Creating a Hybrid Kitchen:
High Street Carcasses with Plywood Personality
When planning a new kitchen, most people face the same dilemma: budget vs.style vs. quality. Off-the-shelf kitchens from places like IKEA or Howdens offer affordability and practicality, but they often lack the individuality and warmth that makes a kitchen feel truly yours.
That’s where a hybrid kitchen comes in. By combining high street carcasses with our bespoke plywood fronts – and sprinkling in a few custom elements – you get the best of all worlds: affordability, durability, and unique design.
This client opted for a Howdens base, with Made in Ply Oak Plywood Fronts, Panels and Plinths, as well as a Custom-Made Wine Rack.
Why Choose a Hybrid Kitchen?
1. Cost-Effective Foundations
Flat-pack carcasses from IKEA or Howdens are robust, widely available, and come in a range of configurations. They give you a reliable base without eating up your budget.
2. Plywood Fronts for Character
Our birch plywood doors and drawer fronts add warmth, texture, and timeless character. The exposed ply edge detail makes each piece tactile and unique, a far cry from mass-produced MDF board.
3. Custom Touches Where They Matter
Think: a breakfast bar, an open shelving unit, or a larder with clever storage. By layering in these bespoke details, you can elevate the kitchen from functional to exceptional.
This client opted for a Howdens base, with Made in Ply Oak Plywood Fronts, Panels and Plinths, as well as a Custom-Made Wine Rack.
Why Choose a Hybrid Kitchen?
1. Cost-Effective Foundations
Flat-pack carcasses from IKEA or Howdens are robust, widely available, and come in a range of configurations. They give you a reliable base without eating up your budget.
2. Plywood Fronts for Character
Our birch plywood doors and drawer fronts add warmth, texture, and timeless character. The exposed ply edge detail makes each piece tactile and unique, a far cry from mass-produced MDF board.
3. Custom Touches Where They Matter
Think: a breakfast bar, an open shelving unit, or a larder with clever storage. By layering in these bespoke details, you can elevate the kitchen from functional to exceptional.
This client opted for a booth bench seat with storage. The end parts pulled out as drawers, while the middle sections lifted up. A great solution for adding additional storage!
How It Works in Practice
Step 1: Choose Your Carcasses
Select your preferred base cabinets from IKEA or Howdens (or another supplier). Both offer solid, practical options, and a great design service.
Step 2: Add Plywood Fronts
We create made-to-measure fronts that fit seamlessly onto your chosen carcasses. With a range of finishes – from natural birch to Formica or Fenix laminated birch plywood – you can choose a look that suits your space. Or why not opt for a mix and match?
Step 3: Go Bespoke Where It Counts
Perhaps you want a custom plywood storage bench, a custom larder, wine rack, or bright coloured shelving. This is where we tailor the design to your lifestyle.
This client opted for a booth bench seat with storage. The end parts pulled out as drawers, while the middle sections lifted up. A great solution for adding additional storage!
How It Works in Practice
Step 1: Choose Your Carcasses
Select your preferred base cabinets from IKEA or Howdens (or another supplier). Both offer solid, practical options, and a great design service.
Step 2: Add Plywood Fronts
We create made-to-measure fronts that fit seamlessly onto your chosen carcasses. With a range of finishes – from natural birch to Formica or Fenix laminated birch plywood – you can choose a look that suits your space. Or why not opt for a mix and match?
Step 3: Go Bespoke Where It Counts
Perhaps you want a custom plywood storage bench, a custom larder, wine rack, or bright coloured shelving. This is where we tailor the design to your lifestyle.
The Result
A kitchen that looks and feels bespoke – at a fraction of the cost of a fully custom build. It’s sustainable, creative, and designed around you.
💡 Pro tip: Mixing in open plywood shelving alongside high street units not only keeps costs down but also creates a modern, airy feel.
The Result
A kitchen that looks and feels bespoke – at a fraction of the cost of a fully custom build. It’s sustainable, creative, and designed around you.
💡 Pro tip: Mixing in open plywood shelving alongside high street units not only keeps costs down but also creates a modern, airy feel.
