Cambridge Property Edition March

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

MARCH 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

BUYING TO LET

AN EXPERT GUIDE INTERIORS

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

reetings, property hunters, and welcome to another issue of Property & Home Edition. After a wild month of wind, rain, sleet and snow, it seems that spring could finally be on its way. The crocuses are blooming along the Backs, birds are nesting and the first daffodils are starting to show their colour. Meanwhile in the world of property, homeowners everywhere are starting to think about getting their houses on the market. If you’re planning to move in 2015, now is the time to start looking. And if you’re selling, make sure to tidy up the garden, as well as getting round to all those other niggly jobs, to make sure your property stands out from the crowd.

Chez Shelton, I’ve been continuing my mission to transform my newly purchased Victorian home into a modern marvel. Having attended an excellent workshop on furniture painting (read my craft feature on page 74 of Cambridge Edition) all stationary household items are currently being painted a lovely chalky blue. Though I wonder, will this be one of those interior design crazes which future generations look back on, aghast? I did wince a little when I saw someone painting a mahogany dresser. Still, at least everything matches.

We’ve got interiors inspiration aplenty here in P&H Edition. Fall in love with floral prints on page 21 and make sure it’s spring in your home all month long, even if the weather hasn’t got the memo.

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

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

COVER STAR

On the cover this month is an impressive six bedroom home in Little Sampford. The property is on the market with Strutt & Parker - turn to page 16 for more details. www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY WORDS JENNY SHELTON

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments ENCORE MANAGE CERES DEVELOPMENT ON HILLS ROAD

COTTINGHAM PARK If you're looking for a modern home with all the trappings of village life, make a visit to Bellway Homes’ new development in Great Chesterford. Newly launched, Cottingham Park is a cluster of family homes and bungalows situated in rural Essex, just outside the popular, picturesque town of Saffron Walden. It’s aimed at everyone from first-time buyers to downsizers, and puts an emphasis on green open spaces and a traditional community feel.

Karen Coulson, sales director at Bellway Homes Essex, says: “Great Chesterford is a beautiful, traditional village surrounded by the stunning Essex countryside, making the new homes at Cottingham Park great for purchasers looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

There’s still plenty going on in the village though, including several sports clubs, an active community centre and several larger towns nearby for those looking for a bit more action.

“The new homes fit with the traditional style of homes in the village, and so feel like they belong. We’re thrilled to be able to offer such gorgeous homes in such a gorgeous location.”

As an example, the three-bedroom, semi-detached Cavendish house type, priced from £349,995, features a modern fitted kitchen and large open-plan living/dining room, ideal for families to dine and relax together, with French doors leading to the rear garden.

Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts an en-suite shower room, and there are two additional bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Nearby Saffron Walden boasts an excellent range of shops and restaurants, while Great Chesterford rail station will get you to Cambridge in under 20 minutes and London Liverpool Street in just over an hour.

Prices start at £334,995 for a two-bedroom bungalow and £349,995 for a three-bedroom house, with four- and five-bedroom homes also available. For details call 01223 862876. www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/cottingham-parkgt-chesterford

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The management of the extensive Ceres development within the CB1 station area in Cambridge has been taken over by local estate and block management company Encore.

The Ceres development comprises four new residential blocks together with the converted landmark flour mill (currently under development). The project delivers around 150 residential apartments and penthouses with landscaped gardens and public open spaces.

Encore already manage the neighbouring Triangle development at Warren Close for Laing Homes (now Taylor Wimpey) and Ceres became part of the Encore portfolio in late 2014.

Managing director Joaquim Fillola says: “We are particularly proud to be associated with Hill Residential, who pride themselves on delivering stylish, energy-efficient and innovative homes, appealing to buyers and sympathetic to their surroundings.”

The CB1 project will regenerate an area of approximately 25 acres around Cambridge railway station, creating much-needed residential accommodation, student accommodation, and shops, cafes and offices. www.cb1cambridge.eu

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PROPERTY

CAMBRIDGE FAMILY TRIAL ZERO-CARBON LIVING A local family have just completed their first month in one of Cambridge’s first zero-carbon homes. Lorna and Dave Rayner moved from their draughty bungalow in Burwell in January after winning a competition set by housebuilders Hill to find Cambridge’s ‘sustainable family of the future’. The Rayners will have their bills and rent paid for a year, and are already noticing the benefits of their new home’s futuristic features.

The four-bedroom house in Trumpington sports a state-of-the-art heat recovery ventilation system, triple glazing and ‘green roof’, among other eco-friendly features. These aim not only to reduce carbon emissions but improve the family’s general well-being. By living in town they can rely less on their car and use their bikes more, as well as the development’s excellent public transport facilities.

Says Lorna: “The Virido concept house is such a contrast from our 1950s bungalow!

While we recycle and try to keep our waste to a minimum, zero carbon is a new

concept for us so this experience is a real adventure and we’re very excited to learn more about how we can live a more sustainable lifestyle.”

As if moving house wasn’t adventure enough, the family, including children Harry and Ebony, received an new addition when Lorna gave birth to Orla Rose on 23 January – just 11 days after moving in.

“I was 35 weeks pregnant when we moved," says Lorna. "I had two aims for the day, the first was not to have a baby – both our other children were born at 35 weeks – and second was to get settled as quickly as possible. Fortunately baby Orla didn’t arrive until 37 weeks so we had plenty of time to acclimatise to our new home.

“After Orla was born I was desperate to get home and enjoy our new little girl in our lovely new surroundings. We have often compared our house to a five star hotel, a reference only enhanced after what had turned into a bit of an epic week. The comfort, luxury and ambience were so inviting coupled with the huge welcome

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home smiles from Harry and Ebony.”

The project will help Hill identify which features are used in their Cambridge southern fringe development, which comprises 208 zero-carbon homes.

Virido (‘to become green’ in Latin) is the final phase of the Great Kneighton development, to be delivered in conjunction with Cambridge City Council. www.be-zero.co.uk

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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 #4: UNDERSTANDING HMO Last month Christopher Toynbee of CTP in Cambridge advised how to make a property attractive to students.

Now, he guides us through the minefield that is HMO

An HMO (house of multiple occupation) is defined as a building or part of a building in which more than one household resides as their main or only residence and shares an amenity, i.e. kitchen or bathroom. A household, confusingly, is defined as either a single person or members of the same family living together.

Importantly for landlords, those in control of or managing an HMO must comply with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations of 2006.

Larger HMOs – those of three or more storeys and occupied by five or more people in two or more households – are likely to require a mandatory licence.

These can be obtained from Cambridge City Council for £620. The licence process ensures that the house is of suitable standard, the applicant (landlord/ manager) is a fit and proper person and the management arrangements are satisfactory.

Properties that are not defined as larger HMOs do not need a licence but there are still standards to which they must adhere.

Depending on the number of people in the house there are certain criteria to fulfil in order to be of the required standard and for a licence to be issued.

For example, in a property of six to eight occupiers there must be two cookers with a four-ring gas or electric hob and grill or a single four-ring hob with oven and grill plus a combination microwave. Whatever the size, firefighting equipment such as a fire blanket and extinguisher are also required.

Houses can be leased under a single contract, or as individual rooms. I prefer the single contract, which is simpler, and imposes joint liability on the tenants. If one of your five tenants stops paying, the other four have to pick up the bill. And this way they’re all jointly responsible for communal areas. Also, as soon as you have a lock on a bedroom door and a single contract for

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that room, that bedroom requires a TV licence, for instance, as do all the other rooms. Whereas if there’s one contract for the whole house, just one TV licence for the whole house suffices.

For even larger properties, planning permission may be required as the property may potentially be ‘changing use’ from a residential dwelling. This is where there are six or more occupants.

HMOs are inspected every five years so it’s very important to know exactly what is needed prior to undertaking any refurbishment/development work. The last thing a landlord wants is to have missed something and have to retrospectively add a component they have missed.

My main recommendation would be to speak to the environmental health team at the council as they will be able to provide detailed information regarding specific property requirements. www.ctpproperty.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Situated on the edge of Great Sampford village, surrounded by beautiful countryside, is this magnificent period home. The Grade II listed property dates from the 17th century and has been sympathetically maintained and extended to provide spacious accommodation full of character, charm and heaps of history.

On the ground floor there are five reception rooms, with exposed timber beams, inglenook fireplaces and oak flooring. The traditional farmhouse kitchen forms the hub of the house and comes with Aga range and separate utility room.

There are six bedrooms and four bathrooms over the first and second floors, and the attics could also be converted into further living accommodation.

Outside, there are useful outbuildings, including stables, a barn and garaging.

The gardens are a particular feature of the property and extend to around five acres. The house is approached via a long gravel driveway and surrounded by a moat. Mature lime trees give seclusion to the immaculate lawns, and there is also a vegetable patch and meadow.

This exceptional home is on the market with Strutt & Parker for a guide price of £1,350,000. Contact 01223 459501. www.struttandparker.com

MAYNARDS LANE, LITTLE SAMPFORD

Cameron Ewer from Strutt & Parker takes a look at the downsizing trend in the property market

With research from Lloyds Bank indicating that more than half of homeowners plan to sell and move into a smaller home, many are calling 2015 the year of the downsizer.

Homeowners choose to downsize for different reasons. Most (40%) to reduce bills and outgoings, and 28% to release equity. Three in four people expect to make money when they downsize.

Lloyds has found that moving from a detached family home to a bungalow frees up an average of £103,715; an 8% rise from £95,634 in 2000. Meanwhile, the average gains from moving from a detached house to a semi increased by 6%, from £114,744 to as much as £121,686.

Often downsizers use their released funds to enjoy during their retirement,

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while Lloyds reports one in ten people will use the cash to boost their pension fund and 13% will use the money to help out family members.

Cameron Ewer from the Strutt & Parker Cambridge office says: “People’s homes are usually their most valuable asset and the financial benefit of downsizing can be very appealing. Downsizers have become an increasingly important sector of today’s market, freeing up larger properties for those making their way up the ladder.

“One of the most important things to remember when taking this leap is to genuinely downsize and not buy a home ‘slightly smaller’.

“Where you choose to move to is also crucial. Choose somewhere accessible to relatives but not too close; you don’t

want to be the babysitter every weekend!

Select a house where everything works to avoid using the money you have just freed up on expensive maintenance. Pick a village with plenty of services nearby, a good community feel and neighbours who can keep an eye on the house – a ‘lock up and leave’ will be essential when you have more time on your hands to travel.”

Many sellers are in a position where their children have flown the nest, whilst some simply no longer require as much space.

You are not going to fit all your furniture and belongings into your new home, so aim to work out which stuff to keep even before your house is on the open market.” www.struttandparker.com

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INTERIORS NEWS

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

NEW SHOP FOR ARK Fast becoming Cambridge’s favourite shop for cool and creative gifts and homewares, Ark has moved to a new, larger shop allowing for an even wider selection of fabulous items. Of their current stock, we’re particularly loving the tiny animal figurines and vintage-edition books, sparkly brooches, delicate print scarves, and statement lamps that are sure to bring style and personality to any room.

You’ll find them on Peas Hill, just around the corner from their old place, next to Cath Kidston.

“We’re getting new stock in daily,” says shop manager Amy Lindsay. “There’s a focus on lots of colour and bright prints.”

And we’re looking forward to seeing what wild and wonderful window displays their new, larger windows will afford... www.arkcambridge.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

NEW JOULES STORE Covetable lifestyle brand Joules upped sticks from Trinity Street to move to new premises on Sidney Street last month, and is now offering shoppers a larger selection of their sought-after range.

As well as the colourful, outdoorsy clothing and accessories they’re known and loved for, Joules offer a Home and Outdoor Collection, which includes everything from bed linen to cushions and picnic baskets – all in their gorgeous, country-inspired style.

At the new store you’ll be able to pick up bits for the home including mugs, gift items and the lovely Joules home fragrance range, with scented candles including fresh blossom and thyme.

While the full range of homewares will not be available in the new store, you can order online and ‘click and collect’ to save on costly delivery. www.joules.com

MOODY HUES We may all have been frenziedly whitening and brightening our homes for some time now, but we’ve been noticing a definite shift in the direction of deep, moody hues in the interior design world lately. Muted greys, deep teal and purples and whole lot of black have been popping up in the new-season collections, offering some seriously sophisticated interiors inspiration.

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Images Head over to the dark side and shop the new spring range from M&S (www.marksandspencer.com)

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INTERIORS

IN Step into spring with these gorgeous floral designs for your home PLATES FROM £3.99 FAUX FLOWERS £4.99 BOTH FROM HOMESENSE, BEEHIVE CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

HAWAII EMBROIDERED CUSHION £12 WWW.TESCO.COM/DIRECT

PARADISE FIELDS MELAMINE PLATE, LARGE £6 CATH KIDSTON, CAMBRIDGE

TROPICAL METAL BUCKET £8 WWW.TESCO.COM/DIRECT

FLORAL PRINT CUSHION £15 SAINSBURY’S, BROOKS ROAD, CAMBRIDGE

TED BAKER OPULENT BLOOM BEDDING £35-£110 JOHN LEWIS, DOWNING STREET, CAMBRIDGE

BEDDING £65 CUSHIONS £25-£32 VASES £30-£40 ALL RJR AT DEBENHAMS, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

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BEDDING SET NOW FROM £17.50 PATCH BEDDING NOW FROM £17.50 CROCHET FLOWER CUSHION £20 DISTRESSED FLORAL CUSHION £12 BLOSSOM BEDSIDE TABLE £229 BHS, GRAFTON CENTRE, CAMBRIDGE

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INTERIORS

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

Make the most of the arrival of spring by blurring the boundaries between your home and garden. Whether you want a stylish orangery or a Miami-inspired patio area, use nature as your inspiration for a fresh, new look.

Image: Farrow and Ball - Breakfast Room Green

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INTERIORS

ABOVE & BELOW Shuttercraft shutters, prices vary (01223 581339; www.shuttercraft-cambridge.co.uk)

IMAGE Kloeber’s Eurofold folding and sliding doors open up the house to the outside world. Prices vary (01487 740044; www.kloeber.co.uk)

one are the times when the home and garden were separate entities. These days, homeowners often view their outdoor space as an extension of their home, with as much emphasis and thought given to its ‘décor’ as is given to the inside of the house. Meanwhile, the latest interior trends continue to reflect the natural world in the use of botanical prints, florals and the rise in popularity of a green and yellow colour palette. Doing away with the boundary between house and garden – be it through a design ethos or by literally opening up your house to the outdoors – is a trend that is eminently stylish as well as holding the potential to increase the value of your property.

Conservatories, orangeries and garden rooms are excellent ways of giving a home more space with relatively

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small investment. These ‘add-ons’ are also natural areas in which to reflect the great outdoors.

Conservatories, for instance, have come a long way from the charmless PVC structures of the 1980s. Having one is an easy way to extend the boundary of your home, and modern-day versions provide versatile spaces which can be adapted to your needs. Whether it’s used as an extension to a kitchen or as a den for teenagers, a conservatory moulds to the changing requirements of a growing family.

Quayside Conservatories (01502 714512; www.quayside-conservatories.co.uk) is a locally-based company supplying stylish hardwood orangeries, garden rooms and conservatories in a variety of colours. It reports a growing demand for its products.

Marketing manager Caroline Topping comments: “We've seen an increasing number of people wanting to extend their homes by adding on a conservatory or orangery. They are aspirational because it is a stylish way to improve the home.

They also come in such a variety of styles that we can adapt to every period of house. Whether you choose an orangery or conservatory, they can open up a home to the garden and are very practical in adding more space to a home without the need for moving.”

Featuring more brickwork than conservatories, and requiring extra investment in terms of money and building works, orangeries are the luxury option.

With their typically large windows and glass roofs, however, they still give an emphasis to the outside.

With over 25 years experience, Essexbased Westbury Garden Rooms (01245 809287; www.westburygardenrooms. com) has established a reputation for its bespoke, hand-crafted orangeries.

Managing director Jonathan Hey sings their praises: “Having an orangery creates a flow to the house and gives the feeling of being connected to the garden without actually having to go outside. The light, open space naturally draws people

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INTERIORS

towards it, and we are always told by clients how the space becomes the new hub of the home.”

If you're having a glass structure added to your home, it is important to invest in practical window treatments that will make the most of the room and won't obscure your view.

Window films, as supplied by The Window Film Company (020 3603 2386; www.windowfilm.co.uk), can exclude the glare of the sun and keep costs down. Highlight individual panes of glass with pretty, jewel-coloured styles for a stained‑glass look, or use etched designs on half the height of the window, to allow privacy but still allow light to flood in.

Shutters, on the other hand, are a practical choice all year round. Shutterly Fabulous models come in a range of colours, including vibrant greens and the latest ombré designs (0845 017 8988; www.shutterlyfabulous.com).

Shuttercraft Cambridge (01223 581339; www.shuttercraft-cambridge.co.uk) also supplies a range of window shutters in hundreds of colours and style options.

“A conservatory is a fine way of bridging the home and garden,” says Ryan Jarvis, managing director of Shuttercraft.

“Naturally sunny and with views over the outdoor space, they can be made into inviting rooms the year round, but really come into their own in the spring and summer months. Using shutters on windows is a stylish way to make the space practical – keeping the sun out on hot days and making it cosy on cooler ones.

We have a wide range on offer, including a bespoke option, to fit all styles of house.

Shutters are very much on trend at the moment, offering aesthetic benefits as well as being extremely versatile window dressings.”

The move towards bi-fold doors, instead of the traditional French windows, is another trend that allows the garden and home to become seamlessly joined, especially in warmer months. Matt Higgs, sales director at Cambridge-based Kloeber (01487 740044; www.kloeber.co.uk) who manufacture doors, windows and roof lights, agrees: “We've noticed a growing fluidity in how people perceive their outdoor and indoor space,” he says. “Clients want their rooms to be as airy and light as possible and the addition of bi-fold doors easily allows this.

They open up the home to the garden and are very adaptable, practical solutions for a modern house.”

ABOVE An orangery by Auburn Hill, which specialises in the design and build of luxury orangeries and conservatories across the UK (01780 400500; ahorangeries.co.uk) BELOW A conservatory in African Sapele hardwood, again by Auburn Hill. A large prestige building such as this would be purchased for around £55,000 excluding building works (01780 400500; ahorangeries.co.uk)

Providing a garden-based home‑away-from-home option are bespoke garden rooms, ideal for larger gardens. Cambridge-based My Space Garden Studios (01223 529747; www.myspacestudios.co.uk) is a specialist in creating unique garden rooms. Mark Alvarez, MD and founder, comments: “There’s a real trend towards maximising the space homeowners already have – rather than spending lots of money

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moving to a larger property. Our garden studios allow people to use their outdoor space to make another room. They can be used as offices, playrooms, music rooms or dens – anything goes. For a relatively small investment, you can get a ‘home away from home’ just a few paces away from your abode. Our studios are a cost‑effective and practical way of adding space to your living area and adding value to your home.”

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INTERIORS

Maximising the space that immediately adjoins the house – by creating a stylish patio or decking area – will produce a natural flow between home and garden. Choose stylish flooring such as weather-proofed porcelain tiles, that can be used both inside and out, giving a continuous flow to your design.

Stuart Wisbey, director of The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse (020 8993 5545; www.sacw.co.uk), explains how to achieve the look: “We supply porcelain floor tiles in a vast range of colours, textures and sizes, so you can achieve any look you desire. One recent trend is to achieve a continuous flow from the indoors to the outdoors, and porcelain is a great choice for this, as it is virtually indestructible.

Recent technological advances have meant porcelain tiles are now available up to 120cm x 120cm by 1cm thick, which gives a very impressive finish. These large-format tiles are excellent for making spaces appear bigger than they are. They work surprisingly well in small rooms as well as larger spaces and there is very little grouting required, so they’re simple to lay and easy to maintain.”

The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse has also recently introduced a new range of wood, stone and decking-effect porcelain paving tiles, which require no maintenance, being durable, frost-proof, stain and fade resistant.

IMAGE Low-maintenance composite contour decking by Trex, from £75 per m2 (www.trex.com/uk).

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ABOVE Ayrton Mocha external paving from The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, £83.40 per m2 (020 8993 5545; www.sacw.co.uk). BELOW Traditional tiles are effective, such as this Carlisle pattern with Woolf border from Original Style, prices vary (www.originalstyle.com).

Meanwhile, another alternative to traditional wood decking is Trex’s low-maintenance composite decking (www.trex.com/uk). Made from recycled materials, including recycled plastic and wood scraps, Trex composite decking provides the look and feel of real wood but without the environmental impact, and without the upkeep of traditional decking. Its latest launch is contour decking, which has been designed as an alternative to traditional patios, and for outdoor-in conservatory spaces.

Flooring can also be a highlight of your indoor space. Use traditional Victorian-style tiles, such as those available from Original Style

(www.originalstyle.com), or – if your budget allows – deliver the wow factor with glimmering floral mosaics by Italian brand Bisazza: “Peachtree is one of the new floral motif patterns in Bisazza’s 2015 Collection,” reveals Rosella Bisazza. “A shining example of our handmade craftsmanship, the décor represents the joyful spirit of spring. Its delicate pink flowers are set on a background of 24ct white gold that lends a three-dimensional quality and brings the outdoors in all year round.”

With many companies realising that we use our outdoor space much like our homes, there’s now a wide range of weather-proof furniture, lighting

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INTERIORS

IMAGE Transform your conservatory into a comfortable and stylish living space, using blinds to add colour and effective temperature control.

Call Martin Foley today on 0800 220 603 to take advantage of up to 50% off bespoke conservatory blinds or visit www.thomas-sanderson.co.uk

LEFT John Lewis La Hacienda Axis Firepit, £119, John Lewis Espina Dining Table, £399, and Dining Chair, £150 (www.johnlewis.com) ABOVE Dash and Albert Outdoor Pouffe, £185, and cushion, £35.50 (www.dashandalberteurope.com).

and accessories available. From Flos’ contemporary outdoor lighting – think oversized floor-lamps and glowing flower lights (www.flos.com) – to brightly-hued outdoor cushions by Dash and Albert Europe (www.dashandalberteurope.com), our gardens can be furnished much like our living rooms.

Nicola Gidlow, buyer for Outdoor Living at John Lewis, gives us her insight:

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“In recent years, people have begun to use their garden as an extension of their living area. This blurring of the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces means that entertaining is no longer confined to one area of the home and now commonly involves using kitchen, dining and outdoor spaces to create a flow though the home. Investing in weatherproof furniture for your

conservatory allows for key pieces to be transferred outside when entertaining in the warmer months. Furnishing rooms that back on to your garden with accessories in bright, bold colours and prints will help warm up your home and bring a touch of the outside indoors. To link the spaces, choose similar patterns and hues for your outdoor accessories. This will add a sense of unity to your entertaining space.”

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INTERIORS

Dressing your home with colours and prints that reflect the natural world is another way of creating a ‘thoroughfare’ to the outside.

Jenny Hurran, owner of online home boutique Out There Interiors (www.outhereinteriors.com) reveals how to achieve this look: “If living plants are too high maintenance for you, you can still embrace the botanical theme through floral and avian designs on wallpaper, fabrics and furniture. Stay fresh with fern motifs against light green and off-white French or Scandinavian furniture, or team intricate botanical patterns with dark walls and antique gold for an enchanting, fairytale look.”

Accessories such as the gorgeous budgie cushions by homewares boutique Luku Home (020 8943 3683; www.lukuhome.com) and butterfly wall art and sunflower mirrors by Adventino (0845 120 3224; www.adventino.co.uk) are perfect ways of giving a nod to the theme.

Luku Home’s founder, Nicky Parkin, reveals her style tips: “By using natural materials, animal prints and bright botanical colours, you can bring the outside into your interior. We are seeing fabulously bold and vibrant tropical prints on fabrics and artwork, which can act as a great statement piece to any room and really liven up the home. With spring just around the corner, we are starting to think about new beginnings, warmer days and a fresh start – a perfect time to embrace this style.”

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT Sunflower Antiqued Gold Wall Mirror from Adventino, £130 (0845 120 3224; www.adventino.co.uk); Bloomsbury Rug from £200, Luku Home (020 8943 3683; www.lukuhome.com); Ceramic Hanging Planters, from £64, Out There Interiors (www.outhereinteriors.com); Parrot Cushions, £55, Luku Home (020 8943 3683; www.lukuhome.com).

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT Fired Earth’s Secret Garden Wallpaper in Hartlebury, £60 per roll (01223 300 941; www.firedearth.com); Graham and Brown’s New Wave Collection, Foxglove by Lucinda Abell, £20 per roll (0800 328 8452; www.grahambrown.com); Metro Chair, £938, from Delcor (0191 237 1303; www.delcor.co.uk).

Decorate walls using a complementary colour palette of greens, blues and browns contrasted against natural flooring, such as that supplied by Kersaint Cobb (www.kersaintcobb.co.uk), as a backdrop for the look. Make a focal point with a statement Wendy Morrison rug (www. wendymorrisondesign.com), designed with motifs from nature.

Sarah Cole, marketing director at Farrow and Ball (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.com), gives her expert advice on how to achieve a pared-back colour scheme.

“Farrow & Ball’s key colours for this season include our lush Breakfast Room Green. Slightly botanical, it is taken straight from nature and will make us feel safe and calm in our living environments. Rich Tanner’s Brown is perfect for spaces lacking

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in natural light. Highly dramatic when used on all four walls, this earth brown is totally timeless and has an artisan feel.”

Bold floral or palm-tree wallpapers, such as those available from Graham and Brown (0800 328 8452; www.grahambrown. com) and Urbane Living (020 7138 3838; www.urbaneliving.co.uk) are dramatic ways to introduce nature. Fired Earth’s (01223 300 941; www.firedearth.com) new Secret Garden wallpaper is an elegant approach to florals.

Rob Whitaker, Fired Earth's creative director, explains: “Botanical designs have a fresh, timeless appeal that explains their enduring popularity. They're ideal for adding a decorative touch and a splash of colour to any interior – contemporary or traditional – and there's something inherently calming about their natural

simplicity. Botanical patterns are very versatile too, and whether you decide to opt for a delicate, sprig-like motif for a splashback or a striking floral wallpaper, they're a wonderful way of bringing the outdoors in.”

Finally, if an all-over design feels too much, choose one signature piece of furniture, such as the vivid, palm-print Metro chair from Delcor (0191 237 1303; www.delcor.co.uk). Having the final word is Rick Petini, Delcor’s managing director: “Earthy colours and tones, such as rich greens or dark browns, will always bring a sense of the outdoors into the home. Patterns can provide an interesting dimension to any décor and if you mix a beautiful botanical or floral print with natural colours, you’re sure to create a charming ‘outdoorsy’ feel.”

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