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 Takeaways

Quartz 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 Guest

Ross 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 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.

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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 Takeaways

Tiles 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 & Rock

Clay & 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 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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman takes us through the design story of a beautifully reimagined Shaker-style kitchen in Birmingham. Without knocking down walls or building extensions, Faye transformed a dated layout into a functional, stylish space suited for a couple who love to entertain. She explains how reconfiguration, clever storage, and thoughtful details, from high-sided drawers to a sleek breakfast station, turned this refurbishment into a harmonious blend of tradition and modern practicality.

Key Takeaways

Refurbishment Over Renovation: No major building work was required, just smart reconfiguration to improve the layout and maximise the space.

Design for Everyday and Entertaining: The new kitchen suits day-to-day use for two, while still functioning comfortably when family come over.

Timeless Meets Contemporary: A fusion of classic Shaker design with modern updates like integrated appliances, graphite drawer boxes, and fluted double Belfast sinks.

Smart Storage Choices: High-sided drawers, corner cabinets, and a concealed breakfast dresser help reduce clutter and optimise usability.

Integrated Functionality: A full-height fridge in the kitchen and freezer in the utility room, hidden extractor fans, and a hot water tap from Quooker add both style and efficiency.

Best Moments

“You don’t need to knock walls down to create a dream kitchen, just rethink the layout.”

“Drawers offer better functionality than cupboards, you can see everything at a glance and nothing gets lost in the back.”

“Bifold dresser doors work so well because they give you access without taking up too much space, perfect for breakfast stations.”

“Even a small shoe rack by the back door can transform how the space feels and functions.”

“A kitchen should be designed not just to look beautiful, but to make your life easier every day.”

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.

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