30 of the Best Kitchen Brands in the UK — A Kitchen Expert's Guide to Who Does What Well

One of the most exciting parts of planning a kitchen renovation is deciding on who you're going to work with on the kitchen itself — and let's face it, you're spoiled for choice. But while it might feel like there's a never-ending list of luxury kitchen brands to consider for your project, I think it's better to look at it this way: there are so many to choose from that you're going to find your perfect kitchen if you know where to look.

That's where I come in. I spent years working as a dedicated kitchens and bathrooms editor, so I know my way around the best kitchen design companies in the UK, and have pulled together a list of the ones I think you need to know about. So what makes them the best? These choices are a selection of premium kitchen makers that pay attention to the detail and use great quality materials, coupled with experienced, forward thinking designers.

Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list, and I'll be continuing to add to it over time — however, these are the kitchen brands I know best, and have some experience of. I've either visited showrooms, seen these modern kitchens in real homes, or spoken to owners and designers in depth to make sure I know what you need to know about them.

What I've focused on in the instance of this feature is 'kitchen makers' — kitchen brands manufacturing their own kitchens, rather than 'dealers' who partner up and design with kitchen ranges manufactured by a maker brand. That way, I can introduce you to the 'who does what, well' of today's cabinetry makers, and let you know where to go to start re-designing your kitchen when you find your perfect match.

Hugh Metcalf

Hugh is an interiors journalist with over 10 years experience and, as a former kitchen specialist magazine editor, knows a fair bit about this part of the home. He's interviewed almost every kitchen designer under the sun at one point or another, photographed and styled plenty of kitchens for magazines, and even once hosted a round table dinner for the best luxury kitchen makers in the UK to talk all things bespoke.

Kitchens by Type

To help you navigate this long, alphabetically ordered list, I've broken down these kitchen brands into some rough categories. It's worth mentioning that many of these design companies are fluent in a few design styles, depending on what their clients are looking for, so you may see some names appearing more than once.

Sleek and Modern: Polished materials and minimalist silhouettes, with a focus on beautiful materiality.

Timeless Style: Shaker and in-frame cabinets that have heritage appeal.

Something a Bit Different: Unusual materials, styles, and doors that are the signatures of these kitchen brands.

Fresh Takes on the Classics: Traditional furniture styles and craft, but with a new design direction

1. Blakes London

You'll often find Blakes London kitchens gracing the pages of Livingetc's print issue, and for good reason. This kitchen design company's projects are always on a grand scale, always pushing forward with some element of thought-provoking design, and always telling a story about how we live now.

It's hard to pin down Blakes' style — after all, every kitchen is different, and bespoke in the true meaning of the word. That is, the brand doesn't have 'ranges' or off-the-shelf designs — instead, they have a broad range of skill sets in-house, including architects, interior designers, carpenters, draughts-people and builders, so every idea and every space can be problem-solved. "We don't have a starting template, so we aren't shoehorning clients into predetermined designs," Blakes' Jeremy Bott explains to me in conversation. "Each project is a fresh design crafted for a specific client's home."

Take a look through Blakes' projects for the scope of its designers' ideas — from classically handsome spaces with dark wood and molding-topped cabinets to sleek slab doors, and interestingly-textured features, it runs a wide gamut.

Of course, this 'bespoke' nature has standing on the price, and you're sure to find that the cost range for kitchens from Blakes London, while starting at around a conservative £55,000, will be significantly higher the bolder and more innovative your desires.

What's the process? After an initial showroom consultation, where you'll talk through inspiration, usage and more, Blakes' designers will come up with a bespoke design within around 10 days, and invite you back for the unveiling. Once finalized, installation can take place in as little as 12 weeks, with installation taking typically two-three. "The majority of our kitchens are handcrafted by expert joiners in our workshop in London," Jeremy explains. "They are delivered to site normally in one piece and hand painted on site."

Showrooms: Blakes' showroom is located a stone's throw from Wandsworth tube station in south London. 46-48 Jaggard Way, London SW12 8SG.

Prices start from: £55,000 including appliances, excluding VAT

2. Boffi

A heavyweight Italian kitchen brand, Boffi is a name to know if you're looking for sleek, modern European design for your kitchen renovation. What sets the brand apart is that "Boffi doesn't limit what a kitchen is," CEO and president Roberto Gavazzi tells me in a phone conversation. "It's about how it's integrated into the rest of your home."

It makes sense, then, that Boffi's showrooms around the world (in Chelsea on Sloane Avenue in the UK) are partnered up with its sister brands — De Padova, which focuses on contemporary Italian furniture, and ADL, which is a showcase of modern doors. Visiting the brand's showroom in Paris in early 2024, I was struck by this sensation of flow — kitchen spaces transitioning into sitting areas, bedrooms into bathrooms. A highlight of my trip was a bifolding internal glass door that had no floor track, so that it could be used to separate a room, without leaving a trace when the door was folded away.

Boffi caters to a specific aesthetic, it's fair to say. Its ranges are entirely modern slab doors, bringing interest with unique material options that highlight these dynamic forms. "New materials," Roberto tells me, "are constantly in research and development." While it deals in ranges and collections, Roberto tells me customization to the finest detail is possible to meet your very specific requirements: "You'll have a Boffi kitchen, but it'll be like no other Boffi kitchen in the world."

What's the process? Visit a showroom and be greeted by a Boffi designer, many of which undertake specialized training with the design brand in Italy. The kitchen itself is made in Brianza, outside of Milan, an area known for its high-quality craftspeople in luxury Italian furniture design.

Showrooms: In London? Near prestigious Sloane Square in Chelsea, but with showrooms all around the world. 72-74 Sloane Ave, London, SW3 3DZ.

Prices start from: £100,000+.

3. Cesar

With Italian kitchen makers Cesar, you're promised something exciting and a little out of the ordinary in your kitchen design. "Cesar has been a major manufacturer for more than 50 years, with the past 20 years marking a bold shift toward innovation," explains Andrew Hamilton Barr, director of Espresso Design, a kitchen studio which designs with Cesar's ranges. "By embracing cutting-edge design, materials, and production techniques — and working with visionary designers — they have created striking, modern ranges like Tangram, New Elle, and Unit. These groundbreaking collections break away from traditional styles while maintaining exceptional quality and functionality."

Think unexpected, modular curved kitchen island shapes and intriguing materials — the Tangram is a brilliant way to introduce softer silhouettes to a kitchen for example, while clever printed glass, including an ombred worktop, open up some unusual design options that make these kitchens stand apart from the crowd.

But while there's some excitement in these design-forward novelties, it's still a kitchen design brand that can deliver on a more classic Italian modern kitchen style, too, just with the option to add a little edge.

What's the process? After the initial consultation, the design process moves towards the final design using 3D renders, material samples and site visits. Cesar's kitchens are made in Pramaggiore, Italy. "Cesar is renowned for its cutting-edge designs and premium materials, and each component, from custom cabinetry and integrated appliances to bespoke lighting solutions is carefully chosen for durability, elegance, and practicality," Andrew says.

Showrooms: Cesar kitchens are available from a number of kitchen design companies, but it also now has a monobrand store in London's Chelsea Harbor, created by one of its retailers, Espresso Design.

Prices start from: £35,000 plus VAT for a complete kitchen.

4. Chamber Furniture

Chamber Furniture is one of those kitchen makers where bespoke means bespoke. The kitchen brand doesn't have a range of standard cabinetry styles to choose from, in fact: "When we say we build custom built furniture, we mean exactly that," Gareth Shanahan from Chamber Furniture tells me. "Every client’s requirements are unique, which is why every design process begins with one of our professional designers being assigned."

Style-wise, Chamber Furniture is therefore as diverse as you'd expect. The projects on its website and catalogues are divided into traditional, contemporary and blended styles, and really no two are the same. From the polished and modern to quirky classics, and everything in between, it's a design process really driven by what you want to achieve.

The kitchens are made in Sevonoaks in Kent, and it's where the brand's showroom is also located. "There are regular direct trains from London and if clients let us know they’re coming we will always come and collect them from the station," Gareth tells me. You can't beat the personal touch.

What's the process? After you're assigned a designer, they continue to work on the project throughout the design, manufacturing, and installation process to final sign off. "They are always on hand to advise, assist and reassure," Gareth says.

Showrooms: In Sevenoaks, Kent: The Old Timber Yard, London Road, Halstead, Kent, TN14 7DZ.

Prices start from: Kitchens start from £50,000.

5. Davonport

I have a bit of a soft spot for Davonport Kitchens as the design company manufactures its kitchens in the historic Essex town of Colchester — a place I also call home. And just like its location, Davonport as a kitchen maker is all about heritage. The luxury kitchen brand has not only been around for some 30 years, but its craftspeople use techniques that have been tried and trusted for hundreds of years to make its kitchens, still.

You'll hear the word 'bespoke' often when you're looking at the luxury end of the market, but what you might not get to the bottom of so easily is what is a bespoke kitchen actually? "Sadly, there isn’t an industry standard when it comes to the words ‘bespoke’ or ‘handmade’," Richard Davonport, managing director of Davonport, tells me, "but our cabinetry is truly handmade, with every element thought out in the design process and translated in a workshop, with each piece of cabinetry made by hand."

Davonport's a brand with a split personality, design-wise, with one side focusing on classic kitchen designs — think traditional Shakers and heavy moulded doors — and the other a contemporary approach. It's slightly weighted, when it comes to the number of styles, to the former, but even within the classic styles, you'll see interior design ranging from heritage country to a modern take on elegant cabinetry.

What's the process? Meet with a designer at Davonport's showroom initially to discuss your wants and needs and get hands-on with its cabinetry. You can expect the design process to take six to eight weeks from walking into the showroom to getting the design perfect, and then 10-12 for it to be made by hand in the workshop, from sustainable materials, and with 52% of the energy used coming from solar panels.

Showrooms: Davonport's own branded showroom is located in Colchester, adjacent to its workshop, however it sells across the country from its dealer network.

Prices start from: £40,000 including VAT.

6. deVOL

Where other kitchen design companies could be thought of as master chameleons, creating whatever look their clients want, deVOL has a sense of style all of its own, and it's one that its customers seek out. "It's a very English look and style taken from the Georgians and Shakers, and more recently mid-century design," says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens. "Our philosophy is to keep things simple, choose well-made cupboards, avoid gadgets and fashion, go for natural materials, choose things with provenance and craftsmanship and above all, buy quality."

While the kitchen brand's cabinetry style is largely based around a classic Shaker (though ranges such as the Haberdashery and Sebastian Cox collection take doors in exciting new directions), deVOL is about more than a type of cabinetry, it's about curating a mood. There's a sense of patina in what they create, choosing materials that have life and story, so a kitchen can feel lived-in, even when brand new. They're transitional style kitchens in the sense that though all the elements feel classic, they're arranged in a way that brings them into modernity.

deVOL also makes it easy to complete the much-desired look of one of its spaces by also offering accessories — lighting, kitchen hardware and ceramics, and furniture, such as dining tables and freestanding islands, too.

What's the process? "Within three hours you can have a design and quote and have a very good idea of how your project will progress, you will spend this time in one of our inspiring showrooms and be looked after by a designer and a technician, both working to produce quotes and drawings before you leave the showroom," Helen says. Its kitchens are made in Leicestershire in the UK, from quality materials including hardwoods and birch ply.

Showrooms: deVOL has four showrooms in the UK: two in London, one in Leicestershire, and one in Bath.

Prices start from: A small Shaker kitchen can start around £12,000 to £25,000 and a large Classic English or Haberdasher's Kitchen would start around £50,000 to £70,000. Because deVOL's cupboards are all made as single pieces, you can buy as little or as much as you like, and they offer installation or delivery only.

7. Garde Hvalsøe

Scandinavian kitchen brand Garde Hvalsøe has a pretty recognizable aesthetic that sets it apart from the crowd. And yes, while it's giving chic Copenhagen style — it's where this kitchen brand hails, after all — it's a design mood that feels particularly at home in the UK, too. Its signature design style, with its shadow gap around the drawers and visible finger joints, highlights the design company's focus on crafts and quality.

But while you might be drawn to the brand for its good looks, it's not all about aesthetics. "What sets us apart from other joinery companies is our unique ability to process and realize the vision of architects and interiors designers," says Søren Aagaard, Cabinet Maker, Partner and CEO of Garde. "We work closely with interior designers and architects to ensure that their ideas are brought to life with a precision and understanding that is rare in our industry."

While you'll often see Garde's kitchens left in wood, highlighting the beauty of the material, I've seen painted examples too, that are just as dynamic and interesting.

Prices start from: A popular model, the 'Solid kitchen' has a starting point of £41,800 excluding appliances and delivery.

8. Harvey Jones

Harvey Jones has an inherent sense of modern style at the heart of its design brand, but it's worth not forgetting that it's grounded in traditional cabinetry-making skills. "Cabinets and drawers built using traditional joinery techniques, ensuring exceptional durability," designer Rachel Davies tells me, when I meet with her at a recently opened showroom. "In addition to this, all kitchens are hand-painted on-site in the client’s chosen color, allowing for complete personalization and the flexibility to update the look in the future."

When I visited the Harvey Jones showroom inside of Heal's on Tottenham Court Road recently, I couldn't help but get a sense of a freshness in the brand's design, too. The Shaker kitchens are a little slimmer — a burgeoning kitchen trend — and there's been an introduction of some newer cabinetry styles, including a recent collaboration with Swoon on a fluted kitchen.

I also loved that the brand offered a refurbishment service for its kitchens, too. That means, if you have a Harvey Jones kitchen, whether you installed it or a previous owner, you can have it updated by its specialist team to better fit your needs or style preferences. It's a clever idea that helps extends the life of a kitchen, and adds to the brand's eco points.

What's the process? Head to a showroom for a 'Discovery Session', where you can get hands on with materials, colors, cabinetry, and even the likes of tiles, hardware, and appliances from its partner brands. "After the design is finalised, skilled craftspeople meticulously construct every element using traditional joinery techniques to ensure exceptional quality," Rachel tells me. "Finally, experienced fitters install the kitchen with precision, and a hand-painted finish is applied on-site to create a flawless result that truly brings the design to life."

Showrooms: One of the more prolific kitchen brands in terms of showrooms, Harvey Jones has 27 locations across England.

Prices start from: The Hove range which is in collaboration with Swoon starts at £12,000, then the most popular design, the Arbor, starts from around £25,000 depending on the size of the space and cabinetry requirements

9. Herringbone House

Recently rebranding to Herringbone House (from Herringbone Kitchens, to better reflect the brand's scope into wardrobes, bathrooms and beyond), you can't help but feel there's an inherent joyfulness in those homeowners drawn to work with this 10-year-old kitchen design brand based in Canterbury. Flicking though its project catalogue, you're as likely to see a fun, enlivening color combination as you are a sophisticated neutral space.

The kitchen brand deals in a variety of styles, but you'll find a lot of classic design elements - Shaker style doors, fronts with ornamental molding, traditional in-frame cabinetry - with 'unexpected fresh details' that bring a more modern appeal.

Having just opened a new showroom in Canterbury, the initial consultation experience has recently undergone a transformation. "Our new studio has been a huge step for our company and is in the center of Canterbury," William and Elly say. "Here we created a warm and inviting home, that feels and acts nothing like a traditional showroom. We have included a large bar and library to comfortably make those final design decisions that are so important to any project."

As a point of difference, Herringbone likes its clients to experience the craft of its kitchen being made as part of the process. "It is rare to see how cabinetry is made nowadays, so we try to showcase this to our clients throughout the process," founders Elly Simmons and William Durrant tell me. "While our team of master craftspeople make each piece of furniture using traditional techniques in our workshop, our design team loves to add unexpected fresh details and elements into the project, so it is normal for a project to include something like a reeded base dining table or even a dog bed."

What's the process? An initial design consultation normally takes about two hours, where you can figure out the scope of your project, and talk through inspiration an ideas, where the kitchen company will also show you different elements for consideration, such as appliances and handles. "A couple of weeks after this, we produce a 3D initial design and quotation for you," Elly explains. If you're not working with an interior designer, the brand has one in-house that can help perfect lighting, fabrics, and more. The kitchens are made in the workshops, and clients are welcome to visit, before being installed by the team of skilled joiners.

Showrooms: Herringbone House opened its new Canterbury showroom in 2024.

Prices start from: kitchen cabinetry starts from £35,000.

10. Hux

Felix and Caroline Milns set up HUX London in 2017, as an extension of their interior design brand Zulufish, focusing specifically on joinery. The benefit of this? They're experts in the demands and needs of other trade professionals, and working collaboratively.

"I would say that we don’t have a set house style as every project is unique to the client, but our ethos is to support our clients on their design journey from start to finish, firmly placing customer service, innovative design and expert project management at the core of every project," Felix explains to me. Browsing the brand's projects, you get that sense — classic Shakers sit alongside sleek contemporary doors; polished and muted next to fun and vibrant.

"All our kitchens are handmade, the addition of bespoke means that the kitchen made for you has been designed and crafted especially for your own needs, ensuring it will support your way of life and how you wish to use that space," Felix adds. "With a bespoke kitchen, there is an added cost as it will require expertise and attention to detail to elevate it and ensure that it is specified, handcrafted, delivered, and installed with a perfect and seamless fit."

What's the process? "Full transparency is shared over design, approvals, costs, and timings to make sure expectations are aligned and projects are delivered in a timely manner," Felix tells me. Its kitchens are all made in the UK. "We have just moved to a new 15,000 sq ft workshop in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside, a larger facility that offers the same dedication to combining expert artisans with the latest technologies," Felix says.

Showrooms: HUX has a showhome in Chiswick where you can meet with designers.

Prices start from: Kitchens from £50,000.

11. Humphrey Munson

Maybe more-so than any other kitchen brand on this list, Essex-based Humphrey Munson is dedicated to classic, timeless kitchens. It's a brand that has a strong design influence — I'd reckon I could pick out any Humphrey Munson kitchen from looking at just a few photographs, no problem.

This manifests itself in a few ways — a cool neutral color palette (often beautifully tranquil gray kitchens); classic, unfussy cabinetry; and luxurious yet understated finishes. These aren't kitchens that scream and shout for attention, but get it by being measured, beautiful, and focused on quality. "There's an innate ability to capture the soul and essence of the home in these kitchens," Louisa Eggleston, creative director for Humphrey Munson, tells me. "They're characterized by intelligent design, layered finishes, thoughtfully chosen materials, and exceptional attention to detail."

There's a touch of rustic, farmhouse charm in the design language of the brand, but it lends itself just as well to classic heritage-inspired spaces. Sleeker, modern styles aren't so its forte, but these cabinets can be chameleon depending on how they're dressed.

What's the process? It begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your vision, needs, and daily habits. From there, the design team works to develop a kitchen and associated other rooms, whether that is a renovation, extension or new build. "Our kitchens are proudly manufactured in our Felsted workshop in Essex, where a team of highly skilled craftsmen bring each design to life," Louisa says. "Using a combination of traditional techniques and state-of-the-art technology, we source only the finest materials to ensure every piece is built to last for generations."

Showrooms: Humphrey Munson has a London showroom, and one in Felsted, Essex, where the brand is based.

Prices start from: £75,000, including VAT, but excluding appliances

12. Inglis Hall

"We put the craft into contemporary kitchens," Toby Hall, founder and director of Inglis Hall - The Kitchen Maker, tells me. The Sussex-based kitchen design company definitely leans more modern, but not in that sleek, overly-polished and glossy sense. "Our design philosophy borrows from different worlds," Toby says. "Band-sawn surfaces from my years as a timber framed carpenter; a tooled edge on natural stone worktops from the most ancient of trades, stone masonry; the flow, floorplan, blocks, and zones are informed by our love of professional and commercial kitchens."

The Band-sawn wood, with its intricate, textured surface, is certainly a signature, and something that clients come to the brand specifically for. Inglis Hall is all about the craft, and the kitchen company doesn't mind sharing the process with its clients. "It takes an average of 500 skilled making hours to complete an Inglis Hall kitchen and at any point in the process, clients are welcome to come to our workshop, meet the makers, and see their kitchen being built," Toby explains. "Understanding the process and seeing what goes into making a kitchen, from raw oak log to finished pieces of furniture is relatively unheard of in most kitchen companies these days."

What's the process? Whenever possible, its designers visit the property and kitchen in order to take their own survey and to get a feel for the property and how the clients live. For those further afield, the designers can work from architects' plans and meet via Zoom. This first phase of design, including a full presentation and quotes are done free of charge, and with no obligation.

"Every process, from start to finish is done by us, at our workshop in East Sussex," says Toby. "Our end-to-end making approach means we restrict how many kitchens we can make a year and that’s fine by us. And our clients appreciate that too."

Showrooms: Inglis Hall's showroom is in the Sussex town of Lewes. 29 High St, Lewes BN7 2LU.

Prices start from: £45,000 incl VAT for a fully fitted kitchen, inclusive of stone worktops, Fisher & Paykel appliances, sinks, and taps.

13. John Lewis of Hungerford

When it comes to the design philosophy of John Lewis of Hungerford, its designers can do it all. "We’re quite broad in terms of our design philosophy, everything from contemporary to very traditional," says Rebecca Nokes, design director of John Lewis of Hungerford. "We’re very much not stuck to a ‘style’ which allows the client to really get involved in the planning of their space."

Just check out the brand's portfolio to get a sense of the scope. "Rarely does a client come to us with an idea and it’s a ‘no’ from us because everything element is so bespoke and tailored, our clients are getting something truly unique to their home," Rebecca says. From its classic Shaker and Artisan styles to sleeker, slab, and handleless styles. It also has a collaboration with interior designers 2LG Studio, with which they've created the bold, arched cabinets pictured above — a spectacular piece of cabinetry engineering.

What's the process? John Lewis of Hungerford works collaboratively with its clients. "We’re made in the UK and we have really fast lead times roughly 6-8 weeks," Rebecca says.

Showrooms: The brand has nine showrooms across the UK.

Prices start from: Bespoke kitchens start from £40,000.

14. Kitchens by Holloways

I once went to photograph a kitchen designed by Kitchens by Holloways, and the owner of the house couldn't have been more thankful to them. The reason? They handled the entirety of their kitchen extension, meaning less of having to coordinate different moving elements themselves.

"From concept and planning permission to manufacturing, construction and final installation, Kitchens by Holloways is far from just a kitchen company," Robert Burnett, co-founder of Kitchens by Holloways tells me. "Whilst traditionally, a kitchen renovation project will involve multiple parties such as an architect, surveyors, builders, and project managers, we offer all these services under one roof, rendering the entire process less complex and stressful. This approach enables us to design the architecture and kitchen as one, meaning we don’t have to make compromises."

It's a compelling selling point, but couple that with the kitchen brand's design aesthetic which, while varied from client to client, always feels like it has a glint in its eye of something forward-leaning in design, and it's a design company well worth investigating for a bespoke kitchen.

What's the process? For a handmade kitchen, the design process will usually take between 6 weeks and 3 months. In addition to plans, elevations, and visualizations, the process will usually include the development of samples to ensure that materials, colors, and finishes all come together as expected. The aim is to make something beautiful with precision and care, as opposed to making it quickly. Therefore, manufacturing usually take 3-5 months, from its Shropshire workshop, depending on size and complexity. In total, from design to delivery can take between 5 and 9 months.

Showrooms: London showrooms in Wimbledon, Clapham, and Hammersmith.

Prices start from: £70,000 and upwards including worktops, appliances and installation.

15. Ledbury Studio

Charles Smallbone, the founder of Ledbury Studio, is a bit of a big deal in the kitchen industry. The founder of high-end kitchen brand Smallbone of Devizes in the 1970s, the designer separated and struck out with a new design studio in 2018. The result — Ledbury Studio launched into the market, with a very specific specialty and point of view. "Ledbury Studio's design philosophy is style-agnostic and deconstructionist," Charlie explains to me. "We focus on the elements that constitute a design, dissecting these components to understand how they can be assembled into a coherent, unique item that works seamlessly within the overall design. Beyond this, we specialize in sourcing beautiful, original materials, and showcasing them in a new light through expertly crafted schemes."

These standout materials include Ledbury Studio's signature metal sheets, cabinetry wrapped in textured and patterned copper, zinc, and pewter, as well as bold marquetry. They're kitchens that set interior design trends, rather than following them.

What's the process? "We work collaboratively with the client, producing as many iterations as necessary to realize their dream," Charlie says. "Typically, we begin with the architect's plans or a visit to the client's home, followed by the creation of 3D drawings. These drawings are refined and amended until the design is perfected. Our kitchens are made to order by skilled craftsmen in our Wiltshire workshop. We utilise the latest technology and handcrafting techniques where required, ensuring each piece is meticulously crafted to meet our exacting standards."

Showrooms: The metal finish kitchens can be seen in the London showroom, 4b Ledbury Mews North, London, W11 2AF.

Prices start from: The starting price for Ledbury Studio's kitchens is £70,000.

16. The Main Company

The Main Company has a big USP when it comes to its design philosophy — namely, its use of material. "As one of the largest suppliers of reclaimed timber in the UK, the majority of wood used by The Main Company is over 100 years old — used to make bespoke kitchens that exude character from years of authentic wear," Alex Main, director of The Main Company, tells me.

The 30-year-old, North Yorkshire-based kitchen brand specializes in these special projects, where the patina of reclaimed materials, not just in the cabinetry, is rife. But its designs transcend one fixed style — some incorporate more modern elements, while some lend traditional, and you'll also find more classic timber kitchens made from clean oak in its project book.

What's the process? Time frames may vary, especially with such specialized materials. "More personalized details such as fluted detailing on cabinets compared to a traditional shaker door, will increase the time it takes as it is more specialist and time-consuming," Alex says. "The more complex the project, the longer generally it will take to make - therefore the estimated timeframe will be extremely variable." The kitchen brand can also provide reclaimed flooring, hand-aged flooring, bespoke wooden flooring, and wood cladding, all from its timber yards, all finished and manufactured in their North Yorkshire workshops.

Showrooms: The brand has showrooms in Yorkshire and Islington.

Prices start from: Bespoke kitchens from The Main Company are priced from £25,000.

17. Makers Kitchens

While Makers might be a young upstart brand compared to some on this list, its team, which has decades of experience in its own right, has been determined to make a splash with their designs. "Our underlying philosophy is that everything we design and make is always an original design and always bespoke," Justin Brown, director at Makers, tells me. "We are always excited and receptive to new ideas and concepts that our client brings to us, and we really love creating truly unique and personal kitchens and furniture that not only look great but also function beautifully."

You can see it in the likes of the luxurious yet playful space pictured above, with its boldly delicious kitchen color combination grounded with elevated and elegant materials. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. What they all seem to share in common is that personal touch. They're kitchens with character that have some sense of delight in their design.

What's the process? It all starts with a complimentary one-to-one consultation with a dedicated designer, either at the showroom or at your home. You'd then receive preliminary designs and an initial estimate. If you take the project forward, the designer provides further comprehensive drawings and 3D designs. "Talking one-to-one really is the best way to achieve the perfect design, so we will meet as many times as our customers need to make sure they are completely happy." All the brand's kitchens and pieces of furniture are manufactured in its London workshop "and usually fitted by the same person that built it," Justin says.

Showrooms: The brand's showroom is located in Richmond, London. 435 Upper Richmond Road West, London, SW14 7PJ.

Prices start from: Makers' kitchens start from £45,000.

18. Martin Moore

Founded in 1975, the (still) family-owned Martin Moore brand delivers on a timeless, classic style of kitchen. It's the high-quality, beautifully-made Shaker doors and in-frame cabinetry that's never going out of style. But that's not to say Martin Moore doesn't have its own, contemporary design language, too. "We've never stood still though, and over the years a refined contemporary style has emerged," says Richard Moore, managing and creative director.

The brand has a number of ranges to start the design process, from classic to a little more modern, while some have a little Art Deco leaning. To celebrate 50 years in the business, Martin Moore has just launched a pale-washed unpainted natural oak finish into its collections. "The very first Martin Moore kitchens were natural timber and, whilst we have become known for our timeless, hand-painted kitchens, we have recently seen a desire for natural timber; not the strong, stained oaks popular in the 80s, but a more restrained, elegant aesthetic."

Made in its Yorkshire workshop, the brand installs and paints the kitchens on site.

What's the process? After the initial design consultation, the design is refined until approved. A dedicated installation manager is appointed to each project. Most installations are complete within one week including worktops with a further week for painting on site.

Showrooms: Martin Moore has seven showrooms across the UK, including in Surrey, Kent, Manchester, Yorkshire, and London.

Prices start from: Martin Moore kitchens start from £55,000.

19. Naked Kitchens

Even when the designers at Naked Kitchens are using a more traditional cabinetry style, there's a sense of a fresh perspective in the final projects this Norfolk-based kitchen brand creates. "You would be excused for believing irreverence and precision engineering are generally mutually exclusive," Jayne Everett, co-founder of the kitchen design company, tells me. "Naked Kitchens is for clients who demand more than just the obvious — this is our secret sauce. Our clients just want a Naked Kitchen, but I’ll bet over half can’t really articulate why. They just know."

As a bespoke kitchen brand, Naked doesn't have ranges, as such, but does helpfully break its offering down into styles, so you know what is possible, while also priding themselves on continuously introducing new colors and materials into the brand's offering, and never standing still.

The other thing Naked wants you to know? "We're good value for money," Jayne says. "We certainly aren't cheap, we are, however, amazingly good value for our quality. Totally bespoke in every way, whatever your preferences in color and style, we can build the kitchen you dream about; any size, any space, any design."

If you're keen to work with a kitchen design studio that has sustainability in mind, Naked is a good choice, too. "We go to extremes to cut carbon and source materials responsibly," Jayne says. "Our 90,000 sq ft manufacturing facility is all heated with our biomass boilers replacing the use of fossil fuel heating."

What's the process? Starting with an in-person or virtual design consultation, your designer will provide you with a 3D render of your kitchen design and a detailed quote. A true British Manufacturer, the brand makes all of its kitchens in our giant aircraft hangars in North Norfolk. "We have a fabulous team of around 80 who are wonderfully skilled to craft each bespoke room."

Showrooms: Naked has showrooms in Bloomsbury and Chelsea in London, as well as in Norfolk.

Prices start from: Kitchens generally tend to start around £30-£35,000 which includes cabinetry, worktops, and appliances.

20. Neptune

Like only a select few other kitchen brands on this list, Neptune isn't just a kitchen maker, it's a vibe — a lifestyle that people want to buy into, and therefore they want to buy into these kitchens. The style leans on modern country elegance; always timeless and focused on classic design elements. "We design kitchens with a "100-year mindset" that ensures functionality and aesthetic appeal for generations.," Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune, explains to me.

In my previous life as a kitchen magazine editor, I visited endless Neptune kitchens in real homes to photograph them, and always found myself charmed by them — especially when peeking inside the doors. The storage design always felt as beautifully considered as the doors and frames that enclose it, and you can see the craftmanship in even finer detail once you look beyond the surface. "It's rooted in traditional cabinet-making principles," Fred says. "All Neptune cabinets are constructed with precise mortise-and-tenon joints, while the drawer boxes are secured with beautiful dovetails." Neptune only uses natural materials, for example no MDF or chipboard, and while much of the craftsmanship may be invisible, it gives our designs the strength to last 100 years and more. This also means Neptune kitchens can be de-installed and re-fitted from one home to another or reconfigured to suit the evolving needs of the home.

What's the process? The design process begins with visiting a Neptune store, where customers can explore fully functional kitchen displays of the three ranges the brand offers. Once signed up for the Kitchen Design Service, Neptune’s designer will visit the customer’s home to review the space and take precise measurements, discuss needs, preferences, layout ideas, and help to shape their personal vision. Neptune will provide the customer with a design folder including floor plans, elevations, and renders for their sign off. From here, an installation specialist will guide the customer throughout the entire process to ensure their kitchen is exactly how you’ve imagined.

Showrooms: Neptune has 27 stores in the UK, which can be found on its website.

Prices start from: The cost of a Neptune kitchen varies depending on the size and specifications, but starting prices generally begin around £11,000.

21. Officine Gullo

Officine Gullo's offering to the world of kitchen design is singular — something really no other kitchen brand is doing. Its signature? Its ability to merge Florentine metal-working into the facade of its cabinetry for a dynamic, luxurious, and glamorous aesthetic.

Of course, it's an iconic and sought-after aesthetic, but this Italian kitchen maker isn't just defined by this one novelty. "We have expertise in precision mechanics and dedication to long-lasting, sustainable products that make our kitchens unique," Manfredi Conforzi, commercial director of Officine Gullo, explains. "Each kitchen is entirely customized, with a focus on design, materials, finishes, and functionality."

While the kitchen pictured above might be sophisticated and muted, it's a kitchen brand that allows for bold experimentation and ornament in its designs, too. Colour is a cornerstone of its offering — when visiting its showroom in Milan last year, you can't help but be drawn in by its decorative display wall of the colours on offer, each realised in an example panel with trim and handle, something that's been recreated at the Fulham Road showroom in London. From mints and peaches to bright yellow and primary red, and that's before you start to look at the colour options on offer for the metalwork.

And, if you want appliances to match, good news — Officine Gullo works with appliance brands too, lending its design aesthetic to ranges, fridges, integrated ovens, and more.

What's the process? "The journey begins with an initial consultation handled by our UK team, based at our London showroom on Fulham Road," Manfredi says. "Our designers craft a bespoke project tailored to the client’s vision, refining every detail to ensure a perfect fit. Once the design is approved, our master artisans in Florence meticulously handcraft the kitchen using the finest materials and techniques." The brand's UK install team then handle the installation with the care you'd expect for a premium kitchen company.

Showrooms: South Kensington in London. 62/64 Fulham Rd, South Kensington, London, SW3 6HH.

Prices start from: Complete kitchen projects in the UK typically begin around £150,000.

22. Olive & Barr

A relative newcomer to the kitchen design scene, Olive & Barr has been busy since it opened back in 2018. The Shaker kitchen brand now has three showrooms and has fitted countless beautiful kitchens in that time.

Specializing in in-frame Shaker doors made in solid oak, ash and tulipwood in its West Country workshop, Olive & Barr's style runs the range of classic to classic-meets-modern, so you won't find your polished, glossy slab doors here, but just taking a look through its portfolio gives a hint at how versatile this cabinetry really is.

If price is one of your big concerns, but you're still looking for a handmade Shaker kitchen, Olive & Barr might be the one for you. I love that the brand has included a price comparison to other makers on its website, and it's true that this cabinetry has an attractive starting price for these sorts of kitchens. "My goal with Olive & Barr was to start a business that broke the mold and that put the client first every step of the way," Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr tells me. "I am confident that Olive & Barr is the only handmade Shaker kitchen company in the UK today that can provide impeccably high-quality British craftsmanship at such good value. We keep overheads to a minimum so we can pass on the savings we make to the customer."

What's the process? With home visits and showroom appointments available, you work with an Olive & Barr designer to create an initial plan, subject to tweaks and refinements. Once finalized, the design will be secured with a deposit, followed by a site visit to survey the space. From this point, the kitchen goes into production. The brand typically works on a 12-week lead time but in certain cases, they can work on delivering the kitchen in a shorter time frame.

Showrooms: As well as a showroom in South London, Olive & Barr has studios in Malvern Hills and Kyre park. 131 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QJ

Prices start from: For a modestly sized bespoke kitchen, prices may start from around £10,000 to £15,000.

23. Plain English

You might already be familiar with Plain English as a kitchen brand — it's one that is synonymous with a certain style of home; a certain mood and lifestyle. "The inspirations? "The unsurpassed elegance of Georgian architecture and furniture, the simple domesticity, and of course, a very English fascination with nature, with the weather, and the seasons drifting across the landscape," explains Katie Fontana creative director and co-founder of Plain English. "Our aesthetic references the values of the past and gently evolves to embrace the modern ways we live now."

Classic, undatable, not look at me kitchens. A canvas to add to both past and present. Plain English has a beauty aesthetic that is very adaptable to any setting. Interior designer Veere Grenney once said that Plain English has elegance, simplicity, and comfort that can be applied to any style, whether classic or contemporary. And that's something you can see through its designs — yes, they do timeless, but moreso than not, there's something about these kitchens that grounds them in the here and now.

What's the process? Katie describes the process as "collaborative and unhurried." Once the client and designer hook up creatively, they'll draw on existing ranges to build out the kitchen layout, honing the space into a unique design. The kitchens are crafted in its workshops in Suffolk, and the color s applied by hand.

Showrooms: Plain English has one showroom is Stowupland Hall, in Suffolk, and another on London's Pimlico Road. 61 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8NE.

Prices start from: Kitchens start from £70,000.

24. Pluck Kitchens

Pluck has become somewhat of an iconic modern kitchen brand for its distinct style of cabinetry. Its designers use wood-veneered cabinetry, believing that it's the best way to use this precious natural material efficiently. There's a pared-back, unfussy simplicity to the cabinets themselves - feeling a little more utilitarian than many cupboards - but this is brought to life by a generous and exciting range of colors and finishes, making ideal for colorful kitchen ideas. "We have curated a gorgeous and eclectic collection of colours and woods, and work with our clients to draw delicious combinations from these," Leila Touwen, who founded Pluck with her husband Lloyd and friend George Glasier. "This is very much part of Pluck’s style — how wood and color interact with each other and can be beautifully paired," she adds.

But it's not just about what's on the outside — big beyond the looks, and it is the thoroughness of its designs that stands out. The kitchens, which are made in the brand's southwest London workshop, use a high-quality birch plywood base. "If we were to opt for composite boards such as Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) this would of course be cheaper," Leila says, "but environmentally it’s not good and practically too, it’s not as durable."

It's another kitchen brand that has a very particular design DNA, that certain people are instinctively drawn to. "We receive glowing reviews from our clients, how we navigate their project with them is something we take very seriously and take great pride in," Leila says. "We care enormously about the work that we do, we have people coming back for kitchens, recommending us to their friends and family, word of mouth recommendations that we will never take for granted."

What's the process? The typical timeframe for a Pluck kitchen from design to installation is five months. The design process begins with an important first meeting - a free consultation - to get the information needed to draw up an initial plan and give an accurate quote. After this stage, the conceptual design takes as long as it needs to, whilst leaving enough time to make the cabinetry and furniture — generally speaking, this takes three months. "We have our own install team who are fantastic, but it is not a prerequisite to buying a Pluck kitchen that we install your cabinetry and furniture," Leila says.

Showrooms: Pluck's HQ, and workshop, is in south west London, where initial consultations can take place. Unit 2, 88a Acre Ln, London SW2 5QN.

Prices start from: From £25,000

25. Poliform

I'm better acquainted with Poliform as an Italian furniture brand, so I recently visited the Poliform showroom on King's Road to better know, and get more hands on with, the brand's cabinetry offering, As typically sleek, modern, and luxurious as you'd expect to match Poliform's range of interior furniture, Poliform nails to distinct approaches to the contemporary kitchen look. The Artex Pro kitchen, above, has been designed to be an invisible kitchen with hidden storage ideas that help a cooking space blend into the background of your home. On the flip side, you could take the path of the perfectly curated Alea Pro with its vast glass-fronted doors, putting your kitchen's more utilitarian side on display.

"Poliform stands out from its competitors through its unparalleled blend of heritage, innovation, and a human-centered design philosophy," George Khachfe, chairman of Poliform says. "Every Poliform kitchen is designed to offer a sensorial experience, where aesthetics and practicality coexist in perfect harmony. The technology behind our kitchens is unique to Poliform, as is the meticulous care given to every design detail, from material selection to the integration of advanced systems like the Architectural Pivot doors."

What's the process? In the UK, Poliform operates two directly owned showrooms in London, located on King’s Road, Chelsea, and Wigmore Street, Marylebone. Both are owned by Poliform’s headquarters in Italy, meaning a smooth transition from design to production and finally to installation and delivery. Each showroom has a dedicated kitchen division with designers specialising exclusively in kitchens. They collaborate with interior designers, architects, and individual clients. When the kitchen is ready, it is delivered to Poliform’s UK warehouse and installed by Poliform’s in-house installation team, supervised by an on-site manager.

Showrooms: The brand has three London showrooms: King’s Road, Chelsea, and Wigmore Street. King's Road is the flagship: 278 King's Rd, London, SW3 5AW.

Prices start from: Prices vary, but for anyone seeking a more defined starting point, the newly launched Land outdoor kitchen is priced from £50,854 plus VAT for a 3010mm configuration.

26. Roundhouse

Rather than talk about what Roundhouse does do, it's easier to talk about what it can't — not much. Its style as a kitchen design company hangs more on its clients' wishes than anything else. "Creating beautiful bespoke furniture that is truly reflective of each individual and home is what drives us," Craig Matson, managing director of Roundhouse tells me. On a recent trip to visit the brand's workshop in Worcestershire, I saw it firsthand. In one direction, beautiful traditional in-frame cabinetry; in another a genius-yet-labour-intensive technique, devised by the brand's innovative workshop team to give doors a modern, metallic finish. "What really differentiates us from the competition is the unparalleled range of finishes we offer — there are virtually endless possibilities," Craig says.

The brand is all about timeless designs, while, at the same time, investing in finding new design classics through research and development of new materials. "Right now, I especially like profiled timber and stone in adding textures and character to the designs — the inspiration can come from anything but we try and attend lots of exhibitions to explore new materiality and finishes."

It's a kitchen brand to go to for both the classics and something a little new, a little out of the ordinary. Always elegant, always transcending trends, and always something special that'll wow your house guests.

Roundhouse also has its 'Studio Collection', which is a more curated range of cabinetry styles. It's not totally bespoke in the sense of its other offering, but is still flexible, and a little more budget friendly.

What's the process? Logistically, there are about nine critical steps to take throughout the process, according to Craig.
▪ Stage 1: Initial Consultation
▪ Stage 2: Presentation and Engagement
▪ Stage 3: Design Development
▪ Stage 4: Site Survey
▪ Stage 5: Final Design Meeting
▪ Stage 6: Production and Technical
▪ Stage 7: Manufacturing
▪ Stage 8: Installation
▪ Stage 9: Completion

The brand employs a mix of traditional joinery techniques and state-of-the-art technology in its manufacturing. It's a design company that innovates these processes, not only to make them easier, but also impact the precision, quality, and durability of the designs.

Showrooms: Roundhouse has showrooms in London on Wigmore Street, in Fulham, Richmond, and Clapham, as well as Guildford, Cambridge, and Cheltenham.

Prices start from: Roundhouse kitchens start from £35,000.

27. Scavolini

Scavolini is a kitchen brand from Italy that spans a fair range of styles. It has a more traditional range of kitchens (though always with an interesting, unusual design feature) and a more modern range, with some sitting in between. In its contemporary styles, Scavolini has an industrial leaning, especially in ranges such as its collaboration with fashion brand Diesel — aluminium, reeded glass, metal mesh, and open rack shelving are all a part of the design language.

The brand is available in the UK through its retailer network, but that includes some monobrand stores, including a north west London store operated by Multiliving.

Showrooms: 39 Fortune Green Road, NW6 1DR, London. You can find other retailers on its dealer page.

Prices start from: Scavolini kitchens start from around £10,000.

28. Sola Kitchens

Founded by city lawyer turned kitchen designer Sofia Bune, Sola Kitchens draws on her Swedish heritage delivering modern and elevated Scandinavian-style kitchens. "Our designs are the essence of bespoke Scandinavian design," Sofia tells us, "blending minimalism, functionality, and craftsmanship. We are the only company in the UK offering truly bespoke Scandinavian-style kitchens and storage solutions."

There aren't ranges, so much, but Sola's kitchens fall into three main categories. It's Classic Scandi designs are the more classic leaning designs with Shaker doors, or designs that are more ornate and detailed like panlling, but always made from quality woods such as oak, ash, walnut, and birch, and can be hand-painted or sprayed. The Modern Scandi designs are more minimal, usually slab doors, and focusing on hidden design details. The brand also specializes in Metallics, too, with bold designs using brass, copper, and stainless steel.

It's a brand that always feels design-forward, no matter the style, though. "We’re seeing a strong trend towards combining natural materials like oak, walnut, and marble with sleek, modern finishes," Sofia tells me. "This balance between warmth and minimalism is key to Scandinavian design, and it excites us to incorporate these elements into highly functional spaces. Bespoke features like appliance garages, hidden larders, and integrated lighting are also becoming increasingly popular, adding both practicality and luxury to modern kitchens."

What's the process? An experienced designer meets with you to understand your needs, lifestyle, and vision, and will then produce tailored plans, elevations, and material samples within one to two weeks.Once commissioned, the designer measures up and checks any structural or utility details. The bespoke cabinetry is handcrafted in either Swedish or British workshops, taking 14–16 weeks.

Showrooms: Sola Kitchens has three showrooms in London, including Hampstead, Fulham, and Wigmore Street.

Prices start from: Kitchens start at £45,000 plus VAT.

29. Tom Howley

Tom Howley is a kitchen design company that specializes in beautiful Shaker kitchen doors, but to fit any kind of home. Rural manor? Its design team has you covered. City apartment? It can take things classic with a modern twist, no problem. All in all, think timeless design, and a beautiful base to imprint your design style on.

Founded in 2004, and now with 20 showrooms across the country, Tom Howley has great coverage, and they're pretty well-renowned for having great customer service — something I've heard from the people I've met who have used the kitchen design company before, and I've met a few. "Our reputation has been built on quality and you can see that clearly when you visit any of our nationwide showrooms," Tom Howley tells me. "Come to a showroom and feel the high-quality materials that our team of skilled craftsmen and fitters work with, such as quartz and solid wood. The appliances, handles, hinges, taps, and sinks we use all come under close scrutiny to ensure they meet the Tom Howley standard. We want all our clients to be delighted."

What's the process? When you work with Tom Howley, you'll get a dedicated client liaison manager, who is your point of contact throughout the process. It's a nice touch, and means you always feel connected to where the kitchen is in the process. The kitchen is made in its Glossop workshop, before being installed by the brand's installer team.

Showrooms: Tom Howley has 20 showrooms nationwide.

Prices start from: The starting price for a Tom Howley kitchen is around £25,000.

30. Vipp

Danish brand VIPP goes beyond the basics of what you'd expect of Scandinavian design. Specialising in metalworks, which has been a part of its brand since its inception in 1939, think sleek kitchen doors and surfaces made from stainless steel and aluminium. It's a modular concept — where you buy freestanding modules to build your kitchen.

"[Its] products are built to last, making them a firm favourite among those who value durability and timeless design," says Monique Tollgard, co-founder of interior design studio Tollgard, which specifies kitchens from the brand. "And because the units are free-standing, the kitchens are inherently portable, and many of VIPP’s clients have taken their kitchens with them when they have moved home."

"The VIPP production line is more akin to a car factory than a joinery workshop, producing their signature island in 4mm stainless steel, with integrated sink, hob, and under counter extraction (if required) minimizing the unnecessary meeting of additional materials," Monique says. "The door fronts are made from powder-coated steel, a highly resistant material; and the closing of the doors gives a very satisfying ‘clunk’ — again, more the realm of the luxury car than a kitchen."

The classic VIPP style is the most recognisable, but the brand has recently launched a textured 'V3' kitchen, pictured above. "The freestanding modules are wrapped in anodized aluminum with vertically extruded profiles curving around the edges to bring a light elegance to the metallic appearance," Monique tells me. "It is the latest take on timeless design and is uniquely crafted, creating a very exciting new design"

What's the process? You can't buy VIPP's kitchen direct, but can source them through design studios such as Tollgard and Edinburgh-based Moleta Munro Limited.

Showrooms: Tollgard has three London showrooms, through which you can enquire about VIPP's designs.

FAQs

Who Are the Biggest Kitchen Manufacturers in the UK?

This list is made up of what we'd say are the best kitchen brands and kitchen design companies, but they all exist in a slightly higher price bracket than 'high street' kitchen design chains. Often, this means they actually make fewer kitchens, and work on smaller scales.

The largest kitchen manufacturer in the UK is Howden's, in actual fact, a for-trade retailer that has a more budget offering, and works on huge scales.