Latest episode
61. Looking for Furniture That Feels Perfect for Your Kitchen? Explore Customisable, Handcrafted Designs by Masterplank
45:55||Ep. 61In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, Faye Newman sits down with Stephen, the founder of Masterplank, a bespoke furniture company based in Shropshire. They dive into the world of handcrafted, customisable furniture, with Stephen sharing his journey from military service to creating high-quality, made-to-order pieces. Key TakeawaysMastering Customisation: Masterplank offers highly customisable furniture, from oak dining tables to bespoke shelving units, allowing customers to design pieces that perfectly fit their homes.The Beauty of Handcrafted Furniture: The company specialises in combining rustic, industrial charm with modern aesthetics, using wood like oak and pine to create timeless, durable pieces that age beautifully.Bespoke Design for Every Space: Whether it’s a dining table, media wall, or shelving unit, every piece is tailored to the customer's space, ensuring a unique, personal touch for each home.Durability and Sustainability: Masterplank uses FSC-certified wood, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality. They also offer a lifetime warranty scheme, allowing clients to swap tables when renovating or moving homes.The Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes: Stephen discusses how the team works together to create each piece, from metal fabrication to the final finishing touches, ensuring every product meets high standards.Best Moments“I never planned to get into furniture, but after a request for some shelves, things just snowballed and here we are today, making bespoke pieces for clients across the UK.”“The beauty of oak is unmatched; it’s durable, timeless, and works perfectly in both modern and farmhouse-style homes.”“We’re always evolving, whether it’s through customer ideas or inspiration we get from scouring social media. It’s a creative, ever-changing process.”“I never expected it to get this big, but when clients come back for more, you know you’re doing something right!”About StephenStephen is the founder of Masterplank, a business born from his passion for creating handcrafted furniture. After transitioning from the military to electrical engineering, Stephen began crafting rustic, custom pieces during the COVID-19 lockdown. His passion and creativity quickly turned a small hobby into a thriving business. Now, with a team of skilled craftsmen, Masterplank ensures each piece is a unique reflection of their client’s needs. https://masterplankuk.com/About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
More episodes
View all episodes
60. Redefining Layouts – Kitchen Design Walkthrough of a Transformed Penthouse
39:29||Ep. 60In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, Faye Newman takes us through a design walkthrough of a stunning penthouse apartment kitchen she created in collaboration with an interior designer. Faye highlights how the space was transformed from a clinical layout into a functional, open-plan kitchen that blends beautifully with the dining and living areas. She explains the design decisions made to improve the functionality, such as knocking down walls to allow more natural light and creating seamless storage solutions. Key TakeawaysMaximising Light and Space: Knocking down walls to open up the kitchen to the dining and living areas creates a more inviting and spacious environment.Tailoring Design to Needs: The clients’ desire for a "forever home" influenced the design, focusing on longevity and practicality while ensuring the space is both functional and stylish.Creative Storage Solutions: Clever use of cabinetry, including bifold cabinets and drawers, helps optimise storage while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered look.Symmetry and Aesthetics: The design prioritised symmetry, with tall larder cabinets creating a focal point, while keeping the overall space seamless and timeless.Blending Materials: The use of contrasting colours, natural wood accents, and a neutral palette adds warmth and character, keeping the space modern yet homely.Best Moments“By knocking down a wall, we created a seamless open-plan space that not only looks better but also feels more inviting for guests.”“We didn’t want to make the utility area a focal point, so we kept the design neutral, making it practical but not overpowering.”“Storage was essential in this apartment, so we incorporated multifunctional cabinetry, such as bi-fold doors and pull-out sections, to maximise space.”“With the clients wanting this kitchen to be their forever home, we made sure the design was timeless and would last for many years to come.”About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.59. Traditional Doesn’t Mean Old-Fashioned: Using Clever Detailing to Refine Your Dream Kitchen
53:03||Ep. 59In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, Faye Newman explores the timeless appeal of traditional kitchen designs, specifically focusing on shaker and in-frame styles. Faye delves into the intricate details that can elevate a kitchen, from the importance of end panels and cornices to the use of natural wood accents. Key TakeawaysTraditional Does Not Mean Old-Fashioned: Traditional kitchen styles are timeless and can be made modern with clever design choices, such as painted finishes, exposed oak, and the addition of T&G panelling.End Panels and Cornices: These details, although often overlooked, add depth and sophistication to your kitchen. Consider T&G panels or decorative cornices for a more refined finish.Customisation is Key: Even within traditional styles, custom features like shaker ends, raised islands, and bespoke shelving create a more personal and functional design.Natural Materials and Colour: Incorporating natural materials such as oak and experimenting with bold colours can add warmth and personality to a traditional kitchen.Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different elements, such as recessed and slab drawer fronts or combining T&G panelling with modern accents, to create a unique and balanced look.Best Moments“You can completely transform a traditional kitchen by mixing painted furniture with natural wood accents and modern colours.”“End panels are essential to hide the internal structure of cabinets, but they also offer an opportunity to add design elements that elevate the whole space.”“Cornices add sophistication, but be sure to choose a style that complements your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.”“A raised island adds a modern twist to traditional designs, creating a statement feature that feels both functional and stylish.”About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.58. Designing for a Lifetime: How to Future-Proof Your Kitchen for an Ageing Population
48:11||Ep. 58Faye is joined by Amanda Hughes from Blum to discuss how ageing affects kitchen design. Amanda, an ergonomic expert, talks about how factors such as reduced flexibility, loss of visual acuity, and joint stiffness impact how we interact with our kitchens as we age. She shares insights on designing kitchens that are accessible, sustainable, and future-proof, making them suitable for people of all ages, especially those who wish to remain in their homes for longer.Key TakeawaysThe Age Explorer Suit: Amanda demonstrates the Age Explorer suit, which simulates the physical challenges of ageing, allowing designers to better understand the limitations people face when using a kitchen.Functionality Over Aesthetics: The key to good kitchen design for all life stages is increasing functionality, accessibility, and visibility, helping to prolong the life of the kitchen and the homeowner’s health.Understanding Ageing: As we age, mobility, strength, and vision all decline. Simple tasks like bending down to reach items or seeing items in dark cupboards become much more difficult.Future-Proofing Kitchens: Amanda stresses the importance of designing kitchens with ageing in mind, including using drawers instead of cupboards, lift systems, and accessible storage solutions to reduce strain on the body.Longevity of Products: A well-designed kitchen not only increases functionality but also improves the overall health and longevity of the homeowner, making it easier for them to remain in their homes as they age.Key Moments“If we increase functionality, accessibility, and visibility in our kitchens, we increase the longevity of the kitchen—and the homeowner.”“Kitchen products need to be sustainable, which means designing for the future, not just the present.”“The aim is to make the kitchen work with you, not against you.”About Amanda HughesWorking with the Blum research and development team, Amanda is an advocate for human centric design, helping to create inspiring spaces that work with the needs of the individual. Involved with the R.S.A design challenge programme, and also a judge for the KBB Innovation Awards, Amanda champions universal, innovative design to improve the quality of our living spaces.Connect with Amanda: Amanda.Hughes@blum.comFind out more about Blum: https://www.blum.com/gb/en/About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.57. Banquette Seating – Designing the Perfect Social Hub in Your Kitchen
35:24||Ep. 57In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, Faye Newman sits down with Madison Brown from Craftwood to explore the world of bespoke seating. Recorded live at the HRC Exhibition in London, this episode dives into the design process behind creating custom seating solutions, particularly for kitchens. Madison explains how Craftwood transforms utilitarian furniture into stylish, functional seating that perfectly complements any space. Whether you're looking to add a statement piece to your kitchen or seeking practicality with style, Madison shares insightful tips on choosing the right seating and materials for your home.Key TakeawaysTailoring Seating to Your Needs: The size and design of seating should reflect both the space available and the intended use, whether it's for a family or a couple.Material and Fabric Choices: From classic deep button upholstery to modern fluted designs, choosing the right fabric and style can make a huge impact. Madison shares her advice on selecting materials based on durability, design, and functionality.Designing Around the Space: Bespoke seating can be adapted to fit even the most awkward spaces, such as curved kitchen islands or bay windows. Craftwood works with the unique architecture of each home to ensure a perfect fit.Sustainable Design: Craftwood focuses on creating long-lasting pieces that can be refreshed and reupholstered, helping to reduce waste and prolong the life of furniture.Key Moments"Kitchens are becoming much more than just places to cook—they're now the heart of the home, and seating is a key part of that.""We don’t do standard sizes. We work within the space to create something unique for every client.""Sometimes it’s about finding the right fabric to complement the rest of the design, but we also make sure it’s practical for everyday use.""We make sure everything is built to last, and if you want to refresh it later, we can reupholster it and give it a new life."About CraftwoodCraftwood UK specialises in designing, manufacturing, and installing bespoke banquette, booth, and bench seating for commercial, hospitality, and residential sectors nationwide. They collaborate closely with clients to deliver high-quality, tailored seating solutions that enhance any space. Find out more: https://www.craftwood-uk.com/About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.56. Designing Bespoke Kitchens: Insights from Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio
41:56||Ep. 56In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, we welcome Charlie Smallbone, the founder of Smallbone and Devizes and now the MD of Ledbury Studio. Charlie takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from his early days of buying and selling antiques to his evolution into designing bespoke, luxurious kitchens. With decades of experience, Charlie shares how Ledbury Studio stands out in the industry by creating kitchens that are as functional as they are stylish.Key TakeawaysA truly bespoke kitchen design starts with understanding your client’s lifestyle, whether it’s for entertaining, family life, or a love for cooking.Materials like quartzite and marble are popular choices for countertops, but it’s essential to understand their maintenance needs. While marble offers timeless beauty, quartzite offers durability and easy maintenance.The importance of continuity in design: Charlie talks about how integrating metal and wood in the kitchen must be done carefully, as materials expand and contract at different rates.Working with a highly skilled design team helps to ensure that no two kitchens are ever the same. Ledbury Studio prides itself on offering personalised, innovative designs that push boundaries.Best Moments"A kitchen's got to work, so we focus on a functional design that fits the client's needs and lifestyle.""What excites us is working with clients and the journey of developing a design, building it, and installing it in their home."About the GuestCharlie Smallbone is the founder of Smallbone and Devizes and now the MD of Ledbury Studio, a bespoke kitchen design firm based in Notting Hill. With over 40 years of experience, Charlie combines innovation and craftsmanship, creating kitchens that blend functionality with exceptional style. Ledbury Studio is renowned for its unique approach, offering tailored solutions that incorporate the latest materials and technologies to suit each client’s individual lifestyle and needs. Find out more: https://www.ledburystudio.com/About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen, looking for organisation hacks, or seeking culinary inspiration, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.55. Key Design Decisions: A Walkthrough of a Stunning Open-Plan Kitchen
37:41||Ep. 55In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman takes listeners through a stunning open-plan kitchen design, sharing insights on layout, style, and functionality. She discusses how to balance storage, aesthetics, and practicality while working with extensions and open spaces. From cabinetry choices to the perfect island layout, Faye breaks down key design decisions to help homeowners create a timeless, well-structured kitchen that suits their lifestyle.Key TakeawaysBalancing Space in Open-Plan Designs – Ensure the kitchen, dining, and living areas feel connected without overcrowding any section.Smart Storage Solutions – Instead of filling every wall with cabinets, prioritise practical storage options like deep drawers, corner pull-outs, and integrated appliances.The Perfect Kitchen Island – Islands should enhance social interaction and functionality. Position seating at an angle for better engagement and ensure enough prep space around the hob.Choosing Cabinetry & Colours – Opt for timeless shaker-style doors with warm neutrals and a bold island shade to add depth and contrast.Lighting & Finishing Touches – Combine task lighting for cooking areas with ambient lighting in living spaces to create a cohesive atmosphere.Key Moments"Storage is important, but too many cabinets can make a space feel overwhelming—focus on usability over quantity.""A well-planned island isn't just a prep space; it’s a social hub for your kitchen.""Colour placement matters—choosing a bolder shade for your island can create a stunning focal point.""Integrating lighting thoughtfully enhances both functionality and ambience in an open-plan space."About the HostFaye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shines through in every project she undertakes.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit: www.fayenewmandesign.com for kitchen inspiration and design resources.Click me to join our email community for exclusive updates and tips.Now available to watch on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe here and click the notification bell for visual inspiration and expert advice.Follow us on Instagram @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen, looking for organisation hacks, or seeking culinary inspiration, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.