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EST. 1920

SHAKE UP YOUR STYLE

BRITAIN’S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGA Z I N E

◆ BE MORE COLOUR CONFIDENT ◆ OUR EXPERT GUIDE TO HALLWAYS ◆ 20 EASY ROOM UPDATES ◆ INSPIRING UPCYCLE IDEAS

Before & Aer

Kitchen & Bathroom Makeovers

Stunning real homes you’ll love

Organising SECRETS

◆ 5-minute tidy-up tricks ◆ Niy ways to sort your kitchen ◆ Clutter-busting must-haves ◆ Inspiring built-in solutions

®

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome Heather Young, Editor dnal.cpe htob ,03£ ,etalp niK ;52£ ,raj eeffoc suR .xoC & xoC ,03£ ,esav blub delkcepS .stcejbO & stsitrA ,yhtraCcM ecarG ,57£ ,esav wobniaR .llaB & worraF ,rtl5.2 rof 35£ ,neerG mooR draC ni llaW TTOCS KRAM HPARGOTOHP SNIKWAD ENIARROL GNILYTS

I think September is my favourite month of the year. We’re often treated to a run of good weather (apologies if I’ve just jinxed it by putting that down in black and white!), it’s my twins’ birthday month, and I’m a sucker for that back-to-school promise of a fresh start. I have fond memories of stocking up on stationery at French supermarkets as a teenager on the way home from our holidays, and the excitement of that haul and all those fresh pages comes back every year.

Forget spring cleaning, September is my month to get organised and tackle all those house jobs I’ve been putting off.

Top of my list this year is a living room makeover. It’s currently the shade of beige we inherited when we moved in 10 months ago, and although it’s liveable-with, I know what a boost I’ll get by putting my own stamp on it. But can I settle on a colour?

Apparently not! I’m struggling. Luckily, we’ve teamed up with Dulux to make picking the right shade easier. Browse for room ideas at idealhome.co.uk, click on ‘View colours’ in any room photo, then a colour that catches your eye, and up will pop the matching Dulux paint name.

Problem solved!

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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September 2021

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18 90 62 Real homes

What’s new

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52 Refresh a garden gate

Add a splash of colour hotel style was the inspo here 54 Kitchen ideas Quick updates An autumn refresh and easy hacks 40 Bold and beautiful Colourful 9 The style editor News artwork and rugs add a vibrant 74 The colour edit Learn how from our favourite shops contrast in this new build to use teal for a beautiful home 11 The design edit 62 Life in colour A light, bright, 89 Enhance your hallway High-end looks on a show-stopping house that’s high-street budget walls Make a picture gallery now full of colour and pattern 13 The shortlist 90 Easy style updates  76 Carefully curated Brass and Stylish screens Best buys and clever tricks velvet add smart contrast to 15 Ideal vs great deal 100 Interior design advice this hotel-chic scheme Businesslike home office style How to create a welcoming hallway for family and guests 16 Wallpaper edit Style & decor Elegant Far Eastern motifs 120 Your easy guide to garden rooms Gain some extra space ONE 32 How to use pattern How to SPOTTHELOGOFOR mix colour and prints for a EASYSWAPSAND perfectly-curated global look Before & after WAYSTOENJOYA 36 Découpage bedroom MORESUSTAINABLE 106 ‘It’s the heart of our home’ furniture Revamp a HOMEANDLIFESTYLE PE A high-spec kitchen was key wardrobe with a new lining

18 In holiday mode Boutique

7 Set the scene for...

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

CONTENTS

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40 54 136

133 Germ-busters for a safe home Bacteria-beating tech bathroom roundup 114 ‘We’ve created the ultimate 135 Multi-purpose worktop machines Top gadgets retreat’ A windowless bathroom gets a luxe revamp Simple pleasures 125 ‘Extending gave us a spacious new kitchen’ A side 136 Simply delicious Healthy return extension gave this recipes packed full of flavour home a more practical layout 143 Somewhere for the weekend A West Country retreat 113 Project news Kitchen and

Simple solutions

128 Genius problem solvers

for a smooth-running life The latest sleep innovations 130 Five-minute tidy-ups Tackle clutter hotspots around the home with ease

Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk

Follow us at twitter.com/ idealhome

Regulars

3 Editor’s letter 60 Subscribe to Ideal Home 150 Brilliant or bonkers?

See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk

Concealed doors

Be inspired at Sign up to our pinterest.com/ newsletter at idealhomemag idealhome.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE! A subscription makes

a great gift or a lovely treat for yourself from just £19.49 for six months. Visit magazinesdirect.com/IHSEP21 IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

Set the scene for…

ANREFRESH AUTUMN Whether it’s a full-on declutter or a quick tidy up, create a calm work space with desk accessories to stay organised, then add a few homely touches. Make time to empty the lists in your head on to paper, get admin tasks ticked off and set intentions for the busy season ahead.

GNILLOC ALEHCIM ERUTAEF

WHERE TO BUY Norton stool/side table, £120; Cowley lamp, £85; White lacquer trays, £75 set of three; Curly sheepskin seat pad, £45; pussy willow wreath, £58; Kubu waste-paper bin, £40; Curly sheepskin bench, £695; round jute rug, £125, all The White Company IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

DUNELM LAUNCH OWN-LABEL DECORATING

Need a full room makeover?

Get inspiration with Decorate & Co-ordinate, Dunelm’s new one-stop-shop range. Each theme, from maximalist Jungle Luxe to pared-back Nature Walk, includes coordinating paints, wallpapers, fabrics and accessories for a cohesive finish. Available online and in 53 stores.

The STYLE EDITOR Michela Colling, Ideal Home’s tastemaker-in-chief, shares her top news from the high street

Fab outdoor fabrics We’ve gained a whole new

appreciation for the garden as an entertaining space in any weather, so an investment in dressing it up will last well beyond the summer. Rather than chuck out tired seat and lounger cushions, why not refresh and renew? Romo’s vibrant range of outdoor fabrics and trimmings features weaves and velvets, tassels and decorative tapes to bring some interior design flair to the garden, while the plush finishes ensure light-fastness, and mould and mildew resistance too.

Jungle Luxe wallpaper, £12 a roll; matt emulsion, £16 for 2.5ltr, all Dunelm Symfonisk picture frame, £179; interchangeable fronts, £17, all Ikea

Outdoor fabrics, from £66.50m; trimmings, from £15.50m, all Romo

Need to know

SPEAKERS IN DISGUISE Ikea and Sonos have continued to

collaborate their design-meetssound expertise with the new Symfonisk picture frame WiFi speaker. Like the bookshelf and lamp speaker in the range, it integrates tech as a piece of art among other frames or propped on a shelf. There are various fronts to suit your decor and it can be connected to other Sonos products.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S NEW ABSTRACT ANGLES

Kyoto pendant light, £235, Alex Price

FLUID FORMS

ARE BORDERS BACK?

Along with stencils and sponged paint effects, borders were all the rage in the 1990s, but Woodchip & Magnolia’s re-invention has made this decorating throwback cool again. Super-sized borders are combined with classic designs to create mini murals. If you don’t want to commit to a full-on wallcovering, paste a fresco to inject a sensational slice of pattern into your space.

Tvingstrup rug, £129, Ikea

We keep seeing...

Wobbly forms

Handmade beauty is reflected in these organic designs SCULPTED SILHOUETTE Hebe table lamp, £189; Hebe shade, £89, both Ferm Living at Heal’s

CRAFTED CURVES

Hand-blown glass carafes, £34.99 each; tumbler, £8.99, all H&M

Nidra border in Green, £99; Moss emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, both Woodchip & Magnolia

PETAL POWER Floret serving bowl, £50, Sophie Conran

Emma Bridgewater Garden Birds in Multi roller blind, from £34.80, Blinds 2Go

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Emma Bridgewater at Blinds 2Go The iconic and unmistakable patterns of Emma Bridgewater, already displayed on many a kitchen dresser or breakfast table, are now available for your windows at Blinds 2Go. The collection features her most recognisable modern classics, such as Starry Skies and Figs, along with new country beauties Lemons and Sweet Pea. Emma says, ‘We enjoy bringing old favourites out of the archives. Figs, for example, is a pattern I love to re-interpret after all these years – it is as unstoppable as Jaffa Cakes!’

Lemons in Yellow roller blind; Figs in Green roller blind, both from £34.80, Blinds 2Go

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

WHAT’S NEW

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GNILLOC ALEHCIM ERUTAEF

THE DESIGN EDIT

Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend...

WHERE TO BUY 1 Glass pendant light, £79.99, H&M Home 2 Abstract canvas, £90, Next Home 3 Patchwork cushion cover, £29.99, Zara Home 4 Amber bubble wine glass, £5, Dunelm 5 Large Mustard vase, £44, An Artful Life 6 Camelia glazed bowl, £16, Att Pynta 7 Aarya chenille rug, £125, French Connection Home

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

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I’m handmade with sungkai wood

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE Candace cane curved screen in Black, £698, Cielshop Interiors

MID-CENTURY GLAMOUR Domkapa Lavinia folding screen, from £1,150, Sweetpea & Willow

DIAGONAL WEAVE Masaya rattan divider screen, £250, La Redoute

THE SHORTLIST

STYLISH SCREENS Use a stylish screen to

WASHED WOOD Carved geometric screen, £275, Cox & Cox

define an area or create a little privacy in a shared living space

BOTANICAL INSPIRED Harper room divider, £105, Cuckooland

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I can be recycled

TNARRUD EINAHPETS ERUTAEF

DECORATIVE DESIGN Dutchbone Rumour room divider, £199, Naken Interiors

URBAN APPEAL Hiba industrial style metal screen, £199, La Redoute

CLEVER CUT-OUTS Palmeira openwork pine screen, £132, Maisons du Monde IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL

Turn your work station into a welcoming office space by combining smart industrial style with metallic accents CLOCK IN Hadley wall clock in Grey and brass, £59, Cult Furniture

FACE VALUE Arne brass dial analogue wall clock, £40, John Lewis & Partners

PLUSH VELVET Flynn office chair in Elm Green velvet, £199, Made

GOLD ACCENT Marco office chair in Forest Green, £120, Habitat

TOUCH WOOD Magazine holder in warm walnut, £80, iwoodesign

ECO OPTION Magazine file in bamboo, £4, Wilko

STASH AWAY Black wire round basket, £12, Dunelm

TO THE WIRE Farringdon waste paper bin, £25, Garden Trading

INAZZAF ASIL ERUTAEF

SHINE A LIGHT Cairo table lamp in Black, £327, Lime Lace

CLASSIC CABINET A3 Series multidrawer cabinet in Black, £214, Bisley

INDUSTRIAL EDGE Brooklyn desk, £729.99, Oak Furnitureland

SLIMLINE SET Helmer Black drawer unit on castors, £29, Ikea

RIGHT ANGLE Apennin matt Black table light, £20, B&Q

COMPACT CHOICE Bronx storage desk, £275, Next Home

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

The Wallpaper Edit

FAR EAST

Take inspiration from Asian culture with designs depicting Japanese architecture, elegant crane birds and cherry blossoms

WARM GLOW Stylised crane birds flying high against an orange sunset, with accents of red, black and gold, provide an atmospheric vibe.

Birds of Happiness, £175 a roll, Mind the Gap

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

TRANQUIL GARDEN Inspired by the beauty of traditional Japanese art, this hand drawn landscape lends an elegant feel.

Indigo Garden in Grey-Green, £64 a roll, Borastapeter at Wallpaper Direct

FLORA & FAUNA Loy cranes and delicate cherry blossoms are highlighted against a dark background for dramatic effect.

Sublime Japan, £16.95 a roll, Graham & Brown at Homebase

BOLD REPEAT A symbol of luck and longevity across Asia, soaring cranes on a cool mint background have a contemporary feel.

Ogata Kuren in Mint Green, £40 a roll, Lust Home

TNARRUD EINAHPETS ERUTAEF

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LUXE LANDSCAPE Be transported to Tokyo with painted pagodas and majestic peacocks in deep navy and teal with gold highlights.

Edo Toile in Navy, £65 a roll, Graham & Brown

HALL FLOOR Moroccan tiles surround a practical built-in doormat

Love LESLEY’S STYLE?

Turn to page 31 to shop the look

In holiday mode Lesley and Rupert Sykes took inspiration from boutique hotels when reconfiguring their Victorian home, bringing a sense of comfort and relaxation all year round

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Living room

Clever use of colour is a hallmark of this home. Here, the palestof-pale-blue walls perfectly show off the dusty pink sofa and chartreuse armchair.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Vittsjo nest of tables, £45, Ikea.

Carolina Black bamboo side table, £103.20, Buyfair, is similar

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Welcome to my home Lesley Sykes, a client relations director for a global travel company, lives here with husband Rupert, a property developer and interior designer for hotels, and their sons William, six, and Finn, three.

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SECOND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

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GROUND FLOOR SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Cape Town, South Africa.

THE VALUE Similar houses in the area sell for around 10mZAR (£511,000).

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Our main aim was to create a flow between indoors and out

H Take a quick tour...

THE PROPERTY A

aving met 10 years ago while living in London, Lesley and Rupert Sykes dreamed of returning to their homeland of South Africa.

Investing in a Victorian property near Lesley’s parents in Cape Town allowed Rupert to follow his passion for property developing and Lesley to launch a career in travel. Together they also started a hotel interior design business (sykesdesign.wixsite.com/mysite).

‘We were hoping to find a property near the sea that we could put our own stamp on,’ says Rupert, ‘the more run down the better.’ Their two-storey terraced house had a traditional layout with little flow and natural light. However, Rupert had experience of re-designing similar properties in London. ‘Our vision to open up the house and maximise the space to create a modern family home required a lot of lateral thinking,’ he says.

‘Particularly as the house had been largely untouched for 40 years.’ Grobler Architects (groblerarchitects.co.za) collaborated on the project. This included extending the ground floor to create an open-plan living room and kitchen-diner, plus a family room and playroom around a decked courtyard.

On the first floor a secluded guest suite leads to a pool and roof terrace. ‘We wanted our visiting friends to have a degree of independence but still feel like part of the family,’ says Lesley. ‘Another guest suite and home office were fitted into the roof space, thanks to a sensitively designed roof mansard extension.’

Rupert and Lesley live in a part of the city that is quite built up, so devising ways to create privacy without compromising on aesthetics was important.

Where possible they installed wooden ceilings in outside areas to create warmth, as well as green walls.

Their experience in hotel interior design – they’ve completed two in recent years – has certainly influenced their own home. ‘Why would you deny yourself that holiday feeling every day in your own home?’ says Lesley. ‘Life is too short.’

REAL HOME

Living room

Rupert has employed a number of clever ways to zone different areas in an open-plan space, be it with a rug, an accent wall or a kitchen island.

BUY THE KEY PIECES London armchair in Turmeric velvet, £499, Swoon, is similar. Leopard print cushion, £28, I am Fy; and Vivaraise Fara cushion in Bronze, £30, Amara, would work here

UTILITY ROOM Makes use of an awkward understairs area

ISLAND BOOKSHELF Provides space for recipe books

Kitchen

White epoxy resin floors and Caesarstone Carrara marble countertops contrast with the charcoal kitchen cabinets.

BUY THE KEY PIECES A similar sized kitchen by Pluck would cost from £15,000. The September bar stool in Cognac leather, £442, Royal Design, is a similar alternative

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

A living garden wall (seen through the window) was created to soften the look of the boundary walls

Playroom

William and Finn’s space was future-proofed to evolve into another guest suite in time, with some of the back yard utilised for an en-suite bathroom.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Blue Stars beanbag, £25, Dunelm. Super Shadows Little League art print, from £13, I am Fy, would work here. Havana Green rug, £89.99, Woven, is similar

Dining area

The back wall has been transformed with a coat of black paint, creating a moody, dramatic atmosphere, ideal for evening entertaining.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Corinna 12 seat oak dining table, £749, Made, is comparable. Black leg Eames DSW chair, £39, Pash Classics, is a good match

We chose a soft muted colour “palette and luxurious gold, brass and solid oak finishes to give our home a contemporary feel within its traditional shell” 23 IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

The wet room is tucked away behind the vanity unit

Main bedroom

Different floor finishes here demarcate the en suite from the sleeping area; well-loved vintage suitcases work brilliantly as a bedside table.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Hot Pink Birds of Paradise Indian bed quilt, £135, Trouva, is an alternative. Cheetah cushion, £95, Emma J Shipley, would work here

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En-suite shower This double shower wet room has been cleverly designed with a skylight above, which also helps with ventilation.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Eglise Amiens floor tiles, £39sqm, Claybrook, have this look. Lismore Essential chrome thermostatic shower set, £104.99, Bathroom Mountain, is similar

For a long time, this “ house felt like a labour of love that would never end, but we’re happy we could put our stamp on it” SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

VANITY UNIT Oak finish feels more like bedroom furniture

Main bedroom

Clever design elements are found everywhere, not least the wall of the en suite that affords privacy while the other side is utilised as a double vanity.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try RAK Joy basin unit, £436.34; and Vitra Integra mirror cabinet, £438.20, both Bathroom Planet

Children’s bedroom

‘I designed the boys’ room to house a custom-made bunk bed – the steps up to the top bunk are also storage drawers for their toys,’ says Lesley.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Sweet Dreams States triple sleeper bunk bed, £399, Bed World, is an alternative. Try Korting Kids road map rug, £85.50; and Digna geometric single duvet cover, £35, both La Redoute

WALL LIGHT A practical space saving solution

REAL HOME

Throughout the house, slight recesses offer the opportunity for displaying a favourite book or framed print

Bathroom

Glass walls and a skylight give the bathroom a sense of generous elegance while old family photographs personalise the space.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Cotto Cube floor tiles, £57sq m, Porcelain Superstore. Arezzo brushed brass thermostatic shower pack, £479.95, Victorian Plumbing, is a match

Bathroom

The modernity of the slick marble basin is offset with soft pink walls and a trio of antique mirrors.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Tennessee Carrara marble double washbasin, £1,631.15, Riluxa, has this look. Lusso luxe basin mixer in brushed gold, £275, Lusso Stone, would work here

Victorian houses are not “known for having good storage so we had to dream up inventive ways of creating more space” IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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REAL HOME Thoughtfully placed windows allow the stairs to be flooded with light

Loft office

Guest bedroom

Tucking a bed into the gap between fitted wardrobes is a clever visual reversal of the usual alcoves either side of a chimney breast.

BUY THE KEY PIECES The Alderton lampshade, £25, Made is a match. For similar cushions, try Designers Guild

To make the most “ of storage possibilities by utilising every nook and WHAT I’VE LEARNED

cranny. I also love recessing my TVs into the wall so they look neat and tidy

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

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Every inch of space has been put to work including the eaves of the roof, where a home office has been created without compromising on light.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Coloured vintage rug, £1,248, Rug Vista, is similar

REAL HOME

Make it work for you LESLEY’S STYLE: TOWNHOUSE CHIC

MY GO-TO STORES… ● DESIGNERS

TNARRUD EINAHPETS ERUTAEF

GUILD A great range of wallpapers and fabrics in rich colours and beautiful patterns. ● JAMBO IMPORTS A wonderful selection curios and handicrafts from local artisans and community projects. ● PASH CLASSICS A wide selection of iconic replica mid century pieces.

Black accents are styled with fresh pink and citrine, while angled velvet seating and copper pendants add a glam edge Colourful furniture adds warmth to black accents

MODERN CLASSIC Stanley hammered copper pendant, from £395, Original BTC

WILD SIDE Panther cushion, £48, Amara

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TIMELESS WITH A TWIST Nova antique rug, from £74, Next Home

STYLIST’S NOTE

Break up a large open-plan space with a change in flooring to zone different areas STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

SERENE GREEN Porter armchair, £329, My Furniture

PLAYFUL ELEMENT Sena pineapple jar, £58, Homebody Decor

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RUSTIC CHIC Carolina table, £159.99, Wayfair

A SHOT OF BLUSH Cafe Concept cappuccino mugs, £18 for two, Very

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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STYLE & DECOR

HOW TO USE PATTERN STYLE SECRETS

Embrace your inner nomad with a considered mix of pattern and colour, paired with natural materials and rich textures to create a well-travelled look

BOLD BORDER Using a trim the width of your seat pad creates a smart edge Window seat cushion upholstered in Popple Green linen, £140m, Fermoie. Trimmed in Pop Art Green border, £111.50m, Kit Kemp at Christopher Farr Cloth. Palopo Flamingo cushion (left), £200, A Rum Fellow. Square cushion made in Day Green linen, £143m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Rus coffee jar (used as vase), £25; Kin plate, £30, both epc.land

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Play with pattern

A statement design on a trim adds a vibrant edge to a seat pad, while cushions in different patterns add to the visual impact.

Wall painted in Card Room Green modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Wall hanging in Rick Rack Hot Pink, £270.50m (double width), Kit Kemp at Christopher Farr Cloth. Large Slowcoach sofa in Oyster White clever linen, £2,065, Loaf. Cushions (from left): Corde Pistache large, £72, Dar Leone; square, made in Day Green linen, see opposite; Maroc Seafoam, £110, Rapture & Wright; Belge Hot Pink, £176.50, Christopher Farr Cloth; Jute Natural, £75, Rose & Grey. Barker Emerald occasional table, £1,850, Sebastian Cox. Vod vase, £95; Rus jar, £25, both epc.land. Taru footstool, £887, Ligne Roset. Keepsake coffee table, £495, Loaf. Coral bowl, £12.50; Organic Circle vase, £38, both Rose & Grey. Hikira Green rug, £1,620, A Rum Fellow

SWITCH UP A reversible wall hanging will give you an easy ‘change-up’ to your scheme

Choose a simple background

A white linen sofa arranged with curated cushions offers the perfect backdrop for varied pattern. Adding another print via a wall hanging forms a pleasing focal point.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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EASY ART Wallpaper or fabric makes the most wonderful inexpensive graphic prints

Frame the space

Puzzle Green wallpaper, £95.50m, Neisha Crosland at Christopher Farr Cloth. Ribba White frames, £6 each, Ikea. Anders wall light, £895, Pinch. Cubo sideboard, £549, Dwell. Alp vessel 510 Small, £210, Alp Design.

Large Rock jug in Blood Orange, £205, The Conran Shop. Mo White deep dish, £60, epc.land. Scalloped rectangular jute rug with Chrysanthemum border, £395, Tate & Darby

Statement wallpaper with a large scale design brings a touch of eye-catching drama to a room. The clean lines of the white cabinet add to the contemporary flavour of the space and ensures the room still feels calm, even though the pattern is bold.

STYLE & DECOR (From top, clockwise) Belle-De-Nuit Fuchsia wallpaper, £103m, Raoul Dufy archive at Christopher Farr Cloth. Luna fabric in Oyster Pink, £162m, Molly Mahon. Ombre fringe in Hot Pink, £103m, Christopher Farr Cloth.

Popple Green linen, £140m, Fermoie. Pop Art Green border, £111.50m; Marimba Grass wallpaper, £92m, Neisha Crosland; Azteque Green linen, £143m, all Christopher Farr Cloth. Decorative Coral bowl, £12.50, Rose & Grey. Recubed Green ceramic tiles, £8.75 each, Smink Things. (Background) Pandan wallcovering, £172 a roll, Arte

VIBRANT FINISH Trims and tassels add an extra layer to the scheme.

Mix and match

Choose fabrics and wallpapers in shades of fuchsia and emerald to create a space that both soothes and energises.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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STYLE & DECOR

Combine vivid prints

Striking motifs on fabric and wallpaper, in a heady mix of pink and red, evoke a sultry feel.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Osborne fabric, £110m, Blithfield. Iznik wallpaper in Madder Pink, £24m, Rapture & Wright. Aloki side table, £140, La Redoute. Ceramic caddy, £550, Claudia Rankin.

Indus print rug, £1,495, Graham & Green

TTOCS KRAM SHPARGOTOHP SNIKWAD ENIARROL GNILYTS SPILLIHP YKCIN ERUTAEF

STAPLE PIECE Keep the intensity of colour similar and break up the density with a neutral side table

Wave headboard, £590, David Seyfield; covered in Kandilli Pink Multi, £195m, Anna Spiro at The Fabric Collective. Holkham side table, £150, The White Company. Lillee lamp, £88; green block shade, £58, both Pooky. All white bedlinen, from a selection, The White Company. Selina single quilt in Emerald, £160, Shenouk. Pink bolster cushion in Delta II Candy, £47.70m, Linwood. Frilled cushion in Torbay handblocked print in Pink, £96m, Schumacher. Curtain in Totto Stripe in Radish, £48m, Tori Murphy at The Fabric Collective.

Chunky rug, £430, Molly Mahon

Create a happy sleep space

Add pops of pattern around the room – on a headboard, curtains and a throw – but keep walls and bedlinen white or neutral to balance the look.

PLAYFUL PRINTS Try to mismatch your pattern, choosing colours from the same palette rather than prints

STYLE & DECOR

BEDROOM FURNITURE DECOUPAGE…

Give a wardrobe a heritage feel

TNARRUD EINAHPETS ERUTAEF

TOP TO BOTTOM Use the same paper to line the drawers. Simply cut to size and put in the bottom – no need to stick down

Pattern play

Larsson grand wardrobe in Sage, from £2,750, Neptune

Update a pre-loved wardrobe by lining the backboard with wallpaper. Remove any shelves or rails to make it easier to apply. A classic Morris pattern teamed with painted wood lends a heritage feel. Alternatively, pick a contemporary geometric design matched with natural wood grains for a mid-century look.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Bold and beautiful Colourful artwork and rugs bring a bright contrast to the concrete floors, grey brickwork and black panelled ceilings of Emma and Simon O’Meara’s new-build coastal home

MESH BASKET Makes for interesting 3D wall art

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Open-plan kitchenliving area

Having an easy flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas works well for family life. The rug almost feels like a piece of art on the floor.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Arty Multi rug, £927, Rug Vista, would work. Try Arna wire wall art, £79.95, Nkuku

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY

A three-bed detached modernist new build in Barwon Heads, near Melbourne, Australia.

THE VALUE Emma O’Meara, an interior styling assistant, lives here with her husband Simon, a plumber, and their two children Leni and Ginger.

D Take a quick tour...

ENSUITE MAIN BEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR KITCHEN GARAGE

BATHROOM

DINING AREA LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

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GROUND FLOOR SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

The land and build cost Aus$780,000 (£427,850).

It’s now worth around Aus$1.9m (£1.04m).

“

We wanted to create a home that looked cool but felt loved and lived in

”

eciding to build a home and raise a family in the buzzy Australian coastal town of Barwon Heads paid off for Emma and Simon O’Meara.

Having spent 15 years as locals, they found a plot of land in 2011 and six months later were the proud owners of a striking modernist home.

‘I always knew I wanted a black house,’ says Emma.

‘It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally love a strong and dramatic exterior. It makes it really easy when giving directions on how to find us too!’

The large deck positioned off the kitchen, featuring low-maintenance succulents and native plants, is used all the time. ‘When the sun hits that deck of a morning, you’ll find me there with my magazine and coffee,’ she says. ‘It’s a great spot to chill out while the girls play.’

Emma has added colour to the backdrop of concrete floors and earthy cypress boards. ‘I love to pop just a little colour into a space, to make it come alive,’ she says.

‘Having chosen good basic materials for the house means I can change up the style with soft furnishings very inexpensively. I love investing in larger, more expensive pieces, but then equally I love finding a car boot sale bargain. It’s the mix that makes it interesting.’

Despite its summery beach location, the house works well in winter too, with a roaring fire in the living room.

‘Even though we love our house in summer, we still beachcomb throughout winter,’ says Emma. As strong advocates for building your own home, the pair would happily embark on another project. ‘We’d always lived in prebuilt structures – living with decisions that had already been made for us, or simply renovating an existing house,’ says Emma. ‘We found it incredibly liberating to have the final say over every single aspect of our home, and tailoring it to our exact needs.’

REAL HOME

was to have “roomOurformotto a growing family, that still allowed each one of us space without being under each other’s feet”

Dining area

White porcelain lights contrast with the black ceiling and allow the rug to dominate.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Yolo walnut extending dining table, £899, La Redoute, has this look.

Larger Goodhew pendant, £126, Pooky, is a similar style

CONCRETE FLOOR Try a micro cement topper for an exact colour

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

43

“

The black exterior was the first thing we decided on, while concrete floors and breeze blocks were materials we’d dreamed of using

”

CONCRETE WORKTOP Overhang allows for stools on two sides

Kitchen

A brightly coloured canvas

by Ali McNabney-Stevens decorates the wall. ‘I also love my pantry door painted in blackboard paint where I can write reminders,’ says Emma.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Vitra Hal High bar stool, £264, Heal’s, is similar. For colourful artwork, try Los Angeles Fine Art Print, from £75, Kitty McCall

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Living area

BLACK CEILING Makes this a more cosy, cocooned space

‘We love the finish of breeze blocks. They don’t show marks like painted walls, and come alive when a punch of colour is applied, like this canvas by Clare O’Donoghue.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Rainbow ink colourful abstract canvas, £115, Surface View, would work here.

Fairtrade recycled plastic basket, £15.50, RE Found Objects, is similar

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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LIVING WALL Cut holes for displaying succulents

Sun trap and decking

The late morning sun floods this part of the garden. ‘We use this space a lot,’ says Emma. ‘The kids can often be found out here, playing puzzles.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Driade Roly Poly armchair in Ochre, £422, Made in Design.

Monks concrete plant pot, £155.99, Wayfair, is similar

46

Living area

A favourite spot to perch is on the dramatic concrete hearth. ‘The velvet mustard chair was a lucky second-hand find,’ says Emma.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Baron armchair, £439.99, Woods Furniture, is a good match. Braida jute lampshade in Natural, £150, Vaunt Design, would work here

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Living area

Love EMMA’S STYLE?

Turn to page 50 to shop the look LOG STORE Fluorescent paint adds a hit of colour

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow light to fill the room, while making the garden feel like an integral part of the styling. ‘The succulents and yuccas contrast well against the black exterior.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Coffee table in resin and black, £215.50, Maisons du Monde, is similar

sure I’ve aspired to “anyI’monenotstyle.

I just collect pieces that speak to me, and that I know will work with what I already have” IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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PENDANT LIGHT DUO Hang at different levels to add interest

We would take a “ little longer on the planning side. Although it was WHAT I’VE LEARNED

a seamless build that ran to schedule, I would have loved to have spent more time on the amount of light entering the house from the front

”

Black panelling echoes the exterior of the house, with brightly patterned bedding creating a stark contrast.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Scion Lintu Marina duvet cover, £52, Amara. Sunburst cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners, is a good match.

Edge Air bedside table in Black, £189, Royal Design, would work

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

YAWKOOH DRAHCIR SNALP NEERG AILUJ GNILYTS BIBAH ELLEMRA SHPARGOTOHP NOSLIW NERAK ERUTAEF

Main bedroom

REAL HOME PANELLING Random spacing creates a contemporary feel

A colourful entranceway sets the tone.

Emma made the birdcage light

PINK FLEX Makes a feature out of something normally hidden

Bedroom

Ginger loves her pretty and whimsical bedroom, which features handmade paper garlands.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Wire cage novelty lampshade in Blue, £19.99, Wayfair, has this style. Party Pieces has similar paper lantern lights, from £2.99. Melissa metal bed frame, £124.99, Memory Foam Warehouse, is similar

Bathroom

‘We used wooden offcuts for the door knobs,’ says Emma. ‘They’re just long pieces of untreated scrap wood that were glued on but look very effective.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Pegase Grey terrazzo washbasin, £185, Tikamoon, has this look. House Doctor Kalyan stool, £55, Royal Design, would work here

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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REAL HOME

MY GO-TO STORES…

● KIP & CO Cool

and colourful, bedding and textiles in punchy patterns, find them at Antipodream. ● FENTON & FENTON Great for eclectic colourful pieces. It’s where I got my arty rug for the dining area. ● CRATE EXPECTATIONS Great colourful throws, cushions and accessories.

Make it work for you EMMA’S STYLE: URBAN LOOK,COASTAL OASIS

The dark canopy of the ceiling and cool concrete floors have been brought to life with bold shots of colour in textiles and artwork COLOUR SPLASH Sombre canvas print, £100, John Lewis & Partners

Add warmth to a darker scheme with punchy colour

NATURAL CONTRAST Kerun pendant, £125, Nala Lighting

UPCYCLED INITIATIVE Criss cross woven basket, from £25, YGN Collective

“

STYLIST’S NOTE

”

Keep the style seamless with bracket-free storage, whether it’s display boxes or classic floating shelves

TEXTURAL CHECK Sage and Clare Zelie Soutache cushion, £69, Antipodream SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

HARD WIRED Bangor wired side table, £99, La Redoute DEEP COMFORT Althea fabric love seat, £1,099, Swoon at Very

GNILLOC ALEHCIM ERUTAEF

50

MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

STYLE & DECOR

GARDEN GATE REFRESH A…

Spruce up a side entrance with a joyful splash of colour

BRING IT UP TO DATE Don’t forget the hinges and handles; paint them or replace for a smart new look

Gate painted in Orange Aurora intelligent exterior eggshell, £36 for 1ltr, Little Greene

Create a warm welcome

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

GNILLOC ALEHCIM ERUTAEF

Give your garden gate as much love as the front door.

Whether it’s wood or metal, sand it down to create a smooth finish. Start with a primer on untreated surfaces, or for those previously painted, an undercoat. For a matt look, choose exterior eggshell, or gloss for a lacquered result.

KITCHEN IDEAS STYLE SECRETS

Take your space from dull to delightful in minutes with these quick style and storage solutions, easy upcycles, clever hacks and simple paint transformations

Stencil numbers in the corners with black paint

Upcycle an old window frame

Create a noticeboard by fixing cork tiles on to the back of an old frame using a glue gun or strong tape.

Screw hooks into the bottom edge for mini buckets and fix to the wall with picture hooks.

Window frame, £30, Symonds Salvage.

Natural cork wall tiles, £9.37 each, Portuguese Treasures. Number stencil, from a selection, The Stencil Library. Bulldog clips, £5.50 for three; buckets, £1.50 each, all Hobbycraft. Glazed ceramic pot, £30, Rose & Grey. Herringbone pizza board, from £39; floor cloths, £3 each, Willow & Stone.

Black metal basket, £10, Homebase

STYLE & DECOR

Use waterproof chalkboard labels or make your own clay swing tags

Wire shelves, £125, Graham and Green. Storage jars, from a selection at Habitat, The White Company and Anthropologie. Vintage cutlery, £26 for a set of six, RE. Rosa linen napkins, £8.99 each, LinenMe

Label your containers

Decanting your cooking supplies into jars yields a certain amount of satisfaction and makes it easy to spot if you are running low on ingredients, too. Why not mix up a variety of styles for a relaxed feel?

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

55

STYLE & DECOR

Create symmetry by hanging in pairs

Mount baskets on the wall

Wall in Dark Lead absolute matt emulsion, £43.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Baskets, £21.95 each, Little House Shop. Bowl, £39.95; chopping board, £12.95, both Nkuku. Tea towel, £13, So Just Shop. Betty vase, £70, Oggetto.Plates, from a selection, Denby

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Keep your kitchen surfaces clutter free by hanging a group of wire baskets on the wall. Use to display cookbooks, spice jars and condiments or to keep utensils handy.

Paint a blackboard

Use blackboard paint on the strip of wall above an open shelf up to the ceiling for a touch of café chic. Chalk on motivational quotes or family mottos.

Give a classic cream and oak kitchen a shot of sophistication by adding pops of black

Holland Park chairs, £395 each, Ercol. Esbjorn chair, £70; Lack shelf, £19, both Ikea. Preserving crock, £75, Homebarn. Baskets, £28 each, Bodie and Fou. Gallery clock, £125, Newgate Clocks

Sandshult brackets, £3 each; Bershult shelves, £35 each, all Ikea. Splashback in Rough sawn wood, from a selection; painted in Valspar Norwegian wood stain L10BW18D, £21 for 1ltr, both B&Q. Accessories, from a selection, Daylesford, Folk Interiors and Rowan & Wren

A neutral palette creates a soothing feel and sits well with store cupboard ingredients

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Add a splashback

Pimp up your kitchen on a budget by using stained wood as a splashback and simple Ikea open shelving to create a rustic-style display for all your essentials.

STYLE & DECOR

Plant an indoor herb garden in jars attached to rustic floorboards

MOC.BUHTNETNOCERUTUF SHPARGOTOHP SPILLIHP YKCIN ERUTAEF

Create bespoke herb holders

Wrap metal cable ties around the neck of a jar, leaving enough slack to slip over a cup hook screwed into a floorboard.

Add gravel for drainage before adding soil and herb seeds.

Jars, £5 set of six, Hobbycraft. Stainless steel cable ties, £8.69; cup hooks, from £1.99 for pack of 20, all Amazon. Chalk pen, £1.50, Hobbycraft. Weathered counter stool, £225, Cox & Cox. French linen tea towel, £16, Labour & Wait IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Life in colour Living in her new home for two years gave Emily Murray time to plan meticulously for its transformation from bland and beige to a show-stopping house full of pattern and light

Love

EMILY’S STYLE? Turn to page 72 to shop the look

62

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Kitchen

‘Bespoke cupboards conceal anything we want out of sight.

We haven’t packed the open shelves with too much, to give our possessions room to breathe.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Flora pendant, £410, Rothschild & Bickers. Brass pull bar handles, £64 each, Buster + Punch. Mandy rattan planter stand, £89 for two, Made, would work here IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

63

Welcome to my home Emily Murray, an author couple bought the and content creator, lives property in 2017. here with her husband We’ve got the Euan, a sustainability best of both worlds CEO, and their sons Oscar, 11, and Zac, eight. – views over

“

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom Edwardian semi in Southeast London. The

D Take a quick tour...

BEDROOM

DINING AREA

KITCHEN BEDROOM UTILITY ROOM

FAMILY ROOM SHOWER ROOM

SECOND FLOOR STUDY BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

MAIN BEDROOM

GROUND FLOOR

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FIRST FLOOR SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

London to the front and rambling woodland at the back

”

espite moving to Edinburgh to be near my parents when our boys were babies, we never intended to leave London for good,’ says Emily. ‘And once they could walk and talk, we were ready to come home. We looked at properties in our old North London stomping ground, but anything we liked was more than we could afford. Friends suggested we venture across the river, where we found Honor Oak. This house backs onto a five-acre private woodland, shared with neighbours, so we knew we had to check it out. When we first viewed it, the house was bland and half-finished, but the incredible views over the city and the warm community vibe sold it to us immediately.

‘Our home in Edinburgh had been full of colour, whereas this felt like a sea of beige. The layout didn’t work for us either. It was a rabbit warren of poky rooms and narrow halls. The previous owners had extended to fit a kitchen, which, although not to our taste, was at least functional. We knew there was a lot of work, but we felt we could make something really special.

‘We got started on the front living room straight away, ripping out the laminate and sanding the boards beneath. The room has a gorgeous marble fireplace that deserved period embellishments, so we restored the cornicing then painted the room in a rich blue shade.

At the time, I needed at least one room to look presentable as I had a shoot coming up for work! But I’m glad we started with this room then took the time to think about the main body of the house.

‘Restructuring the property was certainly the biggest challenge. We worried that it wouldn’t be worth all the expense and effort, and agonised about it for two years. Looking back, I’m so pleased we waited because it gave us time to live in the house and thoroughly plan exactly what we wanted. I’ve recorded it all @pinkhouseliving. We finished all the work just before the first lockdown, which was such a relief. Now I’m so happy with how it’s turned out.’

REAL HOME

MARBLE WORKTOP Long lasting and so elegant

Kitchen

‘I created my own shade of paint with Mylands inspired by these tiles, called Pink House Pink.

We’ve used it on the first-floor doors and the hall cupboards.

It brings everything together.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Herringbone tiles, Bert & May, £216 for 72 tiles. Illman bar stool, £279.99, Wayfair, is similar. Hiba low two-door cabinet, £150, La Redoute is a match IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

65

Family room

‘I’ve always wanted a swing. I was a gymnast growing up, so we just went for it. It’s fun for the kids, good for an upper-body workout, and it’s a great party piece!’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cotton trapeze, £225, Firetoys. Similar Wadenhoe corner sofa, £3,204, Sofas & Stuff; upholstered in Herringbone by Ian Mankin, £47.50m, Jane Clayton. Raawii Strøm bowl, £75, Amara, is a match

Kitchen

‘The first spring we moved in, I noticed that the hawthorn tree in the garden produces flowers the same shade of pink as the colour in the wallpaper. I couldn’t believe it!’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Malin wallpaper by Sandberg, £79 a roll, Wallpaperdirect. Green Chevron encaustic cement tiles, £109sq m, Terrazzo Tiles, are similar

66

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

‘Decorating with plants echoes what we see outside’

REAL HOME

Dining area

‘The kitchen and dining area is my favourite space in the house.

We’ve painted with bright, fun colours and there’s so much light.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar Yellow Angle floor lamp, £155, Barker and Stonehouse. Victorian Perspex chair, £89.99, The Range, is a match. Boise armchair, £279.99, Wayfair, would work here

TASK LIGHTING Gives kids a zone for homework

stuck to a palette of green, blue “andI pink and added brass and black accents to avoid any gaudiness” IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Living room

‘I envisioned the living room as a sophisticated space, where we could sit around the crackling fire sipping a cocktail. Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue is exactly what I wanted – rich and properly dark, it makes the room feel cosy and grown up.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Aurelius pendant, £475, Graham & Green.

Dimple stool, £675, Loaf, is similar

68

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME ‘Our architect Kate Clare (loudarchitects. com) came up with the hall storage’

UPHOLSTERED STORAGE Doubles up as extra seating

Living room

‘The patterned armchairs and sofa came from our house in Edinburgh. They tie a piece of our old home into our new one.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Pink velvet curtains, The London Curtain Girls. Try Round Gold side table, £74.95, Melody Maison. Ogilvy floor lamp, £129, Made, would work here

Hallway

‘These black-framed steel interior windows by Andrew Penny (andrewpenny.com) allow light to flow.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Sakura tiles, £670 for 125 tiles, Otto Tiles & Design. Lano Fairfield Supreme & Stripe stair carpet, £14.99sq m, Remland Carpets, is a match

The living room has a “ gorgeous marble fireplace that deserved period embellishments, so we restored some of the original features” 69 IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

‘The cheetah lamps by House of Hackney were a present from my husband’

Main bedroom

‘I haven’t used much pattern in here. I wanted it to be a calm space and now it feels like a haven.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Aurora feather pendant, £369; Umberto chest of drawers, £850, both Graham & Green.

Similar Lightning Bolt LED neon sign, £99, Neon Direct

Guest bedroom ‘This room’s soft green tones, lush plants and fresh white linen create a sense of serenity.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls in Teresa’s Green, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Blinds in Carnival by Christopher Farr, £159m, Jane Clayton

Take your time. We “ knew pulling out the middle of the house was going WHAT I’VE LEARNED

to cause a lot of upheaval, not to mention the cost, so we took two years planning it

70

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

”

REAL HOME

DOUBLE-ASPECT WINDOW Allows light to stream through

YAWKOOH DRAHCIR SNALP EWOL EISUS SHPARGOTOHP SREGDOR EIGROEG ERUTAEF

Shower room

‘Gold and pink is my ultimate colour combination and makes this room feel really luxurious. I was lucky enough to collaborate with Perrin & Rowe, which meant I could get the fabulous taps that take it to the next level.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Agnes basin, £849, London Basin Company.

Traditional shower set by Perrin & Rowe, £1,785.70, The Cast Iron Bath Company, would work here IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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REAL HOME

Make it work for you EMILY’S STYLE: CONTEMPORARY PASTELS

MY GO-TO STORES…

Candy shades and eclectic patterns are offset by modern metallics and luxe fabrics for a fun yet sophisticated scheme

● LARUSI The

Contrast different designs on walls for a bold feel

Kentish Town showroom is a treasure trove of rugs and linens. ● BUSTER + PUNCH For beautiful brass light fittings, which feel like jewellery for your home. ● JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Always good quality at reasonable prices, this classic store is a staple.

MIDAS TOUCH Siena bar stool in Gold, £79, Dunelm

GOOD VIBES True Love poster, £19.95, Desenio

READING CORNER Velvet Ocean Blue tub chair, £445, Oliver Bonas

LIGHT UP Ilaria pendant lampshade in Berry, £39, Made

“

STYLIST’S NOTE

Traditionally a very feminine colour, a pink scheme can be made to feel more grown-up by using metallic accents and deeper shades for contrast

”

STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

TNARRUD EINAHPETS ERUTAEF

72

INTRICATE INLAY Classic White mother-of-pearl large bedside table, £895, Graham & Green

GREEN PARTY Faux prayer plant, £24.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

SPOT ON Karen Mabon leopard cushion, £105, Amara

Teal has a chameleon-like ability to combine with almost any other colour.

Walls painted in Air Force Blue intelligent masonry paint, £71 for 5ltr; table painted in Mister David intelligent gloss, £33 for 1ltr, both Little Greene

THE COLOUR EDIT

TEAL

This month, our colour consultants give their views on this delicious shade and how to use it for a beautiful home

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AUGUST 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

STYLE & DECOR

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

Colour consultants share their views

■ ‘For a sophisticated feel, concentrate on mid to dark teal tones, which can beautifully envelop a room,’ says head of Zoffany Studio Peter Gomez. ‘The deeper the colour, the greater the dramatic effect.’

■ ‘Teal’s vibrancy can bring new life to tired furnishings, so it’s the perfect shade for upcycling projects,’ says Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. ‘Try refreshing kitchen cabinets by painting them in a rich teal hue.’

■ ‘Teal is on the cooler end of the spectrum, so walls in this colour respond brilliantly when bathed in bright natural sunlight,’ advises Jody Hudson, stylist at Graham & Brown. ‘If you’re using the shade in a north-facing room that receives cooler light, be sure to counteract with warm tones of mustard and orange.’

■ ‘Experiment with different finishes to create a unique decorative feature,’ says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball.

‘Teal comes alive in full gloss. Use it on the bottom half of walls to create a striking contrast with estate emulsion above.’

■ ‘Teal is incredibly versatile,’ says Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paints. ‘It looks wonderful in contemporary settings, paired with chalky whites and soft grey to ensure it isn’t overwhelming.’

■ Inject metallic elements into the mix – think shimmer-effect wallpaper or copper and brass accessories. ‘This will add depth and movement to what would otherwise be a solid block of colour,’ explains Jody Hudson, stylist at Graham & Brown.

■ If you’re feeling bolder, take teal across all four walls. ‘This may seem like an overzealous use of colour but actually it simplifies the room, especially in areas with awkward proportions,’ says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball.

■ ‘Teal works well with muted pinks,’ says Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. ‘These complementary shades function to brighten the space and bring out the warmer undertone of the teal, creating a tropical feel.’

Largo Teal in regal select eggshell, £24.50 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore

“

Teal is a great accent colour for rooms, it brings a calm intensity to an otherwise neutral scheme

”

NELLY HALL, BRAND DIRECTOR AT M&L PAINTS

THE EDIT: INTENSE TEALS

SSILYAB EIHPOS ERUTAEF

BEST FOR A BEST FOR BEST FOR SMALL ROOM ENLIVENING PINK ACCENTS Island Crossing matt A SPACE Secluded Cove emulsion, £29.99 for Vardo estate emulsion, premium blend v700 2.5ltr, Albany X Ideal £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Walls & Ceilings, Home at Designer Paint Farrow & Ball £28 for 2.5ltr, B&Q

BEST FOR ENVELOPING THE ROOM Teal 03 matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Lick

BEST FOR BEST FOR A BRINGING GLAMOROUS THE DRAMA STATEMENT Tasmania matt Peacock Blue Interior emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Chalky matt, £47.50 for Graham & Brown 2.5ltr, M&L Paints

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? HEAD TO OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Carefully curated

Emily Wilton’s minimalist scheme blends hotel chic, Art Deco and Eastern influences while brass and velvet add warmth and texture

Living room

‘It took a year to get this room how I wanted. The starting point was the coffee table for displaying photography books.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Liang & Eimil Mayfair coffee table, £1,325; chest of drawers, £1,411, both Shropshire Design. Walls painted in French Grey Dark, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Ashbrooke, Sunderland.

“

The Victorians really knew how to make a Emily Wilton, an IT statement with system design and their architecture implementation it was those specialist for Barker and and beautiful period Stonehouse, lives here with her husband Matt, a details that drew local government officer us to the house

R Take a quick tour...

BATHROOM

EN SUITE

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

SECOND FLOOR KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST ROOM

FIRST FLOOR DINING ROOM

LIVING ROOM

78

BASEMENT

GROUND FLOOR

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

”

egardless of outside influences and trends, I’ve always had a strong idea of what my taste is,’ says Emily Wilton. ‘I’m not a fully committed minimalist but I like a neutral palette with Eastern influences inspired by my travels, monochrome fashion photography and lots of texture.’

Emily was able to unleash her creative vision on her new home with husband Matt in Sunderland. ‘I’d made up my mind before we viewed it,’ says Emily. ‘My childhood home was Victorian so I felt that connection straight away. I was blown away by the grandeur, so I could see past the dreary decor and old-fashioned wallpaper.’

While the show-stopping living room is Emily’s favourite space, the room that’s seen the biggest transformation is the kitchen. ‘Before it had country cottage style units, beige travertine tiles and black granite worktops that sucked out all the light,’ says Emily. ‘We’d intended to wait five years, but replaced it after a year as we hated being in there.’ After removing the faux chimney breast and installing black aluminium windows, a new kitchen was created by Matthew McCrossan (matthewmccrossan.co.uk).

‘I thought we couldn’t afford a bespoke kitchen but Matthew explained it’s just a series of boxes. I’d wanted simple dark units with marble worktops since I was 21, and he totally nailed my vision.’

Having spent three years creating a cohesive look throughout the house (@number_4_on_the_park), a bathroom makeover is next on the cards. ‘My ideas range from minimal to Art Deco so I’m excited to finalise my plans,’ says Emily. The house is unlikely to be their last, however. ‘We have the perfect location, the perfect house and the perfect neighbours,’ says Emily. ‘But we don’t have a garden so that’ll be the reason we eventually move.’

REAL HOME

Living room

‘Lighting is difficult to get right. The first light we tried – which is now in our guest bedroom – just didn’t work.

As soon as I saw this striking 80cm wide design, I knew it would do the room justice.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Orion 6 bubble pendant, £259, Barker and Stonehouse

Love EMILY’S STYLE?

Turn to page 86 to shop the look

Dining room

This is now a multi-functional space where Emily works in the daytime and the couple also eat, read and listen to music. ‘I wanted a table with a central pedestal so there are no legs to get in the way,’ she says. ‘The dark wood really grounds the scheme.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Dorset dining table, £1,704, Liang & Eimil.

Skogsta bench, £40, Ikea

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REAL HOME

true “to theIf youcorestayof what

you love and only buy things you feel a true connection with, that’s how you’ll get a cohesive scheme

”

PAINTED BENCH Upcycle a budget buy to suit your scheme

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RATTAN CHAIRS Convey a relaxed Far Eastern boho vibe

Kitchen table

‘All those textures like wood, marble and rattan webbing on the chairs are important.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Pedestal dining table, £480, House of Wabi. Iben dining chair, £119, Barker and Stonehouse.

Jean Arp Maskenspiel print, from £130, King & McGaw

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REAL HOME

Kitchen

‘The kitchen is all about minimal clean lines. Even the handles on the two ovens are retractable,’ she says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Smeg Dolce Stil Novo oven, £1,319, The Appliance Depot

Kitchen

‘All the thoughtful little details we’ve included, such as pull-out shelves and deep pan drawers, make the kitchen so easy to use,’ says Emily.

‘This Eames chair took a lot of saving for, but it’s an iconic, beautiful piece of furniture’

“

BUY THE KEY PIECES Lusso Flow matte black kitchen mixer tap, £145, Lusso Stone, has this look. Try Kian set of three metal plant pots, £39.99, Hortology

For the level of craftsmanship and love that went into the kitchen, it was an absolute bargain

”

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Main bedroom

‘We originally painted this room black but it looked hideous. Now it’s a very simple, calm sanctuary, with sharp clean Art Deco lines that really appeals to me.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Ezra bed, from £1,044, Living It Up. Jaipur throw, £112, Christy. Velvet cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Walls in Mole’s Breath, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

I’m a big believer that “ your house should evolve organically, so don’t do everything WHAT I’VE LEARNED

at once. You don’t need to be an interior designer – you just need to love every single thing you buy so your home reflects you rather than a specific look

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‘I have a masculine edge to my style, so wanted a dark gentlemen’s dressing room’

REAL HOME

Guest bedroom

‘The second-hand cabinets were originally a red mahogany colour. I painted them black and used Rub ’n Buff to bring out the gold.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Hanna mini black chest, £95, Dunelm, is similar. Liang & Eimil ceiling light, £560, Uber Interiors

YAWKOOH DRAHCIR SNALP EEL EITAK SHPARGOTOHP NOSLIW NERAK ERUTAEF

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REAL HOME

Make it work for you EMILY’S STYLE: DECO NOIR

Dark tones, luxe finishes and bold sculptural shapes combine to create a standout scheme that is anything but monotonous

OPEN WEAVE Vincent Sheppard Titus dining chair, £380, Viva Lagoon

GREAT DEAL

IDEAL SHAPE SHIFT Abstract Shapes 2 framed print, £48, Green Lili

GALLERY INSPO Organic Monochrome framed print, £23, Abstract House

WOVEN DETAIL Kuru ceramic and rattan vase, £55, La Redoute

STATEMENT PIECES Bruyere candle holders, £115 for two, Soho Home

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ARCH ABOVE Teo overreach floor lamp, £159, Made

WASHED WOOD Goodrich cotton oak engineered wood flooring, £87sq m, Woodpecker Flooring

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

TACTILE TOUCH Short Black textured vase, £22.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

GLOW BRIGHT Bloomingville Jewel candlesticks, £42 for set of two, Amara

FAUX FINISH Xpressions Grey chevron laminate flooring, £28.99sq m, Carpetright

CURVE APPEAL Kim arched floor lamp, £54.74, Wayfair

GILDED EDGE Brewster dining table, £649, My Furniture

INAZZAF ASIL ERUTAEF

SLEEK FINISH Totem pedestal dining table, £999, Heal’s

DARK CONTRAST Malin dining chair, £185, Barker & Stonehouse

STYLE & DECOR

HALLWAY WALLS ENHANCE YOUR…

Hang artwork to create a gorgeous gallery at home

DURABLE WALLS Protect a high traffic area by using paint with a tough finish that’s scuff-proof and washable Echo II, Tones I and Serenity silkscreen prints in natural oak frames, by Denise Duplock, from £70 each, King & McGaw. Sarson blackened forged hooks, £9 each, Rowen & Wren

MOC.BUHTNETNOCERUTUF HPARGOTOHP GNILLOC ALEHCIM ERUTAEF

Mini gallery

Create interest with a modern picture rail. Attach a batten to the wall with nails for plasterboard or screws and rawlplugs for masonry walls. Use a spirit level for a straight finish. Fill screw holes with caulk.

Paint the same colour as the wall and fix hooks to hang pictures: a set of three or five frames, evenly spaced.

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STYLE EASY UPDATES

From best buys and clever tricks to mini décor projects…this is our roundup of the simplest, quickest ways to make your home more beautiful now

1

CHANGE THE BACKDROP

Refresh a lacklustre living room with a new colour scheme.

Start by painting one wall (or all of them) in sage green for a calm backdrop, then add touches of warm mustard and grey on furnishings and art for contrast.

Saturday sofa in Butterscotch velvet, from £1,640, Sofa.com

STYLE & DECOR

2

Abstract Figures posters, from £9.95 each, Desenio

FILL AN EMPTY SPOT

Use blank wall space above a sideboard or console to create a mini gallery wall.

Centre the artwork above the furniture, leaving a gap between its surface and the bottom edge of the frames.

3

LAYER UP THE TABLE

Create a relaxed, informal setting for lunches and cosy suppers. Begin with one large linen cloth placed centrally then add a couple of contrasting runners laid widthwise on top.

Wall in Peaseblossom claypaint, £47 for 2.5ltr, Country Homes & Interiors range, Earthborn

4

WORK IN WARM TONES

Take the edge off chilly rooms by mixing in a few rich colours. Try rustic leafy prints in dusky blue, russet and gold to warm up a living space as autumn draws near.

Briar cushion, £50, MM Linen

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ONE

TS

LLAMS

Mother of Pearl Spot organic cotton duvet cover set, from £80, John Lewis & Partners

PE

5

SWITCH TO ORGANIC BEDDING

Swap synthetic sheets and duvet covers for an eco-friendly option. Organic cotton fibres are naturally breathable for a more comfortable sleep and aren’t treated with nasty chemicals.

6

TRY A MIX AND MATCH SPLASHBACK

Instead of sticking to a single colour or material, add punch with two contrasting finishes, one above the other. Try a largeformat tile with a small-scale mosaic in complementing tones.

Confiserie triangle mosaic in Sorbet, £79.88sq m; Trousdale Aniston porcelain tile, £56.95sq m, both Claybrook Studio

Round seagrass baskets, small £33; large £45, Marquis & Dawe

7

ROUND UP CLUTTER

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Invest in a couple of handled baskets to

keep on standby in a living room or hallway.

Gather clutter that has accumulated at the end of each day and use for quick tidy-ups when guests drop by.

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STYLE & DECOR

8

SLOT IN A SKINNY DESK

Steal space from a hallway or upstairs landing to set up a desk if room is limited. A slimline console-style desk should be sufficient for laptop working – just add a lamp and a wall unit above for extra storage.

Drax desk light, £137, Pooky

9

FRAME A WINDOW WITH COLOUR Li a plain scheme by accentuating a window recess or door frame with a bright, cheery shade.

Create a similar effect by painting inside an alcove or unused fireplace.

Walls in Cream White and Mustard Jar easyclean matt emulsion, £25 for 2.5ltr, Crown Paints

STYLE & DECOR

10

MAKE AN EASY WOVEN LAMPSHADE

Snidad basket, £25, Ikea.

Cable, from £2.80m, Creative Cables

Use a simple rattan basket from Ikea.

Remove the handles and spray the basket black, then add a cable, light fitting and bulb, and hang.

Creative Cables sells fabric-covered flexes and fittings.

11

GO DARK IN THE KITCHEN

Create impact in a small kitchen by choosing darker tones in place of safe neutrals. Paint walls in smart navy blue, teamed with a blind in a dusky floral.

12

Chalkboard crates, £53.99 set of three, ildecor

BOX UP KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Blind in Stapleton Park fabric, £65m, Sanderson

Open shelving can look untidy if clutter isn’t kept in check.

Sort loose items, jars and packets into these chalkboard crates, with side panels on which you can jot down the contents.

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STYLE & DECOR

13

Bamboo cane clothes rail, £225, Dunelm

KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

Find favourite outfits more easily by opting for an open clothes rail instead of a wardrobe.

It’s handy for guests or seasonal storage in a spare bedroom – and slim enough in a hallway for hanging outdoor wear.

14

ADD A TOUCH OF LUXE

Go for opulence on a not-so-grand scale by restricting bathroom tiling to one key area.

A marble mosaic splashback adds wow and is far more affordable than marble tiling wall to wall.

Calacatta Amber honed marble hexagon mosaic, £14.34 per sheet (£177sq m), Mandarin Stone

15

UPDATE A PICTURE DISPLAY

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If your wall art is uninspiring, ring the changes by working in a few new images.

Choose prints in complementary colours or update frames and mounts for a fresh look.

Les Agrumes No 2 poster, from £9.95, Desenio

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

16

GO FOR PICK AND MIX BEDDING Re-charge your sleep space by focusing on

the bed. Replace a tired duvet cover with linens in a mix of plains and patterns, small- and large-scale prints, layered with throws and knits to pull it all together – ready for cosy autumn nights.

Chelsea Stripe double duvet cover set, £60; Jouvene bedspread, £100; Rye knit throw in Mustard, £50, all John Lewis & Partners

17

DITCH THE COFFEE TABLE Free up some floor space by swapping a large coffee table for

smaller side tables, pouffes or a nest of tables. Lighter-weight pieces are easy to dot around – and to move around – so they won’t obstruct the flow of the living room.

Coco two-seater sofabed in Chanel Cream, £1,179, Sofology

18

ADD EDGE WITH BLACK FITTINGS

STYLE & DECOR Hoxton gloss porcelain tiles in Olive, £46.67sq m, Mandarin Stone. Orchard 6mm Black-framed wet room glass panel, £345, Victoria Plum, is similar

Upgrade a walk-in shower or wet room by replacing standard fittings with smart matt black ones. A black-framed shower screen will create a focal point – pair it with a black shower head and taps.

19

SLIM DOWN STORAGE

Go for a neat multifunctional piece if hallway space is tight. This clever unit has a built-in mirror, shelf, drawer and pegs, and is just 15cm deep.

Hallway tidy, £120, Urbansize

MOC.BUHTNETNOCERUTUF SHPARGOTOHP INAZZAF ASIL ERUTAEF

20

BRIGHTEN UP A WINDOWSILL Savour the last days of summer with a display of potted blooms. Outdoor pelargoniums make perfect houseplants and will flower well into autumn. Or try your hand at the latest trend for cacti and succulents.

Camille plant pot with saucer, £22.50, Oliver Bonas

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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HOW TO CREATE A WELCOMING HALLWAY INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE

It’s the space that sets the tone for the rest of your home, but often the hallway gets completely overlooked, so we asked the experts to share their insider tips…

NATURAL TONES

‘Neutral browns are on-trend and subtle,’ says Paul. Elkstone oak small sideboard, £450, The Cotswold Company

STYLE & DECOR

HANG ON

‘Come up with a way to stop post, bags and stuff being piled on the shoe bench,’ says Wil

DUSKY HUE

‘Add drama by painting woodwork dark,’ says Jenna.

Globe pendant, £619; Hector 30 light, £215, both Original BTC

D

oes your hallway make a great first impression, or is it a jumble of clutter and coats? This area needs to work hard and look good – that’s a hard balance to strike.

Here, style and design experts offer advice to help you max your hallway’s potential.

WHERE DO I START? Jenna Choate, co-founder of Interior Fox, says the hallway is an area of the home that should be tackled first.

‘There are so many ways to make the best first impression, even in a small entrance. Create a statement with a pendant or introduce pattern and colour with a striking wallpaper.

If you like a minimalist look, make it feel light and airy with a strategically placed console and oversized mirror.’

Wil Law, home design stylist at John Lewis & Partners, adds, ‘Too often we treat the hallway as a practical

space, or leave it to last, when it really should define your home – and your style.’ Paul Deckland, buying director at The Cotswold Company, agrees: ‘A well-styled hallway sets the tone for a home.’

HOW DO I MAKE IT LESS OF A TRANSITIONAL SPACE? ‘Think of the hallway as an individual room rather than just a place you pass through,’ says Jenna. Wil believes that, as this is not an area you dwell in, you can go bolder here than with other rooms. ‘Ensure it makes you smile,’ he adds. Paul stresses the power of the space: ‘The hallway holds a unique position as the first area you enter. This makes it the perfect canvas for personal moments and style alike.’

ANY ADVICE FOR CREATING A COHESIVE SCHEME? Wil suggests ‘drenching’ the space with an accent colour that runs

BRIGHT IDEA

Bounce light around with a carefully placed mirror. Distressed grey mantel mirror, £289, Nordic House

Make your hallway “thea space that captures story of your home” WIL LAW, HOME DESIGN STYLIST, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS

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through your home. ‘If you have hits of teal in a few rooms, the hallway could be the place to go full throttle with teal,’ he says. Jenna advises painting doors and skirting the same colour, which Paul echoes. ‘Your choice of paint and furniture should create a seamless flow from kitchen to living room and so on,’ he says.

STEPPING UP

‘From statement staircase ideas like painting the rails a contrasting colour to a modern take on the gallery wall with eclectic frames, there are countless ways to create impact,’ says Jenna

NARROW HALLWAYS CAN FEEL CORRIDOR-LIKE – HOW CAN I AVOID THIS? ‘You can never go wrong with a few mirrors for making a narrow space feel expansive,’ says Wil. ‘Swap a console for a floating shelf – all the benefits of a table, but with a slim frame that keeps the floor clutterfree,’ says Jenna. ‘And be bold and paint the ceiling in a contrasting colour; this leads the eye up and showcases the hallway’s length.’

HOW DO I BRING IN LIGHT? ‘Try replacing solid doors with glazed ones,’ says Jenna. ‘There are subtle ways that you can boost a hallway’s sense of light,’ advises Wil. ‘Try a wallpaper with a sheen, or gloss paintwork on walls instead of light-sapping matt.’

WHAT ARE THE BEST LIGHTING OPTIONS? ‘Overhead lighting works really well in hallways for putting on shoes and coats,’ says Wil. ‘Make a splash with the ceiling light – again, you can go big and decorative, as this is not an area you linger in.’ Jenna says, ‘Swap spots for pendants, or go for wall lights, positioned above head height to avoid head-on collisions.’

WHICH COLOURS WORK WELL IN HALLWAYS? ‘Be guided by the natural light. If the area is quite dark, it’s often best to go deep and dramatic to make a moody, colour-drenched space; if you have a light-flooded hallway, go bright to create an uplifting, energising feel,’ says Wil. ANY TIPS FOR WALLPAPER? ‘Look at what the hallway connects to,’ says Wil. ‘If it’s an open staircase, you may have a huge expanse of wall that could cost a fortune to paper. Here, you could introduce wallpaper in different ways – in the understairs cupboard or the panels of built-in storage.’ Jenna advises using wallpaper above a dado or

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are practical spaces foremost, “Hallways but they’re also the first area that welcomes guests into your home” PAUL DECKLAND, BUYING DIRECTOR, THE COTSWOLD COMPANY

STYLE & DECOR

3 OF THE BEST HALL STANDS ABSTRACT SHAPE Nostalgic coat stand with mirror, £365, Cuckooland

WELL CONTAINED

Clearing a small hallway of things that aren’t used daily will make it feel more spacious.

Plywood hallway stand, £160, Urbansize

SLEEK DESIGN Nabiel hallway storage unit, £99, Made

AMPLE SPACE Moreton metal and oak hallway tidy, £499, The Cotswold Company

panelling: ‘This gives the illusion of height to your walls and ceiling.’

WHAT ABOUT PANELLING? ‘It adds character and depth,’ says Jenna, ‘but I’d advise continuing it through into other areas, especially to reflect an older property with features such as ornate mouldings.’

Wil agrees: ‘You wouldn’t want a grand panelled hallway leading into a 1950s living room with mid-century influences.’

rooms,’ says Wil. ‘Engineered wood and luxury vinyl tile are good options.

As hallways tend to be slim and relatively small, you could go for bold tiles, such as a chequerboard, that uplift you as you arrive home.’

Jenna adds: ‘If you’re in a flat where noise control is a priority, jute and seagrass are durable and stylish.’

SHOULD THE DECOR FLOW TO THE STAIRS/LANDING? ‘There is often little break from downstairs to up, so flow the décor AND PAINT FINISHES? upwards,’ says Wil. ‘A bold colour ‘High-traffic areas are at risk of on the door frames and skirting that scuffs and wear and tear, so opt for runs from the hallway to the landing gloss or wipeable paint instead of can look really smart. Alternatively, matt,’ says Jenna. ‘It doesn’t have to create a contained statement in cover the whole hallway; pay close the hallway by painting blocks of attention to the lower half of the colour behind artwork or painted space where children, shoes and shapes in the entrance space.’ bags often come into contact.’

HALLWAYS CAN BECOME WHAT IS A PRACTICAL DUMPING GROUNDS – HOW DO I TACKLE STORAGE? CHOICE FOR FLOORING? ‘What you choose depends on how ‘The flooring could be the start of much space you have and how the surface that flows into other

TWO TONE

Choose different shades of one colour for skirting and doors. Wall in Warm Sand emulsion, £16 for 2.5ltr, Dunelm

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FIRST SIGHT

‘With just a few key pieces, this small space sets the scene for what’s beyond,’ says Paul. Sussex Grey shoe bench, £399, The Cotswold Company

“

A bench can act as both an area to sit and a place to store everyday shoes beneath JENNA CHOATE, CO-FOUNDER, INTERIOR FOX

”

STYLE & DECOR ALL CLEAR

much mess,’ says Paul. ‘Built-in storage can be great for smaller entrances, as it takes up little space and removes clutter. However, you can’t take it with you when you move, nor can it be switched up when your needs change or you want a refresh. If you’re looking at off-the-peg options, a bench with built-in storage and a hall tidy are both brilliant, and can help to keep morning madness to a minimum.’

Wil likes to use a standalone piece.

‘A decorative coat stand can look very smart if you practise restraint and don’t overload it,’ he says.

In a narrow space, make use of the walls for slimline shoe storage.

Trones shoe cabinet, £22 for two, Ikea, is similar

HOW DO I CREATE WOW IN THIS SPACE? ‘Go big and bold to impress and inspire,’ says Wil. ‘Oversized, decorative lighting is a great way to add impact. The hallway is also the perfect space for a gallery wall, whether it runs down a corridor or flows up the stairs. Really commit though, by crowding the space with artwork that packs a punch – you don’t want small pieces that look lost and disconnected.’ Jenna emphasises the importance of considering the stairs. ‘In most houses, the first thing our eyes are greeted by are the stairs, so how you decorate them matters as much as the rest of the space.’

HALLWAY FURNITURE – WON’T IT GET IN THE WAY? Pay attention to scale and avoid a bench or console if your hallway is narrow, Jenna says. ‘Really think about what you use your hallway for,’ adds Paul. ‘If you live alone, and

keep most of your shoes in your bedroom, then including multiple pieces of storage furniture in the space may be unnecessary, while a simple console table to store the things you need before leaving the house is worth investing in.’

MOC.BUHTNETNOCERUTUF SHPARGOTOHP NAGROM REFINNEJ ERUTAEF

3 OF THE BEST SHOE TIDIES

SOLID OAK Wireworks Heel Bar shoe tidy, £165, Nest

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS…

JENNA CHOATE, CO-FOUNDER, INTERIOR FOX (INTERIORFOX.CO.UK) Jenna founded Interior

Fox with Mariana Ugarte in 2016, with the idea of offering homeowners and renters access to approachable and achievable interior design.

Coming from different backgrounds – Jenna is from the US and Mariana is from the Philippines – they fuse their styles for an east-meets-west aesthetic. They work on both residential and commercial projects in the UK and US. WIL LAW, HOME DESIGN STYLIST, JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS (JOHNLEWIS.COM) Based in

HIDE AWAY Farmhouse Grey painted shoe cabinet, £429, Greenway Furniture

Leeds, Wil works with John Lewis & Partners’ customers to help them find their own interior style and embrace this in their home. He also shares tips, hacks and insider inspiration on Instagram @johnlewis_wil.

PAUL DECKLAND, BUYING DIRECTOR, THE COTSWOLD COMPANY (COTSWOLDCO.COM)

SET APART Chedworth eight-pair shoe locker, £210, Garden Trading

Paul works closely with the The Cotswold Company’s creative director on product strategy.

He is also responsible for overseeing the buying team and working with the creative team on imagery, branding and packaging.

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PLY LIGHT Cabinet finishes picked up in dual-material, over-island lighting.

‘It’s the heart of our home’ With their passion for cooking and sharing food from around the world, a handsome, high-spec kitchen was top priority for Tiffany Sim and Ellen Chew

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KITCHEN PROJECT

BEFORE

Love

TIFFANY’S STYLE?

Turn to page 110 to shop the look

Welcome to my home Tiffany Sim lives here with her wife Ellen Chew

THE PROPERTY

A semi-detached, four-bedroom house in North London.

WHAT IT COST

Units...................£33,833 Worktops.............£3,000 Appliances.........£16,000 Sink and tap..........£1,522 Flooring................£2,600 TOTAL...............£56,955

“

The large floor tiles work with underfloor heating and give the look of polished concrete.

Cemento Mid Grey Matt porcelain floor tiles, £52.80sq m, Mandarin Stone

It’s wonderful to come down to such a bright, fresh space every morning. I love the open layout too, as I can engage with Ellen and our guests while I cook

”

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HOW TIFFANY AND ELLEN DID IT

‘Cooking and eating with friends and family is a huge part of our life. We chose this house mainly for the open-plan ground floor, which combines the living, dining and kitchen areas in one sociable space. We were happy with the original kitchen’s position, but the tatty units had to go. We wanted a fresh, modern look, some top-of-therange cooking equipment, and a bigger centre island. I also wanted a streamlined finish, with everything hidden inside

cabinets. I found Pluck on Instagram (@pluckldn). Its team listened to our ideas and worked with us to accommodate musthaves like the commercialgrade combi-oven. Fitting the cabinetry took about five days and cost around £3,000. It took another fortnight for templating and fitting the worktops. We’re both delighted with the new kitchen. It functions really well and the mix of natural wood and colour is gorgeous. It’s easily the best part of the house.’

VINTAGE STYLE Retro dining table extends to seat ten

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BELOW ‘People cluster around the island for drinks and get involved in cooking.’

London Plane veneer birch plywood cabinets, £790 for 600mm base unit; Brockwell Moss and Ritzy laminated birch plywood units, £620 for a 600mm base unit, both Pluck Kitchens

KITCHEN PROJECT

SEIZNEM MLOCLAM SHPARGOTOHP YDNURG ELLEBANNA ERUTAEF

ABOVE The lower section of the larder, for dry goods and condiments, is a ‘drawer within a drawer’. It maximises space, and ensures small items don’t get lost. Plus, the cabinet handles are simple cut-outs, so there’s nothing protruding.

ABOVE ‘The tall wall units have nifty pocket doors, which are a great solution.

They hide everything, then slide right out of the way at the sides when I want to access the contents.’

Nile Classic White Quartz worktops, around £250sq m, Planet Marble

RIGHT ‘Now we have our boiling water tap, we wouldn’t be without it!

It reduces clutter on the worktops and it’s so convenient, especially as my cooking often requires instant hot water.’

Flex stainless steel boiling water tap, £1,300, Quooker

Planning the small “ details took time but paid off. I worked with Pluck to WHAT I’VE LEARNED

design the storage around what we had, and the way I like to cook. Now everything is on hand and has its own place

”

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KITCHEN PROJECT

Make it work for you TIFFANY’S STYLE: BEAUTIFUL SIMPLICITY

Cutting-edge appliances, retro influences and punchy colours are the ingredients that make this kitchen sing Sleek birch plywood cabinetry gives the kitchen its clutter-free look

1

2 3

4

5

6 IDEAL

GREAT DEAL

STEP THIS WAY TO FABULOUS FLOORING IDEAS

7

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

CONCRETE EFFECT

Cemento matt tile in Mid Grey, from £42sq m, Mandarin Stone

INDUSTRIAL STYLE

Trax Lake Grey matt tile, £25.95sq m, Walls and Floors

SILYAB EIHPOS ERUTAEF

WHERE TO BUY 1 Gant Lights C1 Oak and Dark Grey Concrete pendant light, £999, Naken Interiors 2 Benton Blue cement pot, £19.95, Cornucopia 3 Large metal plant pot, £17.99, H&M Home 4 Horace bar stool, £124.99, Borough Wharf at Wayfair 5 Mellow Sage matt emulsion, £25 for 2.5ltr, Crown 6 Flex tap with pull-out hose in Polished Chrome, from £1,150, Quooker 7 Pure Cooktop and Extraction System, from £2,460, Bora

£42 £26

PROJECT NEWS

We’re in love

NEW SPIN

The Carattere kitchen, from £10,000, Scavolini

Now that kitchens need to be more hard-working than ever, Scavolini has updated its Carattere range to increase versatility.

Changes include glossy lacquered finishes to complement the matt finishes, and four new shades for the veneer door.

KITCHEN & BATHROOM UPDATE

FINE ART

Those already in the know have Balineum as a go-to for fabulously decorative tiles. Now its collaboration with artist Wayne Pate is set to pull in the rest of the crowd. The collection features Wayne’s curvaceous silhouettes of flora and architectural designs hand-painted on terracotta.

Wayne Pate Tile Collection I, from £21.60 each, Balineum

Our roundup of the most interesting new products and innovations

Hot colour The new Omnia

ITTEDENEB ARVENIG ,SNAVE ALOSUB ERUTAEF

bath by BC Designs is hand-painted to order, with unlimited colour options. Made from the company’s own patented material, called Cian, it’s stain and scratch resistant, and retains heat, guaranteeing a lovely, long soak.

Omnia bath, from £2,940, BC Designs

On our wish list...

Big Bathroom Shop’s new Clarus collection of brushed gold brassware offers a luxe, yet subtle look. From £129.99 for a basin mixer tap.

LIGHT TOUCH Pooky has introduced the newest member of its ceramic

pendant family, Cecilia. A pretty and delicate light available in a variety of colours, it’s perfect for over the island and comes with an equally charming olive flex twist.

Cecilia ceramic shade and fitting, £61, Pooky IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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ROUND MIRROR Softens the square angles in the bathroom

‘We’ve created the ultimate retreat’ Thinking outside the box enabled Sarah and Chris Jones to make the most of their windowless bathroom, choosing opulent black marble and atmospheric lighting for a luxurious vibe

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BATHROOM PROJECT ‘We knocked through to the living room to create space for a walk-in shower and concealed WC.’ Roper Rhodes Diverge vanity unit and basin, £688; mirror, £342, both JMG Bathrooms. Crosswater MPRO basin mixer tap in Brushed Brass, £185.99, Drench

BEFORE

Love SARAH’S STYLE?

Turn to page 118 to find out more

Welcome to my home Sarah Jones lives here with her husband Chris and their baby, Callum.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom terrace townhouse built in 1997, in Shepperton, Surrey.

WHAT IT COST

Bath and tap............£963 Shower head and controls....................£762 Vanity unit, basin and taps..........................£874 Paint...........................£53 Black marble tiles...£800 Wood-look tiles........£471 TOTAL..................£3,923

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It’s invigorating in the morning and relaxing at night. We have a high-end look that’s also low maintenance

”

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HOW SARAH AND CHRIS DID IT ‘When we moved in four years ago we made changes throughout the house, finally taking on the bathroom. It was a mishmash of styles and the layout didn’t work, so we searched for an interior designer to provide a creative approach that was a bit different. We found Caroline Nicholls, from Slightly Quirky Interior Design (slightlyquirky. com). Working with an expert allowed us to explore our ideas and make them a

reality, especially when it came to the layout, lighting, sourcing materials and sanitaryware, as well as achieving a cohesive overall look. A spa style, embracing the lack of windows in the room to create a cocoon-like feel, with a dark, luxurious finish and great lighting, was top of our wish list.

The build started at the beginning of 2020 and included taking some space from the living room. The project took three months and cost around £13,000.’

ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING Warm white LED strip lights with diffusers were installed in the niches and along the bottom of the bath

‘We made sure we had enough space for a sliding pocket door and carefully selected a bath that would also allow room for the walk-in shower.’

Kaldewei Saniform bath, £448, JMG Bathrooms. Mimica Nero Portoro Matt porcelain tiles, £53.93sq m, Mandarin Stone

BATHROOM PROJECT

ABOVE ‘Bath and shower controls can be conveniently set to required temperature.’

Crosswater MPRO 2-outlet concealed thermostatic shower valve in Brushed Brass, £514.99, Drench

ABOVE ‘I didn’t want any glass to clean, so we opted to go screen-free.’

Nomad Dark porcelain tiles, £23.95sq m, Mandarin Stone.

Crosswater MPRO shower head, £214.99; handset with wall outlet and hose, £136.99, all in Brushed Brass, Drench

RIGHT ‘A neat floating WC is concealed from view when you walk in the room.’

Pura Arco WC, £261.10; Brass flush plate, £120, both JMG Bathrooms

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Decide on all the “ components before you get started because one small missing element can delay the whole project”

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

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BATHROOM PROJECT

Make it work for you SARAH’S CHOICE: FLEXIBLE LIGHTING Windowless spaces need more care and attention than those blessed with natural light – check out the options

Many of us feel left in the dark when it comes to getting bathroom lighting right. A bit of knowledge about which fittings to choose and where to position them is all that’s required.

Q

these could be putting on make-up or shaving so it’s likely you’ll need task lighting around your bathroom mirror. Installing wall lights either side of the mirror works well, or you could consider a mirror with integrated lighting. Don’t position a downlight straight above your head: it’ll cast unflattering shadows across your face.

Think carefully about lighting in a windowless bathroom

Would a simple overhead ceiling light suffice?

In a word, no. Layers of light from a variety of sources are the secret to making sure your What is accent lighting? bathroom is a relaxing and The best way to add a functional space that can easily relaxing quality to your adapt to different tasks. To achieve this, you’ll need a mix of windowless bathroom is with ambient, task and accent lighting. accent lighting, which highlights particular areas or objects for What is ambient lighting? aesthetic rather than functional Ambient lights provide purposes. Highlight wall niches overall illumination. Downlights with downlights or easy-fit strip are popular, they are mounted on lights, which will provide a soft or recessed into the ceiling and glow when you’re relaxing in the direct light downwards. Avoid bath, while LED strip lights laying them in a regular grid under a wall-mounted vanity or formation as it’ll create a flat, bath will create a floating effect. bland effect. Instead, think about where you most need overhead Dimmers are important in bathrooms. lighting and focus on these areas.

Q

Q Q

What is task lighting?

Task lighting, as you might imagine, provides light for specific tasks. In the bathroom,

“

Turn them up for bright, invigorating light in the morning, and down for softer, atmospheric light in the evening

”

LUKE THOMAS, DESIGN DIRECTOR, JOHN CULLEN LIGHTING

IDEAL HOME LOVES… ILLUMINATED MIRRORS

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TOUCH SENSOR When illuminated the mirror casts an attractive pattern of light.

Milano Vistula LED mirror, £129.99, Big Bathroom Shop

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GLAM EDGE Modern crystal-like edging is lit up

by LEDs for a smart finish.

Yevan illuminated wall mirror, £166.80, Dar Lighting

VINTAGE LIGHTING Industville is great for industrial-style lighting. Prices start from £29 for the simple (but stylish) Edison wall light.

LOTS OF CHOICE Original BTC boasts an extensive range of over 200 bathroom lights starting from £145.

Search filters by colour, material and IP rating, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.

GREAT ADVICE Holloways of Ludlow offers a wide range of traditional and modern bathroom lights. Check out its guide to IP ratings.

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CLEAR VIEW A handy demister pad prevents this design from steaming up.

RAK-Hades mirror, from £450, Rak Ceramics

BEST FOR…

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Your easy guide to GARDEN ROOMS Want extra space without the cost of an extension? We explore the options, from a simple self-build to a room with all the amenities

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garden room is a great space solution for your home – a separate area that offers privacy and a place to focus and relax. Whether you want a contemporary office or quiet retreat, a humble hut or chic glass box, there’s a lot to consider.

We tell you all you need to know to help you choose and install the building that’s just right for you.

DOES IT NEED A FOUNDATION? Without a strong, solid foundation, you risk damaging your building beyond repair to five days, depending on the supplier. once installed. If the supplier doesn’t include the foundation in the price, you’ll ● There are generally no hidden costs. need to hire a builder to do the job. A flat ● The set-up causes minimal disruption surface of paving slabs or concrete, at to your home life. least 10cm thick, is ideal. Remember to ● Foundations/base installation and levelling are usually included in the price. leave around 50cm clearance if you’re building near walls, fences or trees.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS The price can vary hugely. At the lower CAN I CONNECT TO SERVICES? OVER OTHER EXTENSIONS? end, a build-your-own summerhouse can Adding electricity and plumbing to a ● Garden rooms tend to be more costcome in at under £700, while a top-notch garden room is expensive and in some effective than traditional extensions, such custom option, with power sockets and cases requires prior planning permission.

If incorporating electrical sockets and light fittings, can cost up to £60,000. as loft conversions or conservatories.

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● Planning permission is rarely needed. ● Building control sign-off is not required. ● Garden rooms can be installed in one

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GARDEN BUILDINGS

Flexible space

This gorgeous pod includes a work area and space for the family to relax and entertain friends. It took five days to build, including one day for the foundation. The furnishings include colour pops of green, which link to the garden, while the botanical theme is carried through to the accessories.

Similar, from £19,495 including design and build, Green Retreats

Garden office

A home office is the most popular use for a garden room. Most companies work in standard unit sizes – say, to the nearest metre or half metre – but sometimes a more specific size, right down to the centimetre, is best to maximise the available space.

This neat option is fit for purpose in real style, providing enough room and light to do a day’s work. £13,200, Green Retreats

Build your own

With six large windows and wide opening double doors, this summerhouse comes ready to assemble. It requires a firm, level foundation, such as a poured concrete base. You can leave the natural wood exposed or paint it to suit your scheme.

Forest Garden Oakley, £559.95, Cuckooland. Waltons also offers a good build-your-own range IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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GARDEN BUILDINGS

Cottage retreat

We want to keep our loved ones close now more than ever. And what better way to ensure you always have enough space than a garden retreat (planning permission will be needed if it’s used for sleeping). Make it a place for extended stays by adding a small kitchen and bathroom.

It could even be rented out. £33,600, Tiny House Cabins switches, the building must be watertight and ideally insulated for safety. If adding sinks, showers or washing machines, a plumber must install a fresh-water pipe running from your house to the garden building and a waste pipe running out.

HOW BIG CAN I BUILD MY GARDEN ROOM WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION? As mentioned above, the maximum eaves height would be limited to 2.5m.

The max overall height depends on the roof shape – 4m for a dual pitch and

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ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS REGARDING PARTICULAR TYPES OF PROPERTIES? ● Flats, maisonettes and other buildings of this type do not have permitted development rights, so you won’t be able to build a garden room without getting full planning permission. ● Be aware that if your property has undergone a change of use, or has been converted into a house in the past, it may not enjoy permitted development rights. ● If your house or any buildings contained within the boundary of your

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property are listed, your garden room will require full planning permission. ● If your house is in a conservation area, you will not be able to build a garden room to the side of the main house without obtaining planning permission.

CAN I SLEEP IN THE ROOM? If you plan to sleep in your garden room, even if just occasionally, you will need to apply for building regulations.

HOW SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY GARDEN BUILDING? Wipe down the exterior with warm, soapy water once a year. Painted buildings will need a fresh coat of paint every few years to keep the wood in top condition. Cedar clad structures need little to no maintenance, as the wood is naturally resistant to rot and fungal growth; however, it will change colour from rich red to silver grey over time. Keep the area around the base of the building clear of long grass and leaves, too.

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WHEN IS PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED? Garden rooms do not require planning permission if they fall within permitted development guidelines. To classify as an ‘outbuilding’ under permitted development rules, the building must not contain sleeping accommodation and must be a single storey with a maximum eaves height of 2.5m.

3m for any other type. But, if the building is within 2m of a boundary, the overall height is restricted to 2.5m.

If you or any previous owners have extended the house since 1948, these additions will eat up your permitted development allowance. Overall, you are not allowed to build on more than half the land associated with the house without full planning permission.

Holiday at home

This garden room is influenced by the buildings designed by Sir William Chambers at Kew. So if you prefer classic as opposed to contemporary, you can opt for a more traditional style. A sofa that feels chintzy inside might be the perfect fit for a cottage-core summer house aesthetic.

The Kew Victoria, from £13,160, Malvern Garden Buildings

Design statement

Painted and styled in a colour palette of Black on the outside and White Smoke internally, this stylish building makes a modern focal point at the end of the garden. Installed in just one day, the insulated and double-glazed studio is the ideal space to allow your creativity to flourish.

Pent Roof Garden Studio, from £4,710, Malvern Garden Buildings

Modern gym

Cedar cladding contrasts against the eye-catching grey triangle, which highlights the aluminium bifold doors. The 5x4m footprint provides enough space for this well-insulated, year-round cabin, which also benefits from extra headroom, so there is plenty of room for equipment and no constraint on the exercises you can do.

Prices for this size from around £30,000, Swift Garden Rooms IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WIDE CHOICE Choose a shade from the Crafted

by Crown range to enhance your decor

MAKE YOUR MARK Add a personal touch to your walls with Crown Paints’ new Crafted range – a bespoke palette of hand-selected shades

IDEAL HOME

loves

FABULOUS FINISH Crafted by Crown paint will give a distinctive touch to any room

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hen it comes to decorating, there’s something special about a totally new look that’s unique to you – a scheme that showcases your personality. Crown Paints’ newest range, Crafted by Crown, is a curated collection of three gorgeous finishes – Luxurious Flat Matt, Subtle Textured and Lustrous Metallic – that has been expertly formulated to add a bespoke touch to any room.

COLOUR INSPIRATION If you’re undecided on which shade, then pick up a colour card in-store or order Crown’s new Pure Paint swatches to see with 100% accuracy the colour in different lights in your own home.

WHERE TO BUY To see the entire Crafted by Crown range and to buy, visit crownpaints.co.uk, or head to Homebase and leading independents.

NOSDUH EIZZIL SDROW

UNIQUE COLLECTION You can use the Luxurious Flat Matt formula to paint from floor to ceiling, covering woodwork and walls seamlessly, giving you a smooth finish that’s velvety to the touch. With 48 beautiful colours to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice.

And thanks to Crown’s Breatheasy® technology, this finish is also low VOC and 99% solvent-free.

For something a little different try the

Subtle Textured finish that gives a soft brushed effect on interior walls. It comes in six timeless colour palettes of greys and neutrals, adding depth to your walls.

The Lustrous Metallic is a gorgeous shimmery emulsion that comes in eight luxurious colours – use it to create a striking feature wall or as a detail effect.

Crafted by Crown paint’s versatility means it will stay looking good while living up to the demands of modern life.

‘Extending gave us a spacious new kitchen’ After eight years, Arleta and Mike Cloud decided it was high time to enlarge their kitchen for a more practical layout

BEFORE & AFTER

Arleta and Mike used to take a chair outside to enjoy the ‘dead’ space in the side return Now the couple benefit from extra space in the kitchen, as well as a seamless link to the garden

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ith sons Max and Phillip having moved out to go to university and just 14-year-old Oscar still living at home, expanding the kitchen was by no means essential for Arleta and Mike. However, the couple were keen to establish a more ergonomic layout that would allow the family to move freely throughout the space.

SMOOTH SAILING Arleta took a practical approach when it came to the plans. ‘I would imagine myself taking something out of the oven and having a clear surface to place it down on,’ she says, ‘so a kitchen island was one of my must-haves.’

The couple brought in Plus Rooms (plusrooms.co.uk) to handle the design and construction. The plans were soon given the green light under Permitted Development and works progressed without a hitch, too, thanks in large part to Plus Rooms’ organised approach. ‘The builders stuck to the schedule,’ says Arleta, ‘and it was finished bang on time.’

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Despite adding just 12sq m, flow in the kitchen-diner has dramatically improved. The extra space came in especially handy when Max and Phillip moved home again in March 2020. Arleta has no regrets about adding the kitchen island, either. ‘We can’t imagine the kitchen without it.’

Welcome to our home THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom Victorian property, situated in South London

THE VALUE

Bought in 2012 for £905,000; now worth Arleta and Mike Cloud, around £1,650,000. a teacher and banker, WHAT IT COST live here with their three sons, Professional fees Max and Phillip, both & miscellaneous 20, and Oscar, 14. costs..................£17,000

Construction....£50,000 Plumbing & electrics..............£9,000 Kitchen & other finishes.............£35,000 Rooflight & glass valley.................£10,000 TOTAL............£121,000

“

Every day when I come home it hits me how much I love the new space

”

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BEFORE & AFTER The island, one of Arleta’s must-have features, is topped with a hard-wearing quartz surface

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

LARGE FLOOR TILES

James Barnard, director at Plus Rooms (plusrooms.co.uk) shares his top tips THEY CAN MAKE A ROOM FEEL MORE SPACIOUS

Used cleverly, large-format tiles make narrow areas look wider.

THEY COME IN A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS

Consider the desired result, cost and what most suits the space.

THEY’RE EASY TO MAINTAIN

There are fewer grout lines for dust and dirt to get stuck in.

INSTALLATION IS OFTEN QUICKER

However, heavier tiles may need additional manpower.

THEY’RE GREAT FOR UNDERFLOOR HEATING

With anti-fracture matting, they are suitable for older homes, too.

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A rooflight channels light into the space and through a glazed door into the living room

SMOOR SULP SHPARGOTOHP RETSOF ACCEBER ERUTAEF

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you have your heart set on an idea, “youwasIfshouldn’t give up on it. For me, that the kitchen island. I may not be a professional designer, but I knew that was something I needed to incorporate” WHAT I’VE LEARNED

Genius problem solvers

FOR A SMOOTH-RUNNING LIFE

Our pick of the latest sleep innovations, bedroom solutions and nighttime stuff you never knew you needed…

Easy up storage

Available in Smoke, Flint and Oyster colourways and in double, king and super king sizes, this ingenious ottoman bed from Bensons features lift-up ottoman storage beneath the mattress, with the added advantage of electric-powered opening (via a remote) so you can open it by the touch of a button – perfect for those with limited movement.

Your Bed Your Way Atlas bed frame with full front opening electric ottoman, from £1,099.99 for a double, Bensons for Beds

Track your patterns for a better night’s sleep

Google searches of the words ‘tips to fall asleep’ have increased 111% in the past year. As a result, Google has updated its Nest Hub with new sleep based functionality to help. Its new Soli radar technology will analyse how long and how well you’re sleeping.

What’s more, it can play a timed soundscape to help you drift off.

Nest Hub (2nd Gen), £89.99, Google

Try audio technology to help you drift off

Use a wellness magnet for better sleep Energydots sells low-powered magnets to improve wellbeing. Its new sleepDOT, £25, emits soothing vibrations, designed to help you relax and unwind.

Kokoon’s Relax headphones aim to help you relax and fall asleep quicker and improve the quality of your sleep. Paired with an app with a relaxing library of soundscapes, there’s also active noise cancellation, all the while tracking your brain activity while you sleep. It will then adjust your settings, so you can quickly and easily fall asleep.

Relax headphones, £309, Kokoon

BEST PROBLEM SOLVING DUVETS

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Ideal if you both prefer different tog weights.

Slumberdown Made For You Two All Year Round duvet, from £24.99 for a double, Amazon

SEASONAL SWITCH

Made of two duvets poppered together, use one in summer and double up in winter.

Deluxe wool all season duvet, from £299.99 for a double, Woolroom

ONE

L L AMS

Filled with super light microfibre with a breathable 100% cotton percale covering.

Feels Like Down all seasons duvet, from £145 for a double, Dusk

BEST OF BOTH

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FAUX FEATHER

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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS STORAGE FOR A CLUTTER-FREE BEDROOM

Keep your cool at night

No-one likes to overheat in bed and this ingenious mattress is just the thing to keep you at the perfect temperature at night, thanks to a soft pillow top with a special ActiCool® knitted fabric.

TheraPur ActiGel Response 3200 mattress, from £1,349 for a double, Dreams

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3 1. SOFT TOUCH Storage ottoman in Charm Pink velvet, £220, The French Bedroom Co 2. BOXED BEAUTY Zara ottoman storage cube in Navy Blue velvet, £169, Danetti 6. MELLOW YELLOW Eton Mess ottoman in Bumblebee Clever Velvet, £495, Loaf

Take control of your curtains

SwitchBot Curtain is a small wireless device that you attach to your curtain rod or rail, allowing you to open and close curtains or schedule them to do so at set times, all via an app.

SwitchBot Curtain smart motors for curtain rods, £85 each, Amazon

Don’t wait long for a new bed Dreams has a filter on its website that shows beds with quick delivery, with many available within seven days.

Rest easy on new pillows

ITTEDENEB ARVENIG ERUTAEF

Hydrate the air for soothing sleep

Do you tend to suffer from headaches, fatigue or experience stinging eyes when the central heating goes on in winter? If you or your family struggle with any of these symptoms, it could be because your environment at home is too dry. So what’s the solution? Say hello to this stylish new humidifier. Compact and almost silent, it spreads up to 250ml of visible mist each hour into a room of up to 30m² in size.

Tag Ultrasonic humidifier in White or Black, £99.99, Duux

Need to upgrade your pillows? Check out these relaxing designs from Silentnight. Named the Re-Balance pillows, they’re designed to send electrostatic charges away from the body and into the air. This helps lower levels of cortisol, which is the body’s main stress hormone, to encourage deeper, undisturbed sleep.

Silentnight Wellbeing Re-balance support pillows, £19.99 for two, Amazon

Try a weighted blanket for a deep sleep

According to Bed Advice UK (bedadvice.co.uk), the feeling of being secure created by a weighted blanket helps your body to produce oxytocin, which can lower stress levels.

Synthetic Collection weighted blanket, from £100 for 7kg, John Lewis & Partners

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FIVE-MINUTE TIDY-UPS Tackle clutter hotspots with simple tidying strategies that you can whizz through in just a few minutes

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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

WHAT THE PROS KNOW…

Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn shares her time-saving organising solutions

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STREAMLINE THE HALLWAY Set up a hallway hub to store outdoor belongings. Allocate a bay for each family member, with a coat peg, shelf and space to stash shoes. Include a line-up of trays or shallow baskets that the family can toss smaller items into, such as keys and dog leads.

String two-drawer chest section, £372; side panels, £218 for two, all John Lewis & Partners TACKLE BATHROOM STORAGE Take an inventory of your towel store, sorting out the good sets and getting rid of old towels you no longer use. Re-organise according to size and colour.

INAZZAF ASIL ERUTAEF

2

Stack large towels and bath sheets with folds at the front, then roll or fold hand towels and face cloths, stacking them sideways so you can identify sizes more easily.

Vagsjon bath towels, £4 each, Ikea AUDIT SHOES AND HANDBAGS Whittle down a bulging collection to free up some wardrobe space.

Sort out your favourite shoes and bags and those you wear or use most often and store up front. Any out-of-season items can be stowed at the top of a wardrobe or under a bed.

Peva 8-pocket purse file, £32.65, The Container Store

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ORGANISE A TEA AND COFFEE STATION Create a drinks station with tea and coffee-making essentials stored close to the kettle or coffee maker so everything can be accessed easily. Include mugs, cups, teaspoons and extras like flavoured syrups and milk frother.

Elfa Kitchen storage 3, £125, Store SPEED THROUGH THE LAUNDRY Set up an easy sorting system to make wash days run more smoothly. Organise individual laundry bags so clothes can be separated according to colour and hook on the wall Plumsa laundry bags, £9 each, Ikea

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SPEED TIDY A truly decluttered and organised home means faster tidying. The aim is to be able to tidy round in 5-10 minutes, then your home becomes less overwhelming should visitors drop by.

NARROW DOWN Not every single coat and pair of shoes needs to live in the hallway – think of it as an area to house just the items that are currently in use and store the rest in a wardrobe elsewhere.

PRIORITISE STORAGE Gadgets that you don’t use often should live at the back of cupboards and those that you use daily can stay out on surfaces (but keep to a minimum).

TAKE STOCK Go through your wardrobe every few months to pull out holiday/winter wear and clear out or pass on any items you don’t want.

HOLD BACK Don’t over buy. The more belongings you acquire, the more space you need to store everything. Remember it’s only a bargain if you actually need it.

Find out more at youneedavicky.com or on Instagram and Facebook @youneedavicky

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HOME TECH Mobile phone charger and sanitiser

Lexon Oblio wireless charging station and UV sanitiser, £30.28, Amazon Place this wireless charging bucket in your hallway and pop your Qi-enabled smartphone into it when you come home. The antibacterial UV light kills 99.9% germs, while charging the phone in less than three hours.

THE BEST BIT Once you’ve charged your phone, flip it over for a further 20 mins for a complete 360° clean.

Freestanding clothes steamer

EXPERT TIP

‘Prevention is better than cure, so wash your hands with warm soapy water or use hand sanitiser regularly.’

GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Antiviral air purifier

GERMBUSTERS FOR A SAFE HOME There are now more

ITTEDENEB ARVENIG ERUTAEF

HealthProtect air purifier, £639, BlueAir The new HealthProtect air purifier uses electrostatic and mechanical HEPA filtration to remove 99% of germs, dust and viruses (COVID-19 included). Control it via Alexa or the BlueAir smartphone app, and it’s so quiet that you’ll barely realise it’s working in the background.

THE BEST BIT Even when on standby, it monitors the air, killing any bacteria it detects and releasing clean air in its place.

ways to prevent germs, bacteria and even COVID-19 hanging around. These clever gadgets will ensure your family is protected under your own roof

AirDresser clothing care system, £1,599, Samsung The selling point of this steaming cabinet early last year was its ability to refresh clothing. Now, it has taken on another vital use: the sanitise cycle eliminates 99.9% of COVID-19. Genius.

THE BEST BIT Also disinfects kids’ toys and dries damp clothing. Leave the door open and it’s a dehumidifier, too.

Anti-bacterial bulb

Clean smart lightbulb, £69.99, Lifx With a vast spectrum of colour, from warm whites to pretty much any shade you can imagine, this smart lightbulb features a HEV (High Energy Visible) light which eliminates over 90% of E coli and other bacteria on surfaces.

THE BEST BIT It’s super simple to use – just link it to your WiFi and you can operate it via your smartphone or voice control, setting timers and presets.

Disinfecting door handle Touch 1 door handle, £399, Tweaq Every time you use this handle, a metal ring hiding a disinfectant-laden sponge moves back and forth along the length of the handle, wiping away up to 99% of bacteria and viruses. Use it on any standard door; installation is easy.

THE BEST BIT When the disinfectant runs out (after about 1,000 uses), the app will alert you. New cartridge, £15.

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HOME TECH Stylish blender with attachments

K150 blender, £229, KitchenAid With three speed settings, this stylish, robust appliance purées fruit and veg and will crush ice. Expand its practical uses by investing in attachments, such as the citrus press for juicing (£49), or the small batch jar (£29), perfect for whizzing up a dip or some pesto.

THE BEST BIT Blitz up a smoothie in the personal blender jar (£49) for a grab-and-go drink.

Must-have multicooker

EXPERT TIP

‘Be mindful that these appliances tend to be bigger than usual, or have attachments that need storage space.’

GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sleek multi-use microwave ITTEDENEB ARVENIG ERUTAEF

Combi Wave 3-in-1, £399.95, Sage With all the looks and functionality of a 1100W microwave, this machine is also a convection oven and air fryer, too.

Use it to steam, roast, grill, defrost, reheat, melt and bake up to 230C. THE BEST BIT Its easy to use and the Soften Butter and Melt Chocolate settings are invaluable for any impatient baker.

MULTIPURPOSE WORKTOP MACHINES Avoid having different appliances cluttering up your kitchen with the latest multifunctional designs that are smart enough to be left on display, and allow you to create a variety of dishes

Foodi 9-in-1 Multicooker 6L OP350UK, £199.99, Ninja This ingenious cooking pot has a multitude of uses. It’ll air fry, slow cook, bake or roast, grill, sear and sauté, steam and even make yogurt or dehydrate. It crisps up food in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional grill or oven.

THE BEST BIT Perfect for a family of four, it can even roast a 2kg chicken.

Neat counter-top grill

2-in-1 Grill and sandwich maker, £100, Cuisinart This fabulous grill comes with two plates: one for grilling or making paninis and burritos, the other – a deep-fill sandwich plate – can be used for a dishes like omelettes and pastries, as well as traditional toasties.

THE BEST BIT The recipe book to inspire and help you make the most of it.

The mixer that cooks

Cooking Chef Connect XL KCL95.004SI, £1,249.95, Kenwood You’ll not find a processor with more features, including integrated weighing scales and the ability to both mix and knead. It can warm, prove and cook at temperatures up to 180°C. THE BEST BIT There are 24 other attachments, from a food mincer to a pasta maker, to expand its uses.

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Simply DELICIOUS TIME TO COOK

Healthy food can be easy and tasty. Full of flavour and wholesome ingredients, these recipes prove it

Peanut stew with spinach & miso See page 141 for recipe

SIMPLE PLEASURES

IDEAL HOME TIP Choose heads of lettuce that will hold together nicely on the grill

Grilled cos lettuce with lemonbuttermilk dressing See page 141 for recipe

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

IDEAL HOME TIP If dough is frozen, allow it to completely thaw and come to room temperature before using

Pesto & artichoke pizza See page 141 for recipe

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Blistered cherry tomato soba See page 141 for recipe

California blender cookies

MAKES 24 COOKIES READY IN 25 MINS INGREDIENTS ● 75g walnuts ● 100g rolled oats ● 1 x 400g can chickpeas or white beans, drained and rinsed ● 70ml pure maple syrup ● 160g all-natural peanut butter ● 2tsp vanilla extract ● ½tsp fine-grain sea salt ● 1tsp bicarbonate of soda ● 160g chia seeds ● 75g dark chocolate chips

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One tablespoon at a time, shape the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking trays 2.5cm apart. Bake for 10-12 mins, until golden. Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool. The cookies will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Alternatively, mix 20g coconut with ¼tsp Preheat the oven to 180C/ shredded turmeric into the dough or Gas 4 and place a rack in cookies with crushed the centre. Line two baking top freeze-dried raspberries. trays with baking paper.

Place the walnuts and oats in a blender or food processor and pulse into a flour. Add the chickpeas to the blender along with the maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, salt and bicarbonate of soda. Blend until smooth. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the chia Super Natural Simple seeds and chocolate chips. From

by Heidi Swanson

IDEAL HOME TIP Change the flavours by mixing in your favourite 1 nuts and dried fruit

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140

(£22, Hardie Grant)

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Peanut stew with Grilled cos lettuce Pesto & artichoke Blistered cherry spinach & miso with lemonpizza tomato soba buttermilk SERVES 6 MAKES 2 SERVES 2-4 READY IN 30 MINS READY IN 30 MINS READY IN 25 MINS dressing INGREDIENTS ● 3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ● 1 onion, chopped ● ¾tsp fine-grain sea salt, plus more to taste ● 130g diced carrot ● 3tbsp red curry paste ● 375g all-natural peanut butter ● 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes ● 230g frozen spinach, chopped ● 2tbsp miso paste ● 1 lime, cut into 6 wedges, to serve ● Chopped coriander, cooked brown rice or toasted peanuts, to serve (optional)

SERVES 6 READY IN 20 MINS

INGREDIENTS ● 450g shop-bought wholemeal pizza dough ● 3-4tbsp pesto INGREDIENTS ● 3 cos ● Chickpeas (lots of them) lettuce heads ● 1-2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ● 160ml ● Torn-up mozzarella balls or buttermilk ● 2 garlic cloves, big dollops of plain Greek yogurt ● 2tbsp extra-virgin grated ● 60g plain Greek olive oil ● 340g frozen yogurt ● Zest of 1 lemon artichoke hearts ● 3 garlic ● 1tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice ● ¼tsp fine-grain cloves, minced ● ¼tsp fine-grain sea salt ● FOR sea salt ● 1 ripe avocado, THE HERBY DRIZZLE ● 7g sliced ● 40g toasted sliced oregano or marjoram leaves almonds ● 5g fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves ● 2 garlic cloves ● Preheat a barbecue grill or 120ml extra-virgin olive oil ● griddle pan to medium-high Pinch of fine-grain sea salt Heat the oil in a large pot heat. Cut the cos lettuce over medium heat. Stir in the heads in half lengthways onion and salt and cook for 5 and brush each with oil.

First make the herby mins. Add the carrot and drizzle.

In a wide-mouth jar While the barbecue is curry paste and cook for with a lid, combine the heating, in a bowl, whisk another minute, until oregano, parsley, garlic and together the buttermilk, fragrant. Stir in the peanut garlic, yogurt, lemon zest oil. Use a hand-held blender butter, tomatoes with their and juice and salt. Let the to blend until smooth. juice and 960ml water and dressing sit for 10-15 mins Season with salt to taste. bring to a simmer. Cook for to develop the flavours.

Store the drizzle in the fridge about 10 mins, until the (it will last for up to a week).

When the barbecue or carrot is tender.

Preheat the oven to 230C/ pan is hot, add the Stir in the spinach, bring griddle Gas 8 and place a rack in the cut-side down, and centre. the stew back to a simmer, lettuce, Rub a baking tray just long enough to get a with a bit then remove the pot from the grill of olive oil, and bit of char, around 2–3 mins. heat. Stir in the miso paste, Transfer the lettuce to a arrange the dough on top.

Press it out until it covers the taste the stew and add more serving platter. salt as needed. tray in one even, thin layer, To serve, drizzle the either in a circle like a pizza Ladle the stew into bowls lettuce with the or in a more flatbread-like and serve each with a wedge dressinggenerously and top with oval. Spread the pesto over of lime and any or all of the avocado slices and nuts. the dough and add the suggested toppings. toppings. Bake for 7-10 mins, until the crust is golden.

Finish with the herby drizzle.

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NOSNAWS IDIEH SHPARGOTOHP DNA SEPICER HTIMSDLOG LEUMAS ERUTAEF

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INGREDIENTS ● 230g dried soba noodles ● 3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil ● 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced ● 280g cherry tomatoes ● 180g broccoli florets ● ¼tsp fine-grain sea salt, plus more to taste ● 20g chopped mint leaves ● 80g well-toasted cashews, chopped ● Grated parmesan ● Shichimi togarashi or chilli flakes and lemon zest, to serve

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Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the soba noodles and cook according to the packet instructions for al dente.

In the meantime, combine the oil, garlic and tomatoes in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook for 3 mins, stirring occasionally, then add the broccoli. Cook, continuing to stir, for 3–4 mins more, until most of the tomatoes burst and the broccoli is bright green.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the salt.

When the soba is cooked, drain it well and add it to the tomato mixture in the pan.

Stir in the mint and cashews. Taste and add more salt as needed. Serve the soba in individual bowls with parmesan, shichimi togarashi or chilli flakes and lemon zest on the side.

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IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

141

SIMPLE PLEASURES

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT The bedroom area of the Old Kitchen annexe; the Tulip Room is decorated with Ottoline de Vries wallpaper; original art in the cosy sitting room; strong colour accentuates traditional features in the kitchen

Somewhere for the weekend…

GLEBE HOUSE A unique West Country retreat

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This Devonshire guest house makes a perfect foodie hideaway

REKRAP YKCAJ ,HTIMSDLOG LEUMAS ERUTAEF

isiting Glebe House, it’s apparent that owners Hugo and Olive are inspired by the ‘agriturismo’ of Italy, where farms provide accommodation and an artisanal culinary offering. And, while Glebe House isn’t quite a working farm, it has a glorious 15-acre freeholding, which allows chef Hugo to create seasonal dishes.

The late-Georgian vicarage was previously run as a B&B by Hugo’s parents. Now, Studio Alexandra has brought the property up to date, accentuating original features with colour and pattern. The plan was to make each room feel vibrant yet

homely, as is the case with the Tulip Room, with its beautiful views over the Coly Valley.

The Restaurant offers a £48-a-head four-course dining experience, inspired by Italian cuisine. Expect egg yolk ravioli with leeks and roasted-bone butter sauce, and Amalfi lemon tart. The Kitchen serves rustic fare: pies, ragu and casseroles. There’s also a bakery and charcuterie room, bookable for cookery classes – a true foodie retreat.

BOOK IT Rooms start at £129 a night. Glebe House, Southleigh, Colyton, Devon EX24 6SD, glebehousedevon.co.uk

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2021

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BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS W           ,         E’ C  P (../IPSO/.)    IPSO. I        ,     E  _@.    T E, Ideal Home, 161 M W, L E14 9AP. P                  E’ C.

W                     .

SUBSCRIPTIONS A    12    &. D        . UK: £57. USA ( , fi  12 ): $164.05. E (;   fi ): €180.25. R    (, fi   ): £131.70.

O   .. F q   @. . A     USA  A B L; / W S I; 156-15 146 A, 2 fl, J NY 11434, USA. P    J NY 11431.US P:     I H, A B L; / W S I; 156-15 146 A, 2 fl, J NY 11434, USA. S     F P L, 161 M W, L E14 9AP, E. A B L      .

W             ,    - .

T            ,       . T      FSC (F S C)   . A  © 2021 F P L    . A  .

N       , ,              . F P L (  2008885)    E  W. R ffi: Q H, T A, B BA1 1UA. A           ,      ,        . F           . Y               /     . A           . W              . T               . I     ,        /    /         F                /  /   ,         ,      . A          ,     ,  F   , ,          . W          ,      , ,   .

Brand Development Director Laura Crombie Video Producer Matt Gibbs Editor in Chief – Homes Audience Amy Cutmore Editor in Chief – eCommerce Lindsey Davis Editor in Chief – News Rebecca Knight Digital Shopping Editor Tamara Kelly Senior Digital Editor Jenny McFarlane

PRODUCTION

Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman Art Production Designer Phil Dunk Advertising Production Manager Nick Williams 0330 390 6381 Senior Production Manager Matt Eglinton Production Manager John Botten 0330 390 7509

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Head of Marketing Sian Cupid Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms

CIRCULATION

Circulation Manager Katie Greenan

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Commercial Director Rob Biagioni Print & Digital Sales Manager Kelly James 0330 390 6543 International/Luxury Account Director Carol Bunce Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Classified senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett Insert Sales Canopy Media 0845 544 1857

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T fi      @.       . Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw 01225 442244

MANAGEMENT

Chief Content Officer Angie O’Farrell Managing Director of Homes Jason Orme Managing Director of eCommerce Aaron Asadi Finance Director Magazines & Subscriptions Dan Jotcham SVP Global Operations & Marketforce Adrian Hughes

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Senior Subscriptions Marketing Manager Anita Baghapour Credit-card Hotline 0330 333 1113 For full details turn to page 60.

For back issues visit mags-uk.com. Y         2003, j  .

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BRILLIANT OR BONKERS? Be bold with a statement wallpaper

BRILLIANT OR BONKERS? Concealed doors

you’ve got “When such a beautiful

t

”

MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

SEPTEMBER 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

claustrophobic about not being able to see an exit. Plus, it would definitely be a problem at a party after the guests have had a few drinks! If it’s wallpapered, then it’s likely to get a bit tatty after a lot of use and will stand out for all the wrong reasons.

”

GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MOC.BUHTNETNOCERUTUF HPARGOTOHP

wallpaper, why ruin it by stopping for a door?

Papering it adds a magical, Alice in Wonderland element to the room, too. Whether it’s wallpaper or panelling, a disappearing door won’t interrupt a beautiful pattern and it’ll create a cocooning space in a living room.

150

For me, here’s “something a bit