28 minute read
Homes & interiors
The ultimate viewing experience
HIDDEN HOME COMFORTS
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Embracing period features and architectural quirks is all part of the fun when renovating an older property – but modern living tends to demand some home entertainment too. One Shropshire company has combined the two in a renovation revolution.
Loudspeakers, mood lighting and big screens just don’t sit right alongside oak beams and original sash windows. So when one family started the project of developing their dream home in Shropshire, they took the advice of nearby experts Pure Theatre to look at how to incorporate their home entertainment needs within the period setting. The team explained: “This property is “Seeing the one with character in abundance. Situated screen and on the former Lilleshall Hall Estate, the lift in action, property now sits within the boundaries of the Lilleshall National Sports and Conferencing Centre. With renovations of this kind preserving the original they knew this was the solution” aesthetic is very important. When the owners started looking at converting an old estate building into a living space they had a specific look in mind. Featuring beautifully crafted half wood panelling and a flagstone floor the finished project exudes class. The clever part, though, is its concealed home technology.
Secret screen
“With a view to this becoming the main living room in the property, the owners were keen to install a system that could be utilised every day for television as well as for home cinema. Whilst browsing at the Home Building and Renovation Show they came across the Pure Theatre stand and booked a showroom demonstration for a later date. Seeing the recessed ceiling screen and lift in action
they knew this was the perfect solution. “The finished room includes a projector lift and screen, and everything hides away at the touch of a button, meaning the owners have an elegant period lounge – and also a space to watch their favourite shows and movies. The wood panelling not only looks incredible but hides many of the system elements. Clever use of cabinetry under the front bay window hides all of the AV equipment. Discreet in-wall speakers are neatly in-wall speakers are neatly fixed behind bespoke grilles within the panelling. Teamed with four in-ceiling speakers and an in-ceiling subwoofer the audio quality in the room is second to none. The result is a beautifully crafted period living room with a discretely integrated modern entertainment hub that the owners use every single day.” “If you are currently renovating a period property of your own, get in touch and book a demo to see how to conceal your home entertainment system and preserve the beauty of your living space. To book a demo, visit Discreet speakers The renovated exterior puretheatre.com
Now you see it… now you don’t
WALL TO WALL
Once you’ve styled and selected items for your period home, there is another area crucial to setting the right tone – the wall coverings. Luckily there is no shortage of options, according to interior designer Holly Johnson.
From paint to papers to fabrics, there’s an endless array of options for dressing the walls of your home, depending on the aesthetic you are aiming for – traditional or modern, minimalist or maximalist, soft or bold. “A simple approach would be to use a paint in a heritage colour, such as a deep red or dark green,” says interior designer Holly Johnson, owner of Holly Johnson Antiques. “If you are conscious of your environmental impact, you may want to consider brands such as Earthborn. Earthborn has been developing designer paints for around 20 years, creating a formula that is both breathable and eco-friendly whilst keeping a high-saturated and hard-wearing pigment. In my showroom, I stock their sample pots and have also painted the walls and staircase in an assortment of colours to display finishes and durability.
“Alternatively, consider applying a textured wallpaper to give a warmer, more inviting feel that still holds a simplicity. We often look to suppliers such as Arte and Stereo, as they produce a vast selection of designs, from monochromatic textures to bold three-dimensional, Art Deco inspired prints. If you are wanting to achieve an intricate finish, consider rich tapestries and hand-painted wallpapers, such as those from Watts of Westminster. If budget permits, de Gournay’s hand-woven silk damasks and gilded papers are breathtaking, with exquisite textures and finishes. A fashionable choice is their Badminton design, and we have also used L’Eden, Pine Trees, Wisteria and Temple Newsam. For a Georgian aesthetic, Liberty makes beautiful prints, and also among my favourites are Sanderson, Zoffany and, of course, the iconic William Morris.
Design consultant Holly Johnson
Rich damasks and elegant trim
“Cole & Son is one not to forget, as they are known for their bold, maximalist creations. Their collections range from colourful and floral to those famous modernist designs by Barnaba Fornasetti, whose art brings a playful charm to any room, be it his wallpaper or furniture.
“Heavy curtains in richly coloured damasks with opulent swags As a starting point, settle on your aesthetic will create drama to enrich the look of a bygone era. In contrast, for modern subtlety you may want to consider blinds. Here there are so many variations to be experimented with, not to mention different trims to choose from. I like to include crystal-cut beading as this elegantly catches and reflects the light. Houles and Samuel & Sons are two prolific trim houses that we use a great deal as they supply meticulous and delicate designs.
“At Holly Johnson Antiques, we have extensive experience in advising clients on interior design, specialising in period homes. We also run a bespoke design service for high-end residential properties. More information at hollyjohnsonantiques.com/interior-design
Thoughtful living with MOO and BOOM
Being ethical and eco-friendly is not always an easy task as our high streets and online stores are full of non-planet-friendly wares. However, the smallest steps can help and MOO and BOOM have some great finds that will not only transform your home but are recycled, upcycled or reconditioned.
What is sustainable furniture?
“The most sustainable furniture would be second-hand – it already exists so you are keeping it from landfill and reducing the need to produce new furniture. We recognise that secondhand is not everyone’s first choice, though, so if it is new that is required, then look at eco-friendly materials that have a lower impact on our planet, for example reclaimed wood, recycled steel or aluminum, natural fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp and linen, or recycled fabrics for upholstery.
“Lots of initiatives are now in play to reduce our carbon footprint, including a take-back scheme where you return your old sofa and replace it with a new one, and the old sofa gets stripped back, re-covered and sold again. There’s a repair programme so furniture can be mended, painted and can live another 100 years, and a programme of reforestation
where furniture companies plant above the number of trees sourced so the environment is benefiting. Elizabeth Scarlett cushions “We love second-hand, and if you pay us a visit we always have something in that has been reworked or reupholstered. Layer this with our beautiful soft furnishings – recycled throws, cushions and unique accessories – and you have a sustainable living space. “Visit us at MOO and BOOM, 10A Green End, Whitchurch SY13 1AA. We will be excited to see you and more than happy to discuss your wishlist of thoughtful living items.” mooandboom.com
Hand-crafted and planet-friendly
Bring the beach back
A Welsh fl ooring company has launched a new coastal range, perfect for hanging on to that holiday feeling
When we think of coastal interiors, those blue-striped curtains, anchors and miniature ships are a thing of the past. Coastal themes have moved on and today’s interpretation of beach-inspired interiors is all about creating a relaxing and stylish haven. From floor to ceiling, soft muted colours and wonderful textured layers stand strong.
In a wide range of subtle shades and a beautiful natural texture, Woodpecker Flooring’s Salcombe is the perfect choice of flooring to bring the light and vitality of the seashore into your home. Salcombe is expertly created from engineered wood with seven styles to choose from. From the charms of a rustic beach-house to multi-tonal sanddunes, the assortment of dusky and delicate tones creates a beautifully stylish floor range – the perfect complement to a coastal interior. Many of the boards are specially treated using a process called ‘smoking’, which
perfect choice of flooring to bring the light and vitality of the seashore into your subtly intensifies the tones by awakening the natural home. Salcombe is expertly tannins in the timber, adding a new dimension to floors. created from engineered Darwyn Ker, managing director of Woodpecker wood with seven styles to choose from. Flooring, said: “With quality and style at the fore, our Salcombe From the charms of a rustic beach-house range brings a real sense of coastal beauty, and while there might to multi-tonal sanddunes, the assortment be a real complexity to these boards, the subtle tones create a of dusky and delicate tones creates a welcoming notion of calmness.” beautifully stylish floor range – the Woodpecker is a Welsh family-run business with a heritage in the perfect complement to a coastal interior. timber industry that goes back three generations. Founded by Bruce Many of the boards are specially treated Ker, a skilled craftsman, the tradition is continued today by his son using a process called ‘smoking’, which Nelson and grandson Darwyn. woodpeckerflooring.co.uk
“The subtle tones create a notion of Salcombe Moonbeam Oak from Woodpecker Flooring calmness”
KEEP IT CLEAN
Armed and ready for action
With hayfever season out of the way for another year, the last thing anyone wants is dust around the home prolonging those annoying sni es and itches. Thankfully it’s not hard to tackle, says our cleaning expert.
As autumn flutters in, many of us will be feeling the relief of not having to keep up the seasonal battle with pollen. Allergies can be especially debilitating over the summer – but still troublesome throughout the year for those who suffer more general dust allergies. According to Met Office data, hay fever negatively affects the lives of roughly 10 million people around the UK. Just last month, “If you prefer tech to toil, Google searches for ‘hay fever invest in an symptoms’ spiked by 306 per cent. air purifier However, hay fever season isn’t the only trigger for allergies. Common dust mites, dead skin and even to remove the allergens” animal fur often result in hayfever-like symptoms.
“The best course of action is to remove any triggers,” said cleaning expert Ivan Ivanov, from End of Tenancy. “This means tackling dust within your own home first and foremost. It doesn’t have to be an arduous task.” Here’s Ivan’s cleaning tips to keep your house dust-free.
Get those bed sheets washed
Microscopic dust mites love to nestle into the fibres of the sheets, causing unwanted irritation on the skin. Plus, with the close proximity of the sheet to your mouth, you run the risk of breathing in dust mites, which is unhygienic and a potential trigger point for allergies.
Get the vacuum out
Dust falls into carpet crevices, meaning the only way to avoid a build-up is to vacuum frequently, with special attention to thick carpets. Also consider transitioning to hardwood flooring, as it makes spotting dust a whole lot easier.
Mop it up
If you have a hard floor, a quick once-over with the mop is an effective way of lowering allergy triggers in the home.
Invest in a purifier
If you’re someone that prefers tech over toil, a great addition to the home is an air purifier. Using extremely fine filters, they suck in air and cleanse it to remove any allergen particles.
Dust busting needn’t be a chore
Cover the cracks
Dust can build up inside gaps in the walls or the ceiling. To stop the tide, be sure to try and cover up all the cracks indoors.
Dust like a pro
The secret here is having a damp cloth over a dry one. A dry cloth just disperses dust particles into the air, making allergies a whole lot worse. A damp cloth collects all the dust with ease.
Lift the lint
If you have light fixtures or blinds that are made of a delicate material, put down the damp cloth or vacuum and instead invest in some lint rollers. Designed primarily for clothing, they have a sticky outside surface that lends itself beautifully to removing dust.
end-of-tenancy-london.co.uk
CREATE A SPA OF YOUR OWN YOUR OWN AT HOME
KLAFS and Guncast will oversee the entire project KLAFS and Guncast will oversee the entire project Extend that wonderful summer feeling by creating a luxury experience at home and give your body a boost of warmth whenever you need it at home and give your body a boost of warmth whenever you need it
More common in Scandinavian countries, home saunas are a great way to replicate the relaxation and luxury of your favourite spa days as well as an excellent means of boosting wellness. One Cheshire company has all the experience to help you bring a little Scandi snugness to your home, and has joined forces with German experts to establish a range of facilities that can be admired at its extensive showroom in Knutsford.
Guncast is part of KLAFS, world leaders in the design and installation of sauna and spa facilities. The marriage of one of the UK’s most respected pool suppliers, Guncast, and world-leading German wellness supplier KLAFS means that clients can select from German wellness supplier KLAFS means that clients can select from the most exclusive swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and more. the most exclusive swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and more.
Soothing
Saunas are not only a leisure facility – many people associate them with long-term health benefits and this area of the market is growing as we become more aware of our own wellbeing. Gilles Darmon, director at KLAFS, explains: “We work with an array of private developers as well as directly with clients, and the investment being made into wellness is at record levels. More so than ever, clients are looking to enjoy the complete thermal journey in their home – something that was previously reserved for luxury spas.”
The ‘warming up’ process is well understood, with many clients enjoying sweat-bathing in a sauna or steam room to help detox. However, to get the most out of the experience, the ‘cooling down’ is just as
important, bringing your core body temperature back to normal. Products such as the Ice Lounge, Snow Cabin and STALAGMITE Ice Fountain make the cooling process just as enjoyable and luxurious.
Surprising
At home, wellness is not reserved for large homes with plenty of space. The latest product range takes into account rooms of all shapes and sizes. Gilles continues: “For those with limited space, the KLAFS S1 Sauna is the perfect solution. The S1 Sauna is the first of its kind, and can retract at the touch of a button, like a zoom lens on a camera. When retracted, it is just 60cm deep and no wider than the average closet. Extended, the 1.60metre depth offers plenty of room to enjoy a relaxing sauna.”
Clients are often also surprised by the EASY Sauna – a versatile DIY sauna that can be easily assembled by two people, and plugs into a standard socket. This opens up the possibility of installing a sauna in any room of the house.
Modern styles suit any space or room size
Best in the business
“Our ability to provide clients with every element of a wellness suite in-house sets us apart from other suppliers in the field,” says Gilles. “Rather than liaising with different contacts and A discreet addition to the home A discreet addition to the home project managers, with Guncast and KLAFS, clients have the assurance of one supplier overseeing the entire project, ensuring the final space is cohesive and each element sits harmoniously together. For further information call 0161 358 0840 or visit klafs-uk.com
DITCH THE DEBRIS
Looking to free up some extra space in your home? It’s time to tackle that dark and dusty realm that’s often used as a dumping ground – the garage
We are all guilty of hoarding things we don’t need, if we are honest. Some have sentimental value and can’t be parted with. Some are items bought in error and never returned. And then there’s the projects we never finished – or never even started! We could probably all clear out a few boxes if we put our mind to it, and one place that often ends up as a dumping ground is the garage. By sorting out properly, we could be gaining so much more space that could be used as an extension of the home.
Marie Bateson, volunteers director of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) and owner of Cut the Clutter, became a professional organiser three years ago after re-organising spaces for friends and family and finding a unique job satisfaction. She has shared with Shire some of her top tips to tackle the clutter you really don’t need in your life.
Unused sports equipment
What lies beneath? Lovely uncluttered space!
It’s only convenient to have a personal sporting goods store in your garage if you actually use the equipment. Rather than having it sit collecting dust, Motivator: Marie Bateson recycle it if the equipment is worn or damaged, or donate it if it can still be used. Most local leisure centres gladly accept gently used equipment.
Old decorations
You may want to hang onto your child’s first holiday ornament or the Halloween skeleton that’s past its best, but it all takes up space. There’s no point in storing decades-old decor just to use it once a year. Clear out any item that is damaged or hasn’t been brought out in a few years.
Empty boxes
We are taught as good consumers to keep packaging and paper that comes with big purchases. It’s not a bad idea to save the box your toaster came in or the packaging from a TV – but if you’ve had the items for more than a year, it’s time to get rid. The returns policy has most likely expired, especially if you have been using the item regularly. In many cases, you may only need the proof of purchase or serial number in case of complaint, as packaging is sent out for returns by lots of companies now. So check your warranty and only save what you need. You could reuse the boxes for storing things you are keeping.
Old electronics
If you’ve been holding onto your old VCR or broken record player out of nostalgia, it’s time to let it go. There are plenty of people who will enjoy the antique tech that’s collecting dust in your garage. If anything is valuable, there are many places to donate or sell it – try Vintage Cash Cow. Just because you can see the value in an item doesn’t mean it’s worth the space it’s taking up in your home, though!
Unwanted tools
First sort and categorise. Any rusty or broken items: in the box for recycling. Any duplicates: consider the need for these; most of us have Let it go… two hammers and many screwdrivers. Old power tools you were bought but never use: do you know someone who would use them? (You could always borrow them back then!) Broken strimmers and lawnmowers should go in the recycle pile. And thin down those nails and screws. There are artists that use old metal items, and look online to see if your recycling could go to a good cause or artistic group rather than the local tip. apdo.co.uk and cut-the-clutter.co.uk
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Choose rustic natural materials for sustainability and great style for sustainability and great style
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1. Rupert two-seater leather sofa £1,649.95 (sale price), Cousins Furniture,
Shrewsbury; cousinsfurniture.co.uk 2. Midas dining sideboard £899 (sale price), Stokers Fine Furniture,
Chester; stokers.co.uk 3. Rock Mill tapestry throw £185, Meirion Mill, Machynlleth; meirionmill.co.uk 4. Ewemoo ivory sheep footstool £130; ewemoo.co.uk 5. Vintage Rose lambswool cushion from £60, Melin Tregwynt,
Haverfordwest; melintregwynt.co.uk 6. Colorado magazine rack in waxed rosewood £79, Browns Furniture,
Deeside; brownsfurniture.co.uk 7. Himalayan rock salt lamp £24, Make Your House a Home, Whitchurch; makeyourhouseahomewhitchurch.com 8. Antique dowry chest 38 x 18 x 32cm £95, Wilstone Interiors,
Leebotwood, Shropshire; wilstone.com 9. Wycombe oak-framed armchair £695, Holloways, Suckley,
Worcestershire; holloways.co.uk 10. Nature’s Way teak mushroom side table £179, Shannon Sales,
Wrexham; shannonsales.co.uk 11. Recycled cotton throws £24 each, Moo and Boom, Whitchurch; mooandboom.co.uk 12. Vintage Sofa Company beach ball beanbag £149, Hafren Furnishers,
Llanidloes; hafrenfurnishers.co.uk 13. Wood-fi red ceramic storage jar by Wayne Clark £75, Mostyn,
Llandudno; mostyn.org 14. Pure sheepskin rug from £45, The Rug Retailer; therugretailer.co.uk
Blue is the colour
Carrie and Dave couldn’t be happier with their brand-new kitchen from Abbey Kitchens
We moved here from Lincolnshire in December,” Carrie told us. “My mum’s side of the family are from Shrewsbury, but even so it was a big move for us. When we bought the house, we knew it needed a new kitchen. It was a country-style kitchen originally. I think it was a DIY job – it was very open, there were no cupboards so everything was on display. It was fine but it wasn’t our style.
“We’ve done quite a bit to the house, and in the kitchen everything except the floor has been redecorated! We did think about changing the flooring but it’s actually worked out well.
“Abbey Kitchens is a family-run business, and we went straight to them because we knew of them – in fact, they’re second cousins of mine. Richard came round and took measurements, and then I went into the showroom and they showed me some ideas.
“We didn’t need any structural changes and we kept the sink and oven in the same place. All the fittings were there and it made sense to keep the layout the same. But storage was important as the old kitchen barely had any. I wanted tall units up to the ceiling – I didn’t want dead space at the top, it just gets dusty. And we went for the under-unit lighting, which you need really.
“I love the Shaker style. I chose the colour because I’ve got a thing about blue. I used to have a thing about grey – now it’s blue! I enjoy home decorating and upholstery, and I have a good eye for colour, I think. I’m always changing colour schemes, and I wanted the option to repaint the cupboards in the future, so they are solid wood which is easier to paint than other finishes. We’ve got two corner units and a pull-out larder next to the fridge, all of which are really handy.”
The little details
“There was a big discussion about the cupboard handles. There were so many to choose from! I knew I wanted gold, but not too shiny, and I liked the design of these ones as they’re quite modern.
“We decided on a new oven, hob and extractor hood, which Abbey
Kitchens sourced for us. We chose an induction hob – they’re really good, I had one at the previous house and I wanted the same again. They’re so quick, they get hot straightaway and are very safe to use. I wanted to keep the original Belfast sink but the size didn’t quite work. “The worktop was probably the hardest thing to choose in terms of colour. I wanted something lighter this Carrie wanted more storage space, ceiling-height cupboards – and it had to be blue! time round. This one is travertine, which is like “The worktop and marble and you can put reasonably hot pans on it. Another big advantage is it doesn’t chip on handles took longest the edges. to choose. Handles make a kitchen – they can change the whole look” Satisfied customers “There’s a lot of cupboard space now – I actually struggle to fill it! – and it’s very nice cooking in this kitchen. Abbey Kitchens knew where the best positions were for everything, they definitely they know their stuff. “Once we confirmed what we wanted and the design, we didn’t have to wait long for the installation. We moved in December, I went into the showroom in January and the kitchen was fitted soon after. The installation took a week altogether, including all the electrics and lights, the plastering and everything. We really like the under-cupboard lights, it’s nice to have them on in the evening. It’s a very sociable kitchen, we like the open-plan layout and we spend most of our time in here. “Abbey Kitchens were really good to work with. Roy, our kitchen fitter, did a fantastic job. He was very good with the dog too! The whole thing went very smoothly. The handles and the worktop took the longest to choose. The handles make a kitchen, I think. They can change the whole look. “I would definitely recommend Abbey Kitchens to friends – in fact, I already have done! We’re very happy with their service.”
Abbey Kitchens, 93 Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury SY1 4EO 01743 588656 abbey-kitchens.net
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By the fireside Stylish stoves and accessories to take the chill off autumn evenings
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1. Decorative matches £6.50, Moo and Boom, Whitchurch; mooandboom.com 2. Wall-hanging iron fi reside tool set £65, British Ironwork Centre,
Oswestry; britishironworkcentre.co.uk 3. La Nordica Emiliana stove from £1,619, Ludlow Stoves, Ludlow; ludlowstoves.co.uk 4. Dunsley Avance 500 with log store £1,856, RN Williams, Conwy; rnwilliams.co.uk 5. Le Feu Sky black bio fi replace £1,599, Bright & Shine Stoves, Llanidloes; brightandshine.co.uk 6. Mansion paper briquette maker £16.99, Charlie’s Home and Garden,
Shrewsbury; charlies.co.uk 7. Clearview 750 from £1,980, Clearview Stoves, Ludlow; clearviewstoves.com 8. Cast-iron hot potato cooker £35, Saxon Home Care, Chirk; saxonhomecare.co.uk 9. Copper match holder £15.99, Make Your House A Home, Whitchurch; makeyourhouseahomewhitchurch.com 10. Manor Tanner log basket £30, Wynnstay Country Stores; wynnstay.co.uk 11. Stainless steel ash bucket with leather strap £40.99, Black Country
Metalworks, Oswestry; blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk 12. Ecofan Airdeco 8203 £109, The Stove Company, Wrexham; thestovecompany.co.uk
