I have been lucky with my two that when they are having a barney because they want something, I pick them up and move them from where they are and put them somewhere safe and tell them to let me know when they're done. When they're finished we just move on. I know this doesn't work for everyone (my sisters kids for example have no idea what you're talking about), but it works for us.
Neither of my kids will let you touch or cuddle them when they're going off - it just makes them worse, so we've just adapted to using voice and letting them calm themselves down.
At this age they're learning to understand what we are communicating but they still haven't mastered the return communication properly and that's frustrating.
I could have said the exact same thing as you Kim My DD is the same. Depending on the 'type' of tantrum she is having, I make sure she is safe and I say to her "when you're ready, come and give me a hug please, Mummy wants a hug" and I will sit there in front of her and wait for her to come to me and she usually does and wants a big hug afterwards when she's calmed down!! She knows I will wait for her.
I also tell DD what I am feeling or would like her to do instead of just ignoring her (sometimes ignoring is best tho just depends!!) like I'll say "I can't let you have that as it's not safe, I'm sorry you're so upset" and empathise with her.

I do think that the idea of the naughty corner is a great idea but for a child this age, I think, IMO, that they are too young for that. I don't think it would be very affective for this age group. Maybe from 2.5-3yrs?

I'm reading "the science of parenting" and it really explains how tantrums develop and why. It's really great read.