“To make something with your own bare hands is so rewarding”, says James, Owner and Principal Cabinetmaker, BH Kitchens. And he’s right. Don’t get us wrong, technology has helped us come on leaps and bounds in manufacturing—especially within the carpentry and cabinetmaking industry—but there is a certain quality, and aura almost, that comes from something that has been handcrafted; and never was that sentiment more true, than in the case of this incredible local business, BH Kitchens. We’re in the workshop as we speak; James is showing us around the current projects he is working on including the showcase pieces on display in the showroom. We stand in awe as he shares with us his passion for his beloved craft. The pieces really are stunning. On initial inspection the quality easily stands out, but as we creep closer to inspect the finer details you can’t help but be taken aback by the intricacy and clear attention to detail. We wanted to know more about what makes a BH Kitchen, and to do so, we’d have to go back to where it all started…
We don’t just want to build you something that will last five minutes, we want to create a lasting hub of the home, that will see generations to come enjoying special memories around the kitchen table.
James, owner, bh kitchens
How did BH Kitchens come to be?
As a young lad I was fascinated by carpentry so, at aged 16 (over twenty five years ago!) I served a five-year apprenticeship with a Herefordshire Cabinet Maker in a small town called Kington on the Welsh Border. It was here that I harnessed my passion and learnt the skills I needed to be able to bring to life my creative side.
For several years after I worked for other independent joinery and cabinet making companies, gaining invaluable experience along the way. Over the recent years I have fitted many kitchens building a trusted reputation with many satisfied customers. Although, it was whilst fitting other companies kitchens, that I realised the need to feed my passion for cabinet making and utilise my expertise to its full potential. So, it was time to focus my attention on producing handcrafted quality furniture. This is when I decided to take the plunge and now have the facilities to manufacture Bespoke Handcrafted Kitchens and furniture.
What do you strive for when building a new kitchen?
First and foremost Quality, which is why we decided to only use solid wood for all of our carcasses. No man-made boards like chipboard or laminate. Primarily, we use a knot-free pine for the interior bones of the cabinetry, and all of the fascias are made from tulip (or poplar, as it’s otherwise known). We don’t just want to build people something that will last five minutes, we want to create a lasting hub of the home, that will see generations to come enjoying special memories around the kitchen table.
We pride ourselves on delivering something that is totally bespoke, where we work closely with you from initial CAD Design, colour choice, style and materials, so that we can give you something that you can’t wait to come home to; a kitchen that will be loved for years to come.
…But isn’t a fully bespoke kitchen expensive?
There’s a myth that bespoke has to cost you the earth, but it’s really not the case. Take your average high street kitchen company, for example. They offer you an unbelievable
price to start, then by the time you’ve added in the things you want, you’re back up to some slightly more unsettling figures—and for something that isn’t custom-made, and likely made of more budget materials.
Everything that we install into our clients’ homes are made right here, within our workshop in Poole. And we welcome customers to come down during the manufacturing process, to see the individual pieces of their new kitchen being made, which is such a worthwhile experience, especially when you’re investing in one of the most important rooms in your home.
If, like us, you have been inspired by James’ story and the BH Kitchen’s work, then get in touch with their friendly team to discuss your next potential project.
Coverage throughout all areas within, and surrounding Dorset, including: Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Wimborne, Dorchester, Ferndown, Verwood, Ringwood, New Forest and Fordingbridge.
We would thoroughly recommend BH Kitchens for their professionalism and workmanship. From start to finish, they provided an excellent service, from advice and design to installation. We were overjoyed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail. We now have a kitchen that we have always dreamed of.
Mr & Mrs Greenslade
Get in touch:
t. 01202 512 612 or 07809 499 714
e. info@bhkitchens.co.uk
w. www.bhkitchens.co.uk
Picture credit: Harbourview Photography
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