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 specialised in transforming existing kitchens and fitted cabinetry through carefully prepared hand-painted finishes. Many of the kitchens we work on are already beautifully made and simply require the right preparation, products and craftsmanship to completely reimagine the space.
Every kitchen we work on is different, which is why we approach each project with the same level of care, preparation and attention to detail 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.
After leaving the army, Dan channelled the discipline and precision he’d developed into learning a trade. In 2013 he began upcycling furniture, restoring tired pieces and bringing them back to life through paint and craftsmanship.
By 2014 he had moved into painting kitchen cabinetry professionally and has now spent over 13 years working within homes across Cheshire and beyond.
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 throughout the industry.
However, when it comes to kitchens, Dan continues 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 project he undertakes.
Meet Sarah – Behind The Scenes
While Dan is the one on site with the paintbrush in hand, Sarah is the one behind the scenes helping guide each project from first enquiry through to final reveal.
From replying to enquiries and helping clients narrow down colours and finishes through to organising schedules and keeping projects running smoothly, Sarah works closely with every client throughout the process
Over the years Sarah has also become heavily involved in the creative side of the business, sharing projects online and documenting the preparation, craftsmanship and attention to detail behind each bespoke finish.
Being a family-run business means every kitchen matters to us, and creating a positive experience for our clients is just as important as the finished result itself. We believe every project should feel personal, organised and carefully considered from the very beginning.
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 hand-painted cabinetry.
As a family-run business, creating an environment where Leon can learn practical skills, build confidence and work alongside us has become something incredibly important to our family.
For us, The Ugly Duckling has always been about more than kitchens. It’s about craftsmanship, family and passing skills through generations whilst continuing to build something together.
Industry Recognition
The Ugly Duckling recently featured on Fix Radio discussing hand-painted cabinetry, craftsmanship, preparation and the decorating industry.
We’re also proud to share collaboration work with respected brands within the trade, including Two Fussy Blokes, Staalmeester and PaintWell.
Dan has also completed specialist Spray Granite training with Resin Mill, further expanding our knowledge of modern finishing systems and specialist surface coatings for worktops.
From preparation, repairs and product knowledge through to the finished result, we’re passionate about sharing the real process behind our work and the standards that go into every project.
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. Alongside projects across Cheshire and the surrounding areas, we also travel nationwide for selected bespoke cabinetry commissions.
Request a Quote
If you're considering having your kitchen or cabinetry hand-painted, the easiest way for us to provide an accurate quotation is from photographs.
Please send us:
• Clear photographs of the areas you would like us to work on — including cabinetry, worktops, tiles or flooring
• Your property postcode
Once we’ve received the information above, we’ll review everything and provide you with a detailed quotation along with our current availability.
If you have any questions about colours, finishes or our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Let’s Discuss Your Project
If you’d like a quotation, colour advice, or simply want to chat through your plans, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.