Love Your Kitchen

Struggling to design a narrow, north-facing kitchen? Discover how to transform a dark, cramped space into a bold, mid-century modern masterpiece without the cost of an extension. In this episode, we reveal smart layout hacks for galley kitchens, how to hide an ugly boiler, and the perfect colour palettes to warm up a dark room.In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, sponsored by Blum, host Faye Newman details the design journey of a mid-century bold contemporary kitchen for clients in London. She explores the transformation of a narrow, north-facing space into a highly functional heart of the home, proving that you don’t always need an extension to create a dream kitchen. Faye breaks down how brave colour choices, exposed materials, and meticulous space planning can solve the challenges of a dark galley layout while hiding unsightly utilities like boilers and wiring.Work With FayeLooking to start your own kitchen renovation journey but not sure where to begin? We would love to help you bring your vision to life. Book a Kitchen Discovery Call with Faye today to discuss your project: 👉 www.fayenewmandesign.comKey TakeawaysNo extension needed: Keeping the original footprint avoided creating a dark central dining room and saved budget for higher-quality materials.Warming up a north-facing room: Using earthy colour tones and introducing exposed wood brings an element of warmth within the space along with clever lighting combats the common cooler natural light from a north facing property.Mid-century aesthetics: Achieving a lived-in, modernist look using exposed veneered oak interiors, push-to-open doors, and durable Calacatta Borghini Quartz.Space-saving galley kitchen hacks: Why a traditional canopy hood was chosen over a venting hob to maximise crucial walkway width in a narrow space.Best Moments“Sometimes the best decision is not to extend. We avoided the ‘dark middle room’ syndrome and focused the budget on quality.”“We managed to hide a boiler, the bins, and even a cat flap all in one unit without it looking like a utility cupboard.”“We used exposed veneered cabinet interiors to give it that stripped-back, mid-century construction feel.”About the Host Faye 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. 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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Do you know exactly how to split your renovation budget to avoid the costly "buy cheap, buy twice" mistake, or are hidden construction costs waiting to derail your project?In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman is joined by Christine Campbell from Ginger Interiors and co-owner of Nucore Solutions to discuss the ultimate guide to planning a kitchen renovation for 2026. They strip back the aesthetic layers to reveal the hard facts of construction, exploring how to create a realistic kitchen remodel budget, where to spend versus save, and how to navigate the stressful build process without losing your mind.Key TakeawaysThe Golden Ratio of Budgeting: Christine breaks down exactly where your money should go to avoid overspending. A solid guideline for 2026 is allocating 30-40% for cabinetry, 20-30% for appliances, and 20% for worktops. Crucially, she warns against scrimping on labour—poor fitting can ruin even the most expensive kitchen.The "Boring" Hidden Costs: A kitchen makeover isn't just about the visible furniture. You must account for the structural elements often overlooked in the initial home improvement budget, such as steel beams for extensions, moving ducting, upgrading electrics, and drying times for screed and underfloor heating.Functionality First, Aesthetics Second: Before getting lost in Pinterest trends, assess your actual lifestyle. Effective kitchen design starts with solving current frustrations—like lacking homework spots or charging stations—rather than just picking paint colours.The 15% Safety Net: Why a contingency fund is non-negotiable. With older properties often hiding surprises like poor insulation or dodgy pipework, having a financial buffer is the only way to keep your renovation project on track.Best Moments “If you're just looking at your kitchen, you're talking 30-40% on your cabinetry, at least 20% on your worktop... but do not scrimp on labour. We've seen beautiful kitchens fitted terribly and it ends up costing you more in the long run.” “Take your time with it. Rome wasn't built in a day. It could take months for you to do your kitchen, but try and enjoy the process as well.” About the Guest Christine Campbell is an experienced Interior Designer at Ginger Interiors and works alongside their construction business known as Nucore Solutions. With a portfolio of renovating over 10 of her own properties and countless client projects, she specialises in bridging the gap between construction and interior design. Christine helps homeowners navigate the stressful build process while creating beautiful, functional, and timeless interiors. Find out more: https://gingerpropertiesanddevelopments.co.uk/About the Host Faye 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. 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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman leans into Boxing Day reality: stuffed fridges, overflowing freezers and far too many leftovers. She explores how the right appliances and features can dramatically cut food waste, save money and make everyday cooking easier, whether you’re planning a full kitchen Renovation, a future kitchen remodel, or just looking for smarter kitchen upgrades that work in any home, from a large open-plan space to a small kitchen.Key TakeawaysGood kitchen design isn’t just about doors and worktops, it’s about choosing cooling appliances that keep food fresher for longer. Faye shows how features like twin cooling, humidity control and better internal layouts can save an average family hundreds of pounds a year in food waste.Faye breaks down the best temperatures for dairy, leftovers, raw meat, fish, poultry and fresh produce, and why simply setting the fridge to “about 5 degrees” isn’t enough. Knowing how to organise your shelves properly is a simple but powerful kitchen organisation win.Faye highlights tech such as dual/twin cooling systems, active humidity control, “no frost” and “Smart Frost” systems, and flexible temperature drawers (like Samsung’s FlexZone). These features help create a practical smart kitchen without needing apps and gimmicks.Soft-freeze compartments that sit around -6°C to -10°C mean you can freeze a whole lasagne or traybake, then scoop out just what you need instead of defrosting the whole dish. It’s a brilliant kitchen idea for anyone who batch cooks or leans on leftovers.Faye walks through examples from Samsung, Fisher & Paykel and Liebherr, explaining which features to look for rather than just chasing the highest price tag. Even mid-range models can bring serious performance benefits to your kitchen remodel or kitchen Renovation.Best Moments“Food is so expensive now, if your fridge can keep it fresher for longer, that’s part of your kitchen design, not just an add-on.”“Most people don’t actually know what temperature their fridge is set at, never mind which foods need which temperature.”“If your spinach wilts after three days, it might not be you; it might be the way your fridge handles air and humidity.”“Cooling is the unsexy part of a kitchen Renovation, but it’s the bit that saves you money every single week.”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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman is joined by Nadine Kimani, Marketing Manager at Kutchenhaus, to talk about the evolution of the kitchen. They explore how our homes have moved from closed-off sculleries to open-plan social hubs, and how that shift should influence your next kitchen Renovation, from layout and appliances to colour choices, storage and technology.Key TakeawaysKnocking down walls and adding extensions has turned the kitchen into the main social hub of the house. Islands and peninsulas are now central to many kitchen remodel projects, allowing you to cook while chatting to friends and family instead of being shut away in a separate room.Utility rooms and separating the messy jobs. More homeowners are moving laundry and cleaning kit into a utility room. This frees up precious space for cooking, hosting and storage, and makes the main kitchen feel calmer and more luxurious.A smart kitchen isn’t only about apps and AI. It’s about clever kitchen upgrades: venting hobs that keep the island clear, combination ovens that replace separate microwaves and air fryers, flip sockets in worktops, charging points for phones and tablets, and appliances with programmes that take the guesswork out of cooking.With 61% of people now using the kitchen as a workspace, layouts must consider laptop-friendly seating, comfortable stools and easy-access power. Thoughtful kitchen design supports homework, Zoom calls and quick coffees as much as it does Sunday roasts.Best Moments“Where life really happens is in the kitchen; the best conversations tend to happen in between all the cooking.”“You don’t always need more room; you often just need better storage and smarter organisation.”“Modern appliances already have air-fry, microwave and assisted programmes built in, you might not need half your freestanding gadgets.”“Neutral, calming colours give you a timeless base, then you can play with bolder tones in lighting, décor and open shelving.”About the GuestNadine Kimani is a key kitchen expert and Marketing Manager for Kutchenhaus, a German kitchen retailer known for quality German engineering at accessible prices, with Nadine often commenting on popular trends like bold colours (greens, blues) and modern features (downdraft hobs, instant hot taps) to help customers create personalised, functional kitchens. Find out more: https://uk.kutchenhaus.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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman talks through a real-life kitchen renovation she designed: a true handleless family space that feels both timeless and highly functional. She breaks down how thoughtful kitchen design decisions, from the rail system and two-tone cabinetry to a clever peninsula layout, can transform a busy family room into a calm, organised hub for everyday cooking. Along the way, Faye shares practical kitchen ideas that work whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel, upgrading a small kitchen, or tackling a more DIY-style refresh.Key TakeawaysDesign for real family life and cooking habits. This project was for a family of four who love to cook, so flow around the sink, dishwasher, venting hob and ovens was planned first. The result is a layout that makes everyday cooking easier, not just prettier on Instagram.Handleless doesn’t mean cold or clinical. The true handleless rail system keeps lines seamless, but warmth comes from Hartforth Blue cabinetry, porcelain wall units, copper rails and Calacatta Dorado worktops. It’s a great example of how a modern kitchen remodel can still feel inviting.Smart kitchen upgrades are often “invisible”. A venting hob on the peninsula, a Quooker hot tap, layered lighting (uplights, under-cabinet strips and pendants) and high-quality Blum drawer systems all create a kind of “smart kitchen”, not just through tech, but through smart planning and specification.Storage and kitchen organisation are everything. Le Mans corner units, deep pan drawers with high sides, an internal cutlery drawer, an integrated bin next to the sink and a bespoke larder tucked under the sloping roof all work together to keep worktops clear and kitchen organisation effortless.Two-tone and materials used cleverly. Darker units “ground” the space, with lighter porcelain doors above and continuous stone splashbacks wrapping the room. Details like matching chopping boards from quartz offcuts are simple kitchen upgrades that look bespoke without wasting material.Best Moments“When you’re choosing a handleless look, you’ve got to really commit to that minimalist feel; the details have to do the talking.”“Don’t just spend on what you can see, the drawer boxes, hinges and internal fittings are what make your kitchen feel good to use in ten years’ time.”“If an island doesn’t comfortably fit, a well-planned peninsula can give you better storage, better prep space and a much nicer way to cook and chat at the same time.”“You don’t need a huge space to have a clever, almost ‘smart’ kitchen – you just need a layout that’s designed around how you actually live and cook.”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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman explores what it really takes to design the perfect kitchen for Christmas Day, from ovens and hobs to smart tech. She shares how planning your kitchen design around your busiest day of the year can transform not only your festive cooking but also everyday life, whether you’re planning a full kitchen Renovation, a kitchen remodel, or just a few clever kitchen upgrades in a small kitchen.  Key TakeawaysThink beyond “normal” family life when planning your kitchen. Design it to cope with those big occasions like Christmas, so your layout, appliances and kitchen organisation work under pressure, not just on a Tuesday night.Steam and moisture functions in modern ovens (from natural steam trays to Moisture Plus systems) help keep meats succulent and sides crispy, banishing dry turkey forever and giving you new kitchen ideas for baking, leftovers and more adventurous cooking.Induction hobs with flex zones, power boost and no-burn/sense-boil features are game-changers for a smart kitchen, letting you run multiple pans at different heats without boil-overs, ideal for gravy, sauces and last-minute veg.Best Moments“Christmas Day is the stress test for your kitchen; if it works for ten people and three courses, it’ll feel effortless the rest of the year.”“It’s not about how many appliances you’ve got, it’s about how smart they are and how well they’re planned into your kitchen design.”“Steam isn’t just for meat, it’s brilliant for bread, cookies, and even reheating pizza, so it actually tastes better the second time around.”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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman dives into the rise of the media wall/media station and how to design one that complements your kitchen design beautifully in open-plan homes. From TV sizing and viewing distance to materials, lighting and wiring, Faye shares practical guidance so your lounge zone feels as considered as your kitchen Renovation, with ideas you can adapt whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel or simple kitchen upgrades.Key TakeawaysPlan the bones before the beauty. Decide early on studwork vs furniture, cable routes, ventilation, heat management (especially with electric fires), and fixing points. Forward-plan spare power and data for future smart kitchen and AV expansions.Materials that add warmth. Acoustic/wood panelling (e.g., slatted, grids, or bespoke patterns) adds texture, softens sound and is friendly for a DIY kitchen-adjacent project; porcelain or stone-look cladding can elevate the TV niche.Light in layers. Swap harsh task lighting for warm-tone ambient: LED strips in open shelves, wall lights, and portable lamps. Keep tones consistent (choose warm or neutral-warm) so the lounge reads relaxed next to the brighter cooking zone.Fireplace integration. Modern electric fires (single, corner or three-sided) can run the full studwork width or align between TV and edge; manage heat/airflow so electronics stay happy.Best Moments“Don’t over-design it, let the media wall show personality, but keep the scheme cohesive with your kitchen.”“Plan the wiring and infrastructure now; future-you will thank you when you add lighting or tech later.”“Warm, ambient lighting makes the lounge zone feel relaxing; save the bright task lights for the kitchen.”“Sometimes you just need a second pair of eyes, proportion and depth changes make all the difference.”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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman tackles the classic island dilemma: hob or sink? Drawing on real projects and three contrasting layouts, from a timeless in-frame scheme with a Belfast sink to a sleek modern island with a venting hob, plus a clever small kitchen, Faye compares function, costs and everyday living to help you choose what truly suits your kitchen design and lifestyle.Key TakeawaysStart with purpose, not Pinterest. Decide what you want the island to do: main prep, social cooking, tidy clean-up zone, extra storage, or a statement feature, then place the hob or sink accordingly.Foundation first. Know your sub-floor: channelling through concrete is pricier than running services under suspended timber. Check for external air bricks as a quick clue to timber floors.Smart kitchen thinking. Venting hobs reduce visual bulk and noise in open-plan spaces; plan voids/duct runs early to protect storage and warranties. Consider pre-wiring the island for future kitchen upgrades (e.g., boiling-water tap tank or pop-up sockets).Gas lovers aren’t excluded. There are venting hobs designed for gas (e.g., Elica NikolaTesla Flame); just ensure safe gas routing to the island.Small kitchen wins. Prioritise circulation and depth: allow knee-space and storage, avoid over-deep islands that squeeze walkways, and keep kitchen organisation tight with drawers, internal bins and appliance garages.Best Moments“What is the actual purpose of your island? Storage, prep, social hub, or a showpiece, decide that before you place appliances.”“Plumbing to an island can cost more on concrete than timber; time equals money on site.”“A venting hob package can cost notably more than a wall hob + hood; run the numbers for your space.”“Don’t forget future-proofing, add electrics now even if you’re not sure you’ll need them.”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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman explores a timeless, in-frame display at the Olive & Barr showroom and unpacks what makes it both beautiful and hard-wearing. From colour stories and T&G panelling to a flush-mounted venting hob and thoughtful lighting, Faye turns a single kitchen design into a masterclass of ideas you can lift for your own kitchen renovation or kitchen remodel.Key TakeawaysSame Kitchen, New Look: The Power of Colour. From originally painted in Farrow & Ball Sudbury Yellow to two-tone London Clay and Stirabout, this repaint proves how colour and handle choice can fully transform a solid wood kitchen while retaining its original quality.Plan voids/duct runs early: recirculating or ducted C-routes affect cabinet depth and the drawer beneath. The X Pure’s low noise and shallow under-worktop depth help preserve storage and open-plan calm.Back wall with benefits. T&G panelling, a slim upstand, and a quartz shelf create a practical, characterful zone; painting elements in the island colour ties two-tone schemes together without overdoing it.Worktop choices that work. 30-mm Silestone Ethereal Glow (leathered) adds texture; quartz’s low porosity and consistent pattern suit busy homes and book-matching, but confirm any sealing needs for matte/suede finishes.Hardware harmony. Aged-brass knobs/cups (and matching butt hinges) give patina without the maintenance of a “living” finish; easy to switch later as tastes change.Best Moments“The same furniture looked completely different in a bright exhibition colour, painted kitchens are so transformable.”“Check the undercoat. Dark colours need a colour-matched primer so knocks don’t reveal a white primer.”“Bookend shelves at the island seating side add personality, storage and a spot for conversation.”“Venting hobs demand planning, allow the void, protect the warranty, and keep that top drawer useful.”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 TikTok @LoveYourKitchenPodcast for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen or looking for organisation hacks, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.