Cambridge Property Edition December by Bright Publishing

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

DECEMBER 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

NEW HOMES AT HALO

PROPERTY NEWS TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

fter almost eight years’ writing about the Cambridge property market, this month marks an end to my stint as a local property correspondent before I turn my sights from helping the people of Cambridge find a home to helping give nature a home as a digital editor with the RSPB. There’s no doubt the last eight years has been an eventful period for property. Moving here in 2008, fears about the wider economy and property market were causing many would-be movers to sit tight, leading to a somewhat stagnant market – except, perhaps, in the case of those typically ‘Cambridge’ Victorian townhouses, which still flew off the shelves and held their value, and probably always will. Measures have been introduced to help struggling first-time buyers after the ‘boomerang generation’ emerged, as graduates heavily in debt were forced to move back home to save for their first home. As fears eased, and the market began to move once more, the city also began to grow. The last five years or so have seen areas of Cambridge transformed by shiny new apartment buildings (Cambridge station) and vast new suburbs (Trumpington) populated with modern family residences, pushing eco-conscious, open-plan family living for the future, and acknowledging Cambridge’s attractiveness to London commuters wanting a slice of our city’s renown. In this month’s magazine, Carter Jonas take a look at Cambridge, the commuter city, and Strutt & Parker discuss the emerging trend for multigenerational living. And there’s news from the Great Kneighton development on page 19. Thanks to everyone for reading, and I look forward to bringing you news of hedgehog houses and bird boxes in the months to come!

For editorial enquiries, contact Nicola Foley 01223 499459 nicolafoley@bright-publishing.com For commercial enquiries, contact Maria Francis 01223 499450 Natalie Robinson 01223 499451

ON THE COVER...

All products shown are from Marks & Spencer. Shop at their Cambridge store, off the Market Square, or online. www.marksandspencer.com

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PROPERTY

NEWS E ME RG O LA LY H I M FA

TOWN STREET, NEWTON A charming, deceptively spacious detached house is for sale in the Cambridgeshire village of Newton. The house, situated on Town Street, was built as a pair of cottages in the 1850s and converted to form a large family home in the 1970s. Light and spacious within, it offers a lovely main sitting room with open fireplace, a modern kitchen with windows onto the garden, a dining room, snug with wood-burning stove, six bedrooms to the first floor, with an en suite to the master, and a further upstairs bathroom. Outside, there’s a garage with workshop and a large, mature garden. Set within the heart of the village, it is just a short walk from The Queen’s Head – a top listing in the Good Beer Guide. Newton is just over three miles from Cambridge and well connected to major road links, while remaining quiet and unspoilt. This family home has a guide price of £1.2 million. Contact Cooke Curtis & Co on 01223 508050. www.cookecurtis.co.uk

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

COMMUTING TO THE CAPITAL Richard Hatch, partner at Carter Jonas Bradshaws, weighs up the pros and cons of swapping the Thames for the Cam Cambridge’s prosperity has been driven by the growing employment opportunities over the past 40 years. As employers continue to tap into our city’s talent pool, house prices have risen by 7.3% in only the past three months, making Cambridge an ideal investment location. Whilst house prices are rising in our historic city, for the price of a one-bedroom flat in Islington you can buy a threebedroom detached house in the familyfriendly Cambridge suburbs. GSK and AstraZeneca have chosen Cambridge as their new home – a move that highlights the ever-expanding potential of the city and its professional community. The Cambridge Biomedical Campus will continue to attract world-class businesses and is destined to be one of the leading biomedical centres by 2020, which will attract further investment. What’s more, paying a premium for the privilege of living just a short distance from a world-class education system, thriving academic world and scientific and technological hub is a small price to pay when the opportunities are considered. The city is ideal for the seasoned commuter looking to start a family and thanks to the vastly improved commuter service by rail to central London, and by road – with the M11 connecting into North London, and Stansted Airport 30 miles to the south – Cambridge remains connected to the capital. Thanks to plans for the new Cambridge North train station – opening December 2016 – travelling from both the north and south of the city to London will be a pain-free task. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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BIDWELLS COMPLETE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE An intrepid team of ten from Bidwells’ Cambridge office took part in the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge – and still made it to work the next day. The walk was organised to raise money for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice (EACH). The team covered a total of 24 miles, which involved getting up and over the three highest mountains in the Yorkshire Dales and negotiating the technical terrain between each, from boulder fields to peatbogs and rivers. The team comprised Donna Bennett, Phil Kentish, Keith Fuller, Dan Coston, Jonathan Hughes, Jonathan Wright, Ollie Boulding, Mark Taylor, William Clayton and Jonathan Conway. They finished in an impressive 13 hours and 15 minutes – and still travelled back from Yorkshire ready to be at their desks in Cambridge the next day. Jonathan Conway says: “This was an exceptionally tough challenge, especially as we were such a large group with a real mix of abilities – we are certainly not seasoned mountain goats and may have slightly underestimated this challenge! “Covering a distance like this takes its toll on your legs, especially fatigue from ascending and descending mountains. The terrain was harder going than we expected. We had patches of fog and the final descent in the dark. It was a great feeling when we finished the challenge, knowing our efforts would help to raise muchneeded funds for EACH.” The team have so far raised £1,350 for EACH, but donations are still welcome. Please visit: www.justgiving. com/BidwellsY3PC

PR TH OP E ER VIN TY TA TR GE EN D

PROPERTY

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Property with annexe in Great Chishill, guide price £775,000

RETURN OF THE GRANNY FLAT Estate agents Strutt & Parker, who have offices on Hills Road, Cambridge, have recorded the return of a vintage property trend. According to the Valuation Office Agency, the number of properties with a separate annexe for family members has increased by more than a third in the past two years. The research shows that it’s the baby boom generation who are the most likely to need extra accommodation – both for younger family members who are unable to get on the property ladder themselves, and dependent elderly parents, largely due to the increasing costs of long-term care. Strutt & Parker’s Housing Futures echoes this trend, identifying the increase in multigenerational living as a key shift in the property market. In its latest annual survey results, 15% of respondents who intend to move in the next five years anticipated living with multiple generations all under one roof compared with 10% the previous year. Stephanie McMahon, head of research at Strutt & Parker, said: “This is a trend that we see increasing over the next decade, with the rise in house prices that is bringing several generations together under one roof. We call this tribe of homeowners ‘The Waltons’, with at least three generations living together in one home, but this could also extend to those households that share their living space

with their friends, extended family or the unmarried partners of their children.” Cameron Ewer, partner at Strutt & Parker in Cambridge says: “Moving beyond the traditional family set-up, this arrangement is more akin to the households of the past where lots of generations lived together. The granny flat is becoming cool again and is perceived as a huge advantage to buyers when I show them properties. Even if they don’t use the space immediately, it is something that will future-proof a home for the long term.”

WE CALL THIS TRIBE OF HOMEOWNERS ‘THE WALTONS’ The Strutt & Parker Housing Futures research also highlighted the need for more flexible family homes to suit homeowners’ evolving needs and identified the ‘Yo-yo house’ as a possible solution. Stephanie continues: “The ‘Yo-yo house’ focuses on flexibility: growing, contracting and evolving with its occupants, offering them different space use over their lifetime. For example, the footings will allow a garage space, not only to be converted to a single-storey living space, but to two or three storeys – the cost of retrofitting being higher than the cost of future-proofing at the build stage.” www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments READY TO MOVE INTO

MAKE YOUR HOME AT HALO Homes are ready to move into at Halo, Crest Nicholson’s top-of-the-range development off Long Road, Cambridge. The stylish collection of contemporary houses and apartments offer high ceilings and large windows, increasing the sense of space and connecting the property to the outdoors. Visitors are invited to look around the threebedroom Foster show house, which has been finished to the highest standard and provides flexible living accommodation. The property makes for a perfect family home, with a good-sized living room leading onto a terrace garden, a stylish kitchen and dining room, and luxury bathrooms. Being part of the wider Great Kneighton development, all residents at Halo will have access to a large country park, primary and secondary school and a village centre, as well as the rail station and city centre. Annette Cole, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson Eastern, says: “Halo is a fantastic development located in a highly sought-after part of the city. We’re seeing an increasing demand for new homes in Cambridge, which is rapidly becoming the UK’s new property hotspot. The show homes are an excellent example of how Crest Nicholson considers space and function at the heart of all our properties’ design.” www.crestnicholson.com

HILL CELEBRATES TEN-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH HISTON FC Cambridge-based housebuilder Hill is celebrating its tenth year sponsoring Histon Football Club. One of the top 20 housebuilders in the country, Hill aims to deliver almost 1,000 new homes in the city over the next few years. Hill’s chief executive, Andy Hill, has always had close links with the club after living in Histon for many years, where his two sons played for the Histon youth team. Hill started sponsoring the club back in 2005 and has maintained links since. “We are passionate about supporting the local community wherever we can because it is what makes this city such a great place to live,” says Andy. “One of our longeststanding partnerships has been with Histon Football Club and we are thrilled to remain their sponsors, ten years on. “My sons and I have always had a lifelong love of sport and have been supporters of the football club for many years, so being able to support them on both a personal and professional level is fantastic. “There have been many changes at Histon over the years as there are in most

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clubs but we are delighted that we have been able to maintain our strong links with the club through the highs and lows. With Steve Fallon back at the club where he was so instrumental in their success both on and off the field, we remain confident that the club will once more flourish.

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY “We are extremely proud of all that the club has achieved over the past decade and are looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with them for many more years to come.” Howard Wilkins, Histon FC’s Club Secretary, comments: “Hill has sponsored Histon FC for the past ten years, which is quite unusual for a club at our level. They have been terrific throughout and this longlasting commitment highlights their attitude toward supporting the local community.” www.hill.co.uk

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INTERIORS MEXICAN GIFT BOX BY BESPOKE BARWARE £34.50 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET

LET’S GET

MERRY!

JO SAMPSON FOR WATERFORD CRYSTAL ELYSIAN VODKA CHILLER AND 8 GLASSES £1,000 JOHN LEWIS

Stylish entertaining accessories to help your Christmas soirée sizzle

SET OF FOUR LSA POLKA CHAMPAGNE SAUCERS £30 OLIVER BONAS

TOP HAT WINE COOLER £95 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET

KATE SPADE NEW YORK TUMBLERS (SET OF 2) £52 AMARA

GOLD PLATED COCKTAIL SHAKER £45 GRAHAM & GREEN

MARGARITA COCKTAIL GIFT SET £16 ROSE & GREY VINTAGE AMERICAN COCKTAIL SHAKER £85 THE OLD CINEMA

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PHOTOBOOTH PROPS £7.50 CHEVRON DIVINE, JOHN LEWIS

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INTERIORS

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

Forget less is more, at Christmas it’s all about maximalism when it comes to dressing your rooms. Mix and match opulent baubles, woodland garlands and faux-fur accessories to add layers of festive magic to your home SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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LET YOUR STORY BEGIN TOP AND LEFT: Source Scandi-style accessories, from £8, Sainsbury’s (0800 636262; www.sainsburys.co.uk) RIGHT: A traditional tree and classic American checks make a cosy, festive room, decorations from £1.50, Tesco (www.tesco.com)

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Storytelling The concept of storytelling is integral to Christmas. The creation of magical worlds, as seen in fairy tales for instance, is mirrored in us decorating our homes for the season. Glittering colours, traditional iconography and sweet woodland themes (think jolly Santas and rosy cheeked reindeer) are key. Red and white Scandinavian-inspired crockery, as seen at Sainsbury’s (0800 636262; www.sainsburys.co.uk), sets the tone when family and friends come round to dine. “The Happy Holiday tableware range is an effortless way to dress your table this Christmas,” says Hannah Mallett, Sainsbury’s Kitchenshop buying manager. “The pattern edge, reminiscent of cross-stitch and knitted snowflake motifs, makes for a festive hit.” The range includes cushions, throws and bedding for a cohesive look. “We’ve been inspired by the bold and energetic American approach to Christmas. Bright reds and whites combine with hand-written slogans, argyle knits and heart-shaped patterns create a modern and vibrant Christmas look,” adds Anna Sheppard, seasonal buying manager. At homeware boutique Adventino (01529 307812; www.adventino.co.uk), prancing deer decorations, pine-cone candles and twinkling pearl light garlands create a charming effect. “It’s easy to be inspired by winter scenes outside when you’re decorating,” says Amanda Darley, director of Adventino. “From deep, sumptuous green to glossy red and gold, there’s something timeless and classic about this style. “Combining these colours with warm candlelight and carefully arranged lighting perfectly creates a seasonal feel in any room. If you have a fireplace, make this a focal point with gorgeous woodland garlands and beautiful details such as pine cones, nuts and acorns. It’s a beautiful way to add a festive touch with nature’s best creations.” Ark Cambridge (01223 363372; www. arkcambridge.co.uk) is a one-stop shop

for quirky finds – ideal for a unique twist. “What better way to celebrate the festive season than with woodland animals?” says owner Jane Richards. “Baby hedgehogs, china birds and owl decorations have an innocent charm and are perfect for kids and adults alike. They’ll warm anyone’s heart this winter.” HomeSense (www.homesense.com) specialises in a luxury look for less and is full of ornaments and decor – think wooden sledges to ‘Hunting Lodge’ glass cloches – for the ultimate seasonal home. For a modern take on nostalgia, source decorative accessories from Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443; www. outthereinteriors.com). Owner Jenny Hurran gives her tips: “Christmas is magical. No matter what your age the festive season

conjures up memories of childhood, Santa and woodland creatures. I love recreating a winter escape with a tree, comforting reds, golds and greens, a crackling fire and majestic reindeer. The beauty of Christmas is that it’s temporary, so indulge yourself and go bold with a festive theme, because it will all be back to normal in January!”

FROM TOP Source charming ornaments and crockery from HomeSense, from £3 (www.homesense.com). Quirky finds at Ark Cambridge include these owls fashioned out of pine cones, £7 (01223 363372; www. arkcambridge.co.uk). Channel the animal look with Out There Interiors’ Ibride Junior Standing Bear Bookcase, £1,350, and the Bambini Stag Head, £60 (020 8099 7443; www.outthereinteriors.com)

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INTERIORS

Bright is best While an all-white colour scheme is the epitome of good taste, the latest trends – as predicted at Christmasworld in Frankfurt (the annual trade extravaganza that happens in February each year and which dictates the way we dress our homes at Christmas) – centre around clashing brights and new neons. Turquoise, copper, mint and pink pillar candles, for instance, replace the usual white and red wax. While tree baubles, wreaths and garlands, in hues of purple, fuschia and frosted blues, hark back to a retro 1960s Christmas style. Stocking bright candles and candelabras, Jane Richards at Ark Cambridge (01223 363372; www.arkcambridge.co.uk) is already one step ahead of the trend. “Use luminous colours to create a super-festive, funky home,” she says. “We’ve designed our own candelabras for a perfectly unique look – just imagine your Christmas table lined up with them in beautiful colours. Scented candles with old wine and champagne bottles instead of candlesticks are also proving popular.” Perfect for creating a bright, cheerful scheme are the array of primary-coloured children’s stockings, nativity sets and tree surrounds available

ABOVE Wooden Nutcracker Soldier, £4, Tesco (www.tesco. com) LEFT Colourful, personalised gift sacks, £32, and BELOW Christmas Russian Dolls, £16, Great Little Trading Company (0344 848 6000; www.gltc.co.uk) BELOW LEFT Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue is used on the walls for a wintery scheme, Modern Emulsion from £42 for 2.5l (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.com)

at the Great Little Trading Company (0344 848 6000; www. gltc.co.uk). A visit to Tesco (www.tesco.com) is also worthwhile as the supermarket is tapping into the ‘bright is best’ trend. Stock up on nutcracker soldiers, ‘Bar Hum Bug’ cushions and oversized tinsel letters for a modern-day look to your festivities. For a bigger investment, but stylish enough that it will remain in vogue all year round, check out the brand’s 1970s-style neon pink Jemima Tub Chair (£129) with grey buttonback detail. Experts in colour, Farrow & Ball, with a store in Cambridge (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.

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com), advise that blue – as opposed to reds, greens or golds – is the perfect winter colour to use as a starting point. Josephine Rance, marketing director, comments: “With the move into autumn comes the approach of Christmas; a time filled with visits from friends and family, and a time when you want your home to look and feel warm and inviting. Blue is a colour strongly associated with winter and Christmas, and it can really reflect festive cheer. Choose a strong, warming shade like Stiffkey Blue or Hague Blue. The depth of this colour creates a fashionable and contemporary interior that remains inviting. Team with silver and gold accessories and you’ll be well on the way to creating the perfect environment for celebrating.”

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Animal magic

Polar bears, owls and penguins – the icy worlds meet the nocturnal in countless tree ornaments, homewares and adornments that are decorated with charming depictions of the creatures. Queen of Christmas, Gisela Graham (www.giselagraham.co.uk) – renowned for her eclectic and colossal choice of decorations – offers a range of ornaments inspired by the natural world with birds such as owls, robins and peacocks featuring prominently in her new collections. “The ox, the ass and the lamb have always been

THIS IMAGE Get the wow factor with this light-up Crystal Deer Head, £75, John Lewis (03456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com) BELOW RIGHT Add a touch of charm with these wooden reindeers, £3.95, Homestuff with History (01223 357810; www.homestuff-with-history.com)

ABOVE FROM TOP Blue Moose Head, £195, Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443; www.outthereinteriors.com), British-made cushion, £42.95, Homestuff with History (01223 357810; www.homestuff-with-history.com) and baubles and robin decoration, from £1.99, Gisela Graham (www.giselagraham.co.uk)

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part of the traditional Christmas story,” she says. “But while you won’t see too many oxen and donkeys on the nation’s Christmas trees, there are other animals aplenty this year. The ever-popular deer and reindeer are joined by cats, dogs, hedgehogs, squirrels, songbirds, peacocks and pheasants. Top of the list are the owl and the fox. We say the more the merrier!” She continues: “I’m finding that more people these days want a break from red and gold. The peacock colours of teal blue, purple and jade green are more and more popular, and people have liked a frankly jazzy range that I’ve developed using magentas, lime green, saturated pinks and purples. Yes, Christmas is a traditional festival – but you can move with the times while celebrating it.” Meanwhile, at Cambridge-based vintage store Homestuff With History (01223 357810; www.homestuff-with-history. com), it’s all about recalling motifs from the natural world. Owner Kathryn Brown says: “Christmas is the most wonderful time of year to style your home. Obviously, we are inspired by nostalgic items as

many of our products are vintage. From tins decorated with images of traditional Santas, to antique glass baubles, there’s something about Christmas that brings back memories of old. “The animal kingdom is an integral part of timeless Christmas decorations, tying in with folklore and images and motifs from the natural world. Reindeers in particular bring a unique charm and childlike innocence that we all want to call upon, even if that is just once a year.”

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Cosy up There’s more to the festive season than just glitzy Christmas decor. For the ultimate retreat, make your home comfortable and cosy as the nights draw in and get colder. Layer soft velvet throws, like those at Ragged Rose (01622 812897; www. raggedrose.com), with Nordic Reindeer Hides underfoot, available at Scandi Living (01428 608050; www.scandiliving.com). Add in Alpine-themed or Noel-festooned cushions from Jan Constantine (01270 821194; www.janconstantine.com) and light scented candles like Cosy By The Fire or Sparkling Snow from Yankee Candle (0117 316 1260; www.yankeecandle.co.uk). Interior designer Joanna Wood’s store (020 7730 5064; www.joannawood.co.uk) is an excellent source of faux-fur throws, quirky cushions and draught excluders. “I love being able to light a spiced orange or ginger candle and get out lots of lovely wool, alpaca and faux-fur throws to stay warm and cosy,” she reveals. “I like to use lots of rich colours, including reds, oranges, pinks, greens and purples to create a comforting palette.” Velvet armchairs and sofas in bold, jewel hues, like those at Sofa.com (0345 400 2222; www.sofa.com), make for a bold yet timeless statement. Sofa Workshop (0800 230 0048; www.sofaworkshop.com) has collaborated with Liberty to create the Ives chair, which uses Liberty’s Secret Garden fabric collection. Megan Holloway, marketing manager at Sofa Workshop, says: “Classic

THIS IMAGE Create an elegant living space with Sofa.com’s modern take on mid-century design with the Betty Cocktail Chair in olive velvet, £460 (www.sofa.com) RIGHT Sink into these faux-fur bean bags, from £71.99, Bean Bag Bazaar (0800 988 1286; www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk)

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LEFT Visit Susie Watson Designs for Christmas sacks, £48, and RIGHT tartan Shetland Wool throws, £84 (0844 980 8185; www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk) BELOW Joanna Wood’s Westie Cushion, £43 (020 7730 5064; www.joannawood.co.uk) BOTTOM Sofa Workshop created the Ives chair in collaboration with Liberty, using their Secret Garden fabric, from £1,899 (0800 230 0048; www.sofaworkshop.com)

golds and silvers are great for Christmas, but look at the wider spectrum and introduce bright punches of colour. Decorative furniture and accessories with contrast will create a cosy environment for welcoming family and friends into. Tactile textures are key this Christmas and the soft velvet of the Secret Garden Collection collaboration with Liberty is a great choice for a luxurious look.” Another interiors collaboration, fitting for the season, is Brintons (0800 505 055; www.brintons.co.uk) pairing with Timorous Beasties. A leading manufacturer of highquality design-led woven carpets, the brand

has created stunning designs with the help of the cutting-edge Glaswegian design duo. Inspired by drawings of wood grains, as seen in the Grain du Bois, and geometric texture and floral shapes, in Linen Damask, the results are modern, swirling carpet designs. Jay Ralley-Jones, head of Brintons’ Design Team, confirms the new trends: “For years plain carpet has been the carpet of choice, but for AW15 we are seeing a return to patterns in on-trend pinks and purples.” Dial up the cosy-factor by investing in a wood-burning stove, like those available from Morso (www.morso.co.uk). Cushions, throws and bean bags, like those available at Bean Bag Bazaar (0800 988 1286; www. beanbagbazaar.co.uk), give the ultimate wintery feel. Bean Bag Bazaar’s creative director Jayne Dolder says: “When it comes to cosy nights indoors, aim to create a living space that is so inviting that you long to come home to it. An easy style update is to add a few matching accessories to your existing furniture. Choose a luxurious texture such as faux fur for cushions, throws and bean bags, and your living space will instantly become the heart of the home; full of warmth and ready for relaxation.” Take a style lesson from New England inspired homeware brand Lexington Company (www.lexingtoncompany.com), which uses a mix-match approach, with traditional plaids, stripes and checks, in their home accessories. Creative Director Kristina Lindhe reveals more: “I took a winter tour in the Adirondacks years ago. That’s what was in my mind when we created our Holiday Collection. Inspired by thick deep snow, fir trees, secret hideaways with fireplaces and

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beds for a long night’s sleep – the perfect holiday escape in a winter wonderland.” Pop into Susie Watson Designs in Cambridge (0844 980 8185; www. susiewatsondesigns.co.uk) and admire their range of home accessories, gifts, pottery as well as a unique Christmas collection. Giving her advice, Susie Watson says: “Rich colours and soft textures create an intimate Christmas setting. Combine soft velvet cushions in deep purples and greens, with a Shetland wool throw in complementary colours for a really inviting sofa that you won’t want to leave.”

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Black &white For those opposed to the riot of colour that is Christmas, consider creating a black and white scheme to give your home an edge this season. Black is finding its way into festive accessories and it can look grandiose and dramatic offset against white decorations and glittering lights. Sally Chamley, owner of Black Orchid London (01772 923858; www.blackorchid. london) agrees: “Monochrome stands the test of time as it works with every colour palette. The inclusion of black and white can be used to create structure in varying degrees of impact. Achieving the best balance can be tricky, I ask clients to decide what they want the dominant colour to be. Black or white? If white dominates then black should be used only to pick out detail, create borders and introduce accessories. Books are great to introduce the colour, select ones with a black spine and white cover and pile them on the coffee table. Only 20% of the fabric and wallpaper detail should be black. You will lose the impact if you start to introduce other colours, for monochrome to work it has to be symmetrical, and only black, white, some neutrals and silver can be used.” Create a foundation with statement furniture in white or black. Shimu (0800 088 6800; www.shimu.co.uk) has a range

THIS IMAGE Visi Penguin Ornament, £10, Rockett St George (01444 253391; www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk)

of black lacquered tables, while Delcor’s (0191 237 1303; www.delcor.co.uk) chic black velvet Georgian Wingchair adds drama. Contrast with enamel pendants in black or white from Fritz Fryer (01989 567416; www. fritzfryer.co.uk) and monochrome rugs from Scandi Living (01428 608050; www. scandiliving.com). For a classic piece of furniture, BELOW LEFT The Evergreen Chair, from £1,099, Ercol you can’t go wrong with the (www.ercol.com) BELOW RIGHT White Ceramic Chestnut Evergreen chair from Ercol (www. Vase, £34.20, Black Orchid Interiors (01772 923858; www. blackorchidinteriors.co.uk). Pewter decoration on silver ribbon, ercol.com), which comes in a £10, Pia (0844 499 5670; www.piajewellery.com) timeless design of black lacquered wood with white upholstery. “When choosing a colour scheme, you really can’t go wrong with black and white,” says Ercol’s creative director Rachel Galbraith.

30 | Property & Home Edition | December 2015

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“A monochrome theme is practical and creative as monotone pieces will always go with each other and other textures and colours. So, when introducing a festive look, a black or white piece can be used as a basis for adding colour – for example, the red and green of Christmas, to bring festive cheer. The piece will provide a contemporary element to a room and will remain visually pleasing all year round. The Evergreen chair from Ercol is a piece which will enhance any room, versatile, and will complement the addition of festive touches.” In terms of festive touches, it’s easy to create a monotone scheme that is simple yet contemporary. Source oversized black paper honeycomb and white paper flower decorations from Rockett St George (01444 253391; www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk). The contemporary home website also stocks black and white crackers, white wreaths and matt black penguin decorations. Add in festive elements such as shimmering lights and glass baubles from Pia (0844 499 5670; www.piajewellery.com) for a feminine touch. “Monochrome is timeless and will add a crisp look to your Christmas display,” says Jane Rockett at Rockett St George. “Stick with jet-black and ice-white to make a statement or soften it by adding offwhite, ivory and soft greys. Add gold for a glamorous feel, or a pop of colour for fun.” Lastly, why not source your own black Christmas tree (www.xmasdirect.co.uk) for the ultimate in dramatic decor.

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