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26 minute read
Homes & Interiors
Kitchen dreams by the seaside
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Wirral kitchen designers H Miller Bros recently won Kitchen Design of the Year at the kbbreview Retail and Design Awards for this stunning installation for a busy family in New Brighton
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When Katherine and Alan decided to replace their existing kitchen – a long, narrow galley which had been looking tired for a while – they had very specific needs based on their growing family. The couple have three small boys, one aged seven and three-year-old twins, and when the pandemic hit, they approached H Miller Bros to redesign the space with a functional, yet beautiful handcrafted design.
Katherine said: “Once the twins arrived, the layout of the house just didn’t work. The ground floor was a set of separate rooms that made being together and keeping on top of clutter practically impossible. For example, there was only space for one person at a time to be in the kitchen, and the adjacent dining room felt more like a corridor because access to the other spaces went through it! We wanted to move the kitchen to a larger room and we also wanted a kitchen island.”
The couple asked Howard Miller to come up with some ideas and the team went to work. Howard said: “We advised moving the kitchen to a new room created by combining the existing dining and play rooms; it was the only way to create enough space for an island. They also wanted more drawers – their existing kitchen
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The cabinets are fronted with cork
had a single cutlery drawer that didn’t open properly. In terms of aesthetics, appliances and features they were open to suggestions. Essentially, it needed a total re-think of how the space was arranged so that it could allow them to enjoy family life and meal times.
We made sure to strike a balance between removing clutter and reserving space for the joyful paraphernalia that comes
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Designer Howard Miller
with a young family. It was also important to get more natural light into the house and create a route from the kitchen to the garden that was a unique area in its own right.”
Personal passions
Howard explained the importance of capturing the essence of a client’s personality and style in the aesthetics of a design. Katherine and Alan are fans of live music and sports and the kids are very and Alan are fans of live music and sports and the kids are very active and energetic, so they wanted to create something grown up but essentially playful.
Howard said: “Part of our early design process is set up to tease out what is unique about a project and a client, so that they can create something individual to them. We noticed that they used their fridge as a kind of noticeboard to display pictures by the kids, reminders, lists, cards and so on, using magnets to attach them. In their new kitchen they wanted integrated appliances and for things to be neat, but we felt these drawings and cards needed a place to be celebrated and so we proposed a cork panel integrated into the cabinet fronts. The idea developed into a full band of into the cabinet fronts. The idea developed into a full band of cork, stained black to match the black front of the oven, to bind cork, stained black to match the black front of the oven, to bind the design together. It acts as a bit of a sound absorber (important the design together. It acts as a bit of a sound absorber (important when you have three-year-old twins!) and sits over the splashback when you have three-year-old twins!) and sits over the splashback so that there is a lot of space to curate an evolving backdrop.”
The island was designed to look like an elegant, standalone piece of furniture. It allows light and views through and around it,
Stylish yet practical
The china blue vinyl gives a playful feel
and while the cabinetry is quite adult, the coloured floor gives the design a playful feel to reflect the personality of the family. The same china blue vinyl was also used to line the bottom of all the drawers, so the user gets a splash of colour when they are opened.
Another great personal touch came in the form of the cabinet door knobs. Howard said: “Katherine and Alan are serious music lovers and the knobs are enlarged versions of the volume knob from a 1970s record player they love.”
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Murano glass disk with fi sh decoration, £1,800
A TOUCH OF GLASS
Shire’s interiors expert Holly Johnson, of Cheshire-based Holly Johnson Antiques and Interiors, introduces a new range of Murano glass – the stunning style that looks perfect in every home
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The Venetian island of Murano is famed for its tradition of glass-making, dating back 700 years. At our outlet I have introduced my own, unique Murano vase range, which has been designed and produced in collaboration with some of Italy’s most prominent contemporary glass artists, including Alessandro Barbaro and Arnaldo Zanella. I am particularly drawn to the style as it is so distinctive, and wanted to share some advice on selecting a piece for your collection.
In 1291, glassmakers in Venice relocated to the small island of Murano to avoid the risk of fire, commonplace at the time. The island became a major international hub, and remains home to the finest glass craftsmen. Today people flock to Murano to watch the artists working the blown glass, stretching and shaping it, setting it in the big kilns, then reheating it over and over to make something truly special and unique. As part of the process, small amounts of metal and minerals can be added to the glass mixture to introduce beautiful, vibrant colours; iron and copper are added for green glass, cobalt for blue glass and manganese for pink. As the mixture reaches extreme temperatures, the hot metals and minerals blend with the liquid glass. It is common for different colours to be layered over one another, as part of a technique known as sommerso.
Each design is completely individual and the Murano craftsmen each have their own signature look. We suggest designs, drawing on pieces from the Roman and Art Deco periods for inspiration.
Personal touch
For those in the market Layering is a favourite e ect for glass, my advice is to research which designers most appeal to you. The big names have pieces in major collections globally, and all of their items are signed. In terms of price points, a vase from our collection sells for around £1,800, although this varies. We currently have a black and gold leaf Pettoni vase with gold-dust decoration by Silvano Signoretto (2016) priced at £2,200. More unusual items include a stunning glass disk with fish decoration (2018), at £1,800.
If you do intend to invest in a piece, I would urge vigilance. Do your research to ensure authenticity and visit a reputable dealer. Any items carrying names of factories based outside of Murano and Venice are most certainly fake. More information on our current collection can be found at hollyjohnsonantiques.com Distinctive colouring
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V for Zzzzs
Every January the charity Veganuary runs a month dedicated to veganism, inspiring people to adopt a more planet-friendly lifestyle. It’s been hugely successful and 1.5 million in the UK now follow a plant-based diet. But if you thought it was just about food, think again. You can show your support in other ways too.
In response to demand, mattress manufacturers are adding vegan products to their ranges, using fillings from non-animal derivatives and plant-based materials.
What’s sleep got to do with it?
Your mattress can have a surprising impact on the environment, not just in terms of materials but the carbon footprint from manufacturing and its end-of-life story too. Vegan mattresses such as Vegan by Vogue Beds contain no foam and are 100% recyclable, so they can
go on to be used in the making of car seats, carpet underlay and other useful everyday items. What’s more, vegan mattress fillings aren’t tested on animals as they’re made from recycled plastic bottles – which also stops these bottles ending up in landfill. For the environmentalist, it’s a win-win! Vegan-authenticated hypoallergenic Sleep peacefully knowing you’re doing your bit fillings allow maximum airflow within the mattress, regulating body temperature for a comfortable, luxurious sleep. To top it off, they are wrapped in a plant-based cover that allows the mattress to breathe. Newport Beds is excited to be a stockist of Vegan Mattresses by Vogue Beds, accredited with the Vegan Society trademark. For those wishing to have this as an option this Veganuary and beyond, visit the showroom to ‘try before you buy’! carpetloomnewportbeds.co.uk
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FRESH FUTURE FOR FURNITURE
A passionate crafter from a young age, Claire Manton started upcycling furniture as a hobby. Now the passion has turned into a successful business on the Shropshire border
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Claire Manton was planning a career in the corporate world when the trend for furniture upcycling suddenly took off and her onetime hobby started to take up more and more of her time. Bespoke commissions soon took over her every spare minute – and her home – and in 2013 Claire decided to give up the nine-to-five to concentrate on her burgeoning business. Claire’s CraftHouse was born.
Now firmly established with her own studio and workshop located inside her paint shop in Middleton, Staffordshire, Claire works full time as a furniture artist, bringing to life bespoke commissions and teaching upcycling courses.
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A family thing
Claire said: “The creative spark in me was first ignited by my mum, when she taught me how to sew at a very young age. She’s been a major inspiration in my life and, since then, I’ve turned my hand to make a whole host of handmade items. However, my main passion has always been in furniture refurbishment. Now as a full-time professional furniture artist, I’m in my element in the studio, with brush in hand – teaching others how to upcycle their furniture pieces on our popular Paint-a-Piece workshops, or providing help and
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Restoration projects are a labour of love for Claire (above)
advice on using our paint products in our shop at Coppice Lifestyle and Garden Centre. I’m immensely proud of the reputation we’ve built for both quality craftmanship and trusted customer care. Word of mouth from happy customers is how I hope to build Claire’s CraftHouse and create more lovely stuff, for more lovely people!”
Claire’s commissions have seen her transform everything from neglected period pieces to mass-produced flatpack items, creating unique furniture using a variety of specialist techniques and paints – including Fusion Mineral Paint and Dixie Belle. Claire’s CraftHouse, which is run by Claire and her husband Mark, is a retailer for leading furniture craft brands, and the couple are happy to take commissions and advice instore and online on purchases by those keen to learn the art of furniture restyling.
www.clairescrafthouse.co.uk
CELEBRATING A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR SHREWSBURY’S ICONIC FLAXMILL MALTINGS
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Main Mill and the Kiln at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, May 2021
Site owner Historic England has committed to a multi-million pound project to bring the internationally significant Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings back to life. Located in the historic Main Mill – the world’s first iron-framed building and the grandparent of modern skyscrapers – the first office suites will be ready for occupation this year.
More than 25,000 sq ft of converted office space located on the upper four floors of the Main Mill is available to let. Ranging in size from 1,000 sq ft to 6,308 sq ft, the offices will provide an attractive commercial setting, with tenants entering through the impressive Kiln building. The offices retain several period features reflecting the building’s industrial heritage, whilst also providing a modern working environment.
The space has been restored with sustainability to the fore, with features such as natural ventilation, a lowcarbon energy heat source and excellent natural lighting. Car parking will be available at the site, and it will also benefit from integrated cycleway links into the town.
The Main Mill and Kiln at the Flaxmill Maltings will open in 2022, with a visitor experience and café opening on the ground floor.
The restoration of the Main Mill and Kiln at the Flaxmill Maltings is supported by a £20.7 million grant through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding from The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership via its Growth Deal with government, and from project partners Historic England, Shropshire Council and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings. Above: artist’s impression of the fi rst-fl oor o ce space Right: the planned Kiln entrance
© Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Sustainable energy
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As part of Historic England’s commitment to sustainable restoration, a low-carbon energy source in the form of a ground-source heat pump was installed in 2021. The pump will extract heat from the ground How the development will look on completion (artist’s impression) via vertical bore holes, which were created along the line of the former canal tow path by a specialist drilling rig. Natural ground heat will then be absorbed into a circulating agent, which will be carried through buried pipework to be processed through the heat pump plant. The resulting ‘green’ energy will then be utilised by the hot water and heating systems within the Main Mill and Kiln.
The system will provide an estimated 69% of the energy required for the Main Mill and Kiln and reduce the traditional carbon emissions associated with space heating by an estimated 46%.
For more information on the project’s progress, and details on office and venue hire, visit ShrewsburyFlaxmillMaltings.org.uk
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Focus on fireplaces
Home heating specialist RN Williams in St Asaph tells us about some beautiful new stoves
The Everhot electric stove, rrp £1,295
‘‘Blending classic style with modern efficiency, and a 20-litre oven perfect for cooking small dishes, the Everhot electric stove offers an elegant and functional option, in a choice of 20 colours. The stove plugs into a standard 13amp socket – ideal whether you have a traditional fireplace, want to add a splash of colour to a conservatory or bedroom, or are looking for a simple heating solution for a glamping pod, holiday cottage or annex. The quality-engineered steel and cast iron construction will provide heat long after the stove has been turned off.”
Stovax Futura 5 wood-burning stove , rrp £1,345
“With the increased demand for stoves offering excellent efficiency and eco-design ready, we expect the new Stovax Futura 5 to be a popular addition to our range. Featuring a contemporary curved door and expansive viewing window, this stove has versatile appeal and would be suitable in traditional or modern homes. Many additional features including a convector heat system and single air control make this stove a stylish, simple to use, highly efficient option.
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Stovax Futura 5
Middle management
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Mid-Century design has never been so popular, with online searches at an all-time high. And design gurus predict the trend is set to continue through 2022
Atomic Blonde and Telstar cushions, from £42
Searches for ‘Mid-Century’ within the Home & Garden category of Google Trends soared in 2021 as homeowners sought to revamp their homes with the cool stylings made popular in the 1950s and ’60s. Characterised by clean lines and fuss-free design, where function ruled and form followed – not to mention the bold use of colour and pattern – Mid-Century is distinctive movement that has always demanded attention.
Helen Snell, the founder of retro homeware brand 20th Century Cloth, says: “Mid-Century has an enduring appeal. There is a real familiarity to the Mid-Century movement and following all the turmoil of the pandemic, I think people have been yearning to surround themselves with furnishings that bring a level of reassurance and comfort, while also ticking all the boxes when it comes to style.” Helen believes it’s a trend that is going to stick around well into 2022. “There is something simplistic about Mid-Century styling and I think people want a bit of simplicity in their lives. Our homes have become our sanctuaries, our safe places, and people want to create a home where they can truly relax and unwind. Mid-Century has always been my go-to style,” she adds. “It continually inspires me in my own designs, which beautifully bring together the styling of the ’50s with the best of modern British manufacturing.”
Furnishing favourites
Helen’s favourite pieces from her current collection include:
Atomic Blonde retro cushion, from
£42. This design was originally a bestselling dress fabric print, and our customers asked for it as an interior-weight fabric. It features a period-perfect 1950s yellow background with a black and turquoise boomerang motif.
Ventura lampshade, from £46. 1950s-style drum shade featuring tones of green with red and brown highlights on a cream background.
Telstar retro cushions, from £42. Telstar features those favourite 1950s pastel colours, mint green, aqua, yellow and coral pink on a cream background. The design was inspired by Atomic Age imagery.
Twilight lampshade, from £46 (not shown). A Modernist design in dark teal and black with orange and yellow accents.
All available from www.20thcenturycloth.com
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Favoured pastels mint, aqua and coral Ventura shade
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ECO HEATING IS GOOD NEWS FOR CONDOVER… AND SHROPSHIRE
Anew eco-friendly heating system has brought Condover Village Hall into the 21st century, providing what it’s hoped will be an example to other organistions across the region.
Trustees Roger and Sue Nash say: “We wanted to update the Village Hall. It has a high ceiling and was heated by fans and electric convectors which were ineffective and expensive. It was often extremely cold and this was putting people off using the hall. “We wanted not only to improve
the heating but also to try and make a contribution to the Climate Emergency recently declared in Shropshire. “We sought environmentally friendly solutions from local contractors, and were assisted in our choice by CREST, based at University Centre, Shrewsbury. Together, we came up with a ‘net zero energy building’ solution, which combines air-sourced heat pumps with solar panels and battery storage to power them. This has been part-funded with grants from the European Regional Development Fund and support from the local county council.” The installation was completed by iHeat. The Nashes say: “We now have an eco-friendly hall that local people can be proud of. We hope we have provided an Condor’s charming – but chilly! – village hall example of what can be done to help address climate change.”
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The floor and walls were insulated at the same time
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New Homes
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SCRAP THE SCREEN TIME
We all like to enjoy the best of technology when it comes to watching fi lms or gaming at home – but not many of us want a large screen taking over the room
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Television screens have got bigger and bigger over the years and are now a dominant feature in many homes. This is great to add the full cinema experience to a family film night or to get truly immersed in a gaming experience – but not great when you’ve spent time and money getting the look and style you want for your home. Rarely does a huge black screen add design flair to the setting! One Shropshire company has the answer – a range of concealed home cinemas that should suit every style of home.
The experts at Pure Theatre, an established engineering company based in Telford, say: “Whether it’s a self-build, renovation or extension, so much time is spent perfecting the architectural and interior design to create a beautiful home. It’s easy to overlook the important everyday elements such as TVs, games consoles and music. How will these fit in without ruining your beautifully curated rooms?
For every home
“An alternative to installing an obtrusive static TV is to include a concealed home cinema system. Thinking about this integration
early means you could conceal nearly all of the everyday home technology you love.” The home cinema feel is no longer the preserve of those with large “It’s easy to overlook important mansions and dedicated cinema rooms. Small projectors are a everyday fantastic all-round elements entertainment like TV” solution, and teamed with an AV receiver allow you to create a connected system that can play your favourite entertainment channels including Sky, Playstation, Xbox, Bluray and more. Pure Theatre says: “Our concealed home cinema products allow the projector, screen and speakers to recess into your ceiling. With a high-quality flush fitting they are barely noticeable when not in use. At the touch of a button, or a voice command, your projector and screen will seamlessly lower to reveal your home cinema. And afterwards, they can disappear and leave you with an uninterrupted space. Not only are Pure Theatre projector lifts and screens an amazing addition to your home, they are also manufactured right here in Shropshire.” See for youself the latest projectors and speakers with UK-manufactured motorised projector screens and lifts at the Pure Theatre demo room in Telford. Designed to replicate a normal living room, you can see how the projector can cope with light and how the audio will perform with hard floors and no sound-proofing. Experts are on hand to advise and discuss your Transformed at a simple voice command requirements. www.puretheatre.com/concealed-home-cinema
Enjoy the view beyond the screen The discreet projector
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ON THE MOVE? GO LIKE A PRO
If you have a house move coming up and are looking forward to being in your new home at the start of the year, one local company has all the advice you need to make it smooth sailing
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Moving house is stressful, it’s true. But if you plan ahead, it doesn’t need to be too traumatic. Shire spoke to Andrew Porter Ltd, who have been moving families and businesses around Cheshire and the North West since 1973. Their guidelines are a good starting point, leaving you free to focus on what colour to paint your new front door!
A month before… Two weeks before…
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Research removal companies. Start locally and ask to see testimonials. Look for accreditations such as membership of the British Association of Removers: Andrew Porter Ltd is a proud member. Most of our customers come to us after being recommended by their estate agent or friends. Others read our testimonials and contact us for a no-obligations quote and survey. We advise that the company you choose visits beforehand so they have all the right equipment on the day. Once happy, book your removal as early as possible to guarantee the most convenient time and date. Ask about extra services too. At Andrew Porter Ltd, these include insurance, full packing service and even taking up carpets if required.
Take the opportunity to declutter so you’re not moving items
you have no use for. We donate customers’ unwanted items to the charity we support, Derian House children’s hospice. Arrange care for children and pets for moving day. There’s a blog post on our website about preparing children for a move, if you’d like advice. Dismantle any larger items Ask about extras like insurance such as self-assembly furniture or garden sheds.
The day before…
Pack a box of items you will need quick access to once you’re in: a kettle, mugs, tea or coffee, scissors, toiletries, pet food, light bulbs, screwdriver and cleaning products. Defrost fridges and freezers. It’s fine to request references On the day…. Pack your valuables safely and carry them with you. Check nothing has been left. Remember to look in every cupboard in every room!
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…Now to Rhyl
Now to Bed, owned by the Burnet family, has taken the lease of an ex-Carpetright store on the Clwyd Retail Park in Rhyl. At 8,000 sq ft it will be their third and biggest store, adding to the Prestatyn and Llandudno stores. The expansion comes 39 years after Paul Burnet first opened his company, PJ Furnishing Centre, in the town. “I am very pleased at returning to Rhyl after all these years,” he said. …Now to Bed has been trading since 2013, showing steady sustainable growth over that time, with a huge uptake since the successful introduction of an online presence at the start of the pandemic. Online orders accounted for 60% of the company’s turnover in 2020/2021.
Paul added: “The current situation throughout the UK, with many big names closing stores both on high streets and on retail parks, has given us the opportunity to expand our portfolio on to a retail park, which pre-pandemic was unthinkable!” He confirmed the launch date as Monday 27th December, and said the new store has been well supported by suppliers, both in stock lead times and point of sale. “The space
“The will give us the largest display in North and chance to showcase the largest display of branded beds and mattresses in North Mid Wales” and Mid Wales.” For more information see www.nowtobed.co.uk 01745 605495. or call The new store, open now on the Clwyd Retail Park in Rhyl
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HOLLOWAYS
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LIVING Ⅰ DINING Ⅰ GARDEN Ⅰ HOME OFFICE Ⅰ CONSERVATORY
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NEW YEAR, NEW INTERIOR
The new year is always a time to reflect and renew. There’s much to love as the days lengthen, the first green snowdrop shoots appear and we set out afresh with new goals for the year ahead.
A few simple changes – refreshing a garden room for sunnier days, creating a home office to focus the mind, brightening a sitting room with new curtains or using storage to declutter – can transform your home, making it a more serene and calming place to be.
Garden room style
One of the joys of the new year is the tentative signs of life in the garden. While “Hallways are often frosty mornings are perfect for blowing neglected away the cobwebs on a walk, the best place areas to enjoy early spring days is surely the in our garden room. While cane was the historic choice for conservatory furniture, banana homes” leaf and seagrass are more contemporary options. Yoga studio, craft workshop, light-filled dining space… your garden room is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
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Super storage
Decluttering your home sets the tone for the year ahead, clearing the mind and destressing the body. Children’s rooms, groaning under the weight of Christmas toys, and home offices are a great place to start. From upholstered ottomans and clever storage systems to bespoke pieces like the Ardingly (right) – at once a pantry, desk and bathroom cabinet – there are myriad solutions to stay organised and clutter-free.
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The Ardingly cabinet
Make your hall a home
Hallways are often neglected areas in our homes, but this spring, turn yours into a room. Dorset hall stand With statement pieces like the Dorset tall coat stand, hats, coats, dog leads and boots are handy but tidy, and there’s a comfortable seat to pull on your wellies as you head out for a walk.
Hanging a mirror over a console, dressed with pillar candles and foliage, will give this space a fresh new feel for the new year.
Window shopping
For refreshing existing schemes, new curtains are the perfect touch. With thousands of fabrics from design houses like Clarke & Clarke, Sanderson, Jane Churchill and Romo, Holloways’ interior designers will take time to understand your style and send fabric samples to your home. Holloways’ free interior design service will also help you find key pieces like sofas and dining tables, virtually on Zoom or in the showrooms, set in stunning countryside at Lower Court, Suckley, Worcestershire WR6 5DE. www.holloways.co.uk