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 Takeaways

Start 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 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.

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.

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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 Takeaways

Built 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 Centres

Miele 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 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.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.