5 Common U-Shaped Kitchen Mistakes & How to Design the Perfect Layout episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 30, 2026 · 45 MIN

5 Common U-Shaped Kitchen Mistakes & How to Design the Perfect Layout

from Love Your Kitchen

If you are planning a U-shaped kitchen design or want to learn ways to optimise your corners, this episode is for you! While this layout is a favourite for maximising storage and workspace, it is also a minefield for common design errors. Clashing cabinet doors, poor appliance positioning and of 'dead' corner space.In this episode of the Love Your Kitchen podcast, independent kitchen designer & advisor Faye Newman breaks down the smart, practical tips you need to design a well-thought-out U-shape. Discover how to optimise your ergonomics, place your appliances for a seamless workflow, and where to add a wow factor personality to a traditionally restrictive layout. Plus, Faye walks us through three real-life design projects to show these principles in action.What we cover this weekWhy you should never leave your corners as dead space. Faye compares the LeMans swivel system vs. the Magic Corner and explains when to opt for a simple 900mm L-shaped cabinet.Learning about corner posts and why this small, functional piece of furniture is the secret to preventing your handles from bashing into your beautiful new cabinets.Why you should never place your cutlery drawer at a 90-degree angle to your dishwasher and how to avoid the 'bin vs. dishwasher' collision.Moving away from under-counter ovens to eye-level towers for better accessibility and safety.How to avoid the "cluttered" look by swapping heavy wall cabinets for floating shelves, artwork, or mid-height housing.3 U-shape kitchen design examples, to inspire you for your design.Best Moments "Make sure you haven't got your cutlery drawer next to your dishwasher... It’s going to be really annoying having to take all that out, hold it, and push that drawer back in. That would massively annoy me.""I personally advise clients to go for the LeMans over the Magic Corner... if you've dropped a tin of beans, it’s much easier to get into the back of a LeMans cabinet.""The main part of nailing your kitchen design is making sure it lasts past the honeymoon phase. You want to love using the space every single day."About Your Host: Faye NewmanFaye Newman is an independent Kitchen Designer and advisor with over 9 years of industry experience. She specialises in helping homeowners navigate the endless choices of a renovation to create functional, beautiful hearts for their homes. The end result? A kitchen you love walking into everyday.Free Kitchen Design ResourcesFree Kitchen Guide: Download "Where to Start & Ways to Save"Book a Call: Get expert advice with a Free Kitchen Discovery CallFollow for Daily Tips: TikTok | Instagram#KitchenDesign #KitchenRenovation #UShapedKitchen #KitchenLayout #KitchenStorage #InteriorDesign #LoveYourKitchenPodcast #KitchenPlanningProudly sponsored by Blum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you are planning a U-shaped kitchen design or want to learn ways to optimise your corners, this episode is for you! While this layout is a favourite for maximising storage and workspace, it is also a minefield for common design errors. Clashing cabinet doors, poor appliance positioning and of 'dead' corner space.In this episode of the Love Your Kitchen podcast, independent kitchen designer & advisor Faye Newman breaks down the smart, practical tips you need to design a well-thought-out U-shape. Discover how to optimise your ergonomics, place your appliances for a seamless workflow, and where to add a wow factor personality to a traditionally restrictive layout. Plus, Faye walks us through three real-life design projects to show these principles in action.What we cover this weekWhy you should never leave your corners as dead space. Faye compares the LeMans swivel system vs. the Magic Corner and explains when to opt for a simple 900mm L-shaped cabinet.Learning about corner posts and why this small, functional piece of furniture is the secret to preventing your handles from bashing into your beautiful new cabinets.Why you should never place your cutlery drawer at a 90-degree angle to your dishwasher and how to avoid the 'bin vs. dishwasher' collision.Moving away from under-counter ovens to eye-level towers for better accessibility and safety.How to avoid the "cluttered" look by swapping heavy wall cabinets for floating shelves, artwork, or mid-height housing.3 U-shape kitchen design examples, to inspire you for your design.Best Moments "Make sure you haven't got your cutlery drawer next to your dishwasher... It’s going to be really annoying having to take all that out, hold it, and push that drawer back in. That would massively annoy me.""I personally advise clients to go for the LeMans over the Magic Corner... if you've dropped a tin of beans, it’s much easier to get into the back of a LeMans cabinet.""The main part of nailing your kitchen design is making sure it lasts past the honeymoon phase. You want to love using the space every single day."About Your Host: Faye NewmanFaye Newman is an independent Kitchen Designer and advisor with over 9 years of industry experience. She specialises in helping homeowners navigate the endless choices of a renovation to create functional, beautiful hearts for their homes. The end result? A kitchen you love walking into everyday.Free Kitchen Design ResourcesFree Kitchen Guide: Download "Where to Start & Ways to Save"Book a Call: Get expert advice with a Free Kitchen Discovery CallFollow for Daily Tips: TikTok | Instagram#KitchenDesign #KitchenRenovation #UShapedKitchen #KitchenLayout #KitchenStorage #InteriorDesign #LoveYourKitchenPodcast #KitchenPlanningProudly sponsored by Blum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5 Common U-Shaped Kitchen Mistakes & How to Design the Perfect Layout

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This episode is 45 minutes long.

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This episode was published on April 30, 2026.

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If you are planning a U-shaped kitchen design or want to learn ways to optimise your corners, this episode is for you! While this layout is a favourite for maximising storage and workspace, it is also a minefield for common design errors. Clashing...

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