Back to Kitchen Makeovers

A Kitchen Makeover With Millie Bright

Centred around a busy schedule, this kitchen makeover with Millie Bright explains how to use our products to craft a cooking space that is characterful, calm, and curated for modern living. As a professional sportsperson best known for her time on the field with the England and Chelsea Women’s football teams, Millie’s off-pitch activities focus on spending quality time with her partner and two pups, so making her kitchen a place all the family could enjoy was important. She also lives in a new-build, which lacks the personal touch that makes a house a home, so she sought a classic-meets-contemporary look using a shaker kitchen to add personality to her property. Armed with a few ideas for her kitchen makeover, Millie worked alongside a Howdens’ designer to add practical storage and discreet features to make her small space highly functional.

About Millie

Professional footballer, Millie Bright, was an integral part of England’s winning team at the women’s UEFA Women's Euro 2022 tournament. Millie wanted to put her own stamp on her new-build house, which she shares with her partner and two dogs. Howdens came highly recommended by her family and friends, so she was confident we could bring her ideas to life.

See @mbrighty04

The design goals

Millie’s wish list

Millie wanted to add character to her home with a classic-meets-contemporary aesthetic. Storage was a must to ensure her gadgets had a home and to improve the functionality of her small floor plan.
The result

Harnessing heritage features with our Chilcomb style, Millie picked a modern, dove-grey hue to create a calm backdrop. Clever cabinetry optimises the compact space and creates a clutter-free look.

Millie Bright

"Howdens came highly recommended by a couple of people, and including my Dad, who works in the trade. When I saw the sheer choice and product expertise that Howdens have, I understood why he's been using them for decades."

The design details

Characterful cabinetry

The five-piece design of our Chilcomb fronts had the classic style that Millie loves. Made with solid wood, they add an authentic look with lots of character.

See Chilcomb kitchens
Soothing shades

To make it easy to unwind, Millie chose a dove-grey tone. This serene hue sets the scene for relaxing after training and provides a modern update.

See grey kitchens

Coordinated cupboards

For a cohesive finish inside and out, Millie's designer recommended croft-grey units. These complement her grey scheme and create a matching look.
Sleek storage

In Millie’s compact layout, an under-sink drawer maximises storage and utilises an often-overlooked nook to store cleaning supplies.

See under sink drawers

Sturdy surfaces

With a packed schedule, Millie was keen to add low-maintenance features. Scratch and stain-resistant, quartz counters offered a durable option for her layout.

See quartz worktops
Discreet design

Millie chose integrated appliances to maintain a spacious look. Her fitter concealed these behind door fronts, making the room seem less crowded.

See appliances

Pet-friendly features

For a creative way to store dog food, Millie’s designer included a pull-out bin. This smart hack frees-up cupboard space and makes feeding time easy.
Canine corner

With space for the dogs beneath the breakfast bar, the whole family can hang out together – a casual approach to dining that suits Millie’s laid-back style.

See breakfast bars

Bespoke barista zone

For coffee connoisseur, Millie, a hot drinks station was essential. Her fitter created custom shelves from decor end panels to keep mugs and jars organised.
Fashionable fixtures

Black handles add contrast to Millie’s pale doors. This on-trend accent also elevates her modern shaker scheme without overwhelming the space.

See black cabinet handles

Millie Bright

"Our breakfast bar provides a place to spend time together in the morning. It’s also become a fantastic multi-functional area for eating, working, and feeding our doggies, so we can all enjoy the space."