Bespoke Furniture Maker London
Bespoke and handmade furniture are truly expressions of the character of a home and its owners.Our made-to-measure furniture is both functional and beautiful and can usefully maximise every corner.
At houseUP we make London homes unique with our bespoke joinery crafted; with the perfect combination of style, materials and designs.
What is bespoke furniture?
Bespoke furniture is any piece of made-to-measure cabinetry, for example; wardrobes, shelves and cupboards.
Handmade furniture is often the best option for optimising storage space. In our workshop we create bespoke wardrobes, cupboards and cabinets, shelves, media walls and other more individual items of furniture that adapt to the existing space.
Odd corners are a typical example of under-utilised space, also where ceiling height varies. These are common challenges that we enjoy tackling.
What is bespoke furniture?
For people who want to make their home a truly unique living space, a bespoke kitchen can be a stunning feature. With an endless choice of special materials, shapes, finishes and; colours, our designers will help you navigate all the options.
From hinges to handles, from the shape of the sink to the position of the breakfast space, a custom made kitchen is the most flexible option for results that perfectly fit your living requirements.
What is our process for building your bespoke furniture?
- 01CONSULTATION
At houseUP we work with our clients starting from any stage.
You can consult with us when you are exploring ideas and considering all the options.
We can also refer clients to our trusted partners if required.
- 02DESIGN
If you don’t have a bespoke furniture design already, allow us to inspire you by referring you to the best designers in our network. According to budget and schedule, we will introduce you to your perfect fit.
We work with specialists, like kitchen or period property designers, and also designers who, can complete designs for a whole house. We always include at least two design revisions in our standard process.
- 03MATERIALS
We will give you all the options for materials and the finishes, so that you might choose the right weight, texture and durability of every piece.
- 04PRODUCTION
Our workshop in North London is constantly in motion, creating all the minute details that make your furniture unique. We regularly upgrade and expand our machinery, with joiner teams that include three generations of bespoke furniture makers.
All the furniture that comes out of our workshop is handmade, and every set we build is unique.
- 05PRICING
We usually quote against final drawings, especially if done by external designers. If you choose to design with us, the design cost will be included in our pricing. We will take a deposit when you place your final production order.
- 06INSTALLATION
Our team will make a site visit prior to the start of installation. This is a final opportunity to ask any last minute questions and to ensure a smooth installation. Although a little disruption can be expected, especially on larger projects, we endeavour to do all we can to work around you and your family’s needs.
Finally, our very own expert installers will carry out the installation of the furniture. As well as cabinetry, we will install full kitchens, windows and shutters.
- 07OTHER SERVICES
If you are planning an overall renovation of your property, we would love to be your contractor. We specialise in high end residential refurbishments in London and we can help you transform your home into the beautiful and unique living space you desire.
THE CRITTALL WALL IN THE BASEMENT, WITH THE BESPOKE UNDER STAIR CABINETS
BESPOKE STAIRCASE IN SOFTWOOD RETAINING THE ORIGINAL HANDRAIL, FULLY RESTORED AND TREATED WITH DANISH OIL
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN OPEN SHELVING IN LUXURY CONTEMPORARY PENTHOUSE
SOLID WOOD AND TUBULAR METAL DETAILS FOR THE SHELVING AND THE DRAWER HANDLES GIVE A VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL FEEL TO THIS CONTEMPORARY BESPOKE WALK-IN WARDROBE
Environmental challenges
At houseUP we care greatly about the environmental challenges of our work, especially our bigger renovation and refurbishment projects.
Whenever possible, we will give new life to reclaimed and up-cycled objects and materials. When working with new timber, we select the most reliable sources.
Most of all, we believe in sustainability and fair trade. It is important to us that all local people involved in the production process can support themselves and their families for a fair profit. That is why we choose local producers when possible and select small businesses that are environmentally conscious.
With our digital vocation, we believe in using AI, Automation and APIs to support our sustainability journey. houseUP has been carbon neutral since October 2020, in partnership with Equilibrium.
F.A.Q
Collected questions that we often hear from you
How much will my refurbishment cost?
Every good building company will tell you that it is not possible to estimate the cost of refurbishment for a flat or a house before all the details have been defined. But we understand that it is important to have a reference figure before embarking in the process for budgeting purposes.
We suggest a conservative estimate of £1,750 per square metre as the absolute minimum, and an average of between £2,000 and £3,500 per square metre.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are details that can impact the cost significantly, the most costly being basement excavations or extensions of existing lower ground spaces; inclusion of very large or high spec glazing; very high energy performance materials.
Additionally, some finishes can increase costs significantly, like paint, tiles or flooring, especially if the surfaces are very large,.
In general, kitchens can be installed from as low as a few thousand pounds to hundreds of thousands, too.
How long will my refurbishment take?
As per the duration of a project, it cannot be estimated without the full details. If you want to plan ahead, for alternative accommodation for example, we recommend at least:
For smaller flat refurbishment, approximately 4 to 6 months. For house refurbishment, approximately 6 – 8 months These estimations relate to straightforward refurbishments like loft conversions or rear and side extensions. More complex work like basement excavations can only be estimated with more details, especially if access to the property is a consideration. Composition of the soil etc are also important factors.
Can I live at the property during the refurbishment?
We always recommend that you arrange for alternative accommodation during the project.
Some of our clients choose to live at the property during the work, and, of course, we make that possible. However, please be advised that this arrangement comes with a significant increases in stress, cost and duration of the project.
I want to do everything with one company, can you do design and refurbishment for me?
Yes we can. We partner with the best London architects to create designs that suit you and your needs. We will match you with architects who have specific experience in your area, share your vision and style for your refurbishment project.
Doing the design and build with us gives you a view and control of the projected costs of your refurbishment from the very first day. You will be able to make well-informed choices for your design while understanding the cost implications and opting for the best solution for your investment.
Check out our Design & Build page for more information.
I have all the drawings ready with my architect, can you do the building works for me?
We certainly can! We work with the best architects in London through a tender process, for clients that choose to have the designs for their refurbishment made by an independent architect.
We can provide quotes in our own very detailed format or in your architect’s preferred format.
Do I need planning permission for my refurbishment?
You won’t need planning permission for most refurbishment projects. If you are not changing the external appearance of your flat or your house, you won’t need planning permission. In many cases, you can make a loft conversion or a rear/side extension within permitted development rights. You can find all the details on which type of extensions are allowed under permitted development here.
However, if you are planning to refurbish a listed building, you may need permission.
What works make the biggest difference in the final cost of my refurbishment project?
Typically excavation to extend or create a basement under an existing property is one of the most expensive types of work in construction. The cost of finishes is another big factor in the final cost of a flat or house refurbishment.
I am buying a property, can you help me estimate how much the refurbishment would cost?
When you buy a new property, it is very likely that you’ll plan for a refurbishment. You can find some very good deals on the market, where you can buy a property for a good price when it needs some work done.
By offering an estimation on work to be done, we can help you make the right decision and offer the right price for the potential property.
If custom made furniture is part of your property renovation project, if you are looking for some bespoke furniture, or if you are just exploring how made-to-measure furniture could enhance your home, we would love to be part of your journey. For inspiration or and advice at any stage, we’d love to hear from you.