Finalists - Designer Award for Kitchens - project cost up to £25,000

Peter Leonard - Greenhill Kitchen Innovations

Cost: £23,500

What Peter says: “The main benefits for the move were the light from the ceiling, the way the new kitchen would lead to the patio and the fluency of movement and openness that would come with the new use of the space.”

What the judges say: “This would be a really nice job anyway, but Peter’s use of the budget is really impressive. This is a big project for such a modest bill and that includes some clever little details and installation issues.”

Peter’s clients were a couple in their late 30s with three young children. Keen to have a hand-painted kitchen with traditional elements, but still a modern feel, Peter persuaded them to move the kitchen to the underused sun room and this is the result: a perfect complement to an interesting family room.

Nicholas Clayton - Clayton Cabinets

Cost: £21,900

What Nicholas says: “I am really pleased that it looks so warm and welcoming, but is also really practical - above and beyond normal domestic needs. The mum can oversee the kids’ homework while cooking at the island, and the traffic flow to the party barn is perfect for swarms of waiters.”

What the judges say: “A lovely job made all the more appealing by the truly bespoke nature of the products and installation. Add the modest final cost and this is a very impressive project.”

An unusual brief for Nicholas, as the kitchen was only due to be used by the clients for 12 months, while their main residence was being renovated. After that, it would be used as a catering kitchen for a ‘party barn’ and a rental property. Nicholas’s company made all the cabinets and hand-veneered all the zebrano as well as the plate racks designed to specifically fit those plates.

David Marshall - Alwood by Alfred Briggs

Cost: £24,500

What David says: “This was an innovative house from the start with much potential and even more challenges. The clients were one of the biggest assets as they did what many clients don’t - listen.”

What the judges say: “A great use of a very tricky space. It’s actually quite a small kitchen, but there’s loads of little details in there that David has used to stay in keeping with the property.”

A spectacular circular house may look great, but curved walls and kitchens often don’t mix - especially when the budget is limited. But David has come up with something that slots into this unique environment. Using Parapan, he came up with the perfect accompaniment using a handleless design, flowing lines and bespoke cabinets. There were also offset drawers and bespoke inserts to make use of the awkward space.

Dominique McLaughlin - James James Kitchens

Cost: £14,439

What Dominique says: “I feel the final design works on a number of levels. It gives the clients the artistic modern look they were after, while providing a fully functional kitchen hub from which to cook, entertain and dine.”

What the judges say: “A really well done family kitchen. The windows in the roof give lots of light but it’s still a potentially difficult space. They’ve got an awful lot for their money there too, a very well done job.”

The Alams wanted a new kitchen for their Edwardian property that was ‘edgy and fun’ yet practical and family friendly. Taking full advantage of the new glass roof and doors onto the garden, Dominique has created a light and airy family space that provides style and usability at a modest price. This includes the stud wall details that allow the cabinets to float.