Most kitchens described as 'handmade' aren't. They're assembled from factory-made components by a skilled fitter. That's not the same thing. Here's what genuine handmade kitchen construction actually involves -and why it produces a different result. Sherwin Hall has been designing and installing kitchens in Leicester for over 30 years.
What 'handmade' actually means at Sherwin Hall
For us, handmade isn't a marketing word. It describes how we work.
Our range of handmade kitchens is made from scratch by craftsmen. There are no off-the-shelf carcasses, no standard-issue doors pulled from a catalogue. Each cabinet is built to your measurements. Each detail - the profile of your door, the finish on your handles, the grain of the timber - is a deliberate choice, made with you in mind.
That's what makes a Sherwin Hall kitchen one of a kind.
What sets handmade kitchens apart
They fit your home, not a catalogue
Factory kitchens come in fixed sizes. Handmade kitchens are built to your space - whether that's an awkward corner, a period property, or a large open-plan layout. Our designers work out how you actually use your kitchen before a single measurement is drawn.
The quality is visible for decades
Solid wood cabinetry, premium worktops, and components from suppliers we trust. Every joint, hinge, and finish is executed to a standard we'd be happy to have in our own homes. The difference shows - not just on day one, but fifteen years later.
It reflects your taste, not a trend
Because each kitchen is made to order, you're not choosing from a fixed range. Our designs run from classic country shaker to sleek contemporary - and everything in between. You're shaping something that's genuinely yours.
The craftsmanship has a human quality
Hand-selected timber, visible grain patterns, hand-finished details - these are things machines can't replicate. They're also what gives a handmade kitchen its warmth.
One team, start to finish
Design, materials, manufacture, installation - all handled by us. One point of contact, no hand-offs to subcontractors.
Handmade doesn't mean leaving technology behind
A handmade kitchen doesn't mean giving up on modern living. Sherwin Hall kitchens are built using traditional joinery, but we fit the full range of contemporary appliances - induction hobs, integrated refrigeration, boiling water taps, steam ovens, and more.
The craftsmanship frames the technology. The result is a kitchen that looks beautiful and works brilliantly.
How it works
1. Consultation
We start with a conversation - either at our Oadby showroom or at your home. No pressure, no sales pitch. We want to understand your space, your lifestyle, and what you actually want from your kitchen.
2. Design
Our designers produce detailed plans and material specifications. You'll see exactly how your kitchen will look and feel before anything is made.
3. Manufacture
Your kitchen is built by hand in our workshop. Every component is made to your exact measurements.
4. Installation
Our own fitters install your kitchen, they take the same pride in the finish as the craftsmen who made it.
A note on cost
A handmade kitchen is a significant investment, and we think you deserve honesty about that from the start. Our projects typically begin from £20,000 for a full design and installation, depending on size, materials, and appliances. A Sherwin Hall kitchen is built to a standard that lasts - and it adds genuine value to your home. We're happy to talk through costs openly at your first consultation.
If your budget doesn't stretch to a fully bespoke handmade kitchen, we do offer other door and furniture types that may bring what is still a high-quality kitchen within your budget. Speak to our team about our full range of kitchens.
Thinking about a handmade kitchen?
If this is the standard you're looking for, take a look at our residential kitchens page to see how we work and the projects we've delivered - or book a free consultation and come and see the difference for yourself.
