At Uncommon Projects, every kitchen receives the same thoughtful design and is built on our signature precision-engineered plywood chassis. The difference between Core and Bespoke lies in how the project is delivered, and how much of it you want to manage yourself.
This article explains the differences in service, materials, style and cost, so you can decide which route is right for you.
At the heart of it, the biggest difference between Core and Bespoke is the level of service. Both routes include a dedicated kitchen design process. We’ll help you plan your layout, tailor your cabinetry and choose your finishes. The key difference is what happens beyond the design stage.
Core is supply-only. We don’t visit site, manage the project or install the kitchen. You or your project team will take care of those elements. It’s ideal for confident renovators and professionals with a trusted contractor in place.
Bespoke is our end-to-end fully-managed service. From site visits and surveys to project management and installation, we handle every detail. If you want a seamless process or have a complex space to work with, this is the route for you.
There are also some key differences in the materials and design process:
Both Core and Bespoke include a dedicated design service. But Bespoke also includes surveys, installation and full project coordination, while Core is supply-only.
Core uses a standardised modular system with custom sizing options. Bespoke offers complete design freedom, tailored layouts and details.
Core cabinets are made from a more economical birch plywood and finished in a curated range of laminates or oak veneer. Bespoke offers a broader palette, using hardwood veneers such as oak, walnut or maple, or fully custom finishes. All our sheets are veneered to order, so if you’re looking for a particular grain or tone, we can work with you to achieve it.
Core is only available in our Overlay style. Bespoke offers Overlay, Edge, Linear and Frame styles.
Core comes in a curated palette. Bespoke gives you unlimited colour and material options.
Core cabinetry typically costs around one third less than Bespoke, though this comparison reflects cabinetry only and does not account for the additional services included in a Bespoke project.
Core projects are often faster to deliver. Bespoke timings depend on project complexity.
Importantly, both ranges use the same high-quality construction methods and ironmongery. Because we refuse to compromise on quality, you’ll get the same longevity and design input whichever route you choose.
Core is ideal for:
Bespoke is ideal for:
We apply the same level of design thinking and architectural rigour to both Core and Bespoke projects. With Core, we’ll work closely with you or your architect to develop a layout that fits your space and needs, based on accurate survey information that you provide. Once the design is agreed, we manufacture your kitchen and deliver it to site. You’ll be responsible for coordinating trades, installation and fitting. We’re still here for questions, but the day-to-day running is up to you.
With Bespoke, we visit your site, manage the drawings and surveys, and coordinate timings with the build team. We’re in regular contact throughout and install the kitchen ourselves, ensuring everything fits and functions exactly as it should.
For some clients, this hands-on support is essential. Others enjoy taking the lead themselves. It’s worth asking early on: do you have the time and experience to manage your kitchen project? If not, Bespoke is usually the better route.
Once you’ve read through the options, you’ll likely have a clear sense of which route feels right for your project. We’ll quote based on your preference, and if things change as your plans evolve, we’re happy to provide a revised quote.
One note: if you begin with Bespoke and then switch to Core, we can transfer the design, but we do retain part of the design fee, as site visits and coordination work will already have been done.
Both Core and Bespoke kitchens can work in any style of home, from Georgian terraces to contemporary apartments. Your choice of colour, worktops, handles and layout will shape the look and feel.
Core kitchens are always made in our Overlay style – a flat panel door with a clean, minimal profile – and are available in birch ply with laminate or oak veneer. We have a range of handles styles that work with this, or you’re welcome to source your own. Thoughtful combinations of materials and details can make Core feel warm and characterful in period homes, or cool and contemporary in modern spaces.
Bespoke offers more freedom. Whether it’s one of our four signature styles – Overlay, Edge, Linear or Frame – a specific timber, or a one-off kitchen layout that responds to unusual architecture, Bespoke gives you full control. Our Edge style in particular offers a precise, architectural detail that many of our clients love for its tactile, integrated feel. It’s been our signature for well over a decade but by no means all that we do.
We’re always happy to help you decide. If you’re weighing up the options, send us your plans and we’ll walk you through what’s possible with each route.
The right choice isn’t just about budget, it’s about what kind of process works best for you. Whether Core or Bespoke, we’ll help you get a kitchen that reflects the same commitment to thoughtful design, material honesty and long-term quality.
Keep reading our design guides, product advice and stories from our Uncommon friends.
