From chaotic family breakfasts before the school-run, to gossips over wine and nibbles with your mates, it all happens in the kitchen.
The room is the heart of the home — and it’s also the most expensive to renovate. According to Checkatrade, the average price of a bespoke refurb is an eye-watering £35,000.
So, if you’re spending some serious cash on your kitchen, it needs to deliver. That means combining beauty with function, creating a space that works just as a hard as it looks good.
This year Metro is partnering with the Ufurnish.com Home Awards to bring readers the best in UK property.
Voting is now closed across the 20 categories covering interiors, gardens, furniture innovation, home accessories — and of course, kitchens.
As we wait for the finalists to be announced at the end of the month, here’s a look at the seven of the entries in the Best Kitchen category, showcasing inspiring design, from salvaged finds to chic low-cost cabinets.
A 70s dream
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Estelle Bilson took full advantage of her kitchen’s original 1970s features.
Still in amazing condition after 50 years, the units were carefully restored and reused, while the retro tiles were sourced partly from eBay, as well as from a friend who had stripped them out of her own kitchen.
The result is full of charm, character, and colour.
Something blue
Inside her 400-year-old cottage, Sabrina Gilles has created a kitchen that radiates joy. Painted in vintage cornflower blue and filled with salvaged pieces, the space blends French country style with rustic texture.
A reclaimed pottery board became worktops and shelves, and aged brick tiles add warmth.
Every detail feels lived-in and loved, giving this cottage kitchen a big heart.
The Kitsch-en
This is where fun meets function. Sharon Schoffing’s kitchen had to serve as a vibrant family hub, a place to relax, and an occasional party venue.
Her challenge was to play with bold colours and patterns without overwhelming the space. The solution? Careful zoning and hidden utility.
The old pantry was transformed to house the washing machine and dryer, tucked behind a chalkboard-painted door that doubles as a playful space for notes, reminders and recipes.
Complimentary colours
Nikki Shore’s kitchen makeover proves how far a paintbrush can go. She refreshed the space using only green and pink paint, even giving the fridge a luxe new look.
A standout pink range cooker adds impact, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling turns the room into a place for dancing as well as cooking. A playful, creative way to refurbish on a budget.
Drawing the outside in
With no budget for an extension, Roxanna Fregona decided to make the most of the space she had.
Her kitchen became a tribute to the garden just outside, with leafy wallpaper near the doors and open shelving filled with plants.
Show stopping touches such as a copper sink, aged brass hardware and detailed skirting bring a high-end feel. There’s even a custom-built nook for the dogs to relax in.
Where the magic happens
This Harry Potter inspired kitchen feels like it belongs in the world of the Hogwarts.
With floating witches’ hats and stars hanging from the ceiling, the space brings a sense of magic to Chelsea’s 1800s cottage.
Original beams and exposed brickwork keep things grounded and cosy, whilst being in keeping with the quirky theme.
The perfect balance
Charlotte St Paul’s kitchen is where Scandi minimalism meets raw industrial edge.
A mix of concrete, metal, wood and glass gives the space texture and depth, while earthy green walls ground the look.
Open shelves made from recycled scaffolding planks hold an eclectic mix of objects that make the space feel truly personal.
The concrete worktop will continue to evolve with time, making this kitchen as organic as it is functional.
The Ufurnish.com Home Awards
Ufurnish is handing out awards for the following categories:
- Best Bathroom – optimising your bathroom for best effect
- Best Bedroom – where opulence meets relaxation – sponsored by Blinds2Go
- Best Before and After Transformation – incredible transformations
- Best Dining Room – an inviting place to entertain
- Best DIY Creation – beautiful home grown looks
- Best First time Home renovation – making a great start
- Best Furniture Retailer – what you want, when you need it – sponsored by Furniture News
- Best Garden – your outdoor room
- Best Hallway – making the most of a forgotten space
- Best Home Office – Productivity at home
- Best Interior Instagram – showcasing ‘the look’
- Best Kitchen – where style meets function
- Best Living Room – rooms you can relax in
- Best Nursery + Children’s Bedroom – making bedtime fun
- Best on a Budget – big looks with small funds;
- Best Rental Inspiration – getting the most out of your rental space
- Best Showstopping Home Feature – something that wows
- Best Use of colour – expression through colour
- Overall Judges Choice – what ufurnish.com’s experts like
- The Overall Public Vote – what the public loves most
Finalists for the awards will be announced June 30.
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