Handmade | Minerva Design
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a stack of ethically sourced, hardwood materials

HANDMADE

What do we mean by a handmade kitchen? Scroll to find out.

UNDERSTANDING OUR CABINETRY

Simply put, a handmade kitchen is individual for you. Each project we craft is made up of a collection of cabinets, we don't use mass-produced 'off-the-shelf' products or nails (ew!). Each cabinet is crafted from four key elements; the carcass, frames, drawers and doors. 

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handcrafted cabinetry carcass

CARCASS

The backbone of every cabinet is the carcass. Made from either Veneered MDF or Oak veneered plywood, our carcasses are strong and sturdy as they are the main structure that supports all of the other components, including some seriously heavy worktops. Even though the carcass is rarely seen, we can also paint it for feature cabinets such as Larders and countertop cupboards for a real wow effect.

handcrafted oak drawer boxes with traditional dovetailed corners

DRAWERS

Our standard drawer boxes are made from solid Oak using the faultless dovetail joint for all four corners. Other materials, such as Ash and Walnut, are available upon request.

 

Strong as an Ox, one of the hardest working components of any kitchen is fitted with 40kg rated soft-close runners (which can be upgraded to 60kg should your crockery require). We can also make secret, tech-charging and super-wide drawers - because we are handmade.

handcrafted shaker cabinetry with handmade doors

DOORS

We prefer self-lubricating soft close hinges that don’t slam and can each take a load of 10kg. The doors themselves are made by hand from hardwood or engineered materials using mortice and tenon joints - proven for centuries for strength and structural integrity.

 

handcrafted cabinetry framework

FRAME

The hardwood surround normally associated with a traditional shaker, the job of the framework is to hide the carcass end grain and be a durable and protective surround to the drawers and doors. Secondly they can either match the main colour scheme and blend in, or be a contrast to frame a natural Oak drawer for example. Bologna has the extra pencil-bead detail beautifully crafted into every opening.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

The difference between an off-the-shelf product and a handmade kitchen is the details. We not only work with you to decide what layout will work best for you and your space but we will also tailor the space to you. Integrated coffee machine? Knife block? Or perhaps a wine fridge? Take a look below at a selection of details you could add to your design.

a handcrafted modern larder painted in a dark blue with oak drawers satin nickel handles

LARDERS

The most versatile cabinet in our portfolio, packed with storage options. Shelves and drawers can be configured in a number of ways, appliances and power sockets can be built-in with the additional option to choose a door-activated LED downlight.

handcrafted oak cutlery insert in oak drawer

INSERTS

Handmade for coffee lovers or keeping all that cutlery in its place.

a handmade shaker door featuring an oak spice rack

SPICE RACKS

Handmade for those who love cooking, our spice racks can be the perfect addition to your larder or tucked neatly away in a cupboard.

handcrafted, bespoke walnut shelving with integrated LED lighting

LIGHTING

Often forgotten, a properly integrated lighting design can dramatically change the mood of the whole kitchen. State of the art slimline LED technology allows us to almost invisibly add light to any dark corner.

a handcrafted oak drawer box with a handmade secret drawer integrated above

SECRET DRAWERS

Sssssh! We love a secret drawer but don’t tell anyone. Great for bringing a 3rd drawer into a two-drawer aesthetic and maximising cabinet usage too.

a handmade bespoke shaker kitchen with innovative corner pull out

CORNER SOLUTIONS

Corners are an awkward space, where (let’s face it) all the pots, pans and trays usually end up. Not anymore! We regularly fit two innovative solutions so you can utilise the corner cupboard to its full potential.

handcrafted oak drawer box with bespoke peg detailing

DRAWER PEGS

Drawers are great for storage because you can access everything easily. Add some pegs and you have the ultimate in crockery organisation. Bring on the dinner party.

a handmade, bespke kitchen painted in a neutral colour, featuring an oak countertop cupboard

COUNTER-TOP CUPBOARD

As popular and as useful as a Larder, the Counter-top Cupboard gives you the flexibility of storage and preparation space as the name suggests. Great for coffee machines, toasters and kettles - everything for breakfast in one place.

a handmade bespoke shaker kitchen painted in a dark grey colour featuring three integrated ovens

APPLIANCES

Making any technology work for you is key to a successful kitchen. We will help you source and select the right appliance for the job and ensure it fits in perfectly.

several worktop samples

WORKTOPS

With a choice of marble, granite, quartz, hardwood, engineered stone and bespoke options. We source our worktops from independent specialists hardwood worktops are produced in our workshop.

bespoke colour chart

FINISHES

Our expert team can help advise you on which finishes are best with your chosen design. We offer a wide range but if you're looking for a specific style, colour or design, speak to our team to discuss colour matching to your personal choice.

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