Is the "Smart Kitchen" actually smart, or just full of useless functions? Discover why the "Kitchen Work Triangle" has evolved into other shapes with more sides and how to design for real life in a busy modern home. In this special episode, we debate the reality of modern design, why tactile buttons are making a comeback, and the architectural secrets to a kitchen that slows you down in a fast-paced world.

In this special live panel episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman is joined by a powerhouse panel including Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud, Luke Wedgbury (Kitchen Specialist), and Daniel Hadley (MD of Smeg UK). They explore the tension between designing for "life on the go" and keeping the kitchen as the soulful hearth of the home. The panel debates whether smart appliances are a gimmick, the evolution of kitchen layouts beyond the 1940s triangle, and why authentic design matters more than chasing the latest trends.

Work With Faye Looking 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.com

Key Takeaways:

Slow Living vs. Fast Life: Kevin McCloud explains why a kitchen should be a "hearth" that slows you down, not just a factory for food.

The "Sink on Island" Debate: Why designers (and Kevin) often advise against putting a sink on the island and where it should go instead to hide the mess.

Is the Work Triangle Dead?: Luke and Faye explain why the 1940s "Kitchen Triangle" has evolved into a "kitchen hexagon" and how to fix your flow for modern family life.

The Smart Kitchen Reality: Kevin’s honest take on why he refuses to install more apps and why tactile buttons and simple functionality are making a comeback.

Trends vs. Authenticity: Why you can either be "universally liked" or "authentic"—but not both—and how to choose colours that reflect your personality.

Best Moments

“I’ve officially said to every service provider on my phone that I’m not interested in installing any more apps... Just give me a switch!”

“The pantry is the shed of the kitchen. It’s where the happy things live.”

“You can either be universally liked by everybody, or you can be authentic. But you can't be both.”

“I’m in a good mood when I’m cooking, and a bad mood when I’m doing the washing up—that's why the sink shouldn't be on the island.”

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.

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