Bespoke furniture is often assumed to be expensive and design-led – but in reality, homeowners are far more focused on practical concerns before they commit.
Based on conversations with homeowners across the UK, many are asking the same key questions when it comes to investing in fitted storage, understanding where to spend and where to save when it comes to those awkward spaces.
Will Frankling, Co-founder of Kitchen Makeovers, who specialises in bespoke wardrobes and storage solutions as well as kitchen renovations, shares the most common questions he hears from customers – and his expert answers.
How do we maximise the really awkward spaces in our house?
A bespoke design process means you don’t have to rely on standard, off-the-shelf box sizes. Whether it’s a sloped ceiling in a loft, a tight chimney breast alcove, or the awkward triangle under the stairs, you can custom-build the cabinetry to fit the exact contours of your room. This allows you to transform dead zones into highly functional, seamless storage.
Where should we invest our budget, and where can we save without it looking cheap?
A great way to balance your budget is to invest heavily in the exterior finishes and premium hardware, like the doors, handles, and soft-close hinges. These are the elements you see and interact with every day. You can easily save on budget by opting for durable, standard interior finishes (rather than solid wood or veneers) while still maintaining a high-end, luxury feel.
Can we completely customise the inside, or do we have to pick from standard modules?
You have complete freedom to customise the interiors. A professional can work with you to design the inside of the wardrobes around your specific lifestyle and belongings. From tailored shoe racks and velvet-lined jewellery drawers to pull-down hanging rails for high ceilings and built-in laundry hampers, you can configure the space precisely to hold exactly what you need to store.
How do we ensure the new built-ins match our home’s existing style and period features?
There’s a wide variety of door profiles to choose from, ranging from traditional Shaker styles to ultra-modern flat slabs, and they can seamlessly match your existing colour palette. During the planning process, a professional will also pay close attention to the architectural details of your home, integrating elements like matching skirting boards, scribed filler panels, and cornices so the new storage looks like it’s an original part of the house.
Will bespoke, built-in storage add value to my home when I sell it?
Absolutely. High-quality, integrated storage is a major selling point for prospective buyers. It makes a home feel larger, cleaner, and immediately ready to live in. Clever storage solutions, particularly fitted bedroom wardrobes, kitchen pantries and organised hallway units, are highly sought-after features that consistently yield a strong return on investment.
Bespoke storage is often seen as a luxury but for many homeowners, it’s about making everyday life easier and getting more from the space they already have. You can find more hints and tips on storage solutions at: https://kitchenmakeovers.co.uk/
