Bespoke vs Universal Design: Why Tailored Functionality Matters More To Your Own Home

In a fast-paced, highly manufactured world, the concept of bespoke design has re-emerged as a counterpoint to standardisation.While “bespoke” is often associated with aesthetics, its true meaning lies in something deeper: a tailored approach that prioritises how individuals actually live, move, and interact with their spaces.

To understand this shift, we look first at Universal Design.

Universal Design: Origins & Purpose

Coined and developed by architect Ronald Mace, Universal Design was created to make environments usable by as many people as possible. Its purpose was — and still is — to provide broad accessibility, safety, and comfort, regardless of age or ability.

Over the years, Universal Design has proven invaluable. It forms a solid foundation for functionality, serving as a reliable guide for circulation, clearances, ergonomics, and usability.

But the World Changed

As the world became more fast-paced and manufacturing-driven, design solutions evolved toward standard modules, pre-set dimensions, and turn-key predictability.While efficient, this shift diluted the personal aspect of design. Homes became functional—but not necessarily personal.

This is not a rejection of Universal Design. Rather, it highlights a growing need to complement it with bespoke thinking.

What Bespoke Means in Functionality

Bespoke design goes beyond customised finishes—it addresses how people truly use their homes:

• Differences in how individuals use the WC

• Variations in how they reach or operate kitchen appliances

• Personal comfort levels for storage heights, task areas, and high-traffic zones

• Unique movements, habits, and daily rhythms

These factors—often overlooked—are central to creating a space that genuinely supports its inhabitants.Just as a tailor crafts clothing to fit the wearer, designers today must craft tailored functionality to fit real human behaviour.

Universal Design as Guide, Bespoke Design as Personalisation

Universal Design remains the framework.Bespoke Design becomes the refinement.

Together, they ensure that a home is not only accessible and thoughtful—but also deeply personal, intuitive, and reflective of individual identity.

Your home, your identity.