Property Edition June

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

JUNE 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

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PROPERTY NEWS

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WELCOME

hat does your dream house look like? Perhaps it’s something you aspire to have one day, or perhaps you live there already (lucky you). A recent survey identified the nation’s ideal home – and the results might come as a surprise. Cambridge as a city has always been a desirable place to live – as anyone who’s got caught up in a bidding war or been pipped to the post for that ideal townhouse will know – but surprisingly it’s not necessarily the classic townhouse that ticks everyone’s boxes. Of the 2000 people asked, from all across the UK, most people dream of living in a big house in the country, with converted farmhouses and cottages being particularly popular choices. As it happens – and though I hate to follow the crowd – that sounds a lot like my dream home too.

Read the full story on page 11, and find out how many of you put a cinema room on your lust list, then find a selection of available farmhouses on page 12.

In other news, those wanting to be in their new property for the summer holidays will no doubt be stepping up a gear in their search for a home. It’s your last chance to reserve a house on Novo, part of Great Kneighton, while work has just begun at a new development, Harrison Drive in the city centre. This comprises 95 new homes: read more on page 14. And we’ll be keeping an eye on the progress at Northstowe, near Longstanton, as it begins to take shape over the coming months.

Meanwhile, be inspired by beautiful bedrooms in our big interiors feature on page 23. From French provincial to masculine and modern through to storage solutions to tackle clutter, we’ve got it covered.

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

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

COVER STAR

The products on this month's cover are from the Fusion range at John Lewis, the Cambridge branch of which can be found at the Grand Arcade. 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

Strutt & Parker have revealed the top of the property pops when it comes to what house-hunters are looking for in a property, collated from the answers of 2,000 respondents across the UK. Do the results surprise you?

1. South East location 2. Rural setting 3. Less than a mile from the shops 4. Detached farmhouse or cottage with three bedrooms or more 5. Traditional British interiors & cosy ambience

Stephanie McMahon, head of research at Strutt & Parker, comments: “The survey results paint an interesting picture – the quintessential British farmhouse surrounded by quiet countryside clearly remains as an enduring ideal for many. Over the past decade, there has been a focus on urban resurgence, so we were interested to discover that while our respondents want to live near other people, they didn’t want them on their doorstep.

“It seems that we really are a nation of optimists – it certainly was encouraging to discover that 79.4% of respondents believe they can achieve their dream home within the next five years.”

Focusing solely on those who intend to move within the next five years, the survey showed that the largest proportion of homebuyers wished to settle in the South East (26.1%), followed by the South West (15.6%) and the West Midlands (9.6%). Rural areas, villages and market towns came out

6. AGA oven 7. Broadband connectivity 8. A walled garden 9. An outstanding view of the countryside 10. Good insulation for energy saving

as the most desired living environments, and being within walking distance to the shops was crucial to 49.2% of people.

For the second year in a row, lifestyle change was the biggest motivation for moving (49.3%). A new category for the survey this year was broadband connectivity, which has shot in as the third motivation at 35.8%.

According to those who plan to move within five years, the ideal home will be a detached house (65.7%), either a farmhouse or in a cottage style. It will be 1,500-2,499sq ft and have a minimum of three bedrooms. The least desired home was a terraced house (6.0%). A flat, regardless of whether it was above a shop or a penthouse, was the second least desired option (9.0%).

The survey didn’t just focus on location, but also looked at what homebuyers were looking for in a new home in terms of style, features and accessories. A remarkable one

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in five said they wanted an AGA oven in their new home; this was closely followed by a kitchen island/breakfast bar (15.9%).

Outside of the kitchen, a wet room/rain shower came in at the coveted third place.

Completing the top five were a cinema room (9.3%) and a wine cellar (8.7%).

Focusing on interior design style, the most popular option was ‘Traditional British’, followed by ‘Rustic’ and then ‘Modern’. The majority of homebuyers wanted their new home to feel ‘cosy’ in terms of ambience, whilst ‘calm’ and ‘bright’ also scored highly.

Outside, the majority of respondents wanted a small private garden – and when it came to a dream outdoor item for a new home, one in five respondents chose a walled garden (21.6%), with a near tie for second place between outdoor entertainment terrace (12.7%) and a swimming pool (12.3%). www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY

1. WEST FARM HOUSE, ORWELL Since it was revealed that the nation’s dream home is a country farmhouse, this beautiful property is likely to attract a good deal of interest. The Grade II listed former farmhouse with outbuildings stands in High Street, Orwell, offering excellent, up-to-date family accommodation with six bedrooms.

Reception rooms include an elegant drawing room with French windows and an open fireplace and a family room with a fuel burner. The hub of the home is the delightful refitted kitchen with solid oak flooring and handmade units, which leads on to a utility room and cloakroom.

The master bedroom suite is located on the first floor, along with two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Three more bedrooms, a study and an additional bathroom complete the accommodation on the second floor.

WEST FARM HOUSE

MOVING HOUSE:

Mature gardens surround the house and feature specimen trees, a terrace and a pavilion. Several sturdy outbuildings offer potential for a range of uses.

The guide price is £1.5 million; contact Carter Jonas Bradshaws on 01223 403330. www.carterjonas.co.uk 2. MEADOW FARM, WATERBEACH Conveniently located for access into Cambridge, yet enjoying a picturesque rural setting, this versatile family home is on Ely Road, Waterbeach. It comprises a large period house, which has been modernised within, plus outbuildings, a cottage, land and stables.

In the main house, built in 1902, you will find three reception rooms, a kitchen/ breakfast room, utility, conservatory, two en suite bedrooms, four further bedrooms and three bathrooms. The separate cottage contains three/five bedrooms, and the grounds and paddock extend to around two acres in size.

The guide price is £1,195,000, and an open house day is scheduled for 13 June.

To register your interest, contact Strutt & Parker on 01223 459503. www.struttandparker.com

MEADOW FARM

Local removals firm Hadley and Ottaway share their top tips for a stress-free move.

1: Background checks They say that planning is key, but attention to detail is just as important. When doing your initial research into reputable removal companies, be sure to check what their insurance does and doesn't cover. This way you won’t have to replace valuable items that have been accidentally damaged during the moving process.

2: Reviews Check online reviews to find out which

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3. HIGH STREET, MELBOURN Not strictly a farmhouse, but falling firmly into the desirable country cottage category, is this handsome period home in Melbourn.

The carefully refurbished Grade II listed village house dates from around 1820 and stands in pretty gardens, just a short walk from village amenities.

Accommodation includes a smart family kitchen, dining room with wooden beams, living room with full-height sash window, open fireplace and wood flooring, three spacious first-floor bedrooms and a modern, stylish bathroom. Outside, there is a lawned garden with vegetable plot and paved terrace with summer house, plus parking.

Melbourn is a pretty village situated between Cambridge and Royston with a thriving community. It provides a range of local shops and pubs, schooling and sports facilities. Also Meldreth railway, under a mile away, offers fast links to London and Cambridge.

This lovely home has a guide price of £425,000. Contact Cooke Curtis & Co on 01223 508050. www.cookecurtis.co.uk

MELBOURN

companies are truly worth their salt.

Referenceline is a good port of call.

3: Quotes Finally, when requesting an estimate, ask for someone to visit your home before a quote is offered. When compiling a list for a quote yourself it’s easy to forget something that an estimator wouldn’t miss. This will prevent any additional costs that you aren’t expecting. And don’t forget to ask for an official estimate on paper, it’s always better to be cautious. www.handoremovals.co.uk

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PROPERTY WORDS JENNY SHELTON

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The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

WORK BEGINS ON HARRISON DRIVE DEVELOPMENT Work has begun on a £40million new homes development in Cambridge city centre. UK housebuilder Hill joins Homerton College for this large-scale venture, located around the corner from the housebuilder’s flagship CB1 developments, Ceres and Vesta. It comprises 95 new homes, including 87 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and maisonettes, and eight four- and five-bedroom houses. 38 of the properties are affordable homes for Cambridge City Council.

Rob Hall, deputy managing director at Hill, comments: “While we are currently working alongside the University on the

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North West Cambridge Development, this is a rare opportunity to collaborate directly with the University’s largest college, and we are thrilled to have been chosen on such an important project. “Our priority was to ensure that the new buildings sit sensitively within the existing surroundings, so we were delighted when the planning committee called the plans ‘well thought out’ and ‘a very good design’.”

The scheme, designed by bptw architects, incorporates pavilion-style buildings and landscaped green open spaces. The buildings have been designed to reflect the local vernacular, using warm

red brick with metal panelling, and each of the properties will also enjoy its own private balcony, patio or private garden.

Work commenced on the Harrison Drive development in May. www.hill.co.uk

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PROPERTY

TWO DEVELOPMENTS COMING TO CAMBRIDGE THIS SUMMER Two unique developments are set to launch in Cambridge from the housebuilders behind the Kaleidoscope development. Halo and Mitchams Park launch this summer to provide much-needed housing on Long Road and Milton Road. Annette Cole, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson Eastern, said: “We anticipate demand for Halo and Mitchams Park to be as high as Kaleidoscope, and we can’t wait to welcome house-hunters to experience these innovative new developments.”

Halo will be a mix of contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three- to five-bedroom houses. Built to the highest quality, this collection boasts openplan living, high ceilings and large windows to allow for plenty of natural light.

Located on Long Road, it's city living whilst avoiding cental Cambridge's hustle and bustle. A short drive or bike ride from the city, it's close to Addenbrooke’s, the M11 and the Biomedical Campus, and some of the best schools nearby. Part of the wider Great Kneighton development, residents can access a large country park, a primary and secondary school and a village centre.

Mitchams Park is a stylish collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- to five-bedroom townhouses. Just off Milton Road, it's part of the regeneration of the former Cambridge City football ground.

Within walking distance of the city centre, the River Cam, Midsummer Common and Jesus Green, Mitchams Park combines strikingly modern architecture with a leafy setting, in an up-and-coming neighbourly area.

Homes are a generous size with private outdoor space – a balcony, garden or roof terrace – plus car and cycle parking.

Mitchams Park offers a central square, pocket gardens, play areas and public art throughout to reflect its footballing history. www.crestnicholson.com

LAST CHANCE!

LAST CHANCE TO BUY AT NOVO Over the last five years, the Cambridge property market has vastly outperformed the rest of the East of England, and many parts of the country too. The rise in property values (up 34% since 2010 according to figures from the Norwich & Peterborough Building Society) is attributed largely to the number of new jobs attracting people to the city, its excellent schooling, links to London and quality of life. With demand outstripping supply and an unprecedented number of new homes sold last year, it seems that the appetite for property in the city shows no signs of slowing down.

A substantial proportion of Cambridge’s new residential property is currently located at Great Kneighton which, when complete, will be a vibrant community providing over 2,000 homes. At Novo, the first collection of new homes at Great Kneighton, only a handful of properties remain for sale.

Part of Great Kneighton's first phase, Novo has proved highly successful among buyers, attracted by its excellent location and high specification properties, with just a select few four-bedroom houses still available.

Andrew Loveday, sales director at Countryside, said: “Novo has been a great success story, with many buyers eager to get in early and be part of the first phase at Great Kneighton.

Over the last year property sales have been particularly strong as Cambridge’s fortunes get better and better. Anyone interested in securing one of the few remaining properties at Novo should act quickly as we don’t expect demand to drop.”

Novo offers a range of contemporary homes, set amid green open spaces and tree-lined avenues. Availability is limited with just a small number of stylish four-bedroom houses in three different designs – The Otium, The Modo and The Salvus, all offering flexible and welldesigned living accommodation.

Novo provides excellent transport links and a convenient location close to Addenbrooke’s, the Biomedical Campus and Waitrose, with the city centre also within easy reach either by bike, car or via the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway or Park and Ride. The nearby train station offers regular services to central London in 49 minutes.

Prices for properties at Novo currently start from £680,000 for The Otium, £590,000 for the Salvus and £720,000 for the last remaining Modo. www.novocambridge.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

W FE ING ST AIN LA EM R

LAST FEW PLOTS REMAINING AT

STEEPLE VIEW, TRUMPINGTON MEADOWS Just a few plots are available on the current phase at award-winning development Trumpington Meadows, Cambridge. Situated just three miles from the centre of Cambridge, within a 148 acre country park, Trumpington Meadows offers the best of both town and country living. It has won several awards including the Evening Standard Award for best large development and the Housebuilder Award for Best Design for three storeys or fewer.

Families need to be quick if they are to reserve the final remaining five-bedroom homes. Reserve them now and you’ll be in your new home in time for summer.

These high-specification properties are detached and feature an impressive master suite, double garage, energy efficient features and a picturesque setting in one of Cambridge’s most exciting new communities. The area is one of the most desirable addresses in the city, offering excellent public transport links

through the Park & Ride, Guided Busway and Cambridge rail station. The M11 and Cambridge Airport are also close by.

There is a new primary school on site, an allotment society and community orchard, with other nearby attractions including Cambridge Lakes Golf Course.

Nearby amenities include Waitrose and a range of excellent pubs in nearby Trumpington – not to mention the bustling city of Cambridge, with all its restaurants,

bars and culture just minutes away. At the same time, residents can benefit from open green spaces and nature right on their doorstep. Trumpington Meadows incorporates an extensive country park with cycling, walking, fishing and horse riding all catered for.

Adam Raker, senior sales manager at Barratt Homes Eastern Counties, said: “Now that the country park is open to residents and the public, people can enjoy the open countryside that the 148 acre open space offers whilst still having the city centre on the doorstep, accessible from the neighbouring Park & Ride service which takes you straight into the city centre.

“These five-bedroom, high-specification executive family homes have proved to be hugely desirable and now only a few homes remain. They are ready to move into this summer, plus we can become your buyer through our Part Exchange scheme.”

Prices start from £949,995.

For more information contact Barratt Homes on 0844 811 4888 or visit: www.barratthomes.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

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

HOMESTUFF WITH HISTORY GOES TO TOWN The popular and much-loved Homestuff with History, based at Burwash Manor, has found a new home in central Cambridge.

The vintage and homeware shop, run by brother and sister Matt and Kathryn Brown, will relocate to Green Street, Cambridge: one of the most thriving streets in the city, known for its many excellent independent shops, including Catesby’s and Harriets Cafe Tearoom.

The pair have spent the past month joyfully redecorating the historic, Georgian shop (four spacious rooms over two floors) to make it the perfect showcase for their eclectic wares. We’re big fans of Homestuff, and know we’re guaranteed to find something different each time we pop in to browse their trove of vintage treasures.

Homestuff with History pride themselves on stocking only authentic vintage items, including gifts, furniture, toys and accessories, each with personality and a story to tell.

The shop is located at 5 Green Street and open seven days a week. www.homestuffwithhistory.com

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INTERIORS NEWS

EDITION LOVES Who doesn’t want to laze about with a book and an ice cream in this beautiful Paloma Egg Hanging Chair? It’s new from Oliver Bonas, and handcrafted using a traditional knotting technique. Available in hot pink (cushion extra), it’s £350.

Or add a touch of the modern French Bistro to your patio with these Canary Garden Chairs, available in duck egg blue and yellow. Pastel tones are all the rage, and they come with a delightful ornamental bird. £59 each. www.oliverbonas.com

OXBOW & PEACH PARTY Edition joined the founders of vintage & homeware boutique Oxbow & Peach in Whittlesford on 14 May for drinks, nibbles and to browse their wonderful new summer stock.

Owners and local ladies Lizzie and Georgie have been firm friends since school and share a passion for pretty knick-knacks, antiques and upcycling.

Edition was in homeware heaven when we browsed their beautiful shop, housed within the characterful old school room in Whittlesford. We were particularly taken by the little silver, gypsophila-filled wellies and vintage brooches. Pop in on Fridays and Saturdays to see what treasures they have for your home and garden, from material and textiles to glassware, pictures and gifts. www.oxbowandpeach.co.uk

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INTERIORS SET OF 3 RAMBLING ROSE SMALL PAPER POM POM DECORATIONS £5.95 DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

VINTAGE SHOP SCALES GREEN £49.95 DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

HOUSE BY JOHN LEWIS TABLOID DUVET COVER SET, YELLOW £25- £50, JOHN LEWIS, GRAND ARCADE,CAMBRIDGE DISHES £2.99 EACH, HOMESENSE, BEEHIVE CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

CRUSH SPRING PASTEL DINING CHAIR BY CIEL £98.89 NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET

In line with trends on the spring/summer catwalks, the pastel palette is also working its way into homewares this season. Keep designs simple and chic and opt for sherbet lemons, milkshake pinks and pistachio greens

CERAMIC CAKE STAND BY THE WEDDING OF MY DREAMS £21 EACH, NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET

CALIFORNIA SHUTTERS IN LITTLE GREENE PINK SLIP CUSTOM COLOUR PAINT, FROM £177M2

KITCHENAID ARTISAN MIXER 4.8L £448.95 STEAMER TRADING, MARKET HILL, CAMBRIDGE

PINK GEO CUSHION £32 OLIVER BONAS, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

&TRADITION MAYOR SOFA AJ5 £4,999 OCCA HOME

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LSA INTERNATIONAL PASTEL CHAMPAGNE SAUCER, SET OF 4, MULTI £30 JOHN LEWIS, GRAND ARCADE, CAMBRIDGE

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INTERIORS

It’s the place where we close our eyes each night and the first room we see each morning. Our bedrooms should be our ultimate private retreat, and our most stylish.

We talk to leading interior experts on how to achieve the perfect hideaway.

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INTERIORS

hatever design style or colour palette you prefer, above all, a bedroom should provide a harmonious place to rest your head. From the latest trends in window coverings to the finest linens to sleep on, we’ve uncovered the best way to achieve that perfect mood in your bedroom.

The focus of any bedroom is, of course, the bed. Whatever style you choose – metal bedstead to an elaborate carved French surround – comfort is key, after all, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the average person will spend 26 years asleep in their lifetime.

Known for its broad collection of sofas, furniture and home accessories, Italy’s largest furniture house Natuzzi Italia (02035 536732, www.natuzzi.co.uk) has launched its first bedroom collection. It includes soft fabric headboards, curvy silhouettes and padded leather surrounds.

Marketing director Irene Zia gives her expertise: “Bedrooms provide the perfect place to inject some personal flair but be cautious of going overboard – an uncluttered and organised space is essential, as is an arrangement that feels natural. When it comes to the style of bed frame there’s been a developing desire for upholstered frames in contrast to the more traditional metal. In our first ever bedroom collection each of our unique bed styles can be upholstered in either leather or fabric; there’s a style to suit every interior.”

The French Bedroom Company (01444 415430, www.frenchbedroomcompany.

ABOVE Sleep easy: the Momentum bed linen range from Harlequin, from £25, is inspired by boutique hotel luxe (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com).

BELOW The new bed linen brand Fable from Bedeck, from £12, (0845 603 0861, www.yourfable.com), brings relaxed glamour into the home with its indulgently high thread counts in soft colours.

co.uk), meanwhile, is a wonderful one-stop shop for those after a glamorous, boudoir feel. Upholstered silk beds, velvet ottomans and vintage-style dressing tables all combine to give a feminine, original look.

“A French bed will become the focal point of your bedroom and will look elegant for years to come,” comments Georgia Metcalfe, founder and managing director of The French Bedroom Company.

“It goes without saying that finding the perfect bed is the most important consideration when planning a bedroom scheme. Our collections offer endless variations on the French shabby chic theme – from furniture in an antique white provincial finish to our uber stylish black and silver French beds.”

Offering a modern, clean range of

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INTERIORS

ABOVE Bright and breezy: wake up in the tropics with the Nalina range, Harlequin Bedding, from £15.

RIGHT, FROM TOP The Versailles Curved Luxury Upholstered bed, from £1,695, The French Bedroom Company (01444 415 430, www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk). Add a touch of lux with Ares satin linens, from £70 and the Piuma bed by Claudio Bellini, from £2,680, both from Natuzzi Italia (01322 771442, www. natuzzi.co.uk).

bedsteads and furniture is the new collection called ‘The Bedrooms’ by The Sofa & Chair Company London (0208 752 8935, www.thesofaandchair.co.uk). The collection offers three distinctive interior looks – classic, contemporary and opulent – with each piece hand-crafted in the brand’s west London studio.

Robert James, head of visual merchandising at The Sofa & Chair Company, advises: “Take inspiration from the Pantone colour of the year, Marsala.

Its seductive, earthy tone will bring colour and warmth to your bedroom, while its exotic influences tie-in perfectly with brass accents and antique-style furnishings.

Branching from fashion to interiors, this versatile shade will be compatible with any interior scheme.

“Reflect natural light into your bedroom through the clever use of mirrors or introduce lights with decorative lampshades for an ambient option,” he continues. “The key to creating a serene setting is layering textures. Mixing linens and wools will create a sumptuous feel, while sheer fabrics in neutral shades won’t overpower the room.”

Talking of which, bed linen is an easy yet important way to update a bedroom.

Choose soft, seductive sheets and duvet covers in a neutral palette for a classic, elegant look that will last for years or opt for bolder patterns to make a modern-day statement. The new brand Fable (0845 603 0861, www.yourfable.com) from Bedeck, offers luxury bed linen made from indulgently high thread counts in paredback tones.

Julie Hall, head of design at Fable comments on the design story of the collection: “Fable designs are hand-painted within our design studio. Taking inspiration

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from antique textiles and documents, the pattern is exquisitely translated onto the bed and tactile accessories.”

Meanwhile, renowned for its covetable fabrics and unique prints, Harlequin’s (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com) Bedding Collection is perfect for those who are after bright florals and zingy tones. Claire Vallis, design director of the Harlequin Group says: “You can recreate the chic boutique hotel experience at home with luxe fabrics and minimalist, sleek designs. Or for a young, cool look, opt for retro repeat designs in modernist colours such as grey and ochre.”

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INTERIORS

Another major concern when planning a bedroom is making sure that you have ample and suitable storage: whether in the shape of wardrobes, chests or dressing tables. From clothes to cosmetics, a bedroom is exceptional in that many of us have a range of different things that we want to hide away if we're to maintain that essential serene environment.

If budget allows, make the most of your space by commissioning made-tomeasure wardrobes, such as those available at Neville Johnson (0161 873 8333, www. nevillejohnson.co.uk), which can be adapted to fit and make use of any awkward nooks and alcoves. Another practical idea is to choose dual-purpose pieces of furniture – stools and ottomans, for instance, that can open up to pack away linens, clothes or accessories.

The Storage Bed Company (08452 000 128, www.thestoragebed.co.uk) offers a range of beds that lift up to provide easyto-access storage. David Norman, director, says: “A bedroom should ultimately be a place for relaxation so it’s important to plan in enough storage space when redesigning the room. If all you can see when you walk in is clutter, clothes, and things that need tidying away, it can be hard to relax and switch off. Over the years we have worked hard refining our storage bed designs to provide as much storage space as possible and our Max Storage Bed gives a huge 35cm of storage depth. You’ll be surprised

ABOVE AND BELOW RIGHT Hide the clutter away with the Simplicity storage bed made from solid oak, £660, from The Storage Bed Company (08452 000 128, www.thestoragebed.co.uk).

BELOW Giving practical solutions the wow-factor is the Lux oak bed and bedside table from the Team 7 range of furniture at Wharfside, prices vary, (01372 379810, www.wharfside.co.uk).

just how much you can store and the space can even be further utilised by using vacuum storage bags.”

For custom, hand-crafted bedroom furniture, Cambridgeshire-based Millside Cabinet Makers (01763 261870, www. millsidecabinetmakers.co.uk) has a wide range of options available. Managing director, Martin Stead, comments: “Your sanctuary from the world, the bedroom is the place where you rest and renew yourself. It is one of the most important rooms in the house and our hand-crafted bedroom furniture can suit all your needs.

From creating comfortable and stylish beds to practical storage solutions, our designers work hand in hand with our customers to create bespoke bedrooms.

A good point to bear in mind is that the interior layout to wardrobes is just as important as the exterior design. Through the clever use of internal shelves, hanging rails and shoe racks we can create a world of storage possibilities behind your furniture doors."

Giving practical solutions the wowfactor is the Team 7 range of furniture at Wharfside (01372 379810, www.wharfside. co.uk). Keith Lewis, at Wharfside, gives some insight into the range: “Our Team7 furniture is always made from solid wood.

That means not just the doors and drawer fronts but more importantly the interiors, too. Our Wharfside planners can help design the perfect bedroom for your personal requirements.”

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INTERIORS

ABOVE Dress a room: choose shutters in pastel tones for a serene effect. Pink shutters, prices vary, from Shutterly Fabulous (0800 9700 800, www.shutterlyfabulous.com).

RIGHT Indigo Mountain rug by Wendy Morrison, £595, at John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com).

BELOW Mix and match fabrics for a cohesive scheme such as the new collection from Clarke & Clarke at Star Curtains (01638 578700, www.starcurtains.co.uk).

Also crucial in making a bedroom cosy and comfortable are those ‘secondary’ elements, such as window treatments, flooring and lighting.

To perfectly fit your windows and to match a colour scheme, hand-made curtains and blinds, such as those available at Cambridgeshire’s Star Curtains (01638 578700, www.starcurtains.co.uk), are the best option. Owner Lisa Carter discusses the latest trends: “Finishing touches, such as curtains and blinds, give a bedroom that polished look. Relaxed, vintage styles are still very popular with a lot of elegant French-inspired linen in muted colours being used in bedrooms. But we are also seeing more people making bold, cheerful colour choices, like the new collection from Clarke & Clarke.”

Also based in Cambridge, is Alexander's Blinds (01480 300348, www.aspectblinds. co.uk). Robert Alexander, managing director, reveals that wood venetian blinds are among the most popular choices at the moment. “From rollers to romans,

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blinds are a practical and stylish choice for dressing a window and can be a stunning bedroom feature in themselves,” he says.

“They work well in smaller rooms as they don't take up space and are not fussy. For larger rooms, we like to add in statement curtains to give a touch of grandeur."

For a modern take on window coverings, frosted window film, like that available at The Window Film Company (01494 794477, www.windowfilm.co.uk), can give a unique twist to achieving

privacy in a room without blocking out the light. “Decorative frosted designs will not only become an attractive focal point to the room but can also complement the choice of design theme,” says Micky Calcott, director at The Window Film Company. “As well as the full height option, consider creating an artificial mid rail by installing film halfway up your windows.

This allows you to retain the all important element of privacy but keep the option of admiring the view from your windows.”

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INTERIORS

Shutters are also a popular choice, with an increasing amount of styles and colours now available. “As shutters have grown in popularity, we’ve definitely seen more people choose bolder shades,” says Mark Carter, director at Shutterly Fabulous (0800 9700 800, www.shutterlyfabulous. com). “When shutters first appeared, there was a perception that they had to be white but there’s no reason to limit your colour palette to neutral shades. We’re also working on a vertical slat design with Kelly Hoppen. The designs look striking and give a new twist to the traditional look.”

When it comes to flooring, carpet is the most popular choice – soft and warm underfoot. Textures and patterns are back in vogue, such as the polka dot designs at heritage-brand Brintons (0800 505055, www.brintons.co.uk) and classic stripes at Kersaint Cobb (01675 430430, www.kersaintcobb.co.uk). For sisal, coir and seagrass carpets, visit The Carpet Mill in Cambridge (01223 316866, www. thecarpetmill.co.uk), which stocks a wide range of styles. Sumptuous rugs, such as the Flamingo Clouds and Indigo Mountain designs by Wendy Morrison at John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com) are beautifully

ABOVE LEFT Creature comforts: watercolour-style cushions, from £12.99, from HomeSense (01223 462457, www.homesense.com).

ABOVE Bell Twist carpet, £40 per sq m, in Granite from Brintons (0800 505 055, www.brintons.co.uk).

BELOW RIGHT Kersaint Cobb’s Silk Touch carpet, £39.99 per sq m, is made from exceptionally soft bamboo fibres (01675 430 430, www.kersaintcobb.co.uk).

whimsical and ideal for creating a touch of luxury, essential if you have wooden floors.

Vital for providing a peaceful and ambient mood is making sure the lighting is just right. Overhead chandeliers can give the wow-factor but it’s also a good idea to have bedside lamps with easy-to-reach switches. Karen Wallis-Smith at lighting specialist Fritz Fryer (01989 567416, www. fritzfryer.co.uk) advises: “It's important to have multiple layers of light in a bedroom with the principle source being dimmable in order to set the right mood. I also love task lighting located either side of the bed with controls for all of the lights located by the entrance to the room and from either side of the bed, as you would find in a welldesigned hotel room.”

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ABOVE LEFT Feuille BP 4907 wallpaper, £95 per roll, from Farrow and Ball (01223 367771, www.farrowball.com).

LEFT Walls made into a headboard with Pelt Estate eggshell paint, from £21, from Farrow and Ball.

ABOVE Esparza tiles, £12, from Bert and May (020 3673 4264, www.bertandmay.com), which stocks beautiful small-scale, handmade and reclaimed tiles that can adapt to a bedroom.

“Designers who concentrate on the mood and orientation of the room will achieve a more harmonious result,” says Sally Chamley, founder of Black Orchid Interiors (0844 8542794, www.blackorchidinteriors. co.uk). “A bedroom should take into consideration the positioning of the windows and what light the room attracts at different stages of the day, for example shutters will work great in a bedroom that has large windows and is full of light, but not in a room that is on the darker side of the house, where lighter curtains are preferable. The colour scheme should be calm and well balanced with the bed linen and upholstery coordinating with each other. It's important to pick out similar tones in the paint colour or wallpaper.

Have your paint colour-matched to your choice of upholstery. Bedrooms should be comfortable and calming.”

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A serene mood is desirable, but that’s not to say a bedroom should be boring.

Make sure it reflects your personality by adding in a few bold design decisions.

Consider unusual wall treatments such as quirky wall tiling. Bert & May (020 3673 4264, www.bertandmay.com) stocks beautiful small-scale, handmade and reclaimed tiles that can adapt to a bedroom. Dramatic wallpaper – think geometric and jungle prints at The Graduate Collection (0845 872 4919, www. graduatecollection.co.uk) – can also give instant impact.

Normally overlooked, even bogstandard radiators can be swapped for designer models, such as the vibrant coloured glass and flat versions at The Radiator Centre (01727 840344, www. theradiatorcentre.com).

Any scheme can also be accentuated by adding in colourful cushions, soft bedcovers and tactile throws. HomeSense at the Beehive Centre in Cambridge

(01223 462457, www.homesense.com) is a treasure trove of discounted homewares and one-off pieces.

Finally, choose your overall colour scheme wisely and you’ll set just the right mood for the perfect retreat. Josephine Rance, marketing director at Farrow and Ball (01223 367771, www.farrow-ball.com) agrees: “Using blues in bedrooms is always very popular, especially soft and soothing shades like Green Blue, Pavilion Blue and Lulworth Blue. These are perfect if you’re looking to create a calming environment where you can retreat to relax. If your bedroom is very dark, don’t try to fight nature by painting it in a light shade in an effort to try and make it appear bigger as it probably won’t work. However, taking a counter-intuitive approach, by using a strong colour like Railings, Hague Blue or Pelt, you will be able to create real drama or intimacy. After all, we spend a lot of time in our bedrooms and therefore it’s important that you love being there.”

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