Meet The Family Behind The Ugly Duckling

The Ugly Duckling is a family-run business based in Winsford, Cheshire, specialising in bespoke hand-painted kitchens and cabinetry across Cheshire and surrounding areas.

For over 13 years we’ve been helping homeowners transform their existing kitchens without the cost and disruption of replacing them. Through careful preparation and specialist coatings, cabinets that once felt tired can be completely renewed with a smooth, durable finish.

Every kitchen we work on is different, which is why we approach each project with the same attention to detail and care that has become synonymous with The Ugly Duckling name.

Alongside our hand-painted cabinetry, we also offer Spray Granite worktop coatings, allowing existing worktops, tiles and surfaces to be transformed with a seamless natural stone finish.

Meet Dan – The Man Behind The Brush

Dan grew up in Chorlton, Manchester, and joined the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers at just 16. During his service he was based in Germany, trained in Canada and completed a tour of Iraq as a Gunner.

After leaving the army, Dan channelled the discipline and precision he’d developed into learning a craft. In 2012 he began upcycling furniture, transforming tired pieces into something beautiful again.

By 2013 he had moved into painting kitchen cabinets professionally and has now spent 13 years transforming kitchens across Cheshire.

Over the years Dan has completed specialist training in both kitchen spraying systems and Spray Granite coatings, giving him a strong understanding of modern spray-applied finishes used within the industry.

However, when it comes to kitchens, Dan chooses to hand paint cabinetry using traditional techniques, as he prefers the bespoke finish and level of craftsmanship it allows.

Today he is known for his meticulous preparation, attention to detail and the care that goes into every kitchen transformation.

Meet Sarah – Behind The Scenes

While Dan is the one with the paintbrush in hand, Sarah is the one behind the scenes making everything run smoothly.

From initial enquiries and colour consultations to scheduling projects and keeping clients informed throughout the process, Sarah manages the day-to-day running of the business.

Being a family-run company means every project matters. Sarah works closely with each client to ensure the experience is as smooth and enjoyable as the transformation itself.

Meet Leon – Learning the Craft

Leon is our son and the newest member of The Ugly Duckling team.

He is currently learning the craft alongside us, gaining hands-on experience in preparation, surface finishing and the specialist techniques involved in transforming kitchens.

Leon is autistic, and after struggling to find the right environment within traditional workplaces, we decided to bring him into the family business where he can learn at his own pace and build confidence through practical work.

For us, The Ugly Duckling has always been about more than kitchens - it’s about family, craftsmanship and creating opportunities to grow.

Areas We Cover

Based in Winsford, Cheshire, we regularly work across:

Northwich
Chester
Knutsford
Tarporley
Middlewich
Nantwich
Frodsham
Delamere
Holmes Chapel

Hartford
Weaverham

Kelsall
Davenham
Cuddington
Sandiway
Tarvin
Malpas

Warrington

Crewe

If you're unsure whether we cover your area, please feel free to get in touch. We regularly travel nationwide for bespoke hand-painted projects.

request a quote

If you're considering transforming your kitchen, the easiest way for us to provide a quotation is from photographs.

Please send us:

• Clear photographs of the areas you would like transforming - cabinetry, worktops, tiles or flooring
• Your property postcode

Once we’ve received this information, we’ll review everything and come back to you with a detailed quotation and availability.