Annexe Knowledgebase

If you’re after a unique kitchen for you annexe, then going bespoke is the perfect solution, designed specifically with you and your space in mind.

What is a bespoke kitchen and where do I start?
A bespoke kitchen means that it will be built around how you want it to work rather than you having to adapt your ideas to what is available off-the-shelf.

Do your research first, so you’ll have a better idea of what you want before contacting any kitchen companies. Look at magazines, kitchen brochures, showrooms and online. Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration, and you might even want to take snaps of a friend’s kitchen that you love.

Then put together a mood board of styles, colours, finishes and materials you like. Make a wish list of appliances, plus what you want from the layout, this will give you a good starting point for when you meet the kitchen designer.

You may not know exactly what you want, but all this is a great starting point for discussion. If you have a floorplan of the room then that will be helpful, too.

How much does a bespoke kitchen cost?
Prices vary considerably. A bespoke kitchen can start at anything from £18,000 to upwards of £50,000. Always have a plan of how much you want to spend at the outset, and be upfront about this, your designer can help you choose what you should invest in and where you may be able to save.

Once you’ve planned your kitchen, always get a written quote as this is the final price you’ll pay. It should include a detailed breakdown of the work, materials, labour costs and the agreed timeline.

What’s the best bespoke kitchen company to use?
Always choose an established company with a reputation for hand-crafted joinery, whether it’s a small independent or a larger specialist kitchen company.

Nothing is better than hearing about the company through word of mouth. Ask family and friends for their experiences and speak to companies who provide a bespoke service in your area.

Also ask companies if you can visit previous projects to check the quality of work and aftercare service.

Involve your designer/cabinet maker from the word go. If using an interior designer, architect or builder, put your designer/cabinet maker in touch with them straightaway. It will avoid rethinks, saving time and money.

How much design input will I have?
Finding a designer that you’ve got a rapport with can make all the difference. After talking through your requirements, measuring up and advising on what is and isn’t achievable, they’ll put together a detailed brief and draw up a plan.

Be clear about what you do and don’t want and don’t be afraid to ask questions, the more input you have at the design stage, the better.

Design tips for bespoke annexe kitchens?
Choose the worktop colour before the paint colour, it’s a much easier way around in the long run.

Take samples home to look at them in the light of the room, try to hold them the way they will really be, so the granite would be horizontal and the unit sample colour board be vertical, try to have your flooring sample on site at the same time if possible.

Consider running down into a fitted settee or window pew at the end of a run if space allows to create an alternative social area to a breakfast bar.

Look at painting cabinetry or walls in a unique colour. Painted kitchens endure as a really popular option because they are so versatile. They can be adapted to suit pretty much any space, taste or style and are very easy to live with.

In large kitchens, group the main sink, bins, crockery and cutlery in one zone. The fridge, dry food storage, hob, ovens, pans and utensils should be located in the prep area, but don’t have the main sink too far from the hob. Consider what pantries and utility rooms will be used for.

Don’t compromise on the quality of your appliances and keep worktops clear by creating a space for everything from food processors to bread makers. Work out where any extras, such as a chill blaster, vacuum sealer, boiling water tap, wine fridge or a second dishwasher, will go.

How long does it take to plan, design and fit a bespoke kitchen?
Allow six months. It is a mistake to rush the planning process, which often takes longer than creating and installing a kitchen. But for a quick result, everyone involved needs to sign up to a fixed timeline.

What happens if something goes wrong?
Keep all paperwork design briefs, quotes, plans and correspondence, so if there are any issues once your kitchen is fitted, it can be resolved amicably.

Choosing trades accredited by Trustmark, the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) or the Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installers (IKBBI) can help resolve issues, as you can approach them directly for a dispute resolution.

Avoid paying the full balance before completion and pay by credit card if you can, as it will give you extra rights if you encounter problems later on for purchases over £100. Kitchen guarantees vary, but its worth checking with individual companies beforehand what theirs covers.