Think elegant mouldings, crafted corbels and intricate inlays
While custom-built, furniture-style cabinetry is not new, it remains the height of design sophistication. While pre-made, modular kitchens have become the new norm, bespoke design continues to hold its own with a range of unique benefits. There are a whole range of reasons to choose a bespoke kitchen, but here are 3 of our favourites:
One of a kind
The word custom resonates with quality, but also individuality. Perhaps the most obvious advantage of a custom-designed kitchen is the ability to individualise not only to your personal tastes, but also to your existing room. This ensures there is no obsolete space left in the kitchen where storage and functionality are most important.
Best left to the pro’s
A bespoke kitchen is not only an excellent design choice, it also ensures a long-lasting and durable space. Another important benefit is the quality in the workmanship and materials. Choosing a professional kitchen designer is an essential step when planning your custom kitchen. With many pieces and finishes being handcrafted with premium materials, an experienced designer will ensure you are getting your money’s worth for years to come.
Get creative
The most exciting part of designing a custom kitchen is selecting the intricate stylistic elements. Inlays and onlays, crafted mantels and pilasters — the list is endless and only limited by your imagination. Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind kitchen, your personality and creativity will shine through in one of the most regularly used rooms.
Custom Kitchens: Definitions
Not everyone is an expert on all things custom. We’ve put together a handy glossary of commonly used words and their meanings.
Architrave: The frame around a doorway or window. Can also refer to the main beam resting across the tops of columns.
Columns: A vertical structure made up of a cylindrical shaft, and capital at the top and plinth at the bottom. There are many types of columns including Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and Tuscan.
Corbels: A piece of timber protruding out from a wall to support a structure or weight above.
Cornice: A decorative moulding.
Inlays: A decoration, design, pattern, or piece of material inlaid into a surface.
Mantels: An ornamental construction and/or shelf usually framing the stove/cooktop. More commonly framing a fireplace.
Marquetry: The art of using veneer pieces to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures in furniture or flooring.
Moulding: A strip of wood or material placed just below the juncture of a wall and ceiling.
Onlays or Appliqué: A pre-carved or cut decoration or piece of material which is attached to furniture, cabinets or mouldings.
Parquetry: The art of using geometric wood veneer to form decorative patterns on furniture or flooring.
Pilaster: A decorative element projecting from the wall; visually similar to a column, but provides no structural support.
Written by Amy Norris
Originally in Kitchen Yearbook Issue 21
