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.

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

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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman records live at Grand Designs Live (Birmingham) with designer Luke Wedgberry (Founder & CEO Coalville Kitchens ltd, owner Kutchenhaus Lutterworth, KBSA board member) to unpack how to plan kitchen flow for the modern home. Together, they show how thoughtful kitchen design, from layout and zoning to appliance placement, creates spaces that look great and work brilliantly for everyday cooking, entertaining, families, pets, and future needs.

Key Takeaways

Start with a discovery session. Before any kitchen renovation or kitchen remodel, map real life: who uses the kitchen, how often you cook, what you cook, where mess happens, and what currently annoys you. That insight generates practical kitchen ideas tailored to you.

The ‘working triangle’ is outdated. Modern kitchens juggle hobs, ovens, freezers, pantries and more; think flexible “work zones” instead, prep, cooking, cleaning, storage, especially vital in a small kitchen.

Zone open-plan spaces. Define the kitchen with an island or peninsula; use rugs, colour, lighting, furniture placement and acoustics to guide movement and reduce noise. Tell your designer about existing tables or stools so dimensions and flow are right.

Design storage for how you cook. Label planned cabinets by contents (pans, daily crockery, spices). Where wall units are limited (e.g., hob on island), use deep drawers with spice inserts or a spice rack beside the hob for better kitchen organisation.

Choose tech that truly helps. Smart kitchen upgrades like downdraft hobs (clear sightlines), combi-microwaves (faster roasts), frost-free freezers (no defrosting), and boiling-water taps (replace kettles; add chilled/sparkling options) can be valuable parts of a smart kitchen, buy for usefulness, not gimmicks.

Best Moments

“It’s not a triangle anymore, it’s a set of zones that reflect how you actually live and cook.”

“Dishwasher on the dominant-hand side of the sink; bin, sink, dishwasher, systemise it and life gets easier.”

“Use islands, rugs, colour and furniture to direct flow and create that instant ‘wow’.”

“Buy tech that earns its space: downdraft hobs, combi-microwaves, frost-free freezers, boiling-water taps, choose upgrades that genuinely help.”

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 shares six red flags to watch for before you commit to a kitchen renovation so your kitchen design works beautifully in daily life, not just on paper. She explains why function must lead form, how to spot technical gotchas (clearances, servicing, ventilation), and what “good” looks like in pricing transparency and designer collaboration.

Key Takeaways

Function before fashion. If a proposal focuses on style over workflow, walk away. Zoning (prep, cooking, cleaning), sensible worktop runs, and logical appliance positioning beat trends every time, especially in a small kitchen.

Design around real life and cooking. A good designer asks detective-style lifestyle questions: who cooks, what you cook (e.g., baking needs cooler solid surfaces and generous worktops), how you shop, and which small appliances you actually use. That’s how you get practical kitchen ideas that fit your routine.

Future-proof servicing. Build for easy access to venting hobs, boilers, stopcocks, and integrated appliances. Ventilation and access panels matter; skipping them can void guarantees or force costly tear-outs later.

Collaborate, don’t capitulate. Your designer should challenge thoughtfully, not dictate. If it feels like “my way or the highway,” it’s the wrong fit for your kitchen remodel.

Best Moments

“A great kitchen isn’t about following certain trends or aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that is… functional and perfectly suited for how you live.”

“A professional kitchen designer is a bit like a detective.”

“Don’t ever work with a company that [won’t give] a fully itemised quotation.”

“Your kitchen is for you and not your designer’s portfolio… You should never feel pressured.”

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 tours Olive & Barr’s “Barn” showroom in Tenbury Wells to unpack a London-townhouse-inspired scheme. She explores how period details (tall skirtings, dado rail, coving) pair with a bold, colour-drenched palette, Farrow & Ball Pitch Black across cabinetry, walls and ceiling, balanced by bottle-green metro tiles, a fluted Belfast sink, and a brass-topped “baguette table.” It’s a masterclass in timeless kitchen design that still feels modern, with smart choices you can borrow for a kitchen renovation or kitchen remodel of any size.

Key Takeaways

Colour drenching can enlarge perception, even in a small kitchen. Dark, single-hue rooms blur edges so corners recede visually; used thoughtfully, this creates drama and a cocooning effect without shrinking the space. Great for galley layouts when paired with layered lighting.

Period features + in-frame cabinetry = effortless elegance. Tall skirting, architraves, dado and coving anchor a timeless look; the in-frame style sits naturally in townhouse architecture yet suits modern cooking and kitchen organisation.

Material mix that ages beautifully. A living-finish brass worktop and aged-brass hardware develop patina over time, perfect for a “forever” kitchen upgrade. Match taps and wastes for a cohesive detail.

Plan symmetry where you can. A wall-to-wall run with a centred fluted Belfast sink, bin and dishwasher adjacency, dresser cabinets and a continuous shelf delivers beautiful balance and practical workflow for everyday cooking.

Best Moments

“Colour drenching creates depth and drama—corners blur, the room reads larger, not smaller.”

“A living brass surface ages with you—it’s the beauty of a working kitchen, not a showroom set.”

“Keep the sink central with bin and dishwasher flanking it—functionality first, elegance follows.”

“If an island compromises flow, choose a peninsula and never look back.”

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 homeowners Sarah and Phil to reflect on their kitchen renovation two years on. This honest, real-life kitchen remodel covers design choices, delays, and how the space has reshaped daily cooking and family life. Expect practical kitchen ideas on zoning with an island, an appliance-hiding breakfast unit, a utility overhaul, and clever ways to manage light and storage.

Key Takeaways

Flow first in kitchen design. A compact working triangle (fridge–sink–hob/ovens) plus a generous island gives landing space for prep and serving.

Kitchen organisation beats clutter. A breakfast dresser (appliance garage) hides a kettle, toaster, microwave, and mixers, keeping counters clear while keeping everything to hand, especially helpful for enthusiastic home cooking.

A pantry that prevents waste. A reduced-depth larder makes every tin visible, cutting duplicates and food waste, smart kitchen ideas that work day-to-day.

Utility room that actually works. Stacked washer/dryer, a wider cupboard for hoover/ironing board, and boot storage turned a through-space into a calm organiser. (Yes, they even “measured Henry” for the cupboard!)

Prototype clearances. Masking-tape layouts and checking appliance doors (e.g., dishwasher on the island) avoided awkward shimmies later—simple, low-cost insurance during a kitchen remodel.

Best Moments

“The island… zones it really well and anchors the room.”

“Every morning… I come in and just think, I love it.”

“Delay is an inevitable part of the process… accept there will be delay.”

“Friday night kitchen discos… all getting involved with some vinyl on, it’s delightful.”

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 dives into designing the perfect kitchen dresser and how to balance practicality and style so it truly serves your life. She shares kitchen ideas for positioning, sizing and detailing dressers within wider kitchen design plans, whether you’re mid kitchen renovation or simply planning specific kitchen upgrades.

Expect tips for small kitchen layouts, kitchen organisation, door mechanisms (hinged, bi-fold, pocket), lighting, materials, and even playful options for bar and breakfast stations that support everyday cooking and a more smart kitchen feel.

Key Takeaways

Start with purpose. Decide what the dresser must do: pantry-style storage, a working cupboard for small appliances, a breakfast station, or a bar zone. Function first keeps the look beautiful and useful.

Choose doors to match usage: Hinged doors suit display/glazed cabinets and pantries (great for spice racks). Bi-folds keep doors out of the way on busy stations. Pocket doors let you work with everything open, then close for a seamless façade—ideal in contemporary schemes.

Timeless/Shaker: play with stepped depths, cornice detail, pilasters/posts and moulded plinths; consider centralising a dresser to read as a freestanding piece.

Light like a pro (smart kitchen win): Use discreet, recessed profiles (vertical or under-shelf), plus wireless door sensors so lights trigger on opening—safer and more convenient when hands are full.

Best Moments

“If you’re working inside that cupboard a lot, pocket or bi-fold doors keep things open without getting in the way”

“Lighting gets overlooked, but in a highly functioning dresser, discreet sensors and profiles are game-changing.”

“Be playful: Reeded glass, rich interior colours and thoughtful detailing turn a simple cabinet into centrepiece.”

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.