30 Years of Bespoke Home Cinemas: A Celebration of Passion, Excellence and Commitment
- Bespoke Home Cinemas
- Nov 3
- 5 min read
This month we are proud to celebrate an incredible milestone: 30 years of delivering exceptional home cinema experiences. What began with Gifford Malcolm providing AV installations across Yorkshire has grown into one of the most respected names in the industry, working nationally on some of the most distinguished projects. From small beginnings to national recognition, Bespoke Home Cinemas has earned a reputation for quality, skill, innovation and attention to detail.
Over three decades, our journey has been defined not only by the spaces we create but also by the people and communities we’ve supported. Giving back has always been a core part of who we are, from industry volunteering, mentorship and charitable initiatives to creating environments that bring families together and make lasting memories.
At the heart of our story are Gifford and Melanie Malcolm, the husband-and-wife team who have led the business from the very beginning. In 1995, Gifford, a newly qualified Industrial Product Designer, began installing AV systems for clients who wanted the latest technology and home entertainment experiences, something many aspired to at the time. His hands-on approach and genuine passion quickly set a standard for care and excellence that still guides everything we do today.
When Melanie joined soon after, she brought sales and marketing expertise, strategic insight and a commitment to building a close-knit, collaborative team. Together, they built a company defined by creativity, dedication and a genuine commitment to excellence. Every project receives personal attention, every team member plays a part, and each client benefits from a tailored approach that blends technical expertise, design vision and meticulous attention to detail.
Over the past 30 years, Bespoke Home Cinemas has achieved numerous milestones, from award-winning installations, including Best Home Cinema and Best Media Wall awards, to features in national newspapers, magazines and podcasts that share knowledge and inspire others.
Alongside these achievements, our portfolio has grown to become one of the largest home cinema collections online globally, showcasing the creativity, expertise and attention to detail that define every project. Each cinema reflects the dedication and passion of our team while providing inspiration for clients, design partners and colleagues across the industry.
Beyond our own projects, Gifford and Melanie have contributed to the wider industry through mentoring, judging awards and raising standards across the smart home and AV technology community. Melanie’s leadership and commitment have also played a major role in shaping Bespoke’s growth and impact. As a Global Board Director of CEDIA for eight years, she helped guide the direction of the industry, chaired the Trailblazer Committee for the Smart Home Apprenticeship, and supported initiatives designed to elevate professional standards.
Her drive to give back extends beyond the business. Melanie is a Co-Founder of Home Cinema Alliance, and she is also one of four directors of Together for Cinema, a Community Interest Company that donates and installs cinema rooms in children’s hospices across the UK. The charitable work carried out by Together for Cinema is deeply personal to Melanie and the entire Bespoke team. Handing over a cinema room to Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has been one of the most rewarding projects to date.
Forget Me Not Children's Hospice
Knowing it may provide one of the last film experiences a family shares together is profoundly moving, and seeing the difference it makes to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families reminds us why what we do truly matters.
Throughout the years, Bespoke has also supported clients with motor neurone disease and provided ongoing help to numerous charitable organisations. These projects are as meaningful to us as the spaces we bring to life; they show the power of shared experiences and the lasting memories they create for the families and communities involved.
Reflecting on this milestone and her wider industry involvement, Melanie said:
“Reaching 30 years is both proud and humbling. I’m grateful to our clients who have trusted us to create incredible spaces in their homes, and I’m equally proud of our team, whose skill and dedication bring every project to life. Having the opportunity to serve on a global industry board is something neither Gifford nor I ever imagined when we started. It’s been a privilege that has not only helped me grow personally and professionally but has also shaped Bespoke, allowing us to bring fresh insight, higher standards, and a broader perspective to everything we do. The relationships we’ve built, both in the UK and internationally, remind me every day why I love what we do, and I’m truly proud of how far we’ve come. Giving back through our charitable work makes it all even more meaningful.”
As the company celebrates its 30th anniversary, Gifford reflected on the journey in his own words:
“Looking back over 30 years, it’s incredible to see how Bespoke Home Cinemas has grown from my very first installation into the respected company we are today. For me, every project has always been about more than just installing equipment; it’s about creating a space that truly connects with the people who use it. I take pride in the personal approach we bring to every home, getting to know our clients, understanding how they live, and shaping a space that becomes part of their lives. Seeing their reaction during the big reveal, that mix of excitement, surprise, joy, and sometimes even tears, is what makes all the work worthwhile. Those moments, and the memories that follow, are why I love what we do.
I’m incredibly proud and grateful for the team we’ve built, the standards we’ve set, and the long-lasting relationships we’ve formed with our clients and suppliers. Every project reflects our commitment to care, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. Even after 30 years, we approach each job with the same enthusiasm and personal dedication as I did on that very first installation. It’s a privilege to continue this journey, delivering spaces that inspire, entertain, and bring people together to share unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.”
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been truly overwhelmed by the kind messages and warm wishes from clients, friends, suppliers, industry colleagues, and the charities we support. Every word of encouragement, every story shared, and every congratulations remind us how fortunate we are to do what we love alongside so many wonderful people. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’d like to thank our clients for trusting us with their homes, our team for their dedication and skill, and the colleagues, partners and brands who’ve supported us along the way, including: Artcoustic, Bowers & Wilkins, Meridian Audio, Monitor Audio, Sony, Epson, Kaleidescape, Trinnov, MadVR, Control4, HDAnywhere, Anthem and Cinema Build Systems.