The Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch

last month

Has anyone recently used the Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch? The google reviews haven’t been updated since 6-7 months ago. I really like the kitchens in their showroom but on the other hand am concerned that they don’t offer any warranty.

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Isla Cherry

last month

Having worked for one of their competitors for a number of years there are issues with in-frame shaker style kitchens. The frames swell and shrink with the weather despite being a painted finish and we had a never ending list of remedials for fitters to go and plane the doors (as they swellled when it was very wet and caught on the frame) and then the painter had to retouch them. It went on and on and on....the kitchens were guaranteed for 10 years. Make sure you know exactly what the front frame and door are composed of and if it is tulipwood make sure you are prepared for an annual problem. This can be avoided if you choose a lay-on style over the carcass which does not look as sleek but will not warp to the same extent. I'm surprised to hear there is no warranty. Would they let you view their kitchens and speak to previous customers if you were a potential customer? You would only find out how great (or not) the kitchens are from previous customers.

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Comments (16)

Asa Asa
Original Author
last month
Thanks for the explanation. I believe the front frames for HKOC are made from tulipwood. When I visited their showroom a few months back, they showed me a new range in solid oak, though they mentioned it can’t be painted. I’ve read some good reviews about the quality of their cabinetry on Google and Trustpilot, but I haven’t spoken to anyone who’s had it for a few years to see how well it holds up over time.
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My 2¢ worth: first of all replace the dark blinds with translucent cordless single cell blinds in ivory or off-white--they let light through and provide privacy + some insulation from cold or heat. Clean, crisp look.That alone will brighten up this space. #2: clear the counterspace!--so much clutter! Where to put all these appliances that get little daily use? Get yourself a ss 24x20 or larger cart on wheels (see Amazon.com--Seville classic ss cart) and store little used, bulky appliances on its shelves--and roll the cart into a nearby coat closet--out of sight and way-- to be wheeled back when needed or individually carried back as needed. 3#gorgeous blue tiled walls.Don't touch them. #4:Walls: keep as is if off-white--not same as trim white white.Just a fresh coat needed.To make it "disappear," paint the radiator the same color as the wall behind it. #5Keep the white trim white--looks bright and clean.Keep kitchen door white. You might want to stop here and make no further changes #6Cabinets: I like Gast pic above on right, but too much blue for your blue-tiled kitchen...IMO. I'd go cooler and lighter...consider the light gray of the beadboard in the Gast pic above right. Beautiful hue. Don't go for the white white everyone clamors for these days.Too stark for your kitchen and too contrasty with the blue tile, too country kitchenish. #7. cabinet hardware: Look like glass knobs in pics. Go for knobs/pulls like in the Gast pic above--or similar in pewter or ss, my preference. Those "modern" ss bar handles don't work with your cabinets. #8 the round table is not a good fit against the wall. Get a small sq or rectangular ss or butcherblock-top table for that spot. Chop off the top tier of your chairs to shorten....and match their tops as they are now so's won't appear to take up so much visual space and still remain comfy--don't replace w/ uncomfortable stools.Keep white. #9. Do away with wood valance over sink window.Too country. #10 Countertops--solid color Corian type or laminate--depends on budget--don't want busy stone textures of quartz, etc. Consider a medium value cool gray. (Or maple butcherblock?). Can't see color/texture of floor.... hope some of this helps. Good luck! lisianthus' pic tho nice is too busy-cutesy for your minimalist aims IMO
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PRO
Dual Designs
last month
Hi, We have always worked with framed cabinetry and have never had a problem with woods moving. With all of our products we have always been very careful to use the correct materials. I would think Isla's experience may well be an issue with bad companies. The woods they are using aren't seasoned correctly and therefore still have too higher moisture content. There are unfortunately alot of bad kitchen manufactures around who promise the world though don't care once they've got your money.

I don't know where in the country you are though recommendations by others who have recently had a kitchen is often the best place to start. That way you'll hopefully know the person and judge the quality you are looking for.

Good luck
Isla Cherry
last month
The company is a very well known highly regarded high street brand. They have branches in London and every desirable county capital city. The wood used for the doors was tulipwood. I am just saying caveat emptor. Due to the volume of issues they may have improved their process or quility of timber since. They mostly have 5 star ratings on Houzz, Trust Pilot and more.....it is not difficult to suppress bad reviews....
Asa Asa
Original Author
last month
Thanks for your comments. A couple of my friends renovated their kitchens recently and mostly went with high street brands like Wren, but they’re not completely satisfied which I’m not surprised as the online reviews indicate so. They've had to go back for repairs several times and also had issues with the installers. I’m also skeptical about online reviews since they can be manipulated by the companies. I’ve looked into some well-known, high-quality brands, but they’re way out of my budget therefore decided to look around and search for the other companies that can offer a high quality with reasonable price.
Isla Cherry
last month
If you really like shaker style and who doesn't, its a beautiful classic then I would try and go for something like British Standard cabinets. They are an offshoot of Plain English but you will have to design and order it yourself. You will also need to drive to Sussex (I think they were there if memory serves me) and collect it yourself. You will get a top notch fantastic product but will have to find your own fitter or DIY. Worktops, appliances, taps, sinks, handles and everything will be down to you but very doable if you are design minded. If I replaced another kitchen in a period house in that style would use them no question, Have you looked at Neptune too or are they very expensive? Have you looked at the Used Kitchen Company too as there are many quality kitchens for sale on there website which has to be better than the likes of Wren, etc. If you are not set on Shaker style I have loads of other more modern manufacturers I can recommend to you.
PRO
Dual Designs
last month
Thanks Isla, that's all hugely interesting to know and shocking at the same time.
Isla Cherry
last month
I was genuinely shocked too and did not enjoy my customer service (past disappointed client) liason part of the job. I just want people to be aware and not get carried away by the beautiful finished product. There are drawbacks.
PRO
Dual Designs
last month
last modified: last month
Hi Asa Asa, yes, we often hear about Wren. It does seem to be very difficult to find the right people.

I don't know if we can help depending where you are, though we do cover a huge area and can always supply only. We have our Bespoke Range, as well as our Specialist Range which is a quality standard size range, which has every conceivable style. Price wise we don't tend to be beaten for the quality we produce and with either range we never have problems with the furniture. We can supply only or fit and supply everything.

For example, we have always been better priced than Wren against our Specialist Range as far as I've ever know.

Hope that might help
Asa Asa
Original Author
last month
H i Isla, thanks for the recommendation! I checked out the BSC website, and I really like their cabinetry. They have showrooms in Suffolk and London, which would be great to visit. I looked at the used kitchen website before, but the designs and colors are pretty limited, so makes it quite difficult to find the right match and colour. For the kitchen style, I’m leaning towards shaker and traditional designs, but I’m open to high-quality modern styles as well. I’d appreciate any more recommendations you have!
Asa Asa
Original Author
last month
Hi Dual Designs, great thanks for letting me know.
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Isla Cherry
last month
If you are open to high quality modern desigs then Kutchenhaus (German sorry no umlaut) or Schmidt would both be my budget recommendation. If you had a bit more to spend Hacker is fantastic and further up the scale Eggarsman or Bulthaupt. We won't even talk about Poggenpohl. Most German kitchens by Nobilia are very well made and very well supported in the UK.
Asa Asa
Original Author
last month
Thanks, Isla. I've always heard great things about the quality of German brands.
PRO
Dual Designs
last month
I think it is mainly about the company sometimes, not just the product. We know people who sell German kitchens and I wouldn't go near them. The company selling the furniture needs to have good enough ethics and care about the service they provide.

Also UK manufacturing is definitely as good as German and going up to the higher end, English furniture making and craftmanship is probably one of the best in the world.
Isla Cherry
last month
Very good point made by Dual Designs. I bought my German kitchens from Eco kitchens in Winchester and Sabine was a cut above anyone else I have ever dealt with in kitchens. You do need to do thorough research and there is some luck involved too. The Kutchenhaus and Schmidt in Bath (near me) both have fantastic reviews. We also met the people at the Homebuilding and renovating show from Kutchenhaus and they were so efficient at coming back to us quickly with a great design, Ultimately it was for a rental of ours so we did not use them in the end.

Really true about UK manufacturing too at the high end. If I could afford Espresso or Roundhouse I would love to use either of them. I do dream of Vipp freestanding kitchens though if I won the lottery or Garde Hvalsoe.
PRO
Dual Designs
last month
I don't really know why people discount smaller British businesses whose service and quality is vastly better than the big companies. Exactly the same with German companies, you still need to find the right fit. I think alot of people think German and presume that's perfect. Cars and appliances I would agree.

The Handmade Kitchens of Christchurch

Isla Cherry

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