In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, host Faye Newman talks through a real-life kitchen renovation she designed: a true handleless family space that feels both timeless and highly functional. She breaks down how thoughtful kitchen design decisions, from the rail system and two-tone cabinetry to a clever peninsula layout, can transform a busy family room into a calm, organised hub for everyday cooking. Along the way, Faye shares practical kitchen ideas that work whether you’re planning a full kitchen remodel, upgrading a small kitchen, or tackling a more DIY-style refresh.

Key Takeaways

Design for real family life and cooking habits. This project was for a family of four who love to cook, so flow around the sink, dishwasher, venting hob and ovens was planned first. The result is a layout that makes everyday cooking easier, not just prettier on Instagram.

Handleless doesn’t mean cold or clinical. The true handleless rail system keeps lines seamless, but warmth comes from Hartforth Blue cabinetry, porcelain wall units, copper rails and Calacatta Dorado worktops. It’s a great example of how a modern kitchen remodel can still feel inviting.

Smart kitchen upgrades are often “invisible”. A venting hob on the peninsula, a Quooker hot tap, layered lighting (uplights, under-cabinet strips and pendants) and high-quality Blum drawer systems all create a kind of “smart kitchen”, not just through tech, but through smart planning and specification.

Storage and kitchen organisation are everything. Le Mans corner units, deep pan drawers with high sides, an internal cutlery drawer, an integrated bin next to the sink and a bespoke larder tucked under the sloping roof all work together to keep worktops clear and kitchen organisation effortless.

Two-tone and materials used cleverly. Darker units “ground” the space, with lighter porcelain doors above and continuous stone splashbacks wrapping the room. Details like matching chopping boards from quartz offcuts are simple kitchen upgrades that look bespoke without wasting material.

Best Moments

“When you’re choosing a handleless look, you’ve got to really commit to that minimalist feel; the details have to do the talking.”

“Don’t just spend on what you can see, the drawer boxes, hinges and internal fittings are what make your kitchen feel good to use in ten years’ time.”

“If an island doesn’t comfortably fit, a well-planned peninsula can give you better storage, better prep space and a much nicer way to cook and chat at the same time.”

“You don’t need a huge space to have a clever, almost ‘smart’ kitchen – you just need a layout that’s designed around how you actually live and cook.”

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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