Love Your Kitchen

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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman chats with Christine Campbell from Ginger Interiors about “dressing” your space and how to move from the build phase of a kitchen Renovation into the styling layer with confidence. They cover decision fatigue, lighting that actually flatters the room, texture and colour, and clever ways to make even a small kitchen feel warm, organised and ready for everyday cooking and entertaining.Key TakeawaysTexture wins over clinical. Balance hard surfaces (tiles, stone, metal) with rugs, upholstered stools, wood boards, ceramics, greenery and candles to soften the look, especially in open-plan spaces.Mix metals sensibly. Antique brass with touches of chrome can look great; invest in quality handles where traffic is highest and save in secondary zones like the utility.Colour with intent. Aim for a base tone plus at least two supporting shades; check samples in your actual light (north/south aspects change everything).Small kitchen, big thinking. Take cabinetry to the ceiling, use mirror/antique bronze splashbacks to bounce light, choose reflective worktops, and pick stools that tuck away. Keep kitchen organisation tight and declutter ruthlessly.Best Moments“There are three types of lighting: task, ambient and accent and the pendants are your jewellery.”“I’d rather live with a room a little bare than pile in clutter and regret it, take your time.”“Everything I need for cooking is in the right place; I don’t have to move.”“Sometimes a bigger light is better, don’t go pea-on-a-plate in a large space.”About the GuestChristine Campbell is the founder of Ginger Interiors, a North West–based studio creating liveable, luxurious spaces from consultation to completion. Drawing on her construction background, she blends interior architecture, décor, and sourcing, plus CGI visualisation, to turn ideas into beautifully functional homes. Known for her eye for detail and client-led approach, Christine leads renovations, refurbishments and new builds that reflect each homeowner’s personality. Find out more: https://gingerpropertiesanddevelopments.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 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 records live from the Grand Designs Live Kitchen Theatre at the NEC and tackles the ever-popular topic “Budget vs Dream.” Joined by designer Luke Wedgbury and finance specialist Tom McSherry (BuildStore), the panel unpacks how to balance aspirations with realistic numbers across a kitchen renovation or wider home project, covering budgets, funding options, transparency with your team, staged works, warranties, VAT on self-builds, and where it pays to invest for the long term.Key TakeawaysStart with budget, design with intent. Share an honest figure early so your kitchen design can be tailored to what’s achievable, saving time, revisions and disappointment. Being open also helps prioritise your must-haves (sink, hob, oven) versus nice-to-haves (Quooker, premium quartz).Itemise everything. Ask for detailed quotes from suppliers and trades so you understand the full cost: cabinetry, fitting, flooring, electrics, plumbing, skips and decorating, not just the “kitchen” number you see on social media.Finance can unlock the dream. Renovation lenders may fund against end value and release money in stages (often interest-only during works), improving cashflow for larger kitchen remodel projects and extensions. Seek specialist advice.You can phase kitchen upgrades: fit robust furniture now, choose a quality laminate or compact top, then swap to quartz later; add internal drawers or a larder afterwards; plan lighting and power “infrastructure” so later add-ons are easy.Insurance & VAT matter. For major works, tell your insurer and consider site insurance; on ground-up self builds, trades can zero-rate many items, but appliances aren’t VAT-free. You typically reclaim once, online, after completion.Best Moments“I cannot design a space without knowing what your budget is… it saves the time-wasting and gets you a kitchen that fits.”“List urgent, important and nice-to-have—sink/hob/oven first; quartz or a Quooker later if the numbers allow.”“This is a pretty good time to do things… renovation lending can be interest-only during works with staged payments for better cashflow.”“On self-builds, trades should zero-rate; you reclaim VAT after completion, appliances are the exception.”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 Miele Experience Centre Mayfair​ to speak to the store manager, Gary Tiernan, who helps her explore Miele’s luxury kitchen appliances. The conversation centres on the importance of quality, longevity, and sustainability when investing in kitchen appliances, and how brands like Miele deliver exceptional performance without compromising on design.Bonus Cooking Demo!A special cooking demonstration has also been launched! This is where you can see the cooking in action and get top tips from Miele's top culinary chef, Cesar Fernandez. Click here to watch the full demo on our YouTube channel and see how to master healthy cooking with Miele appliances!Key TakeawaysBuilt to Last: Miele appliances are engineered for long-term performance and exceptional longevity, making them a truly reliable investment for any homeowner.  To read the full details on Miele's testing, which simulates average use over a 20-year period, please visit this page: miele.co.uk/20years Eco-Conscious Engineering: Miele takes sustainability seriously, from product design to manufacturing processes. Their appliances offer energy and water efficiency without sacrificing functionality.Design Without Compromise: Miele’s sleek, handleless design integrates effortlessly into modern kitchens, providing a seamless, sophisticated look with no compromise on usability.Smart Functionality: From steam ovens to combination cooking, Miele’s appliances are packed with innovative features that support healthier cooking habits and consistent results.Best Moments“The great thing about Miele is you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for performance. You get both.”“Steam cooking is one of the healthiest ways to prepare food, and Miele makes it really easy to incorporate that into your everyday cooking.”“People don’t always think about how their appliances impact their kitchen design. With Miele, it all works together beautifully.”About the Miele Experience CentresMiele Experience Centres across Great Britain offer visitors the chance to explore the largest display of live appliances. Guests can discover Miele’s curated range of sustainable products, receive tailored advice from expert consultants, and experience the quality of Miele firsthand, all while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee or tea and a warm pastry.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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman shares five essential, real-world upgrades that make busy homes run more smoothly, whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or remodelling a well-loved space. The focus is on durable materials, time-saving tech, safer surfaces, and smart kitchen organisation that supports everyday cooking.Key TakeawaysPick doors that can take a beating. Foil-wrapped five-piece shaker doors and laminate “cut & edge” slabs shrug off scuffs, while anti-fingerprint finishes are a lifesaver on handleless designs. If you love painted timber, insist on a colour-matched primer so chips don’t flash white. Smart hardware choices (avoid open-ended bar handles that snag) keep a high-traffic kitchen looking sharp.Time-saving appliances = more time with the family. Three standout smart kitchen upgrades: a boiling-water tap (swift, with modern safety features), a combi oven–microwave–grill (can halve cooking time), and a waste-disposal unit for faster clean-downs and fewer smelly bin runs.Choose low-maintenance worktops. Ceramics lead for heat and stain resistance (watch for edge chipping); quartz is a close second for everyday durability. Love timber? Use it sparingly and consider wood-look laminates for a DIY kitchen that’s easier to live with. Busier patterns hide crumbs and smears better than flat, plain finishes.Design storage first. Prioritise deep drawers (with dividers, lid racks and glass sides) over hinged cupboards so food and kit come to you. Declutter before you plan, zone items by use, and add a built-in family shopping list or chalkboard to cut down on mid-week dashes. This is the backbone of practical kitchen design and everyday kitchen organisation.Best Moments“The kitchen should work with you, not against you, especially when life’s busy.”“Once you switch to a boiling-water tap, you won’t go back.”“A combi oven–microwave–grill can literally halve your cooking time.”“Drawers over doors, accessibility is everything for a truly efficient layout.”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 records live at Grand Designs Live (Birmingham) with designer Luke Wedgberry (Founder & CEO Coalville Kitchens ltd, owner Kutchenhaus Lutterworth, KBSA board member) to unpack how to plan kitchen flow for the modern home. Together, they show how thoughtful kitchen design, from layout and zoning to appliance placement, creates spaces that look great and work brilliantly for everyday cooking, entertaining, families, pets, and future needs.Key TakeawaysStart with a discovery session. Before any kitchen renovation or kitchen remodel, map real life: who uses the kitchen, how often you cook, what you cook, where mess happens, and what currently annoys you. That insight generates practical kitchen ideas tailored to you.The ‘working triangle’ is outdated. Modern kitchens juggle hobs, ovens, freezers, pantries and more; think flexible “work zones” instead, prep, cooking, cleaning, storage, especially vital in a small kitchen.Zone open-plan spaces. Define the kitchen with an island or peninsula; use rugs, colour, lighting, furniture placement and acoustics to guide movement and reduce noise. Tell your designer about existing tables or stools so dimensions and flow are right.Design storage for how you cook. Label planned cabinets by contents (pans, daily crockery, spices). Where wall units are limited (e.g., hob on island), use deep drawers with spice inserts or a spice rack beside the hob for better kitchen organisation.Choose tech that truly helps. Smart kitchen upgrades like downdraft hobs (clear sightlines), combi-microwaves (faster roasts), frost-free freezers (no defrosting), and boiling-water taps (replace kettles; add chilled/sparkling options) can be valuable parts of a smart kitchen, buy for usefulness, not gimmicks.Best Moments“It’s not a triangle anymore, it’s a set of zones that reflect how you actually live and cook.”“Dishwasher on the dominant-hand side of the sink; bin, sink, dishwasher, systemise it and life gets easier.”“Use islands, rugs, colour and furniture to direct flow and create that instant ‘wow’.”“Buy tech that earns its space: downdraft hobs, combi-microwaves, frost-free freezers, boiling-water taps, choose upgrades that genuinely help.”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.