?
Bespoke kitchens are designed around your lifestyle, so the materials you choose should reflect how you plan on using the space. For example, a busy family kitchen may benefit from low maintenance finishes, while a contemporary space might focus on beautiful aesthetics and statement materials.
How to choose the right kitchen worktop
Worktops are one of the main elements in any kitchen and usually cover a large area while visually bringing cabinetry, splashbacks, and flooring together. When considering how to choose the right kitchen worktop, you should think about three important factors: durability, maintenance, and what look you want to achieve?
Quartz and engineered stone
Quartz worktops are a popular choice for bespoke kitchens as they’re durable and come in a range of colours. They’re non-porous, resistant to stains, and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for busy homeowners seeking a stylish, contemporary look.
Natural stone
Granite and marble bring distinctive patterns and character to a kitchen. No two slabs are identical, and this uniqueness effortlessly complements the individuality of bespoke kitchen cabinets. However, natural stone may require sealing and a little more care to maintain its appearance.
Solid wood
Wooden worktops add warmth and texture to a space, particularly in traditional or shaker-style bespoke kitchens. They can be sanded and refinished over time, but they require regular oiling to protect them and keep them looking their best.
Selecting the perfect handles
Handles may seem like a small detail, but they certainly play their part in the overall aesthetic of a bespoke kitchen. They’re also one of the most used elements in the room, so it’s important that they’re durable and the correct style you want.
Complement your kitchen
For a classic shaker kitchen, traditional cup handles or simple knobs in brass or another metal work well. For contemporary bespoke kitchens, sleek bar handles or handleless designs create a clean, minimalist finish.
Think about size and placement
The size of your handles should complement the size of your cabinet doors and drawers. Oversized handles can create a bold, modern statement, while smaller knobs provide subtle style.
Placement also matters when selecting the perfect handles for your bespoke kitchen. Horizontal handles on drawers and vertical handles on tall cabinets create consistency, while mixing handle styles can add visual interest.
Think about finish
Popular handle finishes include brushed brass, matte black, polished chrome, and antique bronze. Choose a finish that complements your taps, lighting fixtures, and appliances for a streamlined look.
Choosing cabinet finishes
The finish of your bespoke kitchen cabinets is an important consideration. Whether you prefer painted timber, natural wood grain, or a contemporary matte lacquer, your choice should reflect your personal style while being practical.
Painted finishes
Painted cabinetry gives you the opportunity to truly personalise your kitchen. Soft neutrals create a timeless feel, while deeper tones, such as navy or forest green, add drama and elegance. With bespoke kitchens, you can often choose from a huge range of tones or even have a colour custom-matched if you have a specific shade in mind.
Painted finishes are also a great choice if you want flexibility as they can typically be repainted in the future.
Natural wood
Exposed wood grain showcases craftsmanship and brings warmth into kitchens. Oak and walnut are popular choices, offering durability and unique, attractive textures. Natural finishes work particularly well in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style designs.
Matte vs gloss
Matte finishes create a soft, understated look and tend to show fewer fingerprints, making them ideal for family kitchens. Gloss finishes reflect light and can make smaller spaces feel larger, so they’re a good choice for contemporary designs.
Long-term investment
Trends come and go, but a bespoke kitchen is a long-term investment. While it’s natural to be inspired by current styles, aim for choices that you’ll love for years to come.
Neutral tones with statement accents are a great choice. For example, classic painted bespoke kitchen cabinets paired with a timeless quartz worktop allow you to update accessories or hardware later as interior design trends move on.
Understanding how to choose the right kitchen worktop, handles, and finishes is essential when creating a space that suits your lifestyle and complements your home. With a bespoke kitchen from Cheverell, you can tailor every element, and we’re on hand to advise you should you need inspiration.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you create your perfect kitchen.