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.

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

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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman chats with Luke Thomas, Design Director at the award-winning John Cullen Lighting. With over 17 years of experience in architectural lighting, Luke brings a wealth of knowledge on how to effectively design lighting for multifunctional kitchen spaces. From layering light and managing colour temperature to ensuring lighting complements materials and layout, this episode shines a light on how to create kitchens that are both functional and visually stunning.

Key Takeaways

Lighting as Theatre: Luke explains how lighting should enhance the overall ambience, highlighting what you want people to see and hiding the rest, similar to set lighting in theatre.

Layering is Key: Avoid the grid of downlights. Instead, use a mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting to create depth, contrast, and warmth.

Function Meets Aesthetics: Lighting should align with cabinetry, materials, and room layout. Plan lighting early in your project for seamless integration.

Colour Matters: Choose the right colour temperature and invest in high CRI (colour rendering index) lighting to truly showcase materials like timber and stone.

Lighting Design Process: From concept through to completion, John Cullen Lighting offers a full end-to-end design service that includes consultation, technical planning, and on-site visits.

Best Moments

"Lighting is one of those things you can’t touch but you feel its impact the moment you walk into the room."

"If you’re lighting your worktop, place the light above it, not behind you, or you’ll just cast a shadow."

"Colour temperature isn’t about brightness. You can have warm lighting that’s just as bright as cool light, it’s all about the feel."

"You could have the most beautiful kitchen in the world, but if you light it badly, it’ll never feel right."

"Lighting isn’t the cherry on top, it’s the glue that holds everything together."

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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman takes us on a journey through the design and functionality of kitchen mantels. From their classic use to hide extractor fans to more modern, stylish variations, Faye breaks down how kitchen mantels can make a bold statement in your space. She covers various mantel styles, the materials that work best, and how to incorporate them seamlessly into your kitchen, whether you're going for a traditional, contemporary, or even fusion look.

Key Takeaways

Functional Design: Kitchen mantels are perfect for hiding extractor fans and ducting, while also offering additional storage space for spices and kitchen essentials.

Style Flexibility: Mantels can be tailored to various kitchen styles, from traditional to contemporary, offering options like floating mantels or more detailed built-in designs.

Adding Personality: Faye explains how mantels can become a focal point in the kitchen, adding personality and sophistication to the cooking zone without overcrowding the space.

False Mantels: Even if you don’t have a chimney breast, you can still incorporate a mantel to enhance your kitchen's look with a false mantel, bringing elegance and a sense of tradition to modern designs.

Choosing the Right Size: Faye shares tips on selecting the right size mantel for your range cooker, considering width and height for aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Best Moments

“A kitchen mantel doesn’t just have to be functional, it can be a beautiful feature that complements your overall kitchen design.”

“Even if you don’t have a chimney breast, you can still have a mantle, it’s about finding the right design for your space.”

“Adding legs or creating a floating mantel allows for creative design while keeping the space open and uncluttered.”

“The beauty of a kitchen mantel is that it can be a timeless feature that doesn’t overpower the space, but adds a refined touch.”

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.

Host Faye Newman chats with Anna Møller, founder of Anna Møller Design, about her unique approach to interior and architectural design. Anna shares her passion for holistic design, focusing on using natural materials and considering the entire space's functionality and feel. From her Danish heritage to creating timeless kitchen designs, Anna discusses how to incorporate raw materials and thoughtful design to make a kitchen feel more like a comfortable, functional living space.

Key Takeaways

Holistic Design: Anna explains how a holistic approach to design considers everything from the client's daily routines to the character of the building, blending them seamlessly to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.

Natural Materials: Using raw materials such as timber, marble, and limewash adds character and warmth, ensuring the space feels comfortable and inviting.

Zoning and Functionality: Zoning spaces within an open-plan area and ensuring each area has its own function can make a kitchen feel more like an integrated part of the home rather than just a cooking space.

Timeless Elements: Anna emphasises the importance of timeless design, choosing materials and styles that won’t feel outdated, and ensuring that design decisions enhance both the aesthetics and practicality of the space.

Sustainability: While sustainability is a key focus, Anna prefers the term "eco-conscious" and advocates for the use of local materials and non-toxic paints to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality design.

Best Moments

"Holistic design means thinking about everything, from how the client uses the space to how the materials interact with the environment."

"Lighting is crucial. It’s not just about task lighting but creating a sense of atmosphere that can change the space entirely."

"When you get the basics right, like flooring and cabinetry, everything else will fall into place beautifully."

"I love using materials like Pippy Oak, which is full of character and doesn’t require much to make it look stunning."

About Anna Møller

Anna specialises in designing new spaces and transforming existing ones through renovations. With a strong Danish influence and an architectural background, her design approach focuses on the "Canvas" – key elements like floors, ceilings, natural light, and layout. Anna champions artisanal craftsmanship and eco-conscious materials. https://www.annamoller.design/

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, Faye Newman sits down with Stephen, the founder of Masterplank, a bespoke furniture company based in Shropshire. They dive into the world of handcrafted, customisable furniture, with Stephen sharing his journey from military service to creating high-quality, made-to-order pieces.

Key Takeaways

Mastering Customisation: Masterplank offers highly customisable furniture, from oak dining tables to bespoke shelving units, allowing customers to design pieces that perfectly fit their homes.

The Beauty of Handcrafted Furniture: The company specialises in combining rustic, industrial charm with modern aesthetics, using wood like oak and pine to create timeless, durable pieces that age beautifully.

Bespoke Design for Every Space: Whether it’s a dining table, media wall, or shelving unit, every piece is tailored to the customer's space, ensuring a unique, personal touch for each home.

Durability and Sustainability: Masterplank uses FSC-certified wood, ensuring sustainability without compromising on quality. They also offer a lifetime warranty scheme, allowing clients to swap tables when renovating or moving homes.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes: Stephen discusses how the team works together to create each piece, from metal fabrication to the final finishing touches, ensuring every product meets high standards.

Best Moments

“I never planned to get into furniture, but after a request for some shelves, things just snowballed and here we are today, making bespoke pieces for clients across the UK.”

“The beauty of oak is unmatched; it’s durable, timeless, and works perfectly in both modern and farmhouse-style homes.”

“We’re always evolving, whether it’s through customer ideas or inspiration we get from scouring social media. It’s a creative, ever-changing process.”

“I never expected it to get this big, but when clients come back for more, you know you’re doing something right!”

About Stephen

Stephen is the founder of Masterplank, a business born from his passion for creating handcrafted furniture. After transitioning from the military to electrical engineering, Stephen began crafting rustic, custom pieces during the COVID-19 lockdown. His passion and creativity quickly turned a small hobby into a thriving business. Now, with a team of skilled craftsmen, Masterplank ensures each piece is a unique reflection of their client’s needs. https://masterplankuk.com/

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, Faye Newman takes us through a design walkthrough of a stunning penthouse apartment kitchen she created in collaboration with an interior designer. Faye highlights how the space was transformed from a clinical layout into a functional, open-plan kitchen that blends beautifully with the dining and living areas. She explains the design decisions made to improve the functionality, such as knocking down walls to allow more natural light and creating seamless storage solutions.

Key Takeaways

Maximising Light and Space: Knocking down walls to open up the kitchen to the dining and living areas creates a more inviting and spacious environment.

Tailoring Design to Needs: The clients’ desire for a "forever home" influenced the design, focusing on longevity and practicality while ensuring the space is both functional and stylish.

Creative Storage Solutions: Clever use of cabinetry, including bifold cabinets and drawers, helps optimise storage while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered look.

Symmetry and Aesthetics: The design prioritised symmetry, with tall larder cabinets creating a focal point, while keeping the overall space seamless and timeless.

Blending Materials: The use of contrasting colours, natural wood accents, and a neutral palette adds warmth and character, keeping the space modern yet homely.

Best Moments

“By knocking down a wall, we created a seamless open-plan space that not only looks better but also feels more inviting for guests.”

“We didn’t want to make the utility area a focal point, so we kept the design neutral, making it practical but not overpowering.”

“Storage was essential in this apartment, so we incorporated multifunctional cabinetry, such as bi-fold doors and pull-out sections, to maximise space.”

“With the clients wanting this kitchen to be their forever home, we made sure the design was timeless and would last for many years to come.”

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.

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