What to Expect When Planning Your Bespoke Kitchen

Understanding Lead Times: Why a Bespoke Kitchen Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Be Rushed

Every kitchen we craft is a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, designed to serve as the heart of the home for decades to come. And as with anything made to the highest standard, it takes time. From the moment a client first walks into our showroom to the day they’re standing in their finished kitchen, we typically advise allowing between 4 to 8 months.

That might sound like a long time – but we make no apologies for it. Bespoke should never be rushed. The design process alone can take anywhere from a single week to several months, depending on the complexity of the space and how decisive the client is. We never push people to make snap decisions; the design must be correct, and the client must feel confident every step of the way.

What Affects the Timeline – and How We Help Clients Stay on Track

There are two key factors that tend to affect the pace of a kitchen project: design indecision and site readiness. Both are entirely natural parts of the process – but left unmanaged, they can cause unnecessary delays. At Davonport, we’ve developed our approach specifically to help clients navigate these common pitfalls with confidence.

Design Indecision

With a truly bespoke kitchen, the possibilities are virtually endless – cabinetry styles, finishes, appliances, layouts, materials, and more. While this level of choice is what makes each Davonport kitchen so personal and unique, we also understand it can feel a little daunting at times.

It’s perfectly natural for clients to change their minds during the design process. After all, it’s a big decision, and it’s important to get it right. We always allow space for that exploration – but it can mean the process takes a little longer.

To help guide our clients through the process smoothly, we’ve developed a carefully curated collection of furniture styles. These aren’t limitations – far from it. They’re starting points, designed to inspire and bring clarity. Think of them as tried-and-tested frameworks that can help remove the friction from the design journey, especially in the early stages.

Of course, every kitchen is still made completely to order, by hand, and tailored to the individual space. But by offering a clear starting point, we’re able to help clients feel more confident in their decisions and ensure the design process progresses at a comfortable, steady pace.

Site Readiness

One of the more common reasons for a project being delayed is when building works run over schedule. It’s completely understandable – renovations can be unpredictable, and timelines often shift as the build progresses.

That said, for a kitchen installation to go ahead smoothly, the space does need to be properly prepared. Floors should be finished, windows and doors fitted, plasterwork dry, and ideally, decorating complete. Installing high-quality furniture into an unfinished or unsettled environment carries a real risk of damage – something we’re always keen to avoid.

It’s not about us being rigid; it’s about protecting the integrity of the kitchen and ensuring the end result lives up to expectations. After all, this is furniture that’s designed to last a lifetime – and we want every detail to be right from the start.

To help ensure everything stays on track, each project is supported by one of our in-house project manager. They work closely with clients throughout the build-up to installation – often liaising directly with builders or contractors – to make sure the space is progressing as it should be.

From confirming the plaster has had time to properly dry, to checking in on decorating or joinery progress, they take a hands-on, proactive approach. It’s just another way we take the pressure off our clients and help maintain the high standards we’re known for.

Because for us, it’s not just about delivering beautiful furniture – it’s about ensuring it’s received into the right environment, at the right time, so the final result is every bit as good as it should be.

A Typical Davonport Timeline

Every project is unique, but there’s a natural rhythm to the way our kitchens come together. Here’s an outline of what the journey typically looks like – always tailored to suit the individual client and the pace they feel comfortable with.

Our Final Thoughts

A bespoke kitchen is more than just a purchase – it’s an investment in your home, your lifestyle, and the way you want to live. It takes time, care, and thoughtful planning to get it right, and allowing space for that process always pays off.

Every Davonport kitchen is crafted to last for generations, which is why we believe in taking the time to do things correctly. For us, it’s never about rushing – it’s about creating something truly special, with lasting value.

In the end, the journey is just as important as the destination – and when it’s done well, it’s always worth the wait.