Love Your Kitchen

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman takes us to the Blum headquarters in Milton Keynes to compare two kitchen displays occupying the exact same space but designed very differently. The first kitchen features a more traditional L-shape setup, complete with 17 standard cabinets, while the second is a streamlined, ergonomic design with just 9 well-considered, functional units. Faye breaks down the cost, usability, and design value of each, highlighting how smart planning and quality components can elevate even a modest kitchen.Key TakeawaysThe first kitchen features 17 conventional cabinets, but many are hard to access and are used inefficiently. In contrast, the second design uses only 9 higher-quality units with better internal storage, improved ergonomics, and a sleeker finish.Thoughtful design elements like internal drawers, clever cabinet placement, and lift-up wall units significantly reduce physical strain and improve accessibility.Pull-out larders, wide soft-close drawers, and shaped under-sink storage make daily kitchen tasks faster, easier, and less cluttered. Even large drawers are stabilised to prevent racking.Better Flow: Both kitchens are built in the same dimensions, yet the second design feels more spacious and intuitive, showing how layout and internal planning matter more than cabinet count.Best Moments“It’s not about adding more cabinets, it’s about making the ones you have work smarter and harder.”“This drawer can hold 40kg. That’s two suitcases... or two emperor penguins, if that’s your unit of measurement.”“We’re all short on time; your kitchen should make life easier, not harder.”“The second design looks more expensive, but it’s £1,200 less once you factor in fitting and furniture cost.”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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman shares a detailed walkthrough of a recent kitchen transformation in the West Midlands. The project focused on balancing storage, flow, and budget within an unusually shaped room featuring a challenging structural pillar. Faye explains how they overcame layout complications, introduced timeless Shaker styling, and incorporated clever solutions like a concealed coffee station and a multi-functional peninsula.Key TakeawaysA structural pillar and uneven floor levels made the original kitchen feel awkward. The new design reimagined the space by repositioning elements like the peninsula and ovens to improve flow and function.Full-height fridge and freezer units were installed on one side to free up uninterrupted worktop space, and deep drawer packs were used throughout to improve accessibility.With limited natural light in parts of the kitchen, Faye used thoughtful design to brighten the space, including light-reflective materials and layered textures.Creative Details: Clever use of floating oak shelves, a gallery rail, and a built-in wine cooler brought charm and practicality to the kitchen without cluttering it.Best Moments“We pulled the peninsula forward so that the pillar just disappeared into the design. It became a feature, not a flaw.”“They were struggling to visualise it but once they saw the new layout, they said, ‘We never thought we’d get here.’”“Not everything has to be decided on day one. Sometimes the best kitchens grow with you.”“We ditched the wall cabinets and let the space breathe. Open shelving gave it a more relaxed, confident feel.”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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman chats with Ashley Stanley, Co-Director of L’interieur, an independent kitchen company based in Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield. Together, they explore the unique advantages of working with an independent kitchen specialist, the latest innovations in NEFF appliances, and two inspirational kitchen projects: one a classic in-frame design and the other a sleek, true handleless kitchen. Ashley shares expert insight into design challenges, material choices, and how personal lifestyle plays a vital role in shaping the perfect kitchen.Key TakeawaysIndependent kitchen specialists offer flexibility, personalised service, and often greater value than national chains. From made-to-measure cabinets to honest quoting and long-term client relationships, independents can adapt to your unique requirements.Kitchens are one of the biggest home investments, so planning, both financially and practically, is key. Independents help guide clients through layout decisions, appliance choices, and styling, while balancing cost without compromising on quality.As a NEFF MasterPartner, L’interieur offers exclusive models, colour trims, and working displays. The famous Slide&Hide oven, smart tech features, and versatile cooking options like combination microwaves all enhance day-to-day use and energy efficiency.Best Moments"Buying a kitchen is like filling a shopping basket without knowing the prices. That’s why transparency is key.""People think independents are expensive, but we offer more options, better flexibility, and a truly personal service.""Design is about the unseen details, grain direction, plinth lines, lighting, even how the appliances talk to each other."About L’interieurL’intérieur began in 1955 with a showroom in Stoke before relocating to Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield. With decades of design expertise and a growing team, they combine personal service with creative flair and up-to-date knowledge of kitchen trends and technology. L’intérieur offers full project management, from major renovations to appliance swaps, led by a dedicated designer. Find out more: https://linterieur.co.uk/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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman shares the most common mistakes to avoid when designing a new kitchen. Faye draws on her experience to highlight design pitfalls such as overcrowding with unnecessary cabinetry, poor appliance positioning, and not considering door swings or work surface space. She offers practical solutions and advice to help listeners future-proof their kitchen layouts, ensuring functionality, comfort, and personal style remain at the heart of their design.Key TakeawaysFilling every wall with cabinetry can lead to a cluttered and impractical layout. Choose cabinets based on what you actually need to store, and focus on internal mechanisms that maximise usability rather than quantity.Take the opportunity to declutter your kitchen before redesigning. Group your items into functional zones (e.g., cooking, cleaning, prep), and design storage to suit your daily, weekly, and monthly habits.While Pinterest and showrooms are full of ideas, your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle, your taste, and your home. Go for timeless design over trend-led choices, and personalise your space with colour and materials that resonate with you.Think about clearance space, door swings, and workflow. Avoid placing frequently used appliances like ovens or dishwashers in congested areas or near doorways. Make sure appliances are at a safe and comfortable height, especially if stacking ovens.Best Moments“It’s not about how many cabinets you have, it’s about how usable each one is.”“A beautiful kitchen on paper can be a nightmare in practice if your appliance doors are clashing or you’re hitting your head on the extractor.”“The less stuff you have, the more usable space you’ll gain, and that’s always the goal.”“Worktops are working surfaces. If you’ve no room to prep, cook, or dish up, the kitchen isn’t doing its job.”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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman explores the ins and outs of handleless kitchen design. Recorded at Elgar Kitchens in Worcestershire, Faye shares examples and expert advice on the different types of handleless kitchens, from J-pull doors and rail systems to push-to-open and integrated handles. She also covers practical tips on layout, symmetry, and how to achieve a seamless, functional and stylish result.Key TakeawaysUnderstand your options. There are several styles of handleless kitchens, including J-pull, rail systems (true handleless), push-to-open, integrated handles, and trim handles. Each offers a different look, function, and cost.Rail systems offer versatility. They’re the most popular due to their clean aesthetic and ability to incorporate different finishes and colours, but they do require careful planning for space and installation.Mix and match styles. You can creatively combine handleless options, using rail systems for base units, push-to-open for tall units, or adding statement handles for contrast.Details matter. Consider elements like mid-rails, continuous plinths, raised end panels, and lighting to elevate the final design and keep it looking clean and streamlined.Best Moments“If you’re tight on space, switching to push-to-open on tall units can save you 100mm or more by removing vertical rails.”“A seamless kitchen isn’t just about the doors, it’s about flow, alignment, and the little touches that make it feel effortless.”“Lighting can make or break a handleless kitchen. Strips under worktops and plinths really elevate the mood.”“The beauty of handleless is in the simplicity, but simplicity takes planning.”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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman visits the Wood & Wire showroom in Hebden Bridge and speaks with co-founder Jim Leach. Together they explore the creative possibilities of handmade kitchens, rooted in a design-led, bespoke approach. Jim shares how Wood & Wire blends craftsmanship, personality, and practicality, challenging the idea that kitchens should follow fixed rules. Key TakeawaysAt Wood & Wire, there are no templates; every kitchen is designed from scratch with the client, making it possible to create spaces that feel genuinely personal and highly functional.Using plywood as their primary material along with traditional joinery, their kitchens are built to last, with a focus on durability, repairability, and sustainable sourcing.Good design means balancing ergonomics with aesthetics, ensuring that kitchens not only look beautiful but also support everyday living through thoughtful layout and material choices.Clients are encouraged to embrace colour and contrast, rather than play it safe. The result is kitchens that reflect character and confidence without compromising on quality.Best Moments“We build kitchens that are designed around how people actually live, not just how they think they’re supposed to live.”“We don’t do ranges. Every kitchen is completely bespoke; it starts with a conversation, not a catalogue.”“People get nervous about colour, but it’s your kitchen, why not make it joyful?”“A kitchen should feel like it belongs to you, not like you’ve borrowed someone else’s idea of good taste.”About Wood & WireWood & Wire is a design-led team based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, creating bespoke plywood kitchens, furniture, and upholstery. Inspired by modernism and built to last, their handcrafted pieces prioritise quality, sustainability, and timeless design. Committed to low environmental impact and supporting the local workforce, Wood & Wire stands apart from mass production with a personal, thoughtful approach to every project. They work closely with clients to bring unique design visions to life.Find out more: https://woodandwire.co.uk/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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman shares her expertise on what makes the perfect kitchen. Drawing on her years of experience in kitchen design, Faye offers practical advice for anyone planning a new kitchen, whether it’s your forever home or a stepping stone. She covers everything from design considerations to functionality and how to prioritise your budget for long-term satisfaction.Key TakeawaysStart by defining what perfect means to you. Every household is different, so understanding how you live and cook is key to shaping a kitchen that truly fits your needs.A great kitchen is about balance. It needs to be functional, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to maintain. Don’t prioritise one at the expense of the others.Think long-term when planning. Invest in elements that are hard to change later, like layout, worktops, and cabinetry, over cosmetic items like handles or lighting that are easier to update.Avoid designing in isolation. Consider how your kitchen connects to other rooms, especially in open-plan spaces. A beautiful kitchen should complement the overall flow of your home.Best Moments“If you try to design a kitchen to please someone else, you’ll always be chasing trends and never quite satisfied.”“Ask yourself, how do I want to feel in my kitchen? Calm? Energised? That answer will shape your choices.”“Your layout is the one thing that, once in, is difficult to change. Make sure it’s right for how you live and cook.”“A kitchen should be a reflection of the people who live in the home, not just the latest trend.”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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman sits down with returning guest Ross Williamson, Sales Director at The Surface Collection, to explore the latest innovations in quartz worktops, particularly the striking and design-led Verdara range. This episode delves into the aesthetic and practical considerations behind choosing the right worktop, from backlit splashbacks to bold marble-effect slabs. Together, Faye and Ross highlight the evolution of quartz design, how to spot quality, and the importance of professional fabrication.Key TakeawaysQuartz is evolving beyond plain colours, with the Verdara range offering depth, texture, and natural-looking veins that bring warmth and character to kitchen spaces.Marble effect quartz remains a timeless favourite, but the detail between the veins, rather than just the veins themselves, sets premium designs apart.Professional fabrication is essential, particularly for complex installations like backlit islands or bookmatched slabs. Not all fabricators have the skillset to handle high-end finishes, so it's worth seeking recommendations.The Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) plays a key role in promoting health and safety standards, especially around silicosis awareness. Always choose fabricators who follow safe, professional practices.Best Moments“The devil’s in the design, it’s not just about the vein, it’s everything in between that gives the slab its natural look.”“Don’t just pick what’s popular on Instagram, choose something you love that fits your space and budget.”“Backlit worktops look incredible, but it’s the structure and craftsmanship behind them that make the difference and add to the cost.”“There are plenty of slabs that look similar, don’t lose sleep over choosing between two if you can’t spot the difference. Both will look great in your new kitchen.”About the GuestRoss Williamson is the Sales Director of a company called The Surface Collection, which is a well-known worktop distributor based in Manchester. The Surface Collection was founded after World War II when the grandfather of the company's directors found blocks of Carrara marble on the beaches of Carrara and started importing them to make vases and other products.https://www.thesurfacecollection.co.uk/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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman visits the Clay & Rock showroom in Fulham and chats with Jamie Moakes, the store manager. Together, they explore the vast and creative world of tiles, from wall and floor solutions to choosing the right materials for practicality and style. With Clay & Rock’s strong design-led philosophy and manufacturing expertise, Jamie and Faye discuss how to navigate tile selection confidently, whether you're embarking on a full kitchen renovation or just looking to refresh a space.Key TakeawaysTiles are an excellent way to inject character into your kitchen. Like cushions in a living room, they can reflect your style and pull a scheme together with colour, texture, and pattern.Porcelain tiles are the top choice for practicality, especially in high-traffic kitchen areas. They are durable, easy to clean, and have minimal maintenance compared to natural stone.Natural stone offers unmatched beauty and character but requires more upkeep. Porcelain mimics natural materials effectively and is ideal if you prefer a 'fit and forget' solution.Jamie emphasises the importance of early planning, choosing tiles before booking tradespeople to ensure seamless design and avoid last-minute compromises.Best Moments“Tiles are almost like the cushions of the kitchen, they bring energy, colour, and a personal touch.”“Grout is a practical solution, not a feature. You’re buying tiles, not grout!”“Start early. The earlier you plan, the more choices you’ll have and the better your results will be.”“Design isn’t just about what’s in fashion—it’s about what you truly love.”About Clay & RockClay & Rock is a design-led tile retailer and part of the Original Style Group, offering high-quality wall and floor tiles for every space. With showrooms across the UK, including their flagship in Fulham, they combine expert craftsmanship with bespoke options, from traditional Victorian floors to custom decorative designs. Clay & Rock are known for their attention to detail, from unique glazes to perfectly finished trims, helping customers create beautifully tailored interiors with both style and substance.https://www.clayandrock.co.uk/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.