When starting any kitchen renovation project, finding a balance between functionality and aesthetics is key. In this weeks episode on the 'Love Your Kitchen', podcast host & designer Faye Newman takes us through a kitchen she has previously designed for a couple based in Worcestershire. Faye talks about her clients project in detail, and their 'wish list', and cooking style which are all important factors to consider when creating a timeless design that is tailored to your needs. This renovation project included a 4 meter single-story extension onto the back of the house, offering a great opportunity to rethink their kitchen's design and make it an inviting space that seamlessly combines style with practicality.
Creating the Perfect Layout: Island or Peninsula?
One of the most important factors in any kitchen renovation is the layout. A well-designed space not only makes cooking easier but also facilitates movement and socialising, key considerations for homeowners who enjoy hosting. For this particular project, these clients wanted to incorporate an island, but after talking through their preferences and looking at the overall width of the room, Faye suggested a peninsula layout instead. This design choice made better use of the available room, allowing for more cabinetry & better walk ways without sacrificing worktop space.
A peninsula offers many of the same benefits as an island—extra prep space, storage, and a central gathering spot—but it can be more space-efficient, especially in U-shaped kitchen designs like this. This choice also allowed for better flow between cooking and socializing areas, creating an ideal environment for hosting dinners or day-to-day use.
Key Considerations in the Design Process
Ensuring that all cooking appliances are grouped in one area prevents the need to move hot trays across the room, reducing the risk of accidents. In this design, there's a tall bank of larder cabinetry that could house the ovens, but positioning the clients' oven tower next to the hob creates a more efficient working zone. This setup is not only safer but also ensures that the workflow won’t be interrupted by anyone using the main walkway into the room. Additionally, incorporating a deeper dresser to the right provides an excellent space to store small appliances, further centralising all cooking equipment in one area for optimal functionality.
Optimising storage was crucial for these clients, as they are avid cooks and the kitchen serves as the central hub of their home. A corner pantry was high on their wish list, but it required careful consideration due to the extra depth needed on that side of the room to accommodate the washing machine and tumble dryer. By moving the interior door slightly to the left, just enough space was created to fit the pantry, with the option to adjust the cabinet voids if necessary.
To create a timeless, uncluttered look, the decision was made to opt for a venting hob rather than installing an overhead extractor. Faye explored several extractor options to make the appliance less visible, but ultimately, everyone agreed the kitchen would look better without one. That’s why a venting hob was chosen. In this case, the Elica model was ideal, as it could be ducted directly through the outside wall. However, it's important to note that a deeper cabinet is typically required to accommodate the ducting behind it, whether you're using a recirculating kit or standard ducting. In this design, adding extra cabinet depth would have impacted the walkway to the dining space, which meant they would have had to reduce either the peninsula or the much-loved double Belfast sink.
Since these clients were adding a single-story extension to their home, natural light became a key element in the design process. Large doors leading to the garden and Velux windows were incorporated to maximise natural light, making the kitchen more inviting and enhancing the sense of openness and warmth—essential for a space designed for entertaining. Natural light also boosts well-being, making it a crucial consideration for any area of the home.
For anyone considering a new kitchen, this project is a great example of how a traditional design can be modernized to meet contemporary needs. From the choice of materials to the clever use of space, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful, but also functional and perfect for those who love to cook and entertain.
Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation project or simply looking to update your existing space, remember that small design choices can have a big impact. With the right planning and a focus on timeless elements, your kitchen can become a space that brings people together for years to come.
If you haven't already, listen to this weeks episode on the Love Your Kitchen Podcast - "Timeless Kitchen Design Walkthrough: Tailoring Your Space, Layout, and Vision to Suit You" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Comentarios