Cambridge Property Edition October

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

OCTOBER 2014

www.cambsedition.co.uk

EXPERT ADVICE FROM LOCAL AGENTS

PROPERTY NEWS

HOT KITCHEN TRENDS TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

e all know that first impressions make a huge difference when it comes to selling a house. We might be tolerant individuals for the main part but, when it comes to house-hunting, a scruffy front lawn, overflowing bins or a pungent bowl of pet food can bring out the secret snob in the most open-minded amongst us.

A recent study has suggested that most viewers make up their minds about a property within the first half hour of seeing it. In this competitive market, this means sellers have to be even more conscientious when preparing their homes for the open market. A bunch of fresh flowers in the front room and clean, uncluttered surfaces never did anyone any harm – and maybe take Fido round to a friend’s house for the day. Read more about the importance of first impressions on page 13.

Our selection of houses in Property & Home Edition this month includes some true stunners, including our Dream Home, the handsome former racing lodge in Newmarket. It has 11 bedrooms, grounds of more than two acres and a tennis court.

Read more on page 11. There are also details of Strutt & Parker’s nationwide Open Day event on page 12.

The new townhouses at Cambridge Riverside have also caught our eye, with their sleek, modern kitchens and bathrooms, flowing living spaces and riverside setting.

Find out more about these modern marvels on page 22.

Then, pick up ideas for your kitchen in our interiors special from page 34.

JENNIFER SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463 For commercial enquiries relating to Property & Home Edition, contact Claire McGrath on 01223 499450.

COVER STAR

This month's cover shows the new phase of Kaleidoscope, Cambridge's supermodern collection of apartments and penthouses situated just across from Cambridge train station. www.crestnicholson.com/kaleidoscope

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

PROPERTY NEWS

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

BURY ROAD, NEWMARKET A floodlit hard tennis court, over two acres of attractive grounds and handsome period accommodation are just some of the perks of this beautiful property in Bury Road, Newmarket. A former racing lodge, it overlooks the Warren Hill Gallops and is on the market with Savills. Inside, the property has been sympathetically brought up to date, offering comfortable, light and airy rooms which still retain the property’s Edwardian and 1920s character. Of particular note is the fine main drawing room, which displays a high panelled ceiling, wide bay windows and a central open fireplace. There are 11 bedrooms in the main house, plus two more in a self-contained flat.

This elegant home has a guide price of ÂŁ2,950,000. To arrange a viewing, contact 01223 347147. www.savills.com

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PROPERTY

DECEMBER SELLING BY CHRISTMAS

STRUTT & PARKER OPEN DAYS Hundreds of homes up and down the country will open their doors on Saturday 11 October as part of Strutt & Parker’s Open House Day. The event allows buyers to look round the properties that have caught their eye, and for sellers to expose their house to as many interested parties as possible, without experiencing the hassle of a long string of separate viewings. The last event, in April 2014, saw over 650 properties taking part, resulting in offers worth over £81 million. Interested parties can register at their local Strutt & Parker office, on Hills Road, Cambridge. The next Open House Day will take place in Spring 2015. www.struttandparker.com

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Autumn is typically a busy time for the property market as wouldbe buyers and sellers return from summer holidays and step up the pace in order to be settled in their new home by Christmas.

Homeowners around the country had been encouraged to put their property on the market by late September 2014 if they want to sell by this Christmas. This is according to data on average selling times from the latest Move with Us Market Review. However, it would seem that homeowners in the Cambridge area have a little bit longer to prepare.

The data reveals that, in the current market, it takes an average of 88 days to sell a property from putting it on the market through to accepting an offer.

However, in the North East, those wanting to sell up by Christmas need to have put their house on the market as early as 9 August, since property in the area typically takes longer to sell.

Still there's good news for those in East Anglia: apparently we have until around 18 October, since homes here are likely to sell in a speedy 68 days. Meanwhile in Greater London selling times are just 43 days, meaning homeowners should have their home on the market on or before 12 November in order to sell it

by Christmas.

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PROPERTY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS How soon do you make up your mind about a house? Cameron Ewer from Strutt & Parker, Cambridge, shares some insider tips on presenting your house in its very best light

Everyone knows that first impressions count. But a new survey from Aviva has shown that the recent competitive housing market has meant people making up their minds within the first 33 minutes of viewing a property. This suggests that buyers are spending less time viewing houses than ever before, meaning it has never been more pertinent for sellers to present their house in pristine condition to keep up with the competition.

The research found that 24 per cent of homeowners said they only viewed a property once before making what is likely to be the biggest purchase decision of their lives. In fact, every year up to 40,000 people buy properties without viewing them at all.

Cameron Ewer from Strutt & Parker, Cambridge, says: “Buyers know that if they fall in love with a property, a strong early offer often can help secure the

purchase. But today’s fast-paced and often competitive market is demanding more from buyers and sellers than ever before, from getting solicitors sorted much earlier, to meeting viewer’s expectations on fixtures and fittings. When everything comes into play seamlessly, we have seen houses come off the market within days.”

Aviva has said that buyers in the past year devoted under ten seconds to looking round a property for every £1,000 they spent purchasing it. This short length of time means that buyers need to be extra vigilant, ensuring they ask estate agents basic checks on the first viewing covering things such as any plumbing or damp issues. The report found that buyers on average faced repair bills 45 per cent higher than expected, spending £1,094 more than they had originally planned on their new home.

Similarly, sellers also need to be attentive to their buyers’ needs, knowing

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that they could be lost forever as a serious purchaser within the first 33 minutes of viewing their house. Light, bright spaces that are functional, attractive and meet the needs of today’s modern families are the ideal.

Adds Cameron: “I would advise sellers to prepare months in advance before their property goes live.

Aesthetically speaking, repainting and decluttering can help hook people’s attention and make the house come across much better in photographs.

Structurally, weigh up problems like replumbing and old kitchens to establish if their financial rewards outweigh the cost of work involved. The guide price will ultimately reflect the property’s condition. For buyers, the survey is a key part during the purchasing process and will help avoid serious surprises further down the line.” www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY

IN TOWN... MAWSON ROAD A smart, city centre property is currently on the market with Carter Jonas. Situated in the highly-regarded Mawson Road, close to the train station, the Victorian terraced home offers substantial period accommodation presented to an excellent standard.

This includes two reception rooms with stripped timber flooring and original fireplaces, a well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room, downstairs cloakroom, three first-floor bedrooms and a luxury family bathroom. The garden is a mix of lawn and terraced areas and there is a ground-floor study adjacent.

This classic family home is for sale at a guide price of £650,000. Contact 01223 855887 for a viewing. www.carterjonas.co.uk

AWAY...

SOHAM HOUSE

OUT OF TOWN... STANBURY CLOSE This modern and well-presented home occupies a quiet cul-de-sac location in the popular village of Fen Ditton. Boasting riverside walks and pretty period cottages, the village is also convenient for the A14 and Cambridge city centre.

Inside, the house includes an entrance hall, refitted kitchen, living room with French doors to the rear, two first-floor bedrooms and a bathroom. There are gardens to the front and rear plus allocated parking.

Ideal for a couple, this property is on the market for £285,000. Contact Bradshaws on 01223 403330. www.bradshawsresidential.co.uk

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The chance to own a substantial Arts and Crafts property in Newmarket has come up through Carter Jonas. This elegant home, set in mature, private grounds off Snailwell Road, was completed in 1892 and built in the style of a Tudor manor house. Inside, it offers seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, a spacious family kitchen/breakfast room and six reception rooms including a dining hall with galleried landing, drawing room with feature fireplace and impressive billiards room.

The property is approached via a gravelled driveway and a triple garage provides ample parking. The delightful gardens extend to 1.2 acres, and the house is conveniently located for the A14, M11, London and local schools. It is on the market for a guide price of £1,650,000. Contact 01223 855887. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

TOWNHOUSES AT CAMBRIDGE RIVERSIDE A luxury collection of ten four- and five-bedroom townhouses has been released at the award-winning development, Cambridge Riverside. The properties feature spacious, stylish open-plan accommodation including a kitchen/dining/living room with French doors to the private, landscaped garden, flooding the space with natural light. The master bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, and kitchens and bathrooms are designed to a high specification, with luxury touches like wine coolers and marble feature panels. The versatile top floor, meanwhile, is dedicated for use as a media room, study or additional storage space.

These terraced properties, arranged over four floors, take inspiration from the traditional Victorian townhouses which remain so popular in Cambridge.

Cambridge Riverside is located by the River Cam, close to Midsummer Common, and just a short, scenic walk from Cambridge city centre. Prices start from ÂŁ1,560,000. www.berkeleygroup.co.uk

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PROPERTY

NORTHWEST CAMBRIDGE Architectural proposals for key worker and market housing on the North West Cambridge Development have been approved by the local planning authorities.

These eco-friendly properties have been designed to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 and to meet Lifetime Homes standard.

The collaborative design by Cottrell and Vermeulen, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects, and AOC, comprises 70 key worker and market homes which respond to the changing landscape within the development, with five-storey buildings

that lead from the new local centre, Eddington, to the lower density family housing within the new area named Ridgeway Village. The proposals support family life with two shared courtyards, thresholds and sensitive landscaping around the Veteran Oak Gardens, which is a historical boundary marker and unique landmark within the development.

Roger Taylor, project director for the North West Cambridge development said: “The collaborative architectural designs by Cottrell and Vermeulen, Sarah Wigglesworth Architects, and AOC, are

characterful and responsive to their location within the site. They demonstrate how the master plan ideals of quality architecture and vibrant street life will be implemented as future residents move from the local centre into the more residential neighbourhoods within the site.

We are delighted that the local authorities are supportive of the proposals for the lower density homes.”

Works on the North West Cambridge Development infrastructure will start in 2014 with phased completions from 2016. www.nwcambridge.co.uk

LAST CHANCE TO BUY… Such has been the popularity of the homes at Trumpington Place, Addenbrooke’s Road, that just one property now remains. Plot 6 is a striking three-bedroom house incorporating traditional brickwork and larch cladding for a natural, classic look. Inside, the hallway leads to a modern kitchen, cloakroom and family dining room. Upstairs, find the sitting room and master bedroom with en suite, while two further bedrooms, a bathroom and second en suite are located to the second floor.

The property is well-placed for access to many top schools and the M11, plus the railway station, while Trumpington itself provides plenty of local amenities including a large Waitrose.

The guide price is £500,000; Help to Buy is available. www.bidwells.co.uk

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PROPERTY

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW Residents at a Cambridge development are being brought closer to nature thanks to the erection of two hand-crafted bird hides, which have been installed next to the wetland in the new 120-acre country park at Great Kneighton. Providing a perfect place for visitors to enjoy observing the extensive wildlife already living within the park, these carved wooden structures also include insect and bird boxes designed to attract local wildlife.

Designed by artist Nils Norman, the bird screens form part of the Public Art Strategy for Great Kneighton, led by specialist cultural agency Futurecity on behalf of Countryside.

Andy Robinson, director of Futurecity, explains: “It was of great importance to use the felled trees that have been stored on site since clearing and construction work began, to create a meaningful and

robust design that will last. Nils Norman’s bird screens use sleepers made from oak and ash, assembled in a nest-like design.

We are also working with highly skilled Cambridge carvers to inscribe the timber with information about the project, which we can’t wait to reveal to local residents.”

The screens are a welcome addition to the stunning new country park. Nils Norman is also creating designs for four bridges over Hobson’s Brook that will mirror the design of the bird screens as well as a large active recreation area and public seating across the park.

At over four times the size of Parker’s Piece, the new country park is very much the focus of the Great Kneighton development. When complete, the Great Kneighton Country Park will contain woodland, four ponds, one of which is a 50,000 square metre bird

reserve, allotments, playing fields for the new secondary school, and a range of adventure play areas.

Construction of the park has been taking place in phases, with the first phase now complete and planned to be open to the public next spring. All four ponds have been constructed including the bird reserve which is proving very popular and is now home to a wide range of birds, including lapwings, common terns, mallards, coots, corn buntings, little ringed plovers, grey partridges and moorhens.

When complete, Great Kneighton will comprise over 2000 imaginatively designed new homes, from apartments through to six-bedroom family houses.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start from £355,000, while prices for a twobedroom home start from £375,000. www.greatkneighton.com

THE BYRON There’s nothing mad or bad about the new three-bedroom houses for sale at Aura, part of the development on Long Road, Cambridge. The Byron houses, of which just two remain, offer efficient, contemporary living over three floors. Accommodation includes light, openplan living areas, well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms (with en suite to the master) and three bedrooms. Each one comes with a gated car port and turfed gardens.

Aura is conveniently placed for Cambridge train station, city centre and some of the area’s top schools. The development is surrounded by mature woodland, providing a harmonious balance between suburban tranquility and bustling, city living.

The guide price for the Byron is £695,000. For more information contact Countryside Properties on 01223 656167. www.auracambridge.co.uk

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OUR KITCHENS

OUR BATHROOMS We believe that your bathroom should be a sanctuary, offering a space for complete relaxation.

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INTERIORS NEWS

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

SCANDINAVIAN CHIC Fans of all things Scandi should check out the new autumn/winter interiors trend for laid-back, Danish-inspired design. The colour palette for this trend is soothingly monochrome, with dashes of bold colour and print, to ensure this minimalist look doesn’t become predictable. Natural materials and texture give it a ‘lived-in’ feel, to create a welcoming and inspiring environment. An urban, industrial and traditionally crafted look is key to achieving this atmosphere of modern cool, and go with open-plan layouts and decluttered surfaces for harmony and flow. This also creates a versatile space, perfect for modern, multifunctioning homes.

Being based in the northern hemisphere, there is an inherent need within Scandinavian interior design to create more light. Strategically placed task lighting is practical, whilst this beautiful silhouetted lampshade will bring a fairy tale forest feel into your home and inspire your imagination.

Available from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com

CERNUNNOS LAUNCH EVENT Last month, Cambridge Edition attended the launch of Cernunnos, installers of renewable energy systems for homes and businesses, at their new headquarters: a renovated historic barn in Newton. Cernunnos analyses every technology on an economic and environmental basis to help customers choose the best technology to save energy and save money. This was demonstrated in a short film showing how to restore character buildings to incorporate renewable technologies. Guests were also able to view the latest in green design interiors combining style with forwardthinking functionality. www.cernunnos-homes.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

AT HOME A brand new shop, At Home, has opened its doors in Cambridge, providing pretty, vintage-style homeware, trinkets and gifts.

At Home started life in Cambridge in 2011 as a pop-up shop, opening over the Christmas period. Now, it boasts over ten stores across the country, including this one at the Grafton Centre. Products are hand-picked by the buying team from all over the world to make your home look and feel glorious. Give your home a handmade feel with At Home’s appliqué scatter cushions in gorgeous fabrics, or add a nostalgic print to brighten up a wall. Nature lovers will find a range of cute critter doorstops, and there’s a lovely selection of scarves, attractive cosmetics and traditional children’s toys – perfect gifts.

“I class our products as affordable homeware,” says At Home’s Will Marston. “It’s aimed at women mostly, but we also stock toys for kids and male gadgets.” He adds: “We look for things that are unique – we’ve got some fantastic decoupage animal heads that aren’t on the website at the moment, but they were so different and we loved them.” www.athomeshopping.co.uk

THE INFLUENCE OF

FURNITURE ON LOVE An exhibition currently in place at Wysing Arts Centre in Bourn is seeking to explore the effect of interior design and household objects on the moods of those who live with them. The name of the exhibition, The Influence of Furniture on Love, is taken from an unpublished essay

by John Maynard Keynes which asks: ‘can we consume our surplus or the influence of furniture on love?’

It is being held in the 17th century farmhouse at Wysing Arts Centre, said to be built from timbers of ships salvaged after the sinking of the Spanish Armada. The space is a home from home for the artists in residence at Wysing: a space for living, sleeping, eating and exchanging ideas. Wysing has invited artist Giles Round, working with Wysing Curator Lotte Juul Petersen, to transform the farmhouse into a public space, installing works by a selection of artists who have stayed there over the years and in response to its rooms.

The Influence of Furniture on Love runs at Wysing Arts, in Bourn, until 5 November. www.wysingartscentre.org

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EDITION LOVES There are always plenty of fabulously eccentric homewares to browse at Ark on St Mary’s Passage, but we’re especially fond of this brightly hued pendant light. Bang on trend, it’s our local pick of the month and perfect for adding a pop of colour to a kitchen or lounge.

Measures approx 37cm, £65. www.arkcambridge.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

HOMESTUFF WITH HISTORY During the summer, Homestuff with History had a very happy month as a PopUp shop at Burwash Manor. In fact, they liked it so much that they’ve decided to make it permanent! From 1 October, Homestuff with History, run by brother and sister Matt and Kathryn Brown, will be open seven days a week at Burwash Manor, in the shop next to Backstitch. Says Kathryn: “My brother and I used to run away together and go to junk shops, then we started doing stuff up that we’d found. He’s a carpenter. Then before we knew it, we’d given up our ‘proper’ jobs and had set up a shop of our own.”

For ten years, Homestuff with History has been happily selling the very best of vintage, from huge housemaids cupboards to dinky enamel dog bowls, they’ve bought and sold it all and pride themselves on only stocking the real deal.

You’ll find no repro here, just genuinely fascinating, unique pieces to adorn your home… and all affordable, too.

“We stock really unusual stuff, but also things you need, like chests of drawers, tables and chairs. We’ve got a lot of great kitschy stuff. When people come into the shop, they’ll probably have no idea what they want – until they see it!

“The thing about vintage is that everything is unique. Even if 200 of something was made once, each of those will have been bashed around a bit or altered, and each has its own story to tell. It means you can fill your house with things no-one else has.” www.homestuffwithhistory.com

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INTERIORS PUTNEY CLOCK NOW £80.60 GRAHAM & GREEN

VINTAGE TV STYLE PINK ALARM CLOCK £8.95 DOTCOMGIFTSHOP

NEWGATE PANTRY CLOCK £30 OLIVER BONAS, SIDNEY STREET, CAMBRIDGE

LONDON KITCHEN CLOCK £35 CATH KIDSTON, MARKET HILL, CAMBRIDGE

KARLSSON LITTLE BIG TIME CLOCK £28 WWW.OCCA-HOME.CO.UK

JONES ELCOT ALARM £7 GEORGE AT ASDA

UNION JACK ALARM CLOCK £7.99 JACKS ON TRINITY, TRINITY STREET, CAMBRIDGE KARLSSON GOLD RECORD WALL CLOCK £40 URBAN OUTFITTERS

CLOCK WATCHING Twelve of the best tasteful timepieces

FRENCH ALARM CLOCK £34.95 HOMESTUFF WITH HISTORY, BURWASH MANOR, BARTON

GLOBE STYLE CLOCK £14.99 HOMESENSE, BEEHIVE CENTRE, COLDHAMS LANE, CAMBRIDGE SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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PASTEL BIRD WALL CLOCK, LISA ANGEL HOMEWARE AND GIFTS £16 WWW.NOTONTHEHIGHSTREET.COM

NEWGATE ICE CREAM CONE WALL CLOCK £35 WWW. REDCANDY. CO.UK

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INTERIORS

NEW NEUTRALS These Skate kitchen cabinets are available in the company’s new colour options called ‘Haven’. POA (01223 300858; www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk).

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

YOUR KITCHEN Whether you want a total overhaul or just a mini revamp, the latest design trends will inspire you to transform your kitchen into the hottest spot in your home...

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INTERIORS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The Allmilmo range, stocked at By Design in Cambridge (01223 248409; www.bydi.co.uk); The Schüller range, available from Grange Farm Kitchens in Royston (01763 209236; www.grangefarmkitchens.co.uk); This Shaker kitchen features colour accents on highlighted drawers. From £18,000 (0800 389 6938; www.harveyjones.com).

New COLOURS

The look of our kitchens is changing. Up until recently, a neutral palette – putty, beige, white and cream – have reigned supreme. While these colours may be the most sensible choices, they can lack imaginative flair. As a consequence, designers are increasingly working with new ‘takes’ on the neutral that can give a kitchen a bright, modern feel.

Soft grey is one shade that is overtaking white in the popularity stakes. Effective on walls as it is on cabinetry, it’s a sharp neutral that gives a contemporary edge to a room.

“We are noticing a shift towards greys that can range from cool through to warmer hues,” agrees Frances Hall, commercial director at Cambridgeshire-based David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers (01763 261010; www.davidhallfurniture.co.uk).

“Grey is such a subtle colour and varies according to time of day, and even time of year. It is a fantastic neutral backdrop and can be dressed up with colourful accessories, or left clean and simple, to allow the lines and proportions of cabinetry to do the talking.”

Tom Hinton, designer and proprietor of Cambridge-based Tomas Kitchen Living (01223 300858; www.tomas-kitchen-living. co.uk), has begun to offer a choice of ‘new neutrals’, such as light grey and pale green.

“Our new colour group ‘Haven’ features neutral greys and some interesting greens and is proving really popular,” he reveals.

“These colours come to life with a splash of contrasting colour – bar stools in orange, for instance, or a bold statement wall.”

A blue palette is also becoming in vogue, with a mix of azure, teal and cornflower blue used as a step up from a neutral, and splashes of rich Greek or indigo blue used as a bolder statement.

Mixed with white, this strong colour can look surprisingly fresh and appealing.

“We have definitely noticed an increase in demand for colour,” comments John Stephens, director at handmade kitchen specialist Rencraft (01732 762682; www. rencraft.co.uk). “I think people are starting to get bored of the paler, whiter shades and seem to be getting braver. As we hand paint everything ourselves on-site, customers can choose whatever colour they wish. Painted elements also give flexibility, as they can be easily updated to give a new look for a relatively small cost.”

Emily Evison, designer at luxury kitchen makers Harvey Jones (0800 389 6938; www.harveyjones.com) agrees that there’s a move towards using bolder colours in the kitchen – such as olive greens and oranges

Grey is a fantastic neutral backdrop and can be dressed up with colourful accessories or left clean and simple

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– calling to mind a retro 1960s feel. “The hottest colours within kitchens at present are updated neutrals like charcoal greys and putty-coloured tones teamed with accents of bright zesty colours, such as orange or lime. For those who don’t want to make a statement, the easiest way to introduce colour is by adding a splashback or picking out an element of the kitchen – an island, for instance – in a bold colour.”

Before committing to a brand new colour scheme, it’s worth getting some advice. Cambridge-based Farrow & Ball (01223 367771; www.farrow-ball.com) are the go-to colour experts and can suggest the best shades and finishes that will work well for your kitchen.

“The kitchen is the perfect place to introduce colour, whether it’s a soft accent or a bold statement,” says Sarah Cole, marketing director. “Green hues help to bring some of nature back in to the home, especially if your kitchen looks out to a garden. Mizzle is a beautiful grey-green that could be used on your cupboards to complement a neutral shade, such as Dimpse. Pigeon is another wonderful, easyto-live-with colour, with the same calm, grey properties and ideal for painting a kitchen island.”

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New SURFACES

While granite will always have its place as one of the most popular materials when it comes to kitchen surfaces, there seems to be a growing trend of homeowners veering away from the more obvious choices in a desire to express individuality.

“Bold, bright colours are enjoying something of an upturn,” says Peter Morrison, owner of Cambridge-based Granite Transformations (01223 843333; www.granitetransformations.co.uk).

“These look great particularly for contrasting island units and warehousestyle apartments. Black is still a popular worktop choice but we’ve noticed more people looking for a little more sparkle and texture. Our Black Star recycled glass material contains mirror flecks, which creates an incredible sparkling effect and is one of our bestsellers. White, offwhite, brown and beige worktops are also on trend, particularly for minimalist continental-style layouts. Our latest Hydra White material is a recycled porcelain, hardwearing, incorporating mirror fragments for reflective pinpoints.”

Recycled worktop materials are also growing in popularity – appealing to homeowners who have a desire for a new look coupled with a sense of responsibility for the environment.

“Recycled glass and porcelain surfaces, made from post-consumer and postindustrial reject materials, are definitely in vogue,” says Peter Morrison. “As are composite granite and quartz composite surfaces. Granite Transformations agglomerate worktops are made from up to 78% recycled content.”

Countertops in engineered stone and concrete, meanwhile, bring a raw, industrial feel while honed marble surfaces give a polished European look that works well against rougher textures, such as brick or raw-stone walls. Quartz is also on the rise and is a practical choice for families. Nonporous and resistant to heat, the material is BEIGE BE GONE Grey English Revival range (01223 811 111; www.eadonstone.co.uk).

ORGANIC DEVELOPMENT AlnoStar Dur kitchen in grey, from £20,000 (01284 724723; www.kitchenologyltd.co.uk).

FROM LEFT Granite Transformations reports an upturn in customers opting for bright surfaces, such as its Cristillano recycled glass surfaces in blue and orange, from £385 per square metre, including fitting (01223 843333; www.granitetransformations.co.uk).

resistant to spills and scratches making it a good all-rounder.

“Low maintenance and practical performance should be top priorities for all kitchen worktops, otherwise you’ll be continuously cleaning or, worse, having to reseal or replace them,” advises Peter.

“Consumers are getting wise to this and are turning toward surfaces that have recognised technical approvals.”

Jennifer Shaw, design director at contemporary kitchen experts Kitchenology (01284 724723; www. kitchenologyltd.co.uk) identifies an organic trend capturing her clients: “We’ve noticed customers are wanting more organic finishes – glass, wood, ceramic or stone effects. They are opting for greys and neutrals, which are brought to life with a

splash of subtle colour, such as a metallic textured splashback or a statement central island in contrasting shades and materials.”

Tom Hinton at Tomas (01223 300858; www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk) agrees: “Mixing wood with grey quartz works really well and is a practical option.”

Meanwhile, at Eadonstone Kitchens, based in Cambridge (01223 811 111; www. eadonstone.co.uk), marble, such as the Arabescato marble fabricated in the company’s own workshop, is proving popular, as is Silestone’s range of quartz.

“Eadonstone is able to source the whole Silestone range,” says Dan Taylor, showroom manager. “It is the original manufacturer of solid quartz worktops. It combines the best of natural stone and cutting-edge design.”

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SLEEK AND UNIQUE Trinity Contemporary range. Kitchens from £20,000 (01763 261010; www.davidhallfurniture.co.uk).

New

INDIGO Aventos ‘hinge lift up’ cabinets offer clever storage and conceal the extractor fan (01763 261010; www.davidhallfurniture.co.uk).

FUNCTIONALITY There’s no point having a sleek, fashionable kitchen if it isn’t practical. These days, homeowners want a kitchen that looks the part but also, more importantly, has all the latest tricks up its sleeve for practical living.

From intelligent storage, such as concealed spice drawers and hidden larders, to in-built drinks cabinets and concealed work stations – there’s a growing range of add-on gizmos and clever features you can factor in when planning a new kitchen.

One popular trend is the rise in base drawers, instead of standing cupboards.

More functional than having to bend down and peer into a cupboard, a pullout drawer allows you to gain access in one simple motion and many can be customised with storage layers to fit dinner plates and bowls, etc. Hydraulic, easy-close doors are also de rigeur, with cabinet doors folding up and out of the way at the touch of a button – ideal for smaller kitchens.

“Storage is important in any room, not least the kitchen,” says Hazel Boyd, designer at Eadonstone Kitchens (01223 811 111; www.eadonstone.co.uk). “Drawers in many ways are better for storage than cabinets especially for those who may find access difficult. When the aesthetics are important, hidden drawers provide a great way to maintain the balance of aesthetics with functionality.”

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MARVEL AT MARBLE Marble such as this Botticino Marble (POA) has become popular (01223 811 111; www.eadonstone.co.uk).

Established luxury kitchen experts, such as Charles York Kitchens (available at Eadonstone) have ingenious ideas for those all-important finishing touches.

Discreet pull-out shelves are handy for small areas while ‘appliance garages’ hide the unsightly coffee makers and toasters, thus keeping your surfaces clear. Vegetable drawers, bread drawers, utensil inserts, pop-up power ports and pull-out wine shelves are just a few of the other clutterfree ways to keep your kitchen looking show home perfect.

“There are thousands of clever storage products on the market, ranging from a kitchen in a cupboard, an enormous choice of bins, corner units and drawer dividers,”

adds Frances Hall at David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers (01763 261010; www. davidhallfurniture.co.uk). “We have a pullout shelf system, allowing you to access the food you want without needing to pull out the entire wireworks. Another favourite is the 150mm wide bottle pull-out – ideal for small day-to-day cooking essentials.”

Appliance technology is also making big leaps with ‘tablet know-how’ being applied to fridges, ovens and washing machines.

Touchscreens and Wi-Fi connectivity will soon mean that appliances will be able to be controlled remotely by apps on smartphones. Other advances, such as practical hands-free taps, will no doubt be the norm in a few years’ time.

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New FIXTURES

The art of accessorising has come into its own in the kitchen of late. Previously the norm for living areas and bedrooms, design elements – such as choosing the right lighting and furniture for your kitchen – are proving all-important. What’s more, it’s all about being bold and dramatic.

Choose unusual light fittings, such as Fritz Fryer’s Converted Gramophone Trumpet Pendant (01989 567416; www.fritzfryer.co.uk) or the Stag Horn Chandelier at Des Res Design (£3,815, 01386 793240; www.desresdesign.co.uk).

Group pendant lights, such as the brass versions at Bert Frank, over a dining table (020 8737 0512; www.bertfrank.co.uk).

Jenny Hurran, director of online boutique Out There Interiors (www. outthereinteriors.com), which stocks a range of unique lighting, advises: “It’s easy to become fixated on spots, strips and recessed lighting when it comes to kitchen design, and while these elements shouldn’t be overlooked, glamorous overhead lighting creates an unexpected impact in a kitchen. Try a trio of globe chandeliers over an island, or an outsized starburst pendant above the dining area for dramatic effect.”

When it comes to sinks, forget stainless steel. Statement sinks in bright hues, such as the orange, green and yellow bowl sinks available at Aston Matthews (from £276, 020 7226 7220; www.astonmatthews. co.uk) are having a moment. And bogstandard extractor fans may be things of the past. Check out the glamorous crystal Celestial Cooker Hood by Elica (www.elica. co.uk), ramping up the luxe factor.

For those lucky enough to have a dining area in the kitchen, bring it bang up to date with extra-long dining tables and statement chairs. Rough-hewn, rubbeddown tables have become supersized, with 14 seats or more. This raw ‘banquet’ look is

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Converted Gramophone Trumpet Pendant, £385 (01989 567416; fritzfryer. co.uk); velvet Paris Carver chair, £735 (020 8752 8938; www.thesofaandchair.co.uk); Stag Horn Chandelier, £3,815 (01386 793240; www.desresdesign.co.uk); brass pendant light at Bert Frank, £570 (020 8737 0512; www.bertfrank.co.uk); Bell Shaped Hanging Lamps, £78 (0208 0997 443; www.outthereinteriors.com).

juxtaposed with glamorous dining chairs in velvets and suedes, like those available at The Sofa and Chair Company (020 8752 8935; www.thesofaandchair.co.uk).

Tom Hinton gives his tips for furniture to stand the test of time: “We’ve recently started stocking the iconic Danish brand

Glamorous overhead lighting creates an unexpected impact in a kitchen. Try a trio of globe chandeliers

‘Republic of Fritz Hansen’, as part of our furniture and lighting collection,” he reveals.

“Buying a piece of quality furniture from classic designers such as these is the perfect way to make a statement. Invest in Jacobsen’s Drop Chair, which has just been relaunched or his classic Seven chair.

Another iconic designer – Carl Hansen – has just launched a beautiful special edition Wishbone chair with Paul Smith fabric – it doesn’t get any better than that!”

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New TEXTURES

With kitchens becoming increasingly sleek and luxurious, there’s a danger they can become monotone and, dare we say it, boring. Bring your space to life by adding in a few artisanal touches – think copper taps, arty open shelving and textured tiling.

Rob Whitaker, creative director of Fired Earth (01223 300941; www.firedearth. com) agrees: “Tiles and wood flooring are an ideal way of adding a sense of texture or understated pattern to a kitchen.

Herringbone and chevron designs are particularly popular at the moment and they work equally well in contemporary and traditional schemes. For example, solid oak flooring such as Fired Earth’s Parquetry in Herringbone Seashell has a timeless look and a subtle decorative finish that make it a perfect choice for a dining area.

“The naturally textured surfaces and colour variation of stone and slate complement classic kitchens perfectly,” he continues. “For a more modern take, look for crisp, diamond-sawn slate and marble – using the tiles on walls as well as floors – or use brick format limestone, which can have an almost industrial feel. Moorish tiles such as those in Fired Earth’s Marrakech range can also create a lovely sense of texture.”

Open shelving, meanwhile, is one of the easiest ways to introduce personality into your kitchen. Providing a clean and contemporary look, floating shelves can make a space look bigger by drawing the eye along the wall and are a lovely way of showing off interesting pieces of crockery, ceramics and cookware.

As an alternative to streamlined shelves, consider a series of modular box shelves, such as the solid oak Modbox Creations

by Tomas, available at Tomas (01223 300858; www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk), which can be built in to a fitted kitchen or deployed as free-standing furniture.

While displaying kitchen items on shelving has undoubtedly become fashionable, remember that this look only works if the items on display are fashionable too! Clear out the clutter, and arrange plates and bowls in colourcoded piles (all-white is very effective), with the odd quirky piece, a frame or antique glass, added in for interest. Source vintage kitchenware, old signage and one-off pieces from floral tea sets – but

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Bespoke kitchen specialists Langtry Fitted Furniture can make minimalist-style kitchens to order for that perfect streamlined look, POA (01353 725380; www.langtryfurniture.co.uk). Invest in Sainsbury’s stylish, indigo-blue crockery (from £3, 0800 636362; www.sainsburys.co.uk) and its new range of oak and white tipped kitchenware (from £3.50).

don’t overdo it – you want it to look sophisticated, not cluttered.

Hannah Mallett, kitchen shop buying manager at Sainsbury’s (www.sainsburys. co.uk), gives her insight into how you can affordably accessorise your space: “You can create a classic, timeless look with our new range of oak and white-tipped kitchenware which brings a natural, elegant look. Organic brush strokes and

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origami-style patterns on glassware and ceramics make for stunning, eye-catching pieces. The design encapsulates oriental simplicity, bringing a sophisticated look to the rich, jewel-coloured palette in the indigo blue trend.”

Having the last word is Jenny Hurran of Out There Interiors: “I’m all for open shelving. Why buy lovely crockery then hide it in a cupboard? I also advocate using your best stuff every day. Tastes and trends change so quickly so don’t wait for special occasions. Enjoy your favourite things now.”

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