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.

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