In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman chats with Ashley Stanley, Co-Director of L’interieur, an independent kitchen company based in Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield. Together, they explore the unique advantages of working with an independent kitchen specialist, the latest innovations in NEFF appliances, and two inspirational kitchen projects: one a classic in-frame design and the other a sleek, true handleless kitchen. Ashley shares expert insight into design challenges, material choices, and how personal lifestyle plays a vital role in shaping the perfect kitchen.

Key Takeaways

Independent kitchen specialists offer flexibility, personalised service, and often greater value than national chains. From made-to-measure cabinets to honest quoting and long-term client relationships, independents can adapt to your unique requirements.

Kitchens are one of the biggest home investments, so planning, both financially and practically, is key. Independents help guide clients through layout decisions, appliance choices, and styling, while balancing cost without compromising on quality.

As a NEFF MasterPartner, L’interieur offers exclusive models, colour trims, and working displays. The famous Slide&Hide oven, smart tech features, and versatile cooking options like combination microwaves all enhance day-to-day use and energy efficiency.

Best Moments

"Buying a kitchen is like filling a shopping basket without knowing the prices. That’s why transparency is key."

"People think independents are expensive, but we offer more options, better flexibility, and a truly personal service."

"Design is about the unseen details, grain direction, plinth lines, lighting, even how the appliances talk to each other."

About L’interieur

L’intérieur began in 1955 with a showroom in Stoke before relocating to Little Aston, Sutton Coldfield. With decades of design expertise and a growing team, they combine personal service with creative flair and up-to-date knowledge of kitchen trends and technology. L’intérieur offers full project management, from major renovations to appliance swaps, led by a dedicated designer.

Find out more: https://linterieur.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.

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 the most common mistakes to avoid when designing a new kitchen. Faye draws on her experience to highlight design pitfalls such as overcrowding with unnecessary cabinetry, poor appliance positioning, and not considering door swings or work surface space. She offers practical solutions and advice to help listeners future-proof their kitchen layouts, ensuring functionality, comfort, and personal style remain at the heart of their design.

Key Takeaways

Filling every wall with cabinetry can lead to a cluttered and impractical layout. Choose cabinets based on what you actually need to store, and focus on internal mechanisms that maximise usability rather than quantity.

Take the opportunity to declutter your kitchen before redesigning. Group your items into functional zones (e.g., cooking, cleaning, prep), and design storage to suit your daily, weekly, and monthly habits.

While Pinterest and showrooms are full of ideas, your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle, your taste, and your home. Go for timeless design over trend-led choices, and personalise your space with colour and materials that resonate with you.

Think about clearance space, door swings, and workflow. Avoid placing frequently used appliances like ovens or dishwashers in congested areas or near doorways. Make sure appliances are at a safe and comfortable height, especially if stacking ovens.

Best Moments

“It’s not about how many cabinets you have, it’s about how usable each one is.”

“A beautiful kitchen on paper can be a nightmare in practice if your appliance doors are clashing or you’re hitting your head on the extractor.”

“The less stuff you have, the more usable space you’ll gain, and that’s always the goal.”

“Worktops are working surfaces. If you’ve no room to prep, cook, or dish up, the kitchen isn’t doing its job.”

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 explores the ins and outs of handleless kitchen design. Recorded at Elgar Kitchens in Worcestershire, Faye shares examples and expert advice on the different types of handleless kitchens, from J-pull doors and rail systems to push-to-open and integrated handles. She also covers practical tips on layout, symmetry, and how to achieve a seamless, functional and stylish result.

Key Takeaways

Understand your options. There are several styles of handleless kitchens, including J-pull, rail systems (true handleless), push-to-open, integrated handles, and trim handles. Each offers a different look, function, and cost.

Rail systems offer versatility. They’re the most popular due to their clean aesthetic and ability to incorporate different finishes and colours, but they do require careful planning for space and installation.

Mix and match styles. You can creatively combine handleless options, using rail systems for base units, push-to-open for tall units, or adding statement handles for contrast.

Details matter. Consider elements like mid-rails, continuous plinths, raised end panels, and lighting to elevate the final design and keep it looking clean and streamlined.

Best Moments

“If you’re tight on space, switching to push-to-open on tall units can save you 100mm or more by removing vertical rails.”

“A seamless kitchen isn’t just about the doors, it’s about flow, alignment, and the little touches that make it feel effortless.”

“Lighting can make or break a handleless kitchen. Strips under worktops and plinths really elevate the mood.”

“The beauty of handleless is in the simplicity, but simplicity takes planning.”

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.