B R I TA I N ’ S B E S T S E L L I N G H O M E S M A G A Z I N E
2022
Renew, redo & revamp EASY SOLUTIONS IDEAS TO
Kitchen Special
®
◆ TRENDS (THAT WON’T DATE) ◆ LAYOUT TIPS ◆ REAL MAKEOVERS ◆ CLUTTERBUSTING TRICKS
FOR EVERY SPACE
IH GUEST STAR
Gordon Ramsay’s meals in ten
Quick hacks TO DIY IN A WEEKEND (OR LESS)
PLUS FEARNE COTTON, HADLEY FREEMAN, GEORGE CLARKE & CHARLIE LUXTON
OUR SPRING EDIT
WOW MIRRORS & SIDE TABLES DON’T MISS!
ULTIMATE UTILITY ROOM GUIDE
LIFE ADMIN ◆ AVOID COSTLY OVERDRAFTS ◆ HOW TO MASTER VIDEO CALLING ◆ BEST TECH FOR BETTER SLEEP ◆ REFRESH YOUR BEDDING
Forever homes
40+ PAGES OF UNIQUE REAL HOMES, FULL OF IDEAS FOR MODERN FAMILY LIVING
EDITOR’S LETTER
A new kitchen: the holy grail Planning a big home renovation project is a challenge, even for those of us who should really know everything there is to know! When we moved into our house, we thought the kitchen, although not to our taste, was perfectly serviceable and it went down toward the bottom of the renovation to-do list. I thought a lick of cupboard paint and some new tiles would be all it needed.
glass box extension, and got planning permission at the end of last year. And so 2022 will (hopefully) see us with a newly extended kitchen diner. That’s if we can ever find a builder (who knew what a tall order that would be?).
We’ve spent months yoyo-ing when it comes to what to do with our kitchen
“
However, it soon became apparent that ‘serviceable’ didn’t come close and, as probably the most used room in the house, a kitchen refresh quickly graduated up the list to pole position. I won’t list all its faults here (I’ll run out of space), but believe me when I tell you: there are many.
I’m after a kitchen that feels modern but won’t date quickly, so I loved our trends feature on page 114 with its focus on longevity. And our guide to kitchen layouts on page 128 will be my go to, as our space is an awkward shape, which means getting the layout right is vital. As usual, my impatience is e d by the fact I’ve already started b a collection of plates for a wall display for the finished room. True to form, I’m sure I’ll be styling it up before the paint is even dry!
Cue months of yo- yo-ing about what to do with the space. Extension or no extension? Knock through to the adjacent garage? Keep it simple and rework the layout in the existing space? We finally settled on a
HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR
THE IH PANEL
HADLEY FREEMAN JOURNALIST & AUTHOR A Guardian columnist and features writer, Hadley has also penned four books. She’s about to move house – a new project!
NICKY PHILLIPS DECORATING EDITOR Nicky brings over 25 years’ experience to the table, and has been part of the Ideal Home family for 21 years.
CHARLIE LUXTON ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Charlie juggles his roles as director of Charlie Luxton Design, TV presenter and public speaker.
MARCH 2022
KALPANA FITZPATRICK MONEY EXPERT An award-winning financial journalist, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio, and editor of themoneyedit.com.
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FEARNE COTTON BROADCASTER & AUTHOR TV and radio presenter Fearne’s Happy Place podcast is now in its ninth series, with over 40 million downloads.
In the
CONTENTS
56
March issue NEW & NOW
9 HOME NEWS Top finds 15 HADLEY FREEMAN ON… her chinoiserie obsession
17 THE DESIGN EDIT High-end looks on a high street budget
REAL HOMES
20 INTO THE WOODS A quirky
space turned into a family home
32 A COTTAGE REINVENTED
This dated period property has been given a modern lift
44 ‘PERIOD & MODERN DO MIX’ Classic details and bold designs make this house pop
56 APARTMENT THERAPY
Reconfiguring the layout gave this flat an elegant update
67 ‘I’VE FOUND JOY IN COLOUR’ Paint choices led to perfection
DECORATING
76 SMART COUNTRY Shades of
red give this look timeless appeal IH COLOUR EDIT Earthy browns
86 88 CLEVER DECORATING 95 98
Furniture hacks for DIY projects HOW TO ADD WOW Turn beautiful rugs into wall art IH COLOUR CLUB How to combine peach and crimson
32 97
On the cover...
PHOTOGRAPH JEREMY PHILIPS
MARCH 2022
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CONTENTS
103 EASY STYLE UPDATES Mini décor projects for a weekend
RENOVATION
44
143 EXTENSION PROJECT Clever
glazing transformed this home
146 PROJECT PLANNING Conservatories
149 ASK AN EXPERT Charlie Luxton on staircases
150 PROJECT PLANNING Replacement windows
WHAT TO BUY 83 WALL MIRRORS 97 SIDE TABLES
LIFE ADMIN
152 CONSUMER ADVICE
A GREAT GIFT OR A LOVELY TREAT FOR YOURSELF, FROM JUST £6 FOR SIX ISSUES. TURN TO PAGE 110 TO FIND OUT HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
Solutions to everyday hassles TECH SUPPORT Video calling
154 155 MONEY MATTERS Kalpana Fitzpatrick on overdrafts
HAPPY HOME
157 FEARNE COTTON ON…
creating a calming sleep routine
159 ONE SMALL STEP Planet friendly tips and buys
Subscribe!
103
VISIT MAGAZINESDIRECT .COM/IHMAR22
114
160 RAMSAY IN A FLASH
Quick and delicious dishes
164 TIDY HOUSE TIDY MIND Sorting out the kitchen
170 HOME TRUTHS with
architect George Clarke
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
138
114 PLAN THE PERFECT... kitchen upgrade
121 KITCHEN PROJECT
Relocating the kitchen gave this family a bigger space
126 BUYING GUIDE Microwaves
128 PROJECT PLANNING Plan the ideal kitchen layout
133 KITCHEN PROJECT
Removing a wall made this kitchen a practical room
137 IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL Kit out your kitchen
138 BUYING GUIDE Boiling water taps
140 ROOM RECIPE All the
ingredients for a utility room
Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk
MARCH 2022
Follow us at twitter.com/ idealhome
See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk
6 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
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new now INSPIRE | INFORM | DISCOVER Collage luxurious flat matt emulsion, £35 for 2.5ltr, Crafted by Crown, Crown Paints
IH LOVES...
Vibrant cushions Fresh Vintage floral printed cushion, £10, Habitat
W hat to do this month... WATCH Everyone’s favourite family of aristocrats returns in this much-anticipated sequel movie, Downton Abbey: A New Era. Peer into the (stately) home of the Crawley crew once more and get lost in a medley of marvellous mantelpieces within lavish lounges, plus cut-glass everything.
LISTEN Selfconfessed colour queen and TV interiors stylist Sophie Robinson, along with her interiors journalist pal Kate WatsonSmyth, chat all things hot on the home front in this podcast, as well as interview industry experts and share top tips.
DO Spruce up your front door with a
NEED TO KNOW
Colour makes a comeback in our homes for 2022 It’s no surprise that the trends we’re seeing this year are bolder, braver and more exciting than ever, as people turn to using colour to feel good and forget about the rather flat recent times we’ve all experienced. Re-engaging with the world around us, and bringing the outdoors in, was one of the inspirations for Crown Paints new Liminal palette, including this rich, forest green. Use as a backdrop in an office space to boost wellbeing while WFH, and blend the boundaries between indoor and outdoor. MARCH 2022
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seasonal wreath (not just for Christmas ya know). Start with a base of woven rattan, then adorn with daffodils, wildflowers and pussywillow, securing in place with a hessian ribbon.
READ Want to create a greener, harmonious and functional home? The Sustainable Home by Ida Magntorn (£14.99, Pavilion) reveals all.
NEW & NOW
Word on the high street… THIS SPRING, BOHO BARON MATTHEW WILLIAMSON WILL BE LAUNCHING A NEW RANGE OF HOMEWARES EXCLUSIVELY AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS
Kena hammered-gold metal watering can, £32.50, Oliver Bonas
Elka sideboard, £1,599, Harry Batchelor at Heal’s
SURPRISE IN STORE
This luxe watering can will keep your houseplants fed and watered, plus doubles up as a showstopping accessory itself! WE’RE FOLLOWING
@hanbullivant YOUR BEST DECORATING DECISION? Painting our low ceilings a shade lighter than the walls. It makes the ceilings feel higher than they are. Don’t forget your ceilings when you’re decorating! YOUR SECRET STYLING IDEA? Stick a branch on it. There isn’t a sideboard or shelf that wouldn’t benefit from a large seasonal cutting in a beautiful vase. Try it! FAVOURITE CORNER OF YOUR HOME? We are renovating a static caravan into a luxe lodge. The bedroom is tiny but boasts a high cabin bed with lots of storage underneath and a picture-perfect view. It’s the perfect place for morning coffee. AN ITEM THAT SPARKS JOY? My growing art collection, bought at antiques markets or direct from artists; it’s a chic way to make your home uniquely yours, too. MARCH 2022
SPOTLIGHT ON
Harry Batchelor Set up nearly 20 years ago, the Heal’s Discovers programme has championed emerging designers by allowing them to showcase their unique creativity through collaboration. This year, London-based Harry Batchelor launches his striking Elka sideboard made of walnut with a rich cobalt blue front. Having studied architectural engineering, Harry’s approach to design is to keep it ‘simple, tasteful and functional without compromising on innovative thinking’. His portfolio of beautiful designs, created outside the Heal’s partnership, cements his place as an exciting designer and craftsman.
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NEW & NOW
Yellow lacque er or placemats, £78 fo four, Addison Rosss. Rattan lampshade, £65, Sun and Daay
Waves wallcovering, £32m, Kyra Cane at Villa Nova
WE KEEP SE EEING
SCALLO OPS It’s the playful curves, the ode to the seash hell and the elegant shaape of a scalloped edge that have us falling head ovver heels for this timelesss trend.
COLLAB ALERT
Villa Nova It’s a British-based fabrics and wallcoverings brand renowned for creating modern designs at affordable prices, and she’s a celebrated ceramicist, known for her exquisite porcelain pots. Not an immediately obvious match, but once the duo explored taking the rich textures and fluid qualities of Kyra’s ceramics and manipulating her style into an entirely new form, a beautiful collaboration emerged. Our favourites include this stunning wallcovering.
THE HERO PIECE
FOCALPOINT SEATING
Kingham medium leather sofa, £1,950, Cotswold Grey
A contemporary centrepiece that would be just at home in a charming Cotswold cottage as in a lofty London apartment, this luxurious leather sofa had us drooling as soon as we set eyes on it (lucky for us, it’s wipe clean!) The durable design will see its patina develop with age, and sinking into this bad boy with a hot cuppa is our idea of an afternoon well spent. MARCH 2022
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NEW & NOW
“
W hy d I want recreat y childho kitchen? HADLEY FREEMAN’S OBSESSION WITH CHI IS SHAPING HER NEW
A
IE
ll my adult life, I’ve loved chinoiserie. I loved it when everyone was doing Scandi minimalism and thought my overly designed walls were like something from an old people’s home. I loved it when everyone then went for maxi prints and thought my delicate flower and bird prints were, well, like something from an old people’s home. And now that I’m decorating my new house, my chinoiserie obsession is UNLEASHED. It is going all over my study/guest room, and it is going all over my bedroom. If I could afford it, I’d put it all over the damn house. I’ve never thought overly deeply about why I love chinoiserie prints so much. Well, they’re pretty, aren’t they? And, um, they’re nice to look at. More interesting than boring patterned wallpapers or – horror – plain white walls, right? What’s to explain? But then my husband mentioned it to my sister one day and she said, ‘Oh yeah, when we were little, our mother got someone to handpaint a chinoiserie scene in our kitchen, and the image entered Hadley’s soul.’ And I realised she was right. I loved that kitchen. Leaving it was the third hardest
“
thing about moving from New York to London when I was 11, after our dog (number one) and my friends (number two.) There were all these different birds, which I named, and elegant cherry blossoms. I would fantasise about stepping into the scene and living in it. Maybe I’ve been trying to recreate that kitchen my whole life. Maybe it’s my Rosebud. Or maybe all of us have certain moments from our childhood that shape our tastes and perspectives ever after (and maybe that’s actually what poor old Rosebud represented.) It’s strange how long I spent trying to get away from my parents’ home, and how long I then spent trying to recreate it. But I was lucky as a kid and nowhere else did I feel safer and warmer than in my parents’ kitchen. When I became a moody teen ings were very different, and I nota n’t tried to recreate the kitchen we li hen I was that age. But my childhood kitchen, well, as I sit here in my new study/guest room, watching my Iksel chinoiserie wallpaper go up on the walls, taking me right back to our New York kitchen circa 1988, I have to admit that Dorothy was right: there’s no place like home.
Nowhe lse did I feel r and warme an in my par ’ kitchen w I was a kid
MARCH 2022
JOURNALIST HADLEY FREEMAN WRITES FOR THE GUARDIAN AND IS THE AUTHOR OF FOUR BOOKS
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NEW & NOW
1
3 2
I fold flat when not in use
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4 5
High street heroes
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
THE DESIGN EDIT Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend... WHERE TO BUY
1 Bobble ceramic table lamp in Cream, £55, Very 2 Bari stone stripe vase, £35, Orchard Home Interiors 3 Fern Leaf cushion cover, £35, Textured Lives 4 Navy tray table, £18, B&Q 5 Hjalmer wooden basket, £17.99, Jysk 6 Abigail Ahern Ocean bowls, £49 for set of four, Freemans MARCH 2022
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real ho es EXPLORE | EXCITE |
“
Start from scratch or BREATHE new life into old: these homes have CREATIVITY and an eye for style in common
”
PHOTOGRAPH RACHAEL SMITH
HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR
MARCH 2022
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MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
kitchen
A worktop and backsplash of patinated copper plus a dark metallic plant holder add a warm glow to the black units. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Sebastian Cox range kitchen units £40,000; Patinated copper backsplash and copper worktop, £7,395, all deVol. Black stools, £99 each, Cult
I
| FAMILY HOUSE |
U A A 1960S UPSIDE-DOWN HOUSE, TURNING IT INTO THE PERFECT FAMILY HOME
MARCH 2022
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b
y cleverly upending and extending their dated mid-century property near Bristol, Sophie and Julian Titchener have created a family home that blends current style with plenty of creature comforts.
WHAT PROMPTED THE MOVE? ‘We built ourselves a house and had been living in it for a year when I spotted this 1960s upside-down house online. Julian is in construction and I love design, and we were both very taken with such a unique property, so we took the plunge. Although it’s close to Bristol, it’s nestled in a secluded piece of woodland reached by a little lane.’
HOME NOTES
WHAT CONDITION WAS IT IN? ‘It was immaculate, but stuck in a 1980s time warp, design-wise. The old-fashioned kitchen was upstairs and although all the bathrooms were plain white, they lacked any interesting design elements. We knew a lot of work was ahead, but our aim was to remodel the space to make it more family friendly. An architect drew up plans to reconfigure the house, then a demolition team removed various internal walls. We relocated the ground floor living areas onto the lower ground floor, adding a singlestorey extension for the kitchen, living and dining areas. The extension is mostly glass, so we can see the children, whether they’re outside or in the playroom. In fact, we designed the playroom with a large entrance and no door, which makes keeping an eye on them very easy.’
WHO LIVES HERE?
Sophie and Julian Titchener live here with children Jude, six, Rafferty Fox, four and Scout Bluebell, seven months. Sophie is a graphic designer and Julian runs a commercial refurbishment company.
THE PROPERTY
A detached 1960s fivebedroom house near Bristol, with a new single-storey extension and terrace above.
WHAT PRACTICAL TIPS CAN YOU SHARE?
the layout
The kitchen of this upside-down house was originally on the ground floor, but was moved to the lower ground courtesy of the new glass-walled extension which has created a lightfilled living area that works perfectly for the whole family.
‘We managed to sell the old kitchen and bathroom fittings on eBay. The buyers came and did the dismantling themselves, which saved us money. In terms of nuts-andbolts stuff, we added outside insulation, rewired and replumbed throughout, and installed air-source heat pumps, in a change from oil fuelled central heating.’
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE? BED ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
GROUND FLOOR
‘The fact we kept adding things. We didn’t like the ugly roof, but having decided to change the red tiles to composite slate we also decided to raise it by two feet and add skylights. Then we realised we needed bigger windows, as well as replacement internal doors. The experience was overwhelming, as one of us was on site every day to check on progress, and we spent all our evenings choosing everything from light fittings to kitchen units.’
WHAT WERE THE HIGH AND LOW POINTS KITCHEN
PLAY ROOM LIVING AREA
LOWER GROUND FLOOR
MARCH 2022
‘The low point was when our suppliers let us down. This meant an expected six-month build turned into 12. The high point was when the scaffolding surrounding the house was removed and we finally got to see the new dark cladding. That was a special moment. The house and woodland tones work together so harmoniously.’
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REAL HOMES
kitchen
‘We didn’t want shiny bright surfaces, so the copper added warmth and texture. Copper is also antibacterial, so is self cleaning – you only need to use warm water and a sponge on it.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
‘I like it…’ poster by Anthony Burrill, £60, Jealous Gallery. Patinated copper backsplash and copper worktop, £7,395, deVol
The pro OST MORE money, TOO NGER and was more emot ly DRAINING than we’d pre ed for. But it was WORTH IT see how the house func s for us now JULIAN TITCHENER HOMEOWNER
MARCH 2022
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PALE FLOOR
Counteracting the dark units, the polished concrete aggregate floor is inset with pebbles (around £20 a bag from garden centres). The couple added white and green pebbles to the mix for brightness and depth.
Living area
The brown of the L-shaped velvet sofa complements the colour of the concrete flooring and was carefully chosen for its familyfriendly function. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Velvet corner sofa, £3,800, Love Your Home. Lamps, £250 each, Ferm Living at Truce
Playroom
The playroom entrance has no door, so the adults can keep an eye on the boys. ‘The piano and aeroplanes are second-hand and add warmth and texture, helping to make the space feel lived-in.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Lisabo table, £90; Flisat stool, £15; Trofast storage system, from £52, all Ikea. Be Kind print, £45, Etsy
MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
Living area
Framing all pictures in the same way helps bring them together as a set. ‘I tried adding some black frames but they looked too mismatched.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Sideboard, £1,500, Liam Rush Designs. Metal Duckbill chandelier, £355.78, Litfad
“
It’s important to mix old with new – we DIDN’T WANT an IMMACULATE, shiny house as the end product
”
MARCH 2022
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Dining room
A three-metre-long dining table, which is also narrow, gives an intimate feeling. ‘It makes it easier to chat as a family at teatime. Made from repurposed wooden boards, it gives a homely feeling.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Refectory dining table, £2,200 deVol. Rug, £150, Amazon. Chairs, £75 each, Cult Furniture
FOCUS ON
The timber and the copper edging placed together offer interesting contrasts
YAKISUGI: CHARRED TIMBER CLADDING
Sophie and Julian named their house Woodsmoke, as its exterior has been clad in Japanese hardwood which has been burnt or torched for a highly distinctive look WHAT IS YAKISUGI?
It’s a traditional Japanese method of charring timber, which results in a black carbon layer on the boards. Torching timber in this way makes it fire resistant.
LOW MAINTENANCE
It also protects the timber and reduces its need for maintenance because it becomes water and insect resistant and can stand up to extreme climate changes. It’s not only popular in Japan for housing and fencing, but also around the world, as it MARCH 2022
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ages slowly – lasting up to 80 years with proper care – so the initial outlay is considered an investment, given its long lifespan.
NEED FOR OILING
Being correctly installed prevents moisture build up and oiling it every five to 10 years blocks UV rays and provides water resistance. Surprisingly, freezing and thawing does not affect Yakisugi, and although cold and heat can sometimes lead to warping, this is unlikely in UK temperatures.
REAL HOMES
Hallway
The ash shingle cladding on the wall of the double-height entrance hall is ultra-practical. ‘It keeps us mega-warm in winter and prevents lots of sticky finger prints!’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
For ash shingle cladding, price on request, try Thermory
MARCH 2022
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“
It would have been CHEAPER to knock it down and START AGAIN but we wanted to keep its
”
INTEGRITY
Rafferty’s room
Jude’s room
BUY THE KEY PIECES
BUY THE KEY PIECES
This was vaguely themed as cowboy fun. ‘A small initial idea helps edge you towards successful design decisions like the teepee and fake log fire.’ Yellow bed, £220, Feather & Black. Teepee, £152, Scandiborn. Brönden rug, £279, Ikea
Jude’s room is space themed with a hanging rocket. ‘They have double beds so that when we read to them we have enough space to relax on the bed with them!’ Outer Space quilted bedspread, £52, John Lewis & Partners. Follow the Rainbow wall rug, £99.99, Scandiborn MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
En suite bathroom
Sophie added a vintage wooden stool for warmth. ‘It’s important to add old items in new spaces so it gives an immediate lived-in feel.’
BRASS FIXTURES Soften the black-andpink combination. ‘I find chrome a little generic and black can be an obvious choice. Brass has become more popular now and one of my big no-nos was using chrome fixtures.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Matrix Blossom Pink tiles, £35sq m, Topps Tiles, Heritage Victoria double console basin & basin legs, £826.50, Victorian Bathrooms 4U
MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
Guest suite Sophie salvaged the flowered bed throw, a vintage fabric, from Julian’s grandma’s linens. ‘It’s lovely to have items with a story and journey to them, so we can tell our children that this was their great grandma’s.’
YELLOW TOUCHES
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Add warmth with colour. The black bed frame and pale walls in Ammonite by Farrow & Ball could feel cold without the sunshine effect of the yellow bench, cushion and towels.
FAMILY MUST-HAVES MACHINE WASHABLE Burlap Solid Dove Grey indoor/outdoor washable rug, from £169, Ruggable
INSPIRED BY SOPHIE & JULIAN’S HOME
SUPER SIZE Harlow left-hand facing chaise end sofa in Vintage Mustard Velvet, £1,099, Made
MARCH 2022
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SPACE FOR MORE Heritage Victoria double-console basin, £946, Victorian Plumbing
CLEVER CLEAR-UPS Verso Design Lastu birch basket in Large, £95, Skandium
FEATURE VICTORIA JENKINS PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY
Four-poster bed, £795, The White Company. Artwork, £40, Fine Little Day at Alice in Scandiland. Yellow bench, £120, HomeSense
| BEFORE & AFTER HOUSE |
reinvented
A COTTAGE FRAN AND CHRIS DALZIEL TOOK ON THIS DATED BUT PRETTY PERIOD PROPERTY, MAKING IT THEIR OWN WITH A CAREFULLY PLANNED EXTENSION
Living area
‘Moving the stairs back to their original position helped link the living room to the new kitchen-diner. The two spaces are connected but they’re not completely open-plan, which helps contain noise.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
For similar vintage Ercol armchairs, try Etsy. Maryd Black tray table, £45, Ikea. Black picture frames, £12.99 each, H&M
MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE?
Fran Dalziel lives here with her husband Chris, an investment manager, and their children Bertie, seven, Taggie, four, and Clara, two.
THE PROPERTY
A four-bedroom Victorian detached cottage in Market Harborough, to which they have added a two-storey rear extension.
THE VALUE
The couple bought the cottage in July 2016 for £630,000.
TWO BY TWO A pair of tables at
different levels adds interest and flexibility to the living space – the lower one is great for kids to use
MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
W
hen Fran and Chris Dalziel decided to start a family, it was important for them to find a long-term home. This Victorian cottage was in the perfect location: ‘The village is lovely and there’s a school and a park nearby,’ says Fran. ‘It’s also close to the railway station. It was tired-looking inside but we decided to take a chance on this ugly duckling. ‘I was really excited about the house’s prospects, although there were lots of little rooms, and the stairs had been repositioned to a weird location. The kitchen was a decent size, but it had a strange looking island in the middle and really low ceilings. Upstairs there were four bedrooms, and the bathroom had no window. The house had double glazing, but the handles were falling off the windows. Besides all of this, we almost didn’t buy it because Chris kept hitting his head on the doorways as they were so low. It is Victorian, but without the high ceilings that you might expect in a house of that era.
CLEAN SLATE
‘I knew when we moved in that there would be numerous decorating decisions to be made, so we had a decorator in to paint everything white. This was a good call because we’ve been able to update the rooms as and when we were ready. It also helped that we didn’t do everything all at once.
PLANNING IN PLACE
‘We live in a conservation area, and we were lucky at our plans went straight through unopposed. I think that the fact that we didn’t try to blend in the new design, but have made it stand out instead, went in our favour. All the new work is at the back of the property – at the front we only painted the door, re-roofed and replaced the guttering, so it looks virtually unchanged from when it was first built, and hasn’t had an impact on the overall look of the street.
The great thing about the GLASS is that there are hardly any BLINDSPOTS, which makes it easier with the
SETTLING IN
WORKING IT OUT
‘The entire back of the house was knocked down and an angular extension was added, with larch cladding. Downstairs we created one space, moving the stairs back to what we assumed was their original position. By removing a wall we now have a big open kitchen diner that leads into the living area. We haven’t actually extended by much, but achieved what we wanted by reconfiguring the space and opening it up. The clever layout and the different aspects of the house give us so much flexibility. I love the original old cottage part of the house too, because of the nooks and the crannies, which give it character.’
”
CHILDREN
‘We lived in the property for three years while we searched for an architect who didn’t just want to stick a square glass box extension on the back of the property. No one was coming up with any exciting plans, until eventually we found the Bedfordshire based firm Tye Architects (tyearchitects.com) who seemed to understand what we didn’t want. We gave them free reign and asked for something contemporary that would open the space up and improve on the existing warren of rooms.
BEFORE
AFTER
MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
Dining area
‘Floor-to-ceiling windows make the entire downstairs feel so light and spacious, while sitting in the seat by the oriel window somehow feels like being outside in the garden!’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
VERTICAL LINES
Upright panelling is a theme throughout the house; seen here is a mix of two styles, below the window seat and in the wall covering
For a similar table, try Keeler extending dining table, £1,299, Barker and Stonehouse. Wishbone chairs, £119 each, By Kallevig. For similar pendant lighting, try West Elm or Lampsy
MARCH 2022
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Living area
‘New French doors open right up to offer us amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The cube stools and coffee tables were our DIY projects.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Long Story sofa, £2,000, Cabyn. Photo shelves, £8 each; Pasha Pineapple pendant lamp shade, £50, both Homebase. Matelin Berber-style rug, £213.99, La Redoute
MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
THE BUILD IN PICTURES
Work on the cottage started in 2019 and was completed in July 2020. The renovation cost around £350,000 The original kitchen had an island in the centre that couldn’t seat the entire family at once.
‘This fireplace has been in the house since it was built, set off-centre in the room. It’s structural and would have cost too much to remove so we painted it and added a concrete hearth.’ Part of the wall was removed and the floor dug up to allow drainage to be installed in the former living room. This is where the kitchen extension is now attached.
COMFY SPOT
A big, squishy sofa is essential for family life – many styles now are available with stain-resistant fabrics, such as velvet, for a practical but luxurious feel
The former extension and old garage have been removed with prep works underway ready for the new addition.
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WOOD FLOOR ‘Our builder really went through our specifications in detail – I wanted to have knots in the wood and for the planks to be wider than usual’
THE BUILD IN PICTURES
Underfloor heating was laid in the kitchen before the wide-plank engineered boards were fitted.
The extension starts to take shape, leading off the former living room. ‘We didn’t have to extend too far,’ says Fran. MARCH 2022
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Fran and Chris used lengths of wood to lay out the new kitchen island on the floor and get the shape right.
REAL HOMES
the layout
‘The original downstairs layout of the Victorian cottage had lots of little rooms with a series of extensions added over the years. Upstairs were four bedrooms and a bathroom with no window. We relocated the stairs to open up the downstairs space and added an angular extension at the back that improved the flow of light and space, with large windows overlooking the garden. The front of the house remained vitually unchanged.’
MAIN BEDROOM
BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
UTILITY ROOM
SNUG
Kitchen
‘The shape of the island mirrors the angles of the extension. It has made a huge difference to how we use the space; it’s much more sociable as we’re not all just sitting in a line.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Kitchen, price on request, Chris Copley Furniture. Quartz Antolini Lincoln worksurface, price on request, Yes Granite. Nexus SE 110 cooker, £2,700, Rangemaster. Shoreditch bar stools, £129 each, Where Saints Go. Gumiho wooden coat hooks (used as wall pegs), £12.99 each, Amazon. MIB pendants, £69 each, Lampsy. Flex tap, £1,000, Quooker MARCH 2022
BEDROOM BEDROOM
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DINING AREA KITCHEN
LIVING ROOM
STUDY
GROUND FLOOR
Utility
‘This space is essential with three children and two dogs in the household, not only for muddy boots, leads and dog paraphernalia, but it’s also a useful log store.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Sink, £270; stainless steel tap, £260, both Franke. Floor tiles, Realonda Antique Diagonal, £25.34sq m, Tiles Direct
Hallway
‘The vertical wood slats on the stairs influenced the rest of the house. After having them installed I realised that I generally like light interiors with dark-wood accents.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
For a similar paint shade for the woodwork, try Off Black estate eggshell, £70 for 2.5ltr; for the front door, Middleton Pink full gloss, £29 for 0.75ltr, both Farrow & Ball
FOCUS ON
LARCH CLADDING
Fran and Chris have used this covering on both the inside and outside of their renovated home MODERN STYLE
Timber cladding can look just as good internally as it does externally, especially when you’re trying to create a contemporary finish. Externally you can leave the timber untreated to weather to a silvery hue.
DURABLE CHOICE
A softwood covering, such as larch, which features on the outside of this house, is surprisingly durable. Siberian larch is a popular option; it is low
maintenance and its resin offers natural protection against rot and decay.
INTERNAL USE
When cladding is also used internally, as Fran and Chris have done, it can form a clever link with the external façade. It works well in hallways, living spaces and bathrooms, on both walls and floors, and even ceilings.
COST
Expect to pay from £31sq m for Siberian larch cladding. MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
Bedroom
‘The cladding theme continues here, creating a warm and contemporary Scandi-inspired feel.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Sculptural glass faceted ceiling lamp, £79, West Elm. Divan base, £179, Sueno
“
Suspending LIGHTS either side of the bed creates a STATEMENT and saves space on the BEDSIDE table
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REAL HOMES
THE LOWDOWN WORST PART
‘We didn’t plan early enough for pouredconcrete flooring downstairs – but now I think the engineered wood we went for works really well.’
BEST DECISION
‘Painting every room white when we moved in. It gave us time to think through how we wanted things to look.’
FAVOURITE SPACE
En suite
Bedroom
Formoso Grande bath, £2,399, Clearwater. MPRO brushed-brass shower with handset, £780, Crosswater
Kura bed, £129, Ikea. Try Zodiac decals, £21.83, Jesabi at Etsy. Royal Windsor Marble carpet, £45sq m, Wilton
‘We lost a bit of storage space to make the layout work for our dressing room and bathroom.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
‘Chris bolted a standard Ikea bunk bed to the wall, repositioned the ladder and added slats cut to size.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
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FEATURE IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOGRAPHS JEREMY PHILIPS
‘Having all this room downstairs gives us so much freedom – the children can even ride their tricycles around the kitchen!’
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| STYLE HOUSE |
do mix"
PERIOD & MODERN
VICKIE NICKOLLS HAS COMBINED 1920S PERIOD DETAILS WITH BOLD DESIGNS AND PATTERNS. SHE SHARES HER STYLE SECRETS...
FLOORING Lightly brushing and oiling wood flooring exposes the natural charm of the grain, creating a traditional look with a matt finish. Layers of oil also protect it from wear and tear
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REAL HOMES
HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Vickie Nickolls, an interior designer (interiortherapy. co.uk, @interior.therapy), lives here with her husband Trevor, a sales director, and children, Grace, eight, and Jake, three. HE PROPERTY bedroom detached se built in 1928, in ckinghamshire.
“A pink island sets the mood”
‘We lived with the old kitchen for two years, so we had plenty of time to plan our new one and build up an ultimate wish list. It included an island where family and friends could congregate, a pantry and a beautiful bar area. We kept the existing layout as it flowed efficiently and we worked with Gary Goodwood of Goodwood Interiors to design a kitchen full of rich and luxurious textures that would complement the period setting, including a pink ribbed island to steal the show. But this room’s greatest success is its versatility, easily transforming from a kid’s play zone to adult entertaining space.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Try Havwoods for chevron select grade oak flooring, around £105sq m. Spot pendant, £1,740, J Adams & Co. Matteo kitchen stools, £119 each, Cult Furniture MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
“Reeded glass was a must-have”
‘I adore the vintage feel that reeded glass brings to a space, and I knew it had to feature in the kitchen to give the contemporary units a period touch. It’s also a practical finish as it distorts the contents of the kitchen wall cupboards just enough to disguise any messy areas. The fluted and reeded elements have added layers of architectural interest to this room, and they’re always a talking point with our guests.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Anthony Burrill print, from £60, Jealous Gallery. For a similar paint shade, try Middleton Pink estate eggshell, £29 for 750ml, Farrow & Ball MARCH 2022
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“Period details add elegance”
‘Once we’d removed the curtains and ’90s pelmet from the bay window, the room looked wonderfully large and bright. This was always going to be our grown-up space: somewhere with no toys, where we could retreat when the kids were in bed. To complement the original ceiling mouldings, we added simple MDF wall panels to draw the eye upwards and heighten the grandeur. I softened the space with sumptuous textures, like velvet, wool and brass, to ramp up the luxe factor. By keeping the walls pale grey, our artwork pops against the light background.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Iggy sofa, £1,535, Sofa.com. Try Carnaby stool, £119, Atkin & Thyme. Casbah rug, £375, Loaf
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Touches of BRASS and pops of PINK feature in every space to CREATE a flow from room to room
”
REAL HOMES
“Our gallery wall packs a punch”
‘As the house is double-fronted, we have big reception rooms either side of the hall, and we’ve turned one into a vibrant family space where the kids can play. At weekends you will find us in here watching family movies.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Livid; ceiling in Dorchester Pink Pale, both absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
GEOMETRIC PATTERNS Bold stripes, squares or rectangular patterns are a useful tool for drawing attention to a particular feature or area in a room
“Statement tiles make it feel modern”
‘Fortunately, we haven’t had to extend at all. The house had all the space we needed, including a large utility room adjacent to the kitchen. Originally this space had a simple run of units and a spare fridge. It was a waste of useful space, so we commandeered it as a boot room/ utility by adding good-looking coat and shoe storage. I asked my joiner to add panelling around the walls for a hardwearing surface and added a bench with cubby holes and drawers underneath. This room makes life so much easier, while the fun floor tiles create a functional space that has character too.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Moroccan encaustic cement 07 tiles, £80sq m, Best Tiles. Pebbles cushions, £35 each, iamfy.co. White ceramic umbrella stand, £49, Trouva
“
I love collecting ART - each print “The mix of has its own MEANING for us modern and
”
traditional adds wow”
‘Having previously lived in an ’80s house that lacked character, the period features and high ceilings of this house are a dream. I could see past the existing garish wallpaper and knew we could transform the generoussized rooms into a wonderful family home, even if it did mean redecorating every inch. My vision for the hallway was to create a dramatic entrance with modern geometric tiles in contrast to the traditional architraves and cornicing.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Bowloom Ashington carpet runner in French Blue, £130m, Off The Loom. Semaphore floor tiles, £1.56 a tile, Claybrook Studio. Juliana chandelier, £2,795, Soho Home MARCH 2022
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REAL HOMES
“We paired light walls with dark woodwork”
‘We replaced an old and ugly PVC skylight with a contemporary flat roof light above the landing which has made all the difference. Natural light now floods into the stairwell. The kids often play here or read a book in the armchair. It’s a great transitional space that’s not only welcoming but also useful for many household chores, such as sorting the laundry and prepping school bags.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
For a similar chair, try Moby in Yolk Yellow, £349, Made.com. Banisters and woodwork painted in Off Black modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5 ltr, Farrow & Ball
“The rich tones will adapt easily”
‘The key to decorating children’s rooms is to design a scheme that will grow with them over the years. I picked out a black animal-themed fabric for the blind and built the scheme from there, choosing my favourite rich blue for the walls and refining the look with black accessories. With a few tweaks, I can change Jake’s room as he gets older.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Oval Room Blue estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Wildcats fabric in Midnight, £69m, Wild Hearts Wonder. Matt black metal pendant, £157.50, Lighting Styles MARCH 2022
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“ ”
I think it's important to add your PERSONALITY to every ROOM – it's what makes a house a HOME
“Blush pink feels warm and cosy”
‘I always say to my clients that a bedroom should be somewhere to retreat to at the end of a long day, so I listened to my own advice and created a soothing space. Green is a wonderfully calming colour thanks to its connection with nature, while blush pink ensures cosiness.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Pigeon estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try Kipling bed, £799, Swoon Editions. Sofia Pink chenille and velvet armchair, £395, Oliver Bonas, would work here
REAL HOMES LIGHT ON Lucca five-arm metal pendant in Black, £160, Habitat
TILE DETAIL A chic black pencil tile along the top of the white tiles draws the eye around the room and mirrors the black horizontal lines of the shower for a cohesive feel
PERCH PERFECT Vitra Eames house bird ornament, £175, Nest TOP LINES Fluted vase in Soft Grey, £35, Cox & Cox
STYLE MUST HAVES
WORD UP Bombay Duck Letterpop Love embroidered Pink cushion, £39.95, Daisy Park
1
MONOCHROME MAGIC Stockholm rug, from £169, Ikea
“It’s channelling 1920s New York” ‘Swapping an old airing cupboard for a chic shower enclosure has made all the difference in the family bathroom. I wanted a look that wouldn’t date, so I took inspiration from 1920s monochrome style and gave it a fresh, modern twist with metro tiles laid in a stacked pattern. The roll-top bath is second hand and we had it painted to match the black steel-frame shower doors.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Harlequin Decor 1 floor tiles, £40.80sq m; Oska Linen wall tiles, £46.34sq m, both Mandarin Stone. Aquaglass Crittall enclosure, £435.90, QS Supplies MARCH 2022
POT LUCK Brass planter in medium, £34.99, BTFY
HOT SEAT Mentosa armchair in Yellow, £349, MyFurniture
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FEATURE LOUISE O’BRYAN PHOTOGRAPHS RACHAEL SMITH
GET INSPIRATION FROM VICKIE & TREVOR’S ECLECTIC STYLE
t erapy
A
| DREAM HOUSE |
TMENT
BL CONTEMPORARY FINI H PERIOD DETAILS, TOM AND ANTONIA GAME’S MANSION BLOCK FLAT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY RECONFIGURED TO CREATE AN ELEGANT HOME FOR A GROWN-UP FAMILY OF FOUR
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REAL HOMES
WOW MOMENT
Contemporary armchairs in Pierre Frey fabric inject a burst of pattern and colour against a refined palette
Living room
Antonia and Tom focused on how each space would be used socially. Here, a trio of round side tables in varying styles and sizes ensure everyone has a spot for their coffee cup. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Mad armchair, price on request, Poliform. Crosby mirror, price on request, Ochre. Similar nesting coffee tables, £299 for a set of two, Cult Furniture. Bespoke fireplace, Chesney’s
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REAL HOMES Stylish light fittings create a statement throughout the apartment
HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Tom and Antonia Game live here with their two grown-up children. THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom apartment in an Edwardian mansion block in Marylebone, London.
w
hen it came to finding a London base, this mansion block apartment wasn’t Tom and Antonia Game’s first choice. Despite having well maintained communal spaces, its traditional layout of narrow corridors flanked by separate kitchen, dining and living spaces seemed out of sync with the open plan home the couple envisioned. ‘We had been living in Surrey, and wanted to find a spacious home in central London that had MARCH 2022
a community feel,’ says Tom. ‘It had to be a place with enough room for us to be together as a family, but where our grown-up children could also have their own space. The agent showed us this apartment almost as an afterthought.’ The flat is set on the second floor of a red-brick Edwardian building, and it was its doublefronted reception room with bay windows looking out over the lively high street that drew the couple in. The rest of the property, however, needed thinking about. ‘There were functional
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WOW MOMENT Secret storage hides behind panelling under the window seat
Dining area
A layout that encourages the family to spend time together was crucial to the design. The original bay window acts as a frame for the dining table, which is situated to take advantage of views of the street below. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Knoll Saarinen chair, £1,452; Flos ICS2 pendant light, £495, both The Conran Shop. Edelweiss table, £479, Made.com, would work
WOW MOMENT
The pendant light, which mirrors the length of the kitchen island, highlights the pleasing proportions of this open-plan space
Kitchen
A section of the room behind was used to create a recess for cabinets; the dishwasher and oven are housed in the island. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Kitchen, price on request, Crafted Cabinetry. Compendium light, £766, Viaduct. Basic Modern clock, £13, Amazon, is similar
REAL HOMES
WOW MOMENT
The stunning artwork fills this neutral space with colour
Kitchen
Rich blue-black woodwork and textures, such as leather on the bar stools, add contrast and interest to the design. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Fiber bar stool, £669, Muuto. Try the Talbot vase, £34, Abigail Ahern
“
“
Full-height DOORS always help a SPACE feel LIGHTER, BRIGHTER and more important
but tired bathrooms, and a separate kitchen with almost no natural light,’ says Tom. The property had been done up to be let in the 1980s by a developer who added melamine flooring and incongruous columns, while stripping out all of the original details, such as cornices, fireplaces and architraves. ‘Almost nothing that had been left was fit for purpose,’ he adds. At this point their agent introduced the couple to Katie McCrum (katiemccrumstudio. MARCH 2022
com), an interior designer who had worked on similar properties nearby. Imagining an urban pad that would accommodate the whole family, their brief to Katie was precise and ambitious. ‘We were inspired by the luxurious feel of Parisian apartments, and an open plan living area where we could all spend time together was a must,’ says Tom. The predictable solution might have been to position the kitchen at one end of the long living
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REAL HOMES
Bedroom
The new Arts and Crafts-style panelling in this room, painted a lush blue, conceals handy storage behind sliding doors for an elegant, streamlined feel. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Buster & Punch hooked wall light, £291, Holloways of Ludlow. Similar duvet cover, Luna, £229, Soho Home
WOW MOMENT
A compact bedside table suits the room’s smaller proportions
“
“
Sliding doors within PANELLING is a subtle way to hide a MULTITUDE of STORAGE sins
area. Instead, Katie encouraged the couple to take a risk and reconfigure the apartment’s whole layout. A chunk of space was stolen from the main bedroom and they were able to open up a wall so that the new kitchen sits in a recess echoing the shape of the bay window opposite. ‘Because we’d already taken space from the main bedroom, it made sense to start again and remove other walls in order to create a layout that would best suit the family,’ says Katie. Where MARCH 2022
there were previously two bathrooms, there are now three bathrooms and three bedrooms. The serenity of the finished main bathroom, which had previously been the kitchen, gives away no clues about the endless decisions behind its design. ‘Almost everything in the space was wrong – the odd shape of the walls, the pipework that couldn’t be moved, the impossible drainage. It forced us to get creative.’ Instead of a solid wall, a glazed partition was designed to screen
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Main bathroom
Once the dark, awkwardly configured kitchen, this room has been transformed into a beautiful bathing space, which feels both visually stunning and tranquil thanks to the glazed screen and floating vanity units. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Picasso bath, £1,395, Lusso Stone, is a match. Harbour vanity unit, from £299, Drench, would work here. Mirrored cabinets, price on request Crafted Cabinets
WOW MOMENT Enclosing the bathtub behind glass screens creates a spa-like feeling of privacy and luxury
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Second bedroom
Next to the built-in wardrobe, a floating desk brings interest to a corner where the combination of mirror and shelf create an unexpected feature. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Try Trigala wall desk, £126, La Redoute. Similar stool, Utah, £79, Cult Furniture. JWDA concrete lamp, £189, Royal Design UK.
WOW MOMENT An elegant desk can double as a dressing table for the smartest use of space
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REAL HOMES
Shower room
In this new bathroom, the walls are clad in microcement, which glows like traditional plasterwork, adding depth to the compact space. BUY THE KEY PIECES
Try Ayla encaustic cement tiles, £109sq m, Terrazzo Tiles. Milano Amara wall-mounted tap in Brushed Copper, £184.99, Big Bathroom Shop, would work here
WOW MOMENT The intricate floor tile design draws the eye and creates interest within the neutral scheme
“
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FEATURE MARY WEAVER/GEORGIE RODGERS PHOTOGRAPHS DAVIDE LOVATTI
The bathrooms had many CHALLENGES but were the most SUCCESSFUL part of the PROJECT
the double showers and bath, at the same time maximising the daylight. To create cohesion within the space, the same porcelain used on the walls tops the lacquered vanity units. Brass mirrors echo the shower fittings and the raised floor, which conceals drainage, creates a division between wet and dry areas. Throughout the flat, a range of design tricks has been used to enhance space and light. Microcement walls add the appearance of depth MARCH 2022
to the compact bathrooms, while plenty of mirrors reflect light around to illuminate dark corners. Additionally, the couple have reinstated the original features that had been removed forty years previously, such as cast iron radiators and elegant Arts and Crafts style panelling, which now cleverly conceals much needed storage. Deftly redesigned to suit 21st century living, the apartment now accommodates the whole family and is endlessly stylish to boot. n
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REAL HOMES
| STYLE HOUSE |
colour
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I’VE FOUND JOY IN
CAREFULLY CONSIDERED PAINT CHOICES PROVIDE THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR VINTAGE FURNITURE AND BOLD ARTWORK IN JULIA LINDQUIST’S MINIMALIST LONDON HOME
HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Julia Lindquist, husband Nick and sons Jack, five, and Lucas, four. Julia is head of brand and marketing for Mylands (mylands.com) and Nick is a UX designer for the BBC THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian terraced house in Brockley, south London
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‘As we have quite a slouchy sofa in the other room, we picked a vintage Danish design for here as we wanted something more contemporary and minimal’
BOLD STATEMENT
‘We both love abstract modern artwork and large pieces like this one not only add a dramatic splash but also help to link the ground floor spaces together’
“Not all whites are the same”
‘We wanted a simple calm look so we chose quite a soft white. It works well with lots of different colours but feels slightly greyer in the evenings. Some people think that any white is white, but that’s definitely not the case – at Mylands we have so many different shades to choose from and the variation of it can make a huge difference to the space you’re in, depending on the play of the light.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Maugham White No.2 Marble Matt, £53 for 2.5ltr, Mylands
REAL HOMES
“Paint has transformed the stairs”
‘We chose a matt finish for the walls which is scrubbable so it’s great if you get scuffs. On the stairs we’ve used a gloss finish, which is reflective and really hard-wearing. The blue we chose is quite a playful colour so we thought it was a good choice here. The banister had too many layers of paint to strip it back and restore, so we painted it a dark brown which people now assume is wood. There’s also scope for a loft conversion to give the boys a new bedroom before they’re teenagers. The stairs would go where our vintage laundry cupboard is.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Large Argyll pendant, £109, Soho Lighting Company. Banister painted in London Brown No.287 wood & metal matt; spindles painted in Boathouse No.33 gloss, both £73 for 2.5ltr, Mylands
“Our flooring makes it”
‘As the previous owners had installed the kitchen just a couple of years earlier, we kept the units but replaced the drab lino with tiles as they’re more practical in a busy kitchen. I had black-and-white checkerboard tiles in the house I grew up in, and we love monochrome. They’re absolutely beautiful and really make the rest of the ground-floor kitchen area and downstairs toilet sing, as well as working really well with the natural wood table that Nick made himself.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Alalpardo tiles, £74.70sq m, Bert & May. Try Nordic dining chairs, natural weave, £169 each, Cult Furniture. For a similar table, try Covington reclaimed wood dining table, £415, Barker & Stonehouse MARCH 2022
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‘Our boys are only a year apart and they wanted to share a bedroom. The room is a good size but we wanted to create a space that wouldn’t date too quickly and would last them for the next five to eight years. We’d been inspired by similar built-in joinery online and came up with a design featuring four single beds to make the most of the space. We don’t want to move house anytime soon and most of our family don’t live in London, so this place has to double up as somewhere friends and family can stay over, and in the future where our boys can have sleepovers. I think we’ve succeeded in creating a look that’s not too childish, adds some storage to the room and also works with the light in the space. As well as complementing the blue walls, the rust-coloured accessories also reference the walls of the bathroom.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES
Exterior cabinetry in Maugham White No.2 gloss, £73 for 2.5ltr; main walls in Bedford Square No.229; bathroom wall in Covent Garden Floral No.270, both marble matt, £53 for 2.5ltr, all Mylands
“
”
Being around COLOUR every day has made me BOLDER
FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS BETH DAVIS
“Pops of rust”
REAL HOMES
“Blue hues are so calming”
IMMERSIVE COLOUR
‘Our bedroom is one of my favourite rooms in the house. I absolutely love the shade of blue paint. It’s a spectacular colour that feels vibrant in bright light and warm, cosy and enveloping in the evening, which is exactly what you want in a bedroom. As there’s a big bay window and lots of light coming into the room, the light play was important with the colour scheme. I went for a tonal scheme, with blue blackout curtains, which really darken the space and make it feel so cosy at night. The bright artworks and yellow throw bring a brighter colour pop into the space.’
Paint everything the same colour, including the ceiling, doors, window frames and skirting boards, for a visually dramatic and seamless look. Using the same paint sheen throughout enhances the feeling of cohesiveness
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls painted in Long Acre No. 102 marble matt, £53 for 2.5ltr, Mylands. Lucy Giles artworks, price on request, Artsy.net
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decorating TRANSFORM | UPDATE | CREATE
“
It seems like DESIGN alchemy, but there’s a FORMULA behind the perfect room SCHEME and you can master it
”
PHOTOGRAPH FURNITURE VILLAGE
HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR
MARCH 2022
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| LOOKS THAT LAST | The striped curtain complements an elegant contemporary desk. Richter desk, £3,300, Julian Chichester. Curtains in Maremma Rigato, £138m, C&C Milano
WALLPAPER Blaua LL3101-4, £90 a roll, Tres Tintas
PAINT Berry Picking durable matt emulsion, £35.15 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home Emotions of Colour, Albany at Brewers
FABRIC Rhubarb Stripe linen, £99m, Mind The Gap
country SMART
TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT HERE’S HOW TO GIVE THIS LOOK TIMELESS APPEAL MARCH 2022
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DECORATING
Zola accent chair, £185; Maxwell Geo rug, from £60; Cassia sideboard, £475; Abstract table lamp, £80; Red Retro wall art, £50 each; Chrome floor light, £99, all Next
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SLEEK & STYLISH Start with a pale-grey base and then add pops of berry red by painting an alcove, laying a rug, or adding an occasional chair in an eye-catching geometric print.
STYLE DIRECTION
Combine simple chair shapes with geometric patterns and prints, in shades of rhubarb red & pink, for a smart retro look NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
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STYLE DIRECTION
Avoid red becoming too overpowering by using plenty of white, black and wood in the scheme
MIX IT UP
NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
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Layering a daybed with contrasting mattress covers adds smart stripe detail, while piling up mismatched cushions creates the perfect laid-back look.
Princesse divan with three mattresses, £1,758; cushions, from a selection, all Caravane. Coffee table, £645, Another Country
DECORATING Alan table, price on request, G&O Buratti for Porada at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Beetle dining chairs, £886 each, Gubi. Beata cluster pendant light, £3,310, Pinch. Isparta rug, £3,500, Oka. Sibling Reed vase, £140, Curious Egg
SOFTLY SOFTLY Textured ceramics with metal make for an unusual focal point, while small pops of rust-red from upholstered chairs create a sophisticated scheme.
PICK A PATTERN Choosing a fabric design that will stand the test of time can be tricky but if you love the print, that will certainly mean you can live with it for longer. Geometrics in a softer mix of shades will have less impact than harder red and white contrasts. Small ditsy prints and larger florals can also be added to the mix.
WORK IN THE RIGHT SHADES
MIX UP TEXTURES
CONSIDER WALL FINISHES
Mixing all shades of red together in varying quantities will add interest to the scheme; berry, brick, burgundy and crimson will all work together in varying quantities. Look for fabrics or wallpapers that mix these shades, then select paint and plains from colours within them.
A red and white scheme in just two or three finishes will feel stark, flat and unwelcoming. Try adding in fabric layers to soften the space, using velvets, slub linens and wools in these shades, along with wooden pieces to create a grown-up, warm and inviting setting.
Red walls can be difficult to live with, especially in living rooms and bedrooms, so choose a white, pale grey or cream wall as your backdrop. That way, adding pops of red becomes an easier task. Panelling can give a plain painted wall interest, or try a lime wash or concrete effect.
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DECORATING
Choosing a classic black and grey wallpaper ensures a red freestanding bath becomes the star of the show.
Bath painted in Atomic Red intelligent eggshell, £68 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
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FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
BATHING BEAUTY
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STYLE DIRECTION
Using red doesn’t have to mean making a bold statement; light shades on upholstery and subtle patterns on cushions create a soft, cosy scheme NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
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RELAXING NOOK Choose fabrics with small amounts of the red within their designs and mix with plains. A variety of patterns in similar hues gives a quick and easy seasonal update.
Peggy chair in Dusty Rose, £560, Sofa.com. Bench cushion in Brinley in Anthracite, £49.50m, Romo. On bench, from left: Ezra cushion, £45, Habitat. Jungle Leaf cushion, £70, Holly’s House. Cover in Coral, £3.99, H&M. Axel cushion, £30, Habitat. Linea cushion, £30, House of Fraser. Heavenly cover, £34, Northlight Homestore. Dawson cushion, £30, Habitat
WHAT TO BUY
1
3
2
The shortlist
WALL MIRRORS
7
4
Add wow to an uninspiring wall with a statement mirror
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
6 5 WHERE TO BUY
My frame is made from sustainable bamboo and rattan
1 Black and cane mirror, £64.99, Vonhaus 2 Pineapple mirror, £245, Bombay Duck 3 Henry Holland Big Bean mirror, £69, Freemans 4 Aubree round wall mirror, £110, Very 5 Pear mirror, £89, Nest 6 Rajasthan round mirror, £156, John Lewis & Partners 7 Vivian wall mirror, £80, Dunelm MARCH 2022
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Wrap a space in wallpaper in dappled brown. Beach Nut wallpaper in Cordoba, £97 a roll, Little Greene
Earthy browns | IH COLOUR EDIT |
THIS MONTH, OUR COLOUR CONSULTANTS GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THESE RICH SHADES AND HOW TO USE THEM FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME
DECORATING
W hat the experts say...
Designers and stylists share their views ‘Brown is surprisingly rich in itself but provides a great background for strong colours or designs that need to be well-supported but not upstaged.’ EDWARD BULMER, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF EDWARD BULMER PAINT
‘Green-based browns tend to feel more contemporary and are easy to layer with natural materials, such as raffia and light wood, for a Scandi look. Red-based browns have a more period feel as they’re associated with dark wood, gilt frames and rich damasks.’ PATRICK O’DONNELL, BRAND AMBASSADOR AT FARROW & BALL
‘To achieve a chic and contemporary scheme, style pale and earthy browns with coral and salmon pinks. Finish with accessories in a bolder colour, such as ochre or burgundy, depending on the tone of pink you choose.’ SUE KIM, SENIOR COLOUR DESIGNER AT VALSPAR
‘If you decide to use a dark brown in a dark space, accessorise with metallic accents to help to bounce light around the room and add texture.’ MARTIN WALLER, FOUNDER OF ANDREW MARTIN
‘I would always incorporate colour somewhere when using earthy browns. A bright picture frame, a painted lampshade base or a smaller piece of furniture in a fun colour will do – it’s enough to bring some vivacity to a space and stop a room feeling too hotel-y.’ ANNIE SLOAN, CHALK PAINT EXPERT
‘Use softer browns in southern light or well-lit spaces, and darker, more dramatic browns in north-facing rooms or those with little light for a cosier interior.’ PATRICK O’DONNELL, BRAND AMBASSADOR AT FARROW & BALL
‘For something dramatic, team earthy brown with black. Just make sure you break it up with areas of bright white or cream to create a simple, stylish look. Adding textures such silk cushions and woven rugs will elevate this further and prevent the scheme looking dull or flat.’
Walls in Latte and Espresso Bean, both matt emulsion, £23.40 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home at Albany
“
BROWN is the decorator’s best
friend; it accommodates all other COLOURS and is often present in furniture or WOODEN floors
”
EDWARD BULMER, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF EDWARD BULMER NATURAL PAINTS
SUE KIM, SENIOR COLOUR DESIGNER AT VALSPAR
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
the edit EARTHY BROWNS
BEST FOR PAIRING WITH CRISP WHITES
Antique Armoire, £29 for 2.5ltr, Valspar v700 range, B&Q
BEST FOR NORTHFACING ROOMS
Millbank No 254 marble matt, £27 for 1ltr, Mylands
BEST FOR SUNDRENCHED SPACES
Potters Clay eggshell, from £25.50 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore
BEST FOR A HOME OFFICE
Broccoli Brown estate emulsion, £52 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
BEST FOR ADDING DRAMA
Etruscan Brown emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Edward Bulmer Paint
NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC
MARCH 2022
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Furniture hacks | CLEVER DECORATING |
SIX STYLISH DIY PROJECTS TO PEP UP YOUR SPACE ON A BUDGET
WARM UP MONO
Avoid a bleak look with a rich neutral like this shade from Crown
Transform Ikea cupboards Elevate inexpensive pine units by painting, wall mounting and adding sleek leather handles. Use as a run along a dining room wall or hallway.
Give it a twist… For an alternative to wall-hung units, attach hairpin legs to create a stand-alone sideboard.
DECORATING
Paint inside shelving nooks
Create a statement piece by stacking together inexpensive bookcases and painting the inside recesses to create a dramatic backdrop for everyday objects. Make sure the bookcases are secured to the wall.
Give it a twist…
Swap the paint for wallpaper to match your scheme.
IN THE SHADE
Use a tonal palette of colours for a grown-up feel
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DECORATING
Update drawer fronts with dowelling
Attach dowels in vertical strips to give a chest of drawers a designer look. Stick firmly to the drawer fronts to create an on-trend fluted finish, then paint the dowels to match the colour of the unit.
WALL DISPLAY
Make a personalised piece of art with a grouping of postcards, in the same colour scheme as your room
Give it a twist…
Paint the whole cabinet a bold, stand-out colour by using a furniture chalk paint, or a matt eggshell paint.
MATERIAL CH EA T
S HE ET
Beige marble effect film, £6 for 2m roll, B&Q
Concrete adhesive film, £9 for 2m roll, Wilko
Terrazzo sticky back plastic, £10.99, Wayfair
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Upcycle a simple plinth with film
Cover a display plinth with marble-effect adhesive plastic to create an elegant platform that will showcase sculptural ceramics or a statement table lamp.
Give it a twist…
Replace the film with a paint effect instead – apply a coat of limewash over the plinth to give it a modern gallery-style effect.
ADD CONTRAST
Accents of black in the artwork, cushions and furniture help ground this neutral scheme
Build clever banquette seating
Use a simple shelving unit as a base, combined with an upholstered headboard fixed to the wall above to create a comfy back rest.
Give it a twist…
Cut foam to size and cover in a washable fabric in a toning colour, for a softer seating alternative to timber.
SOFT TOUCH
Top the seat with a fabric-covered foam cushion for extra comfort and add interest with accent cushions
DECORATING
RAISE THE BAR Arrange pieces of reclaimed wood for shelves, covering them first with a couple of coats of chalk paint for a finished look
Use plate racks as moveable shelving
COL OU R
C
Mount beech plate holders to the wall, lining them up next to each other, then use planks for shelves. The wooden dowels double as hooks for kitchen utensils too.
Give it a twist…
Paint a rectangle of contrasting colour behind the unit to make it a real focal point.
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H
HE S T EA
ET
East Village matt emulsion, from £14.50 for 2.5ltr, Crown
Pottery Class durable matt emulsion, £35.15 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home Emotions of Colour, Albany at Brewers
Rolling Fog, £21.50 for 1ltr, Little Greene
DECORATING
Walls painted in East Village matt emulsion, £14.50 for 2.5ltr, Crown. Ivar cabinets, £45 each; Osternas leather
UPDATE DRAWER FRONTS WITH DOWELLING
Idanas chest of drawers in White, £279, Ikea. 12mm pine
BUILD CLEVER BANQUETTE SEATING Kallax shelving unit (on its side), £29, Ikea. Eloise upholstered headboard in Linen Sand, £66.99, Wayfair.
handles, £10 for two, all Ikea. Cabinets painted in Rebel, £14.50 for 1.25ltr, Crown. Gubi Bestlite floor lamp, £838.50, Nunido. Pols Potten Peggy armchair, £784, Made in Design
dowelling, £3.97 for 2400mm, B&Q. Dowelling painted in Rolling Fog Pale absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Mirror, £75, Cox
Cushions (from left), in Saffron Spot hand block printed and painted Natural Linen, £140m, Louisa Loakes. White and beige cushion, £45, Rose & Grey. Yukon cushion in Olive, MARCH 2022
Sculptural vase 02, £85, Alice Guillaume Ceramics, Artists & Objects. Bookcase bottom left: Acacia wood serving bowl, £18, John Lewis & Partners. Wooden Beldi spoon, from £3, Bohemia Design. Ceramic bowl, from £35, Kerry Hastings Ceramics. Open bottle vase in Soft Grey, £20, Cox & Cox. Large Brush Stroke platter, £22, Graham & Green. Bookcase bottom right: Set of two Ithaca mugs, £15, Graham & Green. Ferm Living ceramic speckle pot, £49, Rose & Grey. Duralex Picardie tumblers, Clear, £10 for four, John Lewis & Partners. Top of bookcase: Dash bowl, Black, £75, The Conran Shop. Ash wood serving bowl, Black, £30, John Lewis & Partners
& Cox. Large Brush Stroke platter, £22, Graham & Green. Magnolia Nobile Sublime body cream, £77, Acqua di Parma. Sculptural vase 02, £85, Alice Guillaume Ceramics, Artists & Objects. Sand Cement & Linen table lamp, £115, Rose & Grey. Windsor Quaker chair, £585, Ercol. Cushion in ‘E’ Natural, £140m by Anni Albers, Christopher Farr Cloth. Postcards, 85p each, Tate Modern Shop
John Lewis & Partners. Smithy sofa in Elbow Patch Clever Vintage Linen, from £1,745, Loaf. On sofa: Sand fringed cotton throw, £59; Jute striped cushion, £95, both Rose & Grey. Yukon cushion in Rust, £75; Bibi stripe rug, £950, both The Conran Shop. Skylar set of two coffee tables, £725, Graham & Green. Toppu mini bowl, White/Black, £46.50; Hagi cups, £21 each; Inka bowl in Caramel, £19.50, all OYOY Living Design. Handmade stoneware dinner plate, £34, Rowen & Wren. Chetham reading floor lamp in Bronze, £230, Neptune. Abstract 03 1:1 Giclee print, £340, Formworks Studio, Artists & Objects
Addie Standard bookcase (four used), £39.99, Wayfair. Top left and bottom right bookcase, painted in Wet Stone; top right and bottom left in Driftwood durable matt emulsion, £35.15 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home Emotions of Colour, Albany at Brewers. Bookcase top left: Arch vase Rainy Day, £18; White speckled clay vase, £39, both Rose & Grey. Storage jar, £12; glasses with Black woven paper sleeves, £6.95 each, all Graham & Green. Bookcase top right: Cube tall vase, Amber, £59, The Conran Shop. 365+ bowls, £3 each, Ikea. Brush Stroke mug, £9, Graham & Green. Hagi cups, Brown, £21 each, OYOY Living Design.
UPCYCLE A SIMPLE PLINTH WITH FILM
Display plinth, £34.40, Morplan. Plinth covered in D-C-Fix Marmi Grey selfadhesive film, £6 a roll, Wilko. Totem vase, Natural, £50,
£75, The Conran Shop. Baskets (from left), Arbroath jute, £22 each, Neptune. Chevron topped storage baskets, £50 for three, Cox & Cox. Siena breakfast table, £825; Heritage chairs in Black, £349 each, both Ercol. Ash wood low serving bowl, Black, £30, John Lewis & Partners. Gobi reactive serve bowl, £55; Cube tall vase in Amber, £59; mini Aplomb pendant light in Dark Concrete, £243, all The Conran Shop. Makalu wool rug, £550, Rowen & Wren. Wall painted in (above), Rolling Fog Pale absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene; (below) Pottery Class durable matt emulsion, £35.15 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home Emotions of Colour, Albany at Brewers
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USE PLATE RACKS AS MOVEABLE SHELVING
Nyplockad plate holder in beech (four used), £2.50 each, Ikea. Metsa Whitewood spruce timber, 2.1m, £2.97, B&Q. Top shelf: Toppu bowl, £58, OYOY Living Design. Ithaca mugs, £15 for two, Graham & Green. Middle shelf: Inka bowl, £19.50, OYOY Living Design. For similar storage jar with a copper lid, try The Conran Shop. Bottom shelf: Hagi cups, £21 each, OYOY Living Design. Ferm Living Low Ripple glasses, £35 for four, Rose & Grey. For similar scissors, try Clifton Nurseries. Wall painted in Driftwood durable matt emulsion, £35.15 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home Emotions of Colour, Albany at Brewers
FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS CAROLYN BARBER STYLING LORRAINE DAWKINS STYLING ASSISTANT AREESHA RICHARDS
TRANSFORM IKEA CUPBOARDS
PAINT INSIDE SHELVING NOOKS
DECORATING
Rugs as wall art | HOW TO ADD WOW |
IDEAL HOME’S STYLE EDITOR NICKY PHILLIPS EXPLAINS HOW A RUG’S APPEAL NEED NOT BE SOLELY UNDERFOOT
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W hile a rug’s main job is to add warmth and comfort to a floor, there are some designs whose beauty would be truly squandered if hidden beneath furniture.
Style tip
Soften the statement and double down on the wall art look by adding a selection of small-to-medium framed prints either side of the rug
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
Instead of paying a fortune for a supersized piece of artwork, hanging a rug on the wall lets you channel a tapestry look for a fraction of the cost, while also taking advantage of all the other benefits it brings, such as insulating walls and cushioning the acoustics in a room. Perfect behind a wide piece of furniture, like a sideboard, sofa or double bed, the trick is to hang it horizontally. Buy a design that stretches out at least 15cm either side of the piece of furniture below it and choose a design for either its bold colour or unusual texture. To make it ready for hanging, you’ll first need to sew one side of a heavy-duty Velcro strip all around the edge of the back of the rug. Then glue or staple the other side of the strip to thin lengths of wood that act like a frame on which the rug can hang on the wall. er rooms, experiment wi runners or small rugs. Sonderod high pile rug in Blue, £115 for W170 x L240cm, Ikea
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WHAT TO BUY
1 I come ready assembled
3 2
The shortlist
SIDE TABLES 8
4
Rest a cuppa or stash a book on one of these stylish sofa companions
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FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
5
WHERE TO BUY
1 Daphne side table, £360, Sweetpea & Willow 2 Sulta side table, £79, Made 3 Abigail Ahern Branca side table, £95, Freemans 4 Leader of the Fanclub side table, £139, Cuckooland 5 Stacked side table, £85, Rose & Grey 6 Mahaut side table, £160, La Redoute 7 Hay DLM side table, £179, Nest 8 Anyday Jax side table, £69, John Lewis & Partners MARCH 2022
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| IH COLOUR CLUB |
Combine
peac crimson
THE DESIGN KNOW-HOW BEHIND THE TOP COLOUR COMBO, TO HELP YOU WORK IT LIKE A PRO
PEACH BASE
PAINT COLOURS Clockwise from top: Terracotta Tiles durable matt emulsion, £37.82 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home range at Albany. Perky Peach Regal Select flat, £24.99 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Mulled Wine durable matt emulsion, £37.82 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home range at Albany
CRIMSON ACCENTS Adding in swathes of a deeper, harmonious shade of crimson brings a richness to the peach base, and in this case, a luxe sumptuousness thanks to the velvet fabrics. Use this rich, red shade in different areas of the space to anchor the scheme, both on upholstery and accessories for a balanced material mix.
MARCH 2022
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPH SOFA.COM
Subtle, warm and inviting, peach is a smart shade that adds an air of calm. It has a cocooning feel that works well in rooms for relaxing in. The deeper the hue, the more sophisticated it looks, while lighter-toned peach shades give a fresher feel. As well as layering with tonal shades of coral and burnt orange, complementary shades of turquoise from the blue family and spearmint from the green family all work beautifully with peach.
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DECORATING
SOFT PINK HIGHLIGHTS BLACK FINISHING TOUCHES While gold or brass details would also work well in this scheme, black adds a contemporary edge to the space, making what might tip over into a quite feminine scheme feel a lot more grounded and modern.
Style tip
Paint the entire wall in a single shade, including the skirting, for a bold, colour-drenched look
Another colour adjacent to peach and crimson on the colour wheel is pink. The introduction of delicate powderpink highlights on soft furnishings can build further on the harmonious layered look. The softer saturation of this pink hue acts to bridge the two stronger shades together with its subtlety, rather than fight against them. Introduce it in small- to medium-sized areas of the scheme. Pattern provides an excellent medium for adding this highlight colour, together with either one or both of the core shades.
U paler pe walls darker on up balance tones p and cr room seasons NICKY PHI STYLE EDI
MARCH 2022
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he o ,
| PROMOTIONAL FEATURE |
Escape to the country
RING THE CHANGES AT HOME WITH PRIMARK’S LATEST COUNTRY-INSPIRED COLLECTION
Scalloped ceramic crockery, from £3.50/€4; wooden handled cutlery, £5/€6 for three pieces; round seagrass tray, £5/€6, all Primark Home
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The Dawn collection starts from just £1/€1.50
pring is in the air! With longer days, warmer weather and a brighter mood all round, now’s the perfect time to hit refresh. As Primark’s new season collections arrive, take inspiration from softer spring focused colour palettes, pretty patterns and relaxed country style to give your home a fresh new look.
S
NEW SPRING COLLECTIONS Find the must-have buys and on trend essentials you’ll need to get your home spring-ready this season at Primark. The new Dawn collection taps into the ‘Cottagecore’ lifestyle trend that we’re all loving right now, with its relaxed colour palette, country patterns and handcrafted pieces. Cheery ginghams and playful florals sit alongside hand drawn botanicals and crafted textiles in pastel pinks, sage greens and soft yellows. The range includes bedding, soft furnishings, ceramics and kitchen ware, so there’s something for every room in a complementary palette.
Canvas wall art, £3.50/€4; Jacquard throw, £12/€14; Sage floral duvet, from £9/€11 Floral ceramic jug, £9/€10
Sunflower cushion, £7/€8
WORDS LISA FAZZANI
ENJOY ONE-STOP SHOPPING While it’s long been the destination for on-trend fashion buys, Primark is expanding its home and lifestyle range with stylish and super-affordable new accessories, soft furnishings and furniture pieces. With brilliant homewares and furniture all under one roof, Primark Home really is the new one-stop shopping destination.
Circular wall piece, £3.50/€4
FIND OUT MORE See all the latest spring homeware and furniture in store at Primark now, including the new Dawn collection. Catch up with us on Instagram @Primark.Home and on the Primark Home Pinterest page pinterest.co.uk/Primark/home/#PrimarkHome
MARCH 2022
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trending on…
IDEALHOME.CO.UK The best mortgage rates and how to find them
Small kitchen ideas: 35 ways to make the most of a compact space
Secure a deal on one of life’s biggest financial investments.
“
Whatever shape or size, your kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s imperative to create a scheme that you love spending time in. We’ve rounded up the best small kitchen ideas and creative solutions that will help you to make the most of even the tiniest room.
Find brilliant ideas for every room, plus a wealth of expert property advice
How to save energy at home
HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR
Worried about soaring fuel prices? We’ve got 24 energysaving tips plus expert advice to help lower gas and electricity bills and save you precious cash.
Perfect paint for kitchen cabinets
”
Natural cleaning hacks and genius remedies
Whether your kitchen needs a quick overhaul while you save up for a new one, or you just fancy a makeover, these are the best paints for kitchen units.
From using lemons to other store cupboard essentials, we share favourite ideas to get your home sparkling without a single chemical.
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MARCH 2022
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| EASY STYLE UPDATES |
Weekend decorator WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
HOW TO
ADD PATTERN TO YOUR WALLS If you have high ceilings you might want to add pattern to the bottom half of your walls, leaving the top half white. Q Choose a daring, exciting design as you are only papering part of the wall. Q Work in thirds, so either paper one third up your wall or two. Using a pencil, spirit level and ruler, draw a horizontal plumb line from one side to the other. Q Paper from the floor (or the top of the skirting boards) to the plumb line. Q Attach a length of dado moulding, or just a simple strip of wood, painted in the same shade as the top part of your walls, to neatly edge your wallpaper.
Riviera extending dining table, £1,495; side chairs, £399 each, all Furniture Village
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Restore in Midnight wallpaper, £65 a roll, Graham & Brown
STYLE TIP Use a slim piece of leftover worktop to create a floating shelf that can be hung across the middle of the wall, to break up the pattern of the paper slightly
WALLPAP ER SW 3
1
Forgo a classic tiled splashback or a bland painted wall in the kitchen, and instead embrace an eye-catching design and plump for wallpaper. Most papers are easy to clean with a damp cloth but if papering behind a sink, it’s a good idea to add a transparent splashback over the top to protect it.
E OV EL
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WOW WITH WALLPAPER IN A KITCHEN
WALLPAPERS TO WOW 1 Cow Parsley wallpaper in Mineral, £130 a roll, Stil Haven range, Lime Lace 2 Superfresco Easy Palm Leaves wallpaper in Green, £17 a roll, Wilko 3 Jasmine BP3903 wallpaper, £115 a roll, Farrow & Ball MARCH 2022
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3
DECORATING
Turn a statement tea towel into an artwork by using a poster hanger to display it.
Kelda wallpaper in Pebble, £47 a roll, Scion
4
GIVE AN OLD DESK A NEW LOOK Create a more inspiring WFH spot and give a tired wooden desk or console table a fresh look with a lick of paint. Opt to use a chalk paint, which will not only save you from having to prime the desk first, but will create a wonderfully rich finish, especially when using a punchy shade of blue like this one.
1
HOUR
HOW TO
PAINT A SCALLOPED WALL FEATURE
Larsson desk in Teal, £660, Neptune. Cote d’Azur wallpaper in Cuivre, £90 a roll, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler
lively energy back into a scalloped wall feature. It is actually super speedy to do, too, making it perfect for a kid’s room. ■ Start by painting your walls in your chosen background colour. If your walls are papered, you can skip this step. ■ Make your scallop template by drawing around half a plate onto a thin piece of cardboard, such as part of an empty cereal box. Draw at least three scallops in a row. MARCH 2022
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■ Neatly cut out your template, then
decide how far up or down the wall you want the scallops to be positioned. Using a ruler, spirit level and a pencil, draw a horizontal line to create the section that needs to be painted, and paint using your chosen shade. ■ Once dry, place your scallop template either just below this section or just above, use masking tape to hold in place and draw around them. Repeat all the way along the wall and then paint in with a small paintbrush.
CREATE CURVES IN A DRESSING ROOM Paint an arched panel to create a look-at-me feature in a room where there isn’t a natural focal point or the walls are devoid of character. arch helps to emphasise the shape of the round wall mirror, adds visual d zones the space as a cosy vanity area. Arch in Warm Sand matt emulsion, £16 for 2.5ltr; Delphi Black dressing table, £129; Octavia chair, £269; round Gold mirror, £59, all Dunelm
Mini Prep Pro, £50; traditional kettle, £65; two-slice toaster, £60, all Cuisinart
8
1
HOUR
REFRESH YOUR KITCHEN WITH TOUCHES OF WARM BRASS Add a little luxe to your kitchen cupboards and freshen them up by replacing the knobs, pulls and latches with smart brass designs. It’s much easier (and cost effective) to update the smaller items and accessories, so even replacing an old tap with a new brass version will go a long way to giving your kitchen a brand-new look.
7
Swap out thick-lined, thermal curtains hung over doors and windows and replace with lighter linen ones for spring. MARCH 2022
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DECORATING
Ragazzo rug in Light Grey, from £89, Ruggable
CREATE A GALLERY WALL WITH NEAT PICTURE LEDGES
COLO UR
If artwork hung on the wall feels a little too permanent for you, try creating a gallery wall using picture ledges instead. This way, you can have fun arranging and rearranging your framed prints, postcards, books and accessories as often as you like, playing with their positioning and adding new pieces whenever it suits. Paint the ledges the same colour as the wall behind so they don’t distract from the artwork displayed on them.
2
COLOUR CHEAT SHEET 1 Hidey-Hole claypaint, £47 for 2.5ltr, Earthborn 2 Pink 05 matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Lick 3 Warm Eucalyptus V700 wall and ceiling matt emulsion, £31 for 2.5ltr, Valspar at B&Q MARCH 2022
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EET H S AT E CH 1
3
TILE A CHIMNEY BREAST
Chimney tiles, €2.80 each, Emery et Cie
Often a een as the spot per or paint colour, but tiling it instead will add real wow-factor to your interior. Choose a tile with a rustic, uneven surface, in complementing shades, to create a more rough and ready appearance. Anything too neat and tidy could look a little bland and bathroom-like – and don’t leave too much space for grouting between each tile, but butt them up against each other.
STYLE TIP Rather than tile the back of the opening where a real fire would be, leave the bare bricks as they are to create a feature and pop a plant inside
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DECORATING
HIGHLIGHT GREAT FEATURES A painted border will draw attention to period door frames and deep skirting boards. Measure a border 8-10cm from the edge of the door and skirting and use masking tape to create a straight line. If your wall is painted a colour, do the border in a deeper shade. Zena bar stools, £139 each; Abstract prints, £25 set of two; Curves Gold canister, £10; utensil pot, £11, all Dunelm
Wall in Hidey Hole; border in Pall Mall, both absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene Black Granite worktop; Grey Granite worktop, both laminate, £88 for 3m, Worktop Express
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HOW TO
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
BUILD A BREAKFAST BAR
You don’t need to have space for a whole kitchen island in order to have a breakfast bar; an alcove can provide the perfect spot instead. ■ Start by measuring the width and depth of the alcove to see what size you need. It doesn’t need to be that deep, just enough to get a stool under. ■ If you have any offcuts from your kitchen’s worktop, use this. Otherwise secondhand sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and eBay often have bargains which can be cut to size. ■ Once you’ve decided how high you want your breakfast bar to be, attach slim battens of wood to the wall behind and at the sides, for the worktop to sit on, using rawlplugs and screws. ■ Once your worktop has been set in place, secure to the wood below with more screws and then dress your bar accordingly. Finish with a couple of bar stools and hey presto! MARCH 2022
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Give your bathroom a mini refresh by swapping out tired towels for a colourful new patterned set.
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renovation IMPROVE | EXTEND | CONVERT
2022
Kitchen Special ◆ TRENDS (THAT WON'T DATE) ◆ LAYOUT TIPS ◆ REAL MAKEOVERS ◆ CLUTTERBUSTING TRICKS
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Don’t settle! DEMAND more from your SPACE, and turn an awkward and unloved area into something AMAZING HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR
MARCH 2022
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THINK PRACTICALLY
‘When it comes to flooring, it’s important for a space to look great and function well, too,’ says Natalie. Tegola Elite Click Tile luxury vinyl in Copper, £44.99sq m, Carpetright
Kitchen upgrade | PLAN THE PERFECT |
LOOKING TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN IN 2022? WE ASKED THE EXPERTS TO SHARE THEIR INSIDER TIPS
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL KEY INGREDIENT
The pantry has become a feature that’s made for showing off. Hoxton kitchen in Metallic Midnight, from £3,600, Magnet
MEET THE EXPERTS
ROD GASKELL, DESIGNER AND OWNER OF KÜTCHENHAUS, RAINHAM, KENT
‘Kitchen design is fun and satisfying when you design rather than just filling a space.’ MIKE TURLEY, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, MEREWAY KITCHENS
‘I get excited about the emerging colours and textures, providing that new take on enduringly popular designs.’ NATALIE HOLDEN, DIRECTOR, NATALIE HOLDEN INTERIORS
‘I love the unexpected in a kitchen – like wall panelling concealing a door to a utility.’
P
lanning a new kitchen this year? We’ve done the research for you and chatted to three experts – two from kitchen brands, one an interior designer – to help you create a kitchen that’s on trend and right for you for many years to come.
START WITH CABINETRY
Handleless or classic Shaker remain the popular choices, but it seems we are embracing more colour. ‘Of course, people want practicality, with matt doors in an anti fingerprint finish highly desirable – but we’ve added a blue and green to our range for 2022,’ Rod explains. Natalie says, ‘Right now, many of our clients are keen to introduce bolder and darker shades through their cabinetry, such as teal blue, forest green and anthracite grey.’ It seems we are paying lots of attention to handles too, and warmer metallics are a popular choice for many right now, which is not surprising as they are great for teaming with blue or green units. Stone effect doors are also a sought after feature, as Rod explains: ‘We might see more new sandstone or MARCH 2022
earthier finishes coming through, reflecting our concentration on nature and the environment. ‘Storage seems to be focusing on the practical rather than clever gizmos,’ adds Rod. ‘Customers want large easy access storage, such as pan drawers in islands and big opening larder units.’ Natalie says, ‘We’re being asked to maximise storage. One project recently had a compact floor space, but really high ceilings, so we designed one tall wall of storage, with integrated fridge freezer, butler’s pantry and pull-out larder.’ Mike says open units for things like books are common, helping to keep worksurfaces clutter-free.
PAIR PRACTICAL WITH BEAUTIFUL
When it comes to worksurface material, Natalie says they tend to specify quartz. ‘It’s extremely durable and easy to clean and maintain. Our suppliers have an amazing selection of colours, some of which look like real marble,’ she explains. Of course, it depends on budget. ‘Discussing contrast is a great starting point when planning a kitchen,’ says Rod, ‘such as light doors with a dark worksurface or vice versa. But worksurface choice is about how hardwearing, heatproof and stain resistant it is. Those on a budget
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IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
NORDIC CHIC
Scandi-influenced kitchens echo our love of natural materials. Nordic Nature kitchen, from £5,388, Magnet
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People want VALUE for money and REASSURAN that internal fittings will stand the TEST of tim
SPACE SAVER
‘We always try to make full use of a room’s height,’ says Natalie. Arbor kitchen, from £25,000, Harvey Jones
ROD GASKELL, KÜTCHENHAUS
can look at combining a wood-effect laminate for main kitchen with a stone for an island.’ Mike like see cabinetry, doors and worktops matching: ‘It g streamlined look,’ he says. Natalie says there are more sustainable options, too. ‘One of our suppliers makes worktops from recycled brick rubble and concrete, and another, Cosentino, uses a new technology, Hybriq, combining recycled glass content, 100% renewable energy and 98% recycled water in its factory.’
GOING FOR GRAIN
For flooring, wood – real or not – remains popular. ‘Wood-effect is the easy-to-clean and easy-to-maintain option,’ says Mike. ‘Laid in a herringbone pattern, it’s great for open-plan kitchen extensions that have lots of natural light streaming in,’ says Natalie, ‘as it brings a sense of warmth and texture to the space, yet doesn’t fade in sunlight, and is very easy to clean.’ Another practicality in today’s kitchen is the utility room. ‘Most of our projects have these,’ says Natalie, ‘particularly open-plan kitchens. A utility space provides somewhere you can shut things away, such as washing and coats.’ ‘A pantry is also a lovely addition, especially if you have the space for open shelving floor-to-ceiling,’ says Rod. ‘They allow you to make great use of multi-buy deals on non-perishables.’ Mike agrees, saying, ‘If
IN THE ZONE
NEED TO KNOW…
Open shelving for books, varied worktops and zoned flooring make this a cool kitchen. Fitted kitchen, from £30,000, in Azure Green by Little Greene, price on request, Neptune at Woods of London
Marble surfaces
Natalie Holden, director, Natalie Holden Interiors (natalieholden. com) shares her expertise n Marble is so versatile – it suits both traditional and contemporary kitchens. It’s natural so each slab has a unique veining – hand-select from a stonemason if you can, as pattern and colour will vary between each piece. n Marble is expensive, but you can get the look with composites that are also non-porous. Think about using a lower-priced worksurface in your utility room or area, leaving more budget to splash out on marble in the kitchen. n To really work a marble look, take it from the worksurface and use up the walls as a splashback, or go down to the floor on the sides of an island.
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PENDANT POWER
‘Lighting makes me really excited, as I’m drawn towards uniquely-shaped lights,’ says Natalie. Rossio pendants, £98 each, Iconic Lights
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHS BRENT DARBY/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
COOL FINISH
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‘Teal, green and blue cabinet colours are very in vogue,’ says Mike. Cucina Colore Lastra units painted in Ideal Home Teal Mist with brass and shell handles. Prices start from £15,000, Mereway
Utility rooms are A SIGN that today’s KITCHEN has become much more of a LIVING SPACE MIKE TURLEY, MEREWAY KITCHENS
space allows, it’s great to be able to go for a modern take on the stylish pantries of post-war years.’
STYLE YOUR SINK
‘When it comes to sinks, large bowls are popular,’ says Rod. ‘For colour and finish, granite and steel sinks are in demand – even copper and gold effects.’ ‘Brass taps are all the rage,’ says Natalie, ‘yet other appliances and fittings haven’t quite caught up with this trend, so it can be a challenge to find matching fittings.’ Rod agree: ‘While black taps are a favourite, and gold a contender, we find they are always chosen to match other items that are decided on first.’
GET THE LIGHT RIGHT
When it comes to lighting, Rod says it’s all about increased connectivity. ‘Connected homes, with mood-controlled lighting like Philips Hue lights, will MARCH 2022
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soon be everywhere, not just the kitchen.’ Natalie says, ‘I love layering up wall lights, recessed strip lighting and statement pendants into a space to add drama and a cosy atmosphere.’
WORK YOUR SPACE
‘Open-plan areas are still desired in larger properties,’ says Natalie, ‘but in smaller homes, we are seeing more broken-plan solutions, where each space has a different purpose throughout the day. Think of two or three rooms that have the option to be opened up with sliding doors when you want to entertain but exist as a kitchen or separate workspace when needed.’ Rod adds, ‘I think the kitchen is becoming larger than ever. Double island units allow ease of movement around the kitchen, with differentheight worktops and seating areas introduced to keep all the family – and visitors – happy.’ n
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IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
KITCHEN PROJECT
New position, bespoke style RELOCATING THEIR KITCHEN MEANT GINA AND CARL WADE COULD HAVE A CUSTOMISED DESIGN IN A BIGGER SPACE TO MEET THEIR FAMILY’S NEEDS
PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE
Gina Wade lives here with her husband Carl and their twins, Sophie and Calum, 14.
THE PROJECT
Kitchen installed in a former reception room, in a detached period house in West Yorkshire.
TOTAL COST £80,067
‘I wanted an eating area, but not just a standard dining table. The circular booth was a great solution as it’s relaxed and easily accessible for Sophie.’ Gris Fleury Bianco floor tiles, £66.99sq m, Tiles and Mosaics
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EXTRA SEATING The large island provides space for plenty of additional relaxed seating
THE PROBLEM
The existing kitchen was dark, oldfashioned and in the wrong position.
THE SOLUTION ‘We chose this house for its space and potential for modern, open-plan living, as our daughter Sophie is a wheelchair user. It was in good condition, just extremely old-fashioned, with a small kitchen at one side of the building. The
MARCH 2022
kitchen is where we all spend the most time, so we decided to relocate it to the large sitting room. I wanted a light, bright kitchen, with a modern feel, but it also had to be in keeping with the house. Designer Andrea Hobson at local company Drew Forsyth understood what we wanted
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to achieve. We chose classic, painted cabinetry, an Aga, and a big, central island with a built-in, circular dining area. It’s a very large room but the layout is so well thought through. I love how light it is now, and the different elements work together so well. It’s the best thing we ever did.’
FOCUS ON
Quartz worktops Top things off with this elegant, practical and long-lasting choice of work surface n Quartz tops are made from a blend of groundup quartz, polymer resin and pigments. Often seen as an alternative to natural granite, they fall into a similar price bracket, costing from around £300 per square metre. n High-quality, branded products have consistent colour and thickness and often come with a guarantee. Bear in mind unbranded tops with no warranty may be inferior.
ABOVE ‘The imposing chimney breast, which frames the Aga, was built out from existing pillars, and the cornicing above has been cleverly matched in, so the whole structure feels like it’s always been there.’ Hamilton Arm bar stools, £145 each, Next. Quoizel Emery pendant lights, £318 each, JG Harrison. Bespoke antiqued silvered mirror splashback, £1,000, Drew Forsyth & Co.
RIGHT ‘The island is the anchoring piece and I like the symmetry of the curved elements on either end. As well as storage, it houses the microwave, an integrated dishwasher and the bin.’ Bespoke Georgian-style units, including bench and table, £42,000, Drew Forsyth & Co, painted in Hague Blue and Lamp Room Gray modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball MARCH 2022
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n As quartz is man made, there’s an extensive range of colours and finishes. Edges can be square or chamfered, and surface finishes can be varied. n It’s strong and durable, so should last the lifetime of your kitchen. Being non-porous, it won’t stain and makes a hygienic food prep surface. However, it isn’t quite as heatproof as granite, so it’s always advisable to place a trivet under very hot cookware.
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
CONCEALED STORAGE
Push-to-open storage keeps herbs and spices on hand for cooking.
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RIGHT ‘I’d had an Aga before and this new model has a timer, so it’s more controllable and flexible than my previous one – and there’s a separate induction hob, too.’ Anthracite ER7 Pewter electric Aga, £15,000, Whites Aga
I ordered the glass splashback in a rush and the colour just didn’t work. We were able to change it, but I should have taken more time over it
GINA WADE, HOMEOWNER
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KEY SURFACES
LEFT TO RIGHT Bespoke antiqued silvered mirror splashback, £1,000, Drew Forsyth & Co Painted cabinetry, Lamp Room Gray modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball Quartz worktop Frosty Carrina Caesarstone worktops, £9,700, Drew Forsyth & Co
KITCHEN SOURCEBOOK
Kitchen design, build and installation, Drew Forsyth & Co, drewforsyth.co.uk. Pendant lights, JG Harrison, jgharrison.co.uk. Aga, Whites Aga, whitesaga.co.uk. Bespoke blinds, Cabbages and Cushions, 01422 846688. Floor tiles, Tiles and Mosaics, tilesandmosaics.co.uk
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FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY
ABOVE ‘The breakfast cupboard is a fab design feature, as the tea, coffee, toaster and so on are all in one place. The bi-fold doors are nifty too, as they don’t protrude when open.’ Cabinetry in Lamp Room Gray modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
Buying guide
Microwaves
A MUST-HAVE IN A BUSY FAMILY KITCHEN, THESE MULTITASKING MACHINES WILL REHEAT (OR DEFROST) YOUR FOOD IN MINUTES BEFORE YOU BUY n Not all microwaves are built the same. Many of the latest models called combi microwaves - offer a host of other functions. If you have a small kitchen or you’re on a tight budget, a microwave-only model may be best, but otherwise a combi is well worth it. A combi microwave doubles as a grill and/or oven, giving you extra cooking space and offering the best of both worlds: cooking a jacket potato quickly via microwave, with a crispy (oven baked) skin. n The latest, high-end combis often come with extra accessories such as a grill rack, an oven tray, a steamer and a crisper plate. Forget everything you were told about not putting metal in microwaves: these large, non-stick metal dishes are heated quickly by microwaves to become a hotplate.
They’re perfect for cooking food quickly, such as pizza, and you can even ‘fry’ things like eggs and bacon without oil. n Microwave power is measured in watts – the higher the figure, the faster it should heat your food. The average is 800-900W. However, as microwave technology has improved, simply going for the most powerful model isn’t a guarantee of a better-performing oven. n Most microwaves have turntables to ensure even cooking, but some newer designs have ditched them completely. These flatbed models use the latest technology to distribute the microwaves evenly without the need to turn the food. This frees up lots of space inside for big dishes, such as casseroles, and makes them far easier to clean. n Auto-defrost and reheat functions are also worth investing in, as are
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Aim to spend around £100 for a standard microwave and up to £300 for a larger combi with all mod cons GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR
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one-touch shortcut keys for melting butter or chocolate (saving you from using the hob) or a quick boost of power. For ultra-even heating and defrosting, look for a model with an inverter - it will control the power flow for consistent results, rather than pulsing high power on and off. n As with all appliances, a clean machine is a more efficient machine. However, how easy your microwave will be to keep clean will be affected by its interior finish. Stainless steel, enamel and acrylic are relatively easy to clean with a regular wipe down. n Pyrolytic cleaning functions (which incinerate mess completely at high temperatures) and low-hassle catalytic liners (which burn off any grease and food that’s on them) are usually only found on combination microwaves.
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
Tried & Tested BEST COMPACT MICROWAVE HOTPOINT CURVE MWH 1311
We believe that any product should be simple to use, stand the test of time, look good and work brilliantly to make your life easier. Our testing team put each product through its paces at home, over several weeks, pitting them against everyday situations. Those products that make the mark are awarded a star rating. And the very, very EST. ES T. 1920 best are awarded our ‘Ideal Home APPROVED Approved’ recommendation.
TYPE Corner standalone CAPACITY 13 litres POWER 700W FEATURES Space saver, four cooking levels, memo button, safety lock PRICE £89.62 This compact microwave has a curved back designed to fit into a corner. It’s a clever design because corners are the least useful bit of any kitchen worktop – but of course you can put it anywhere. Capacity is just 13 litres but it fits a 28cm glass turntable in there, so it can handle a dinner plate. You can microwave cook at four power levels or defrost by time or weight. REASON TO BUY Super compact, fits neatly into a countertop corner REASON TO AVOID Small internal capacity RATING 4.5/5
BEST OVERALL MICROWAVE SWAN NORDIC DIGITAL MICROWAVE TYPE Digital CAPACITY 20 litres POWER 800W FEATURES Defrost, express, auto cook, advance timer PRICE £119.99 This microwave comes in four colour choices: white, grey, green or blue. The dial scrolls through timings, up to one hour, and with only 800 watts, there are more powerful microwaves out there, but this is a top pick for those who have a little more than £100 to spend. REASON TO BUY It’s far more multi-functional than it first appears REASON TO AVOID The controls took some adjusting to RATING 4.5/5
FEATURE MILLIE FENDER
BEST FREESTANDING COMBI MICROWAVE PANASONIC NN-DF386BBPQ TYPE Freestanding, oven and grill CAPACITY 23 litres POWER 1000W FEATURES Pull-down door, wire grilling rack, metal crisper plate PRICE £259.99 This freestanding microwave combi boasts a flatbed design, so you get 30% more usable cooking space. It comes with a grilling rack, an enamel tray for oven cooking, and a Panacrunch pan which is great for pizzas. Controls are straightforward, plus there are seven automatic programs to cook popular foods by weight. REASON TO BUY Multi-functional with a decent capacity REASON TO AVOID It has a large footprint RATING 4.5/5
BEST VALUE MICROWAVE RUSSELL HOBBS INSPIRE MICROWAVE OVEN TYPE Standalone CAPACITY 17 litres POWER 700W FEATURES Five power levels, defrost setting, easy clean exterior PRICE £74.99 We loved how easy to use this microwave was. It has six settings and the timer goes up to half an hour which is convenient for the defrost mode. We found that its defrost and high power settings were brilliant for day-to-day use. REASON TO BUY It’s super affordable REASON TO AVOID Fingerprints will leave marks RATING 4.5/5
FOR MORE MICROWAVES VISIT IDEALHOME.CO.UK/BUYING-GUIDES-REVIEWS
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PROJECT PLANNING
Plan the ideal kitchen layout
Kitchen in Porter Portal in Bay Green, Dust Grey and Sage, from £12,000, Second Nature
KITCHEN EXPERTS ANSWER EVERY QUESTION YOU HAVE ABOUT CHOOSING, PLANNING OR DESIGNING A KITCHEN LAYOUT
O
ne of the most, if not the most, important things to do when planning your kitchen, is to figure out the kitchen layout. Since it’s the heart of the home, a space you may be spending a lot of time in, this room is one of the most important to get right, and the layout can make it – or break it. It can be fairly daunting working out where to start, so we’ve done the first hard step for you and mined the expert kitchen designers for their knowledge. From breaking down the main kitchen layouts and how to plan a small kitchen, to the pitfalls to avoid, this feature will explain everything you need to know.
WHERE DO I START WHEN PLANNING THE LAYOUT?
This is truly the lynchpin of good kitchen design. Every aspect of the kitchen, how it works and how it is used is based around the layout. When starting, the first thing you must do is to assess how you’re going to be using the space, as this will dictate what you need to include in it. Is it purely for cooking, or will you be entertaining, too? Is it a working from home spot, and will kids be doing homework in there? It’s also important to look at the features of the room as it stands. ‘In many cases, doors, thoroughfares and windows exclude certain possibilities but also help narrow down potential suitable options,’ says Sally Hinks, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones. ‘Many people like to design their kitchen to make the most of a lovely view outside, or to take centre stage in an open-plan space, which can be a useful starting point.’ Architectural quirks should be noted at this stage, too. ‘Does your room have
sloping ceilings or eaves?,’ asks Darren Watts, design director at Wren Kitchens. ‘If so, make a note of the shortest and tallest heights, then how far the slope extends into the room.’ Additionally, it’s key to have an idea of the style of room you’re planning. ‘Knowing whether you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary space or a more traditional look also influences potential layouts, as the proportions will be different,’ explains Sally Hinks.
WHERE SHOULD THE APPLIANCES GO IN MY KITCHEN?
‘You need to make sure your space actually works for its main purpose, which is to cook,’ says Darren Watts. ‘Think carefully about which parts of the kitchen you’re going to be using the most from a cooking perspective and how easily you can move between all of these – this is called the kitchen triangle. ‘This method usually focuses on the fridge, sink and cooker, which are the core elements to think about when mapping out your space,’ he continues. ‘After Bespoke kitchen considering these elements, you prices start at can then begin to think about £25,000, The where your other appliances will Main Company sit, items you might want to include such as a microwave, dishwasher, wine fridge and so on.’ mind. ‘A larder is the place to store food, ‘Having a coherent and well-thoughtgroceries and other provisions, so it through triangle of activity can help you needs to be located close to hand, reduce by 25 per cent your movement in and be protected from adverse your kitchen,’ adds Alice Pasteau, retail conditions like direct sunlight or extreme support manager at Schmidt. ‘Once you temperatures,’ says Simon Bodsworth, have decided on all these points, the managing director at Daval Furniture. layout will almost plan itself.’ ‘You are best served positioning any As to what goes where in your triangle, larder storage next to the fridge, as it there’s some useful guidance to keep in ensures pantry goods are right next to MARCH 2022
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The kitchen is a dual-functional space for cooking and eating, meaning open-plan living has to be second nature
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TOM HOWLEY, DESIGN DIRECTOR AT TOM HOWLEY KITCHENS
OPEN-PLAN KITCHENS
Stratford kitchen in Calico, from £11,600 including installation and appliances, Optiplan Kitchens
MARCH 2022
One of the most popular styles of kitchens in recent years, and for good reason. ‘There is a time and a place in a kitchen for formal dining,’ says Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley Kitchens, ‘but the modern kitchen has to be able to accommodate an impromptu pasta with friends, or a stir fry with the family. Not only this, but the kitchen is also a homework base, a relaxed office space and a home bar.’
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GALLEY KITCHEN
Arbor kitchen, from £25,000, Harvey Jones
fresh foods for convenience. For this reason, our most popular larder is 600mm wide, as it creates a uniform look with the fridge unit being the same width,’ continues Simon. ‘Double-door larders are becoming more popular and options are usually 1,000mm and 1,200mm wide, so getting to know your measurements for both furniture and appliances is vital when buying a kitchen. Remember that every kitchen is unique and there are no standard sizes, styles or arrangements so you, and your kitchen designer, need to make sure that everything fits, whether you are buying off-the-peg or going for a made-tomeasure kitchen.’ Appliances should always be mapped in right at the beginning of planning a
These kitchens are typically found in long, narrow rooms. In galley layouts, counters run along the two parallel walls. ‘I love a galley-style kitchen,’ says Andy Briggs, interior designer at Optiplan Kitchens. ‘It doesn’t have to be a small narrow corridor as most would know them for, they can be wider spaces that work brilliantly for through rooms, allowing one room to effortlessly connect to the next. It allows a sense of comfort and sometimes needed privacy – a space to be yourself without being on show.’
kitchen layout. Only once you’ve worked out where these are going can you begin to plan where the electric sockets, plumbing, extractor fans and the like should be placed. Changing these at a later time can be time-consuming and involve additional cost.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF KITCHEN LAYOUTS? There are several different types of kitchen layouts – each with their own pros and cons. But ultimately, the layout you choose will be based completely on the space you have to work with as well as, of course, your personal preferences. ‘It’s important not to fall into the trap of assuming an emerging design for a kitchen belongs to a certain type,
ISLAND KITCHEN An island kitchen can actually be composed of any of the other main kitchen layouts. The differentiation here is simply an island in the middle, detached from all walls. ‘Walkway space should be a key consideration. When designing your layout, always leave a metre of walkway space on either one or two sides of your worktop, island, or peninsula counter,’ advises Tom Howley.
Renzo Character Oak and Savoy Matt Lichen kitchen, from £12,000 (furniture only), Daval Furniture
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IH KITCHEN SPECIAL Mornington Shaker Edge kitchen in Stone and Porcelain, from £12,000, Second Nature
because there are often eccentricities to the space or the client’s needs which can inspire something that breaks out of these set layout types and makes for something really special,’ advises Howard Miller, of H Miller Bros. Indeed, as great as the standard kitchen layouts are for guidance, you can really have fun creating something a little bit different. ‘Bespoke requests for custom-made food stores or a multipurpose workstation that would once have been considered “off-plan” have become everyday design considerations in the modern kitchen, changing the typical U- or L-shape kitchen layout to include a space for a home office, for example, a dedicated bed area for the family pet or an integral boot room for storing outerwear or laundry appliances,’ says Simon Bodsworth.
WHICH LAYOUT IS BEST FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY KITCHEN? When designing a layout that works well for a family, an open-plan arrangement is generally seen as the best choice, but
there are other solutions if that option doesn’t appeal or work in your space. ‘Open-plan kitchens can be used for anything – from cooking and entertaining to relaxing, working from home and for doing school homework,’ says Sally Hinks. ‘If you are committed to an open-plan scheme, it’s important to consider all the roles that the space will play and understand how you are going to use it to be sure that it will work for you.’ As an alternative, the ‘broken-plan’ look is seeing a rise in popularity for family-friendly kitchen layouts. ‘Something we’re quite conscious of is that if you’re not careful, things can fight with each other for territory,’ says Howard Miller. ‘We’re noticing a shift to what some people call broken-plan layouts that allow families to still be in the same space, but with increased privacy. This defined design layout helps families to differentiate cooking, dining and living areas while preserving the overall open-plan feel of the space. In order to create a brokenplan layout, we use bespoke solutions such as slatted screens, open shelving, and freestanding bespoke furniture.’ Whether you stick with an open-plan kitchen layout or not, a kitchen island is definitely worth considering if space allows. An island helps define zones between kitchen and living areas, as well as adding more surface area and seating. ‘The island unit creates a centrepiece in the kitchen, allowing you to utilise your kitchen as both a work space and social area where friends and family gravitate
L-SHAPED KITCHEN A more traditional kitchen layout, the L-shape is usually based around a corner and formed by counters and cupboards running along two perpend ls.
U-SHAPED KITCHEN This kitchen design runs against three walls, creating the classic ‘U’-shape. ‘This is my favourite kitchen layout,’ says Sally Hinks. ‘It allows for a lot of worktop space, which you can never have enough of.’
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Corner larder, from £1,103, LochAnna Kitchens
PENINSULA KITCHEN Cousin of the island kitchen, but a little more adaptable, the peninsula is formed by one counter extending from the wall into the kitchen space.
Meltham kitchen in Dove Grey and Charcoal, from £12,000 (furniture only), Daval Furniture
WHAT IS THE BEST DESIGN FOR A SMALL KITCHEN? Small kitchens can be perfectly welcoming and cosy, but finding the right layout is even more important when space is at a premium. ‘When planning a small kitchen, it’s essential to think about your overall aesthetic,’ says Hayley Simmons, director of Commercial Range, Magnet. ‘Some decor suits smaller kitchens, while others can make your space feel enclosed.’ ‘Anything that blocks out natural light or makes the room feel overcrowded or cramped is worth avoiding in a small
Soho kitchen in Misty Moors, from £5,388, Magnet
kitchen,’ notes Alex Main. ‘Clever storage solutions like pull-out cupboards in corner units are great in larger spaces for enhanced convenience, but these will leave dead space in smaller kitchens.’ ‘To make sure that your space is stretched as far as possible, you should consider investing in furniture and appliances that double up in their functions,’ suggests Sinead Trainor, kitchen category manager, LochAnna Kitchens. ‘Even a small breakfast bar can work as both a storage area and a place for dining. While from first glance an iconic design element has been created for the home, the cupboards that fit beneath the bar are also a useful place to keep pots, pans, or food.’ Storage, particularly, is key in a small MARCH 2022
kitchen. ‘We consider that the “front row” of storage is twice as useful as the second – anything where you have to get something out first before you can reach the thing you want isn’t really storage at all,’ says Howard Miller. ‘A wall of full height 300mm deep storage is pretty much as useful as if it were 600mm deep, and 300mm gained on circulation space makes a world of difference.’ Without a large kitchen island to fall back on, you may find yourself quickly running out of counter space in a small kitchen layout, so you need to bear in mind how much prep space you really need. ‘A great tip is to cover your sink with a temporary piece of worktop or a fitted chopping board while it’s not in use,’ advises Tom Howley. Q
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FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
throughout the day,’ says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. ‘The setup is ideal for gathering the family and the added worksurface allows multiple members of the family to get stuck in and help at dinner time.’ Finally, the other winner for a familyfriendly kitchen is to go custom. ‘Custommade kitchens that enhance both work and social life continue to grow, and we are finding this is inspiring open-plan spaces that are family-friendly and encompass kitchen, dining and living areas in one,’ says Simon Bodsworth. ‘New considerations such as banquette seating, integral breakfast bars and extra power points should be considered at an early stage of planning to ensure the “fundamentals” are planned in.’
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL ‘We wanted something contemporary, but not clinical, so that it would be in keeping with the rest of the house.’ Units, £24,000, West & Reid. Opal glass dome pendant lamp shades, from £95 each, Dyke & Dean
PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE?
Kate Nelligan, a gardener, lives here with her husband Thomas, a chartered surveyor, and their daughter Edie, five.
THE PROJECT
Turning a dark, impractical space into a light and bright kitchen in a Victorian semi-detached three-bedroom house in Bromley, south London
TOTAL COST £35,241
KITCHEN PROJECT
Bright times REMOVING AN INTERNAL DIVIDING WALL TURNED KATE AND THOMAS NELLIGAN’S KITCHEN-DINER INTO A UNIQUE AND PRACTICAL SPACE MARCH 2022
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BEFORE
‘I love sitting in the window seat with a cup of coffee.’ Seat in Chintamani, £162m, Ottoline. Juhannus cushion, £80, Projektityyny. Siemens IQ500 oven, £499; oven/microwave, £845, both Appliance City
UNIQUE TOUCH
A window as the splashback allows extra light into the room
THE PROBLEM
Small, cramped and impractical, this kitchen was ripe for renovation.
THE SOLUTION ‘Our intention was to transform the unwelcoming kitchen into an open, warm space in which to host family and friends. We knocked two rooms into one and started from scratch, choosing a contemporary pink kitchen
MARCH 2022
from West & Reid. The island was an important feature: it’s a natural barrier between the prep area and the socialising space. We fitted a full-height English elm larder, which is so practical, and although we have fewer units than before, having the deep drawers means that there
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is actually more storage now. I spent a lot of time deliberating over the flooring. We chose terrazzo tiles over my original choice of parquet, a decision I made late in the day, so the kitchen was installed before the flooring, but I’m so glad I did, as it works beautifully.‘
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL FOCUS ON
Terrazzo
This attractive, traditional flooring material originally from Italy is back in the spotlight n Terrazzo is a composite material of marble chippings set into cement. It is either poured on-site by hand, or precast into blocks that are then cut to size. It’s also available as ready-made tiles, which are easy to apply directly to floors and walls. n There’s a vast variety of colour and material options – chippings can be marble, metal, quartz or glass – and it is very durable. As it is made using offcuts, terrazzo
‘The mid century-style furniture and the streamlined layout work well with the period features, such as the original bay window.’ L Ercolani Plank table, £1,305; L Ercolani Butterfly chairs, £629 each; L Ercolani bar stools, £290 each, all Barker and Stonehouse. Ply rug in Off-White, £639, Muuto
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is also an eco-friendly decorating choice. n Once sealed and moisture-proof, it can be applied to any interior wall or floor, but is most popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Terrazzo retains warmth well, so it is a good choice for underfloor heating. n A simple steam mop should be used for cleaning. Poured terrazzo is prone to cracking and should be restored, re-ground and polished by a specialist.
MIX & MATCH Use a combo of tall units, closed cupboards and open shelves
‘We chose a pale quartz worktop with a honed finish to work with the elm and the soft-pink units.’ Unistone Bianco Assoluto quartz worktop in Suede finish, 20mm deep, price on request, West & Reid
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Be prepared for the project to overrun. Delays are stressful but you just have to adapt and deal with each situation as it occurs
”
KATE NELLIGAN, HOMEOWNER
KEY SURFACES
LEFT TO RIGHT Flooring Schibas EE8130 terrazzo tiles, 600x600mm each, £78sq m, Love Terrazzo Work surface Unistone Bianco Assoluto quartz worktop in Suede finish, 20mm deep, price on request, West & Reid Larder and shelving English elm, price on request, West & Reid
KITCHEN SOURCEBOOK
Kitchen (design, build and fitting), West & Reid, westandreid.co.uk. Flooring, Love Terrazzo, loveterrazzo.com. Siemens appliances, Appliance City, appliancecity.co.uk. Tap and sink, Kitchen Sinks and Taps, kitchensinksandtaps.co.uk. Lighting, Dyke & Dean, dykeanddean.com. Table and chairs, Barker & Stonehouse, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk
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FEATURE IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOGRAPHS ELLE BENTON
‘Accessories in warm metallics, such as this tap, enhance the kitchen’s relaxed, contemporary scheme.’ Gessi Flessa brushed warm steel tap, £755; Shaws Classic inset ceramic sink, £317, both Kitchen Sinks & Taps
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
IDEAL vs GREAT DEAL Kit out your kitchen with practical utility-style furniture and tactile accent pieces LUXE MARBLE Menu marble wall clock, £257.50, Beut
GOLD ACCENT Zuiver marble time wall clock, £69, Cuckooland
BRUSHED BRASS Isaac antique brass and glass pendant light, £70, Laura Ashley range, Dar Lighting
LEATHER LOOK Mason counter stool, £185, Cox & Cox
BELL SHAPED Calume transparent pendant light, £30, B&Q
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
RATTAN WEAVE Stan cube storage basket, £38, La Redoute
NATURAL FIT Branas storage basket, £12, Ikea
LEAFY PRINT Country Manor stoneware mixing bowl, £12, Habitat
UTILITY STYLE Stoneware mixing bowl, £24, Marquis & Dawe
SURFACE APPEAL Bessie metal and wood industrial kitchen trolley, £198, Maisons du Monde
FAUX FINISH Darcy kitchen stool, £119, Cult Furniture
SIMPLY CHIC Scallop stripe double oven glove, £39, Tori Murphy
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MONO MITT Zen double oven glove, £6, Dunelm
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WOOD EFFECT Metal and wood kitchen trolley, £100, Argos
IH KITCHEN SPECIAL BEFORE YOU BUY n They may look just like an average tap but the latest generation of boiling water taps are becoming kitchen must-haves, thanks to their range of multifunctional uses. n They usually connect to the plumbing of your kitchen taps to fit a miniature boiler underneath the sink to create an instant source of hot water. n Delivering near-boiling hot water for drinks, snacks, cooking and cleaning, they all have some form of child safety lock. They will all have a built-in water filter, too. n There are several types available. You can get a dedicated tap that sits alongside your current tap and dispenses filtered boiling water only. Next, there are 3-in-1 taps that deliver hot and cold water, plus boiling filtered water. Finally, you can get a 4-in-1 tap that does everything, as well as dispense filtered chilled water. We’ve chosen to focus on the ones that offer multiple types of water. n One of the biggest factors when buying is whether to get a tap that delivers true boiling water at 100°C (ideal for making tea) or one that’s a fraction cooler, also known as an ‘instant hot water tap’. n Energy consumption is low, with costs at between 3p and 10p a day. n Boiling water taps come in a choice of sizes and shapes, from ultramodern to classic trad looks. They come as standard with a wide array of add-ons too, and running costs include replacing the tap’s filter cartridge every six months. These tend to vary in price so do your research. n Lastly, before you buy, make sure the boiler tank will fit in the cupboard, and for convenience, aim to get the largest tank that you have space for. Access to a plug socket is helpful too.
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W hile the majority of boiling water taps can be self-installed, it’s worth forking out for a professional to do it, to avoid any issues further down the line GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
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Buying guide
Boiling water taps
STREAMLINE YOUR COUNTERTOP AND WAVE GOODBYE TO YOUR KETTLE WITH A MULTI-TASKING KITCHEN TAP THAT DELIVERS A WIDE RANGE OF WATER TYPES – ALL FROM ONE STYLISH SPOUT MARCH 2022
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BEST NEARBOILING TAP GROHE RED DUO
BEST TRADITIONAL DESIGN PERRIN & ROWE ARMSTRONG 3 IN 1
DELIVERS Hot, cold and filtered near-boiling water TEMPERATURE 99C TANK CAPACITY 3 or 5.5ltr DESIGN OPTIONS L, C or U spout; multiple finishes PRICE from £849 What sets Grohe Red apart from the rest is its child lock – you must press two icons to start the near-boiling water and the outside of the spout is safe to touch. The second you take your finger off the button, the water stops. However, there is a pot-filling function that delivers up to 3ltr of near-boiling water in 60 seconds without keeping your finger on the button. The M-size boiler (H37cm) has a 3ltr capacity while the L-size (H49cm) boils up to 5.5ltr. Both have a 21cm diameter, so they have a small footprint, too. REASON TO BUY A-rated energy efficiency with a small boiler footprint REASON TO AVOID Not 100C
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI; CARAMEL QUIN
BEST VALUE BOILING WATER TAP QETTLE SIGNATURE MODERN DELIVERS Hot, cold, filtered cold and filtered boiling water TEMPERATURE 100C TANK CAPACITY 2, 4 or 7ltr DESIGN OPTIONS J spout; multiple finishes PRICE from £735 It’s hard to fault the Qettle for one good reason – price. The boiler comes in three sizes and a range of no-frills finishes. Safety-wise, you have to depress a button and hold it down to turn the dial to dispense boiling water, and there’s also an optional safety cover to keep little hands off it. Chilled water is optional, while sparkling is due to be introduced this year. REASON TO BUY Great value with true 100C boiling water REASON TO AVOID Design less fancy than some premium taps
DELIVERS Hot, cold and filtered near-boiling water TEMPERATURE 75–98C TANK CAPACITY 2.4 litres DESIGN OPTIONS J spout; multiple finishes PRICE from £1,232.76 The build quality of this polished brass tap is exquisite, with thicker plating than industry standards. It dispenses filtered, near-boiling, as well as regular hot and cold water. Capacity is only 2.4 litres but that means the boiler under the counter isn’t so bulky. An anti-scald locking mechanism prevents youngsters using it. The tap operates from as low as 1.5 bar pressure, which is good, as some rivals require a higher mains water pressure. REASON TO BUY Exquisite build quality and also operates at low water pressures REASON TO AVOID Not 100C and has a small capacity
BEST FOR ADD-ON FEATURES QUOOKER FUSION DELIVERS Hot, cold, filtered cold and filtered boiling water TEMPERATURE 100C TANK CAPACITY 3 or 7ltr DESIGN OPTIONS C or U spout; various finishes PRICE from £1,150 The Dutch-designed Quooker was the first-ever boiling water tap. If money’s no object, add a Quooker Cube, for sparkling and still chilled water. To operate, you push the easy-grip ring down twice to unlock (that’s the childproofing) then turn it to control. The boiler holds either 3ltr (much more than a kettle) or a supersized 7ltr. REASON TO BUY Optional huge capacity and you can add chilled and carbonated water REASON TO AVOID Add-ons are pricey
FOR MORE BOILING WATER TAPS VISIT IDEALHOME.CO.UK/BUYING-GUIDES-REVIEWS
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IH KITCHEN SPECIAL
Utility room | ROOM RECIPE |
THESE SIMPLE DESIGN INGREDIENTS ARE ALL YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE YOUR UTILITY ROOM IS BOTH PRACTICAL AND STYLISH. TICK OFF OUR ESSENTIALS TO CREATE THE IDEAL LAUNDRY SET-UP
As one of the most practical rooms in your home, this isn’t the place for mood lighting. During the planning stage, be sure to consider your options, as poor lighting can lead to stains not being spotted and care labels being misread. Under-cabinet or shelf lighting is great for small spaces and wall lights are aesthetically pleasing, but think about backing these up with bright ceiling lights for dark winter days when natural light levels are at their lowest.
IH LOVES…
n Dunelm has some
great pendants n Lighting Direct for a vast range n Original BTC for statement pieces
2. A RUG Utility rooms can often feel chilly due to the lack of soft furnishings. Add a rug and not only will it keep your feet warm, it will also help absorb noise. Try choosing a design with some pattern to help elevate the room, and use an anti-slip mat
underneath to ensure the rug stays in place.
IH LOVES…
n La Redoute for
everyday designs n French Connection has some wonderful options n Rug Artisan has lots to choose from
3. SHELVING Open shelving is a great way to utilise wall space, as well as make a display of your prettier cleaning paraphernalia. Try decanting washing tablets into glass jars or keeping washing powder in galvanised pots. Room sprays and linen water can also look pretty displayed on shelves.
IH LOVES…
n Garden Trading for
new scaffold shelves n B&M for inexpensive storage jars n WIlton London for stylish cleaning products
4. THE FINISHES It’s worth planning out all the details of your utility room, even down to the
colours and finishes. ‘Choose cabinets mainly in a painted finish as this gives the flexibility of a complete makeover if you decide to change your colour scheme later,’ says Alex Main, Director at The Main Company. ‘It also means even if you want a subtle change, it’s much easier to do.’
before designing your space. It’s no use going for an off-the-peg design and expecting your items to fit – they won’t, and you’ll be gutted if your smart utility space is ruined by a washing machine that doesn’t fit in its designated spot.’
IH LOVES…
storage solutions n Store for clever overdoor options n B&Q offer a great design service
n Dulux for budget-friendly
makeovers n Fenwick & Tilbrook for paint with depth n Farrow & Ball for rich colours
5. CUSTOM-BUILT CUBBIES Before building your utility space, think about what will be going into it and where. ‘One common mistake that people make is not measuring their appliances before designing their laundry room,’ says Vicky Silverthorn, professional organiser at You Need A Vicky. ‘Think about what you want to store, be it an ironing board, mop or laundry baskets, and measure their dimensions
IH LOVES…
n IKEA for customisable
6. SURFACE SPACE For a successful utility, it’s important to have surface space to sort laundry before and after washing. ‘This is one aspect that’s often overlooked but one we find so important in our design,’ says William Durrant, owner of Herringbone Kitchens.
IH LOVES…
n John Lewis & Partners for
lovely laundry baskets n Lakeland for a whole host of clothes driers n TK Maxx for cleaning caddies
NEED INSPIRATION? HEAD TO IDEALHOME.CO.UK FOR MORE UTILITY ROOM IDEAS
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FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
1. LIGHTING
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Adding a plant or two will make your utility space feel more like an extension of your home and bring some life to it
3
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GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR
6 5 4
Raw scaffold shelf, from £50; Hornton wire stacking storage box, £32; Edgeworth storage caddy, £24; Hatherop small fabric storage basket, £15; Edgeworth lidded storage boxes, from £20 each; Hatherop under-bed storage bag, £30, all Garden Trading
2
| PROMOTIONAL FEATURE |
Shine light on your work zone
PUT YOUR WFH SPACE IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH MAGIC HOURS, A NEW WALLPAPER COLLABORATION FROM VELUX X POODLE & BLONDE
WFH STYLE IDEAS Whinnie Williams and Kierra Campbell of Poodle & Blonde share their WFH top tips n Decorate the ceiling in bold colours and prints to add interest and make the space feel bigger. n Maximising natural light will help increase productivity. n Mix vintage and modern pieces to make your space feel unique.
POSITIVE VIBES The new VELUX x Poodle & Blonde luxury wallpaper collaboration, Magic Hours, has been designed specifically for the home office, and has a reflective finish to bounce light around a room. It comes in three colourways, featuring hues of orange, blue and pink, which capture the way natural light changes. ‘The golden hour happens as the sun welcomes in a new day,’ says Kierra, one half of the Poodle & Blonde duo. ‘The blue hour happens at sunset, and twilight hour is a magical time before sunrise.’ Designed with home office spaces in mind, the wallpaper collection’s colourways were selected to promote productivity and build a sense of calm, creating an ideal WFH atmosphere. LIGHT WORK Of course, a VELUX roof window takes this transformation even further. With quick installation, and prices starting at only £295, installing a window to bring daylight into your home is easy.
FIND OUT MORE Visit velux.co.uk to discuss your options for free with a VELUX daylight advisor. The limited edition VELUX x Poodle & Blonde collaboration wallpaper range is available at poodleandblonde.com.
FEATURE LIZZIE HUDSON
VELUX windows allow natural light to flood in; Magic Hours wallpaper in Golden Hour promotes productivity while Twilight Hour (below) encourages a sense of calm
ost of us are now splitting our work hours between an actual workplace and our homes, so it’s time to re-evaluate our work-fromhome space. Whether you have a dedicated office, or work in a corner of the kitchen, a naturally lit space is much better for our wellbeing; we’re more alert, have an improved mood, less fatigue and reduced eye strain.
RENOVATION The additions have been finished using Marley Eternit Equitone Linea cladding, which is highly weatherproof and low maintenance
EXTENSION PROJECT
From dark to bright and airy
EMILY BURNETT, DIRECTOR AT GRUFF ARCHITECTS, REVEALS HOW THEIR TOP-TO-BOTTOM INTERVENTIONS TURNED THIS DATED TERRACE INTO A MODERN HOME MARCH 2022
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BEFORE
HOME NOTES
The luminous infill extension has been designed so that the kitchen units, flooring and joinery run on from each other all the way into the garden
HOMEOWNERS Susan Humphrey and Scott McDonald
PROPERTY
Four-bed Victorian terrace in southeast London
ARCHITECT
Gruff Architects (gruffarchitects.com)
BUILDERS
The fixed glazing adds natural task lighting and the pendants are ideally placed for food prep
MPRM Design and Build (mprmdesignbuild.co.uk)
TOTAL COST £270,000
The oak table and chairs were chosen to mirror the use of materials introduced for the joinery in this new space
THE PROBLEM
The small, dark house needed a total renovation, including a new roof
THE SOLUTION ‘We took the house back to brick and added a loft and side extension. At the end of the garden, there’s a new room that acts as a home office, too. The key to the interiors was to keep the material palette to five elements: the glazing,
MARCH 2022
timber, white and grey with a few pink accents. These run throughout the house to unite the spaces and act as the backdrop, with the owners’ artwork and added furnishings that will go into the house over the years. Where we designed any additional space to the house it was done using an
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element of glazing so it felt like a new addition to the original Victorian property. Wherever we could, we designed the framework for the rooflights to be hidden so that the wall ran up to the glazing, giving it a simplified look, which focused on the glazing detail and the view beyond.’
RENOVATION
With a skylight above it, this area was the natural choice when it came to creating a family desk space
FOCUS ON
Flat roof glazing Emily Burnett shares her top s and ideas
1 2 3
PITCH IS VITAL
Glazed flat roofs still need to be installed at a slight ch – a minimum of 5°.
LET MORE LIGHT IN At least 30% more
daylight enters from a roofli than from a window.
EMILY BURNETT, ARCHITECT
MARCH 2022
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openable rooflights are available as electric with remote control and sensors that automatically close if it starts to rain.
4 5
BEWARE THE HEAT IN SUMMER
Include built-in shading to prevent overheating in south-facing rooms.
THINK ABOUT HOW YOU’LL CLEAN THEM
Professional window cleaners have equipment up to about 8-9m high. Beyond that you will need to think about the maintenance access adjacent to the glazing.
FEATURE IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS SNOOK
“
For the loft spaces we used standard-sized pitched and flat rooflights available off the shelf from the suppliers and opted for larger sizes for all
ROOFLIGHT OPTIONS Many
PROJECT PLANNING
Conservatories THINKING OF ADDING A CONSERVATORY? WE’VE GOT EXPERT ADVICE TO ENSURE YOU GET THE RIGHT STYLE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS
G
reater access to daylight and a better connection to the environment offer the most beneficial living conditions for your health and wellbeing. A well-designed conservatory facilitates this by blurring the transition between inside and out, allowing you to enjoy your garden or outdoor space all year round. Popular among the Victorians, conservatories were built to hot-house their beloved exotic plants. Traditionally separated from the rest of the house by a set of external-quality doors, the idea of the classic ‘bolt-on’ conservatory has been changing. ‘Now we are seeing more and more designed as an integral part of the house, used as an addition to the main ground floor living space,’ says David Salisbury, MD of David Salisbury Conservatories.
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CONSERVATORY OR EXTENSION?
front and pitched roof) and lean-to conservatories (a good budget option) are two of the most common types of structures available. Conservatories have always typically been separated by an external door, but nowadays, the big trend for open-plan spaces has changed the way that conservatories are connected to the home. For example, if you want to have a dining table in your conservatory, it’s far easier to serve food there if you can walk straight into it, rather than having to open an external door. It also makes your home appear larger and makes the garden feel more connected to the inside of the property.
add extra space and enjoy the outdoors all yea round
One of the key traits that traditionally separates a conservatory-type structure from an extension is the presence of an external-grade locking door, between the addition and the main house. There is also a limit to the permanent services such as water, drainage and heating that can be installed. To all intents and purposes, a conservatory is a standalone building attached to the main house.
CONSERVATORY STYLES
Available in classic Victorian and Edwardian-inspired styles, as well as modern designs, conservatories can be made to fit the side or rear of the house. They can also be designed to wrap around a corner, in order to make the best use of the available space. Victorian conservatories (with a bay
ORANGERIES
A conservatory is made largely of glass, including its roof. Orangery designs have more brickwork and are more of a flat-roofed extension with large glass windows and a roof light, while garden rooms usually have walls, a solid roof and gener ows. These ‘hybrid’ rooms make of modern advances in high-p ce glass, designed to minimi oss in winter and heat gain in . As a general rule, a conservatory will typically have more than 75% of the roof glazed and an orangery less than 75% glazed.
PLANNING THE BUILD
You don’t generally need planning permission when building a conservatory, unless you happen to live in a listed building or conservation area, although it is always worth checking with your local authority to make sure before starting on any construction. Conservatories that aren’t separated from your home by an external door are subject to building regulations, and will MARCH 2022
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RENOVATION
SELECT PLANTTHEMED FABRICS The fern-patterned blinds in this conservatory give a nod to the Victorian plant lovers who first built these structures.
KEEP IT PLAIN AND SIMPLE
GO FOR A CORNER
Roman blinds in a neutral fabric with chair covers to match ensures focus on the view through the glass.
Tucking a conservatory between a garden wall and the house makes an excellent feature in a little-used corner.
NEED TO KNOW
CONSERVATORY ESSENTIALS UPVC is great for low
maintenance affordability.
style. It’s also known for its strength and anti-corrosion.
TIMBER has a whole host
HOW TO PLAN
of sustainable qualities and is generally a lot more environmentally-friendly. Timber can also be painted in many different finishes.
ALUMINIUM is one for
the lover of sleek, minimalist
MARCH 2022
n While adding a single storey extension or a conservatory to your house may be considered ‘permitted development’, meaning you do not need to apply for planning permission, larger structures
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are likely to require it. About 85% of conservatories need planning permission. n As a guide, permission is required if it extends more than three metres from the rear of the house if it’s attached; or if more than four metres if detached, more than single storey or if the property is listed.
RENOVATION have to be checked by your local authority for building regulations approval. Similarly, conservatories that are more than one storey high or are larger than 30 square metres in floor area will also need to comply with building regulations.
CONSERVATORY HEATING
Maintaining an even temperature in a conservatory can be tricky. At the height of summer, they may be overly hot because of the direct sunlight and the rest of the time, they can feel very cold. Thermally efficient glass can help with loss of heat and is worth looking into if you haven’t yet had your structure built. Consider the aspect of your conservatory; a south-facing extension may be too hot and too bright for comfort. You can, however, reduce glare and control temperature with blinds. Some manufacturers offer blinds with coatings that help reflect heat and glare in summer and retain warmth in winter. Ventilation is also important. Do consider automatic opening roof lights, so that your room never gets too warm, even on a hot summer’s day. It’s important to bear in mind that heating in a traditional conservatory should not be connected to the main central heating in your house, due to building regulations. So a separate system, such as underfloor heating, or fan and electric heaters, is necessary. One of the most effective methods of heating a glass-walled room is by installing underfloor heating.
A grand house with a large garden requires an orangery with solid plastered walls and several sets of doors opening out onto gracious lawns.
ADD A USEFUL EXTRA ROOM On a smaller scale, a flat-roofed garden room will increase useable space in the house as well as making garden access easier all year round.
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FEATURE JENNIFER EBERT PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
THINK ABOUT SIZE AND SCALE
RENOVATION
ASK AN EXPERT IDEAL HOME’S RESIDENT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER CHARLIE LUXTON SHARES HIS DESIGN KNOW-HOW
ow can I ren my staircase
PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
can and should be one of the main es in your home. From Georgian and ian beauties to the refined efficiency of mid-century modern, they come in all shapes and sizes and offer an opportunity to flex design ambition, create space and flow, and function as a clever daylight improving device. However in some homes they are an anti-climax, a let-down and too often, when a home has been refreshed and refurbished, the stairs are left untouched, seen as too expensive or difficult to alter. Don’t fall into this trap! There are clever ways to re-imagine or tweak a staircase without the cost, hassle and dust of tearing it out and starting again. Imagination is the limit, with the areas I focus on first being light, colour, arrangement, spindles and handrails. Stairs are all about connection, not only enabling people to move between floors but providing a vertical void through a building which allows daylight from one level to another. Often located in the darker parts of a home it means that even a small window or roof light, correctly
ABOVE A runner with contrasting paintwork and wood create a smart focal point LEFT Open treads and a glass balustrade ensure an airy feel in this modern home
MARCH 2022
placed, can flood a dark stair and light, and accentuate height and space. Cu roof joists and creating a light shaft throug oflight can be transformative to a home. Many n daylight in main rooms, however bright, natu tion spaces are just as uplifting. This approach ha onus of creating a very effective way to get rid of unwanted heat in summer. Tall spaces create excellent ventilation as the hot air rising has enough height to set up a ‘stack effect’ with escaping hot air sucking in fresh cooler air. If you’re stuck with an outdated unappealing staircase or just want a change, think colour. Pedestrian pastiche handrails and spindles can be transformed by a lovely glossy yellow or vibrant green. Painting treads can lift a flight of stairs and help bounce light, or paint the whole thing a moody dark colour to create drama. Finally, try and get landings, treads and stringers (the side bits that connect the treads) to match – it helps with flow. There is sometimes the opportunity to adapt the first few treads of a stair to change its dynamic without having to change the entire flight. Think about adapting the first step or two into larger-shaped treads (sort of mini landings) that change direction and play with the way you approach the staircase. These new treads made of a contrasting material – concrete, brick or appearing like huge chunks of wood – can be transformative to your space. Finally, if tinkering at the edges is not enough, before you pull out the entire stair, think about changing your handrail and spindles. Moving from painted wood to slender metal or fine hardwood can make a real difference. A lovely simple oval-shaped hardwood handrail is one of my favourite things. While not necessarily cheap, it is worth focusing your budget on where you touch a building: good-quality door handles, light switches and handrails will bring you joy for years to come. Balustrades are an area that can be incredibly creative, emphasising height with floor-toceiling slats or rods, creating sculpture with flowing twisting solid balustrades or taut fine metal mesh and wire can all be notes in the design composition of your home. Roll up your sleeves, sharpen your pencil, take a good long look at your staircase and let your imagination fly. n
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PROJECT PLANNING
Replacement windows IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S LOOK, VALUE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH OUR GO-TO GUIDE TO REPLACEMENT WINDOWS pdate your existing single-glazed or old double-glazed windows and you’ll immediately notice the benefits. These include a warmer home, smaller energy bills, a lower carbon footprint and reduced condensation. As Checkatrade’s experts explain, ‘Window replacement can instantly boost the value of your property and enhance your quality of life. Looks aside, newly fitted windows can help you to be more energy-efficient and reduce noise pollution in your home.’
U
CONSIDER FRAME STYLES The type of windows you choose will affect the appearance of your property and could decrease or increase its value, so research the options carefully. Each option – wood, aluminium or PU/PVC – has an impact on the look of your home and comes with a different price tag, so it’s important to weigh up your options. You can now buy windows made from wood impregnated with preservatives. This helps prevent water penetration and reduces maintenance, so you’ll only have to repaint them every eight to 10
years. ‘Choose fully factory-finished wood windows to ensure the joints, seals and bits you can’t see are completed to a very high standard,’ says Tony Pell, chairman of the Wood Window Alliance. Aluminium frames suit contemporary buildings, loft or warehouse conversions and 1930s homes, where they were part of the house’s original design. Condensation can be an issue but modern aluminium frames can be made with a thermal break, which prevents condensation and improves insulation, too. PVC and PU windows have become more sophisticated, with most companies
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be more energy efficient and cut noise pollution
offering wood-effect frames. These cost about 20 per cent more than standard white, and come in natural-looking finishes such as rosewood or light oak.
RESEARCH GLAZING OPTIONS The glass is as important as the frames, with different types of energy-efficient glass that, combined with the air-tightness of the frame, give a window its energy
rating, which must be betwee . Visit the British Fenestration Council for more information on ratings. Unless your house is listed or in a conservation area, all replacement windows must be at least double-glazed to comply with building regulations. If it is listed, exemptions may apply; if your period property isn’t allowed double glazing, try secondary glazing instead.
FOCUS ON
WINDOW FRAME MATERIALS Q Good-quality timber windows can improve the look of a house, add value and last 60 years or more if well looked after. However, they will need regular maintenance and can be pricey. Expect to pay
anywhere between £350 and £1,000 per window, depending on the size and design. It can be more. Q Aluminium is strong and frames can be very slim to maximise glazing. It’s low maintenance, long-lasting
MARCH 2022
and comes in a range of colours. However, it doesn’t suit every style of house and has a high price tag. The average cost is pretty similar to timber windows, depending on the size and design you go for.
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Q PU and PVC are good value and low maintenance but tricky to repair and can discolour. Plus, plastic has around half the lifespan of well-maintained wood or metal. Prices start at around £250 per window.
RENOVATION
VERSATILE ALUMINIUM A great option if you’re looking for something a little different, aluminium frames can be made in a wide range of colours and sizes, from smart grey and green to bolder shades of blue and red.
TIMELESS CRITTALL In this scheme created by interior designer Cherie Lee, the classic steel-framed Crittall windows provide the perfect backdrop for contemporary decor.
TIMBER-LOOK UPVC
Swapping out modern uPVC windows to replace them with classic sash designs can actually add value to your home.
These uPVC windows from The Residence Collection are made to look like wood, yet they’re completely maintenance-free.
FEATURE AMY CUTMORE PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
TRADITIONAL SASH STYLE
MARCH 2022
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LIFE ADMIN
NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY HASSLES
HOME MAINTENANCE
Reseal your bath Smarten up your bathroom by replacing dirty or stained sealant around your bath. First, apply a sealant softener (try UniBond Silicone Sealant Remover, £5 for 80ml, Amazon) and leave to dry for around 15 mins. Remove the old sealant carefully with a plastic scraper. Scrub the area clean then leave to dry thoroughly. Next, fill the bath with water to ensure that the new sealant won’t crack when the bath is used later. With your sealant cartridge inserted into the sealant gun, cut the nozzle off at the end to the size that corresponds with the gap you’re filling. Sit on the edge of the bath and press the trigger to apply the sealant to the gap in one smooth movement. Once applied, smooth it with a wet round-ended tool – try either a wooden spoon or a wet fingertip. Shape the sealant at an angle, as this will help it to shed water. Remove any excess with white spirit before it dries. Leave the sealant to dry, before emptying the bath.
DIGITAL
Q
How to stop cold callers
If you’re constantly being dogged by people selling you insurance or offering you legal advice for accidents you’ve never had, register with the Telephone Preference Service (tpsonline.org.uk). They’ll add you to a database of numbers that don’t want to receive any marketing or sales calls. Any company that contacts you when you’re registered with the TPS is breaking the law. Unfortunately the law only covers calls made by actual people, not those annoying pre-recorded automated calls, so either block those numbers on your mobile when you receive them or contact your phone provider to get them blocked if they call your landline.
MARCH 2022
CLEANING
Ways to refresh your bedding
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STRIP YOUR BED Take the sheets, duvet cover, valance and pillowcases off the bed to wash them. If you have a memory foam mattress, take the cover to the dry cleaner. And if your mattress needs turning, do this now.
USE A NATURAL FRESHENER Add a few drops of pure lavender oil to half a cup of bicarbonate of soda, stir then sift it over the mattress using a sieve. Leave for an hour or two then vacuum it up. If you have space under the bed, whizz the vacuum under it too.
CLEAN THE HEADBOARD If your headboard is wooden, dust it and clean with furniture polish. If made from fabric, run your vacuum’s upholstery attachment over it.
FINANCE
W hen to use your credit card If used correctly and you pay back the full amount each month, there can be big benefits. WHEN BUYING EXPENSIVE ITEMS Thanks to section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, credit cards benefit from payment protection on purchases over £100 that debit cards do not. So if you either don’t receive delivery of an item (or worse still, your card is cloned), your credit card company is duty bound to refund you. TO REAP REWARDS There are a lot of credit cards that offer you rewards as you spend. For example, John Lewis & Partners and Sainsbury’s give you vouchers or loyalty card points to spend in store, while British Airways rewards Avios points for each transaction, which you can use to redeem money off (or free) flights, seat upgrades or hotel rooms.
After decorating ideas? Browse our gallery on idealhome.co.uk for a colour scheme you love, click on the Dulux badge and find a paint to match
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI ILLUSTRATIONS EMMA JACKSON
ORGANISING
3 houseplant must-dos STAY IN THE KNOW All plants differ. Do your research and place each plant in the right position (sunny or shaded, etc) and water either from below, above or via misting. WIPE REGULARLY Plants need dusting too! Wipe leaves every fortnight with biodegradable water-based wipes, like WaterWipes, £2.99 pack of 60, Boots. LOOK FOR SIGNS Browning leaves can mean you’re overwatering your plant, while bone-dry soil means you’re not watering enough. Keep an eye out for changes.
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TECH
How tech Q can help you sleep better Everyone knows that you should avoid looking at your phone before bedtime – yet we still all do it – but how can tech actually help us get a better night’s sleep? Introducing dreamy light and sound is usually a good starting point. Lumie’s Bodyclock Shine 300 clock, £129, has a sunset feature that combines soft fading light and soothing sounds, such as waves or crickets at night, to help you drift off. Knowing your sleep patterns and how much you toss and turn can help too. Google’s Nest Hub, £89.99, features sleep sensing, which tracks when you go to bed every night, if you experience any sleep disturbances and when you wake up. Once it has tracked your sleep patterns over time, it suggests personalised recommendations to help you improve the quality of sleep you have. Temperature too can play a big part. Ideally you should sleep in a room no warmer than 18-20°C. Smart thermostats together with smart radiator valves can be programmed to reduce the temperature of a room to the optimum by bedtime. And if you really can’t shake the habit of scrolling through the headlines, make sure you turn on your phone’s Night Mode to reduce the melanin-suppressive bright blue light.
TECH SUPPORT VIDEO CALLING
Choosing the right video calling medium can make speaking with loved ones a more enjoyable experience
W
WHAT WAYS CAN YOU CALL? For basic calling, there are lots of desktop, tablet and smartphone apps that you can employ to make video calls, many of which are by no means new to the market. Skype, Apple’s FaceTime and Zoom have been around for 18, 11 and 10 years respectively, while the 12-year-old WhatsApp is one of the most popular options on smartphones, because it lets you both instant message and video call for free using WiFi or your data allowance (and realistically, many of your friends and family are probably already using it).
ARE THEY ALL FREE TO USE? Both Skype and Zoom are free of charge for the basic plan. That gives you unlimited calls on Skype with up to 50 participants, and a maximum of 40 minutes per call with Zoom with up to 100 on the call (or Zoom Party). Everyone on the call needs to have downloaded the same app to connect. FaceTime is free and at least one person on the call has to have an Apple device (iPhone, iPad or Mac computer), while those without can join via a link from a browser. Calls have no time limit and you can add up to 32 people to a FaceTime call.
ANY DEDICATED GADGETS? Facebook Portal is a video calling hub with built-in Amazon Alexa smart assistant. You can make calls MARCH 2022
using WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Zoom, but to use it, you – and the person or people you’re calling – need to have either a Facebook or WhatsApp account. It features an ingenious, wide-angled AI-powered camera that automatically zooms in or pans out to keep everyone in the frame, even if they move around the space. It also has a host of fun augmented reality effects – for instance, a filter will transform you into a bunny rabbit or a cute little kitten – while the Story Time feature is perfect for reading to a child at bedtime – choose from a selection of stories and watch it come to life around you as you speak. And once you buy a Portal device, calls are completely free.
ANY OTHERS? Alexa-enabled devices that feature displays, like the Echo Show 10, 8 or 5, can make video calls to other Alexa devices or smartphones (and visa versa) provided the Alexa app has been downloaded to the phone. Google Duo is another video calling app. It works on smartphones and tablets (both iOS and Android) computers and smart displays, such as Google’s Nest Hub Max. You can use it to speak to up to 32 people and use its augmented reality filters and effects to liven up the call.
If you’re concerned about security, WhatsApp, Google Duo, Messenger and Zoom all feature end-to-end encryption ensuring calls can’t be listened to, recorded or hacked into
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FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI ILLUSTRATION EMMA JACKSON
hile you may have managed to avoid using them before the pandemic hit, there has been no escaping video calling over the past couple of years. For some, it has been the only way to keep in touch with friends and family, when you can’t meet in real life. But if you’ve been a serial screen dodger or just aren’t very video-call savvy, there are many ways to keep in touch now that don’t involve you holding your phone in an outstretched hand at an unflattering angle. Here are our top picks:
LIFE ADMIN
MONEY MATTERS IDEAL HOME’S COLUMNIST AND EDITOR OF THEMONEYEDIT.COM KALPANA FITZPATRICK SHARES HER FINANCIAL WISDOM
Cut the cost of overdrafts This year has seen higher living costs and soaring energy prices, leading to more of us relying on credit. For many, this includes going into overdraft to make that pay cheque go further. More than 26 million households use overdrafts each year*, but by doing so you could pay a whopping 40% interest. Recent rules from the Financial Conduct Authority mean banks must now charge a single rate for all overdrafts, which for most of them is now around 40%. If you need extra cash, then an overdraft could be a costly way to get it. Here’s how to avoid stinging charges and slipping into debt.
SWITCH BANK ACCOUNTS Leaving your bank may seem a bit like breaking up with a long-term partner, but if your bank no longer serves your needs, it’s time to switch. If you occasionally rely on an overdraft, then move to a bank that offers an interest-free overdraft buffer. First Direct offers a £250 interest-free arranged overdraft, but anything above that will cost you an eye-watering 39.9% in charges. Nationwide Building Society’s FlexDirect account offers a 0% arranged overdraft for a year, but after that it’s also 39.9%.
BUDGET REVIEW If you’re struggling to make your income last all month, then it’s a good time to tighten your household budget. Take a close look at money coming in and going out and see if you can make any cuts, even if it’s just for a few months. Reviewing your utility bills and mortgage can help slash thousands off your annual living costs. Take a look at the Citizens Advice budgeting tool to get started (citizensadvice.org.uk/ debt-and-money/budgeting).
GET HELP If you are struggling financially or finding it difficult to pay back overdraft charges, talk to your bank as soon as possible. They may come up with a repayment plan or even waive the interest charges. If you think you have a serious debt issue, seek advice from a debt charity, such as Step Change or the National Debtline.
*FINDER **ALL RATES MENTIONED ARE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS AND OVERDRAFTS ARE SUBJECT TO AFFORDABILITY CHECKS ILLUSTRATION EMMA JACKSON
REDUCED OVERDRAFTS CHARGES If you are not eligible for a free overdraft deal, you could move to a bank that offers a lower rate** than the typical 40%. These include: Monzo – charges 19% if you have an excellent credit score, otherwise it could be 29% to 39%. Starling Bank – charges 15% to those with good credit scores, or it’s 25% to 35%. Cumberland Building Society – charges 14.9%. Triodos Bank – charges 18%.
USE YOUR SAVINGS If you have cash savings stashed away, it’s natural that you may not want to touch it. But if you need the money, then it makes sense to dip into your savings and use that cash instead. The chances are, you’re not earning much interest on your savings account anyway, so why pay sky-high interest rate charges to borrow, when you have the money elsewhere? MARCH 2022
Before applying for credit, use the bank’s online eligibility and credit score checker
Take back control Q If you switch accounts, the bank may pay you to move to them. While free cash sounds good, make sure that the bank suits your needs, plus you will need to close your existing account to be eligible. Q Use the Current Account Switch Service (currentaccountswitch.co.uk) which means banks do the leg work and complete your switch within seven working days. Most banks offer this service. Q If you want to borrow money for a short while, then loans or credit cards will be cheaper. You could apply for a 0% interest deal; ask the card provider for a ‘soft search’ to make sure you are accepted. Q Follow Kalpana on Instagram @KalpanaFitz
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FIND YOUR ZEN WITH MONTHLY COLUMNIST FEARNE COTTON f you follow me on Instagram or have read any of my books you’ll have heard me moaning about my often troubled nights. I have periods of great sleep where I waltz off into vivid dreamland and only pee once in the night. Yet I also lumber through horrific periods of either very broken sleep or a complete incapability to fall to sleep if I’m experiencing anxiety. My heart races and my mind wanders off into different aisles of my brain like a toddler at the supermarket. Whenever I post on social media after a night of broken sleep I’m inundated with kind advice and ‘sleep hacks’. Believe me when I say, I’ve tried them all. I’m always grateful for the tips and tricks but usually stick to the routine I’m used to now. It’s a security blanket that notifies my brain I’ve done all I can to ensure sleep arrives at some point. This is by no means a set of rigid instructions, but maybe it’ll help you create your own night-time routine that makes you feel safe, too. My routine is a little bit ‘bye bye fun’ and ‘hello structure.’ The first moment of party pooping comes with turning off my phone at 9pm (sometimes 8:30pm!). We all know that blue light that phones emit is one of the main culprits for stealing our zeds, yet many of us rally against it. I took the TV out of our bedroom about six years ago and I’m so glad I did. Now let’s talk pillows. I’m extremely picky and through great trial and error have found my soulmate pillow. I have used a Tempur pillow for ages and there is no going back. There are parts of my routine that are non-negotiable and one of them is reading. I have to read for thirty minutes before bed. It helps to click my brain into escapism or thinking about other people’s lives so I can forget my own worries. At some point my eyelids start to move in slow motion and I know I’ve hit the sweet spot: time to
I
head to sleep town. After a quick pee to reduce the amount of times I have to go in the night (the joys of ageing) I pop on my silk eye mask (sounds super diva but it’s old and smells of face cream) and one earplug. That’s right, one. I sleep on my side and don’t like an ear plug in the ear I’m lying on. As I’m drifting off I mentally list the things I’m grateful for then move onto listing people I wish to send love to. If all is going well I won’t make it to the end. Q
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There is no normal with sleep routines, so find one that makes you feel safe
MARCH 2022
BEDSIDE BUDDY ‘Bell Hurley metal tumbler. The ladybird design is so gorgeous.’ SNUGGLE UP ‘A beautiful throw by Denim and Bone. I have one on my bed.’ AND RELAX ‘Hayou metal body gua sha tool for giving myself a soothing massage.’
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LISTEN TO FEARNE’S HAPPY PLACE PODCAST ON YOUR FAVE PODCAST APP
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HAPPY HOME
IDEAS FOR A SUSTAINABLE HOME
Carnaby rug in Shadow Del Sol, from £109, Jonathan Adler at Ruggable
Spill, wash, repeat Stains on rugs come hand-in-hand with busy family life yet sadly, there are always some that even careful dabbing won’t remove. Often a deep chemical clean may be your only option, otherwise it’s destined for landfill. Limit any lasting damage by choosing designs that you can clean easily, like Ruggable’s brilliant machine-washable rugs. Available in an array of colours, designs and sizes, they come in two pieces: a non-slip rug pad, with a rug cover that sits on top. The cover can be easily removed and put in the washing machine. Genius.
Hardwearing and durable, bamboo is carbon negative over its life cycle
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”
This month... REDUCE Monitor the
Bamboo kitchen in Warm, from around £2,862 for a small kitchen, Custom Fronts
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
Super sustainable style Completely refitting a kitchen may not be the most eco-minded of projects but thanks to Sussex-based company Custom Fronts, the most popular of makeovers just got a little greener. The brand specialises in worktops, cabinet doors, drawers, panels and plinths to fit existing Ikea carcasses, so you can give your kitchen a whole new look, without the waste (and disruption) of removing the shell, too. And the best bit? The brand’s latest collection is made from bamboo, a smart and super-sustainable alternative to wood. MARCH 2022
contents of your fridge or freezer and reduce waste with these clever new silicone containers from Smartfreeze. Suitable for microwaves, ovens and dishwashers, each box features a unique QR code that you scan and keep a tally of on the companion app, receiving notifications when the food is close to expiry. From £13.99 each, or £39 for set of three. RECYCLE Did you know that Ikea buys back its own furniture? Just fill in the online form with your furniture details to receive a quote. Next, bring it to your nearest branch, where staff will check it out and confirm a final valuation, which is paid via credit to spend in store. REUSE Sick of soggy paper straws? These colourful beauties are made from stainless steel and come complete with an itty-bitty brush for thorough cleaning. Keithsburg reusable straws in Green, £6.19 for four, Wayfair.
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Ramsay
in a
flash
Treat the family to quick and delicious dishes with Gordon Ramsay’s recipes
n Find these speedy, nutritious recipes and more in his latest book, Ramsay In 10 by Gordon Ramsay (£25, Hodder & Stoughton).
WARUNG-STYLE FRIED NOODLES
See page 163 for recipe
HAPPY HOME
CORNFLAKE CHICKEN SLIDERS WITH GOCHUJANG MAYONNAISE See page 163 for recipe
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IDEAL HOME TIP
Prep ingredients first thing, so at dinner time, simply assemble and cook for a speedy delicious meal
BANG BANG CAULIFLOWER
See opposite for recipe
HAPPY HOME
Warung-style fried noodles
SERVES 2 READY IN 10 MINS
4tbsp soy sauce or tamari ● 2tbsp oyster sauce ● 3tbsp coconut palm sugar or dark brown sugar ● 1tbsp ground coriander ● 2tsp ginger paste ● 2tsp garlic paste ● 2-3 heads of Asian greens (pak choi/bok choy or choi sum) ● 2 spring onions ● 125g streaky bacon ● 2tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for frying ● 2 eggs ● 225g cooked flat rice noodles ● 100g beansprouts TO SERVE ● 1tbsp coriander leaves ● Pinch of Japanese shichimi togarashi seasoning (optional) ●
RECIPES GORDON RAMSAY FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
1 Put the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar,
ground coriander and ginger and garlic pastes into a bowl and whisk together until you have a smooth sauce. 2 Slice the Asian greens into 5cm pieces and roughly chop the spring onions. 3 Place a wok over a high heat until smoking hot, meanwhile cutting the bacon into 2.5cm strips. Add a little oil to the hot wok, then reduce the heat to medium–high and add the bacon. Cook for 1 min, then add the 2tbsp oil to the wok. Once shimmering, crack in the eggs and cook for 30 secs, breaking them up slightly with a spatula. Move to the side of the wok and add the noodles. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 30 secs. They should start to char. 4 Add the sauce to the wok. Stir to combine with the eggs and noodles, and bring to the boil. Add the greens, spring onions and beansprouts to the pan and toss to combine, then cook for 1-2 mins, pressing everything into the sides of the pan to char and caramelise. 5 Divide between two bowls and top with the coriander leaves and a pinch of shichimi togarashi (if using).
Cornflake chicken sliders with gochujang mayonnaise SERVES 4 READY IN 10 MINS
65g cornflakes ● 2 skinless chicken breasts ● 3 eggs ● 4tbsp flour ● Veg oil, for frying ● Cucumber ● 2 spring onions ● Small handful of coriander leaves ● 2tbsp fish sauce ● Zest and juice of 1 lime ● 100g roasted peanuts, crushed (optional) ● 3tbsp crispy fried onions (optional) ● 4 brioche burger buns ● 4 Little Gem lettuce leaves ● Sea salt ●
FOR THE GOCHUJANG MAYONNAISE
2tbsp gochujang chilli sauce ● 3tbsp mayonnaise ● Zest and juice of 1 lime ●
1 Make the gochujang mayonnaise: put the
ingredients into a bowl and mix. Set aside. 2 Crush the cornflakes in a bowl. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally so you have four thin pieces. 3 Beat the eggs in a bowl. Put the flour into a bowl and season with a little salt. Put crushed cornflakes into a third bowl. Dip the chicken first into the seasoned flour, then the egg and finally the cornflakes. 4 Place a large frying pan over a medium– high heat. Pour in a 2cm depth of oil. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 2 mins on each side. Drain on kitchen paper. 5 Slice the cucumber into ribbons, and roughly chop the spring onions. Place in a bowl with the coriander leaves, fish sauce, lime zest and juice and toss together. 6 If using the crushed peanuts and crispy fried onions, combine in a bowl. 7 Split the buns in half. Spoon a dollop of the mayonnaise on the bottom halves and spread a little on the outside of the tops. Dip the tops in the peanut mixture. 8 Put the lettuce leaves inside the buns, followed by some of the cucumber salad and the crispy chicken. Put the bun lids on top before serving. MARCH 2022
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Bang bang cauliflower SERVES 4 READY IN 10 MINS
Cauliflower, cut into florets, tender leaves (if any) reserved ● 1 heaped tbsp rice flour ● 2tbsp vegetable oil ● Small red onion ● 2-3cm piece of fresh ginger ● 2 garlic cloves ● 2tbsp sesame oil ● Small handful coriander leaves FOR THE BANG BANG SAUCE ● 2tbsp maple syrup (or agave syrup) ● 2tbsp Cholula or sriracha hot sauce ● 4tbsp sweet chilli sauce ●
1 Start by making the bang bang sauce:
put all the ingredients for it into a bowl and stir until fully combined. Set aside. 2 Toss the cauliflower florets into the rice flour. 3 Place a wok over a high heat and add the vegetable oil. When hot, add the cauliflower florets and stir-fry for 3 mins. Add the reserved cauliflower leaves (if any) and stir-fry for another 3-4 mins. 4 Meanwhile, peel and slice the onion; peel the ginger and cut into small strips; peel and crush the garlic. 5 Place a small saucepan over a medium heat and add the sesame oil. When hot, add the prepared onion, garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 mins, until soft. 6 Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the bang bang sauce. 7 Add the onion and sauce mixture to the wok and stir until the cauliflower is fully coated. Spoon the cauliflower mixture into a serving dish, sprinkle with the coriander leaves and serve with boiled rice and green vegetables.
tidy house tidy mind
HAPPY HOME
DIG DEEP Start by pulling everything out of your kitchen cupboards, getting right to the back and uncovering tins and jars that probably haven’t seen the light of day for years. Always have the word ‘practicality’ in your head – it’s not just about making your kitchen look pristine, but it has to work too. Don’t forget to give the things you do keep a good clean before replacing and check those sell-by dates! THINK PRACTICALLY A common mistake is when clients decant everything they own into glass jars because they’ve seen it on Instagram! Yes, this looks very pretty and in some cases will free up cupboard space if you display them on open shelves, but it isn’t always very efficient. Think about the shape and material of your storage, too – round jars don’t use space so efficiently, but look prettier. Also, don’t be tempted to cram cupboards full. If you can’t see what’s at the back, you’ll never remember it’s there and you’ll never use it. GET TOUGH Ensure you are making use of every space, but streamline what you have first. It’s STACK ’EM UP Bamboo three tier cupboard plate racks, £16.99, Amazon
incredible how many gadgets and unnecessary items we own but can most definitely live without. An apple corer or an egg slicer’s job can be done with a knife. Does the popcorn maker actually get used more than once a year? Think hard about space versus how much you use these items. MAKE SAVVIER CHOICES If you have an open-plan kitchen diner, you really need to think wisely. Put as much out of sight as possible, keeping only the essentials on display. Look at adding extra shelving to the insides of cupboards and opting for stackable storage and pans. Plate shelves (in cupboards) are a great tip, and wire racks on walls have saved me lots of cupboard space too! Find out more at youneedavicky.com or check out my instagram @youneedavicky SCANDI DISPLAY Oak and stoneware storage canisters, from £30 each, Marquis & Dawe
CLUTTER BUSTER Set of three wallmounted wire storage baskets, £39.95, Dibor
PREP STATION Darby butcher’s block, £449, Made
MARCH 2022
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FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISER VICKY SILVERTHORN SORTS THE KITCHEN...
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BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished
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MARCH 2022
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HAPPY HOME
hometruths GEORGE CLARKE GETS UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH HIS HOME
Architect and TV presenter George Clarke lives between Gloucestershire and London with his children, Georgie, Emilio and Iona, joining him at weekends
IN THE HOT SEAT Shoes – on or off in the house? Off. Every time. For everybody. Eat at the table or on laps? Always at the table. Lighting – are your rooms bright or moody? I hate bright lighting. My kids sometimes complain that the house is too dark, but I love low-level light lamps and candles. Quick shower or long bath? Long bath. Room decor – colourful or neutral? Neutral.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY AT HOME? I’m away so much with work that just being home at all is amazing! I’m usually only home at the weekends, which is when my children come to my house. That’s why Saturday mornings are my absolute favourite. I can have breakfast, relax and just enjoy being with my kids.
WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE? I’ve got a garden studio which I built, with a sofa and TV, but also a desk and loads of books, so everyone uses it as a cosy escape. I pop down there to work, or if the house is busy then one of the kids can use it to read, do homework or watch TV on their own. Books! I’m always in the middle of about four or five, and they live everywhere in the house. I’m currently reading How Innovation Works, and I’ve also got a history book and a couple of political biographies and historical biographies on the go. I love coffee table books too, especially photography ones.
WHAT’S YOUR HOME PET PEEVE? Mess. I love to have beautiful things around, but I hate clutter. I like to buy things that are timeless and could last for ever, when possible handmade and British made. My house isn’t massive, so everything in it is quite special to me.
WHAT CHORE DO HATE DOING? The one thing I absolutely hate is packing my case! Packing a suitcase for a holiday is a joy, but packing for work when you’re on the road a lot is the bane of my life.
DO YOU THINK YOU’RE A GOOD HOST? When I’ve got time, I think I’m good. I love cooking for myself and my family, but I’d rather book a brilliant restaurant and treat people. If we go out, I can talk with friends that I might not have seen in a long time, rather than cooking and cleaning.
WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR HOME WHEN YOU’RE AWAY? My own bed! My mattress is from Brook & Wilde and I buy pillows from John Lewis. I look like a lunatic when I’m testing them in the shop. You know how they lay them out on shelves? I massively embarrass my kids because I lean over with my head on the pillow and my arms around it, giving it a little hug! MARCH 2022
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n George’s new collection of sofas, chairs and footstools, in collaboration with Sofology, is available now in store and online
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT PHOTOGRAPH DAN DUCHARS
WHAT’S YOUR HOME ADDICTION?
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