Cambridge Property Edition September by Bright Publishing

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

SEPTEMBER 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

PROPERTY NEWS TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

’ve been out and about this month for Property Edition, popping over the Essex border to view a magnificent property that has recently come to market. Eastbury in Clanver End is a striking home in many ways: beautiful interiors (the master bedroom with balcony and Jacuzzi en-suite is to die for); a vast, plentiful garden with outdoor pool; and a picturesque village location, overlooking rolling fields. But it has a secret, which I discovered over lunch and home-made elderflower juice with its fascinating owner, Lizzie. Read more on pages 12-13. If large, sunny rooms which bring the outdoors in ride high on your list of priorities when it comes to house-hunting – and you’ve got a spare £1 million – don’t overlook the beautiful luxury Villas at Aura, Long Road. Read more on page 15. And we find out more about the new homes going up in Great Shelford – Riverside, by Croudace Homes. I enjoyed watching Kirstie and Phil’s take on Cambridge in Location, Location, Location a few weeks ago. The property gurus helped two couples search for their dream home in the area, taking in St Neots, Ely and the city centre over the course of the show. We got the lowdown from agents Cooke Curtis who met the presenters and crew. Apparently they were very nice, and they all had dinner in The Green Man in Trumpington afterwards. Personally, I’m angling for a lunch invite from the cast of Grantchester (series two coming soon!), if anyone can sort that out…

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 Marks & Spencer, the Cambridge branch of which can be found on Sidney Street. www.marksandspencer.com

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PROPERTY

NEWS

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

Sam Cooke of Cooke Curtis, Cambridge, with Kirstie Allsopp

Did you see Cambridge on Location, Location, Location? Our city was the star of the show on 6 August when Kirstie and Phil arrived to help two couples find their dream homes in the area. The Cambridge property market has always attracted a lot of media attention. Uniquely, even throughout the recession, it has maintained its robust market, with prices remaining steadily high. “House prices here have

KIRSTIE WAS FAR MORE INVOLVED THAN I THOUGHT SHE WOULD BE

risen more than any other British town or city over the past seven years,” explained Kirstie, on the show. “Average house prices are 13x the average salary, and there’s no sign of let-up.” Sam Cooke and Jamie Curtis, of estate agents Cooke Curtis in Trumpington, were approached by the producers last April and two of their properties were featured on the show. Says Sam: “Phil is very much as he comes across on screen, a nice man. Kirstie was the one of the two who was specifically helping our buyers, and I spent a fair amount of time with her at the houses. The scooter you saw her on is genuinely hers; she told me that she

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uses it on the daily school run. After the filming she, the buyers and the TV crew went to The Green Man in Trumpington for dinner, and I headed down there too – mainly because Mrs Cooke wanted to meet her. “It was a fun couple of weeks and an interesting experience. I now find myself far less cynical about what I see on TV – I had assumed it was all staged and they wouldn’t be real buyers at all! Kirstie was far more involved than I thought she would be and eventually helped the buyers secure the house. They moved in a week or two before the show was screened in August." www.cookecurtis.co.uk

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PROPERTY

EASTBURY, CLANVER END This month, Jennifer Shelton takes a peek inside an idyllic countryside retreat which has recently come on the market

A moorhen chick, black and fluffy, scurries across the timber bridge, koi carp churning the crystal waters below. Another follows suit, then another. “We’ve had about four broods this year,” says Lizzie Green. I’ve joined her in her elegant, east-facing conservatory, overlooking the garden at Eastbury, Clanver End. As we talk, a succession of wildlife dips in and out of view, from moorhens and her resident Aylesbury ducks to tiny coal tits frequenting the bird feeder. It’s the perfect vantage point for enjoying what is a stunning plot. “The garden has gone over a bit now,” admits Lizzie, “it’s really at its absolute best in June.” Lizzie lives here with husband Richard, who bought the property in 2009. Situated just five minutes from Audley End station,

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in the undulating Essex countryside, it’s an idyllic rural retreat – though all is not exactly as it seems. Built as a bungalow in the 1930s, Eastbury was at one point a maternity home, caring for local women during childbirth. Now, few reminders of the single-storey dwelling remain. Instead, at first glance, you’d be forgiven for assuming this large, majestic property was 18th century. “The owner before us, an architect, added the false Georgian front,” Lizzie explains. Here, and throughout the property, reclaimed windows have been used to give this striking property an authentic, historic feel. Richard and Lizzie also added a Georgian-style back to match the front, creating a stunning master bedroom and roomy, luxurious ensuite upstairs. Above the bed is a skylight, perfect for a little stargazing, and opposite

a tall, arched window leads to a balcony (a grape vine weaving between the railings), offering yet another picture-postcard view of the sumptuous garden. “It’s got all the advantages of a Georgian house, but you can do whatever you like with it because it’s not listed,” says Lizzie. “We’ve added things like underfloor heating to bring it up to date. Everyone brings their own ideas to a property, and there’s lots you could do with the outside buildings… it’s very versatile.” The house is new to the market at £1.75 million. In all, the property offers five bedrooms (one above the garage, perfect for an older teenager or au pair), a stunning kitchen and conservatory with quarry stone floors, formal dining room, living room with feature oak wood flooring, an oak-panelled office and potential garden studio.

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PROPERTY

AN IDYLLIC RURAL RETREAT – THOUGH ALL IS NOT EXACTLY AS IT SEEMS Exploring the garden, passing a cluster of fruit trees, I come upon another dream feature: a pool with mini sauna and shower room. It’s particularly popular with Lizzie and Richard’s four grown-up children, who pop home for the odd summer pool party. “The house is ideal for entertaining, but it just doesn’t happen often enough now. We’ve had some great barbecues here, and everyone can stay over. I once woke up with 24 people here for breakfast,” Lizzie laughs. A one-time estate agent, Lizzie clearly has an eye for design, peppering the kitchen and conservatory with subtle purples and thistle motifs: a nod to her beloved Scotland where she lived for many years. “I take a lot of inspiration from nature. And sometimes I’ll take one item or feature, and design the room around it. Colour is important to me, and attention to detail.” The hallway features beautiful printed wallpaper by a local artist, while hints of the Orient can be found throughout. “Richard lived in Japan and Singapore so the house has quite a collection of interesting things,” she says. Eastbury is currently home to three dogs, Airedales Gypsy and Blue, and elderly Labrador, Rocky. “Our dogs brought us together,” Lizzie tells me, pouring me another glass of cold, sweet elderflower juice, homemade using this summer’s crop. “We met on a walk, then again at a Jools Holland concert. Then I bumped into him again – I remembered him, but he didn’t remember me! – and we got talking.”

The pair are looking forward to their next adventure, hopeful that another loving family will fall for Eastbury and cherish it as they have done. “It’s perfect for a family – possibly with slightly older children,” says Lizzie. “A keen gardener would love it here, and someone with an interest in carp! Some of these are 40 years old. “Leaving will be a real wrench – it’s the nicest house I’ve ever lived in,” she admits. “And Wendens Ambo is a lovely village to live in. We’ve got a pub, The Bell Inn, a shop at Audley End station, there’s an Indian

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takeaway and, of course, Saffron Walden is just around the corner. Nearby Arkesden has a lovely pub, as well – the Axe and Compasses. Apparently that’s where Jamie Oliver goes when he doesn’t want to eat at his dad’s place. “But I like a project; that’s one of my reasons for leaving. I’ve put a lot into this house but I’m a busy person and it’s done. It’s waiting for the next family to move in and enjoy it.” Eastbury is on the market with Strutt & Parker for £1.75 million. www.struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN LI VI H NG IG FO H-E R ND FA M IL IE S

The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

A SPACE FOR ALL SEASONS Whether a fitness fiend, dinner party host, artist in need of a light and creative space, or one of a large family who needs plenty of room to breathe, you’ll surely find a good use for the iconic conservatorium within Aura’s luxury villas. Situated off Long Road, Countryside’s striking development offers high-end living for families, within easy reach of Cambridge city centre, Addenbrooke’s and the railway station. The first-floor conservatorium might be the property’s star feature: taking inspiration from the iconic Conservatorium hotel in Amsterdam, it has full-height glass doors leading to terraces at the front and back. It looks out onto mature trees, bringing the outside in. The log-burning stove provides a focal point for the room, transforming it into a cosy hideaway from which to watch the seasons turn. Andrew Loveday, sales director for Countryside, comments: “We ensure all our homes deliver on quality and specification, however the Villas at Aura take flexible living to a new level with the addition of the conservatorium. Here, we wanted to create a highly designed but flexible space that would appeal to the cosmopolitan, design-conscious family.” Whilst looking good is key, these homes offer those with an eye for the environment a greener way of living with a range of eco-friendly attributes such as energy-efficient boilers, A-rated kitchen appliances and low-energy lighting, with some benefiting from photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity and reduce CO2 emissions. Aura now has two stylish villa show homes to visit, the Lusso and the Longfellow – each illustrating the modern design and stylish interiors that those living at the development can expect to enjoy. Prices are from £1.895 million. For further information or to register your interest call 01223 656167. www.auracambridge.co.uk

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FAMILY HOMES AT RIVERSIDE A new show home has opened at Riverside, a new development on London Road, Great Shelford. This is a superb collection of homes offering four and five bedrooms; ideal for families (twoand three-bedroom alternatives are planned for the second phase). With its pretty period houses and proximity to Cambridge, Great Shelford is one of the most soughtafter villages in Cambridgeshire. The show home is an impressive fivebedroom family home showcasing smart, spacious interiors. Prices start at £525,000 for a fourbedroom house type. The marketing suite is open 10am5pm daily. Contact 0333 321 8643. www.croudacehomes.co.uk

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INTERIORS SET OF 4 RIDGED MELAMINE STACKING BOWLS WITH LIDS £29.95 DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

MARY BERRY COLLECTION WOODEN SIGN £6 SAINSBURY’S, BROOKS ROAD CUCKOO 2-TIER CAKE STAND £65 WEDGWOOD

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NOSTALGIC CAKE TINS £25 THE CONTEMPORARY HOME

Feeling inspired by TV’s The Great British Bake Off ? Here are some gorgeous kitchen accessories to help you on your way to showstopping cakes and perfect puds BLUE LOAF TIN £4.99 HOMESENSE, BEEHIVE CENTRE GLASS BELL JAR DOME BY LISA ANGEL £15 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET TALA COOKS MEASURE £10.49 STEAMER TRADING, MARKET STREET

CULINARY CONCEPTS BEADED CAKE STAND WITH GLASS DOME £84.95 JOHN LEWIS, DOWNING STREET

NEON KITCHEN SCALES £32.95 RIGBY & MAC

ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM HOMESENSE, BEEHIVE CENTRE SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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INTERIORS IMAGE Keep it cosy: mix and match different textures and textiles, like this selection from Scion (0845 123 6805, www.scion.uk.com)

HOW TO MAKE A HOUSE A

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

Take the chill out of autumn by warming up your home with some simple, stylish updates. From indigo blues to statement lighting, this season itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about making your home indulgently cosy

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THIS IMAGE Make your home a haven and create a warm homely feel by combining warm tones in your accessories, such as these cushions, from £38, and Shetland wool throw, from £84, Susie Watson Designs (01223 367527, www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk) BELOW Shimu’s Marilyn Throw, £49.50 (01274 610961, www.shimu.co.uk)

Comfort break

There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, inviting haven when the temperatures begin to drop. This autumn, there’s a definite leaning towards indulgence mixed with cosiness, with rich velvets, soft faux furs and silk textiles adding a touch of luxury. It’s a great idea to contrast different textures by using mix-matched cushions, throws and rugs. Susie Watson, founder of Cambridgebased Susie Watson Designs (01223 367527, www.susiewatsondesigns.co.uk), which specialises in handmade products for the home, gives her advice: “Creating a cosy haven in your home is all about mixing colour and texture, and can be achieved without spending a fortune. Combine warm tones of red, burnt orange and even hot pink into your scheme, in soft silks, velvets and wools, to create a warm, homely feel. If you invest in one thing a Shetland wool throw in beautiful colours is the perfect instant update to a favourite sofa or chair.” Primary-coloured sofas and chairs, like those available at Italian-furnishing

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brand Arper (020 7253 0009, www.arper. com) and makers of bespoke English furniture I & JL Brown (020 7736 4141, www.brownantiques.com), will give a pop of colour to a room, not to mention some cheer on gloomy days. Mix in a classic piece of furniture by an iconic design brand for instant fashion brownie points. British furniture brand Ercol (01844 271 800, www.ercol.com) was launched in 1920 and its pieces are still widely coveted today. Creative director Rachel Galbraith gives her view on what is currently in vogue: “Today’s home environment is a collection of beautifully crafted, considered pieces, that inspire your individual heritage and aesthetic. This season’s trend draws on visual style notes from past classics through a contemporary interpretation. Rocca with its deep buttoning and sumptuous fabric selection embodies the opulence and heritage of past eras. Meanwhile Aluetta’s graceful arms and crafted natural oak legs that are highlighted with a statement chair draw on a contemporary aesthetic for today’s lifestyle.” Ian White, owner of Cambridge-based Shaw Spencer Furniture Warehouse (01638

CREATING A COSY HAVEN IN YOUR HOME IS ALL ABOUT MIXING COLOUR AND TEXTURE

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THIS IMAGE Live in comfort with furniture from I & JL Brown (020 7736 4141, www.brownantiques.com) TOP RIGHT Marrakech Linen Cushion, £40, from Catesby’s (01223 355444, www.catesbys.co.uk) RIGHT Harlequin’s Shore Rug, from £375, (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com) BELOW Wooden sideboard, £699, from Shaw Spencer (01638 744201, shawspencerfurniturestores.co.uk)

744201, shawspencerfurniturestores.co.uk), also adds: “One of the most important factors in choosing furniture for a home is not only practical considerations but also making sure a piece adds some personality to your room. We all want a cosy haven to retreat to at the end of the day. We offer characterful dressers and inviting sleigh beds that are ideal for achieving this.” Pile on soft furnishings, such as fur throws, available at Shimu (01274 610961,

YOUR HOME SHOULD BE A TRANQUIL, RELAXING RETREAT FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD

www.shimu.co.uk) and The French Bedroom Company (01444 415430, www. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk) for that added sense of cosiness. Cambridge-based home-lifestyle store Catesby’s (01223 355444, www. catesbys.co.uk) is a treasure trove of luxury accessories for the home. Neil Honor, Catesby’s owner, comments: “We pride ourselves on our curated collection of beautiful, useful and original items for the home and garden. Sourced from around the world, you’ll find elegant tableware, timeless furnishings, rare decorative objects and a range of everyday necessities. “We believe that your home should be a tranquil, relaxing retreat from the outside world, and we strive to find pieces (and makers) that have a story to tell, creating things that you’ll enjoy for years to come. You can create a uniquely inviting environment by mastering the art of layering, using different textures in a room: fold a soft Alpaca throw over an old armchair, add a linen cushion with a contrasting print, store your magazines in rustic baskets and inject character with a vintage-style hexagonal mirror. Let the

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things you have around you become part of your story.” Soft carpets add warmth underfoot, while a luxury, statement rug, such as the new range available at Harlequin (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com), can be a beautiful focal point. “Carpet is perfect to create a cosy living space. The texture of wool underfoot with a warm colour or welcoming pattern makes it a great way to build a comfortable and inviting decor scheme,” says Natalie Littlehales, consumer marketing manager at British carpet manufacturer Brintons (0800 505 055, www.brintons.co.uk). For more of a midway point between carpets and wood flooring, however, sisal is a good practical choice. Adam Robertson, managing director at Urbane Living (020 7138 3838, www.urbaneliving.co.uk), says: “Sisal provides the perfect hard-wearing floor covering that is able to take the wear and tear that goes with living in a modern family home. Sisal carpets ooze rustic character and, with an array of shades available, from soft gold to husky brown hues, they create the perfect welcoming look for a country home.”

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Hexagons AND HONEYCOMBS

While geometric prints are still going strong, there’s now a definite hexagon and honeycomb presence in tiling, furniture design and fabrics. For a sophisticated and elegant finish, tile walls and floors in repeat honeycomb design in simple white or black contrast. You can also create a stand-out floor with contrasting coloured tiles, such as those available at luxury tile brand Bisazza (www.bisazza.com). Fired Earth’s (01223 300941, www. firedearth.com) senior tile category manager, Caroline Gow, adds her expertise: “Hexagon-shaped tiles are perfectly in

THE POLYGON ‘HIVE’ STYLE FEELS MODERN YET ORGANIC, GIVING A TIMELESS FEEL keeping with the trend for using geometric patterns throughout the home. Tiles such as Fired Earth’s Handmade Classic Terracotta Hexagons offer a contemporary take on a classic material, giving floors a fresh, modern look. Hexagonal marble or glass mosaics are ideal for adding beautifully subtle decorative detail to walls and floors but if you’re looking to create bold geometric effects, think about using bands of contrasting hexagonal mosaics to add really dramatic lines and angles to a room. Use hexagonal tiles to give a traditional monochrome scheme a contemporary, eyecatching finish that brings this classic look right up to date.” When it comes to fabrics, less is more, but the style comes into its own with

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ABOVE Augustus Ebony wallpaper, £43 per roll, from the Viva Wallcoverings Collection by Clarke & Clarke at Reeds Furniture and Bed Centre (01353 669754, www.reedshomestore.co.uk) THIS IMAGE Bisazza Dal Bianco Contemporary Cement Tiles, prices vary (www.bisazza.com) BELOW Fired Earth’s Handmade Classic Terracotta Hexagon Tiles, £69.90 per square metre (01223 300941, www.firedearth.com)

patchwork-style quilts and bedspreads. For an immediate update to a living space, invest in curtains and pillows in bold clarets, mustards and blues with a smaller version of the honeycomb or hexagonal design. Janet Dixon, chief designer at interior design house Barker & Barker (01223 733730, www.barkerandbarker.co.uk) agrees: “Hexagonal designs have been used for decorative items for thousands of years and are about to make a comeback incorporating bright bold colours. Dress rooms with intricate hexagonal-patterned cushions or curtains to create a statement hallway or bathroom or add accent hexagonal side tables in a living room or conservatory. A quilted bedspread using pre-cut fabric swatches is a great way of incorporating hexagonal or trellis patterns to homes and would make a stunning addition to any bedroom or living space.” Wallpapering a statement wall or just the alcoves either side of a fireplace is another

easy way to update a room. The polygon ‘hive’ style feels modern yet organic, giving a timeless feel. Jim Carlile, managing director at Elybased Reeds Furniture and Bed Centre (01353 669754, www.reedshomestore. co.uk), comments: “Homemakers want a place that is inviting, warm and stylish. At Reeds we pride ourselves on being able to give a personalised approach to our service. I’d advise anyone to invest in a few pieces of good-quality furniture, which will last for years to come. Choose classic items that you really love so you’ll want to keep them. Then add fun and character with accessories. Cushions, throws, rugs and good lighting will all add to the ambience of a room. Keep your palette to two or three colourways so it doesn’t look too fussy. The new fashion for hexagonal prints gives a sophisticated and on-trend twist. You can simply refer to it with a statement wall or by adding in a few cushions or a rug.”

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Big BLUE

Banish the winter blues by updating with deep indigos, midnight blues and inky shades for a striking colour scheme. This colour palette is the next step from the grey and charcoal trend, with deep blues giving an added richness and drama, and working well with pale pinks and bright yellows. Josephine Rance, marketing director at colour experts Farrow & Ball (01223 367771, www.farrow-ball.com), says: “Using deep blues, like Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue or Hague Blue, creates a fashionable dramatic interior, contemporary and relaxed, so it’s perfect for both urban and country settings. In small spaces, use it in isolation, with Hardwick White on the ceilings for a moody

feel that reminds us of brooding, squally seas and skies. Or it can be used in a more light-hearted fashion on a feature wall with on-trend colours, Pink Ground or Setting Plaster. These beautifully easy colours feel faded and natural, and complement the intense colour of the darker blues perfectly.” Packed with rich, autumnal tones, the new winter collection from Lakeland Paints (01524 852371, www.lakelandpaints.co.uk) is the perfect antidote to a cold, grey day. Inspired by myths, legends, nature and Nordic shades the collection brings together an eclectic palette of bold autumnal tones and playful, romantic accents. Ian West, colour stylist at Lakeland Paints, says: “The passion for inky blues is an emerging trend that will grow in the new year. One of Lakeland’s inky blues – Creek –

is perfect as an accent or feature wall, or for a bold bathroom makeover. Dark dramatic blues like teal work well with creams and pure whites – think Santorini villages. It’s robust enough to hold its own – north or south facing, indoors or out, and being such a rich shade of blue/violet will add warmth and cosiness as well as drama.” Deep blue also works for upholstered furniture – think sumptuous inky velvet sofas as seen at Delcor (020 7352 5551, www.delcor.co.uk). While an accent piece of furniture, such as a sideboard or cabinet, in cobalt blue looks fresh, modern and striking in an all-white room. Dark blue kitchen cabinetry, available at Cambridge-based John Lewis of Hungerford (01223 305480, www.john-lewis.co.uk), is also worth considering – a versatile and modern choice.

THIS IMAGE Teal Chalkboard Paint, £117.25 (excluding VAT) for 5l, from Lakeland Paints (01524 852371, www.lakelandpaints.co.uk) TOP LEFT Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue, £38 for 2.5l, contrasts nicely with pink, such as this desk painted in Setting Plaster, £21 for 750ml (01223 367771, www.farrow-ball.com) TOP RIGHT Artisan Kitchen, POA, in blue from John Lewis of Hungerford (01223 305480, www.john-lewis.co.uk) RIGHT Delcor’s Bliss Chair in Langdale Velvet, from £890 (020 7352 5551, www.delcor.co.uk)

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Statement LIGHTING The statement light fixture is a must-have for the modern home. Like a piece of art, it is a sculptural focal point and comes in many forms. Lladro’s (0800 015 2413, www.lladro. com) pretty pastel-coloured glass chandeliers and white fairy wall lighting, for instance, give a feminine touch and will contrast well in a minimalist scheme. Holly Hunt’s (www.hollyhunt.com) modern glass chandeliers, meanwhile, draw inspiration

LIGHTING CAN BE USED IN MUCH THE SAME WAY AS A PIECE OF ARTWORK from the old and primitive as well as new and modern, with each piece built with great attention to subtle detail and proportion. At Bert Frank (020 7164 6482, www.bertfrank.co.uk) clean lines and new metals are the order of the day, with a range that gives impact and style. Simon Wallis-Smith, director at lighting experts Fritz Fryer (01989 567416, www. fritzfryer.co.uk), gives his advice on getting it right: “The best locations to really splash out on a feature light or chandelier are the hallway, stairwell or over a dining table. Over a dining table hang your chandelier so that the bottom is around 70cm from the table. This looks stunning and means you can get away with a larger fitting than normal

LEFT Moccas Industrial Pendants, £105, Industrial Well Glass Pendant, £190 and Glazed Industrial Pendant, £360 all from Fritz Fryer (01989 567416, www.fritzfryer.co.uk) ABOVE Lladro’s Foresta Lamps, £360, Parrot Mirror, £560, and Classic Macaw, £1,000 (0800 015 2413, www.lladro.com)

as you don’t need to walk underneath. Hallways and stairwells often benefit from additional ceiling height and lighting can be used, in much the same way as a piece of artwork, to make a design or architectural statement. In these locations the right lighting will be a real feature.” Adding her viewpoint, Jenny Hurren, owner of Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443, www.outthereinteriors.com), says: “It’s really important not to forget the lighting when you’re planning your room makeover. A statement light is the ideal way to add that final flourish to your signature style. Like the industrial look? You could opt for a dark metal Maginti Inspection Light. Want to add a dash of colour to a kitchen’s white palette? Try going for a vibrant contrast with a large ‘colour pop’ pendant lamp. Have a period property? Then why not consider adding a subtle and sophisticated Maurice Table Lamp, reminiscent of the art deco period.”

ABOVE LEFT Alison Berger Scripted Pendant Chandelier, POA, available at Holly Hunt (www.hollyhunt. com) ABOVE RIGHT & RIGHT Maginti Pendant, £170, and Hanging Factory Lamps, £185, from Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443, www.outthereinteriors.com)

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INTERIORS

A look to THE EAST Whether it’s intricate fretwork or lacquered furniture, interiors evoking Middle Eastern design have long been in vogue. This season, inspiration is in the form of oriental wallpapers, such as the naturally woven and shimmering gold versions at Urbane Living (020 7138 3838, www.urbaneliving.co.uk). Renowned for handcrafted luxurious furnishings, Aztaro’s (020 8908 6328, www. aztaro.com) rich textiles also give a nod to the East while adding a touch of intrigue to a room’s scheme at the same time. The brand’s Paisley Collection builds on the history of the motif it is named after, which originated in Persia in AD221. The collection of silk dupion cushions and accessories give a haute bohemian feel, with the fabric woven on a hand and foot shuttle loom by expert weavers with modern appliqué. Add pretty lanterns, like the Casbah range at The French Bedroom Company (01444 415430, www.frenchbedroomcompany. co.uk), and beautiful lacquered furniture from The Nine Schools (0117 332 3673, www. thenineschools.co.uk), manufacturer of oriental collections, for an opulent look.

THIS IMAGE Monsoon Mosaic Metallic Wallpaper, £129 per roll, from Urbane Living (020 7138 3838, www.urbaneliving.co.uk) LEFT Rock The Casbah Pendant Light, £149, from The French Bedroom Company (01444 415430, www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk)

THIS IMAGE Purple Console Table, £295, from The Nine Schools (0117 332 3673, www.thenineschools. co.uk) RIGHT Paisley Medallion Cushion, £115, from Aztaro (020 8908 6328, www.aztaro.com)

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Having the last word, Patrick Rawson, founder and director at The Nine Schools, says: “Luxury is back! Following the recession, interiors are now seeing a dramatic increase in opulence, as both trends and designers look towards a more indulgent future. Inspired by traditional designs, our handcrafted wooden furniture features exquisite gold-leaf edging, capturing the true essence and history behind sumptuous oriental design. The colourful Painted Butterfly collection, for instance, features detailed Chinese designs and symbols that demonstrate a number of oriental philosophies including, happiness, wealth, fertility and strength. The Oyster Grey and statement Black Gloss ranges combine Chinese teachings, such as feng shui, with current colour trends, creating stunning pieces of furniture that are perfect for the style-conscious homeowner.”

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