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YOU R SHA PE | YOU R SIZE | YOU R ST Y L E

L O N D O N • G U I L D F O R D • B AT H • H A R R O G AT E • N O T T I N G H A M • G L A S G O W • E D I N B U R G H PLUS SELECTED HOUSE OF FR ASER STORES

EST. 1920

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THE HOME OF GOOD IDEAS FOR 100 YEARS

100 YEARS

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GAME CHANGING STORAGE IDEAS

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20 Beautiful

Ways To Update Your Décor

Ready-made garden rooms …and how people really use them

Homes with style

◆ Minimalist Neutral Family Home ◆ Elegant Georgian-Style Self-Build ◆ 1960s House With A Surprise Inside ◆ Small, Glamorous Apartment

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SPACE & LIGHT 8 inspiring ‘before & after’ project stories

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MAY 2020

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84

149 43 What’s new 11 Set the scene for…

13 15 17 19 21 23

A mindful moment The style editor News from our favourite shops We’re in love…

Artisan flower ceramics at M&S The design edit High-end looks on a high-street budget The shortlist Hero cushions The wallpaper edit Block prints Ideal vs Great Deal Velvet fabrics and glam metallic accents

Real homes 24 New build, old style

Clever design tricks give this house the looks and character of a period property

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

45 A new vision This

apartment was calling out for an open-plan feel 62 The joy of colour A masterclass in making bold design choices work 84 Made to order Modern minimalism has replaced the outdated décor

Style & decor 36 Interior design advice 43 56 73 109 116

Why designers love deep greens Upcycle a… Vintage cabinet Style secrets How to create a wall display Easy style updates Smart tricks and clever buys Interior design advice How to choose new windows Storage fixes for bedrooms Make the most of the space you have

Before & after 124 ‘We built this huge

kitchen-diner from scratch’ A rear extension provided a host of potential 130 ‘Simple pieces make it feel spacious’ A monochrome scheme is ideal in this set-up 136 ‘It’s like having an extra room’ A well-designed outdoor space can add so much to your home

SPACE & LIGHT Turn to page 95 to see 40 pages of ideas to make any home feel bigger and brighter – from extensions and conversions to amazing glazing, spacestretching garden rooms and clever storage solutions.

CONTENTS

36 136

130

56 TO FIND ALL THE STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE TURN TO PAGE 164 61

Simple solutions 145 Fridge-freezers

Sleek and smart (as in clever)

Simple pleasures 147 Somewhere for the weekend

Unplug at Le Barn, France 149 Food with friends Host a lazy weekend lunch

Regulars

7 Editor’s letter 8 100 years of Ideal Home

72

The big question Is uplifting quote artwork clever or cheesy?

Reader offer 20% off at Cox & Cox

108 Reader offer Save 25% at Bunches

128 Competition Win a family holiday to Sardinia

142 Subscribe to Ideal Home 166 Style throwback We update a look from 1965

We've been delving into the archives to find out what we were looking at in the May issues of the last century

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A subscription makes a great gift or a lovely treat for yourself, from just £6 for six issues! Call 0330 333 1113 and quote 62AV or visit idealhome. co.uk/IHMAY2020

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Matki Illusion for Corner Contemporary style, technical innovation. Beautifully engineered in the UK

Shower Controls and Deluge Shower Head supplied by Swadling Brassware

F O R A B R O C H U R E A N D N E A R E S T B AT H R O O M S P E C I A L I S T C A L L 01 4 5 4 3 2 8 811 | W W W. M AT K I . C O. U K | M AT K I P L C , B R I S TO L B S 3 7 5 P L

EDITOR’S LETTER

STYLING GEMMA GEAR PHOTOGRAPH JOANNA HENDERSON TASK OLIVE DESK LAMP, £60, HOUSEOF

Welcome Vanessa Vanessa Richmond, Editor

If you love a ‘before & after’ story (and who doesn’t?!), this issue will really hit the spot. There’s so much innovation out there – we’re in a golden age of home improvement, so we’ve showcased some of the amazing things that can be done to even the most ordinary houses. From a terrace with a swimming pool in the basement to a house with its own pub in the garden, and even one with a granny annexe in the driveway, we’ll open your eyes to some ingenious possibilities. Of course, transformations can be achieved without architects and builders: savvy storage can literally be life-changing (see our solutions for small bedrooms on page 116); and adding colour and pattern can bring so much joy – check out the real homes (from page 24) to see how both can work ‘in action’.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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THE HOME OF GOOD IDEAS

100 YEARS OF MAY ISSUES Editor Vanessa Richmond picks her highlights from Ideal Home through the decades…

In 1933 we were…

COOKING ON GAS These ladies-who-lunch would have been well jel of their friend’s compact, easy to clean, cast-iron oven. Solid fuel was so last decade!

The constant temperature meant food could be left to cook without monitoring, leaving housewives (or their hired help…) free.

In 1923 we were…

HATING THE IRONING Hated then and now – this lucky lady’s upgraded to a whizzy electric iron, but she’s struggling to crack a smile nonetheless.

In 1937 we were…

SEWING TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION When Edward VIII abdicated and his brother became King George VI, Ideal Home gave away this fancy commemorative embroidery pattern.

In 1945 we were…

INDULGING IN POSTWAR PLANS AND DREAMS We celebrated VE day on 8 May 1945, so after years of just surviving, this issue was all about indulgence and big ideas, like leather wall panelling, painted scenes and even photo murals.

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

In 1951 we were…

INSPIRED BY THE FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN This five-month showcase of British industry, arts and science brought the latest home innovations to our attention, including reversible carpet and washable paint.

B R AT

CEL

100 YEARS

ING

In 1969 we were…

CONVERTING A VICTORIAN TERRACE

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In this year, Ideal Home bought a house in Stokenchurch Street in Fulham, London – a rundown Victorian terrace that had been let as bedsits – and turned it into a modern show home filled with Formica and vinyl intended for a family of four, plus their au pair.

In 1962 we were…

REALLY NOT INTO NEUTRALS If you’d walked into a flooring shop and asked for wood or something in grey or beige, panic would ensue, because the options were pattern, pattern and more pattern – a different one in each room!

In 1956 we were…

LOVING A ‘BEFORE & AFTER’ Here’s an early one for you, featuring a ‘dream’ kitchen complete with the most desirable mod cons: fitted cabinets, cork flooring and a ceiling light.

In 1972 we were…

DIGGING PSYCHEDELIC BATHROOMS Avocado suites were just the tip of the iceberg: This was the decade that Ideal Home encouraged its readers to add everything from hessian wallpaper and carpet-sided baths to saloon doors, faux-leather banquettes and patterned toilet cisterns. We are so, so sorry.

In 1982 we were…

MAKING HOME VIDEOS Instead of just whipping out your mobile, making a family movie was a serious business involving hefty equipment. One to show the pre-digital children in your life!

In 1974 we were…

BUILDING IDEAL HOMES Not content with simply converting an old house (see above), Ideal Home took things a step further and designed and built an entire estate of 44 new homes – Muskham in Bretton, Peterborough. Did you move in? Are you living there now?

Please get in touch! Email us at ideal_home@ti-media.com.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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NEW PLEATED BLINDS COLLECTION CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK

WHAT’S NEW

Set the scene forÉ

A MINDFUL MOMENT Create a space for calm amid the chaos, decluttered so you can de-stress. Five minutes with a coffee among those well-organised shelves will get you Zen again. Who cares if nobody has clean socks and there's nothing for tea?

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

WHERE TO BUY: Nirvana rattan bar chairs, £99 each; clear glass shoulder vase, £8; small Green glass leaf vase, £8; tall fluted tulip vase, £8; tall Green glass leaf vase, £15; medium Green reactive glaze canister, £8; small Green reactive glaze canister, £6; Colleen glass pendant light, £35, all Dunelm

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Smart shades that simplify your life.

PowerView® Motorisation from Luxaflex® Perfect lighting, energy efficiency, everyday convenience - it’s all delivered automatically with PowerView® Motorisation. Just program PowerView® to move your window coverings to the exact position you want and then control and schedule them using the intuitive PowerView® App on your smartphone or tablet.

Find out more at luxaflex.co.uk

The Art of Window Styling

WHAT’S NEW

Surprise in store

COLOURED PIECES AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS We’re used to adding a colour pop with cushions, but what about furniture? Show Wood is John Lewis & Partners first colourful cabinetry collection, transforming drawers and side tables into unexpected hero pieces. Dip in a toe with subtle Nougat or go all in with Jade Green.

The STYLE EDITOR Show Wood drawers, from £499, John Lewis & Partners

Stag Trail in Sky, £94 a roll, Little Greene

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

Clarissa Hulse is now at Blinds 2go Made-to-measure curtains and blinds have been given the Clarissa Hulse treatment at Blinds 2go. The textile artist has added her signature botanical silhouettes and colour-drenched ombres to Blinds 2go’s designers collection. Among the 11 options are delicate meadow flowers prints and painterly botanicals, alongside energetic tones of vibrant teal and jade, coral and fuchsia. Prices start at £25.60 for a roller blind.

BACK IN TIME AT LITTLE GREENE

Blowing Grasses, from £32.70, Blinds 2go

Based on original wallpapers found in National Trust properties, Little Greene’s latest wallpaper designs date from the 18th to the 20th century. Each wallpaper tells a fascinating story from design history, which Little Greene has recoloured, adapted the scale or simplified to make the beautiful patterns work in modern homes.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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WHAT’S NEW Abramo velvet chair, £565, Ian Snow

Habitat is home to The Rich Brothers The youngest ever Chelsea gold medal winners and one half of BBC’s Garden Rescue team, The Rich Brothers have collaborated with Habitat to create a sculptural outdoor furniture collection inspired by the rolling hills of their native Wales. Don’t miss their galvanised planters, too – they’re perfect for decking or tiny plots.

WE KEEP SEEING...

Chubby chairs We’re just loving these confident curves!

Rolio lounger, £295, The Rich Brothers at Habitat

Bed linen, £100 for a double set, Tess Daly at Next Home

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

CHIC SHAPE Rico lounge chair in Sand, €1,899, Ferm Living at Made In Design

STRONG ARMS Trudy armchair, £349, Made

MARSHMALLOW SOFT Layabout Squidger chair, £795, Loaf

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

IT’S A CELEB BEDDING BINGE! We’re not sure what’s going on, but there’s been a surge in prime time TV personalities launching bed linen.

They’re all at it! Find This Morning’s Holly Willoughby’s collection at Dunelm, featuring reversible French country florals in soft neutrals and pastels; plus, both Strictly’s Tess Daly and Masked Singer panellist and pop star Rita Ora have on-trend designs available at Next Home.

Cushions, both from a selection, Rita Ora at Next Home

WHAT’S NEW

We’re in love…

ARTISAN FLOWER CERAMICS AT M&S

These flower-embossed stoneware plates look like the kind of thing you might find at an artisan pottery studio you stumbled across on a back street somewhere in Cornwall. But, no! They are good old M&S. Perfect for mixing in with your plain white set, or save them for afternoon tea to make it even more special.

«

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

I’m made using real wildflowers!

Pressed flower side plates, £19.50 for four; Pressed flower mug, £6; Organic dinner plates, £5 each; Organic cereal bowl, £4; Tribeca Grey 16-piece cutlery set, £17.50, all M&S

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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WHAT’S NEW

1 2

4

5 3

7

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

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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 seven of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend…

WHERE TO BUY 1 Bria wall mirror, £149, La Redoute 2 Artichoke light shade, £100, Debenhams 3 Wood candlestick, £19.99, Zara Home 4 Small circular rattan cabinet, £215, Rose & Grey 5 Green diamond tumbler and Green sunflower tumbler, £8 for four the same, George Home 6 Ceramic watering can, £19.50, Oliver Bonas 7 Dandolo extra large cushion cover in Multi, £60, Oka IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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WHAT’S NEW

STATEMENT STYLE Zuma Aztec cushion, £80, Sweetpea & Willow

MAKING SHAPES Elements triangle crewel cushion, £14, Dunelm

LUXE LEOPARD Gold and Green leopard print cushion, £65, Audenza

THE SHORTLIST

8 HERO

CUSHIONS BOHO BEAUTY Pink woven stripe cushion, £22, Notonthehighstreet.com

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

«

ABSTRACT PRINT Cove cushion, £75, Laura Slater at Soho Home

To zhuzh up your sofa by adding colour and pattern ready for the new season

BOTANICAL BRIGHTS Plant and palms cushion, £29.95, Mint & May

DECORATIVE DETAILS Eli patchwork embroidered cushion, £25, M&S

I’d look great in a pair on the bed, too

WATERCOLOUR WONDER Muralla Azure cushion, £85, Bluebellgray

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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WHAT’S NEW

The wallpaper edit

BLOCK PRINTS

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

Celebrate traditional printing techniques with designs featuring hand-printed motifs and textures for authentic artisan charm

TROPICAL TWIST

INDIAN SUMMERS

ARTISAN ILLUSTRATIONS

MONO STYLE

DAINTY LEAVES

Naive pineapple motifs in pale gold bring an exotic feel to the room, along with a subtle nod to retro style.

Tobago Gilver, £47 a roll, Clarke & Clarke

Reminiscent of traditional Indian block prints, this decorative trellis design adds warmth in chalky yellow and grey.

Madurai in Lemon, £59 a roll, Sanderson at Style Library

Capture the essence of the countryside with this single colour wallpaper design by printmaker Mark Hearld.

Harvest Hare in Provençal Blue, £66 a roll, St Judes

Create impact with a hand-carved, circular pattern featuring rudimental marks and textures in black and white.

Suvi in Jet, £43 a roll, Scion at Style Library

Bring beautiful simplicity to a scheme with a small-scale leaf repeat in a delicate blue and white colourway.

Block Print, £42 a roll, Engblad & Co at Jane Clayton & Company

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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WHERE HOME & ST YLE COME TOGETHER

BOCONCEPT • DEBENHAMS • DFS • H&M HOME • HABITAT • HEAL’S HOUSE OF FRASER • JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS • M&S • NATUZZI ITALIA • NEXT RAFT • TEMPUR ® • THE WHITE COMPANY • WEST ELM • ZARA HOME

WHAT’S NEW

IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL Update your sleep space using tactile velvet fabrics, glam metallic accents and feminine shades to create a luxurious look BLUSHING BEAUTY Pink geometric rug, from £35, George Home

ABSTRACT SHAPES Holden geometric hand tufted wool rug, from £299, Made

TAKE A STAND Glass hurricane, £14, Next Home

ROSY HUE Globe vase medium, £48, AYTM at Nordic Nest BRUSHED BRASS Orson industrial side table, £179, Cult Furniture BOUTIQUE LOOK Ciao double bed in Merlot plush velvet, £1,245, Loaf

METALLIC EDGE Aubrey one drawer bedside table with Gold trim legs, £129.97, Furniture 123 GLAM VELVET Shiraz double bed in Red, £319, Argos

LINE DRAWINGS Salo embroidered face cushion, £25, Made

SELFEXPRESSION Embroidered face cushion, £10, Matalan

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

LUXE LIGHTING Gold ginkgo leaf table lamp, £236, Audenza POSH PERCH Eichholtz Pall Mall stool in Cameron Wine Red, £470, Sweetpea and Willow

SNUGGLE UP Regency Pink bedspread, £250, Habitat

STATEMENT PIECE Gold leaf table lamp, £24.99, Homesense

TWO TONE Cupcake footstool, £65, Argos

COSY QUILT Pinsonic throw, £16, George Home

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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New build, old style It might look like a Georgian country house, but Fi and Charlie Crole’s home is actually a new build with some clever design ideas that give it warmth and character

OVERSIZED RUG Zones the seating area in the room

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Living room Soft colours let the antique fireplace be the hero. ‘But the velvet armchairs and subdued wallpaper make a subtle yet definite impression,’ says Fi. BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar, Manhattan square coffee table, £1,015, Neptune. Eros concrete stools have this look, £77 each, Maisons du Monde

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Welcome to my home

Fi Crole, an interior designer, lives here with her husband Charlie and their sons Ollie, 20, Archie, 16 and Freddie, 12.

“

THE PROPERTY A seven-bedroom detached house in Hampshire, built in 2012.

I knew just what I wanted: a new house that felt old – a modern build, but with Georgian character

W Take a quick tour...

DRESSING ROOM

BEDROOM BEDROOM

DRESSING ROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

SECOND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

GAMES ROOM

FAMILY ROOM

KITCHEN

UTILITY ROOM

DINING ROOM

GROUND FLOOR

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

LIVING ROOM

”

hen they discovered that their home could not be extended, Fi and Charlie Crole decided to stop making do and take charge by building their own house. ‘I’d always dreamed of building my own house,’ says Fi, ‘and I knew exactly what I wanted: a new property that felt old – modern, but with Georgian character. From the outside, the house would be pretty and traditional, but not too grand. On the inside, with French doors, sash windows and high ceilings, it would feel light and airy but not overly modern.’

The couple enlisted the help of Fowler Architecture and Planning and, walking through the finished house today, it’s plain to see that Fi’s dream has been fully realised. Spacious rooms and carefully planned sight lines flow from front to back and side to side, making it possible to see from one side of the house to the other.

‘It’s a bright, open space that still sits within the Georgian design spectrum,’ she says.

For the interior colour schemes, Fi has been less adventurous than she’s prone to being with her interior design clients (eadieandcrole.com). ‘I need a relaxing environment that allows me to come back from work and have the space to think creatively.’ She has mixed pastel pinks and muted greens with chalky whites for a gentle, soothing look.

To furnish the house, Fi has mixed inherited pieces with finds from antiques shops, reclamation yards and auction houses. ‘It’s easy to walk into a shop and buy everything new, but together it feels staged,’ she says.

‘I annoyed everyone by insisting on antique fireplaces and tiles.’ She even spent three months tracking down reclaimed clay roof tiles – ‘They trick you into thinking the house is older.’ Add to this the picturesque lime rendered walls and climbing wisteria, and the finished house looks as authentically Georgian as Fi hoped.

REAL HOME

Kitchen VINTAGE SERVING BOARDS A characterful alternative to artwork

Believing that a kitchen can feel too detached from the rest of the house, Fi added a colourful armchair so people can chat to her while she cooks.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar, Shaldon accent chair in Pink combination, £799, DFS. Drummond cabinet has this look, £2,295, Oka. Try the Guinguette garden table, £32.50, Maisons du Monde

REAL HOME

Kitchen Wanting the kitchen to feel spacious and airy, Fi decided to do without wall units, choosing to concentrate storage into base units and a huge central island.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke kitchen cabinets, Guild Anderson Furniture, in French Grey Pale matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Similar Baroque chair, with plain calico seat covering, £249, Scumble Goosie

Love

FI’S STYLE? Turn to page 33 to shop the look

“

I love painted furniture, but a country house also needs the darkness of natural wood with contemporary colours

”

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

The round outdoor table adds curves to the straight lines of the flagstone patio

Composite stone worktops give the white kitchen a warmer tone

Dining area Fi found an imposing French antique stone fireplace to give this space a focal point.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar, Lourmarin dining table, £1,462; Eole solid ash bench, £400, both Maisons du Monde. Portland ceiling pendant is a match, £89, Atkin and Thyme

TRIO OF LIGHTS Puts the focus on the table in a large room like this

Master bedroom ‘The boys were sure their father wouldn’t like the pink paper,’ says Fi. ‘But pink was his favourite colour as a child, so he loves it.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Persian Leaf wallpaper in Pink, £56 a roll, Blithfield. Try the Bourbon Grey chest of drawers, £449, Made

CURTAIN BORDER A simple way to add a colour accent

Bathroom This scheme pairs a traditional footed bath with a contemporary tiled walk-in shower.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Paris bath, from £7,422, The Water Monopoly. Try Nantle Valley tiles, £32.95sq m, Walls and Floors. Shaker-style solid shutter, from £595, The New England Shutter Co

A curved headboard and spike-legged tables make the master bedroom look elegant

REAL HOME

“

It’s so easy to walk into a shop and buy everything new, but suddenly, when it’s all together, it feels staged

”

BROCADE CURTAINS Woven with a sheen for a truly opulent look

Dressing room Fi found this pink geometric rug at Etsy and its length makes this small space feel longer, and links the bedroom and bathroom.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar, Kalim 2 rug, £109, Dunelm.

Burford painted chest of drawers has this look, £349, The Cotswold Company. Try the Stanford floor lamp, £281.89, Castlegate Lights

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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REAL HOME

SMALL-SCALE BLOCK PRINT Visually blurs for a textural effect

Bedroom ‘I think it’s really important to spend a night in your own guest bedroom,’ says Fi. ‘Then you know first hand what’s missing from the room.’ Once she had tried this, the armchair was added for extra comfort.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Headboard and curtains in Killi Pink, £142m, Penny Morrison

Freddie’s bedroom ‘I wanted to capture my son’s personality through accessories rather than the decor, such as the Airfix-inspired sketches on the wall,’ says Fi. ‘This is a bedroom he can change as he gets older.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Indigo Blue polka dot throw, £160, Beyond France. The Roku block stripe cushion has this look, £45, Oka. Similar, Airplane Patents prints, £20.96 unframed, Desenio

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

”

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

FEATURE ELIZABETH HUTTON / LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPHS ALICIA TAYLOR

“

To give a new build a sense of history requires hard work and patience, but give the project enough time and you will end up with exactly what you want, rather than an lesser imitation of it

REAL HOME

Make it work for you FI’S STYLE: ELEGANT MODERN COUNTRY

Furniture in classic shapes paired with industrial lighting, natural textures and pretty faux flowers all combine to create a modern country setting UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT Charlotte pendant light, £206, Lime Lace

GREAT DEAL

IDEAL

SUSTAINABLE CHOICE Jute rug, from £40, Next Home

KICK BACK AND RELAX Fitzrovia armchair in Bracklyn Blush, £999, Parker Knoll range, John Lewis & Partners

IN BLOOM Pale Pink rose spray, £6, Gisela Graham

NATURAL WEAVE Jute rug, from £24.99, Very

UP THE SQUISH FACTOR Flump armchair in Tuscan Pink clever softie, from £845, Loaf

MODERN EDGE Rippon brass coffee table, £319.99, My Furniture

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

SHINE BRIGHT Albion pendant light, £75, Garden Trading

COUNTRY CHARM Pale Pink peony spray, £3.99, Homesense

HOT METAL Tilda glass and copper coffee table, £195, Habitat

LUXE DESIGN Manhattan woven geo cushion, £16, Next Home

ART DECO VIBES Loopy link cushion, £85, Sweetpea & Willow ALL ABOARD Alvin ash round board, £30, Habitat

SERVE IN STYLE Wooden board, £6.99, TK Maxx IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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STYLE SECRETS

WHY DESIGNERS LOVE DEEP GREENS Grounding yet confident, these balancing shades can bring us back to nature or give a sense of luxury Anything goes ‘Green sits right at the centre of the colour spectrum and works with every other colour and material you pair it with.

Try it yourself – place a green plant in any room and in front of any colour you like and it will never look out of place.’

Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux

Duck Green estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, is a similar wall colour. Speckled blush bowl, £70 for six, Cox & Cox. Palm tree print, £79 for set of two framed; hand blown Green bottle vase, £45, both Graham and Green

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

STYLE & DECOR

Easy mixing

Walls in All White, £47.95 for 2.5ltr estate emulsion, Farrow & Ball.

Funny Farm canvas print, £375, Loaf. For a similar vintage wall light, try eBay. Brunel four-seater sofa in Smart Green velvet, £1,499, Heal’s. Soren coffee table, £199, John Lewis & Partners. Flat rattan occasional chair, £275, Cox & Cox, is similar. Lava stone console table, £252, Raft. Lohals rug, £60, Ikea. Apple Blossom floral butterfly velvet cushion, £75; White Peony & Green Leaves velvet cushion, £55; Dusky Pink waffle throw, £79, all Rockett St George.

For similar yellow cushion, try the embroidered Mustard cushion, £55, Lillian Daph. Funnel mauve vase, £48; Green vase, £16, both Graham and Green. Sandrine Blue bowl, £19.50, Design Vintage.

Cane bulb vase, £35, French Connection Home. Recycled bottle vase, £55, Pale & Interesting

‘There are so many greens and some have little in common. When combining different shades, stick to using either yellow-based or blue-based greens.

Otherwise, you’ll have a very uncomfortable scheme.

The closer together the greens are, the better.’

Annie Sloan, colour expert

“

Whites with yellow or brown undertones work better with greens. For impact, use a pure white to give the richness of the green more punch – the contrast is so effective

”

EMILIE FOURNET, EMILIEFOURNETINTERIORS.COM

Baltimore dining table, £349; round back velvet chairs in Teal, Dusky Pink and Grey, £249 for two; patterned glass pendant light, £59; Capri table lamp, £59; Reactive glaze bottle vase, £7.50; tall vase, £15; seeded glass vase, £12.50; Amberly mug, £6; dinnerware, from £6 for a bowl, all M&S

Dark and light ‘Working with bold, dark colours is about balance, so mix in neutral and pale tones through furniture, accessories or other paints, to lighten the space. If you’re painting walls deep green, do the ceiling a crisp white.’ Judy Smith, colour consultant at Crown

“

Deep greens work as luxurious objects and accents – an upholstered piece placed in an otherwise neutral scheme can be striking

”

EMILIE FOURNET, INTERIOR DESIGNER

STYLE & DECOR

Perfect pairing ‘I love combining pink and green – there’s something incredibly fresh and soothing about it. They are opposites on the colour wheel, so create a beautiful contrast that’s easy to live with. Deep green adds a modern, edgy element to a soft pink, perfectly balancing the scheme while creating a sophisticated look.’ Judy Smith, colour consultant at Crown

Walls in Ulla, £43.50 for 2.5ltr absolute matt emulsion, Little Greene. Wall hanging in Coromandel in Malachite, £121.47m, Lewis & Wood. Honeysuckle print, £45, Kathy Hutton. Chrome bed in Dark Green clever velvet, £1,155 for a king-size, Loaf.

Athena Celadon bed linen, from £80 for a standard pillowcase, Yves Delorme. Cross quilt in Blush, £495, The Conran Shop. Side table, £1,850, Sebastian Cox. Brenna table lamp in Blackened Bronze, £168, Rowen & Wren. Elisabeth Ottebring Emerald pot, £45; Light water tumbler, £19, both The Conran Shop. For similar, try the Strom jug, £70, WA Green. Cushions in Trees Sea Forest, £89m, Parker & Jules

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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STYLE & DECOR

THE BEST

Deep greens

Panel in Green Sanctuary, £175 for three rolls, Mind The Gap. Chair, as before. Botanize Heritage bolster in Palm Green, £100, Divine Savages.

Originals nest of tables, £790, Ercol.

Dassie artisan White ceramic milk jug (shown as vase) £12.50, Trouva.

Rug, as before

VIBRANT NATURE Hopper absolute matt emulsion, £47 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

GLAM STATEMENT Adeline resistance ultra matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Graham & Brown

AN UPDATE ON GREY Steam Engine flat matt emulsion, £21.50 for 2.5ltr, Crown

RICH AND LUXURIOUS Indian Ivy 1 mixing matt, £29.16 for 2.5ltr, Dulux

Natural living

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

Designers and colour professionals share their views ■ ‘Use a colour that softens the green,’ says Emilie (interiordesigncollective.co.uk), ‘such as a pink or yellow. This will tone the dark green down.’

■ ‘Green really pops with gold or bronze touches that

will enhance its warmth,’ says Judy. ‘Or try something unexpected, like turquoise.’

■ ‘Match greens with red for opulence,’ she says. ‘My favourite pairing is green and blue – the colours of nature.’

■ ‘The shade you choose matters,’ says Emilie. ‘Eastfacing rooms that don’t get much light need a green that’s not too muddy.’

■ ‘North-facing rooms need richer greens,’ she continues, ‘which give you a feeling of being enveloped in colour.’

■ ‘Grey-green should be your go-to neutral,’ says Victoria Yardley of Victory Colours. Annie agrees: ‘Grey-greens are a forgiving base. They are luxurious and refined, but never cold.’

■ ‘My only rule is to consider how much light comes into the space when decorating with dark greens,’ says Judy.

‘South-facing rooms are best.’

■ ‘Of all the colours, green is the most versatile. There are so many combinations and moods you can create

STRONG BUT WARM Duck Green estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

with it – from bold and sophisticated to fresh and calming,’ says Judy.

■ ‘Deep green looks particularly striking in a period home. It’s a heritage colour that enhances the richness and grandeur of traditional features,’ she adds.

■ ‘Deep greens are receding colours with a short visual wavelength,’ says Marianne.

Plus, we associate green with wide open spaces, so touches of green can make your rooms appear larger.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? HEAD TO OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING STYLING SARITA SHARMA, SALLY DENNING PHOTOGRAPHS MAXWELL ATTENBOROUGH, POLLY WREFORD

‘The popularity of botanical designs shows no sign of waning; it is becoming more and more important to us to bring nature inside.’ Paula Taylor, colour and trends specialist at Graham & Brown

uniquely yours...

for our latest brochure

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STYLE & DECOR Dusky Blush Al Fresco paint, £17.95 for 750ml, Frenchic

French curves Update a vintage cabinet in a romantic dusky pink. Unscrew handles and knobs, then lightly sand and prime the surface.

Take out the drawers and paint the cabinet with several coats of chalk paint. Once dry, reattach the handles.

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH AND PROJECT @ANNIE.LOVEDAY

MAKE IT LAST Protect with a matt varnish or furniture wax

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VINTAGE CABINET Revamp pre-loved storage furniture with pretty chalk paint

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

43

Green A collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880

Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com

REAL HOME

A new vision

Olga Delwa took out walls and doors, then used simple design tricks to give her bland and gloomy flat a light, open feel with bags of character

Dining room Olga has given this featureless space character with gently contrasting colours and textures, and subtle wall art.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Sapporo velvet dining bench, ÂŁ549, Furniture Village, is similar.

Try Beatrix dining chairs in Pink velvet, ÂŁ119 each, Cult Furniture IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, 20th-century apartment in Berlin.

Olga has lived here since 2002.

“ Olga Delwa, who works in education, lives here with her two grown-up children.

O Take a quick tour...

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

DINING AREA

KITCHEN

BATHROOM

BEDROOM

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BEDROOM

This place is comforting, elegant and colourful – making it the perfect family nest

”

lga Delwa fell in love with the location of the property first: ‘The flat itself had little character and was in need of an overhaul,’ she says, ‘but it’s in a great spot in Berlin, so I put up with it for a few years.’ There was woodchip wallpaper everywhere, heavily varnished wooden floors, plastic window handles and a bog-standard bathroom.

The kitchen was poky and dark, too. Keen to give the apartment personality and colour, Olga was at a loss as to where to start, so called on architect Sandra Bruns of Atelier Raumfragen (raumfragen.de) for help. ‘We came up with a mood board that had clear objectives: Soho House style, English flair, colourful but coordinated, honest materials and custom-made features. Sandra suggested a colourful and intense scheme, and the overall impression was so comforting, cosy and elegant that I said “yes” immediately.’

The aim was to bring in warm, rich colours, natural materials and tactile textures throughout, so that one room flows easily into the next. Panelled walls, doors and trims are painted in sultry shades of plum, dark grey and soft green, which provides the perfect backdrop for luxe marble and tile finishes in the kitchen and bathroom, and plush furniture and furnishings in the living area and bedrooms. The layout of the space was reworked to open up a corridor leading to the original kitchen to create a brighter, more open-plan kitchen-diner that then leads into the living area.

New kitchen cabinets were fitted and the bathroom was refurbished. ‘From planning to completion, the work took nine months, with a few breaks in between,’ says Olga. ‘I wanted to create atmospheric spaces that stimulate you to cook, bathe and linger; to create an apartment with the feel-good factor.’

REAL HOME

“

The idea was to give personality to a flat that had little character, by adding beautiful features and harmonious colours

”

Hallway The striking combination of a statement wall mural in warm grey tones and the half pink wall sets the mood for the rest of the house.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Coordonne Kodo mural, £44.90sq m, Beut. George Nelson bench, £289, Mobelaris, is similar

Kitchen ‘There was a very small corridor that led to the kitchen, which made it quite dark,’ says Olga. ‘We opened it up to let more light in and create an open-plan layout.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Grey marble-effect laminate worktop, from £216 for a 3m length, Worktop Express

PAINTED LEDGE Matches the units to frame the stunning splashback

REAL HOME ‘I found the bench in a flea market and reupholstered it’

COOKBOOK SLOT Makes use of wasted inches

Hallway

Kitchen

Grey painted woodwork and a dramatic black console give this neutral space definition.

Soft-sheen units in rich plum and dark grey create a sleek look. ‘We’ve used the same palette throughout the apartment to create harmony.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar look, try the Slab kitchen in Dry Rose, from £25,000, 1909 Kitchens

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cara console table, £369.99, Wayfair, is this style. Down Pipe estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, is a comparable woodwork colour

I’ve spent a lot of time in “ Italy and am fascinated by the variety of marble there and how durable and beautiful it is. So when I saw the worktop, I fell in love

”

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OFF-CENTRE PENDANT Puts the focus on this corner seating area

Living room Purple painted panelling makes this neutral space cosy. ‘It lacked personality, so I was keen to add beautiful features and harmonious colour tones,’ says Olga.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Rydens Gross ceiling lamp in Smoke Grey, Dia50cm, £287, Nordic Nest

REAL HOME CEILING CURTAIN TRACK Flush fitted for a seamless look

Half-painted walls link the dining area to the kitchen units

Dining area

Living room

The open-plan layout flows easily from one room into the next with block colour on walls to help distinguish the different areas.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar pendants, try Boyd glass and brass globe lights, £80 each, Habitat. Woodstock Peacock chair in Black rattan, £1,299.99, Homes Direct 365, would also work here

Sanding back the once dark, heavily varnished floor to a light sheen has helped to maximise light coming in through the French doors, which lead out to a balcony.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Osaka corner sofa, from £2,429, Bo Concept, is similar. Try Olivia side table, £44, Maisons du Monde. Velvet blue rug, from £74.95, Benuta, has this look

“

The apartment has such a colourful and intense decor – the overall impression is so comforting, cosy and elegant

”

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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REAL HOME

SUBTLE CURTAIN A simple way to cover open shelving

Teal tones add warmth to marble surfaces

Bathroom

Main bedroom Olga’s bedroom proves that small can still be sumptuous, with plush velvet fabrics and a fabulous chandelier. The mix of mellow colours is balanced by plain white painted walls.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Delia green velvet upholstered bed, £599, Made, is this style. Regency pink velvet bedspread, £250, Habitat, would work. Try Carlton Art Deco chandelier, £375, Artisanti

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Don’t be alone in your vision – look for allies in likeminded people and don’t lose your nerve. Have staying power because in the end it will be worth it

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

”

FEATURE ANNE-CATHERINE SCOFFONI /LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPHS ANNE-CATHERINE SCOFFONI

The metal-framed shower screen has a solid lower panel to subtly divide the zones within the space.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar bespoke shower screen, around £2,000, Creative Glass Studio. Try Zellige Teal tiles, £42.48sq m, Porcelain Superstore

REAL HOME

Make it work for you OLGA’S STYLE: MODERN LUXE

Design-led style paired with ultra-glam furniture and accessories creates a chic and streamlined living space HIGH SHINE Beads Penta suspension light, £1,190, Nest

IDEAL

A POP OF PLUSH Hermione rug, £350, Habitat

COSY LUXE Form dining armchair in Blush Pink, £149, Danetti

GREAT DEAL

TEAL TOPPER Jago rug, £229, Made

SHELL BACK Laila dining chair, £229 for two, Dunelm

JAPANESE FLAIR Kyoto cushion, £24.95, Folk Interiors

FINE LINES Black Swan Poppy velvet cushion, £75, The French Bedroom Company FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

IN A BUBBLE Twelve bauble chandelier light, £221.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

TWICE AS USEFUL Nordal side table, £249.99, Wayfair

BURNISHED BEAUTY Jagger acacia sideboard, £865, Maisons du Monde

CHIC FRAME Aula side table, £179, Made

SUPER SLEEK Ottone sideboard, £499, Dwell IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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REAL HOME Explore Berlin’s popular Museum Island

Ascend the Panoramapunkt to see the city from above

Love the location BERLIN, GERMANY

FEATURE RUTH CORBETT PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Olga Delwa lives in the historic heart of Germany, home to a wealth of culture, art and green spaces HOW TO GET THERE Ryanair and Easyjet both fly direct from the UK for around £50 return.

THE LOCAL AREA At Bebelplatz, stop to see the sunken library – a memorial to the 1933 book burning. Enjoy some shopping along the elegant arcades of Friedrichstrasse. Further along you’ll find Checkpoint Charlie.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE The Humboldt Forum, opens in September and will host concerts, talks and interactive exhibitions – a must for culture vultures. Climb the Reichstag for the city views.

Stroll along the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall

Visit the beautiful Charlottenburg Palace and potter around its pretty gardens

WHERE TO STAY Art’otel Berlin Mitte (artotelberlinmitte.com) is a contemporary, city-centre hotel, with a great cocktail bar. Rooms from £88.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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STYLE SECRETS

HOW TO CREATE A WALL DISPLAY Everyday objects can be put to good use as alternative wall art for a decorative feature

COLOUR THEME Tie the collection together by sticking to a consistent colour

Plate scatter Choose plates in different sizes, but for an arrangement that feels cool, calm and considered, measure the same distance between them.

STYLE & DECOR

Hat parade A line of pegs fixed alongside a doorway will give you a place to store and show off a collection of characterful hats.

ESSENTIAL OVERLAP Hang hats closely as gaps will reduce visual impact

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Boho basket art A loose grouping of large and small woven trays, positioned on the wall asymmetrically, will add texture, warmth and colour to a whitepainted room.

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COLOUR MATCH Repeat the colours on accessories for a cohesive effect

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS (BOHO BASKET ART) FRENCH CONNECTION HOME; TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

STYLE & DECOR

ALIGNED GRAIN Hang boards with the grain in the same direction for a tidier finish

Beautiful boards Why hide away the gorgeous grain and colour of your wooden chopping boards, when you can use them to add style to your kitchen or dining area?

Beautiful doors.

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Browse over 500 beautiful timber door designs and our exclusive ironmongery range, all covered by our price match guarantee. Superior doors at surprisingly affordable prices.

Go online: www.todd-doors.co.uk Call: 0800 633 5050 Visit your local showroom Showrooms: Bournemouth | High Wycombe | Northolt | Reading | St Albans | Twickenham | Palmers Green Price match guarantee: If you ďŹ nd the same door cheaper within 7 days of placing your order and our competitor has the product in stock, we will refund you the difference.

THE BIG QUESTION

Should you decorate with uplifting quotes?

Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. But do you really need a reminder hanging on your wall?

Yes

No

“

They pick me up when times are tough

”

Jane Hawkes, 44, lives with her husband Andrew in a four-bedroom new-build detached house in Gloucestershire. Jane is a mystery shopper and customer service blogger (ladyjaney.co.uk).

‘Everywhere I look in our house, there’s a quote to inspire me. The place is packed with them – mainly on little wooden signs and slates on rope hangers. I buy them myself, but friends and family buy them for me, too – and then they take on extra significance, as they become connected with the person who bought them.

It’s hard to pick a favourite quote. Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle and She said she could, so she did are among my top picks. And a sign my mum bought for me never fails to give me a lift – Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you think, and loved more than you know. Whenever I look at it, I can almost hear her saying it – like she’s giving me a pep talk.

I’ve had multiple sclerosis for 22 years now.

It’s a roller coaster, and some days are tougher than others. Sometimes, I just have to dig a bit deeper – and being surrounded by inspiring words helps me do that.

Some of the quotes may seem overly cute or clichéd, but there’s a lot more thought involved than people might imagine. It’s all about self-care and reminding us to value ourselves. Guests say my signs look lovely, and they’re a real talking point. They definitely play an important role in my life.’

“

Sometimes, I have to dig a bit deeper; being surrounded by inspiring words helps me to do that

FEATURE JANE MURPHY

”

“

They’re twee, smug and insincere

”

Emma Page, 50, lives with her husband Ben and the youngest of their three sons, Bruno, 15, in a 1960s detached house in Kent. Emma is a cake decorator (emmapagecakes.co.uk).

‘Those so-called inspirational quotes are just twee, smug, insincere and lacking in any kind of warmth whatsoever. I find them very boring to look at. More to the point, they’re rarely attributable to anyone. I mean, who came up with these nuggets of wisdom, and what gives them the right to offer unsolicited advice?

They’re so ubiquitous nowadays, too. You can’t go into a craft or gift shop without being bombarded with their terrible tweeness, all dangling around on bits of old driftwood and ceramic hearts. It’s hard to pick the most annoying – but Live, Laugh, Love is a particular bugbear of mine. And Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened makes me feel physically sick.

The trouble is, my friends and family know how much I hate them, so they tend to buy them for me just to wind me up! The one positive is that they’re usually made from cheap, thin wood, so I use them as kindling.

These quotes say nothing interesting – or even funny – about us as individuals. They’re the home accessories equivalent of saying, “Cheer up, love – it might never happen”. I suppose the sentiment is what matters if someone buys one for you as a genuine gift.

But our house is mid-century with minimal decor, so even if I did have a complete change of heart, they wouldn’t suit our style.

Have I ever seen one I liked? My friend has a sign in her kitchen that reads Raising children is like being pecked to death by chickens.

That struck a chord, and Personalised love I couldn’t help but smile. map print, from £15 unframed, Of But I don’t think it really Life and Lemons counts as inspirational...’

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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REAL HOME

The joy of colour Katrijn Berkelmans and Wim Visser’s standardlooking 1960s house has a surprise inside – it’s a masterclass in bold colour and pattern

Love

KATRIJN’S STYLE? Turn to page 71 to shop the look

Living room Katrijn has used the same bold palette throughout: ‘In one room the blue will be more prominent, while in another there will be more pink or green or gold,’ she says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Sari Silk blue flatweave rug, £375, John Lewis & Partners, is similar

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Dining area Statement wallpaper puts this end of the room in the spotlight. ‘At the end of the day, we have a drink here.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cocarde wallpaper, £69.60 a roll, Christian Lacroix at Designer Wallpapers, is comparable

BOHO DISPLAY Plates and badges over pattern give a layered effect

Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A two bedroom detached 1960s house in SintMichielsgestel, north of Eindhoven in The Netherlands.

“

Katrijn Berkelmans, an interior designer, lives here with her husband Wim Visser, an entrepreneur, and their daughter, Julia, 13.

H Take a quick tour...

BEDROOM BEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR

DINING AREA

LIVING ROOM

KITCHEN

GROUND FLOOR

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

It was important for us to create a home that has soul and reflects us, rather than something that looks like a showroom

”

aving lived in a new build for 13 years, Katrijn and Wim Berkelmans fell for a detached 1960s house just 10 minutes away from where they were living, that was crying out for a revamp. ‘I liked our previous house but it was hard to make it one of a kind,’ says Katrijn.

‘With this house, we fell for the location, charm and possibilities. It was a project I could put my creativity into. It was a spontaneous decision, but within two weeks we had sold our home and bought it.’

The couple soon got stuck into making the house work for their way of life. Downstairs, doors were removed to create a more broken-plan (flexible) layout, to link the kitchen, living room and dining room, while the four bedrooms upstairs were knocked into two. ‘We prefer having two spacious bedrooms instead of four quite small ones,’ says Katrijn. ‘It was easy; we simply removed two walls and blocked up two doors. We have a big garage where, in time, we could build an extra bedroom with bathroom, should we need them.’

The work was done before the family moved in, so they escaped the worst of the four-month renovation, which included rewiring, replacing the heating system and windows, insulating, and fitting underfloor heating and French doors. Now the couple view the house as their forever home and the project has increased its value, too. ‘This house is more special now and the layout is more flowing,’ says Katrijn. Once the basics were sorted, she could let loose her love of colour and pattern. With 18 different wallpapers, and myriad vibrant paint colours, no two walls are the same. Added to that are her collections of quirky plates and artwork, and vintage furniture: ‘I like to create a tension between old and new,’ she says. ‘It gives a room unique character.’

REAL HOME

PLATE DISPLAY Gives the simple kitchen a hit of pattern

“

The patterns and colours match, for balance. Even if it’s edgy, that puts you at ease

”

Kitchen The cabinetry looks black, but it’s actually midnight blue, proving that dark colours can work in small spaces.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For the cabinetry, try Railings modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Jaipur Rose in Sumi is a similar blind fabric, £60m, Designers Guild

Kitchen To add contrast and detail to the dark kitchen, Katrijn glammed the space up with beautiful gold wallpaper. ‘I love the rabbit tray art against it,’ she says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Arte Monsoon wallpaper, £131 a roll, Wallpaper Sales. Ibride Zhao tray, £113, Nunido. My Superhero vase, £115, Jasmin Djerzic

DRINKS TROLLEY Frees up cupboard space and makes entertaining easier

REAL HOME

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Balance is important.

We chose light wooden flooring throughout downstairs as there’s a lot of colour on the walls and soft furnishings

”

Dining area With its deep teal-painted walls, the dining space has a calm, comforting feel. A pair of birdcage pendants put the focus on the table.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Mid-century 6-8 seater walnut table, £799, West Elm, and Rivington chairs in Deep Green, £129 each, Barker and Stonehouse, are similar

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

67

Main bedroom ‘I love using colourful fabrics and patterns teamed with natural materials, such as wool, linen and silk, but I always want to give it my own twist.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Eulia bed in Seafoam Blue velvet, £429 for a king-size, Made, is similar.

Maya traditional Jaipur quilt, £120, Ian Snow at Trouva, is this style

WALL LIGHTS A quick route to boutique hotel style

REAL HOME

FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS LOUIS LEMAIRE/INSIDEHOMEPAGE STYLING ESTHER LOONSTIJN

DON’T MISS THE DETAILS...

Clockwise from top left: Katrijn used Osborne & Little’s iconic Butterfly Garden wallpaper to brighten up the hallway; a family-heirloom chest stands out beautifully against vibrant walls in the main bedroom; a compact vintage cabinet adds character and tableware storage in the dining room; bold walls, muted patterns and rustic tables give the main bedroom boho style

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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REAL HOME

Make it work for you KATRIJN’S STYLE: ECLECTIC MIX

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD HOOKWAY

MY GO-TO STORES…

A lively combination of vibrant colours, patterns and textures work in harmony to create a contemporary look

●

MADE IN DESIGN Good for the latest furniture trends and classic design icons, plus great accessories.

A textured wall stops the colour blocking looking flat

●

DESIGNER WALLPAPERS Quality wallpapers in statement designs, from bold botanicals to modern geo styles.

DESIGN ICON La Voliere large two tier pendant lamp, £640, Beaumonde

●

AMARA A great source of cool and quirky home accessories.

TROPICAL TEXTURES Eli cushion, £25, M&S

WINGED WALL ART Christian Lacroix Butterfly Parade plate, £49, Amara

CLASSIC COMFORT Harry extra-large sofa in Drift linen, £1,949, Sofa Workshop

STYLIST’S NOTE

“

FADED BEAUTY Louis De Poortere medallion rug in Jade, £361, Naken Interiors

COLOUR BLOCK Hay Moroccan large Green vase, £65, Liberty

Create balance in an eclectic scheme by sticking to a similar colour palette and coordinating patterns throughout STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

GLAM STORAGE Rhonda antique gold mirrored shelf unit, £175, Artisanti

”

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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READER OFFER Hurst day bed, £1,295

Indoor outdoor hanging chair, £375

Turin lounge set, £1,200

ENJOY 20% OFF AT COX & COX THIS SPRING Get your home and garden ready for warmer times with this special discount

W

ave goodbye to winter days and give your home and garden a welcome spring update with a special 20% discount at Cox & Cox. Whether you’re in full spring cleaning mode and are finally looking to replace that tired old sofa, or you’ve caught the decluttering bug and are in need of some beautiful storage solutions for your newly organised home office, Cox & Cox has you covered. Plus, its new luxury outdoor living collection means you

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

can show your garden a bit of love, too, and get it ready for (hopefully) many sunny days ahead. Better yet, some of the pieces work both inside and out – ideal if you have a garden room or conservatory to kit out.

Cox & Cox prides itself on having quality pieces to suit every interiors style – from fresh new looks to perennial favourites, timeless classics, glamorous deco accents and, of course, the latest musthave trends – so you’re sure to find something you love.

HOW TO REDEEM Simply enter the code IDEALHOME20 when you check out online at coxandcox.co.uk TERMS AND CONDITIONS Promotional codes are not valid against discounted and sale items or gift vouchers.

Only one promotional offer can be used at any one time. Code expires midnight 5 May 2020. Discount does not apply to delivery.

STYLE & DECOR

EASY STYLE UPDATES

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

PHOTOGRAPH JOANNE HENDERSON STYLING NICKY PHILLIPS

Hay Eiffel Tower coffee table, £205; Eleanor Prichard Sourdough cushions, £148 each; Eleanor Prichard Sourdough blanket, £296; Hay dot cushion in Warm Yellow, £69, all Nest. Bowl on stand, £80, A New Tribe.

Oren stoneware jug, £25, Habitat. Posing Line 50x70cm poster is similar, £21.95 unframed; Black 50x70 frame, £23.95, both Desenio. Storm Green bowl, £46; Brunel stool, £99, both Heal’s

1 PAINT A BAND OF WARM COLOUR Wrap your room with a touch of peachy-pink, by painting from the

skirting boards up to the middle of the wall and finish with a crisp, straight edge. Go for a darker shade to create a bolder look but keep the top half of the wall bright white, as well as the ceiling too.

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Kagera bathroom tap in Miami Pink, £129.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

2

THINK PINK WITH A NEW BATHROOM TAP

3

MAKE A HANGING DISPLAY

Updating your fixtures and fittings is a great way to give your bathroom a new look, but why just stick to chrome, brass or black? Inject some colour and fun into your space with a pastel pink tap that will instantly transform your basin, too. Also available in Mint Green and White.

Large modern textured original abstract painting, from £1,200, Abstract House

Mirror botanical bedding by hanging a dry, fallen tree branch with rope and using to display plants and prints.

4

GO FOR OVERSIZED ARTWORK Hang a supersized piece of art. Position it evenly between the top of your sofa and a picture rail, or the spot where the wall meets the ceiling.

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STYLE & DECOR

5 DRESS A DINING TABLE Have two sets of table linen – one in deep, rich

colours for winter and a crisp cotton runner for summer. Allow for an overhang of no more than 50cm each end, and a width that lets one fifth of the tabletop show on each side.

6 REFRESH YOUR ROOM WITH A BOTANICAL BLIND Give a neutral room a fresh new look with leafy green botanicals.

Start off small, with cushions in a mix of lush leaf patterns, or a trio of framed greenery prints above the sofa.

Or, for a bolder look, add an accent chair in a lively pattern or a row of fern fabric blinds.

STYLE & DECOR

7

Blenheim three-seater sofa in Coral velvet, £1,599, DFS

PLUMP FOR A COLOURPOP SOFA Take a living space from drab to fab with a vibrant sofa.

Velvet upholstery comes in every colour of the rainbow, and can be treated to be both child and pet friendly.

8 HANG A PEGRAIL SHELF IN THE KITCHEN Combine a peg rail for mugs, jugs and utensils with a slim shelf above for displaying and storing tableware.

Paint it in the same shade as the wall for a seamless look.

Juniper stem bedding, from £25; Flower Tile cushions in Deep Duck Egg and Olive, £40 each; Acapulco pillowcases, £25 for two, all Orla Kiely at John Lewis & Partners

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UPDATE WITH RETRO FLORAL BEDDING

Choose some new linens that reflect the season, but will see you through to the cooler months, too. This sunny, floral design will look just as striking in winter, layered up with faux furs, as it does now with crisp white sheets.

Speckled Blush side plates, £70 for six; dinner plates, £85 for six; cereal bowls, £70 for six; mugs, £65 for six, all Cox & Cox

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STYLE & DECOR

10 HIGHLIGHT DECORATIVE DETAILS A painted border will pick out period door frames and skirting boards. Measure an 8-10cm border and use masking tape to create a crisp, straight line. If you already have colour on the walls, choose a deeper shade.

11 EMBRACE A PATTERN CLASH A small-scale patterned wallpaper is a great way to lend interest to your scheme without it looking too busy. Pair with accessories such as cushions and lampshades featuring larger-scale patterns in different designs.

Kirby wallpaper in Ochre, price on request, Blithfield. Lilly Cream cushion, £135; Osborne Yellow cushion, £85; Mali Beige/Blue cushion, £85; Lilly Indigo cushion, £135, all Wicklewood

Integra Nova kitchen in Matt Slate and Matt White, from £2,980, Magnet

12 BRING SOME BLING INTO YOUR KITCHEN

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Whether fitting a new kitchen or updating your existing one, smart finishing touches will elevate the design. Try metallic accents on lighting, seating and appliances, and on plug sockets and drawer trims, too.

13 PAINT YOUR OWN GEO-INSPIRED FEATURE WALL If painting your walls

seems a little scary, try a geo mural to ensure perfectly straight lines.

Split the wall into three graphic shapes and use decorating tape to get crisp lines, before painting each shape in a pastel colour.

14 UPCYCLE A TABLE WITH YELLOW PAINT Bring traditional pieces of furniture up to date with cheery yellow paint. Rather than the whole table, stick to the legs and sides, leaving the top bare, and give it all a sand afterwards for a distressed look.

15 STYLE UP OPEN SHELVING However modest your space, squeeze in a small-footprint display unit for books, pictures and favourite pieces, sprinkling colourful items here and there to catch the eye. Try to reflect colours already in the room, in your artwork or furniture.

Dice tall shelving unit in Dusty Green, £379, John Lewis & Partners

16 ADD A JAZZY BATH MAT TO YOUR SHOWER SCHEME Ditch the damp and fraying bath mat that’s sat on your bathroom floor for way too long, and upgrade to something far more fun and exotic, like this tufted Ellie bath mat from Anthropologie. It will bring a pop of colour to a plain scheme and feels super soft under feet. What a treat!

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Ellie bath mat, £48, Anthropologie

STYLE & DECOR

17 HANG BOWLS ON THE WALL Create a wall display using your favourite bowls, plates or even some shallow woven baskets, arranged in a relaxed pattern. Adding in a couple of circular wall mirrors helps to make it become a striking feature.

Pine needle bowls, from £48 each; inlay tray, from £165; Tiger Tiger Pink cushion, £135; Saltaire Orange cushion, £85; small Medallion Green cushion, £85, all Wicklewood

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STYLE & DECOR

18 MAKE PLANTS PART OF YOUR DECOR Soften the hard edges of a home office with a cluster of houseplants.

Go for varying heights, leaf shapes and pot styles, and try painting a band of dark charcoal or black along the lower half of the wall, to make the lush greens pop.

19 CURB HALLWAY CLUTTER WITH A BENCH Ensure your entryway remains a calming space to welcome you home and greet guests, by giving everything a home. A bench seat with hidden storage plus a coat rack means no excuses for piles of shoes and coats.

Dorset White tall bench with coat rack, £1,100, Laura Ashley

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BE BOLD WITH BLACK AND BLOCK COLOUR

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Who says you can’t have fun with colour in the kitchen? Go bold with painted black units and vibrant colour-block walls to shake things up. Paint the woodwork in a different colour altogether, for extra interest.

FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

Kitchen and bathroom paint in Spiced Rum, Bronze Storm and Renaissance Fresco, all £27 for 2.5ltr, Valspar

Made to order

Gemma and Ed Mehmed managed to see past the woodchip and completely reinvented this 1970s house, taking their family’s evolving needs as their starting point

DOUBLE-SIDED FIREPLACE Warmth and division of space in an open-plan extension

Love

GEMMA’S FIREPLACE? Turn to page 93 to shop the look

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REAL HOME

Dining room ‘We knew we wanted our living and dining spaces to be open plan.

In the future, though, we might add dividing screens here to create separate spaces,’ says Gemma.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Table in ash and steel, approx £1,600, Steel Vintage. J104 chairs, £185 each, Hay at Made in Design. E27 pendants, £65 each, Muuto at Amara

Welcome to my home

Gemma Mehmed lives here with her husband Ed and their children, Fred, six and Ottilie, four. Ed is a partner in a consultancy firm; Gemma is a stay-athome mum.

THE PROPERTY A four-bed detached 1960s house in Suffolk.

Take a quick tour...

THE VALUE Bought in 2016 for £390,000; now valued at £750,000.

“

As soon as Ed and I saw it, we looked at each other and felt the excitement build

”

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EN SUITE

PANTRY

ENTRANCE HALL

KITCHEN/ DINING/LIVING AREA

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BEDROOM

BEDROOM MEZZANINE

BEDROOM

BEDROOM BATHROOM

GROUND FLOOR

emma and Ed swapped their dream home for the challenge of a real project. ‘We’d moved out of London and bought a beautiful, historic country house in Norfolk,’ says Gemma. ‘It was the most perfect setting, but Ed was away Monday to Thursday and the reality of living apart wasn’t working for us. The decision to move wasn’t easy, as it felt like we were giving up on a dream, but we do love a project.’

The couple settled on Ipswich as Ed grew up in the area and they had family and friends there. ‘What attracted us to this house was its centre plot, and its location close to 70 acres of parkland,’ says Gemma.

‘The house’s décor was unapologetically ugly; all 1970s woodchip with pine ceilings and deep wall colours. But while dated, dark and lacking in flow, it was clearly a well-loved family home and it had a good energy about it.’

‘We spent a year planning the build and our architect, Rich Skinner (archea.co) was uncompromising on the principles of providing us with no more house than we needed and, importantly, no less,’ says Gemma. Focussing

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DRESSING ROOM

BOOT ROOM

FIRST FLOOR a lot on liveability, we wanted to think about the design elements that really help us as a family. Working through these was the key value for us, in the design process, and where good architects provide huge value.’

The main requirements were to restore balance to the house, and a small two storey side extension allowed Ed and Gemma to do this. ‘We also wanted to increase the tree views by adding more glazing and to brighten the middle of the house. Lastly, we wanted an open-plan space, that connected us to each other and the outside.’

The project wasn’t without its snags: ‘A low point was realising that the paint system for our exterior cladding didn’t comply with building regulations. In the end, we had to use bog-standard barn paint,’ says Gemma.

In the end, though, the couple achieved their aims: ‘We had a strong image in our minds of the house we wanted to create and took inspiration from Nordic cabins and Japanese shou sugi ban (charred timber cladding) for the exterior, and light flooded, Scandi-style natural interiors. We absolutely love the end result.’

REAL HOME

The décor was unapologetically “ugly – all 1970s woodchip, pine ceilings and deep wall colours ”

Kitchen ‘We worked with a local designer to get this Scandi-look kitchen, inspired by the beautiful designs at Plain English and DeVol.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Kitchen, from £20,000 excluding appliances, SG Designs. Silestone Quartz Eternal worktop in Calacatta Gold, £400m, sourced by builder

Kitchen FREESTANDING ISLAND Take it with you when you move

‘We’ve kept it simple and used soft pinks, golds and greys, which adds to the relaxed feel’

‘Picture windows make the most of the views and full-height doors create flow’

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This space is the only one with colour on the wall – Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster – which pulls together and warms the wood tones.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Grain pendants, £109 each, Made in Design

REAL HOME

WALL SCONCE For accent lighting without the need for side tables

Living room This space overlooks the garden, so a built-in window seat was added for enjoying the views as well as for storage for the children’s toys. ‘We put in bigger windows to frame the views and stop the middle of the house being dark,’ says Gemma.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Palermo three-seater sofa, £3,199, Heal’s. Ercol Originals coffee table, about £400, on eBay. Workstead Orbit sconce, £912.50, Another Country. Throw, £125, Tina Ratzer at Hus & Hem

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Take the time to plan. We spent a year planning, as we wanted design elements that would help us as a family and working through these was the key value in the process

”

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‘Our dressing room is hidden away behind a false wall and adds a bit of luxury’

En-suite bathroom ‘We wanted the bathrooms to be warm and luxurious. Sometimes we all pile in, with music and candles lit.

Even our cat joins in!’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Mono stone resin bath, £1,895, Lusso Stone.

Hay Strap mirror, £165, Tea and Kate

Main bedroom ‘We wanted our room to be clutter-free, so the huge bed virtually fills the room and the decor is simple so the focus is on the view, instead.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Polka super king bed, £1,400, Designers Guild. Lazy linen bedding, from £40, Loaf

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FEATURE CIARA ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHS RACHAEL SMITH

MIXED LINENS Layer colours by mixing bedding bundles

REAL HOME

FLAG FESTOON Adds pretty detail and creates a canopy effect

Spare bedroom ‘This room was designed for rest and calm for our friends from London. We continued the simple colour palette in here, so the small amount of pink pulls out the natural tones in the fir wall cladding.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar bed, try the Pimlico, £995, The White Company. White flag garland, £15.95, Tea and Kate

WALL & FLOOR TILES / BATHROOMS / PAINT / DESIGN SERVICE To find out more visit our London Studio or claybrookstudio.co.uk

REAL HOME

Make it work for you

GEMMA’S CHOICE: A DOUBLE-SIDED FIREPLACE Whether shared between two rooms or a central focus in one, a dual-aspect fireplace will make a red-hot design statement Dual-aspect fireplaces boast serious wow factor. Popular in open-plan rooms, they can be used to help zone different areas without losing the sense of space, light or socialness.

is more prominent. In Gemma’s home, the stove fits within a partition wall, hiding the flue.

Q

Why should I get one?

Besides their striking looks, double-sided fireplaces are usually double-depth, so they will kick out a lot of heat. Around 8-13Kw is the norm. The larger grate means you can put on bigger logs, or more coal, so you won’t have to add fuel as frequently.

Are they safe?

Another reason to install within a wall is that it reduces the chances of collisions and the fireplace can be more easily guarded. Freestanding stoves bolted to the floor or suspended from the ceiling will benefit from at least a metre radius of clear floor space. Look for an Airwash stove that has cooler glass if you have small children.

Q

Q

Q

Can they heat two rooms?

If you install one between two rooms, the heat will spread further into your home. It’s important to get the right heat output for the whole space – your installer will advise. Doublesided stoves are often only controllable from one side, so make sure the controls are in the room you’ll use most.

Q

How do I hide the flue?

One downside to a doublesided fireplace in an open-plan room is that the flue or chimney

Two rooms can feel the benefit of a real fire in Gemma’s home

How much do they cost?

Smaller models can cost around £800, but £1,400 plus is standard. However, the installation costs are the same for a double-sided as a single, so it can work out cheaper than installing two separate stoves.

BEST FOR…

“

Make sure the ‘distance to combustibles’ measurement is observed on both sides of your double fireplace before you buy – each stove varies CHRIS BAINES, MENDIP STOVES

”

FINDING FITTERS Hetas.co.uk has a full directory of approved installers – just pop in your postcode to browse.

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

IDEAL HOME LOVES… DOUBLE-SIDED STOVES

EASY ACCESS Controlled from both sides for convenient use.

DSA 12 insert stove, 9Kw, £3,449, Scan

FEEL THE HEAT At 55.4cm deep, this stove is perfect for heating two rooms.

Aspect 4 double depth, 9.5Kw, £1,989, Ludlow Stoves

EXPERT ADVICE Rangemoors has been the leading stove, chimney and flue specialist in the South West since 1974. Now, you can shop online (don’t miss the seasonal sales), and get expert advice.

SEE THROUGH The Airwash system ensures a clear view.

Woodland double-sided catalyst, 8Kw, £1,950, Mendip Stoves

BUYING BRITISH Vesta Stoves of Lancashire makes steel woodburning and multi-fuel stoves that have a lifetime guarantee when fitted by one of their approved installers.

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SPACE & LIGHT

SPACE & LIGHT

Smart solutions to help any home feel bigger & brighter

40 pages of pure inspirationÉ 96

Inspiring extension, conversion and build stories Real-life projects, from basement pools to loft rooms

104 A room with a view Readers’ garden rooms

106 Take the indoors

124 ‘We built a huge kitchen-

outdoors Ready-made garden buildings 109 How to choose new windows 116 Storage fixes for bedrooms

diner from scratch’ 130 ‘Simple pieces make this bathroom feel spacious’ 136 ‘This garden is like having an extra room’ IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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‘We put in a basement swimming pool’ Family life nudged Jen and Fred Foss to enlarge their West London home, adding a basement with a pool and a rear extension to rejig the property’s living space

FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS MATT CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

K

nowing they’d need more space for their sons Hal, 13, and twins Albie and Benny, 11, Jen, who is a nurse, and Fred, an entrepreneur, had to choose between moving out of London to a larger home or adapting the one they had.

‘We converted the loft when the twins were born, but hadn’t made any changes since,’ says Jen, who was keen to rejig the space they did have. ‘We wanted to create a house that allowed some flow and calm.’

‘I’d seen a project by Ade Architecture (ade-architecture.co.uk) in a magazine that I liked,’ says Jen, who went on to hire the team. ‘They asked what my fantasy home would be like, so as a joke I said it’d be great to have a basement pool.’ Together, they came up with the idea to extend to the rear, creating a new kitchen-diner and utility room, and to excavate a basement level.

The new basement includes a guest room, plant room, storage and TV room for the boys. ‘I wanted a space where they could hang out but not feel like we were

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all on top of each other,’ says Jen. It also has her longed-for pool. ‘We used a ready-made kit which made it affordable,’ she says. Although the pool was her dream, it’s the new utility room that Jen has come to appreciate the most. ‘It gets used a lot with three boys at home,’ she says.

The build process was challenging at times. ‘When we dug out the basement, we hit water,’ says Jen. ‘I came down and saw a man up to his thighs in it! It cost a lot to fix. You can’t always foresee these things, even if you do all the necessary surveys,’ she says. ‘You have to like the team you’re working with. It’s important to have good craftsmen and builders who take pride in what they do. Then you get the best outcome,’ says Jen. ‘Samir, our builder (sdabuildlondon.co.uk), was a solutions person. If we had any difficulties, he dealt with them in a calm way,’ says Jen. ‘The project has been transformative.

There’s a place for everything now and the house has a lovely flow. I’m really happy with the way we’re able to live our lives here. We’ve created our forever home.’

GLASS PAVING Channels light into the basement beneath

The project cost approximately £500,000 and the house is now worth between £1.8 and £2 million

Take a quick tour...

GROUND FLOOR

LIVING ROOM

UTILITY ROOM

KITCHENDINER

STORE

LOWER GROUND FLOOR

POOL TV ROOM

GUEST ROOM STORE

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A minimalist staircase leads to the basement. ‘It’s one of the features I love most,’ says Jen

SPACE & LIGHT

BEFORE Fred and Jen bought the Victorian terrace in 2006 for £585,000

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

BASEMENT CONVERSIONS Samir Ene from SDA Build London shares his top tips THEY’RE A GREAT SOLUTION WHEN YOU’RE SURROUNDED If you don’t have room to extend outwards, a basement will give you the space you need, while adding value to your property.

THEY’RE SUPER VERSATILE From an extra bedroom or utility room to a gym, cinema room or swimming pool, a basement can be used for anything.

YOU WILL NEED TO SEEK APPROVALS If it’s a space to live in, you’ll need planning permission and building regulation approval.

‘We used a readymade swimming pool kit, which made it affordable,’ says Jen

“

When we dug out the basement, we hit water. I came down and saw a man up to his thighs in it! It cost a lot to fix.

You can’t always foresee these things, even if you have a survey

”

WATERPROOFING IS KEY TO SUCCESS Waterproofing should be top priority when excavating a basement to prevent flooding by ground swell or water damage.

YOU WILL NEED PARTY WALL AGREEMENTS Get your neighbours on side before submitting a planning application. If they object, you may have to amend your plans.

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‘We turned the loft into a yoga room’ A desire to declutter prompted Ronny Razin and Daphna Sharf-Razin to transform their dumping ground of a loft into a chill-out zone

“

JULIET BALCONY Allows for taller windows to let in more light

3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

LOFT CONVERSIONS Joseph Brown, project architect at Amos Goldreich Architecture, shares his top tips ‘It feels different in here to the rest of the house,’ says Ronny

EXPERTS ARE NEEDED The existing floor and roof structure should be reviewed by a professional to ensure the building can accommodate the extra structural load.

Having an expert on hand was important – sometimes it’s okay to pay more to manage any unforeseen disasters that crop up

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PLENTY OF HEADROOM IS ESSENTIAL If the existing height from the floor to the underside of the roof ridge is more than 2.2m, it’s likely a conversion is possible.

Otherwise, it is possible (but costly) to lower the floor below.

”

YOU MAY REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION Most often you won’t need it, but if your property is listed, in a conservation area or in an area with an Article 4 direction, you will need to seek advice.

FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS OLLIE HAMMICK

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onny, a professor The space of economics, is a hideaway and Daphna, but also has lots of hidden an occupational eaves storage therapist, had lived in their three-bed Victorian house in north London with their children Neeve, 14, and Iddo, 20, for more than 10 years before they decided to tackle the loft.

‘We used to chuck everything in the loft, so it was a bit of mess up there,’ says Ronny.

‘Another reason for converting it was to make the upstairs brighter.’ Local planning restrictions meant they were unable to extend the attic. ‘We worked with Amos Goldreich Architecture (agarchitecture.net) to create a design that would maximise the space we had,’ says Ronny, ‘and incorporated lots of storage into the lower part of the roof.’

But the project wasn’t without its delays. ‘The builders dropped a steel beam in the loft, causing our bedroom ceiling to fall in,’ says Ronny. But the wait was worth it for the extra room.

‘It’s a refuge, particularly for Daphna and our cat. I use it to work from home. Daphna uses it for yoga and sometimes sleeps in there when she can’t stand my snoring! We love the loft. It’s well-designed and beautiful.’

Light from the new loft room brightens up the whole stairwell

SPACE & LIGHT

‘We built an extension and roof terrace’ BEFORE

Andrew Reynolds and Shafraz Jetha added a big kitchen-diner to their Victorian home without losing precious outside space

S

hafraz Jetha, a stay-athome mum and Andrew Reynolds, a finance director, share their five-bedroom home with their daughter Hanaa, 15. They lived in it for 20 years before deciding to give it a complete overhaul.

‘The house was falling apart,’ says Shafraz. ‘The electrics, plumbing and boiler were all going. We had damp everywhere and it was a dark, cold place to live.’ The house did have a kitchen extension with steps leading down from the rear bedroom, but it left the side return as wasted space.

‘The kitchen was long and had a leaky skylight. It was a poky set of rooms at the back,’ she explains. ‘I wanted an expansive, light-filled house to create a sense of openness.’

The couple brought in Paul Archer Design (paularcherdesign.co.uk), which came up with a plan to build a new extension to create a bigger kitchen-diner with a roof terrace on top. ‘Paul shared our vision for a house that was more harmonious for family living, while retaining a lot of the original features,’ says Shafraz.

‘You wouldn’t get planning permission for a balcony in this street now – it’s only because we already had a small one thanks to the old extension built 30 years ago that we inherited the rights,’ says Andrew.

Reflecting on the build, the couple learned a lot. ‘If we were to do it again, we’d be a lot more decisive and try not to change our minds too much once construction had started,’ says Shafraz. Now, the house is just right for them. ‘It’s a lighter, brighter, warmer place to live,’ says Shafraz.

The project cost £600,000 and the property is now worth approximately £2 million

Shafraz and Andrew bought the south London Victorian terraced house in 1997 for £400,000

CORTEN STEEL Creates a modern framework and balustrade

Take a quick tour...

BEDROOM

BEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR

BEDROOM

LIVING ROOM

GROUND FLOOR

STUDY KITCHEN

ROOF TERRACE

DINING AREA

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‘During the summer, the roof terrace is a fantastic place to sit and have a coffee in the morning,’ says Andrew

ROOF LIGHT Lets light pour in to the kitchen’s work space

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

The couple made the new kitchen a simple white space, complete with marble surfaces for luxurious texture

The rear bedroom now benefits from extra light, thanks to the large balcony

ROOF TERRACES Paul Archer from Paul Archer Design gives us the lowdown PLANNING PERMISSION IS ESSENTIAL Roof terraces are excluded from permitted development so you will almost definitely need planning permission.

DON’T GIVE UP IF YOU DON’T GET APPROVAL Planning policy on roof terraces has changed many times, so if don’t succeed at first, it might be worth another try later.

“

If we were to do it again, we’d be a lot more decisive and try not to change our minds too much once construction had started. It’s a question of making choices and sticking to them

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”

THE MORE THERE ARE LOCALLY, THE BETTER Your best allies in any application are other terraces on your street. Once the principal is established it gets a lot easier.

AVOID OVERLOOKING This is normally the biggest issue for the planners – think about how to control views.

FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS ANDY STAGG

IT’LL NEED TO COMPLY WITH BUILDING REGS External balustrades need to be 110cm high, rather than the domestic 90cm – planners won’t tell you this so make sure you don’t get planning permission for something that doesn’t comply.

SPACE & LIGHT

‘We doubled the footprint’

BEFORE

Ellie and Kevin Duffey boosted their heritage home’s floor area by building a contemporary kitchen-diner extension to the rear

W

hen Ellie and Kevin Duffey, a marketing manager and a managing director respectively, bought this house in north London, they loved its doublefronted span. But, in order for the house to work for family life with their children Hannah, now 20, and Luke, 11, they knew they would need to extend the downstairs space out the back.

‘There was nowhere for the whole family to sit down and enjoy a meal together,’ says Ellie. ‘On the ground floor we had two reception rooms, plus a little kitchen and a small, dark dining corner. Everything was old-fashioned, with lots of small rooms. We like hosting and entertaining, so our objective was to create a large, open-plan space.’

The couple brought in Mulroy Architects (mulroyarchitects.com) to design a supersize rear extension.

‘We extended by 3m across the entire width of the rear, so we were able to obtain consent under permitted development rights,’ says Ellie. ‘A few things cropped up once we’d started stripping the structure back though – we had to rewire the whole house and reroute some pipework.’

Ellie and Kevin could soon plan the interior. ‘I like things to look clean and I’m not keen on clutter,’ says Ellie. ‘It’s important to me that everything has its place. We love the new dining space and, when we’re both working from home, we often fight over who sits at the table to work in the beautiful light!’

Kevin and Ellie bought this four-bed 1920s house in 2017 for £1,425,000

CONTRAST BRICKWORK Frames the windows, adding decorative detail

The project cost £320,000 and the property is now worth around £1.7m

Take a quick tour...

DINING ROOM

UTILITY ROOM

A glass roof spans the extension

RECEPTION ROOM

STORE

LIVING ROOM KITCHEN

GROUND FLOOR IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Ellie and Kevin extended out by 3m across the full width of the house

STRETCHED ISLAND For a breakfast bar, or just a more open feel

3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

SUPERSIZE EXTENSIONS Andrew Mulroy, director at Mulroy Architects, tells all

ABOVE ‘It was important to us to have ceiling height, so the overhead glazing has been positioned higher than ceiling level for extra volume’

YOU CAN GO UP, TOO You can also add first-floor extensions no higher than the existing eaves and 2m or more away from the side boundaries.

Under permitted development rights, two-storey extensions may only be 3m deep.

RIGHT ‘As part of the project, we replaced the staircase. The glass balustrade creates an open effect, rather than having something in the hallway that splits the space in two’

“

We’re so happy with it. The whole house has a bright, sunny feel. Even on the gloomiest days of the year, you can still sit in the kitchen and enjoy the light. It’s brilliant

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”

PRIORITISE NATURAL LIGHT Very deep extensions will make the existing house dark and poorly ventilated.

Only expand where you need to and take care to maintain good daylight levels or use courtyards or rooflights to maximise natural ventilation.

FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS DAN GLASSER

YOU MAY NOT NEED PLANNING PERMISSION If your home isn’t in a Conservation Area, then permitted development rights allow you to extend terraced houses by 6m to the rear and detached houses by 8m, with a single-storey structure. A loft extension of up to 40 cubic metres can be added to a terraced house, or 50 cubic metres to a detached home.

SPACE & LIGHT

‘We built an annexe on our driveway’ Wanting to downsize yet live near their family, Stuart and Margaret Waldman built an annexe right beside their old bungalow

‘The house arrived on a lorry and a crane lifted it into position over the bungalow,’ says Stuart. ‘It was a nail-biting moment!’

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI; OLIVIA SANDU/ HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW

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etired couple Stuart and Margaret Waldman had lived in their twobedroom bungalow in Paisley, near Glasgow, for years, but the property began to feel too large for their needs.

Having decided they wanted to move to a smaller home, their search was restricted by a desire to stay near their family.

One of their daughters came up with an innovative solution: she would buy the bungalow and, by demolishing the garage next to the property, a self-contained annexe could be built for Stuart and Margaret.

Their new home, built by The Wee House Company, is around four times smaller than the bungalow, but the couple have no complaints.

‘It’s perfect,’ says Stuart. ‘We have a large bedroom, a shower room that’s bigger than our previous bathroom and an open-plan kitchen and living area. It’s normal to be attached to a home you’ve lived in for a long time, but if you consider the advantages that downsizing offers you and your family, it’s a much easier decision to make.’

“

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

The Waldmans demolished a garage beside the bungalow to make way for their new little home

ANNEXES Jennifer Higgins, managing director at The Wee House Company, gives us the lowdown THEY’RE GREAT FOR FAMILY LIVING They make ideal first homes for adult children and are an excellent solution for independent elderly relatives.

VAT IS APPLICABLE While there are a few exceptions, annexes are generally subject to VAT at 20%.

IT’S TREATED AS PART OF THE MAIN HOUSE Planning conditions often stipulate that your annexe cannot be sold or let independently.

The 11x3.6m property was built and delivered in eight weeks and cost just under £100k

YOU DON’T NEED TO RUN NEW UTILITIES It’s cheaper to connect into utilities from the main dwelling and use submeters.

We’ve moved just a few feet away and are near to our loved ones. We were a close-knit family before, but now we’re even closer

”

YOU’LL NEED TO PAY COUNCIL TAX Additional council tax is applicable on the annexe.

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A room with a view

Put space you don’t need in the garden to work by using it for overspill living space you do need. This is how three homeowners did it…

‘I created a multitasking home office and living space’

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The plumbing for the en suite comes from the main house

added a sedum living roof on top of the garden room. This not only gives a little back to nature but also acts as great insulation and noise reduction.

The first phase was to clear the garden, then the plumbing and electrics were dug for the cables and waste. Then, once the foundations

were laid, Green Retreats were able to build the room in just three days.

Everything cost less than £25,000.

Having a garden room has given us a space for work and study, a chill-out zone for the children and even an extra guest bedroom if required. I love its versatility.’

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPHS GREEN RETREATS

Louisa Tudor lives with her husband Ed and two children, Millie, 12, and Tom, 11, plus cocker spaniel Charlie in a Victorian semi in Twickenham.

She runs an interior design business (louisa janeinteriors.com).

‘Having lived in this house for more than a decade, we felt it was time to add a little more space.

So, two years ago, we decided to look into installing a garden room. We found Green Retreats online and visited their showroom in Oxfordshire before we decided to buy one of their garden rooms. Because we live in a conservation area, we did have to apply for planning permission. It took three months before it was granted and cost £400. We went as wide as we could on the garden room – stretching it across the full width of the garden, for a total footprint of 4.5x3m. This still left us with a good-size patio and grassed area.

Because the garden has now become quite a high-traffic area, we chose to lay pet-friendly astro turf from a company called Easigrass. This has meant that going backwards and forwards between the house and the garden room is as mess-free as possible. We were very conscious that in doing so we had destroyed a part of our natural habitat and in order to compensate for this, we

The wood front blends in seamlessly with the fencing

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‘We have our own pub’ Dean Cartledge lives with his wife Lynda and son Louis, 22, in a four-bed new build in Dorset.

Dean is a company director.

‘I was looking to create a space where I could watch my sport and my wife could watch her TV shows, without having a full extension.

Originally we had planned to install a summerhouse, but after some more research, I discovered that by spending a bit more, we could get something solid and insulated.

‘The project didn’t require planning permission so I was able to get straight to work levelling the garden. Then, after the room was put in place, I got the rest of the garden redone. The finished garden room has electricity, internet, underfloor heating and two bar-top beer pumps.

It’s not a massive space, but it doesn’t feel cluttered. The room itself cost around £24,000, but I spent

Underfloor heating means the space can be used year round

Davy’s bar has a choice of two beers on tap

more on the gardening work.

I watch the football and rugby league in here with my son, Louis.

He also hangs out in here with his friends as it’s much cheaper than them all going to the pub and they can watch whatever they want on the TV. We call it Davy’s bar, after our late great whippet – a much-loved family dog.’

Health improvements mean the room was worth every penny

There’s no excuse when the gym is on your doorstep!

‘We added a state-of-theart gym’ Alexa Bradbury, a marketing director, lives with her husband James, a website director, and dogs Mack and Mara, in a threebed Victorian semi in London.

‘One of the reasons for getting the gym was that James has a badly

herniated disc in his back and we were advised that Pilates could be a great help. A friend of ours had a Green Retreats garden room in her garden and we were instantly sold when we heard how easy it was to arrange and how quickly it had gone up. We requested an online quote, designed our own space and then arranged a home visit to check our garden was suitable. Working back from our installation date, we then organised the clearance of our garden to accommodate the works.

This was the most hassle out of everything, to be honest! Following that, installation only took two days, after which we bought our gym and Pilates equipment, painted the walls and had the surrounding patio finished. We hung full-length mirrors on the back wall, which reflect the garden, making the room feel larger. James now has weekly private Pilates classes in the space and, as a result, his back has improved so much that he no longer needs surgery!’

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GRAND DESIGN This stunning room opens out completely thanks to a glazed garage door that neatly retracts away into the roof.

Bespoke garden building, around £30,000, Moreno Masey

Take the indoors OUTDOORS

From an extra living space for the family to enjoy together to a private escape away from the chaos, one of these gorgeous ready-made garden rooms will make your space stretch further

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CONTEMPORARY POD Built to order, this quirky garden room can be tailored exactly to your requirements.

The Fatpod, H250xDia3.9cm, from £22,800, Archipod

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FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

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WHERE TO BUY 1 Pavilion tent, H393xDia400cm, £1,870, Raj Tent Club 2 Cabin shepherd’s hut with double doors and windows in English oak and painted exterior tin cladding, H315xW544.6xD230cm, from £24,225, Plankbridge 3 Forest Garden Oakley summerhouse H222xW146xD219cm, £449.27, Keen Gardener 4 Sol 72 outdoor tongue and groove log cabin, H220xW360xD360cm, £2,569.99, Wayfair 5 The Kew Victoria summerhouse, H264.5xW304.8xD243.8cm, £18,895, Malvern Garden Buildings 6 The Garden Igloo 360 dome with PVC weatherproof cover, H220xDia360cm, £849, Cuckooland

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READER OFFER Country Meadow, £34

Lilac Haze, £28

Prosecco, £31

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B

unches has been in the business of delivering happiness for more than 30 years – sending exquisite bouquets, long-lasting houseplants and gourmet gift hampers all over the UK. As part of its commitment to making a difference to the world we live in, as well as the people in it, Bunches is striving to become a plastic-free and more sustainable business, while continuing to support charitable projects both close to home and abroad.

Why not take a leaf out of Bunches book and use this exclusive discount

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to send a little love to a friend or relative’s home in the form of a beautiful bunch of spring blooms – there doesn’t need to be a special occasion to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Or, practise a little self-love and celebrate the start of a warm summer ahead by using the discount to treat yourself to a bunch of your favourite flowers or a pretty, floral houseplant.

Plus, if you love your first order, you could even sign yourself up for a monthly subscription to keep your home looking and smelling sweet all year round.

HOW TO REDEEM Simply enter code IDEALHOME25 when you check out online at bunches.co.uk/idealhome or call 01623 750343 and quote the code IDEALHOME25.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Code expires 30 April 2020. Subject to availability. Offer not valid on subscriptions, Flowers for a Year or experience day gifts.

Prices correct at time of print, bouquets shown are subject to availability.

SPACE & LIGHT

INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE

HOW TO CHOOSE NEW WINDOWS ‘Think about how the colour of your windows will work with the interior of your home,’ says property and DIY expert Georgina Burnett

Whether you’re looking to replace existing ones or fit new glazing as part of an extension, the right windows can enhance the light, character and value of your home. We asked the experts to share their views…

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‘We’re seeing shades of cream, grey, green and blue dominate,’ says Paul Martin of Timber Windows.

Bespoke window in French Grey, price on request, Timber Windows

T

here are so many options when it comes to windows: wood, metal or plastic is just the start. What casement style is best and what will look appropriate to the age of your property?

When you’re spending so much, you want to love them forever, so we asked a property expert, a timber windows specialist and the co-founder of a design practice for their advice…

CAN WINDOWS AFFECT PROPERTY VALUE? ‘Absolutely,’ says Georgina Burnett, property and DIY interiors expert. ‘Putting in the wrong type of window creates a very bad first impression to prospective buyers. While on paper it doesn’t make a difference, windows that jar with the original features of a house will prevent the bonding that needs to happen for someone to fall in love with their potential new home – the result being that they will be less compelled to pay the top price for it.’

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IS THERE A STYLISH WAY TO DO PLASTIC? ‘For sure,’ says Helen Belton of design practice Raum, ‘in the right place. Not everyone has the budget for metal or wood and PVCu technology has improved so much over the last five to 10 years. With the right product, you have to look hard to see that it isn’t hardwood.’ Georgina agrees: ‘From afar you often can’t tell the difference between plastic and wood – the secret is to choose a style that’s appropriate for the property and steer away from any window bars as they give the game away.’

I LOVE THE LOOK OF WOOD, BUT DO YOU RATE IT? ‘The positives far exceed the negatives,’ says Paul Martin, marketing manager at Timber Windows. ‘Timber is an excellent choice for period properties as you can benefit from 21st-century standards of glazing without sacrificing a home’s heritage.’ And there are sustainability perks, too, as Helen explains: ‘Depending on

Open up the back of your home with metal-framed doors that have minimal sight lines. Try metal doors, price on request, Crittall

“

I hate to see missed opportunities. Think outside the box instead of replacing like for like – for example, could you reduce sill heights to allow for larger windows?

HELEN BELTON, RAUM

”

SPACE & LIGHT ‘I love challenging how you can interact with spaces – creating windows with overly deep sills that you can sit in, for example,’ says Helen

where they are sourced, timber windows can have a lower carbon footprint than uPVC or metal. It is a natural material, making it susceptible to movement, although many suppliers now use engineered timber for greater stability.

Timber frames will require maintenance, but this does allow for a colour refresh.

Aluminium-clad timber is possibly the best of both worlds – aluminium on the outside, timber on the inside.’

WHAT TYPE AND COLOUR OF WOOD IS BEST? ‘Stable timbers, such as accoya or redwood, are most common,’

3 OF THE BEST WINDOW FASTENERS

POLISHED CHROME Night-vent locking Newbury, £63.08, Sash & Door Hardware

FORGED STEEL Stonebridge Padstow casement, from £23.46, More Handles

SLEEK BLACK From the Anvil espagnolette, £22.58, Door Handle Company

says Helen. ‘I’d choose a colour that sits harmoniously with the property. If possible, have a factory-finished colour applied for consistency and longevity.’

Paul agrees, ‘Redwood is a strong, knot-free stable timber with proven longevity in the UK.’ He also recommends engineered frames: ‘They require minimal maintenance to keep them looking beautiful.’

When it comes to colour, Paul says the options are almost endless with dual-colour (different shades inside and out) also possible.

WHAT ARE COMPOSITE WINDOW FRAMES? ‘A composite frame is basically made up of two or more materials,’ says Georgina. ‘So, it could mimic the feel and thermal qualities of wood, but because of the make-up of wood particles and resin it would be more resistant to decay. It will look different to solid wood but will last longer and can be cheaper.’

HOW ABOUT METAL? ‘Metal frames offer a modern look, can be easy to maintain, IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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sleek, lightweight and often cheaper than wood – well, aluminium at least,’ says Georgina. ‘They lose heat easily though and can be cold to the touch and prone to condensation.’ Helen agrees: ‘Metal window systems are fantastic for maximising the glass and having slim-frame sight lines. Aluminium and steel are generally used, and each have different qualities and aesthetics. Regarding colour, try not to be trend-led, instead choose something appropriate to the building. Metal windows generally have a powder-coated finish, making them low maintenance.’ Georgina’s noticed the growing trend for dark colours: ‘Graphite can look attractive against both brick and render, but it’s important to bear in mind the colour scheme of the interior of your home, too.’ Black metal frames are fashionable now, but… ‘I would never install them in a period property as they don’t suit the era of the house,’

says Georgina. Helen thinks our love of black is in reaction to the over-use of white uPVC. ‘We’ll probably have the same reaction to grey in years to come.’

WHAT'S BEST FOR A PERIOD PROPERTY? ‘We often treat the front and back of period properties in different ways; generally the public face of a house is viewed as part of a street scene and the proportions and style of window – rather than the material (pending any specifics around conservation area/listed building consent) – should be retained as they were originally intended,’ says Helen. ‘Rear elevations can be more playful, using less conventional materials.’ For Paul, it’s all about authenticity: ‘It is often through windows that you can determine the age of the house,’ he says.

‘Timber sashes were hugely popular from the Georgian to Victorian eras. However, casement windows also Alu-clad window with aluminium exterior, (available in more than 200 RAL colours and timber interior), £4,380, Kloeber

“

What I absolutely scream, shout and cry about is a beautiful period property that used to have sash windows being ‘renovated’ with modern, plain plastic windows – it should be a crime

”

GEORGINA BURNETT, PROPERTY EXPERT

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SPACE & LIGHT Timber alternative PVCu flush casement window in White, from £1,169, Evolution Windows

PVCu window in Anthracite Grey, from £750, Anglian

remained a popular choice throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. If you’re unsure which style would best suit your home, it’s always worth talking to an expert for advice.’

DO LISTED BUILDINGS HAVE SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS? ‘Yes,’ says Georgina. ‘Always check with your local council.

This is the same for properties in conservation areas. Sometimes, your only option may be to install secondary glazing – if that’s even allowed.’ Paul recommends looking at special listed building offerings from timber window specialists, as ‘even a 4mm single-glazed option can give a substantial improvement over older glazing in terms of thermal and acoustic properties.’

PVCu flush casement window in Irish oak woodgrain finish, £516, Quickslide Windows & Doors

WHAT’S THE CHOICE FOR A MID-CENTURY PROPERTY? ‘Hot rolled Crittall steel windows would be our go-to,’ says Helen, ‘but they can be prohibitive cost-wise. Aluminium glazing companies are now producing equivalent thermally broken window systems in similar styles, but for this era it’s all about the narrow sight lines, which replica aluminium windows could never achieve. Be mindful of thermal performance requirements of steel frames in respect of building control – it’s often a balancing act.’

AND FOR A 1980S OR ’90S PROPERTY? ‘We saw a huge surge in lipped casement or stormproof windows then,’ says Paul. ‘So a timber-lipped option may be your best choice, although if you want something more traditional, flush casement windows are slicker and more stylish with more pleasing and elegant sight lines. It’s often assumed that timber is only suitable for period properties, but it can suit all.’ Helen sees homes from this era as more of a blank canvas: ‘Without wanting to be overly contentious, they tend to be slightly devoid of character and don’t have an overriding style of their own.

This makes a property of this age relatively easy to modernise and provides plenty of opportunity.’

WHAT ABOUT ULTRAMODERN HOMES? ‘Clients building a contemporary house generally want to maximise the visual and physical connections to the outside with large expanses of glass,’ says Helen. ‘This is often achieved with metal window systems, the pinnacle of which are thermally bonded frames with 99% glass area to frame.’

ANY PREFERENCES ABOUT CASEMENT STYLE? ‘I love original casement windows,’ says Georgina, ‘as they have heaps of character. Remember these do restrict your view and to a lesser extent your light. One thing I can’t IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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SPACE & LIGHT

SHOULD I KEEP MY SASH WINDOWS? ‘If you live in a period property dating from the 17th to the 19th century, then it would be lacking without sash windows,’ says Paul. ‘But if you still live with the originals and they are single-glazed, draughty, difficult to open or painted shut, you might want to consider replacing the entire window.’

Helen advises looking at the condition first: ‘If they are a good quality hardwood double-glazed window, often they can be restored to give an extended life, and this feels like a positive, sustainable step. If they are dated uPVC sash windows, then the efficiency may be questionable, so replacing them would be a value judgement based on cost.’

Georgina has experienced this difficult choice first-hand: ‘I’ve renovated properties where the sash windows have been beyond repair and I’ve sadly had to let them go,’ she says, ‘but if in doubt, always ask an expert.’

Echo the soft tones of an interior wooden windowsill with a feature wall of panelling

FAVOURITE DOORS FOR A REAR EXTENSION? ‘Bifolds work well to achieve a maximum opening,’ says Helen.

‘I also love a door system that slides away into a wall void allowing the door/s to virtually disappear.’ For a more traditional feel, Paul would go for timber French doors. Georgina suggests ensuring one of your bifolds can open independently for easy use.

Poor sight lines are a thing I really “ dislike. Wherever possible, the horizontal lines formed by window bars should match up across the property PAUL MARTIN, TIMBER WINDOWS

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”

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS… HELEN BELTON, CO-DIRECTOR AT RAUM (RAUM. CO.UK) Raum is a contemporary design practice

based in Mumbles, Wales, which specialises in private residential architecture and interiors.

PAUL MARTIN, MARKETING MANAGER AT TIMBER WINDOWS (TIMBERWINDOWS.COM) Paul has

worked in the marketing team of Timber Windows since 2012. The company has a network of 42 showrooms nationwide, dedicated to the supply and installation of timber windows and doors.

GEORGINA BURNETT, PROPERTY AND DIY INTERIORS PRESENTER (GEORGINABURNETT.COM)

Georgina is a BBC and ITV presenter, property and DIY interiors vlogger, writer and property developer, otherwise known as The Home Genie.

She’s also written a book, The Street-wise Guide to Buying, Improving and Selling your Home (£14.99, Edward Everett Root).

FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

bear though is plastic bars – even if the original windows you are replacing had them, I’d still go with clear panes. The same goes for lead-effect – I’d rather buy a peel-and-stick lead strip to add painstakingly by hand than go with the plastic option.’ Paul would go for a timber cottage casement because of the floating mullion. ‘They fill the room with more natural light than a traditional flush or lipped casement,’ he says. ‘Look at the style of the property,’ says Helen.

‘Is there a more horizontal or vertical emphasis? If horizontal, look to maximise the glass in one large fixed pane with a smaller side or top-hung opening pane to one end. If vertical, keep additional glazing bars to a minimum for maximum light gain.’

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STORAGE FIXES FOR BEDROOMS

Your public rooms might be clutter free, but what about your private ones? These clever ideas will help you make the most of every bit of spaceÉ

Carry the band of colour all around the room for a cohesive effect

Invisible cupboards Paint a row of wall-hung cabinets the same colour as the top half of the wall behind, then use the bottom of the cupboards as the level for a lower band of colour, to help the storage blend in.

SPACE & LIGHT

Cut the cork to fit between the brackets of a wall shelf, and keep storage boxes and baskets on top

Styling station A panel of corkboard fixed to the wall above a chest or vanity unit is a clever way to hang jewellery and clear surface space. Loop necklaces over smart pins, while earrings can be pushed into the cork.

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Open wardrobe Fix a basic drawer unit (minus the drawers) to the wall to provide deep storage for clothes and shoes, and save precious floor space. Adding a length of dowel creates a useful hanging rail, too.

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In a shared room, use different colours for each child or guest

Team with a storage divan to stash away spare bedding or out-ofseason clothes

Storage headboard Not only does this headboard provide handy shelves and hidden storage, but it can also double up as bedside tables to stop a compact bedroom feeling cluttered.

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Foldaway workspace For bedrooms that double as offices (or homework zones), this fold-down table blends storage with tabletop space. Paint it to match the walls for a seamless, bespoke effect.

Finish the interior in a contrasting shade for a pop of colour when pulled down

SPACE & LIGHT

Folding doors shut away the clutter when the table’s not in use

Hideaway dressing table Built-in alcove cupboards max out the storage potential of a chimney breast wall, but the shallow section over the chimney itself needn’t go to waste if you add floating shelves.

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Invisible cupboards

Open wardrobe

Foldaway workspace

Walls in Pale Petal regal select matt, £23 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Ivar cabinets, £45 each, Ikea; in Dulux Trade Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, £48 for 10ltr, B&Q. Alex desk, £129, Ikea. Frame leather office chair, £329; Fresco rug, £480, both John Lewis & Partners.

King-size storage divan in Thatch house fabric, £895, Loaf. Morten bedside table, £269, Heal’s. (On desk) Pasqual Teal pot, £20; Libra Pink vase, £25, both Habitat.

Strom Green bowl, £46; herringbone terracotta tray, £58, both Heal’s. For a similar planter, try the Mojave Grey planter, £7.50, Humble. Speckle glaze trinket pot, £55, Cox & Cox. Rebecca oak table mirror, £145, Perch & Parrow.

Natural bristled hairbrush, £9, Objects of Use. (On bedside table) Blush and brass desk lamp, £65, Cox & Cox. Libra Blue stoneware vase, £18, Habitat. Dyed flowers, from a selection, Triangle Nursery. (On bed) Spice linen pillowcase, £16, Secret Linen Store. Soft Indigo king-size duvet cover, £185; Indigo pillowcase, £40 for two, both Cox & Cox. Silo cushion, £50, John Lewis & Partners.

Misi Pine velvet cushion, £35, Also Home

Walls in Cotton V pure matt emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library.

Ivar chest of drawers, £70 each, Ikea; in Ice V and Blue Blood oil eggshell, £72 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Nursery collection patterned carpet in Stargazer Blue, £19.99sq m, Carpetright. 25mm dowel in 60cm length, £5.45, eBay. Alphabet blocks, from £6.50 each, Tinypix. Silver racing car, £150; felt bear storage bags, £25 for two, both Cox & Cox. Children’s clothing, from £6; koala, £40; children’s Converse All Star, £32; children’s suede shoes, £46, all La Redoute. Tobi Yellow rain boots, £35; Orange sunglasses, £38; Song For Bear book, £11, all Kidly. Lexon White radio, £60, Amara. Smiddy blanket in Navy, £26.99, Wayfair. Arwen star throw, £36, Perch & Parrow

Walls and desk in Cotton V and Blue Gum pure matt emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Ivar 1 section and storage unit with fold-down table, £128, Ikea. Knight Designflooring, as before. Show-Wood upholstered double bed in Mole Navy, £799, John Lewis & Partners. Peg wall lamp, £64.99, Dowsing & Reynolds. Circus pouffe in Grey, £435, Amara. (On desk) Garner Dark Green two-drawer storage, £20, Habitat. Keepsake terracotta pot, £38; Iri vase, £30, both La Redoute. Henning Koppen Blue vase, £40, Heal’s. Lulea shell velvet pouch, £25, Also Home. Snofsa alarm clock, as before. Notebooks, from £16.50, Caroline Gardner. Leather string bobbin, £8.50; White mug, £13.50, both Nordic House. Wooden ruler, £2, Flying Tiger. Hansa wooden scissors, £12.95, Nkuku. (On bed) Teal linen double duvet cover, £129; Teal linen pillowcases, £16; Spice linen pillowcase, £16, all Secret Linen Store. Anime Flora cushion, £63; Navy knot cushion, £91, both Amara.

Misi Shell velvet cushion, £35, Also Home. Smiddy blanket, as before

Styling station Walls in Dulux Trade Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion, as before. Mesa Peach Regal Select matt is a match for the door, £23 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore. Knight Designflooring in Rose washed oak, from £42.29sq m, Karndean. Groover chest of drawers, £825, Loaf. Bergshult/ Ekby shelf, £13, Ikea. Corkboard, £8.99, eBay. (On shelf) Hantverk plant pot, £17; Godtagbar vase, £12, both Ikea. Foliage, from a selection, Triangle Nursery.

Sculptural vessels, from £20, A New Tribe. Sunrise Illustration poster, 30x40cm, £11.95; wood frame, £12.95, both Desenio. Hansa wooden pebbles, £39.95, Nkuku. (On drawers) Bowl on stand, £80, A New Tribe. For a similar plant pot, try Vic and Bob plant pots, from £10 for two, Rose & Grey. Oak table mirror, £45, Cox & Cox. Pya cotton scarf in Turquoise, £24.95, Nkuku

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Storage headboard Walls in Dulux Trade Pure Brilliant White and Pale Petal, as before. Biface storage headboard, £399, La Redoute.

King-size storage divan, as before.

Abstract Calm No1 poster, 50x70cm, £22.95; oak picture frame, £22.95, both Desenio. Elsdon Washed Rose rug, £3,500, Oka. (On headboard) Cast iron candlestick in Dusty Green, £19, Heal’s. Unglazed terracotta vase, £40; concrete candle, £38, both Cox & Cox. Umbra pillar jewellery stand, £30, Amara. White marble tray, £28, Design Vintage. Oren stoneware jug, £25, Habitat. Task desk lamp in Olive, £60, HouseOf. Snofsa alarm clock, £12, Ikea.

Hand mirror, £24; stoneware coffee cup, £28, both Objects of Use. Round basket with lid, £19.99, Zara Home. (On bed) Teal linen king-size fitted sheet, £75; Olive Green linen king-size duvet cover, £145; Olive Green pillowcase, £16, all Secret Linen Store. Indigo and Terracotta washed velvet cushions, £36 each, French Connection Home

Hideaway dressing table Walls and cupboards in Cotton V pure matt emulsion, as before. Nomad stool, £169; Angui Black oval mirror, £139, both Amara. (On bed) Spice linen king-size duvet cover, £145, Secret Linen Store.

Linange linen bedspread, £112.50, La Redoute. (On shelves) Altum toiletries, from £15; toothbrush mug, £13.50, both Nordic House. Tower jewellery stand, £33.99, Wayfair. Lulea pouch, as before. Hand towels in French Blue and Blush Pink, £10 each, Secret Linen Store. Godtagbar vase, £3.75; Natverk Blue basket, £3, both Ikea. Notebooks, from £16.50; polka dot hair scrunchie, £10; velvet jewellery wrap, £19.50, all Caroline Gardner. Natural bristled hairbrush, hand mirror, wooden combs, all as before. M Mantel Grey clock, £30, Newgate Clocks

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS STYLING GEMMA GEAR PHOTOGRAPHS JOANNA HENDERSON

SPACE & LIGHT

TOILET? I CALL IT A SPA.

GEBERIT AQUACLEAN. THE SHOWER TOILET.

Experience a completely new feeling of freshness and cleanliness with Geberit AquaClean: the shower toilet that cleans you with a jet of warm water at the touch of a button. Additional information regarding the versatile shower toilet models at www.geberit-aquaclean.co.uk.

‘We built this

huge kitchen-diner from scratch’ Laura and Gav Beresford gave up on their small, dark kitchen and started again by adding a vast rear and side extension to create a multifunctional space

Laura’s favourite aspect of the new space is the bifold doors. ‘Even when it’s not that sunny you can get fresh air in, and it’s lovely to potter in and out of the garden,’ she says.

Infinity Plus Milano Elements larder units in Italian concrete, price on request, Wren Kitchens. Michelangelo quartz worktop, £2,785, J Rotherham

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SPACE & LIGHT

BEFORE

Welcome to my home Laura Beresford lives here with her husband Gav, and their children Liv, 13, and Ava, eight.

THE PROPERTY A four-bed semi built in 1910 in Elloughton, Yorkshire.

Love

LAURA’S STYLE? Turn to page 129 to shop the look

WHAT IT COST Kitchen units.....£5,775 Sink and tap.........£547 Worktop.............£2,785 Flooring.......£2,272.80 Appliances........£5,726 TOTAL.........£17,105.80

“

It’s such a big, bright space, everyone is wowed by it.

At the island, I feel like a TV chef, cooking and chatting away!

”

‘As there’s an entire wall of tall larder units, all my worktop space is on the island, which works much better than having lots of little sections all over the place,’ says Laura. ‘The hidden side of the island has drawers and a built-in dishwasher.’

Samsung American fridge-freezer, £2,199, John Lewis & Partners.

Faber Pareo plus extractor, £2,499, Wren Kitchens. Southbury bar stools, £125 each, Barker and Stonehouse, are similar

TUBE EXTRACTOR Retracts upwards at the push of a button

HOW LAURA DID IT ‘When we bought the house, the kitchen was dirty and dated.

We didn’t like that the window and door overlooked the side return, so there was no view of the garden, and we wanted to extend. We planned a 90sq m kitchen-diner, with adjoining utility, cloakroom and office.

I really wanted bifold doors to connect the house and garden.

Architect Steve Gale suggested

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MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

ribbon glazing along the roof line, but it was pricey, so we went for Velux windows instead. We moved in with Gav’s parents while the work took place. It overran by 10 weeks, but we’d agreed a fixed price for the build and also saved £4,000 by doing the painting ourselves.

We were so excited to move back in. For months after I couldn’t believe it was my house!’

SPACE & LIGHT

FLIP-UP SEATS Store seasonal decorations and outdoor cushions

ABOVE A compact oak sideboard adds a warmer tone in this alcove just inside the bifold doors.

Radius oak sideboard, £650, Habitat

FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE

ABOVE Custom banquettes provide space-efficient seating. ‘We used a company that has worked with lots of high profile restaurants to design these for us,’ says Laura.

Bespoke seating, £1,850, Craftwood. Lorn extending oak dining table, £1,500, John Lewis & Partners

RIGHT Instead of a wide range cooker, Laura went for twin built-in ovens side by side, plus a matching microwave, to provide lots of cooking space with a streamlined look.

Bistro hexagon tiles in Grey, £68.20sq m, Topps Tiles.

Aruba Hadicurari luxury vinyl, £24.99sq m, Tapi Carpets

WHAT I’VE LEARNT

“

Paying an architect to project manage the build was a wise choice. We’ve never attempted a project of this scale before, and our architect proved invaluable

”

BLENDED FLOORING Transitions from the cooking zone to the living/ dining area

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COMPETITION

WIN A LUXURY FAMILY HOLIDAY TO SARDINIA

One lucky reader will receive a complimentary stay at the beautiful, family-friendly resort of Chia Laguna on Sardinia’s east coast

F

amed for its four-star Hotel Village set on the gorgeous Sardinian coastline, Chia Laguna is the perfect destination for families to enjoy a luxury break – and you could get to experience it all for free! The resort is offering Ideal Home readers the chance to win a three-night, half-board stay for two adults and two children.

Chia Laguna has plenty to entertain all ages, from access to the renowned Chia beach – voted the ‘best beach in Italy’ for two years running – to swimming pools, a kid’s club, cooking shows and a natural spa.

While the little ones are being taken care of by the resort’s entertainers, parents can indulge in total relaxation on the private beach, Dune di Campana, and bathe in its crystalclear water, or treat themselves to a spot of pampering with a mud bath, sauna, sensory shower or refreshing dip in the hydrotherapy pool. There’s

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Choose between a dip in the sea or a swim in the pool

just as much for families to enjoy together, too. How about a tennis match, a round of golf, some water sports or a horse ride? Plus, there’s nightly evening entertainment on offer.

Chia Laguna is also famed for its Campioni Football Academy – inviting children aged six to 15 to train alongside UEFA licensed coaches and ex-Premier League and international football players during the May half-term and throughout the summer holidays, as well as for the annual April ‘Chia Sport Week’, which gives guests a chance to test their limits with a Half Ironman Triathlon, half marathon or cycling Gran Fondo.

If you’re not fortunate enough to win this great prize, or if you are the lucky one but want to extend your stay, prices start at €166pp based on two adults sharing on a half-board basis. Children under 12 stay free.

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win this amazing prize of a three-night, half-board stay for up to two adults and two children, head to comps.idealhome.co.uk TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prize is in

the form of a gift voucher. Voucher must be used within 12 months from issue date. Gift voucher is non-transferable and valid upon confirmation of the booking by the hotel’s Travel Team. The stay must occur within the validity date. In case of hotel stay cancellation occurring less than 15 days before the guest’s arrival date, the voucher will be considered as redeemed. Booking office: 003 9070 9239 3431. travel@ chialagunaresort.com.

Please show the voucher at check-in.

Voucher cannot be redeemed throughout July and August 2020.

Competition closes 5 May 2020.

SPACE & LIGHT

Make it work for you LAURA’S STYLE: CONTEMPORARY COOL

Statement pieces, tactile finishes and bright pops of colour bring personality to a sleek, modern kitchen Wire furniture and bright accents lend lightness to this dramatic scheme

1 2

4 3

5

IDEAL

GREAT DEAL

SHOW YOUR STEELY SIDE WITH AN ICONIC CHAIR

£375

£99

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

6 WHERE TO BUY 1 Dar Frederick floor lamp, £79, Pagazzi 2 Huasteca cushion, £35, Made 3 Cooke & Lewis Kareena chrome effect mixer tap, £87, B&Q 4 Bistro Grey hexagon tiles, £68.20sq m, Topps Tiles 5 Loft Living two tone mug, £3.50, Sainsbury’s Home 6 Croft Collection Lorn extending dining table, £1,500, John Lewis & Partners

WIRE WORK

OPEN FRAME

Vitra DKR Eames chair, £375, Nest

Moda chair, £99, Cult Furniture IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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‘Simple pieces make it feel spacious’ Emma and Ben Thatcher fitted a lot into their en suite, so chose beautiful, monochrome basics for an easy, airy look

LEDGE-FREE BATH Means that clutter can’t accumulate

‘It might be simple, but our bathroom feels really special,’ says Emma. ‘The big shower is great for getting going in the morning and I love the screen. We’ve used metal-framed doors and windows throughout the house, so everything works together.’

Hexagonal mosaic floor tiles, £377sq m; Laufen loo, £1,333, both Ripples

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SPACE & LIGHT

BEFORE

Welcome to my home Emma Thatcher (@emmarosestyle) lives here with her husband Ben, daughter Libby, 18, and sons Alfie, 17 and Teddy, 15.

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom converted coach house in Surrey.

WHAT IT COST Bath.......................£2,251 Vanity unit and basin....................£6,805 Loo.........................£1,333 Taps......................£2,864 Shower.................£8,080 Tiles......................£5,756 TOTAL...............£ 27,089

“

Relaxing in my bath is heavenly.

There’s a speaker in the ceiling, so I put music on and switch off

”

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HOW EMMA DID IT ‘There was an old-fashioned bathroom in here, but as the whole house was being replumbed, we weren’t restricted by the existing pipework. My must-haves were a walk-in shower with a blackframed screen, a free-standing bath, patterned flooring, good storage and elegant brass taps. A designer at Ripples put moodboards of my ideas together, devised the best layout and liaised with the builder to make it all happen. I did change my mind about the patterned floor in the end though, swapping to white mosaics with a black border, which I know I won’t get bored of. The project took six weeks, as part of a whole-house renovation.’

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The bath was painted a deep near-black that gives it impact against the white tiled wall. ‘I really wanted metro tiles with dark contrast grout,’ says Emma. ‘I didn’t realise how much difference the grout would make to the finish of the room – it’s a classic look that will last.’

BC Designs free-standing bath, £2,251; bevelled gloss metro tiles, £49.80sq m, both Ripples

MARBLE LINER Turns simple shelves into a feature

SPACE & LIGHT

Love

EMMA’S SHOWERHEAD? Turn to page 135 to find out more

ABOVE ‘The brushed brass bath-filler is one of my favourite design features,’ says Emma. ‘The antique styling is great, especially the quaint lift-up handle that switches the flow from the bath to the hand-shower.’

Axor Montreux brushed brass bath filler, £1,710, Ripples

FLOOR BORDER Gives the room a tailored finish

FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS AND STYLING COLIN POOLE

ABOVE ‘The vanity unit’s got two deep drawers to hide away all the bits and pieces I don’t want to see.’

Bard & Blackwood vanity, £6,391; Drench deco shower screen, £2,019; Axor Air showerhead, £4,065, all Ripples

RIGHT Handily positioned beside the bath, this statement heater blends a classic, white column radiator with an elegant brass towel rail.

Vogue brass-finish radiator, £982, Ripples

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Using a designer takes the strain off. Without the technical know-how, we struggled to choose products, but it all fell into place with Ripples

”

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Whatever your look, whatever your style, with VictoriaPlum.com Design and Installation, we’ll do all the hard work for you

“Excellent” 5/5 stars on Trustpilot

Claudia’s Bespoke Bathroom

Visit us online at VictoriaPlum.com

Call us 0344 804 48 48

SPACE & LIGHT

Make it work for you EMMA’S CHOICE: A FIXED SHOWERHEAD Sleek and stylish, a rain showerhead offers luxurious, spa-style showering at home

NEED TO KNOW

SLEEK ALL-ROUNDER This super slender design will work with any plumbing system.

Cruze fixed showerhead, £89.95, Victorian Plumbing

WATERFALL EFFECT Switch to a water blade for a luxurious, waterfall style flow.

Sabre fixed head with water blade, £140, Frontline Bathrooms GET DRENCHED Buck the trend with a smart, square, brushed brass design Axor shower solutions, £2,160, Ripples

LIGHT FANTASTIC Hydro powered LEDs promise a bright start every day.

Mode Hydro LED showerhead, £134.10, VictoriaPlum.com

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

CLASSIC ROSE The timeless charm of a traditional rose style head will always be in style.

Traditional shower rose, £78.50, Bristan

Look out for “ the type of fixed showerheads that enrich the water with air to achieve a more powerful shower without wasting water RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR

MADE TO FIT This space saving design is great in smaller enclosures.

Zion wall-fixed showerhead, £179, Crosswater

”

DREAM TO CLEAN Keep the water flowing smoothly thanks to easy clean silicone nozzles.

Clean 65 fixed showerhead, £35, Bathstore

LOW-PRESSURE HERO Designed to perform at low flow rates, this model is small but powerful.

Kiri Satinjet fixed showerhead, £32, Methven

STARRING ROLE This striking starburst design will pack a punch without breaking the bank.

Faye showerhead, £36.86, Triton

A fixed showerhead will transform your bathroom, but there are a few things to consider first before you splash out…

Check your pressure The bigger the showerhead, the better coverage you will enjoy, but make sure your water pressure and hot water supply can cope. If you have a low pressure system, you’ll need a compatible showerhead – designed for use with 0.2 bar pressure or less – or invest in a pump.

Add a hand shower Fixed heads can make it hard to avoid getting your hair wet, and aren’t terribly good at hosing your shower enclosure clean. Adding a handshower with diverter controls is a simple yet effective way to make your fixed shower far more practical.

Height adjustment To accommodate varying user heights, choose a model with an adjustable mounting arm that lets you direct the shower spray higher or lower.

This option is also handy in smaller enclosures, as you can aim the spray away from the entrance.

Great features For extra luxury, seek multiple spray options that let you switch from rainfall to pulse, waterfall or jet.

Rubber nozzles are designed for easy cleaning – you just rub deposits off with your thumb or a damp cloth.

They are especially useful in hard water areas.

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‘It’s like having an extra room’

After extending their rear kitchen, Sarah and David Clark knew a redesign of their small garden would be the final piece of the jigsaw

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SPACE & LIGHT

BEFORE

Welcome to my garden Sarah Clark lives here with her husband David and their children Bella, five, and Evie, two.

THE PLOT A rectangular garden measuring 9x5m behind a Victorian terrace in Teddington, southwest London.

“

ARTIFICIAL GRASS ‘It seemed pointless having a lawnmower for a tiny patch of grass,’ says Sarah

I really didn’t think we could achieve so many different elements and this many functions in such a small space

”

Calming sounds add to the peaceful feel

Clever zoning Leading from a small patio area immediately outside the kitchen doors, there’s an area of artificial lawn with seating and the children’s sedumroofed playhouse beyond. ‘It flows so well from the house to the garden,’ says Sarah.

A

lthough Sarah and David Clark loved their new kitchen extension, it made their small east-facing garden feel lacklustre. ‘We’d spent all that money making the house look nice, but needed to finish the job,’ says Sarah. They started gathering ideas and planning a new look. ‘I discovered Tony Woods of Garden Club London (gardenclublondon. co.uk) who had experience in making the most of small urban spaces. I wasn’t sure how the planting would come together, where to put everything or how it would look in winter, but he knew instinctively what to do and how to incorporate everything we wanted.’

On the wish list was a log store, a patio for summer dining, seating and a play area for their daughters. Clever planting provides structure and colour all year to soften the hard lines without blocking

the couple’s view of the children playing.

‘There’s always a plant in flower, with hellebores in winter and tulips and alliums in spring,’ says Sarah. ‘In winter, you still get the architectural details of the evergreen trees at the back and the structural grasses.

‘I’d underestimated the impact of having a well-designed garden and how much I’d appreciate it,’ she says.

‘We’re out here all the time. The artificial grass is great for the kids and they can use the playhouse even if it’s raining. Because the fence is so high, triangle canopies can be attached to it to create shade, which makes it feel even more like a room as it’s such a suntrap.’

The garden cost £30,300. ‘It seemed a lot, especially after doing the extension,’ says Sarah. ‘But it’s so integral to the house and if you see it as another room, it was definitely worth it.’

MUD PIE KITCHEN The girls are busy playing here all summer long

Love

SARAH’S STYLE? Turn to page 141 to shop the look

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Girls’ den The couple couldn’t find a playhouse to fit, so their garden designer had one made to measure. ‘It can easily be lifted off the brick paving when the girls get older. It’s such a suntrap, we’ll move our table here.’

Dark fencing The existing fences were painted with Farrow & Ball’s Railings. It makes the foliage and flowers stand out beautifully.

Sarah painted birdboxes the same colour and topped them with leftover sedum from the playhouse roof.

SPACE & LIGHT

Pull-out sandpit

HIDDEN STORAGE The bench seats lift up to reveal space for outdoor toys and games’

The bespoke sandpit has castors and can be tucked away beneath the playhouse.

Log store A Corten steel unit holds logs for the family’s wood burner. ‘We liked a round black design, too, but this one gets rustier with time and stands out against the fence.’

FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE MAJERUS

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

“

One thing we weren’t initially keen on was an irrigation system, but I’m so glad we went for it, as we couldn’t live without it now. The garden gets hot as it’s very sheltered, and none of the plants would’ve survived without it

”

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Put yourself on the perfect pedestal.

Spend & Save. Up to 25% off.

Minimum spend applies. Ends 13th April at 10am.

Penfold footstool from £199

Any questions? Call us on 020 3319 6332 or order at swooneditions.com Offer ends 13th April at 10am. Cannot be used with any other offer. Save 10% off £300, 20% off £500 and 25% off £1,000.

SPACE & LIGHT

Make it work for you SARAH’S CHOICE: A BESPOKE PLAYHOUSE

A made-to-measure playhouse is a great way to get a personalised design that fits your garden and your child’s needs. Here’s what you need to know…

Any child would love to have their own secret garden den, but equally, it’s a must-have for parents who dream of a play space with no screens in sight.

Q

Why go bespoke?

A tailor-made playhouse can be built to fit an awkward space or corner. You can also specify a style that blends into your garden, echoes other garden buildings or even matches the style of your home. Quality craftsmanship will ensure a solid, durable structure that can withstand adverse weather.

Q

Do I need permission?

As long as the playhouse is a modest size, you generally won’t need planning permission.

However, if it’s close to a public boundary, overlooks a neighbour or is a considerable size, it’s best to check with the council. Talk to your next-door neighbours and be considerate when it comes to height and window placement.

Q

What are my options?

A bespoke design can cost from a few hundred pounds to

as much as £20,000. Style-wise, you could go for a traditional house, a treehouse tower with a slide and ladders, a wooden teepee or even a castle or pirate ship. Most playhouses are built from pressure-treated timber, so tend to be sturdy, but concrete slabs or fence post holders will create extra stability. Use a shed or decking stain – Cuprinol’s Garden Shades has a range of fun hues.

Playhouses provide children with a safe yet exciting space

Q

How can I personalise it?

This is the fun part, where children can get involved, too.

You can go to town dressing the interior with a theme. Soft furnishings like curtains, rugs, beanbags and cushions can all help create a cosy feel. On the outside walls, encourage little ones to get artistic or use stencils.

Finally, add window boxes so they can grow their own plants.

BEST FOR…

“

Think about the longevity of your playhouse and how it can be adapted.

A pitched roof playhouse can become an open-top den with a shade sail TONY WOODS, GARDEN CLUB LONDON

”

FEATURE KAREN WILSON

IDEAL HOME LOVES… OFF-THE-PEG PLAYHOUSES

CREATIVE PLAY Set up shop with a toy kitchen, sink, stove and accessories.

Kidkraft Meadowlane market playhouse, £554.95, Cuckooland

ALL AT SEA Your little mateys will love this pirate ship, complete with plank.

TP Pirate galleon wooden playhouse, £449.99, Argos

BUDGET BUY Go for tongue and groove with shatterproof styrene windows.

Honeypot Bluebell wooden playhouse, £159.99, Waltons

TOY STORAGE This Modern Life has a great range of cotton drawstring storage bags and folding pastel-hued crates, plus baskets and paper sacks.

MUD KITCHENS Muddy Chef has small mud kitchens from £110 and large ones from £190, as well as corner and custom designs.

SAND PITS Great for sensory play, Plum has hexagonal and square wooden sandpits from £39.99. Activity benches and picnic tables are also available if you want to go all out.

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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS T he big one Retro fridge-freezer (H188xW84.5x D81.3cm), £2,995, Big Chill For a free-standing fridge that’s packed with personality, this A+ rated, frost-free Americana-look range comes in a choice of six colourways. From black, white and red to pastel shades of pink, blue and green, it has a whopping 611ltr of combined internal storage.

THE BEST BIT Complete your kitsch kitchen look with a matching wall-hung oven, £1,295 and cooker hood, £1,495.

Keeps food fresher

LIFECHANGING FRIDGEFREEZERS

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Waste reducer Candy CMNR 6184XKWIFI Bello Wi-Fi fridge-freezer (H186xW59.5xD63.5cm), £499.99, Very A++ rated and with a touch control display, this neat 317ltr fridgefreezer keeps a special inventory of the food within, alerting you when something is nearing its expiry date. Plus, it can be controlled remotely via an app on your phone – handy when you need to adjust the temperature for food shopping.

THE BEST BIT The clever drinks cooling function will notify you (via the smartphone app) once your chosen bottle has been chilled to perfection.

With sensors, Wi-Fi and even interior cameras, fridge-freezers have become the stars of the show in modern kitchens.

Check out the latest models that have the functionality to suit the way you and your family live

RF523GDUX1 (H179xW79xD68.8cm), £1,999, Fisher & Paykel A super compact A+ rated design with a generous 436ltr of storage that’s ideal for small kitchens.

THE BEST BIT Its ActiveSmart technology analyses how you use your fridge and adjusts the temperature, airflow and humidity to guarantee your food remains fresher for longer.

Interior cameras Siemens iQ700 KA92DHXFP side-by-side fridge-freezer (H177.8x W91.2xD73.2cm), £2,882, AO.com This A++ rated model has oodles of storage (a combined 540ltr). The Hyperfresh drawer keeps meat or fish extra chilled (it’s 2-4°C colder).

THE BEST BIT The Siemens Home Connect app lets you check the fridge contents (via camera) when you’re out.

Stops bacteria Hotpoint fridge-freezer H84BE 72 XO3 UK (H186.7XW84XD75cm), £1,099, AO.com An A++ rated, 558ltr model that features reversible doors. What’s more, special Active Oxygen technology stops bacteria spreading and eliminates strong food odours.

THE BEST BIT The Twist & Serve tray for making ice cubes easily.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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SIMPLE PLEASURES CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Gourmet food is served in La Serre; the hotel feels beautifully remote; there’s plenty of outdoor space to explore; the decor is designed in harmony with nature

Somewhere for the weekend LE BARN Rambouillet, France This rambling, comfortably stylish countryside retreat is the perfect place to unplug

FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY

H

ead southwest from central Paris, and in little short of an hour you’ll find yourself approaching the sprawling Rambouillet forest – a wooded region home to deer, wild boar, and, curiously, wallabies.

Despite being just a hop, skip and jump from the city, the area feels gloriously off-grid, which has made it catnip for city dwellers looking for some free-range roaming. Where do they stay? Le Barn, a smart, hip, new country hideaway combining rural tranquillity with stylish boutique hotel credentials. For the horsey among us, riding in the deep

woods is a uniquely enchanting experience and horse whispering classes provide something a little different from your local stables.

Guided cycling tours showcase the best of the landscape, and indulgent Nordic baths provide that hit of total relaxation. La Serre restaurant serves exactly what you want in this part of the world: simple, seasonal menus with produce from its kitchen garden and local farms.

BOOK IT Double rooms start at £140 a night. Le Moulin de Brétigny, Bonnelles 78830, France, lebarnhotel.com

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

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Let’s design together

13 Showrooms Nationwide 0808 178 3211 www.sofasandstuff.com

SIMPLE PLEASURES

FOOD WITH FRIENDS

Host a lazy WEEKEND LUNCH Celebrate the long weekend by treating everyone to a simple-butspecial dish and a homemade pudding. G&T, anyone?

Crème brûlée tartlets

See page 154 for recipe

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Coconut fish with spiced black rice and crispy ginger See page 154 for recipe

IDEAL HOME TIP This recipe would work well with individual smaller pieces of fish like coley; just reduce the cooking time

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Scandi beetroot knots TAKES 50 mins SERVES 12 INGREDIENTS ● 7g sachet easy-bake yeast ● 300g strong white bread flour ● 100g light spelt flour ● 20g salted butter, softened ● ¼tsp salt ● ½tsp sugar ● ½tsp caraway seeds FOR THE BEETROOT PASTE ● 150g ready-to-eat beetroot ● 65g creme fraiche ● 1tbsp horseradish sauce FOR THE GLAZE ● 1 egg yolk TO SERVE ● Pickled herring ● A few sprigs of dill

1 Mix the yeast in 275ml of tepid

water. Add the flours, butter, salt, sugar and caraway seeds into a bowl. Using a mixer with a dough hook, add the water and mix for 10-15 mins. Pop the dough into an oiled bowl covered with a tea towel, and leave somewhere warm to prove for 1hr.

2 To make the beetroot paste,

blitz all the ingredients together in a food processor.

off the rough ends to make the long rectangle neat and cut the dough into 12 strips.

3 Divide the dough in half and

6 Twist one strip and, holding

tip onto a well-floured surface, knead for a few mins, then roll each half-batch of dough into a rectangle about 20x25cm.

4 Spread 3tbsp of the beetroot

paste onto one half, leaving a small border. Place the other half of the dough on top and gently roll out a little more. With the dough in landscape, fold the bottom third into the centre, then fold the top third right over to meet the other folded end.

5 Roll out the dough again, now

focusing on making it taller. Trim

on to one end, wrap the dough around and tuck the tail under.

Repeat with the remaining dough strips. Put onto 2 well-floured baking trays. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to prove in a warm place for 1-1½hrs. When you press the dough and it doesn’t spring back it’s ready to bake.

7 Preheat the oven to 240C/Gas 9.

Bake for 10-12 mins. Remove from the oven. To make the glaze, mix the yolk with 1tbsp of water and brush over the knots while warm.

Serve with the remaining beetroot paste, pickled herring and dill.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

151

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Spicy Turkish eggs with sesame yogurt See page 154 for recipe

152

MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Turmeric roast chicken bake See page 154 for recipe

IDEAL HOME TIP This also makes a lovely alternative to your Sunday roast chicken

SIMPLE PLEASURES

TAKES 20 mins, plus chilling MAKES 12 INGREDIENTS ● 300ml double cream ● 3 free-range egg yolks ● 1tsp vanilla extract ● 1tbsp caster sugar ● 12 small sweet pastry cases (we used Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference) ● 100g demerara sugar

1 Gently heat the double

cream in a small saucepan.

In a bowl, mix together the egg yolks, vanilla extract and caster sugar, and add to the cream. Stir over a gentle heat with a balloon whisk until the mixture has thickened.

Carefully pour into the pastry cases and chill in the fridge until set.

2 When ready to serve,

sprinkle the demerara sugar over the tartlets, then use a cook’s blowtorch, or place under a hot grill for a couple of mins, until the sugar is starting to brown and has caramelised. Chill again for 1 hr. These tartlets can be served on their own, but are best accompanied by a generous helping of creme fraiche and a cup of coffee.

Coconut fish with spiced black rice and crispy ginger

Spicy Turkish eggs with sesame yogurt

TAKES 40 mins SERVES 6

TAKES 30 mins SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS ● Juice of ½ lime ● 1tbsp honey ● 1 egg ● 150g panko breadcrumbs ● 150g desiccated coconut ● 700g (or 1 large piece) white fish, such as haddock ● 1 red chilli pepper, sliced ● 1cm ginger ● 1tbsp sunflower oil ● 50g coconut shavings ● Lime wedges and micro herbs FOR THE BLACK RICE 1 pack of black rice (we used Gallo) ● 3 cardamom pods, crushed

INGREDIENTS ● 3tbsp olive oil ● 2 large onions, thinly sliced ● 1 red, 1 green and 1 yellow pepper, each cut into round slices ● 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● ½tsp each cumin seeds, caraway seeds and cayenne pepper ● 1tbsp tomato purée ● 400g can chopped tomatoes ● A few cherry tomatoes, pierced ● 1 bunch of parsley, chopped ● 80g spinach, wilted ● 1tsp harissa (optional) ● 4 eggs ● 80g feta, crumbled ● 2 spring onions, chopped ● 250g thick natural yogurt ● 4 heaped tsp tahini ● Pitta breads and olives, to serve

1 Heat the oven to 200C/

Gas 6. In a bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey and egg. Set aside. Mix the breadcrumbs and desiccated coconut on a plate and set aside.

2 Pat the fish dry using a

paper towel and season. Dip one side of the fish first in the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.

3 Bake for 15 mins on a non-

stick baking tray lined with baking paper until golden.

4 Allow to rest. Meanwhile,

lightly fry thin slices of chilli and ginger in the oil until just turning golden. Place on tissue paper to dry and crisp.

5 Cook the rice according

to the pack instructions, adding the cardamom.

6 Dress the fish with the

ginger and chilli, coconut shavings and herbs, and serve with the rice and lime.

154

MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

1 Heat the oil in a frying pan.

Add the onions and peppers, cook for 3 mins. Add the garlic and cook for a further 1 min.

2 Sprinkle in the cumin,

caraway seeds and cayenne pepper. Stir in the tomato purée and all the tomatoes.

3 Simmer for 10 mins,

uncovered. Stir in the parsley, spinach and harissa.

4 Make 4 small wells in the

sauce. Break an egg into a cup and drop carefully into each dip. Cook for a few mins until the whites are just set and the yolks are still runny.

Sprinkle over the feta and spring onions. Serve with yogurt and tahini mixed together on the side, plus pitta breads and olives.

Turmeric roast chicken bake TAKES 1 hr 35 mins, plus marinating SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● 1 whole free-range chicken ● 125ml olive oil ● 2 garlic cloves ● 1tbsp coriander seeds ● 1tsp dried turmeric ● 4 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds ● 80g dried apricots, roughly chopped ● 1 orange, thickly sliced ● 1 bulb fennel, cut into chunks ● 1 glass of white wine ● 1 bunch of parsley, roughly chopped ● 4 spring onions, sliced

1 To prepare the chicken,

using poultry scissors, slice down the backbone and flatten to open. Score the chicken a few times. In a small blender, blitz together the olive oil, garlic, coriander seeds and turmeric. Rub this mixture over the chicken and leave to marinate in the fridge for 1hr or overnight.

2 Heat the oven to 200C/

Gas 6. Put the sweet potatoes, apricots, orange slices and fennel in the roasting tin. Top with the chicken. Drizzle with the remaining marinade, pour the wine over the potatoes and apricots, season well and cover with foil. Roast for 30 mins, remove the foil and reduce the heat to 180C/ Gas 4 and cook for a further 45 mins, until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

3 Serve topped with parsley

and spring onions.

FEATURE SAMUEL GOLDSMITH RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

Crème brûlée tartlets

IDEAL HOME PARTNERSHIP

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undertake, winding myself like a spring until the tension is released and the actual creating begins. It can take anything from twenty minutes to a month to make a painting.

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Pillar of Cloud by Day, Jeff Muhs at Runway Gallery

my father when I was a child, but it wasn’t until I built my first house that I discovered concrete as a medium. I became fascinated by it and have been experimenting ever since. Unlike my paintings, my sculptures are driven primarily by process and form; I love discovering new ways to create shapes.

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I TAKE ARTISTIC INSPIRATION FROM MY SURROUNDINGS I grew up in the Hamptons and my father was a hunting and fishing guide, so I was out on the water with him as a young child from sunrise to sunset.

I’ve always been passionate about drawing and painting, so it seemed natural for me to study at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, where I learned the traditional techniques of oil painting. I moved back to the Hamptons afterwards and have lived and worked here ever since.

SOME PEOPLE SAY MY PAINTINGS LOOK LIKE STONE OR MARBLE To me, each piece is a landscape painting – nature’s beauty distilled and rearranged into its most basic forms: light, colour and space. Think of it as a reflection in a puddle – you might not even notice it until somebody points it out to you. That’s what I’m trying to do through my paintings.

OIL ON CANVAS IS MY MAIN MEDIUM, BUT I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A SCULPTOR I learned the art of wood sculpting from

Butterfly Count, Jeff Muhs at Runway Gallery

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BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished

EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work very hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England.

Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

Editorial Director Vanessa Richmond 020 3148 7335 Group Creative Director Georgia Hibberdine 020 3148 7342 Executive Editor Heather Young 020 3148 7326 Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry 020 3148 7180 Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers 020 3148 7313 Acting Commercial Editorial Operations Director Judy Johnson 020 3148 3653 Associate Editor Ginevra Benedetti 020 3148 7347 Group Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor Sarah Farley 020 3148 7189 Decorating Editor Nicky Phillips 020 3148 7346 Style Editor Michela Colling 020 3148 7355 Houses Editor Ruth Corbett 020 3148 7330 Senior Features Editor Stephanie Durrant 020 3148 6218 Features Editor Holly Walsh 020 3148 7353 Travel & News Editor Patrick Hamilton Courtney Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke 020 3148 7136 Hub Chief Sub-Editor Amy Hodge 020 3148 7118 Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Jennie Filer Senior Sub-Editor Chloe Hay Senior Sub-Editor Linda Blakemore Head of Art Operations Alison Walter 020 3148 7113 Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson 020 3148 7338 Acting Art Editor Hannah Bennewitz 020 3148 7343 Group Digital Director Sarah Rafati Digital Content Director Holly Boultwood Acting Digital Content Director Stephanie Wood Digital Editor – Homes Group Amy Cutmore Digital Shopping Editor Tamara Kelly

ADVERTISING Publisher and Head of Homes Network Joanne O’Hara 020 3148 7642 Advertisement Manager Sharon Goode 020 3148 7631 International/Luxury Account Manager Carol Bunce 020 3148 7620 London Sales Manager Ruth Roscorla 020 3148 7639 Classified Senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett 020 3148 2511 Inserts Canopy Media Sales and Management 0845 544 1857 Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Business Director Kim Milroy 07967 590362 Homes Digital Director Ellie Naber 020 3148 4253

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OFFERS Enquiries 020 3148 6340

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SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BACK ISSUES Senior Subscriptions Marketing Manager Anita Baghapour 020 3047 1985 Credit-card Hotline 0330 333 1113 For full details turn to page 56.

For back issues visit mags-uk.com. You can order issues from as far back as 2003, subject to availability.

PRODUCTION Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman Deputy Editorial Production Manager Clare Willetts Art Production Designer Phil Dunk Advertisement Production Co-ordinator Nick Williams 020 3148 2676 Production Manager John Botten 020 3148 5431 Production Operations Director Richard Hill 020 3148 5424 Syndication Efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485 Head of Brand Partnerships David Abbott 020 3148 5474 Press Office 020 3148 7682

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IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MAY 2020

165

STYLE THROWBACK

THEN… AND NOW

1965

Every issue in our centenary year, we’re dipping into our archive to find an inspiring image and put a modern spin on the look THE ORIGINAL The brown walls, burnt orange curtains and mid-toned teak furniture take us straight back to the 1960s, while the full-length curtains, sleek floor and gold elements give this dining area a smart but not too formal finish.

THE UPDATE We’ve kept the monochrome statement tiles, but picked a design that can be laid in an irregular pattern for a more modern look. Metallics are back big time, so a brass pendant is a keeper, plus there’s a flash of gold on the cabinet. The dining chairs still have a retro shape but the velvet finish brings a luxe twist.

1

3 4

5

7

WHERE TO BUY 1 Huxley round dining table, £499, Urban Outfitters 2 Etta chair, £95, Habitat 3 Metal diner pendant in Brass, £70, Houseof 4 Barbara Hepworth Three Forms print, £85 framed, John Lewis & Partners 5 Gold ball bookends, £50 for set of two, Amara 6 Semaphore Enterprise porcelain tiles, £39sq m, Claybrook 7 Fresco cabinet in Light Brown mango wood and brass, £499, Swoon

166

MAY 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

6

2

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