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M a k e yo u r d r e a m h o m e a r e a l i t y REALHOMES.COM
JUNE 2020
Real 55 HOMES IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR LIVING
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Plus, don’t forget to visit realhomes.com to find more DIY projects to tackle. For those of you using this time to plan a bigger home improvement project, this month’s real homes are packed with stunning ideas you’ll want to add to your own wish list. From the swoonworthy Shaker kitchen in Rhiannon Southwell’s renovated home (page 76) to the beautiful interiors of Jacqueline Mercer’s Edwardian terrace (page 64), I guarantee you’ll find plenty to help you create your dream space. If you’re unable to get to the shops to pick up a copy of Real Homes, then why not subscribe and we’ll deliver it to your door (or device) every month – see page 12. I do hope you enjoy taking the time to read this issue, and I wish you and your families all the best. Take care.
Beth Murton Editor @BethMurton
enes c s e h t d n i h be
PHOTOGRAPH KATIE LEE
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Setting up the perfect shot in the sunshine
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D
ecent weeks, it’s fair hat my home has seen nsiderable changes. r simply a place to liv w become my office, a scho room, home gym and venue for (virtual) Friday night drinks on Zoom with friends, among other things. A scene that’s no doubt being replicated in some shape or form in millions of homes throughout the UK. Perhaps most importantly, however, it’s my family’s safe haven, our sanctuary from some of the chaos that we’ve all been living through recently. Maintaining our physical and mental well-being in these difficult times is key, and I know so many of you are finding ways of achieving that in your homes, whether that’s through completing DIY jobs that have been on your to-do list for a while, getting out in the garden to prepare it for summer, taking on quick upcycling projects or simply snuggling up on the sofa to watch a film with the kids. With this in mind, we’ve got plenty inside this issue to inspire you further. If you’re already planning the garden party to trump all garden parties when things finally return to normal (my five-year-old has requested a ‘happy barbecue party’ later in the year), don’t miss our guide to outdoor entertaining (page 52) for ideas on how you can transform your space over the coming weeks before you send out the invites. There are also quick paint projects to try inside your home (page 60), and a colourful weekend upcycle you could give a go (page 122).
s t n e t n o c 24
Style agenda 45
Get the latest home office looks for under £300
Inside track 17
news
47
Real homes awards Does your project have what it takes to win a Real Homes award? Enter our fantastic competition
24
mid-century modern Hit refresh on this classic look and discover the latest pieces adding a brand new twist
This month’s hottest new homeware and design ideas
22
style maths
52 entertain outdoors ...come rain or shine. Take the party outside with our guide to next-level alfresco partying
real home Karla and Andy have celebrated their home’s original features, for a characterful family space
41
60 new ways with paint Make the most of time spent at home with these fun DIY ideas
96
green scene Claim the sweet spot of your garden as your own with a contemporary outdoor bench
43
100 spotlight on two-tone kitchens The latest designs and expert advice for a state statement space
sherbet shades Embrace the power of pastel and opt for a soft sorbet palette to tap p into this month’s hottest trend
76
58 garden competition! Win £2,300 worth of amazing prizes to revamp your outside space this summer
17
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9
52
s t n e t n co 64
project advice
home life
64
37
76
89
extension of the month A brave architectural design that caught our attention
Real Home Rhiannon’s green Shaker kitchen has perfectly finished the update of her Victorian house
96
The latest ideas and essential purchases for your renovation
real home
See how shoe designer Jacqueline used her artistic eye to create a home that’s a joy to behold
project news
91
Extension diary Interiors writer Linda Clayton on living through a big renovation
Real Home Steve and Katelin’s industrialstyle kitchen has been lifted with a pop of soft pink
103 Real home
93
the june report New appliances and on-trend buys for kitchens and bathrooms
107
Step inside Alison and John’s kitchen and see how a remodel has transformed med their space
47
guide to windows All you need to know to make the most of natural light and views
115 The edit
37
The latest bathroom lights and stylish kitchen wall tiles
122 Sunday Project How to transform your bathroom vanity into a true work of art
103 17
43 93
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ISSN 1464 - 4061 áƺ Əȸƺ ƬȒȅȅǣɎɎƺƳ ɎȒ ȒȇǼɵ ɖɀǣȇǕ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ȵƏȵƺȸ ɯǝǣƬǝ ǣɀ ƳƺȸǣɮƺƳ ǔȸȒȅ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǼɵ ȅƏȇƏǕƺƳً ƬƺȸɎǣˡƺƳ ǔȒȸƺɀɎȸɵ ƏȇƳ ƬǝǼȒȸǣȇƺٮǔȸƺƺ ȅƏȇɖǔƏƬɎɖȸƺِ Áǝƺ ȵƏȵƺȸ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ɯƏɀ ɀȒɖȸƬƺƳ ƏȇƳ ȵȸȒƳɖƬƺƳ ǔȸȒȅ ɀɖɀɎƏǣȇƏƫǼƺ ȅƏȇƏǕƺƳ ǔȒȸƺɀɎɀً ƬȒȇǔȒȸȅǣȇǕ ɎȒ ɀɎȸǣƬɎ ƺȇɮǣȸȒȇȅƺȇɎƏǼ ƏȇƳ ɀȒƬǣȒƺƬȒȇȒȅǣƬ ɀɎƏȇƳƏȸƳɀِ Áǝƺ ȅƏȇɖǔƏƬɎɖȸǣȇǕ ȵƏȵƺȸ ȅǣǼǼ ƏȇƳ ȵȸǣȇɎƺȸ ǝȒǼƳ ǔɖǼǼ I³! ƏȇƳ ¨0I! ƬƺȸɎǣˡƬƏɎǣȒȇ ƏȇƳ ƏƬƬȸƺƳǣɎƏɎǣȒȇِ ǼǼ ƬȒȇɎƺȇɎɀ ۰ אאIɖɎɖȸƺ ¨ɖƫǼǣɀǝǣȇǕ nǣȅǣɎƺƳ Ȓȸ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝƺƳ ɖȇƳƺȸ ǼǣƬƺȇƬƺِ ǼǼ ȸǣǕǝɎɀ ȸƺɀƺȸɮƺƳِ zȒ ȵƏȸɎ Ȓǔ Ɏǝǣɀ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ȅƏɵ ƫƺ ɖɀƺƳً ɀɎȒȸƺƳً ɎȸƏȇɀȅǣɎɎƺƳ Ȓȸ ȸƺȵȸȒƳɖƬƺƳ ǣȇ Əȇɵ ɯƏɵ ɯǣɎǝȒɖɎ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸǣȒȸ ɯȸǣɎɎƺȇ ȵƺȸȅǣɀɀǣȒȇ Ȓǔ Ɏǝƺ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝƺȸِ IɖɎɖȸƺ ¨ɖƫǼǣɀǝǣȇǕ nǣȅǣɎƺƳ ٢ƬȒȅȵƏȇɵ ȇɖȅƫƺȸ דזזזא٣ ǣɀ ȸƺǕǣɀɎƺȸƺƳ ǣȇ 0ȇǕǼƏȇƳ ƏȇƳ áƏǼƺɀِ «ƺǕǣɀɎƺȸƺƳ ȒǔˡƬƺ يªɖƏɵ RȒɖɀƺً Áǝƺ ȅƫɖȸɵً ƏɎǝ È ِ ǼǼ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇ ƬȒȇɎƏǣȇƺƳ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ǣɀ ǔȒȸ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇ ȒȇǼɵ ƏȇƳ ǣɀً Əɀ ǔƏȸ Əɀ ɯƺ Əȸƺ ƏɯƏȸƺً ƬȒȸȸƺƬɎ ƏɎ Ɏǝƺ Ɏǣȅƺ Ȓǔ ǕȒǣȇǕ ɎȒ ȵȸƺɀɀِ IɖɎɖȸƺ ƬƏȇȇȒɎ ƏƬƬƺȵɎ Əȇɵ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǣǼǣɎɵ ǔȒȸ ƺȸȸȒȸɀ Ȓȸ ǣȇƏƬƬɖȸƏƬǣƺɀ ǣȇ ɀɖƬǝ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇِ çȒɖ Əȸƺ ƏƳɮǣɀƺƳ ɎȒ ƬȒȇɎƏƬɎ ȅƏȇɖǔƏƬɎɖȸƺȸɀ ƏȇƳ ȸƺɎƏǣǼƺȸɀ ƳǣȸƺƬɎǼɵ ɯǣɎǝ ȸƺǕƏȸƳ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸǣƬƺ Ȓǔ ȵȸȒƳɖƬɎɀٖɀƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ȸƺǔƺȸȸƺƳ ɎȒ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇِ ȵȵɀ ƏȇƳ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺɀ ȅƺȇɎǣȒȇƺƳ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ɖȇƳƺȸ Ȓɖȸ ƬȒȇɎȸȒǼِ áƺ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǼƺ ǔȒȸ Ɏǝƺǣȸ ƬȒȇɎƺȇɎɀ Ȓȸ Əȇɵ ȒɎǝƺȸ ƬǝƏȇǕƺɀ Ȓȸ ɖȵƳƏɎƺɀ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺȅِ Áǝǣɀ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ǣɀ ǔɖǼǼɵ ǣȇƳƺȵƺȇƳƺȇɎ ƏȇƳ ȇȒɎ ƏǔˡǼǣƏɎƺƳ ǣȇ Əȇɵ ɯƏɵ ɯǣɎǝ Ɏǝƺ ƬȒȅȵƏȇǣƺɀ ȅƺȇɎǣȒȇƺƳ ǝƺȸƺǣȇِ Xǔ ɵȒɖ ɀɖƫȅǣɎ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ɎȒ ɖɀً ɵȒɖ ɯƏȸȸƏȇɎ ɎǝƏɎ ɵȒɖ Ȓɯȇ Ɏǝƺ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ƏȇƳٖȒȸ ǝƏɮƺ Ɏǝƺ ȇƺƬƺɀɀƏȸɵ ȸǣǕǝɎɀٖȵƺȸȅǣɀɀǣȒȇɀ ɎȒ ɀɖȵȵǼɵ Ɏǝƺ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ƏȇƳ ɵȒɖ ƏɖɎȒȅƏɎǣƬƏǼǼɵ ǕȸƏȇɎ IɖɎɖȸƺ ƏȇƳ ǣɎɀ ǼǣƬƺȇɀƺƺɀ Ə ǼǣƬƺȇƬƺ ɎȒ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝ ɵȒɖȸ ɀɖƫȅǣɀɀǣȒȇ ǣȇ ɯǝȒǼƺ Ȓȸ ǣȇ ȵƏȸɎ ǣȇ ƏȇɵٖƏǼǼ ǣɀɀɖƺɀ ƏȇƳٖȒȸ ƺƳǣɎǣȒȇɀ Ȓǔ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇɀً ǣȇ Əȇɵ ǔȒȸȅƏɎ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝƺƳ ɯȒȸǼƳɯǣƳƺ ƏȇƳ Ȓȇ ƏɀɀȒƬǣƏɎƺƳ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺɀً ɀȒƬǣƏǼ ȅƺƳǣƏ ƬǝƏȇȇƺǼɀ ƏȇƳ ƏɀɀȒƬǣƏɎƺƳ ȵȸȒƳɖƬɎɀِ ȇɵ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ɵȒɖ ɀɖƫȅǣɎ ǣɀ ɀƺȇɎ ƏɎ ɵȒɖȸ Ȓɯȇ ȸǣɀǸ ƏȇƳً ƏǼɎǝȒɖǕǝ ƺɮƺȸɵ ƬƏȸƺ ǣɀ ɎƏǸƺȇً ȇƺǣɎǝƺȸ IɖɎɖȸƺ ȇȒȸ ǣɎɀ ƺȅȵǼȒɵƺƺɀً ƏǕƺȇɎɀً ɀɖƫƬȒȇɎȸƏƬɎȒȸɀ Ȓȸ ǼǣƬƺȇɀƺƺɀ ɀǝƏǼǼ ƫƺ ǼǣƏƫǼƺ ǔȒȸ ǼȒɀɀ Ȓȸ ƳƏȅƏǕƺِ áƺ Əɀɀɖȅƺ ƏǼǼ ɖȇɀȒǼǣƬǣɎƺƳ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ǣɀ ǔȒȸ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ɖȇǼƺɀɀ ȒɎǝƺȸɯǣɀƺ ɀɎƏɎƺƳً ƏȇƳ ȸƺɀƺȸɮƺ Ɏǝƺ ȸǣǕǝɎ ɎȒ ƺƳǣɎً ƏȅƺȇƳً ƏƳƏȵɎ ƏǼǼ ɀɖƫȅǣɀɀǣȒȇɀِ
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Future plc is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR) www.futureplc.com
Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford !ǝǣƺǔ ˡȇƏȇƬǣƏǼ ȒǔˡƬƺȸ Penny Ladkin-Brand Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244
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PRODUCTION Head of Production Mark Constance Production Project Manager Clare Scott Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson Production Manager Vivienne Calvert
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INSIDE INSIDE
track
Get the scoop on new design ideas, must-have products and looks you’ll love… Terracotta succulent, £4; sunflower tumbler, £2; diamond tumbler, £2; dots tumbler, £2; rattan shade, £30; brushed gold cutlery set, £15; black dash dinner set, £20; spiky succulent, £5, all George Home
DISCOVERY DINING By George! Asda homewares are blooming beautiful this season! Its new collection has natural wonders aplenty. There’s green-tinted glassware, tactile rattan lighting and faux plantage too. So, if you’re ready to revive your sense of adventure at mealtimes, they’re serving up some tasty tableware and accessories – and all with a little outdoor flair.
Rattan table lamp, £55
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
Yellow hand-knotted weave cushion, £8
easy living Want more style-led accessories to freshen up your space? Add texture and pattern with these George Home pieces
Hurricane vase, £6
Woven basket, £10 Monochrome mark making tassel cushion, £7
Llama succulent, £8
Hester & Cook Diecut shell paper placemats, £29 for a pack of 12, The Grey Works
MINI TREND ALERT
Turret shell nautical wreath, £23, Not On The High Street
Shells We’ve noticed some seaside chic coming onto the interiors horizon of late. Think revisited 70s style but with a modern, more earthy twist. Bring the next level in the scallop vibe home with this latest look.
Ferm Living Shell pot, £70.50, Cloudberry Living
Eichholtz medium gold shell tray, £108, Sweetpea & Willow
HOT TROPIC
Bookworm Wild Interiors; Beautiful plants in beautiful spaces by Hilton Carter, (CICO Books, £16.99) Want to create luscious interiors that not only look amazing but are good for your well-being, too? Yes please! This book is for all the plant parents out there and is full of inspiring homes filled with, you guessed it, plants, plus practical tips, as well. So, if you’re in need of some biophilicporn, this one is for you.
Embark on a tantalising voyage of discovery with ‘Botany’ the latest wallpaper from Paint & Paper Library. Each design, which was originally drawn or painted by hand, takes inspiration from exotic flora and folia. There are 52 colourways in total, over nine patterns, all intended to feature in both classic and eclectic interior styles. We think they’re pretty fresh.
Tropicane Chelsea Green wallpaper, £108 per roll; dado and skirting painted in Chelsea Green in Architects’ Eggshell pure flat emulsion, £68 for 2.5ltrs, Paint & Paper Library
Urban outdoors
Copa garden hanging chair in Citrus Green, £449, Made
Transforming outdoor furniture, fences and front doors with chalk paint may be simpler than you think: a) Pick a colour. b) Find a paint brush (easier in some households than others). c) Apply a using b, then add a lacquer in either matt or gloss finish... et voila – a brand new outside look! You’re very welcome
REAL GARDENS Now we’re in warmer climes, it’s time to head out into the garden – and with plenty of garden design advice, ideas and planting know-how, we’ll be with you every step of the way. realhomes.com/garden
Athenian Black and Olive Chalk Paint, £21.95 for 1ltr, and UV lacquer, £21.95 per 750ml, Annie Sloan
Orla Keily watering can, £39.95, Cuckooland
Designer dentistry
Dental Bling mug, £20, Tatty Devine
Brace yourself for some fun n porcelain crafted showpiece es. These geek-chic inspired vasse and mug designs are both h striking statements, plus there’s no tightening require ed! With lush red lips and pearly whites studded with sparkly braces, orthodontics have e never looked so good.
Dental Bling vase, £50, Tatty Devine
Purple and d green Aloe Vera a artificial succulent in black pot, £9 9.99
Perfect pastels Matalan is bang on trend with its latest homeware offerings – and we like! There’s a muted cool tone palette including colour-of-the-moment mint, plus a generous helping of dusky pinks. These quirky accessories are showcasing some serious multifaceted edges and rippled finishes too, Sadly, the gold wrapped teacakes aren’t included in the range. Shame.
Artificial Monstera, £19.99
Home Hom sanctuarry
Green ‘Century Plant’ artificial agave Americana with pot, £24.99
We are now w so aware e of the positive effects that being surrounded by greenery has on our well-being. But, if you find looking after real plants difficult, faux may be the way to go. Homescapes latest range of realistic botanics are hand-crafted, feature silk leaves and faux wood for an authenticlooking slice of nature for any living space
Wall art, £12; ceramic pineapple, £12; ceramic hand, £8; tumbler, £3, all Matalan
FRESH AIR FOOTWEAR
Chanteboot Stripes urban rain boots, £100, by Aigle
Getting into our gardens and the great outdoors is one o of the best things me of year but correct about this tim gs are crucial. Not just foot covering suitable for ffestivals, these rubber d certainly help brighten beauties would pent wielding a pair of up any day sp secateurs or stomping around dog. Time to make with the d ce in that boot spac cupboard. c
Our pick of the podcasts Ever wondered what others are chortling over on their headphones? If you enjoy some chatter while you work, DIY or garden, listen up for the pick of the Real Homes team’s favourite podcasts. Be warned, outloud snorting is a possible side effect.
Ellen Finch I love The High Low with Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton. It’s smart, laugh-outloud hilarious and keeps me up to date with culture and current affairs in a cheery way (which is what we all need!)
Anna Morley The Great Indoors is a must for interiors addicts... I mean enthusiasts! Kate Watson-Smyth and Sophie Robinson are fun and funny as they discuss style, how-tos and design crimes, plus so much more
Amelia Smith I’m a huge fan of How to Fail with Elizabeth Day. It’s so honest and real, exploring people’s perceived failures and seeing the positive in them. It’s made me laugh and cry, but always leaves me feeling calm and happy
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Laura Crombie I love Dogcast, presented by the brilliant Clare Balding. Basically Clare and her Tibetan Terrier Archie travel the UK to meet dogs and their humans. The celebrity guests are always a particular highlight
Beth Murton Fortunately… with broadcasters Fi Glover and Jane Garvey is honest, fun and engaging. Their weekly chat used to accompany my Friday evening commute, but for now they’re making me smile while working from home
Quick!
ENTER THIS YEAR’S
Entries close
2 July
When Debbie bought a run-down bungalow – part of a development originally worked on by her dad – it took a family effort to get it up to scratch. And all their hard work was well worth it for the bright, stylish home Debbie’s created – and the Home of the Year title it earned last year
Home & Garden
of the Year
Completed a home transformation you want to show off ? Enter our awards for the chance to win a prize worth £500!
PHOTOGRAPHS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) JEMMA WATTS, KATIE LEE, MALCOLM MENZIES
Clare’s design skills and knack for finding bargains saw her turn a wrecked house into a stylish family home. Her classic Shakerstyle kitchen with jazzy contemporary touches won our Best Kitchen award last year
H
ave you been busy with a home improvement project you’re particularly proud of? Whether you’ve extended your kitchen, refreshed a dated bathroom or completely made over your house, now’s your chance to share it with the Real Homes community by entering the Real Homes Home of the Year awards. Enter today and you’ll be in with a chance of winning £500 in John Lewis & Partners vouchers – and you’ll also appear in the glossy pages of Real Homes magazine with a fun, professional photoshoot of your project, to inspire other readers to transform their own homes.
Ready to sign up? Choose the category you’d like to enter, then simply fill in the entry form online at realhomes.com/awards, or enter by post. Entries close at midnight on 2 July 2020. The judges will pick the category winners, who will all feature in the magazine and on Realhomes.com. The overall winner of the £500 will be revealed in the January 2021 issue.
The prizes
The lucky winner of the Home of the Year Award will be selected from the winners of each category and will receive £500 in John Lewis & Partners vouchers. In addition,
Meet the judges BETH MURTON is the editor of Real Homes magazine. Passionate about all things home-related, she’s renovated a 1930s house into a modern family home, and is always looking out for fresh ideas.
JASON ORME is editorial director of Real Homes and author of The Self Build Dream, and has advised thousands of homeowners on their renovations. He has totally remodelled his 1960s home.
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LUCY SEARLE is the global editor-in-chief of Realhomes.com. After a career on a number of homes mags and websites, she’s dedicated to bringing us online homes inspo aplenty.
ing chosen as both Best Renovation and Home of the Year for Real es was a huge surprise and honour,’ says Debbie. ‘I’ve been reading
was a busy but enormously fun day. The team are a lovely bunch and very supportive. Having everyone crowded into my bedroom eating lunch while the Real Homes Show crew filmed downstairs was an unusual highlight! The vouchers were a fab prize – I’ve spent them on a new TV for the lounge.
‘
gazine for years but never thought I’d have a home worthy of gracing ges. It made me proud of what we’ve achieved as a family. The photo
THE CATEGORIES Best extension
Best renovation
Sponsored by Icynene We’re not just all about extensions here at Real Homes! If you have transformed your home, whether that’s rescuing an unloved period property or remodelling for modern family living, share your project with us today.
Best home makeover/ redecoration
How to enter
Entering the Real Homes Home of the Year awards is quick and easy. Simply visit realhomes.com/awards and complete the entry form, upload your photos, floorplans (where relevant) and a brief description of the work that you’ve carried out on your home. The deadline for online entries is midnight on 2 July 2020. All of the category winners will be professionally photographed. You must be ready and willing for your home to be photographed and appear in the magazine as well as online.
Nikki’s spa-style bathroom captured our hearts and won the Best Bathroom award in last year’s competition. We think her decision to sacrifice a bedroom for it was well worth it
Best kitchen
Your kitchen is a space where you can host, enjoy family dinners and cook up a storm. Whether you’ve extended, remodelled or simply refitted with new units, enter your transformation into our Best Kitchen award.
Best bathroom
Have you created the spa-like bathroom of your dreams? Even the smallest spaces can harbour amazing transformations. Share your sanctuary with us by entering it into our Best Bathroom category.
#SOREALHOMES
the winner of each category will receive a year’s subscription to Real Homes magazine, worth more than £47.
Are you handy with a paintbrush? Love tackling a different upcycling project every other weekend? Sometimes a lick of paint, some serious TLC and inspiring, creative ideas are all you need to get your entire home up to scratch. So if you’ve got DIY prowess you’d like to show off, enter this category for the chance to win.
TO ENTER YOUR PROJECT, HEAD TO REALHOMES.COM/AWARDS
Have you doubled the size of your kitchen with a rear extension? Added bedrooms with a twostorey addition or built up into the loft? We’re looking for stylish spaces that have helped you make the most of your home.
Victorian home transformation
Perfect harmony Eager to celebrate the original features of their Victorian terrace, Karla and Andy have created a modern family home with plenty of period character
#SOREALHOMES
FOR MORE IDEAS ON UPDATING YOUR PERIOD HOME, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/RENOVATIONS
This image and opposite Walls painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball. Large sofa, Loaf. Small sofa, armchair and coffee table, Sofa.com. Side table and floor lamps, Habitat. Living room ceiling light, Next. Cowhide rug, Graham & Green. Shutters, Hillarys. Mirrors, Next and The White Company. Prada print, Amazon
WORDS ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE
Profile THE OWNERs Karla Lucas, a teacher, lives with her husband, Andy, who is in the army, and their daughter, Amelia, 12 THE PROPERTY A four-bed Victorian terrace in Staffordshire project COST £46,000
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WHY Karla’S HOME CAUGHT OUR EYE When we first came across Karla’s home, it was the stunning quarry kitchen tiles that got our attention. Contrasting with the modernity of the sleek white kitchen, it’s one of many examples of the careful way Karla’s treated her Victorian home. Inheriting it in a decent state – complete with an open-plan kitchen and French doors to the garden – she’s been able to put her own stamp on the property while keeping its most precious features, including the original sash windows, fireplaces and bannister, intact. In fact, Karla has gone so far as to celebrate them, restoring the original Victorian tiles of the hallway to their former glory and keeping, but painting over, the textured wallpaper that was there when she moved in. That isn’t to say that her home hasn’t moved with the times, though. Knocking the living and dining rooms through to each other has flooded the middle room with much-needed light, and a loft conversion provides daughter Amelia with her own little sanctuary up in the roof. Karla talks about how she’s balanced new and old over the page…
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When we saw this house, we were drawn in by the original features. There were so many and they’d been so well-kept throughout the years – since 1901, basically. We lived in the house for a year to get a feel for it before we did anything. We knew the floorboards needed sanding, the fireplace mantles needed replacing, and the kitchen needed an update, but we hadn’t even considered anything like a loft conversion. All it needed was a lick of paint. ‘I love making a feature of the traditional elements of the house, but my taste is quite modern – I like things to be clean, and everything to have its place. I get lots of ideas from magazines and the internet, save them in folders and revisit them. Trying out dark paint was the scariest – it feels like a bold move before you do it. We lived in military housing with magnolia walls for 20 years, so when dark interiors started taking off on Instagram and Pinterest, we decided to give it a go. We still love our darker living room even now. ‘One of the first things we did was to knock down the wall between the living and dining room. It was messy, but it was so effective for how inexpensive it was. It opened up the whole of the front room – the light is amazing now. We never used to go into the dining room at all because it was so dark. It had one window but it didn’t get any light because there are houses behind us. ‘The builder who did the work put all the coving back on afterwards so it matched the rest of the ceiling. We discovered at that point that the floorboards in the front room and the dining room run different ways. I put a rug in to cover the join and make it flow a little better. ‘We use the space so much more now. Thanks to the ope e it warms up nicely, and it’s st bright in winter because of t big bay window at the front. Dining room ceiling light, Laura Ashley. Dining table, John Lewis & Partners. Chairs, Cult Furniture. For a similar bar cart, try Wayfair
REALHOMES.COM
Over to Karla...
Above right ‘We’ve added a little office space in the kitchen for the computer.’ Desk, John Lewis & Partners. Desk chair, Cult Furniture
BEFORE
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REALHOMES.COM
Left and above Kitchen, Wickes. Appliances, AEG. Tap, Franke. For a similar blackboard paint, try Rustins Quick Dry Blackboard Paint, Amazon. Bar stools, Cult Furniture
The kitchen we inherited when we moved in was 10 years old and really dated. We knew we’d need to put a new one in. The cupboards weren’t in good repair and it wasn’t the layout I wanted – it wasn’t social enough. The space had already been knocked through by previous owners, but replacing the kitchen itself was one of the first things we did. We had to buy a few new quarry tiles that were missing from underneath the old kitchen but I knew I wanted to keep them – they’re an original feature and they’re still in such good condition. In fact, they sold us the house along with the tiles in the hall. I don’t know how people can carpet over them!’ ‘When we were choosing the new kitchen, I wanted a sleek, modern design. The kitchens in military quarters were always really dated with nowhere to put anything, so this needed to be the opposite of that. We also decided to opt for light units to prevent the room from feeling gloomy and make the tiles pop. We went to lots of different shops and ended up at Wicke just love the clean, slimline look. We ke it all white so that the only colour com through the floor tiles and accessories
TOP TIP
Originally designed to protect walls from furniture, dado rails are on-trend and great for streamlining a hall or creating a twotone look
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Apart from one window in the kitchen, the rest were all originals. We thought we’d be able to keep them, but after living through the first winter, we realised they needed to be replaced – it was so draughty! We put in new uPVC sash windows at the back, but because we live in a Conservation Area, we had to leave them in at the front. Sash windows, Roseview Windows, fitted by Strata
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Costs & contacts Loft £21,000 Kitchen & fitting £21,000 Relaying of garden tiles £3,500 Build work £1,200 Total project cost £46,700 Loft Buckley Loft Conversions, 0800 136152, loft-conversions.com Kitchen JT Richmond Kitchen Installations, 07976 261677 Sash windows Roseview Windows, 01234 712657, roseview.co.uk
REALHOMES.COM
Opposite Stair runner, Vogue Carpets. Walls painted in Off Black, Farrow & Ball. Right Capri console table, Laura Ashley
‘
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The handrail on the bannister was the original pine, while the stairs and spindles were white. Everything needed painting and there was carpet running up the middle that wasn’t fitted properly, so it was dangerous. We ripped it up and put an inexpensive beige runner up the middle. I painted the stairs myself and it took forever! I’d seen someone use a runner with edging – I found a stockist of Alternative Flooring to come and fit something similar. ‘There was original wallpaper on the bottom half of the wall that we didn’t dare pull off, so we painted over it. You can still see a bit of the pattern and it has a lovely texture. All the houses al the road had stained gla their front door except , so we restored that, too.
‘
We decided not to go dark in the bedroom because we worried it wouldn’t feel like a calm, relaxing space. Instead, we opted for Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath. We were going to keep it white but it felt like the room needed warming up. The design is quite Scandi, with lots of wicker and beige tones. We wanted a toned-down, chilled-out room where we can unwind at the end of the day. All the furniture in here we brought fro r old house, so there hing new except the bas and the lampshade. Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Carpet, Vogue Carpets. Bed, Laura Ashley. Prints, New Icons of Print and Mark Spain limited edition from Bradbury Graphics of Belfast. Woven wallhanging, La Redoute. Bedside tables, Ikea
‘
Once we’d moved Amelia up into the loft, it gave me a spare room to create a dressing room. In my opinion, it’s the best room in the house. My dad says it’s the most expensive d ing room he’s ever s after all, we did a whol conversion for it! Wardrobes and unit, Ikea. Curtains, Laura Ashley. Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Carpet, Vogue Carpets
TOP TIP
Embrace open storage: It can make your room seem larger, encourage tidiness and it’s easier to quickly put together an outfit
Bought house May 2014
PROJECT TIMELINE
Painted first wall dark January 2016
Amelia’s first loft sleepover June 2016
Started loft conversion February 2016
Knocked through living and dining rooms December 2015
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First summer in the finished ‘yarden’ May 2017
Walls painted in Vardo, Farrow & Ball. Bed, Next. ‘Amelia’ letters, Posh Graffiti. Dressing table and stool, Ikea
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We did the loft last, but in hindsight, we should have done it first – it was an absolute mess! We had to replace all the carpets on the middle floor and staircase. In an old house like this, when you start knocking things down, the dust is black, so it was messy. ‘The whole thing took three months. It’s like Amelia’s own little apartment. She chose the décor; she didn’t want pink any more so settled on a blue-green colour. There isn’t a bathroom up there because we wanted space for clothes, but she’s otherwise pretty self-sufficient – she has a desk for study, and she loves having friends over so they can hang out upstairs.
THE PLANS GROUND FLOOR BEFORE
AFTER
KITCHENDINER KITCHEN
DINING ROOM LIVINGDINING ROOM LIVING ROOM
FIRST FLOOR BEFORE
AFTER
BEDROOM
DRESSING ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
SECOND FLOOR BEFORE
AFTER
STORAGE
LOFT BEDROOM
THE PROJECT
Report
Phillips Hue Attract wall light, £129.99
S AND ES TH T E LATEST IDEAS, TREND
SENTIAL BUYS
FOR YOUR HOME IMPRO VEMENT PROJECT Phillips Hue Impress wall light, £119.99 Phillips Hue Appear wall light, £129.99
Chase the rainbow Light up the night and conjure some alfresco ambience with smart outdoor lighting. Philips Hue’s new range can be controlled by a smart phone or tablet, but its brilliance lies in the lighting effects you can create. With 16 million colours and 50,000 shades of warm-to-cool white light, the possibilities are endless.
HOLIDAY AT HOME
FEATURE ALISON JONES
Go with the flow Keep your lawns lush and your flowers watered without having to wrangle a hose. Gardena’s Smart Sensor Control Set helps you irrigate with ease, automatically controlling the water supply in your garden when linked to your sprinkler or micro drip system. The Sensor sends temperature, soil moisture and light intensity readings from your garden to the Gardena Smart app, which regulates the watering schedule and makes sure it’s only done when needed. It costs from £299.99.
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Escape to the outdoors with a patio surround that adds a finishing flourish to your decking. Wooden balustrades enclose the sides and pull it together with your summerhouse for a private sanctuary. The side surrounds can make the perfect space for sun-lounging or outside dining, and give you all the holiday feels at home. Made from softwood timber by Richard Burbidge, this Classic American Baluster has a simple, clean design to suit modern or traditional gardens, and is quick and easy to install. It costs around £390 plus VAT for 10m of balustrade.
Dusty Pink
Sandbank
} } Whether you’re after ideas for your new addition, costing help or inspiration for those finishing touches, you’ll find it all in our dedicated online hub – visit realhomes.com/ extensions for more
BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL Waiting for your garden to bloom? Try brightening up the backdrop by painting your fences and furniture. Sadolin has added new colours to its Superdec range, which now includes 300 natural or bold shades with opaque coverage and a satin finish. And it protects wood for up to 10 years. Sadolin Superdec costs from £34 for 2.5ltrs.
Blue Peter
Garden getaway Spill out of the house in style in an outside sanctuary. Enjoy nature while using the extra room for the office, gym, cinema or studio you can’t fit in your home. Green Retreat’s garden rooms are insulated, double-glazed and heated, so they’re cosy enough to use all year. This eco-friendly and versatile addition costs from £11,745.
A light touch Blinds don’t just block the night out, they can keep heat in – or out if you want a cool room. The honeycombshaped segments of Swish’s Cordless Cellular daylight blinds help with heat reflection and retention. When closed, the textured weave and folds are perfect for a soft, layered scheme. The blinds comes in four shades – Summer Haze, Snow Flurry, Morning Mist and Storm Cloud. The cordless design works by gently moving the bottom bar. Prices start from £37 for a W60x160cm drop.
Bring in the light Grant Sneddon, product manager for Velux (velux.co.uk), looks at the benefits of roof windows for loft conversions What rooflights are best for loft conversions? ‘For lofts, where space is already at a premium, the right windows are essential for maximising daylight. Top-hung roof windows are ideal as they open outwards to create uninterrupted views and a feeling of extra space. For a loft bedroom, we would advise choosing 60 pane as it has enhanced noise reduction and an easy-to-clean coating.’ when picking a rooflight, What must I consider? ‘The number and size of roof windows will impact the look and feel of your conversion. To bring in the right amount of daylight, we recommend your roof windows take up an area equal to 15-20 per cent of the room’s floor space.’ What are the benefits of rooflights not found in conventional windows?‘ ‘Roof windows let in twice as much daylight as vertical windows of the same size and add natural ventilation, to turn a formerly damp and dark space into a comfortable, healthy room.’ Will i need planning permission to fit one? ‘While these types of window mostly don’t require planning permission, it is always best to check with your local council for guidance. Restrictions can vary depending on your local authority and the type of property you own, for instance if your home is listed or is in a Conservation Area.’ How much would one cost depending on budget? ‘Prices start from £244 excl. VAT for a Velux top-operated roof window. Its low installation allows more flexibility and better views. For wow factor and extra ‘outside space’, Cabrio balconies transform from a roof window into a balcony in seconds. From £2,047, excl. VAT.’
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GIVEAWAY FOR EVERY READER Want to keep yourself inspired and entertained? Relax at home with this fantastic selection of free digital books
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KITCHENS Whether you want to switch up your layout, create more space or simply freshen up your existing room, this has something for every style and budget. Packed with case studies, expert advice and on-trend shopping.
CHOOS COLOUR FOR YOUR HOME If you’re planning a decorating project, this book will give you all the inspiration you need to create your new scheme. There are also stunning real homes, all of which illustrate how choosing the right paint colour can turn a blank canvas into a unique space. YOUR SERENITY It’s more important than ever to take time out and focus on what makes us happy. Your Serenity offers ideas, inspiration and tips for a more fulfilled life. From creating a perfect home and cooking delicious food to crafting scrapbooks, becoming more mindful and much more, the pages inside will inspire you to start living your best life today. THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EXTENDING YOUR HOME From working out where to extend, how much your dream extension will cost, and how to manage your project successfully, this book will guide you, step by step, through the entire process. AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DISHES There’s no denying that food and travel go hand in hand, and this book is the ultimate companion for any foodie – a collection of mouth-watering recipes from every corner of the globe, including fascinating insights into their origins. The most difficult problem you’ll face will be deciding what to cook next!
HOW TO CLAIM: To receive all these fantastic digital books for free, simply go to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/realhomesebooks, enter your email address and we’ll email the copies to you to read on your phone, tablet or computer. Enjoy!
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REALHOMES.COM
*VALUE BASED ON PRICES FIRST SOLD FOR ON NEWSSTANDS
H
ow are you filling your time at home? Perhaps you’re planning a home improvement project for later in the year or looking for ideas for quick makeovers you can complete right now. Maybe you’re trying to find some calm through mindfulness or by cooking a favourite meal for the family. With that in mind, we’ve put tic book giveaway u entertained. Due to the current situation, e’ve had to make ome temporary anges to our wsstand offering by including an extra azine with each issue, e hope you enjoy these ree books worth more 50* instead. Take at what’s included…
Indu metal slatted garden bench in warm red, £195, Habitat
Betsholm acacia outdoor bench, £115, Ikea
Florenville garden bench, £75, Homebase
Ibiza metal & woven cord two-seater garden bench, £425, La Redoute
Norfolk wooden bench, £53, B&Q
Semley outdoor solid Iroko wooden bench, £565, Another Country
GREEN SCENE
Fermob Louisiane metal bench with backrest, £420, Made in Design
Rockview eucalyptus wood bench in green, £57.99, Wayfair
RHS Rosemoor eucalyptus wood bench, £349, Kettler
Trenton two-seater garden bench, £110, Argos
Richmond powder-coated steel bench, £190, Garden Trading
Franklin bench, £285, Cox & Cox
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
style it now Add comfort while you surround yourself in nature by piling some eye-catching and practical outdoor cushions onto your latest perch
PLUMP IT UP We’re loving this design, which is both fun and practical. Novelty cushion, £12, Sainsbury’s Home
SOFT STYLE Enjoy a touch of tribal charm with the indoor/outdoor recycled borra tufted geo cushion, £20, Next
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BOTANICAL BLEND The jungle trend is perfect for the great outdoors. Tropical print cushions, £12.99 for two, VonHaus
REALHOMES.COM
Claim the sweet spot of the garden as your own with an outdoor bench. These contemporary designs will have you sitting pretty, alfresco style
Seat cushions, £19.99 for two, HomeSense Rollo pink rug, £180, Habitat
Northern Lighting Bell pendant in blue, £200, Cloudberry Living
Kramer door handle £89.99, Dowsing & Reynolds
Jameila pink dome table lamp, £16, Dunelm
Earle sofa in powder blue suedette, £769, DFS
Pastel cup and saucer in mint, £1, Poundland Lux fringe teal silk cushion, £79, Gingerlily
SHERBET SHADES Pearly Blush Peach vase, £34, Ian Snow
Embrace the power of pastel at home and opt for a super-soft palette in sorbet tones. This cheery trend is one to watch for summer
Lola pink ottoman, £129.99, Studio
Retro cross back dining chair in yellow, £99.99, The Garden Furniture Centre
Theo Ochre 16-piece cutlery set, £7, Tesco Palm Tree views print, £65, French Connection
REALHOMES S.COM
Där Lighting Osaka 1 Light clip-on spot in blue, £20.67, Ocean Lighting
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
style it now Furnish with pale and interesting colours, inspired by the gelato menu. Calming yet jolly, these shades set a playful mood
COVER UP Giving us all the feels of undeniable softness is this pink fleece throw, £19.99, M&Co
DIVE UNDER Fringed and fabulous, we think this is just peachy. Miley waffle throw, £15, JD Williams
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EXTRA LAYER Minty freshness is served with the Sass & Belle Green herringbone blanket throw, £23, The Gifted Few
STYLE
maths Multiply your home office’s style for under £300 with our edit of the latest trends and how to create them on a budget
WAREHOUSE CHIC
Urban rustic study desk, £104, Dunelm
INSPIRING COLOUR
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Leonard ladder bookcase, £143.62, Wayfair
Copenhagen geometric rug, £19.99, Homescapes
£22 LEFT FOR ESSENTIAL SLIPPERS
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Faux cactus, £6, Sainsbury’s
The Shorty locker in mustard, £129, Mustard Made
= £298.61 £1.39 LEFT OVER O E FOR A SH Y NEW SHINY N W PEN
Maidenhair fern plant pot, £19, Very
CALMING SCANDI
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
£278
Joey chair in tan, £60, Argos
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Cato desk, £150, Habitat
£293 £2
Vaxjo pendant lamp, £25, Ikea
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Thelma office chair, £99, Made
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£7 LEFT L F FOR OM ANCY TEA TO BRIGHTEN YOUR BREAKS
REALHOMES.COM
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Neth black triangle wall shelf, £75, Cuckooland
Maya desk lamp, £39, Cult Furniture
RETRO APPEAL Hit refresh for a new era of mid-century modern furniture designs. These latest pieces retain all the sleek aspects from the original movement, but with a renewed sense of style With an effortlessly cool aesthetic, it’s easy to see why the iconic mid-century design era has such an enduring appeal. Examples of this time-transcending style harmoniously blend within a multitude of interior schemes, which is perhaps the key to its long-lasting popularity.
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
REALHOMES.COM
SMOOTH LINES Echoing the past icons but with a fresh perspective, these new designs take their cue from the craftsmanship and ideologies of the past but with a modern tweak. Sleek curves ramp up the comfort while lighting and fabric are upgraded with an almost organic quality. H. Lis Fox two-seater sofa, from £1,470; Ferm Living Hebe large natural floor lamp, £480; Jozef Chierowski 366 rocking chair, from £700; Pink Dream rug, £495, all Rose & Grey
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DINING REIMAGINED This statement eating space takes its cues from the past with recognisable shapes, colours and materials found in the furniture and lighting, but with contemporary finishes and patterns. The current trend for bold spots, tribal patterns and more muted tones keep this look firmly up to date. Oregan walnut dining chair, £170; Oregan extending walnut dining table, £1,200; Otton light shade in green, £120; Gibbins wool rug, from £295, all Habitat
DARING DÉCOR Left Let your background stand out with a modern, oversized geometric pattern. This ochre and teal oval design brings a contemporary touch to a
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Elements Elijah mural wallpaper, £50 per roll; Anya side table, £99; green and gold ribbed vase, £20; blue glass ribbed tealight holder, £5; Halston velvet snuggler, £399; Eska ZigZag natural cushion, £14; gold metal hammered tray, £10; corduroy butterscotch cushion, £7, all Dunelm. HIP HIBERNATION Above Lie ins just got an upgrade with the uber-cool yet pareddown aesthetic of this mid-century-inspired bed. Its streamlined headboard and gently tapered legs encapsulate the less-ismore style perfectly. Mid-century acorn bed in eucalyptus wood, from £799; Penelope marble top acorn bedside table, £349; Caldas table lamp, £199, all West Elm
FOR MORE STYLE ADVICE, HEAD TO REALHOMES.COM/DESIGN
Alma Ellipse Oak wood mirror, £230; abstract dark wood natural sculpture, £25; Orla Kiely Stem jade vase, £14; Orla Kiely Juniper Stem ceramic table lamp, £75; Orla Kiely House for Harlequin Classic Stem wallpaper, £67 per roll; Grayson storage dark sideboard, £599, all John Lewis & Partners
scheme while retaining that mid-century spirit. Ideal for a Mad Men-style cocktail hour…or two.
#SOREALHOMES
PLAYFUL PRINTS Above left Pay homage to the vibrant colour combining and clashing made popular from this design era. Chartreuse paired alongside dark wood is an instantly recognisable mix, while bold prints were de rigueur and spoke of fun and flamboyance, often with stylised nature motifs for true flower power.
yle t s l a Re Homes
Jalouise-door cabinet with lacquered ash veneer, £199.99, H&M @sophiecsophiedo
Real See how ave mixed rs h dern followe o m h t i tury w mid-cen mfort o c k e e l for s
Hennock ceiling light, £105, BHS
Weimar Bauhaus Shapes geometric tile vinyl flooring in yellow, £59 m2, Altra Floor
Stockholm sideboard with walnut veneer, £350, Ikea
T S A P MASTERS Mid-century modern Geometric 04 Yellow art print by Theoldartstudio, £23, Art Wow
Anderson small upholstered two-seater Forest Green velvet sofa with walnut legs, £579, Cult Living
Large gold arc floor lamp, £120, Argos Home
Embossed leaf plastic tumbler glasses, £3 each, Matalan
@burnettbungalow
Model 4 wingback chair, £799, Living Room
@my_best_laid_plans
Giza rug tropical, from £79, Sofa.com
Striped velvet cushion, £32, An Artful Life
Entertain
OUTDOORS (COME RAIN OR SHINE)
When the heat is on, get out of the kitchen – and take the party with you (and the kitchen if you want to impress). Read our guide to next-level alfresco entertaining substantial clay oven capable of producing a full-blown roast. For sophisticated soirées, add a cocktail bar in one corner, complete with chalkboard menu and high stools for hanging out with the mixologist (a.k.a. Uncle Barry). Older kids will love a Drive-thru style movie night and they’re surprisingly easy to mock-up with a projector screen and white sheet. Today’s true Hosts with the Most are essentially turning their gardens (or patios) into outdoor living-cumdining rooms. A big fat sofa is a must – go L-shape for extra Lounge Lizard points. In fact, if lack of space dictates a choice between ample laidback seating or a table, go for the former. BBQ food is easy to eat on laps but there’s a limit to how long you can loaf about on upright dining chairs. Just serve food and drinks on a couple of bistro tables that can be folded away to make space for dancing later. Speaking of which, don’t forget the music. Some outdoor speakers can be linked to boost the sound further, try Sonos, but do think about your neighbours, unless they’re enjoying the tunes, too.
erfect for partying without worrying about red wine on your shag pile, entertaining outdoors is the stress-free way to host this summer. OK, so we can’t promise you won’t fret about the weather. Even August can be dicey on the Storm Samir front (or whatever name we’re on by then) but at least there’s less chance Uncle Barry will smash your precious Anthropologie lamp after one too many Newcy Browns. Eating outside also takes the pressure off, perfection-wise; who cares if the sausages are a bit burnt when there’s fresh air, laughter and, just maybe, sun on your face? In recent years outdoor entertaining has moved beyond the annual family gathering around a grease-encrusted barbecue. A fully-equipped outdoor kitchen isn’t beyond the pale, especially if you’re handy with the breeze blocks and can build some of it yourself. Pizza ovens have become more affordable, too. Go for a table top model like Ooni to practice your fire-starting skills, before graduating to a more
P
GET THE PARTY STARTED
Fab Hab Puebla outdoor rug in blue, £49.95, Cuckooland
Ova bamboo lantern, £31, Abode Living
JJambi bi garden d lounger, £220, Habitat
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Ziguezague bamboo pitcher, £18.95, Sous Chef
Sahara ng utdoor scatter cushion, c £14, Argos Home
WORDS LINDA CLAYTON
Add colour, comfort and cosiness with the latest garden-friendly picks
There’s nothing relaxing about sweating under the midday sun so do make provisions for some form of shade when planning your outdoor space. Sail-style shades and parasols offer heat relief without blocking a summer breeze, or your views. Look for shades made from UV-blocking materials to protect skin (anything graded UPF 40 or above is good). If your garden is more exposed, a gazebo will offer protection from sun, wind and light rain. In all cases, do ensure your shade is properly anchored to prevent it taking off in high winds.
Seat cushions designed to be left outside should be covered in a water, UV and mildew repellant material – look for phrases like ‘Outdoor Use’ or ‘Weather Resist’. This doesn’t mean the water won’t soak through to the padding, just that they won’t disintegrate at the first sign of rain. Marine-grade textiles are particularly resilient to rain and sun but can be quite stiff. It’s worth remembering that all outdoor cushions will last longer if stored inside during winter.
Bondholmen armchair, £132; Bondholmen two-seater sofa, £135; Bondholmen coffee table, £75; Otterön/Innerskär pouffe, £40, all Ikea
Right Plaza rug in Ivory, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, from £39, The Rug Seller
Choosing the location of your outdoor living space on views alone is a common mistake that can really put a dampener on the fun factor. It’s best not to set up furniture too far from the house, or rather downstairs loo, for the comfort of your guests. Think about prevailing winds – a neighbouring fence can provide a handy windbreak, or hunker down next to a summerhouse or shed. It’s also worth tracking the sun at different times of the day. A sunny spot at midday can be cast into chilly shadow by 4pm if it’s too close to the house.
The quickest and easiest way to add a splash of pattern outdoors is underfoot. Rugs designed specifically for outdoor use are widely available and come in bright colours and fabulous patterns – we love a dynamic geometric design for jazzing up boring patio slabs. Most outdoor rugs are made from tightly woven synthetic fibres that don’t absorb water and are textured to be slip resistant. The majority are washable with diluted detergent and a brush. Some are designed to be pressure washed so you won’t need to worry about kids dropping hot dog ketchup.
Left Fence painted in Scotch Blue W24, and seating painted in Dutch Orange W76 Exterior eggshell, £29 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball Approach the lighting in your outdoor space in a similar way to your living room – aim for a magical atmosphere rather than Wembley Stadium in garden form. The most effective schemes feature lighting at different levels – on the ground (uplighting trees or shrubs), on the table, and strung from above, around a tree, gazebo or parasol. Go for solar-powered lights in the ground and use battery-powered LEDs to spread the sparkle. Don’t forget to stock up on candles – choose citronella infused in midge season.
Five things... ONE
Your BBQ isn’t selfcleaning. You could swear you scrubbed it before it was stuffed in the garage last year. Yet here it is, looking like the grim reaper after a lard bath. Would it be un-eco to just bin it and buy a shiny new one? (Yes it would be, obviously).
TWO
you’ll realise when you entertain outdoors
It doesn’t matter how scorching the afternoon sun, the second it dips below the fence everyone’s fighting over the blankets. Nobody will admit they’re cold though; blue lips and goose-bumps are ignored to keep the holiday vibe alive.
THREE
Everyone is a pyromaniac once they have had a few bevvies. Never mind the kids, it’s your dad who is most at risk of third degree burns as he continuously tests out the burnability of a variety of garden “waste” on your chiminea.
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FOUR
Your favourite apps will become Met Office, BBC Weather and Windy.com. You’ll spend hours flicking between them for that elusive sun symbol. And don’t get us started on real time raincloud tracking – netweather.tv is addictive but stressful.
FIVE
The only time you will ever remember you took the living room cushions outside is at 3am, while lying in bed listening to the steady patter of a summer shower against your windowpane.
Table painted in China Clay; chairs painted in (clockwise from top) Mendip Mist, Teal, Antique Rose, Passionate Plum, Lemon Yellow and French Lilac Royal Exterior finish, £16.99 for 1ltr, Protek interior blogger
KIMBERLY DURAN
Brantome sofa dining set, £625; scatter cushions, £8 each; Biteshield citronella pie dish candle, £7; Oriental parasol, 3m, £100; Venezuela clay chiminea, £50; Texas Stardom six-burner barbecue, £380; Texas Stardom prep side cabinet attachment, £150, all Homebase
While the outdoor furniture section of the garden centre is always something to lust after, often a quick lick of paint is all it’ll take to breathe fresh life into your old wooden furniture. Okay, maybe some hardcore sanding may be required to revive wood that’s been exposed to the elements, but the results will be rewarding. Not least because outdoor paint specialists have vamped up their colour palettes in recent years, so you’re no longer restricted to grey, darker grey or moss green. For a bright update (that compensates for all those flowers you failed to plant, again), paint mismatched chairs in rainbow hues.
‘After building a small kitchen extension, this three-and-a-half-metre square area was essentially a barren wasteland. We recycled some pavers from another part of the garden to create an outdoor seating area. The brick wall behind is our neighbour’s house, which creates a lovely courtyard effect. My fiancé and I did all the manual work, shifting and laying each paver by hand. I found an amazing selection of outdoor pieces and the majority of the planters, mostly in shades of pink, from Made. Comfort is really key outdoors. Get pieces with plump outdoor cushions, and sofas where you can, rather than metal folding chairs. Pull cushions, throws and lanterns from indoors for a cosy space that’s lovely to sit in long after the sun’s gone down. Try to tie the colours you love using inside to your outside spaces – it’ll feel more like an extension of your home. Creating this area was hard work but worth it. We’ve had many alfresco dinners and spend more time outdoors together.’ Insta: @swoon worthyblog; swoonworthy.co.uk
Entertain long after the sun has gone down by including some form of heating. Fire pits are pretty affordable and boast the added allure of real flames. Throw a grill over the top for a generous barbecue area, too. Chimineas control the flames better and funnel smoke upwards, which can prove safer with little ones running around. Gas patio heaters are more portable and fairly safe if positioned at head height but can prove expensive to run. Infrared outdoor heaters, which heat surfaces and people, not the air in between, are thought to be more energy efficient and provide a wider spread of heat than halogen versions.
If you really want to take the party outside, build a permanent kitchen on your patio. The best outdoor kitchens are fully equipped to entertain, without constant schleps back inside for supplies. This means an outdoorrated fridge, sink with running water and an all-singing, all-dancing barbecue. Add a cocktail bar for extra host-with-themost points and make sure there’s cupboard space for glassware and crockery (melamine if you’re entertaining children). Above Sofa modules with outdoor oatmeal cushions, from £945; coffee table, £600; side table, £400, all the Pembrey garden collection, Neptune
Pizza oven painted in Ultra Masonry paint in Pure Brilliant White, from £23 for 5ltrs; table painted in 10 Year Exterior Satin in Cloudy Day, from £16 for 750ml, both Sandtex. Chairs painted in All Purpose woodstain in natural, £34 for 2.5ltrs, Sadolin
ILLUSTRATOR AND CONTENT CREATOR
THERESA GROMSKI
For an outdoor kitchen without the faff (and expense) of connecting new power and plumbing supplies, create a makeshift cooking area using portable furniture. Several companies now make trolleylike companion modules for their barbies; try Ikea. Designed to be wheeled out when required, these smart units provide prep space and storage when cooking. Use insulated ice buckets in lieu of refrigeration, and screw utensil rails to the garden fence to hold tongs, herbs and spatulas.
‘Previously this patio area was a square of tired, chipped old slabs and worn-out fencing. There’s a large lawn beyond it, then vegetable beds and my ‘she shed’ – the garden is 150ft long. We wanted to create an outdoor living room, so I based the design of the seating area around the idea of a large L-shaped sofa, which we built from reclaimed scaffold boards. In fact, laying slabs for the patio was the only work we didn’t do ourselves. I wanted all the elements out here that we have indoors, such as cosy lighting, soft furnishings and rugs (these are outdoor rugs and cushions), plus music. The outdoor lamp has a speaker that connects to the Wi-Fi, and there’s a fire pit to keep cosy. We are planning to extend this with a decked section for our barbecue and possibly an outside kitchen/dining area. I love the tropical/holiday vibe with the tree fern and bamboos. The idea was to recreate a bit of Bali in Birmingham!’ Insta: @theresa_gromski; theresagromskistudio.com
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If you are splashing out on new seating, consider a modular collection that lets you add new sections as required (or as funds allow). There are clear advantages to this kind of pick and mix approach. You can build up your seating area as your family grows, and the smaller modules are easy to shift around if you need room for a table or fire pit. They can also prove simpler to store stacked up. From a design point, they tend towards a smart, contemporary shape. Look for models with deep seats perfect for lounging.
Bar Champagne bucket, £70, LSA International
Don’t forget TO TOAST THE HOST
WIN
WORTH
£437.99
MORE THAN £2,300 OF AMAZING GARDEN PRIZES One lucky winner will get an instant garden makeover with this fantastic selection of summer essentials
Win! A hanging ch hair from Co ox & Cox WORTTH
£649..99 Win! A robot lawnmower from Flymo Want to make mowing the lawn even easier? Get your hands on Flymo’s brand new EasiLife fully automatic robotic lawnmower and you’ll have even more time for relaxing outdoors. The mower can make its way around every corner of the garden without human intervention, trimming the tips of the grass to let micro clippings form mulch to feed the lawn, meaning no more emptying grass boxes or collecting cuttings. With an easy-to-follow installation, the efficient, Lithium-Ion batterypowered EasiLife is quiet, emission free and capable of effectivelyy mowing a lawn area up to a maximum of 200m2, negotiating itself around trees and fences. The device boasts additional features including the intuitive Assist-U interface for easy scheduling, monitoring and communication, all of which can be done from an on-board keypad and LCD display or via the smartphone app. With LawnSense and FrostSense technology, the robotic mower also automatically adapts the cutting schedule based on the weather and lawn growth conditions. Flymo.co.uk
WORTH
£375
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Wha at better way to sit back and enjoy a moment of callm than curled up in this on n-trend hanging chair. The smooth egg design iss intricately crafted from a woven, rattan-look lace fastened to a strong metal frrame, and it is suitable fo or both indoor and outdoor use. A stunning add dition to any home, each chair comes complete with an armchair-shaped cream cush hion and headrest for ultim mate comfort. A stand is inc cluded for the choice to eiither anchor your chair, or ha ang it – for a gentle movement when you’re nesttled inside with a good read d. Coxandcox.co.uk
Win! A garden tool bundle from Fiskars
Win! A complete barbecue package from Weber Enjoy cooking outdoors this summer with the Master-Touch GBS Premium E-5775 charcoal barbecue from Weber. This ultimate 3-in-1 charcoal barbecue, grills, roasts and smokes ‘low and slow’. Whether you’re looking to sear the perfect steak (GBS Sear Grate included), enjoy a juicy roast chicken or feast on melt-in-the-mouth pulled pork, this barbecue can do it all. The new ‘smoke’ setting on the air vents gives you even more control of the heat to create ideal temperatures for smoking and roasting. Plus, you’ll also receive a Weber Charcoal Cleaning Kit, which includes a grill brush, cleaning products, sponge, cloth and non-stick spray, to keep your new barbecue looking its best, as well as a copy of the Weber Barbecue Bible, with more than 125 recipes for you to try at home. Weber.com
Keep your garden looking its best this sum mmer and tackle your to-do list with ease with h this fantastic bundle of tools from Fiskkars. This state-of-the-art package consists of a PowerGear X Telescopic Tree Prun ner, PowerGear X Lopper Bypass (M), Pow werGear X Hedge Shears, Solid Rounded Spa ade, Solid Fork, XL Leaf Rake and an Xact Wee ed Puller. The tools in the innovative Pow werGear X range are designed with a uniq que PowerGear mechanism that triples the power of every cut, and have been care efully considered and rigorously tested to enhance the power, precision and longevity of each product while guaranteeing great resu ults. The revolutionary Xact Weed Puller will take care of those pesky perennial wee eds that blight your lawn, its robust design taking on the toughest enemies by gett tting to the very root of the problem. It is also eco-friendly, as it will remove those trou ublesome weeds without the use of harm mful pesticides. Fiskars.co.uk
WORTH
£370
Win! Garden watering tools from Gardena Spending time in the fresh air, caring for your garden and learning new skills are all positive steps you can take to keep occupied, and an excellent way to get some all-important exercise. Get your outdoor space in order this summer with a selection of useful gardening tools from Gardena. This prize package includes a MicroDrip-System Starter Set with all the components required to set up an automatic irrigation system for seven plants and three pot plants; a 35m wall-mounted hose box, a 30m textile hose Liano, which is made from a highly durable yet lightweight fabric, and a premium multisprayer with five spray patterns for watering flower beds, pot plants and delicate seedlings, as well as for powerful cleaning tasks. Gardena.com/uk
Fun kids’ accessories from Great Little Trading Company Give little ones their own fun outdoor space with Great Little Trading Company’s (GLTC) range of play tents, designed for children who love to make dens. Team one with the Spectrum picnic rug and the Lolly & Scoop ice cream shop, and you’ll have everything you need to keep kids entertained on sunny days in the garden. GLTC is an awardwinning British business which designs and produces high-quality toys, furniture and storage ideas for families. Its aim is to help parents create happy, comfortable homes for their children, helping them learn through fun, healthy play. Gltc.co.uk
WORTH MORE THAN
£165
WORTH
£352
HOW TO ENTER
For your chance to win, simply go to realhomes.com/garden-competition and answer the following question before midnight on 31 May 2020: How much is the garden prize bundle worth? 1: £500 2: £1,000 3: More than £2,300 Terms and conditions: Under 18s must obtain parental consent to enter this competition. Answers must be received between 22 April 2020 and midnight on 31 May 2020. UK only. One winner will receive a garden prize bundle as detailed above. Prizes include delivery to mainland UK but not installation. Prizes cannot be transferred to any other person. The winners will be selected at random from all correct entries received between the relevant dates and will be provided the prize free of charge. The winner will be notified within 28 days of the closing date and will be required to supply details of a UK delivery address. If a winner has not responded after 28 days, an alternative winner will be drawn. For full terms and conditions visit futureplc.com/competition-rules/.
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CREATIVE WAYS WITH
PAINT
Make the most of time spent at home with quick and easy makeovers to give your space a fresh new look
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
S
pending more time at home has got us thinking about all the creative DIY projects we can do with items we’ve already got in our home. With a paintbrush in hand, there really are no limits to the designs we can create. If you’re tired of looking at your old-fashioned wardrobes, your tiles are grubby despite endless scrubbing, or your bookcase is more of an eyesore than an attractive feature, now’s the time to mix things up. Paint isn’t just for walls, after all. So whether you’ve already dashed to your local DIY store for paint supplies, or you’ve got a pile of paint tins in the garage waiting patiently for their time to shine, take inspiration from these creative ideas and add a fun element to your space.
Clever camouflage There’s no denying we’re all getting braver with how we decorate our homes. Right from the start of the design process, consider how your wall paint colours can work with your furniture. This bold shade and decorative stripe continues across the bookcase, creating a seamless space which lets the accessories pop. Wall painted in Mazarine 256; stripe painted in Cool Arbour 232; ceiling painted in Wood Ash 229, all £51.50 for 2.5ltrs of Intelligent matt emulsion, Little Greene
PAINTING TILES Before you begin, consider the location of your tiles. ‘If they’re in an area that’s frequently exposed to water, heat, steam or requires regular sanitising with bleach, then the finish won’t hold up as well,’ says Annie Sloan. Painted tiles work best in spaces which take less wear and tear, such as the dining room or a cloakroom. We recommend using multiple thin coats of lacquer, for a more robust finish
Tile style Tired of your tiles but don’t want the faff of ripping them up or the expense of laying a whole new floor? Get a fresh new look with paint: this colourful design was created by using a roller and dinner plates as a guide, for a playful, retro feel. Floor tiles painted in Antoinette and Barcelona Orange, from £21.95 for 1ltr, and finished with matt Chalk Paint Lacquer, £21.95 for 750ml, table painted in Graphite, chairs painted in Tilton, £21.95 for 1ltr, finished with Clear Chalk paint wax, from £5.95 for 120ml, all Annie Sloan
FURNITURE REVAMP ‘Wooden furniture is likely to have been treated with paint or varnish. Prepare it for painting by either washing and abrading it using wet and dry paper and a mild detergent, or sponging it down and following with a primer. Use a multisurface primer for previously painted/varnished furniture, and wood primer on bare wood. Follow with paint designed for wood or metal. Start with the fine details, like doors or carvings, then spread the paint evenly across the whole surface,’ says Judy Smith, colour consultant at Crown
If your wardrobe is looking a little dated, a clever lick of paint can bring it right back to life. Diagonal lines give an instant contemporary and funky feel, or add stripes in bright colours for a sporty look, perfect for a kid’s bedroom. Simply draw out your lines, apply masking tape and paint. This wardrobe was bought for £15 in a charity shop and is now a modern statement piece. For a similar black paint, try Rust-Oleum carbon satin furniture paint, £18.67 for 1ltr, B&Q
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Dress to impress
Create a link How cool is this design by @lets.stay.at.home? Kids’ bedrooms are the best places to let your imagination run wild, so why confine your artistry across one piece of furniture when you can spread it across two? Ensure the pieces are where you need them before you begin, as you won’t want to move them round once you’ve finished your creation. Wise Ol’ Sage, and Apple of My Eye paints, £17.95 for 750ml; the third shade is a mixture of the two, Frenchic
Hot stuff Radiators have gotten themselves a bit of a rep for being an item in your home that you should try to hide or make inconspicuous. Well, we say our major heat sources should see some colour love, too. Throw out the rule book and paint your radiator in a vibrant shade to add some fun to any room. Choose contrasting primary colours like this for real impact, and you could even tie your scheme together by painting your window frames in the same shade. Mustard Jar and Teal, both £18 for 2.5ltrs of Breatheasy Coloured matt emulsion, Crown
We love an Ikea hack, and this one has got us excited. The Ivar cabinets are a steal at just £45 each, and the simple design means they’re perfect for revamping yourself at home. Curves are bang on trend at the moment, and a mismatched pattern means that even if you paint outside the lines, no one will ever know. Simply draw a curved line onto each door, and either paint your curve free hand, or use the Tesa masking tape that’s especially for curves, to create a perfect finish. Ivar cabinet, £45; Laneberg extendable table, £129, Ikea
IMAGE @LETS.STAY.AT.HOME (TOP RIGHT)
Creative cabinets
Renovated edwardian home
FASHION HOUSE Shoe designer Jacqueline has filled her home with vintage furniture, colourful art and a plethora of plants, as well as fascinating curios from Her travels 64
Jacqueline picks up pieces wherever she travels to bring character to her home, and her collection of plants add moodlifting greenery to the space. Restored French antique woodburner, Stove Hunters. Art print, Pure Evil Gallery. For a similar table, try the Ralph, Made. For similar chairs, try Garden Trading
H
ow does a fashion professional transfer her design skills to her home? You just need to peek into the colourful abode of shoe designer Jacqueline to see it’s clearly second nature to some. From gallery walls decorated with a mix of witty prints, floral oil paintings and whimsical one-offs to open shelving crammed with collections of pottery, glassware and ceramics, she’s an interiors natural. ‘I’d say I’m a very visual person, and always have been,’ says Jacqueline. ‘I actually originally wanted to be a fine artist specialising in painting or work in ceramics, but when I was at art college I panicked, and when I discovered a degree in shoe design it seemed perfect for me. My artsy background probably explains so much you see in the house. Also, the more you do design, the better you get at developing ideas.’ But the house didn’t start as a blank canvas just awaiting a few pretty tweaks. In fact, the couple’s first viewings of the house were far from auspicious. With an overgrown garden, cluttered hallways and boarded up back windows, as well as about 100 tanks of various reptiles and spiders in the house, it was such a wreck that mortgage companies were turning down everyone else who looked to buy it. ‘Our builder actually said it was the worst house he had ever seen,’ says Jacqueline. ‘It took four men four days and five large skips to remove all the rubbish. They even had to take off part of the roof to get it out of the loft! And we realised that the floor above the kitchen area was about to collapse as they had so much stuff in there.’ Looking beyond the dilapidated state of the property to its potential as the sunny family home it’s since become, the house was still appealing. Jacqueline says it was the spacious proportion of the rooms and the location, in a well-connected area of London, that sold it to them. From the point of exchanging contracts onwards, the project began, and work started straight away. Everything, including heating, electrics and plumbing, had to be replaced. Builders knocked down
walls to create the new open-plan space at the back, and put in two new bathrooms as well as a new kitchen. Everywhere needed re-plastering and painting. Luckily the renovations to the house didn’t need planning permission, so the builders could proceed quickly. But as the previous owners had ripped out nearly all of the original features – other than the cast-iron railings on the staircase and the wooden floorboards underneath the worn carpets – the couple also had to find salvaged items to put back the period character of the house. ‘We didn’t use architects,’ says Jacqueline. ‘I drew up the plans and then directed the builders. Because the house was in such a bad state, it was way beyond DIY, so we couldn’t do any of the work ourselves.’ To save on extra rent, the couple stayed separately with relatives for three months while the heaviest work was done. ‘We then moved back in to just a bedroom, a bathroom and a spare room, which we used as a kitchen and a store room,’ adds Jacqueline. ‘Amazingly, we were bang on schedule and even though we did go a bit over budget, our builders were so hardworking. They finished exactly when they said they would.’ While there weren’t many ways to cut costs on the build, Jacqueline budgeted by picking the best they could afford in key areas. The concrete kitchen tops, solid wood kitchen and the Heal’s lights that hang over their kitchen island were all big ticket items, for instance, but the couple found good value in other areas – like the tiles they’ve used in the bedroom fireplaces, and the fact that so much of the furniture was bought at auction or on Ebay. Now they’ve been in for a couple of years, do they have any other plans for more refurbishments? ‘We almost sold it last year before Martha was born because I have such itchy feet to do another project,’ Jacqueline laughs. ‘But luckily we stopped ourselves! We’ll probably stay here for a few years now. In fact, we could extend and create a fourth bedroom and also turn the loft into a fifth bedroom – but let’s see what happens over the next few years.’
‘I’M A VERY
VISUAL PERSON, AND MY ARTSY BACKGROUND EXPLAINS SO
MUCH OF WHAT
Bought house August 2015
PROJECT TIMELINE
Moved in February 2016, ‘to just a bathroom and a bedroom while the builders finished the rest of the house’
Works begin November 2015
Martha born October 2018
Kitchen installed March 2016
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WORDS AND STYLING CIARA ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHS JEMMA WATTS
YOU CAN SEE’
TOP TIP Plants make for cheap and effective home dĂŠcor. Try tying trailing varieties to furniture to add greenery to any space
Profile THE OWNERs Jacqueline Benson (@tinyandthehouse), a shoe designer, husband Joe Mercer, a planning engineer, their six-month-old daughter, Martha, and cat, Tiny THE PROPERTY A three-bed Edwardian end-of-terrace in Finsbury Park, north London project COST ÂŁ156,000
‘When I put up a gallery wall, I start with a large piece or a few large favourite pieces and build around it,’ says Jacqueline. ‘It doesn’t have to be in the centre or symmetrical, but it’s a good place to begin. I keep the smaller pieces to place in between gaps.’ This artwork is a mix of paintings and prints from galleries around the UK, including Arbon Interiors and Of Special Interest. Orange sofa, Habitat. Lamp and base, Les Couilles du Chien
colour pop
Be inspired by Jacqueline’s garden and choose vibrant chairs for a playful perch 1
2
1 Catalina woven garden lounge chair, £129, Cult Furniture 2 Copa garden chair, £179 for a set of two, Made 3 Acapulco chair, around £270, Boqa 4 Jambi blue and orange woven garden chair, £120, Habitat
3
4
Above ‘I wanted my garden to be like a second living room,’ says Jacqueline. ‘It’s all about the cosy comfort out here. The fence was painted so the kitchen and garden just blended together and the green really pops with the colour.’ Garden chairs and sofa, John Lewis & Partners. Plants and accessories, Conservatory Archives, In the Garden, Urban Flower Co. and Columbia Road Flower Market
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Left Vintage Japanese Kokeshi dolls, Broadway Market and Etsy. Mirror, antique. Flowers, The Urban Flower Company
Right and below The flowerand plant-filled kitchen looks out onto the garden, and Jacqueline has put her favourite armchair in the sunniest of spots. ‘I spent so much time of maternity leave sitting right there, feeding Martha,’ she says. Kitchen and larder unit, British Standard, painted in Hague Blue and Indian Yellow, Farrow & Ball. Ligne Roset Serpentine lights, Heal’s. Bar stools, Olive & Fox. Armchair, Ebay. Wall-mounted planters, West Elm. Wall light, Graham & Green. Artwork, Etsy. Brackets, Oak Store Direct. Metal wall sconces, Dowsing & Reynolds
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TOP TIP Oversized pendants provide task lighting and a focal point for visitors. Opt for simple designs to keep things subtle
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Right Jacqueline isn’t into the typical nursery furniture sets that people buy for baby rooms. ‘I don’t like them and I know I won’t have them forever, so instead I sourced a vintage chest of drawers and wardrobe,’ she says. ‘They were much cheaper and I think they look beautiful and add character.’ Walls painted in Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball. Jimmy Cricket x Fleur Harris ‘Woodland Teal’ wallpaper, Bobo Kids. Cot, Ebay. Brand Numero 74 canopy, Smallable. Prints, Easy Vintage, Max Made Me Do it and Creative Studio Caro
Above Chest of drawers and chair, Ebay. Chair painted in Churlish Green, Farrow & Ball
Left and right ‘I often frame things like postcards, birthday cards or anything that has sentimental value or would look good,’ says Jacqueline. ‘I do love a mix. And I love to contrast colours and styles of frames for interest.’ SCP Oscar bed and mustard throw, Heal’s. Bedding, The White Company. Side tables, West Elm; for similar, try the Acorn. Various artworks by Alana Eakin, Margot in Margate and Juniqe Art. Vase, In The Garden
Costs & contacts Build work £125,000 Kitchen £13,000 Glazing £10,000 Furniture £6,000 Bathroom £2,000 Total project cost £156,000 Kitchen British Standard, 020 7870 7688, britishstandardcupboards.co.uk Glazing Clement Windows, 01428 643393 clementwindows.co.uk Sash windows PM Windows, 01472 251261, pmwindows.co.uk
Right ‘I only buy things that mean something to me or that are amusing,’ says Jacqueline. ‘I’d never pick something because it’s trendy or someone else has it. It has to feel personal.’
THE PLANS GROUND FLOOR BEFORE
Cast-iron stairs painted in Old School Blue, Little Greene. Floors painted in All White, Farrow & Ball. Girl print, Margot in Margate
AFTER
DINING ROOM
KITCHEN
KITCHEN
RECEPTION ROOM
TOP TIP Plumb a sink into an upcycled piece of furniture like a sideboard for a unique twist on a vanity unit
RECEPTION ROOM
DINING AREA
LIVING AREA
FIRST FLOOR BEFORE
AFTER
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BATHROOM
BEDROOM
BATHROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
Left The couple have fashioned a smart and stylish storage unit by using a mid-century sideboard as a basin unit. ‘The colours in the bathroom are inspired by the paintings of L.S. Lowry, who is one of my favourites,’ says Jacqueline. Sideboard, Mustard Vintage. Floor tiles, Smink Things. Metro tiles, Tons of Tiles. Burlington bath, UK Bathrooms. Mirror, Erno Trading; for similar, try Perch & Parrow. Wall lights, Garden Trading
WIN £1,000 TO SPEND AT EASY BATHROOMS! Your bathroom should be a haven, and if yours isn’t, this is the competition for you! We’ve teamed up with Easy Bathrooms to offer you the chance to win £1,000 to transform your space. Watch the Real Homes Show and enter now for your chance to win.
Lambi bath, £1,349; Griffin vanity unit, £1,078.01; Halle oval LED mirror, £407, Easy Bathrooms
E H T O T N I E N TU W O H S S E M O REAL H
GET O T Y A W W E N EXCITING N A ’S E R E H Mazarine T ? MES O H L A E R E R W O Absolute matt O V SH T E WANT M IN L N O R U emulsion, £47 IX WITH O F S R IO R E T for 2.5ltrs, IN YOUR Little Greene
PHOTOGRAPH (BOTTOM LEFT) CHRIS SNOOK
Lofty ambitions If you’re short on space, look up! A loft conversion is a great way to expand your home and make it more valuable without losing garden space. Over on the Real Homes Show, we’re taking things back to basics, revealing what kind of homes can be converted and what to consider before you begin. We’ll share our favourite loft design ideas, too – so if you enjoy a nosey around other people’s homes, check it out now!
Paint power Tired of your bedroom décor? As the room in your home that’s just for you, it’s the perfect place to get creative with your scheme. And what better way to express yourself than with the humble paint brush? We’re sharing the latest bedroom paint ideas for a space that’s unique, fun and bang on trend. Sorbet Mixing matt paint, £29.16 for 2.5ltrs, Dulux
Gentle Olive emulsion, £18 for 2.5ltrs, Crown
WATCH EVERY EPISODE AT REALHOMES.COM/TV 75
Period home renovation
WORTH THE WAIT
Rhiannon Southwell’s beautiful green Shaker kitchen was the final part of the project in the updating of her family’s Victorian home
Rhiannon knew she wanted a green kitchen and mixed the colour herself. This was colourmatched and the cabinets were spray-painted before being installed. She also mixed the pale pink used on the walls. The huge picture window at the back looks out over gardens and fills the north-facing kitchen with light.
WORDS AND STYLING DOMINIQUE CORLETT PHOTOGRAPHS MARK BOLTON
Kitchen cabinets, made to measure by Jona Warbey. Worktops and built-in sink, Corian. Reclaimed oak engineered herringbone floor, Ted Todd. Range cooker, Lacanche. Dining table, Multiyork. Vintage Ercol dining chairs, flea market and reclamation yard. Rug, Solva Woollen Mill. Black pendant vintage lampshades, bought in Copenhagen
Profile THE OWNERs Rhiannon Southwell, textile designer and founder of window film company Blossom & Brush (blossomandbrush.com), lives here with her husband, Patrick, a PR managing partner, and their two sons, Macsen, nine, and Dylan, seven THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Bristol project COST ÂŁ51,000
BEFORE
Kettle, Dualit. Moomin mugs, Skandium. Teapot, striped sugar jar and mugs, all Cornishware. All other items, vintage
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Above and left The original dresser behind is where Rhiannon displays her collection of vintage homewares and blue and white china. She started collecting Cornishware after inheriting some from her grandmother.
hether having breakfast with the kids or working on her laptop, there is nowhere in her home that Rhiannon Southwell would rather sit to enjoy the view than at her kitchen table. From here she looks out not just on her gorgeous hand-built Shaker kitchen, but also on garden greenery and sky, seen through the enormous picture window that sits flush with the worktop. It brings the outside in, flooding the kitchen with light and introducing the calm of nature – a theme continued in the green kitchen cabinetry and reclaimed oak herringbone floor. The finished room is the icing on the cake of a renovation project that began in 2013 when Rhiannon, husband Patrick and their two sons, Macsen and Dylan, moved into their Victorian terrace in Bristol after relocating from London. ‘While all the boring stuff like plumbing and electrics and re-rendering the back of the house was done when we moved in, we only did the kitchen last year,’ says Rhiannon. ‘We didn’t want to do a quick update, we wanted our dream kitchen, so it was a question of holding off until we had enough money.’ The house, on a quiet residential street in north Bristol, was around the 30th property she looked at when she blitzed viewings during a series of day trips from her in-laws’ home in Frome, Somerset, back in 2013. ‘I actually cried when I came in, I was so relieved,’ she recalls. ‘I just got a really nice feeling from it, so homely and right for us. We put in an offer straight away.’ When the family got the survey back, there was more to do than they had bargained for, but they decided to press on. Essentials including a new roof at the back, replacing the boiler and restoring the sash windows were done immediately. The house was decorated and they settled in, willing to put up with the dated and unsatisfactory kitchen until they were ready to tackle it. It was during this period that Rhiannon hit on the idea for her business. The large bay window in the sitting room had been a major selling point, but they soon discovered the downside of being on the walking route to the local primary school. ‘We realised that it wasn’t very nice having loads of people from school looking through our front window every day,’ says Rhiannon. ‘I searched for something attractive to put up at the window that wouldn’t block out any light. Net curtains and shutters weren’t very satisfactory, so in the end I hand-painted a design onto the glass.’ This got so many compliments, that Rhiannon now sells her hand-drawn designs, digitally printed onto window film, through her business, Blossom & Brush. In January last year, work began on the kitchen. The old orange units and laminate worktops and flooring were ripped out, a chimney breast was removed and a small, low window, which hardly let in any light, was replaced with the enormous picture window. As for the kitchen itself, the one thing Rhiannon was certain of was the colour ‘I’d been gathering ideas for ages from Pinterest and magazines – they were all green! We went for the Shaker style, which I think sits beautifully with the character and original features of our Victorian house.’ They got a quote from Bristol carpenter and friend Jona Warbey, who was able to build them a bespoke kitchen for less than the price of the high-street option. ‘He advised on what layout would work, then we told him how we wanted it to look,’ says Rhiannon. ‘My husband and I are both quite tall, so he made the whole kitchen five centimetres higher than a standard kitchen.’ The work took nine weeks, during which time the family managed with a makeshift kitchen set up in their dining room. When it was finished, Patrick took a week off work to repaint the house from top to bottom. Rhiannon is still taken by the kitchen, which makes all the difference for the family’s day-to-day lives. ‘It’s amazing,’ she says. ‘It really is tailor-made for us.’
The bright and sunny living room was one of the first things that appealed to Rhiannon about the house. She painted the design on the windows to give the family privacy without blocking out light. Folk window film and pendant lampshades, Blossom & Brush. Rug and Birds drum shade, both John Lewis & Partners. Black and white Welsh blanket cushions, Melin Tregwynt. Woodburner, Clearview. Walls painted in French Grey Pale, Little Greene
Left and far left The rear sitting room provides extra seating space and opens directly on to the garden. It also houses Rhiannon’s collection of vintage china, which she keeps in an antique glassfronted cabinet inherited from her husband’s grandmother. ‘We’ve kept a few special things from her, such as the red and white spotty tea set,’ says Rhiannon. ‘That’s our Christmas breakfast set that we always use on Christmas Day.’ Rug, Ikea. Vintage Ercol chairs, inherited from Patrick’s grandmother. Pendant shade, Blossom & Brush. Peacock art print on mantelpiece, Rosie Webb. China, all vintage
LOUD AND PROUD Take inspiration from Rhiannon and display your favourite things with pride 1
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1 Highgate rustic oak painted large dresser, £999.99, Oak Furnitureland 2 Oxford compact dresser, £1,199, Painted Furniture Company 3 Molly dresser, £1,195, Loaf 4 Alderly painted cashmere dresser, £2,800, Kitchen Makers
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Right Rhiannon picked up this dresser in a junk shop and painted it with Annie Sloan paint. It provides the perfect backdrop for some of her collection of blue and white plates
As a textile designer, Rhiannon has a strong instinct for colour schemes and has mixed several of the paint colours herself, such as in the master bedroom where she wanted a warmer grey than elsewhere. The accent colours are softer too, featuring pale pinks and pale blues. She upholstered the sofa herself. ‘You can easily buy pink sofas now, but when I wanted one, there weren’t any out there. I bought this one for £50 and reupholstered it. It looks nice from the front, but I haven’t done the back or bottom – it’s just bare!’ Wardrobe and chests of drawers, Loaf. Grey lamp, John Lewis & Partners. Throw and cushion, Anokhi. Bedlinen, Secret Linen Store. Lamp over bed, Ikea. Curtain fabric, William Morris. Lace window film, Blossom & Brush
‘I’D BEEN GATHERING IDEAS FROM MAGAZINES FOR AGES. WE’VE TRIED TO KEEP AS MUCH TO THE CHARACTER AND ORIGINAL VICTORIAN FEATURES AS WE CAN’
‘The bathroom was horrible, but we lived with it for a few years before we did it,’ says Rhiannon. ‘Like the kitchen, I wanted a more traditional style to go with the house, and as we don’t have a very big window in here, we’ve gone for white to keep it as light as possible.’
Wooden floors, pale grey walls and blue accents create a calm ambience throughout the house, including in the boys’ bedrooms. Walls painted in French Grey Mid, Little Greene. Bedlinen, Secret Linen Store
Bathroom suite, Burlington. Floor tiles, Encaustic Tiles. Mirrors, vintage
Costs & contacts
THE PLANS GROUND FLOOR
KITCHEN
FIRST FLOOR
BEFORE
DINING AREA
BEDROOM
AFTER
BATHROOM
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM BEDROOM
AFTER
SECOND FLOOR
SHOWER ROOM
KITCHEN-DINER
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM
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Build work £33,000 Kitchen £13,000 Bathroom £4,000 Decorating £1,000 Total project cost £51,000 Kitchen Jona Warbey Bespoke Woodwork, jonawarbey.com Builders The Build Bristol Group, 01179 091969, thebuildbristolgroup.com
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نÁƺȸȅɀ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȇƳǣɎǣȒȇɀ يÁǝǣɀ Ȓǔǔƺȸ ƺȇɎǣɎǼƺɀ ȇƺɯ Èk ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣƫƺȸɀ ɎȒ ȸƺƬƺǣɮƺ Ɏǝƺǣȸ ˡȸɀɎ דǣɀɀɖƺɀ ǔȒȸ דگǔȒȸ Èk ȸƺƏƳƺȸɀِ ǔɎƺȸ ɵȒɖȸ ɎȸǣƏǼ ƺȇƳɀً ɵȒɖȸ ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣȵɎǣȒȇ ȵȸǣƬƺ ɯǣǼǼ ƫƺ ƏƳǴɖɀɎƺƳ ɎȒ ȸƺˢƺƬɎ Ə ۏɀƏɮǣȇǕ ƏǕƏǣȇɀɎ Ɏǝƺ ««¨ ȵȸǣƬƺِ Áǝǣɀ Ȓǔǔƺȸ ǣɀ ƏǼɀȒ Ȓȵƺȇ ɎȒ ȒɮƺȸɀƺƏɀ ȸƺƏƳƺȸɀً דǣɀɀɖƺɀ ǔȒȸ דڡǔȒȸ 0ɖȸȒȵƺ ƏȇƳ דǣɀɀɖƺɀ ǔȒȸ דڟǔȒȸ « áِ ǔɎƺȸ Ɏǝƺɀƺ ǣɀɀɖƺɀً ɀɎƏȇƳƏȸƳ ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣȵɎǣȒȇ ȵȸǣƬǣȇǕ ɯǣǼǼ ƏȵȵǼɵِ Áǝƺ ƫǣǕǕƺɀɎ ɀƏɮǣȇǕɀ Əȸƺ ƬȒȅȵƏȸƺƳ ɯǣɎǝ Ɏǝƺ ȒɮƺȸɀƺƏɀ ««¨ِ IȒȸ ƏǼǼ ɀƏɮǣȇǕɀ ƳƺɎƏǣǼɀ ɀƺƺ ȒȇǼǣȇƺ Ȓǔǔƺȸ ȵƏǕƺِ çȒɖ ƬƏȇ ƺȅƏǣǼ ɎȒ ƬƏȇƬƺǼ ɵȒɖȸ ɀɖƫɀƬȸǣȵɎǣȒȇ ƏɎ ƬȒȇɎƏƬɎ۬ȅɵǔƏɮȒɖȸǣɎƺȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺɀِƬȒِɖǸِ ¨ƏɵȅƺȇɎ ǣɀ ȇȒȇٮȸƺǔɖȇƳƏƫǼƺ ƏǔɎƺȸ Ɏǝƺ ٮגƳƏɵ ƬƏȇƬƺǼǼƏɎǣȒȇ ȵƺȸǣȒƳ ɖȇǼƺɀɀ ƺɴƬƺȵɎǣȒȇƏǼ ƬǣȸƬɖȅɀɎƏȇƬƺɀ ƏȵȵǼɵِ çȒɖȸ ɀɎƏɎɖɎȒȸɵ ȸǣǕǝɎɀ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ƏǔǔƺƬɎƺƳِ ¨ȸǣƬƺɀ ƬȒȸȸƺƬɎ ƏɎ ȵȒǣȇɎ Ȓǔ ȵȸǣȇɎ ƏȇƳ ɀɖƫǴƺƬɎ ɎȒ ƬǝƏȇǕƺِ IɖǼǼ ƳƺɎƏǣǼɀ Ȓǔ Ɏǝƺ (ǣȸƺƬɎ (ƺƫǣɎ ǕɖƏȸƏȇɎƺƺ Əȸƺ ƏɮƏǣǼƏƫǼƺ ɖȵȒȇ ȸƺȷɖƺɀɎِ IȒȸ ǔɖǼǼ Ɏƺȸȅɀ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȇƳǣɎǣȒȇɀً ȵǼƺƏɀƺ ɮǣɀǣɎ يƫǣɎِǼɵٖȅƏǕɎƏȇƳƬِ ǔǔƺȸ ƺȇƳɀ בxƏɵ ِאא
sformed
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CLEAN SWEEP
At last, the temperature’s climbing and we can finally think about sliding open those doors and venturing out into the garden. And what better way to mark the occasion than by staring wistfully at a weatherappropriate extension? We love the cool exterior of this design. The metro tile-like façade is actually brick slips, chosen to be sympathetic to the house’s original gault brick – and doesn’t it just pop against the slate grey border? Add a window seat with serious reading-nook vibes (you know, for when we’re not outside enjoying the sunshine) and we’re sold. A similar project would cost in the region of £200,000. Sliding doors, Maxlight. Window, Velfac. TAS Architects, 020 7043 0727, thomasandspiers.com
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KITCHEN EXTENSION
DIARY
WORDS A AND PHOTOGRAPHS LINDA CLAYTON
Ever wondered if it’s possible to project manage a massive kitchen extension and remain sane? Interiors journalist Linda Clayton is finding out the hard way… I get to visit a lot of homes in my job and, increasingly, most of them have sock-off big extensions. HUGE. Especially, it seems, listed properties where the owners aren’t allowed to knock down internal walls with Kirstie Allsopp-grade fervour for fear of upsetting the woodworm or historians or whatevs. Course they are all to die for. But, over the years, one thing that has often struck me as sad is how the owners stop living in their old, original house. It’s just a thoroughfare to the bedrooms and, if they’re lucky, the downstairs lav. Cutting to the point, the dining area of our kitchen-diner is not in the extension. It’s in the old living room but, this is the clever bit *smug high-five*, we took the old sliding patio doors out, and left the void clear, so the diner is, technically, open-plan to the kitchen. Ok, so it’s not exactly rocket science but nearly everyone that comes to check progress on our extension asks if we’re going to keep the table in it. And they get a bit freaked when I reply ‘nope’. ‘But you’ve got loads of space,’ they cry with indignation, as if I’ve just told them I’ve sold their firstborn for a pound of prawns. This is true. ‘You could have a table in the kitchen, and a posh one in the dining room,’ they add, as if the thought had never crossed my mind. Also true (must stop inviting opinionated people round). Thing is, if we do that, we’ll never step foot in the dining room, except on high days and holidays. I ain’t ain t dusting an entire room every week only to use it thrice yearly. The cunning runs deeper though. Our old house had an open-plan kitchen-diner and it was great, until we had guests around and they got to watch me flapping about in the kitchen like a penguin
My Dining area won’t just be used for holidays
The floorplan. We’re going for soft seating where most people think we should put the table; such rebels!
I’ve already bought this Divine Savages’ Arboreta wallpaper to create a feature of the fireplace wall
This Humphrey Munson pic really inspired us. No chance of diners witnessing my shambolic cooking
on acid. I like to drop my chips in peace (so nobody sees me pop them back in the pan – the three second rule is less acceptable when you have two dogs). Then we h had to eat amid a mountain of dirty pans and cooking detritus – why use one utensil when you can use them y all, is my motto. a Like all things reno, or at least in our reno, the decision no ot to dine in the ac ctual extension isn’t co ompletely flawless. Firrst up, the table is going to be quite far fro om the heart of the kitc chen. I can’t tell you how w many times I have written about the importance of locating the table near the cutlery drawer/dishwasher to avoid circumnavigating the globe to get dinner done and dusted (but it’s a lot). Still, I didn’t give birth twice to lay/clear my own table and our screen-obsessed little darlings could use the exercise. The other issue is that I won’t be able to regale guests with my witty repertoire while I rustle up a healthy but delicious risotto. Since my cooking style is more pig farmer than Paul Hollywood, I’ll consider that a win, for all parties. Besides, there WILL be bar stools at our 4m-long island for swilling back vino with my gal-pals. I’ve not completely lost my head…
Current situ – the dining area is being used as a store for tools and decorating detritus
For more advice, follow me on Instagram @lindaclaytonwrites
T MONTH: How to agree on appliances thout des roying your marriage/remortgaging 911
THE JUNE
Report D ESSENTIA N A S D EN TR S, EA ID T ES AT THE LA FOR YOUR KITCHEN AN
L BUYS
D BATHROOM
Colour C l love l Pastel pink and green are the colours of 2020, and we’re loving how these ice cream shades have even made their mark on bathroom taps. They’re an instant, modern focal point in any space – which flavour gets your vote? Inga colour pop bathroom tap in Neo Mint, £149.99; Kagera colour pop bathroom tap in Miami Pink, £129.99, both Dowsing & Reynolds
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
New innovation Love the look of patterned wallpaper in the bathroom but don’t want the risk of splashes ruining your handiwork? These acrylic wall panels are the answer! Simply cut them to size and attach them to your wall (or even over tiles). As they are 100 per cent waterproof and have a 10-year guarantee, they’re a no brainer. Positano blue terrazzo shower wall, £247 per 90x244cm panel, Shower Wall
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The trend for kitchen design that’s less, well, ‘kitcheny’ is certainly on our style radar right now. Freestanding furniture, open shelves and space to breathe makes for a kitchen that’s less traditional cooking space and more relaxed living zone. Once reserved for high-end, expensive kitchen designers, we’re happy to announce that Wren Kitchens is tapping into the trend as well. These industrial freestanding units tick all our boxes. Autograph Elements kitchen in Flamed Oak and Swiss Oak, from £5,594, Wren
REALHOMES.COM
AT LONG LAST
ST Y LE STEA L
Old meets new
Elica Juno iconic pendant cooker hood, £999, John Lewis & Partners
The industrial twist in this classic bathroom scheme has grabbed our attention. The dark painted ceiling, cage pendant light and matt black furniture add drama to a traditional look for a space that’s full of decadence. Sutherland single-ended freestanding bath, £801.11; Nelson triple radiator in black, £459.95; Apron fixed showerhead, £138.03, all Bayswater Bathrooms. Nova porcelain floor tiles, £68.97 per m2, Ca’Pietra
Spend v save Pendant cooker hoods Accompany your kitchen island with a chic hanging statement to clear the air and shed some light on your cooking
Cookology ceiling wire-hung island cooker hood, £149.99, Amazon
Garden party Summer is all abo t maximising that indoor-outdoor lin This kitchen island from Vlaze is made from waterproof enamel, so you can roll it outside when the sun shines and it’s protected if it pours! Choose from five vibrant colours, plus embed a sink, oven or hob. Inside, Vlaze Adapt island in Indigo; outside, Vlaze Adapt 120 unit in Graphite, both from £2,495, Vlaze
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SHAPE UP We love a shapely wall tile, and these new designs from Walls & Floors are just the ticket. Lay them horizontally or vertically and mix and match colours for a playful, personalised space. Picket bevelled tiles in navy, mint and Petal Pink, £33.95 per m2, Walls & Floors
A DV E RTOR I A L Milano Daxon modern vanity unit and basin, £299.99; Milano Razor modern mono basin chrome mixer tap, £44.99
Milano Overton modern white oval doubleended bath, £699.99; Milano Mirage modern freestanding bath chrome mixer tap with hand shower, £219.99; Milano Linley grey wall-hung vanity unit with basin, £374.99
Milano Atticus grey modern vanity and WC combination unit with pan and cistern, £399.99; Milano Razor modern mono basin chrome mixer tap, £44.99
LIVE LOUD WITH MODERN BATHROOM SPACES
Go bold with a contemporary bathroom suite for a luxury space you’ll love to relax in
T
he bathroom should be one of the favourite rooms in any home. After all, it’s a place to unwind in, and where most of us start and end our day. That’s why creating the dream bathroom space is so important and is at the heart of Big Bathroom Shop’s modern collection. Loud modern bathrooms are perfect for those who love big, bold and brave interior styling – whether it’s a spa-style freestanding centrepiece bath to soak away your troubles or a contemporary grid shower enclosure that makes a striking focal point. Maintain a relaxed atmosphere with seamless storage ideas and keep those less-than-lovely items out of sight with a streamlined collection of vanity units, cabinets & storage. Introduce rustic warmth to your contemporary suite with golden oak finish options, or keep a neutral palette with softer grey
hues and a selection of wall-hung vanities, freestanding baths and more. From beautifully harmonised to mix-and-match bathroom styles, all the brassware and those important finishing touches, you’ll find all you need to make a space bespoke to you.
Focused on innovative designs – suitable for everything from busy family homes to quiet apartments for two – Big Bathroom Shop’s range of modern suites offer comfortable and luxurious solutions that will enhance any contemporary wash space. Whether you’re revamping or renovating, you can create vibrant and exciting bathrooms, cloakrooms and shower rooms with the help of the experts. Discover an exceptional range of modern and traditional bathroom solutions at bigbathroomshop.co.uk or call 0345 122 7569.
Milano Altcar Stone Grey modern oval bath, £700; Milano Razor freestanding chrome bath tap with hand shower, £249.99; Milano Altcar Stone Grey modern rectangular countertop basin, £115
kitchen extension
IN THE PINK Steve and Katelin Haworth’s industrial grey kitchen has been lifted with a pop of blush pink
IS
it possible to get all the building work for a family-friendly kitchen extension done for under £25,000? In the north east of England it certainly is, as Steve and Katelin discovered. With guidance from Steve’s architect cousin and local firm BTC Construction, the couple have more than doubled the size of their small kitchen by extending into the side return. An on-trend pink and grey colour scheme brings a contemporary twist, while exposed steel beams add an industrial edge. To save money, Steve made a dining table and shelves from floor joists, the size of the bi-fold doors was scaled back, and Katelin reluctantly crossed off the Neff Hide and Slide oven from her wish list. Here, Steve reveals how they were able to create their dream kitchen. Right Steve made the table and some shelves from factory floor joists that Katelin’s dad had acquired, and had the metal legs specially made. Dining table frame, RCC Furniture. Pew seat, Ebay
WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE
BEFORE
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Steve and Katelin wanted an airy, bright space where the whole family could congregate. ‘I love the combination of pink and grey,’ says Katelin. Kitchen, Second Nature in Anthracite Grey and Dry Rose, Affordable Kitchens Direct. Cambridge oak parquet LVT flooring, Polyflor. Bi-fold doors, Excel Windows. Stools, B&M. Worktop, Silestone. For similar shelves, try Ben Simpson Furniture. Canisters, TK Maxx
The owners Katelin Haworth, a solicitor, her husband, Steve, an IT analyst, their daughters, Elsie, three, and Everly, two, plus wire hair fox terrier Rupert and Lakeland cross Hugo The property A three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear project cost £41,000
Left and right Katelin asked Affordable Kitchens Direct to source a brass tap to match her pendant lights and picked marble quartz worktops to complement the pink and the grey.
Step one
Step two
Step three
Pendant lights, Loaf. Tap, Lusso Stone. Poitier rose pink gloss tiles, CTD tiles. Induction hob and oven , Hotpoint. Kettle, Swan
HOUSE HUNTING
PLANNING THE SPACE
ALL IN THE DETAIL
‘We used to live two miles away in a quirky Victorian cottage, but it had no garden or space to extend,’ says Steve. ‘So we started looking for our forever home, hoping to move in time for our daughter Elsie starting pre-school in September 2019. A garden and drive were top of my wishlist. For Katelin, it was all about the location with beaches and parks within walking distance. We both knew we wanted a property with character, though. ‘This house had lots of potential, even though the galley kitchen had been painted red and felt small, cramped and dark. There was water coming through the roof, and the survey was so bad we only got the mortgage after a structural engineer wrote a letter to our lender.’
‘Before the sale went through, we brought round two builders. One had done an extension for Katelin’s friend, and the owner’s son had taken over the business. We liked him, his price was reasonable and we were able to visit their other projects. ‘My cousin, Joseph Wilson, an architect in London, drew out three rough layout ideas and we mashed them together to get what we wanted. It was important to have the utility and toilet under the stairs to keep the space open, with an L-shaped kitchen and island as you first walk in. The dining area is at the rear by the bi-fold doors. We set a start date before exchanging contracts. It was a gamble as the sale could’ve fallen through, but luckily work began two weeks after getting the keys.’
‘During the four-month project, we lived with my mum in nearby Washington. We sat with the electrician and builder early on to plan the lighting, choosing recessed spotlights, grey wall lights over the dining area and three copper pendants above the island. The builders also repaired the damp master bedroom wall and replaced the window. ‘Once the walls were plastered, we painted everything white and put down 9mm plywood ready for the cement screed and luxury vinyl tile flooring. At the last minute, we decided to have it in the hall and living room, too. ‘I wanted an industrial look, so we kept the steel beams exposed and used a fire retardant metal paint, I felt boxing in the pillar would’ve made it look too imposing.’
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Left and right The gallery wall features prints and a Whitley Bay seaside scene. ‘To save me from painting behind the radiator, we just painted a section of the wall in pink,’ says Steve.
my kitchen IN
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Wall painted in Sulking Room Pink, Farrow & Ball. Prints from Small Bob, Home with Harper and For the Love of the North. Stairs painted in Down Pipe, Farrow & Ball
1 OUR GO-TO SUMMER MEAL Katelin loves making a tandoori seabass salad
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Purbeck salad servers, £8, Garden Trading
THE FIRST SONG ON OUR KITCHEN PLAYLIST We always dance in the kitchen to Hypersonic Missiles by Sam Fender Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable in silver, £209, John Lewis & Partners
3 BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY MORNING A family breakfast with the bi-folds open, tunes on and fresh coffee
4 BIG TICKET ITEM WE WOULDN’T BE WITHOUT Our pull-out larder
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Step five
KITCHEN DESIGN
GAME CHANGER
‘Katelin had lots of design ideas picked up from TV, magazines and Instagram so she suggested a pink and grey colour scheme. We came across Affordable Kitchens Direct who supplied and fitted a Second Nature Kitchen in just the colours we were looking for. ‘On the wish list was an eye-level oven, a tall larder unit and an induction hob within the chimney breast. There’s a sink, dishwasher and concealed bins on the island with the hob opposite – so everything’s within swivelling distance. ‘Katelin found some lovely pink tiles for the inglenook. She wanted them laid in a herringbone pattern like the floor, but it would’ve taken me forever. Laying them vertically was much easier. I used grey grout to match the other units.’
‘As things were still being finished off when we moved back in, we lived with a makeshift kitchen for a few weeks but thankfully we didn’t go over budget. Looking back, the only disaster was when it rained before the roof was fixed and the concrete had just gone down. ‘After living in the space for a few months, we added some colour with a gallery wall. We might paint the wooden pew seat if we agree on the right shade. ‘The new space has transformed the way we live as we can all be together. Although we lost some of the garden, there’s still enough room for the girls to play outside while we’re cooking. It’s so practical as everything has its home. We can put washing away in the utility and there’s enough space for the kids’ toys without it feeling overwhelmed.’
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Summer 82 print, £25, For the Love of the North
Costs & contacts Building work £23,000 Kitchen & worktops £8,500 Glazing £3,500 Flooring £2,700 Appliances £2,000 Professional fees £800 Decorating £500 Total £41,000 Construction BTB Construction, 07896 200349, btbconstructionltd.com Windows and bi-fold doors Excel Windows, 0191 289 3329, excelnortheast.co.uk Kitchen Affordable Kitchens Direct, 0191 385 4859, affordablekitchens-direct.co.uk
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Step four
FAVOURITE SOURCE FOR ART For The Love of the North is great for North East prints
SPOTLIGHT ON
two-tone kitchens Celebrate colour and mix and match contrasting shades to create a space that’s unique, fun and empowering
HIGH GLOSS Unify your multicoloured kitchen with the same finish throughout. A glossy look bounces light around for a brighter space, even with dark units. Verse Zeta Baltic Blue and light grey kitchen, from £7,900 for units shown, Caple
COLOUR CLASH Be brave and combine two vibrant colours for a look that’s playful and fun. Choose a white worktop and splashback, neutral flooring and open shelving to break up the scheme and let the colours take centre stage. Bespoke kitchen, from £13,400, Koivu
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
Five things...
CURVY STATEMENT Add a bold splash to your neutral kitchen with a contrasting island. A curved design maximises space, while matching handles make for a cohesive feel. Dunham kitchen in Pass the Merlot and Truffle Oil, from £4,358 for an eight-unit kitchen, Magnet
you need to know before getting colourful with your kitchen, for a room that’s bold, playful and practical
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How should you choose your colours? Begin with one you love and go from there. ‘Colour wheels can help you understand what shades sit well together,’ says Darren Watts, design director at Wren Kitchens. ‘Complementary colours opposite each other create a strong statement, while colours near each other give a more tranquil feel.’
‘A key way to unify your space is by using the same cabinet handles throughout, and then matching these up with your appliances, sink and tap,’ says Doug Haswell, furniture manager at Caple. Alternatively, you could ensure a cohesive scheme by sticking with one specific room style, be it Scandi, farmhouse or industrial.
‘Using a darker colour on your lower cabinets and a lighter colour up top will create the illusion of a larger room. That said, a brighter colour on your wall cabinets creates a real statement, like art. Stick to two or three colours and complementary shades for cabinets, walls and floors; too many and it could look chaotic,’ says Darren Watts.
Coloured kitchen cabinets can be more than just an attractive design feature. ‘Different shades can help to define specific areas within your kitchen, like the cooking area. So you can choose a specific colour for this and another shade for your cooling area with your fridgefreezer,’ says Doug Haswell.
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MAXIMUM IMPACT Take your vibrant cabinets right up to the ceiling to maximise storage, then balance the scheme out with a darker kitchen island. Pelham kitchen in Swallowtail and Brancaster Blue, from £10,000, Naked Kitchens
SHAKER STYLE Give the classic design a modern twist and enhance the feeling of space by choosing a lighter shade for your upper cabinets. Classic Shaker kitchen, £880 for eight units, Homebase
Have you seen...
Five If your kitchen is in perfect working order, but you want to jump on this two-tone kitchen bandwagon, painting your existing cabinets is an easy solution. Simply remove your doors, sand them down, prime and paint in the colours of your choice. For instructions, head to realhomes.com/design/how-topaint-kitchen-cabinets
Check out our food b on realhomes.com. m barbecue recipes summer salads, find everything you need to cook up a storm at realhomes.com/food
Olive wood salad servers, £22, Hudson Home
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Clara 12-piece dinner set, £60, Habitat
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FOR MORE COLOURFUL KITCHEN INSPIRATION, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/KITCHEN
SOFT MONOCHROME If you love the clean cut, sharp edges of black and white but think it may be a little harsh for your space, tone it down with dark grey. Warm with wooden floors for a chic, rather than clinical, space. Voxtorp drawer front in dark grey, £32; Voxtorp matt white door, £60, Ikea
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GROWN-UP GLAMOUR Choose a stand-out handleless island and add drama with gold-coloured finger rails. Go metallic with your lighting and accessories, too, for a luxurious style. Milano Contour kitchen in Lagoon and white Shaker, from £5,461 for all units shown, Wren
kitchen renovation
MADE IN YORKSHIRE With a clever reworking of the space, Alison and John Stansfield updated their kitchen without sacrificing the unique character of their Victorian home
Contacts Sash windows Swift Joinery, 01977 551319, swift-joinery.co.uk Kitchen Neptune, 01793 427300, neptune.com
Profile THE OWNERs Alison Stansfield, a retired post lady, and her husband, John, who recently retired from Royal Mail Revenue Protection, their sons, Harry, 16, and Dan, 14, and their dog, Carla THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom detached Victorian house in Selby, North Yorkshire
WHEN TAKING CHARGE Alison took responsibility for hiring the tradespeople needed for the project. ‘To knock down the supporting wall between the two spaces and install a steel beam, we drafted in a builder who lives on the same street,’ she says. ‘We wanted to save and reuse as much as possible while creating a good family space with a relaxed country feel that had multiple uses.’ The couple removed the 1980s gas fires and opened up the fireplaces for a range cooker and wood-burning stove. The old lintels that had been lowered by previous occupants were reused in the garden as seating. ‘And we were so pleased to discover some Yorkstone flags buried beneath the Tarmac drive, which were repurposed as a hearth for the log burner,’ Alison adds.
faced with a six-footwide galley kitchen occupying a former pantry, Alison and John Stansfield knew exactly which room of their double-fronted Victorian home to tackle first. ‘It had a tiny north-facing window and 1980s pine units with only enough room for the chef, who was isolated and forgotten,’ explains Alison, who moved from a modern bungalow in a neighbouring village with husband John and sons Harry and Dan in 2011. Creating a new kitchen in the former breakfast room and knocking it through to the front room seemed the obvious solution, allowing light to flood through the south-facing bay window. Keen to preserve the building’s character, the couple have been careful in their renovation, replacing modern radiators with cast-iron ones and installing reproduction Yorkshire sliding sash windows. ‘We’d been looking for an old property for a long time,’ says Alison. ‘I remember seeing this house for the first time 20 years ago and loving it.’ From DIY to unexpected antique treasures, she explains how she created her classically beautiful kitchen.
WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE
TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS ‘The project wasn’t without its challenges,’ says Alison. ‘We had to replace mismatched coving to make the two spaces tally up, and when we discovered that the kitchen floor tiles were sitting directly on earth, we had to lay a new concrete floor and add insulation. It wasn’t much fun having wheelbarrows full of cement brought through the front door!’ After hunting around for a kitchen design that would suit their Victorian home, the couple opted for painted units by Neptune from Aberford Kitchens & Interiors. They ordered these before they’d even moved in, and picked the wall colour used in the showroom’s café. ‘As the house needed rewiring and replumbing to replace the old lead pipes, we had to work out where the kitchen cabinets would go very early on,’ says Alison. ‘I really wanted a large freestanding central island and range cooker, as well as a concealed fridge and freezer behind tall larder units.’
TREASURE HUNTING
TOP TIP
Not afraid to get her hands dirty, Alison tackled many jobs herself, including stripping the internal doors and window panelling, decorating throughout and upcycling junk yard furniture. She’s also enjoyed discovering the building’s history. ‘I love displaying pieces with a story, like the clay pipes and ink pots we found in the garden,’ she says. ‘We also unearthed an old butler’s bell, which we plan to reattach to the wall.’ Another discovery was the wording, ‘Repapered by R. Bywater, 1933’ under layers of wallpaper, and a rolled up copy of The Selby Times along with a farthing from 1907. ‘Our builder did the same and has signed his name to carry on the tradition.’
Limiting wall storage makes a kitchen feel more like a living space. Struggling for room? Try standalone shelving for your best crockery
The renovation took longer than expected, spanning five years. ‘Every time we started something, another issue would crop up, like finding an old disconnected boiler that nobody had bothered to take out,’ says Alison. ‘The kitchen renovation enveloped the whole house. Other things kept taking priority. It was only when the oven door fell off that we were pushed to finally finish it!’ Now the couple are relieved to put down their paintbrushes and enjoy the fruits of their labours. ‘I love my kitchen and I’m still in love with the colours,’ says Alison. ‘I love hosting Sunday dinner and my sister-in-law often brings round a big pot of curry to share.’
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SHOPPING LIST Chichester kitchen painted in Limestone, Neptune. Walls painted in Old White, Farrow & Ball. Sash windows, Swift Joinery. Hunter stove, Hemsworth Fireplaces & Stoves. Falcon range cooker, John Lewis & Partners. Belfast sink, Villeroy & Boch. Tap, Perrin & Rowe. Blinds, Finishing Touches Interiors. Light, Ikea. Lamp, Newark Antiques Fair. Crockery, Denby. Clock, Rainford Interior Design Centre
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TIME’S TICKING
A GUIDE TO
Windows
There’s a brilliant choice on offer whether you’re updating your home’s windows, or choosing glazing for an extension. Discover the options
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LUXURY LOOK Made from beautiful bronze, these windows are given a wax finish that retains the frame’s fine detail. They have a contemporary looking dark finish, but there’s a mid finish available instead if that’s your preference, and these are double glazed with argon-filled units. Advanced Inward opening system, from £810 for opening window H1100xW550mm excluding installation, Architectural Bronze Casements
indows have a huge influence on the appearance of a home – or a new extension if you’re building on to a property. But their contribution to a home’s kerb appeal is just one reason from a list of many that might prompt you to swap existing windows for a new design. Changing your windows might be motivated by their deterioration beyond repair. But it could also come from a desire for a lower maintenance frame material; a requirement for better energy efficiency; a wish to reinstate historic character; or an aspiration to maximise the daylight that reaches the room. The architecture of your home should be taken into account when you’re replacing windows. If you’re renovating a period home, be aware that inappropriate window materials and styles can affect its value. For contemporary homes, and modern extensions, unfussy framing and
WORDS SARAH WARWICK
STAY SHARP Continue a contemporary aesthetic in your interiors by choosing aluminium for new windows. The flat frame design of these windows ensures the sleek lines of your interior are maintained on the outside. These are in Anthracite Grey, but you can also select from black, white, Battleship Grey and brown. Aluminium casement window, price on application, Everest
AUTHENTIC REPLICA Getting a better thermal performance needn’t mean sacrificing the original 1950s style of industrial windows. The W20 steel window with a pivot insert has a faithful appearance, but modern 16mm argon-filled, insulated glass units. Multipoint or traditional single-point locking and other security devices are options. W20, from £3,000 including supply, fixing and glazing, Clement Windows
large expanses of glass can be the most fitting choice. Consider, too, glazing options including triple and low emissivity glass for maximum energy efficiency. Just as when you’re buying appliances such as fridges and washing machines, you can look out for energy ratings from A++ to E for windows to help guide you.
WHAT FRAME MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE?
SLICE OF LIFE
PHOTOGRAPH SIOBHAN DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY (ID SYSTEMS)
Opt for a window that frames views to the outside for statement style. This bespoke steel window still has slim sightlines to maximise the amount of daylight that reaches the room. You can pick the window style you prefer as well as the frame colour, selecting from RAL colours, or getting it colour matched to a shade you want. W20, around £1,920 for 1500x1200mm, Fabco Sanctuary
Windows with uPVC frames are extremely popular as replacements for existing windows, and are low maintenance. White, while ubiquitous, is not the only option for the frames, and there are wood-look finishes, too. Timber with a painted or stained finish can be an authentic choice, and look as good on new homes as period properties. It does need more maintenance than uPVC, but a goodquality timber window should not need frequent repainting, unless it’s in a tricky location such as an exposed coastal area. Aluminium, meanwhile, offers strength but slim framing that maximises views out and light in, and requires little maintenance. It comes in a huge range of colours. Metal windows can have historic credentials, but can equally be a handsome option in other situations. They don’t require much looking after. Consider composite windows, too, with the warmth of timber internally and durable aluminium outside.
LIGHT AND AIRY Tilt and turn designs allow ventilation at the top of the window without full opening, and can be a great way to prevent a bedroom getting stuffy. These designs are combined with a fixed light in the middle, and are made from aluminium with an idealcore thermal break that prevents energy loss. The 53mm profile keeps the frame slim. Futura+i range, from about £450 per square metre, Idealcombi
VIEW BOOSTER A super narrow frame – just 33mm wide – means this fixed window has maximum glass, lets in optimum daylight, and makes the most of the panoramic view from the room. This is part of an extension and renovation project by Selencky Parsons Architects. IDS300 Slim picture window, from £480 per square metre including installation for fixed, IDSystems
WHAT ARE THE STYLE CHOICES ON OFFER?
Casement windows – which open with hinges attached to the frame – may be side hung with hinges on one side; top hung with hinges at the top; or bottom hung with hinges at the bottom. They can also have a centre hinge, pivoting open from the middle. The design can also combine fixed panes with opening lights. Seen on many period properties, sash windows slide rather than hinge open. Also available are tilt and turn windows that can open vertically to allow air in from the top of the window. They can alternatively be fully opened from the side in the usual way. Don’t forget the possibilities of fixed windows. Although they can’t be opened for ventilation, they will bring in light and there are plenty of design opportunities.
DO I NEED PERMISSION TO CHANGE MY WINDOWS?
New windows of similar appearance to those used when the house was built won’t usually need an application for planning permission. A new bay window might require an official okay, though.
EXTRA DIMENSION Add interest with a textured finish. This aluminium bathroom window is in Mocha, with other textured options available plus over 200 RAL colours, and dual colour and metallic options. Sandblast glazing keeps the space private, and the window is Secured by Design accredited, too. Scenic casement window about 850x850mm, around £900 including installation, Express Bi-folding Doors
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RUN SMOOTHLY Retain period style – or create a classic look – with sash windows. Made with accoya, a modified timber that doesn’t swell or twist and is virtually rot-proof, these versions are finished with three coats of microporous paint and have argon-filled energy-efficient low-e coating toughened glass. Weighted box sash windows, from £2,500, Westbury Windows & Joinery
Bear in mind that councils can make Article 4 directions that withdraw permitted development rights, and if this is the case you may need to apply for planning permission. There can also be restrictions in some places like Conservation Areas. Check with local planners to find out what applies in your case. For a listed building you’ll likely need listed building consent.
WHAT ABOUT COSTS?
What you’ll pay depends on frame material but also glazing choice with triple glazing adding to the final bill. As a rule, uPVC windows will prove the cheapest, although you may encounter a wide range of prices, and quality does vary. The price range of softwood timber windows is similar. Thinking hardwoods? They often cost more than their uPVC rivals, as do aluminium windows and composites. Steel windows are also a top-end choice.
ELEGANT CHOICE A flush casement window – which doesn’t overlap the frame – looks smart and fuss free. It’s based on traditional British window designs, but can work for homes of all ages and styles. This design is made from FSC-certified timber, and has a multi-coat, microporous paint finish that’s low maintenance. Pick from stains or over 200 RAL colours for the frame. Timber flush casement window, from around £360, Klöeber
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FOR MORE ADVICE ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLAZING, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/WINDOWS
Windows made from easy-care uPVC don’t have to be white. In a timber-effect Agate Grey, this design is in harmony with the exterior of this house, and there are 10 standard and more than 200 other colours to select from. It has a high security seven-point locking system, and is A+ rated for energy. Storm window, £1,050 for 1000x1000mm, Evolution Windows
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COLOUR UP
EASY CARE Cut down on maintenance by opting for an easyto-look after aluminium window. This design has a grey powder-coated finish, and a matching aluminium sill. This version has a fixed pane, plus two opening panes with the option of opening at right and left or at the bottom, that is top hung. Aluminium Grey 1770x1050mm casement window, £909, Vufold
&A
YOU ASK, WE ANSWER ‘Should I opt for triple glazing all round my home for maximum energy efficiency?’ ‘Your main consideration should be the overall improvement of thermal efficiency (measured as an overall U-value) of the product and triple glazing can improve this massively,’ says Matt Higgs, director/ co-owner Klöeber UK. ‘Focus on the products that could benefit most from triple glazing – typically large sets of doors and north-facing elevations – to achieve the greatest improvement in thermal efficiency for your money. Remember that a U-value is a measurement of the heat transmission through a part of a building. You need to consider this on all elements of a build, not just windows and doors. You also need to take into account the overall U-value of a glazed product, not just the glass itself. Make sure you ask the question when presented with U-values.’
ALL ROUNDER Aluminium windows can suit older homes as well as newer properties and, with minimal framing, can help brighten rooms when overall window dimensions are smaller. This design has a frame of just 65mm to boost the light, and comes in a selection of over 150 colours so you can complement the style of your home. Slimline (OW-70), from £360 for fixed frame 1000x1000mm, Origin
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THE EDIT
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FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
1 Bistro hexagon tile in black, grey and white, £59.72 per m2, Topps Tiles 2 Azzara Connect tile, £5.05 per m2, Wickes 3 Lava black mix tile, £37.50 per m2, Porcelain Superstore 4 Marron glass brick wood-effect tile, £69.92 per m2, Walls & Floors 5 Crackle bone tile, £49.99 per m2, Gemini Tiles 6 Mulqueen Carrara-effect wall and floor tile, £11.90 per m2, Homebase 7 Copper leaf tile, £54.95 per tile, Original Style 8 Infinity dark grey concrete-effect wall tile, £47.95 per m2, Tile Flair
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FOR MORE KITCHEN INSPIRATION, VISIT REALHOMES.COM/KITCHENS
Imitation flatters, so be it stone, wood, copper or concrete, use look-a-like materials for a calming and practical kitchen
THE EDIT
Bathroom lights Illuminate your space and create the perfect ambience with the latest wall designs
FOR MORE BATHROOM INSPIRATION, VISIT REALHOMES.COM/BATHROOM
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Ratings explained Bathroom lights are classified by their ingress protection (IP) rating, which lets you know how well they are protected from water and splashes and, therefore, where they can be fitted in a bathroom. A rating of IP20 means your light is not protected from direct splashes, IP44 means your light is protected from splashes, and IP65 means your light is protected against water jets.
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1 Hali wall light, IP65, £189, Lime Lace 2 Alma bathroom spotlight, IP44, £35, Garden Trading 3 Eddis bathroom light, IP44, £69, Made 4 Searchlight Lima light, IP44, £50.51, Victorian Plumbing 5 Brooklyn glass funnel wall light, IP20, £79, Industville 6 Hazel light in mercurised glass, IP44, £133, Pooky 7 Frihult wall lamp, IP44, £25, Ikea
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
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sunda y project Stuck for ideas this weekend? Get your DIY fix and delve right in with our quick and easy ways to update your home for less
Want to find something useful to do with all those tester pots stuck at the back of the garage? We’re always on the lookout for easy paint makeovers, and this upcycling project has got us raiding our leftover paint supplies in a flash. Taking centre stage in the bathroom of interiors blogger @liznylon, this mid-century drawer unit was given a colourful makeover by Happy Retro (happyretro.co.uk). With nothing more than a paintbrush, a few paint tins, some masking tape and a dash of creative flair, you too can transform an unloved piece of furniture. Here’s how to do it…
Unit painted in Canton, Pall Mall, Trumpet, Basalt, Hellebore and Pale Berlin, all £4.75 for tester pots, Little Greene. Persecution wallpaper in green, £129 per roll, Feathr. Wallpaper finished with three coats of varnish for water protection, try Decorator’s Varnish, £19.94 for 1ltr, Polyvine
FIND PLENTY MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WEEKEND DECORATING PROJECTS AT REALHOMES.COM/DESIGN
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How to: 1 If you don’t have a suitable piece to upcycle, local charity shops, Ebay and secondhand selling sites are a great place to find storage units ripe for a makeover. Mid-century buys are often well made so can be a good investment. 2 Remove any hardware (such as handles) and sand the surface of the drawer unit. Fill any chips or dents with a wood filler for a smooth surface. 3 Clean the unit using a sugar soap solution to remove any dirt and dust. 4 Draw on your geometric pattern using a ruler and pencil – try sketching out your ideas on paper beforehand. 5 Using painters/masking tape, mark out the edges of the first sections to paint. 6 Paint inside each one, allow to dry, add a second coat and dry thoroughly. 7 Carefully stick tape to the inside edges of the completed sections. 8 Apply two coats of paint in contrasting colours to the unpainted sections. Once dry, remove the tape. 9 If you’re using the unit in a bathroom, finish with two or three coats of clear varnish to protect it from water damage. 10 To turn the unit into a bathroom vanity, homeowner Liz cut holes in the dresser for the water and waste pipes, before adding a quartz worktop and countertop basin to complete the look.
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GEOMETRIC BRIGHTS
You’ll need: n Paintbrush n Tester pots of paint in several different colours n Painters/masking tape n Pencil n Ruler n Sandpaper or sander