Cambridge Property Edition April by Bright Publishing

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

APRIL 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

BUYING TO LET

AN EXPERT GUIDE

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

NEW PHASE UNVEILED AT AURA TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

n spring a young woman’s fancy turns to her garden, and so it is that I’ve been eyeing my new, albeit modest, lawn with mixed excitement and trepidation. I’ve never owned a house with a garden before, but acquired one at the end of last year when the weather was much more suited to indoor pursuits: it’s only in the last few weeks that I’ve actually ventured out. So far I’ve hung a bird feeder and discovered that the garden bench is rotten (I sat on it, it collapsed) – and I fear there’s more maintenance yet to attend to before I kick back in a hammock amidst a bower of blooms or invite anyone over for a BBQ. On page 35, we've put together a Garden Wishlist of gorgeous garden accessories to make your garden extra inviting this spring. I'm putting my name down for the Crane Round Pavilion Summerhouse – just gorgeous. And keep reading for more interiors inspiration: this season is all about bringing bold, natural prints and textures into your home. Elsewhere in Property & Home Edition, read about the latest brand-new properties being planned for Cambridge – a collection of stylish and sophisticated homes at Aura, Long Road, which are expected to fetch over £2million each. And another new homes development, Great Kneighton, is getting its own school: the first to be built in Cambridge for 50 years. For those of you who prefer something more traditional, we’ve found a lovely character cottage just outside Cambridge which would be ideal for a family. It’s all sloping ceilings, exposed beams and wood burners – I love it. Read more on page 12.

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463 For commercial enquiries, contact Maria Francis 01223 499450 Lauren Widdowson 01223 499451

COVER STAR

This month’s cover image is courtesy of John Lewis. All products shown are available to buy at the department store. www.johnlewis.com

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

PROPERTY

NEWS

Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market

PART #5: HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD You’ve invested time and money getting your property ship-shape, so don’t neglect those last finishing touches, says Christopher Toynbee of CTP in Cambridge By the time you’ve finished renovating your property, you may just want to get builders out and new tenants in as soon as possible. But taking a little time to dress your property to impress will ensure you get as many viewings and offers as possible. BEYOND BEIGE If you’re renting to students, it’s important to install furnishings – carpets, for example – that are hard wearing. Good value is important too. Students will see lots of houses, so you want to make yours stand out. Many student properties will have everything finished in a single, neutral colour, because the last thing you want to do is alienate people with wild colours that they might not like. But we try to add subtle colour or an inoffensive pattern here and there to make the property stand out. We also give each room a different colour, by colour-matching lampshades, blinds, and so on, and we often

find the students, as they’re walking around, start choosing the blue room or the green room for themselves even before they’ve applied for the house. FURNISHINGS Student tenants expect a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and chest of drawers in their rooms. We do our best to get double beds, or for small rooms you can get three-quarter beds. And because we look for properties with similar sized rooms, we avoid the situation where there are three double rooms and one single. We’ve started incorporating plug sockets which have USB power connections, for phone or laptop charging. We don’t reflect that in the rent; but it’s just another little finishing touch. In the kitchen, we typically install a fridge-freezer, washer-dryer, cooker and microwave. We’ve put two full-height fridge-freezers in our five-bed property, and the combined washer-dryer helps prevent

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any build-up of mould caused by tenants drying clothes on radiators, helping the tenant and you. Dishwashers are a luxury, though. And of course the more the landlord puts in, the more they’re responsible for. Secure cycle storage is so important in Cambridge. We provide something tenants can lock their bikes to, or a lit outside area for bike storage. VIEWINGS The finishing touches are what gets noticed by the tenants: they’re not going to think, ‘that’s a lovely-looking boiler’. We don’t provide bedding, but having one bed made up when you’re showing people round is more homely than a bare mattress. Having the lights on and the curtains open makes a huge difference too. If people are in for a five- or ten-minute viewing, they haven’t got long and they’ll go on instinct and first impressions. www.ctpproperty.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Occupying a quiet country setting, yet just five miles from Cambridge, is this charming period cottage on Church Street, Harston. The ground floor has a farmhouse kitchen/breakfast room with walk-in pantry, a dining room, sitting room and family room/snug. Reception rooms have inglenook fireplaces with wood burners, and there's a ground-floor study and utility. On the first floor, beneath exposed beams and sloping ceilings, are five bedrooms and a family bathroom, plus ample eaves storage. The property is light, spacious and has a south west facing garden and a terrace to the front. Harston offers many amenities: pubs, restaurant, shop, post office, doctor’s surgery and school. Great Shelford train station is three miles away, and there's a good service into King’s Cross and Cambridge from nearby Royston. This attractive family home has a guide price of £650,000. Contact Strutt & Parker on 01223 459501. www.struttandparker.com

ES MORTGAGE SERVICES SHARE THEIR ADVICE ON REMORTGAGING Edwina Jayne Sleight trading as E S Mortgage Services is an appointed representative of H L Partnership Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA On first purchasing a property, it is likely that you will receive support with your mortgage from the estate agent and lender. However, when it comes to remortgaging, you might find yourself taking a leap of faith into the financial world without knowing where to look for the best deals: this is where a mortgage broker can help. Homeowners consider remortgaging for many reasons: to save money or reduce the mortgage term, or for debt consolidation. When taking out a new mortgage, you normally get an introductory deal: a low fixed, discounted or low tracker rate for the first few years of your mortgage. These deals normally last two to five years, but can be as long as ten. Afterwards, you’ll likely be moved onto your lender’s standard variable rate

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(SVR): often higher than other rates you might be able to get elsewhere. Remortgaging may enable you to get a more flexible deal. Perhaps you want the opportunity to overpay, or want to switch to a fixed rate if interest rates increase. If you have a repayment mortgage, the more you pay the more equity you will put into your property. If, for example, your wages increase, you may prefer to pay a higher monthly fee and reduce the mortgage term. If you have a lot of debt, you might be tempted to remortgage to borrow some extra money, and use it to pay off your other debts, reducing your monthly outgoings. If so, you will need advice. Even though interest rates on mortgages are normally lower than rates on personal loans and credit and store cards, you

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other debts secured on it. may end up paying more overall if the loan is over a longer term. And if you chose to consolidate your debts, remember all your debt is now secured against your property, so if you can’t keep up your repayments, you might lose your home. It is vital that you regularly review your mortgage and take advice from a qualified expert before you do so: a mortgage broker will be able to recommend products that are suitable for you. Email Barbara@ esmortgageservices.co.uk

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PROPERTY WORDS JENNY SHELTON

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

CO M IN G

SO O N

LAST TWO UNITS REMAINING AT SWALLOW GARDENS

GRAND VILLAS COMING SOON TO AURA A new collection of premium properties is set to be uncovered at Aura, off Cambridge’s Long Road. Just ten beautifully appointed detached villas will soon be available to would-be purchasers and interest is expected to be high, judging by the rapid sale of earlier phases. Aura offers an ideal combination of award-winning design, high-tech specification and a first-class location, which has firmly established the development as the best new address in Cambridge. The four- and five-bedroom residences offer expansive and luxuriously appointed accommodation arranged over more than 4,000 sq ft. Available in a selection of three layouts, each home will be finished to the highest standards with the very best materials and specification, incorporating lots of creature comforts for the best in luxury living. Each property also has its own private garden backing onto mature woodland, creating a leafy and peaceful setting. Andrew Loveday, sales director for Countryside, comments: “The final phase of villas at Aura offer something very special and combine bespoke, award-winning architecture with amazing living spaces that must be seen to be appreciated. The villas occupy a prime position on the development, and the city centre and a selection of Cambridge’s best schools are only a stone’s throw away.” Guide prices for the new release of residences will be in excess of £2 million. The show home is opening soon. For further information and to register your interest in receiving an invitation to the launch, call 01223 656167. www.auracambridge.co.uk

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There are just two properties remaining at Swallow Gardens, the attractive new development in Chesterton, just outside Cambridge city centre. Both are four-bedroom, semi-detached family houses built to a traditional design with luxury bathrooms, smart, spacious kitchens and their own private gardens. The scheme is just a short riverside walk away from Cambridge, while Chesterton village itself offers ample local amenities, including shops, a highly regarded Milton Brewery pub (The Haymakers), chemist, dentist and post office. The development is named after Arthur Ransome, author of Swallows and Amazons, who lived in the village. Prices for the two remaining homes are £550,000 and £540,000. For more information or to view, contact Carter Jonas on 01223 403330. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY

NEW SCHOOL AT GREAT KNEIGHTON The first new secondary school in Cambridge for over 50 years is currently being constructed at new housing development Great Kneighton. The new state of the art facility will accommodate 750 students (aged 11-16) and is due to open its doors in September 2016. Developer Countryside has provided the land for the new school in Trumpington, as well as making a multi-million pound contribution to primary and secondary education as part of the creation of Great Kneighton, the community-led

development situated to the south of Cambridge city centre. The new school will be known as Trumpington Community College and will include extensive new sports facilities (also available to the whole community), as well as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) and autism centre to support a small number of students with additional needs. Andrew Carrington, managing director of strategic land at Countryside, says: “The new school will be a vital building block at the centre of this new community and

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the building itself will be one of the most prominent in the the scheme. The school’s extensive sports facilities will be a great asset for everyone living at Great Kneighton and in the surrounding area.” The building has been designed to the highest standards of sustainability, incorporating many eco-friendly features, including solar panels and ground-source heating. Land has also been allocated for a new primary school, which will be delivered at a later date. www.greatkneighton.com

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INTERIORS NEWS

A MONTHLY GUIDE TO WHAT'S HOT IN THE WORLD OF CAMBRIDGE INTERIOR DESIGN

NEW TRENDS FROM LAURA ASHLEY Tropical prints, casual country and natural glamour are key elements of Laura Ashley’s Spring/Summer collection, and we at Edition are big fans. Freshen up interiors with bold patterns and pops of colour – this hummingbird scatter cushion above is perfect, especially when paired with one of Laura Ashley's new Palm House wallpaper ranges. Or stay closer to home with designs and muted colours inspired by English country living. Hessian neutrals look lovely matched with dusty, pastel shades and traditional textures and materials. Again, bold prints and inspiration from nature come into play with the swallow wallpaper and cushion, right. Laura Ashley is located on the first floor of the Grand Arcade. www.lauraashley.com

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INTERIORS NEWS

BURWASH PLANT FAIR

Stock up on some shrubs and add colour to your garden this spring at Burwash Manor’s Plant Fair, taking place on 26 April. There’ll be lots of varieties to choose from, all grown in the UK and very reasonably priced, supplied by local growers and dedicated nurseries to ensure the best quality. Plus, experts will be on hand to offer up their wisdom on what to plant where, when and how, so even the green-fingered novices among us are sure to come away with the ideal specimen. Runs 11am-4pm. www.burwashmanor.com

OXBOW AND PEACH

EDITION LOVES We’re constantly falling in love with the one-of-a-kind vintage treasures on offer at Homestuff with History, but this gorgeous curved continental cupboard, £294.95, has really caught our eye this month. www.homestuffwithhistory.com

Fans of all things vintage, waste no time in heading over to Oxbow & Peach to find beautiful pre-loved treasures, prefect for adding character to your home. The store was established by childhood friends Georgie and Lizzie, who have turned their passion for antiques into a thriving business enterprise. They initially set up in 2010, selling at charity and country house fairs, before laying down roots at their quirky showroom in Whittlesford. The pair, who met while at school at The Perse, spend their time scouring local fairs and selecting gorgeous pieces they know their customers will love. You’ll likely be poured a coffee as you peruse their table-tops and cabinets filled with trinkets and treasures, each with their own story to tell. Oxbow & Peach will also be at Cottered Village Hall, near Buntingford, on 23 April for the village’s Spring Fair (10.30am-3pm). www.oxbowandpeach.co.uk

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INTERIORS

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ON THE CEILING Add a bit of jungle fever to your interiors with these stylish hanging planters

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CERAMIC HANGING PLANTERS FROM £49 OUT THERE INTERIORS

MODERN MACRAME PLANTER BY HRUSKAA £38.29 AVAILABLE FROM ETSY.COM

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WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

Looking to refresh your kitchen for spring? Then take inspiration from the latest architectural and interior trends. From new furniture to the best decorative accessories, we reveal what’s hot right now. GIVING THE WOW FACTOR Solid walnut K7 Kitchen by Team 7 at Wharfside, from £64,000 (020 7253 3206; www.wharfside.co.uk). SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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NEW The return to furniture-style cabinets gives warmth and individual style to a kitchen. Mix-and-match dressers, stand‑alone units and showpiece islands are among the new wave of designs gaining popularity. Tom Hinton, owner of Cambridge‑based Tomas Kitchen Living (0800 772 0640; www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk), agrees that the ‘unfitted’ look is currently on trend: “Tomas kitchens have always had a sense of ‘furniture’ about them, particularly the Modbox Creations. These can be incorporated into the fitted element of the kitchen or used as free-standing pieces. The Tomas solid oak drawers (and, when requested, solid oak carcases) add to the overall sense of ‘furniture’ and bring a timeless quality to a kitchen,” he says.

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ABOVE Colour splash: this NaturalSHEER kitchen by Tomas Kitchen Living, from £20,000 (0800 772 0640; www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk), features a bright teal wall panel, which gives a visual impact to the space. RIGHT Focal point: add a sense of drama with feature lighting and contemporary island furniture, seen in this AlnoStar Fine Kitchen, finished in Fango silky matt lacquer, combined with Alno Sanremo oak-effect laminate, from £20,000, available at Kitchenology (01284 724723; www.kitchenologyltd.co.uk).

Advising on how to make the look a practical one, Tom continues: “The unfitted feel can also be translated to wall elements – which look great when cut back and not crammed into every available corner. Having said that, it’s important not to lose sight of functionality, and you must ensure there is adequate storage space. For the ultimate kitchen, mix and match pieces with beautifully designed, fully fitted cabinetry. Wherever possible, use built-in appliances and minimise gaps and joints. With the right design and products, you can have your cake and eat it!” The Loft Kitchen by Wharfside’s Team 7 Kitchens (020 7253 3206; www.wharfside. co.uk) offers a flexible approach to kitchen design with its range of stand-alone pieces.

Wharfside’s kitchen expert, David Golding, comments: “Stand-alone furniture lets you vary the layout of the kitchen as the needs of the family change. You can keep up with current trends by changing it around. You can even take the stand-alone pieces with you when you move house.” The ‘looser’ approach to cabinetry is an indicator of how the kitchen has evolved to be more than just a practical space. Investing in showpiece furniture – such as larders and feature islands – celebrates the kitchen's place as the heart of the home. Having offered understated, premium‑quality cabinetry from a Cambridgeshire workshop for more than 30 years, Harvey Jones is a leading expert in kitchen design (0800 389 6938;

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ABOVE Trend setting: the K7 island by Team 7 in solid walnut includes a motor-raising quartz worktop and walnut and white glass units in the Linee range, from £66,000 excluding worktop and appliances (020 7253 3206; www.wharfside.co.uk).

www.harveyjones.com). Chris Mossop, designer at the company, gives his take: “Investing in an island will play a part in creating a sociable hub for family and friends. When preparing food for a party, for instance, a centrally located island lets you mingle with guests while you work. It can also be used as a breakfast bar, so families can eat together in a relaxed setting. Add comfy bar stools and you’ll also be providing a space for kids to do homework while grown-ups prepare meals. Consider the height and design of your bar stools. Flatter stools can be hidden under the island, creating a streamlined space.” Jennifer Shaw, design director at Cambridge’s Kitchenology (01284 724723; www.kitchenologyltd.co.uk) agrees: “The feature island is very popular. Not only does it give a focal point to a kitchen but it is also practical, giving an additional eating area, work space and storage. We find that the combination of handle-less units with quartz worktops is a popular choice.”

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LET THE An airy, light-filled space feels modern, fresh and appealing. A seamless look is best achieved in open-plan designs (where smaller rooms have been knocked into one large living, eating and cooking space). There is also a growing preference for bi-fold doors to connect the house and garden, bringing the outside in. Frances Hall, commercial director at Cambridgeshire-based David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers (01763 261010; www. davidhallfurniture.co.uk) has witnessed the trend: “For bespoke designers, it is all about materials, simplicity of form, layering and contrast, and at David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers we are exploring a trend towards looser composition. We like to group elements together and build up layers with these groups, to create junctions, spaces and detail. This gives depth and perspective, draws the eye and creates ‘moments’, where something unexpected or unique is allowed to happen. It may be a cantilevered bank, a contrasting finish or a feature such as stained-glass windows in wall cabinets, which create focal points in the design.” The trend towards open shelving is another element that can lift a kitchen. While they are practical and easy to use, open shelves also work to personalise a kitchen, making it feel warm and lived-in. Make sure you edit what’s on show, so that clutter doesn’t build up, and remember that less is more. Combine open-shelf cabinets

ABOVE Create a statement: retro aluminium pendant lights in a range of enamel colours, £105, at Fritz Fryer (01989 567416; www.fritzfryer.co.uk). BELOW Lighten the mood: this Accordia kitchen, from £20,000, gives a feeling of space, at David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers (01763 261010; www.davidhallfurniture. co.uk). BOTTOM Space defining: the Floriss Suspension Light, £645, at Christopher Wray (020 7013 0187; www.christopherwray.com).

with conventional ones, so that you can hide away the less attractive necessities. Talking of which, minimal wall cabinets also help to lighten a space. Having less on a wall allows a room to breathe and gives focus to other areas, such as the windows – especially if they look out on a pretty view – or a piece of eye-catching art. Jennifer Shaw, design director at Kitchenology (01284 724723; www. kitchenologyltd.co.uk) reveals how to achieve the look: “One of the main requisites when planning a kitchen these days is for it to be light-filled and airy. White, streamlined kitchens, such as the glass-fronted AlnoStar Vetrina range, are really popular. They are sleek and unfussy and work even in smaller rooms to give the feeling of space. Adding statement lights

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completes this look and adds personality.” Indeed, gone are the days when the humble spotlight was as adventurous as it got for kitchens. From David Hunt’s pastel-coloured metal pendants (01608 661 590; www.davidhunt-lighting.com) to contemporary chandeliers from Flos (www. flos.com), feature lighting has become a must-have in the modern kitchen. Chris Jordan, managing director of London lighting experts Christopher Wray (020 7013 0187; www.christopherwray. com), comments: “Grand and decorative lighting not only provides illumination but can also partition areas in an open-plan space. Statement pendant lighting can define each space, such as a kitchen or dining area. An intricate chandelier can become a jewel above a dining table, perfect for glorifying any feast.” Lighting is a unique way of letting your imagination run riot in the practical confines of a kitchen. Whether you like the look of Dar Lighting’s Scroll Pendant (www.darlighting.co.uk) or the pretty glass drop shades at Fritz Fryer (01989 567416; www.fritzfryer.co.uk), the choice is endless. Storm Furniture (01986 784439; www.storm-furniture.co.uk) supplies a range of innovative lighting. Founder Terry Croucher comments: “Statement lighting can add interesting colour or texture, while also providing a focal point. Designers and craftspeople will often be able to customise their designs for you, changing the scale, shape or colour so you end up with a truly unique piece.”

WALL Shift your focus to the walls of the kitchen and introduce decorative tiling and unusual wallpapers to bring individuality and visual impact. Bold statement papers, such as the ornate Palazzo range from Urbane Living (020 7138 3838; www. urbaneliving.co.uk) or kitchen-themed designs, such as English Dinner and Airfix Kitchen from Graduate Collection (0845 872 4919; www.graduatecollection.co.uk) can give an injection of interest to what is often seen as a functional room. Sharon Forsyth, founder of Graduate Collection, a lifestyle company that works with new designers, says: “You can add real character to a kitchen with wallpaper – and many new designers are creating

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ABOVE Practical deco: the Casbah ceramic tiles, £120 m2, are a sophisticated geometric design, available from The Stone and Ceramic Warehouse (020 8993 5545; www.sacw.co.uk).

highly original and quirky wallpapers that will add a real touch of individuality. With the kitchen now part of the main living space in the house, you can choose to blend it in with the rest by papering throughout, or make it stand out with a wallpaper that highlights the area.” Pick out small areas – an alcove, around the range, behind shelving – with unusual tiling to add an element of surprise and contrast with a simple colour scheme. The bold geometric Casbah and black Guns & Roses tiles from The Stone and Ceramic Warehouse (020 8993 5545; www.sacw. co.uk) are ideal for smaller areas. Fired Earth’s Cambridge showroom is a one stop-shop for unusual, premium tiles. Caroline Gow, tile category manager (01223 300 941; www.firedearth.com) lends her expertise: "As well as being a practical choice for kitchens, tiles offer

endless potential to create show-stopping impact. For example, a dramatically veined marble such as Fired Earth's Nantucket would be an eye-catching addition to a contemporary or traditional kitchen. Each tile will be unique, so the overall effect is completely individual and particularly spectacular. Marble also has an undeniable sense of glamour and luxury, and yet it can be surprisingly affordable. She continues: “For a very different, yet striking finish, opt for shaped tiles in a variety of colours, mixing them to create bold geometric effects that really make a statement. Fired Earth's curved Arabesque tiles are ideal. They're available in a versatile palette of seven colours which can be used in bold blocks or combined to make patterns. You could even use them across walls and floors to give your kitchen a seamless look.”

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MAIN IMAGE Pared back: keep it simple with the white Allmilmoe ModernART Linea Smart kitchen, POA, at By Design Kitchens (01223 248409; www.bydi.co.uk). BELOW LEFT Wall work: the Airfix kitchen wallpaper, £125 per roll, from Victoria Eggs at Graduate Collection (0845 872 4919; www.graduatecollection.co.uk). BELOW RIGHT Modern textures: This kitchen uses the White Star granite surface, £385m2, at Granite Transformations (01223 84333; www.granitetransformations.co.uk).

TEMPTING From metallics such as copper, bronze and pewter to woods, granite and marble, mixing luxe textures can deliver a warm, earthy feel to your cooking zone. Tactile finishes like marble and granite give a raw elegance that feels very ‘now’.

Francis Lowman, MD at luxury kitchen specialist By Design Kitchens in Cambridge (01223 248409; www.bydi. co.uk) comments: “By mixing up textures, you can achieve a rich, luxe look. Metallics are big news right now. Gold, pewter and silver give a premium feel. Sometimes a pared‑back kitchen – white gloss with minimal fuss – works really well with a mosaic or geometric-patterned floor, bringing life to the room. Mix up woods, marble, granite and glittering tiles for

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a sophisticated modern-day kitchen.” Frances Hall, commercial director at Cambridgeshire's David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers (01763 261010; www. davidhallfurniture.co.uk) identifies the modern taste for unusual finishes: “The contemporary palette is now embracing finishes such as brass, which can be used to accentuate and complement other colours in the kitchen. We are seeing brass and copper light fittings, and have a beautiful range

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of bronze handles handmade by Italian craftsmen. We are also designing our own range of bespoke brass handles that can be plated with bronze or other metals in a wide range of colours, to create accents within the kitchen. “Hand-polished concrete is another stunningly beautiful finish,” he continues, “while faux suede is a luxurious material that can be used on the back of cabinets, such as those used for glasses. The softness introduces another texture into the kitchen and internal lights create soft pools of illumination.” Offering the ultimate in finishes is the new custom mosaic service by Trend GB (www.trend-group.com), available at Granite Transformations (01223 84333; www.granitetransformations.co.uk). It’s a modern take on classic mosaic art and draws upon more than 300 colours of tiles, so you can achieve a bespoke design. Peter Morrison at Granite Transformations Cambridge comments: “Employing advanced CAD software, Trend’s Italian studio is able to create a precise digital interpretation of any source design. The Italian tilemaker is marrying modern technology with an age-old decorative form, creating limitless opportunities for customised mosaics, from feature panels to complete interior and exterior installations.”

TONE With Pantone declaring ‘Marsala’– a deep, earth-wine red – its colour of 2015, it’s no surprise that an intense, rich palette is gaining momentum in the home. Reflecting catwalk trends, this marries with a tribal influence coming through in decor – think mustard accent walls, mosaic floors and splashes of dark red for a layered, rich look. Coming to the fore is a move from the monochrome schemes popular of late to a shift towards bold Moroccan and African hues. If you’re not keen on opting for the permanency of coloured cabinets, simply update your kitchen with an accent wall or by adding accessories, such as those available from Sainsbury’s homeware range (www.sainsburys.co.uk). Chunky wooden boards, woven baskets

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ABOVE Tone and accents: add pops of colour with wood accessories, from £3.50, and bright cast iron pans, from £25, at Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys.co.uk). BELOW Mix and match: this sleek Callerton kitchen, from £20,000, at Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms (01223 213266; www.cambridgekitchens.co.uk) is beautifully offset against rough-hewn bare-brick walls.

and geometric prints set against exposed brick, concrete surfaces and rustic colours, will look thoroughly modern. Sarah Wade-Gledhill, director at Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms (01223 213266; www.cambridgekitchens.co.uk) sums up the trend: “Kitchens are the heart of every home and have increasingly become more of a living space over the past few years. We've seen more people wanting their kitchens to have a multi-functional aspect: from cooking and dining to lounging. At the moment, modern kitchens are warmed up by statement colours. Many people opt for islands in a different, bolder colour to the rest of the kitchen, or splash-backs in deep reds and mustards, for instance, against neutral-coloured cabinets. The glam factor is also important and can be added with glitzy lighting or shimmering tiles. One element like this is just enough for an elegant look."

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GARDENS

CRANE ROUND PAVILION SUMMERHOUSE, 3 X 3M £7,395 JOHN LEWIS

PETITE GARDEN CHIMENEA £69.95 HOUSE OF BATH MONOCHROME OUTDOOR LIGHTING, FROM £2 SAINSBURY’S

With warmer weather just around the corner, invest in furniture and accessories to transform your garden into a stylish alfresco haven in time for spring

FOLDING BISTRO SET – KIWI £69.99 HOMEBASE

ORNATE METAL FOLDING BISTRO CHAIR £35, ORNATE METAL FOLDING BISTRO TABLE £40, PITCHER £8 WINE GLASS £2 ALL TESCO

SNEAKER PLANTER BY VICTORIA & ABIGAIL £45 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET.COM

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