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.

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman shares practical Kitchen Ideas on tailoring your Kitchen Design to how you actually live, whether you’re an avid cook or more of a social butterfly, so your next Kitchen Renovation or Kitchen Remodel works beautifully day-to-day. Expect tips for Small Kitchen planning, Kitchen Organisation, clever Kitchen Upgrades, and even touches for a Smart Kitchen.

Key Takeaways

Give yourself proper worktop space. Prioritise long, uninterrupted prep surfaces near the hob for staging ingredients, chopping, and plating; measure what you have now and design from there (island or peninsula if helpful).

Choose appliances intentionally. Try brand showroom demos or home-economist sessions to compare functions; be open to newer methods (steam, sous vide) that can elevate everyday cooking.

Consider a drinks/bar zone. Design around what you actually drink (wine cooler—dual temperature if needed, mixer storage, garnishes). Plan ice (freezer maker, bags, trays or a convertible fridge drawer) and add sink/tap/dishwasher for easy clean-down; have fun with lighting and finishes (e.g., mirrored splashback, sensor lights).

If you’re short on space or going the DIY route. Add perch points, a slim peninsula, or widen doorways/remove doors to connect spaces; these are low-disruption DIY Kitchen moves that can make a big difference.

Best Moments

“Prioritise ample counter space, give yourself room to prep, cook and dish up.”

“Group your kitchen into usable zones so you’re not walking metres between oven, hob, fridge and prep.”

“Be open to new cooking methods like steam or sous-vide; the right function can save time and boost flavour.”

“Lighting sets the tone, use layers and dimmers so hosting feels relaxed, not clinical.”

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.