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 Takeaways

Pick 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 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.

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