housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
FROM THE EDITOR This month I’M GETTING READY FOR SUMMER
PHOTOGRAPHS MATTHEW MONFREDI; GETTY IMAGES; MARK SCOTT
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ay is my favourite month of the year. It’s also the name of my maternal grandmother, who was a huge influence in my life. She was a gardener. Widowed in her early sixties (when I was a very young child), she’d spend hours turning the soil on her precious rockeries and tending to her plants and vegetables. It was her therapy, a way of dealing with the fact that she’d lost her husband and life partner too soon. I remember spending many hours with her shelling peas on the back doorstep of her bungalow and picking tomatoes from the bountiful crops in her greenhouse. The aroma of tomato plants is still one of my favourite smells – it immediately takes me back to those childhood days. My grandma loved her home – it’s the only place she really wanted to be and I realise how much her feelings have influenced me as an adult. As I’ve mentioned here before, we have recently moved, and it seems to be taking an age to turn our new house into a place that really feels like home. There are just too many projects to take on and the budget won’t stretch. You get the picture. So, I’ve decided to take a break from it all. For the next few months, I’m putting my renovation plans on hold. The bathroom, the new flooring, the shelf-building and decorating are going to be ‘filed away’ in the back of my mind. Longer days and lighter nights are beckoning me outdoors where, like my grandma, I’m going to lose myself in nature. Fingers crossed we get some lovely sunshine… and ripe tomatoes!
LOUISE PEARCE Editor
Polperro bench, £784, Rowen & Wren. Poppi plates and bowl, from £10 each, Abode Living. Full Circle plant-based dye cleaning cloths, £12/ three, National Trust Shop. Bud vase, £17.50/ two, Cox & Cox. Turn to p122 more for inspiration FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
House Beautiful MAY 2020 3
Stylish Inspiration For Modern Living
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CONTENTS STYLE FILE
10 STYLE MAKER Meet artist and ceramicist Lucia Fraser 13 NEWS The latest trends and looks, including garden furniture, striking ceramics, heritage wallpaper and retro rattan 17 SHOP OF THE MONTH Discover The Edition 94, an eclectic homewares emporium in London’s South Kensington 19 THE CRAFT ROOM Extra-special artisanal buys 21 5 MINUTES WITH… Villa Nova’s Hayley McAfee
STYLE & DECORATING
24 SUMMER HAZE Beautiful sky-blue shades create a serene
backdrop for the warmer months ahead 32 GRAPHIC DESIGN Scaled-down motifs in understated shades bring a sophisticated feel to a geometric look 40 TUSCAN TOUCHES Embrace the lighter, longer days with a sunbleached palette offset with rustic materials 6 housebeautiful.com/uk
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48 FIND THE BEST Outdoor furniture – our edit of stylish pieces to smarten up your patio or garden
INSPIRING HOMES & GARDENS
54 NEW YORK CITY LIVING Convention was cast aside to
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create a gorgeous apartment with character and personality CHARACTER CHANGE One couple turned their new build from bland to beautiful on a tight budget IN THE GALLERY Treasured artworks are displayed to great effect in this stylish Victorian terrace PUTTING THE HEART BACK IN A picturesque stone cottage in a Wiltshire village has been restored to its former glory STYLE FOR SIZE Shades of mustard and dark grey bring an elegant result to an extended Victorian home PROPERTY OF THE MONTH An innovative pod bathroom SUMMER EXHIBITION Garden tips from flower show winners PLANT, PICK, SHOP Fantastic buys for your garden
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24 SPACE SOLUTIONS
106 ‘WE WANTED A SOCIABLE SPACE FOR ENTERTAINING’ Enlarging a tiny kitchen has allowed for a relaxed dining area 112 ‘A HOLIDAY TO IBIZA INSPIRED OUR BATHROOM’ Striking tiles have brought a taste of the Mediterranean 117 KITCHENS/BATHROOMS The latest trends and shopping
LIVING, FOOD & TRAVEL 122 131 132 138 146 149
HELLO SUNSHINE! Give your home a seasonal refresh HEALTHY HOME Room to breathe in the sitting room SHELFIE LOVE The benefits of creating a great display SPRINGTIME SUPPERS Recipes with seasonal produce TIME TO FEAST Giovanna Ryan on edible flowers and anchovies TRAVEL Take the heat of your city break by choosing a destination rich in parks and recreation 170 MY STYLE INSPIRATIONS Chef and author Melissa Hemsley
HB OFFERS, EXCLUSIVES & MORE 4 9 128 166 168
SUBSCRIBE Get fantastic savings and free delivery SIGN UP for our free weekly newsletter LIGHT & SHADE Introducing Hillarys’ new pleated blinds HOLIDAY OFFER Join a literary festival on the Danube WHERE TO BUY Stockist details
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COVER STORIES
13, 32, 40 BRIGHT IDEAS Hot new style and decor trends 112 AMAZING MAKEOVERS on a budget 122 SMART SPACE-SAVING SOLUTIONS 48 GET OUT IN THE GARDEN Our pick of the best garden furniture 152 NEW TRENDS FROM RHS CHELSEA SHOW WINNERS 132 CREATE A SHELFIE It’s the new mood booster 24 FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE Create a sunlit haven at home
COVER Photographer Mark Scott Stylist Lorraine Dawkins Stylist’s assistant Amy Neason See page 29 and 169 for product details House Beautiful is available as a digital edition Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/ house-beautiful-magazinedigital-subscription
House Beautiful MAY 2020 7
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DIRECTOR OF CONTENT/EDITOR LOUISE PEARCE Group Editorial PA Sandra Tear 020 7312 4114
HOMES & FEATURES Style & Interiors Director Sarah Keady Homes & Gardens Director Carolyn Bailey Features Editor Liz Murphy Deputy Style & Interiors Editor Amy Neason Deputy Homes & Interiors Editor James Cunningham Lifestyle & Homes Writer Alicia Ford Homes & Style Assistant Daisy Bendall Digital Editor Olivia Heath Digital Writer Lisa Walden GROUP EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Workflow Director Carly Levy Group Managing Editor Ingrid Eames Group Chief Sub-Editor Michele Jameson Chief Sub-Editor Helen Bonthrone Acting Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Julie Pannell-Rae Sub-Editor Molly Price ART & PICTURES Creative Director Barbora Hajek Group Art Editor Roger Browning Art Editor Linsey Cannon Designers Laura Sheppard Design Intern Leo Terry Picture Director Patricia Taylor Picture Researcher Ellie Summers GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR GABY HUDDART CHIEF BRAND OFFICER, LIFESTYLE & HOMES SHARON DOUGLAS PA to Sharon Helen Hart Brand Development Director, Lifestyle & Homes Alistair Wood CLIENT DIVISION Managing Director, Fashion & Luxury Jacqueline Euwe Director of Endorsements & Licensing Laura Cohen Licensing Coordinator Chelsea Ellis Director of Travel Denise Degroot Director of Motors Jim Chaudry Client Director, Personal Finance Pete Cammidge Client Direct Director, Fashion & Beauty Emma Barnes ADVERTISING DIVISION Chief Agency Officer Jane Wolfson Executive Assistant Tanya Stewart 020 7439 5532 Lifestyle Group Agency Director Matt Downs 020 7339 4583 Lifestyle Group Regional Director Lisa Bhatti 0161 962 9254 Head of Business Management Lucy Porter 020 7439 5276 Client Director Homes & Lifestyle Natasha Bailey Business Manager Wendy Meekings 020 3728 6245 Senior Client Executive Keaton Baynes 020 3728 6256 Head of Classified Lee Rimmer 020 3728 7707 SHOWS & EVENTS Director of Events & Sponsorship, Hearst Live Victoria Archbold Head of Events, Hearst Live Nikki Clare CONSUMER SALES & MARKETING Marketing & Circulation Director Reid Holland Head of Consumer Sales & Marketing James Hill Head of Promotions Marketing Aoibheann Foley Head of Subscriptions Marketing Justine Boucher Digital Marketing Director Seema Kumari COMMUNICATIONS Director of PR & Communications Effie Kanyua PR Manager Clare Fenny Journalist enquiries pressenquiries@hearst.co.uk PRODUCTION Production Manager Greta Croaker Senior Advertisement Production Controller Paul Lockett 020 7439 5682 HEARST EUROPE PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JAMES WILDMAN Chief Financial, Operations & Data Officer Claire Blunt Chief Operating Officer Giacomo Moletto Chief People Officer Surinder Simmons Chief Content Development Officer Betsy Fast Chief Strategy Officer Robert Ffitch HEARST INTERNATIONAL Senior Vice President/CFO & General Manager Simon Horne Senior Vice President/Editorial & Brand Director Kim St Clair Bodden
Published by Hearst Magazines UK, a trading name of The National Magazine Company Limited (Registered in England number 112955) whose registered offices are at House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ
MAY 2020 ISSUE PUBLISHED 27 MARCH 2020
Make your home your own.
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House Beautiful MAY 2020 9
STYLE MAKER WHO Lucia Fraser SPECIALISES IN Ceramics and dreamy artwork CLIENTS INCLUDE Heal’s
MADE FROM MEMORIES
Artist Lucia Fraser dips into her experiences of sea, sky and scenery to create captivating floating-world paintings and ceramics
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n her morning journey to work at a studio in London’s Lee Valley, artist and ceramicist Lucia Fraser is already getting into a quieter space: ‘I walk across the marshes and past a riding stables, taking in the scenery – it feels like I’m leaving London, departing the city. I am very much inspired by nature, by bigger spaces and landscapes, so that escape is lovely for me.’ Lucia’s dreamy, beautifully liquid paintings of indeterminate places make you stand back and take a breath, and she has gradually perfected a way of expressing her artistic style on covetable ceramics for the home too – with Heal’s stocking an exclusive range of Lucia’s prints, bowls and elegant shoulder vases. ‘I started making ceramics because I wanted to experiment with painting on a 3D surface, and investigate how this evolves the aesthetic – all of my designs have very flat surfaces, so I think the connection to my painting work is very tangible and interconnected.’ Lucia splits her time between her home where she paints, and a large old industrial warehouse co-working studio where she creates her ceramics. ‘For painting, you need great light and quiet, whereas with ceramics, you need access to lots of different equipment,’ says Lucia. ‘There is a great community of people in the studio, all making and using the kilns – it’s very inspiring. I have
WORDS KERRY FOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY ALUN CALLENDER PRODUCTION AMY NEASON
‘I love i t when people sa y my pa intings m ake them feel ca lm er’ my own cubicle and am constantly plugged into my playlist to get into a state where I’m unconsciously making marks, not thinking about each thing I do. I recently had an artist’s residency in Iceland – which was wonderful and completely changed my colour palette – and now I’m into atmospheric Icelandic music, too!’ Lucia’s inspiration comes from wide open spaces, hazy horizons, from the sky and sea: ‘I grew up spending summers on the coast in Wales and as a teenager I would visit my father who all but lived on his boat on the west coast of Scotland. We would sail around the islands together and it left an imprint on me.’ Using mainly acrylics and inks, Lucia has her own unconventional way of working: she likes to get down on the floor to paint and will then often rotate the canvas round on the wall so the ink can move and find its natural path. ‘I barely use a brush, I just let it run,’ she explains. ‘For me, it is all about memory and the feeling I had when I was looking out at the sea – and then translating that into what I am doing. I love it when people say my paintings make them calmer; that’s what I feel when I’m painting.’ Find out more at luciafraser.com
OPPOSITE Lucia in her studio; the backdrop, available as a giclée print, is Ardvreck THIS PAGE, FROM TOP LEFT Applying paint to what will become one of Lucia’s signature Tide vases; ceramics in virgin and varnished forms sit on shelves; shoulder vases in a matt white glaze; plate washed in shades of blue; layered teal glazes on Lucia’s trademark shoulder design House Beautiful MAY 2020 11
STYLE FILE
LIQUID LUSTRE LSA International’s new Gems glassware collection has us dreaming of slow and sunny alfresco lunches. We love the on-trend fluted texture of the tumblers, individually handpainted in an array of jewel tones. Display on open shelving to enjoy how the colours catch the light. Available in two sizes, from £35 for a set of four.
Rolio acacia chair, £150, designed by The Rich Brothers for Habitat
Th e la test sh oppi ng, news a nd trends to look ou t for this month
NATURAL COLLECTION Dynamic gardening duo David and Harry Rich – otherwise known as the Rich Brothers – first found fame as the youngest winners of a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They’ve since rocketed to TV fame, and now the siblings have created their first outdoor capsule collection for Habitat. Simple sleek lines and pared-back materials help the pieces blend beautifully into a multitude of garden styles. We’ll be adding the finishing touches to our own green spaces with their Rolio acacia curved garden lounger, £295 from Habitat.
ONE TO WATCH N ATA L I E J W O O D
The Edinburgh-based ceramicist champions her love of form and function from her small-scale studio. For her most recent collection, Natalie’s teamed up with homeware hero Heal’s to create a range of vibrant vases finished with a distinctive textural glaze. Prices start at £29. House Beautiful MAY 2020 13
STYLE FILE
Paper t rail After the success of their debut environmentally friendly paint collaboration, the National Trust and Little Greene have joined forces once again to create a range of striking ornate wallpapers. Reimagined from original designs found within the National Trust’s historic properties, the collection – which comprises seven key designs – brings 200 years of pattern back to life. Stag Trail in Sky, £94/roll, is shown here
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SUNSHINE SPICE
What better way to embrace the jubilant essence of spring in your home than with Neptune’s sumptuous new shade, Saffron? The richly pigmented warm yellow can be used on walls and kitchen cabinetry, or simply peppered through your spaces with cushions and other soft accent accessories. Saffron matt emulsion, from £38/2.5L, Neptune
STYLE FILE
TREND ALERT
Ra tta n reviva l
Warming hue
Jordan blue rattan pendant, £199, Beaumonde
BOOK CLUB Decorative wicker bottle, £49.99, Zara Home
COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD
Sahara faux rattan mirror, £18, Sainsbury’s Home
From Cath Kidston, the queen of quirky prints, comes A Place Called Home (£30, Pavilion), an evocative account of the renovation of her Cotswolds manor house. Filled with Cath’s memories, advice and inspirational ideas, the book is perfect for anyone undertaking their own renovation, or simply those keen for a glimpse into the home of a design icon.
BEST OF BRITISH
Family-run lighting brand Original BTC celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with the launch of the limited-edition Hector 30 range, revamping its classic Hector wall, table and floor lights. The brainchild of Peter Bowles, Original BTC is known for its pioneering use of translucent bone china shades, made using age-old techniques in pottery heartland Stoke-on-Trent. Pictured, The Hector 30 wall light, from £135.
Three-tier rattan storage basket, £75, Rose & Grey
FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
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STYLE FILE
RIGHT Tahitian placemats, £30 each; handmade Daisy shallow side plates, £45.60 each; Tall Handblown Italian glasses, £24 each; Byblos bamboo cutlery, from £16.34 for a teaspoon
SHOP OF THE MONTH
THE EDITION 94
LEFT Paloma bowl, £225 BELOW Vintage trolley, £995 RIGHT Vintage pieces
India Whalley’s eclectic emporium in South Kensington, London, stocks an ever-changing collection of carefully curated vintage and artistic treasures eager be discovered
WORDS ALICIA FORD
TELL US YOUR INSPIRATION FOR OPENING A BRICKS AND MORTAR SHOP… I started working as an interior designer in 2013 and set up my gallery, The Dot Project, in 2015 to identify and showcase emerging global contemporary artists. I’d been running the gallery from London’s Fulham Road for almost four years when I began actively thinking of ideas to bring more people into the space – galleries are notoriously quiet! One day I placed some Murano glassware in the window on a bookshelf, and the pieces quickly became popular, with numerous people coming in to enquire about buying them after spotting them from the street. If I had to pinpoint the moment The Edition 94 came to life, this would be it. I realised it would be so exciting to combine inspiring artworks with the special pieces I love sourcing, and that first window offered a glimpse into what would soon become the world of The Edition 94. WHAT’S THE ETHOS BEHIND THE EDITION 94? It’s all about continuing the story and life of vintage and antique pieces, helping them to truly stand the test of time. Sourcing these items is my favourite part of the job. They have an emotional value as well as an historical one, and to be able to see where they go after they leave the shop is really rewarding. We make sure to
change the stock in the store as much as possible, meaning that we don’t buy huge amounts of one style or product, to ensure our customers are always inspired when they come in and feel as though they’re getting something different. WHICH ASPECT OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT SHOPKEEPER DO YOU LIKE THE MOST? Getting up in the early hours of the morning, often when it’s still dark outside, and making it to vintage and flower markets by 5am allows me to experience different sides of London. I love that. It’s also resulted in lots of memorable encounters with people I wouldn’t otherwise have crossed paths with. To find out more about The Edition 94, visit theedition94.com House Beautiful MAY 2020 17
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THE CRAFT ROOM Tactile textures and specialist techniques invite you to admire the hand of the maker
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COMPILED BY AMY NEASON
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1 This striking orange lampshade, £34.99, Ian Snow, is constructed from carefully folded paper 2 Sunset shades enliven these woven fans, £28 each, Toast 3 Woven by hand in Burma by skilled artisans, the Inya rattan bowls come in a range of colours, but this deep pine green is our favourite. It’s £38 from Kalinko 4 Bring warmth and texture to walls with the Lara wall hanging, £49.50 from Oliver Bonas 5 Hand-carved from mango wood, this beautiful coffee spoon, £6 from Curious Egg, will make your morning cuppa extra special 6 This pretty leather stool, £46 from Yonder Living, is hand whittled from wood and each one is charmingly unique 7 The Basket Room works closely with African communities to ensure skilled weavers are paid a fair wage. The Mwenendo basket, from a selection starting at £17, has been designed and made in rural Kenya 8 A nod to the modern craft movement that sees a return to handmade, artisanal pieces, the Canyon pouffe, £95 from French Connection, layers knots and tassels for a fun extra seat 9 In collaboration with All Roads Design, the Shae accent chair, £798 from Anthropologie, is a joyous riot of texture FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE House Beautiful MAY 2020 19
STYLE FILE Villa Nova’s nature-inspired fabrics include (left) Corris in Neptune, £30/m, used to upholster the sofa; Brome, Nordic, £30/m, for the curtains; and Whisby, Nordic, £70/m (left) for the cushions. Drapery (this picture) made up in Rye, Nordic, £55/m, all villanova.co.uk
5 MINUTES WITH...
HAYLEY M c AFEE Textile and wallpaper brand Villa Nova’s design director reveals the influences behind the company’s contemporary designs, and the top trends to look out for this year
WORDS ALICIA FORD
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU BECAME DESIGN DIRECTOR AT VILLA NOVA… I’ve worked at The Romo Group, a brilliant British, family-run company, for 25 years. I initially joined as a textile design graduate and after two years, moved to the Villa Nova studio, where I worked my way up to design manager and then director. I’ve always had a passion for design and textiles – even as a young child I’d memorise precisely how people’s houses were decorated. I’ve been lucky enough to play a key role in shaping the identity of the brand and will continue to be responsible for its creative vision, along with a talented team of designers, who have such a breadth of weaving and printing knowledge. WHAT’S THE ETHOS BEHIND THE BRAND? We create modern, versatile and affordable fabrics and wallcoverings that, crucially, are really easy to use in any home. Our studio produces forward-thinking designs with fashion-focused colour palettes that gently evolve with each new launch. You can choose from a range of distinctive and eclectic printed fabrics, embroideries, decorative weaves, sheers and wallcoverings, all complemented by a spectrum of plain and semi-plain weaves. Each new collection is carefully co-ordinated to allow new and existing designs to be used together to create a unique and flexible scheme.
WHERE DO THE DESIGNERS TAKE THEIR INSPIRATION FROM? There are so many sources to choose! It could be from nature, emerging fashion trends, travel and exhibitions, through to new techniques we’ve found in developing our fabrics and wallpapers. We gather ideas through sketches, photographs, collages and artwork and experiment with new ways of making them come to life. As textile designers, we’re always on the lookout for inspiration – it becomes second nature to us – and sometimes it derives from the most surprising of places, such as the distressed walls or beautiful doors of an Indian village. HAVE YOU SEEN A CHANGE IN THE WAY WE DECORATE OUR HOMES OVER THE PAST DECADE? There have been so many evolutions in design over the previous 10 years, from innovation in materials, to a resurgence of pattern and colour, resulting in plains and neutral colours taking a surprising back seat. We’ve also seen a growth in the use of wallcoverings, from wallpapering all four walls, to a lot of experimenting with feature walls. In the past year or so, I’ve witnessed a growing trend for murals that bring an artistic statement to walls. AND YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE MOST POPULAR FABRIC AND WALLCOVERING TRENDS FOR 2020? I’m expecting a growing love affair with nature-inspired fabrics and wallcoverings, and a movement towards natural scenes and interiors that inspire a tranquil and slower pace of living. The simplicity and poise of the Japanese aesthetic will also have an important influence on design, especially with the Olympics in Tokyo casting a focus on the country and its culture. The growing concern over the environment is also having a big impact on design and ‘disposable’ trends. People now want to invest in key pieces that have longevity and a timeless, adaptable appeal. House Beautiful MAY 2020 21
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Bring beautiful and calming blue hues into your home for the warmer months, and add subtle hints of soft green to provide a gentle contrast
Tranquil tones
The elegant silhouettes of clear and frosted vessels in cobalt create a stunning display when set against a lighter-toned background.
Saraille Sevres wallpaper, £236/roll, Designers Guild. Vases (l-r): Cube vase, £59, The Conran Shop; Tall Recycled Bottle vase, £42, Rowen & Wren. Oversized Frosted Indigo bottle vase, £95, Cox & Cox
Blue sky thinking
An ombré wallcovering, with its wash of blue resembling an endless horizon, softens the effect of statement furniture in modern pared-back shapes. Wallpaper, as before. Greene sofa, from £6,980, Viaduct. Cushions (l-r): Brera Lino Pistachio & Moss, £60, Designers Guild; Perfect Day, £88.50, Black Edition; Mixed Tones Cobalt, £90, Designers Guild. Crumpled linen
Time to reflect
A room filled with plants, tactile textures and lots of natural light encourages wellbeing and moments of stillness. Sejour chair, from £1,948; stool, £160; both Viaduct. Ripple clear tumblers by Ferm Living, £35/four, Heal’s. Mixed Tones Cobalt cushion (on chair), £90, Designers Guild. Waffle throw in Citrine, £30, John Lewis & Partners FOR MORE PRODUCT DETAILS, SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Calming combination
Pairing different shades of the same colour creates a cohesive and effective scheme. A subtle wallcovering with a rich shade below gives a striking contrast. Breakwater Sky wallpaper, £70/m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Wall painted in Vardo estate emulsion, £47.95/2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Etta table, £695, Habitat.
Jenny Green mug, £28, 1882 Ltd. Ceramic Wave pot, £25, Rose & Grey. For similar marbled papers, try Choosing Keeping. Recycled glass lamp base, £148; drum shade, £82; both Rowen & Wren. CH23 side chair by Hans J Wegner, £682, The Conran Shop. Ocean & Celadon cushion, £60, Designers Guild. Little Cheese footstool in Lagoon Clever Velvet, £285; Bobble rug, £395; both Loaf. Ribba picture frame, £15, Ikea. Artwork, handmade by stylist
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Light touch
(Left) Smart glassware and covetable ceramics make a gathering with friends even more joyous. Oceanic tones and loose, organic motifs are ideal for the warmer weather and sure to evoke fond memories of the coast. Ensley white bottle vase, £20, Habitat. Etosha bowl, £45,
Relaxed entertaining
Whitewashed woods are subtly elegant and beautifully enhanced with touches of cerulean and turquoise. A slubbed-effect sheer linen at the window completes the fresh summery feel. Wide-width sheer panel made up in Chambery Eau de Nil, £35/m, Designers Guild. Pennon dining table in ash by Ercol, from £4,980, Heal’s FOR MORE PRODUCT DETAILS, SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
Toast. Cube tall vase in blue, £59; Smokey Stripe high ball glass, £21; Ombré Turquoise & Petrol tumbler, £19; Linen napkins in Workwear Blue, £12.50 each; all The Conran Shop. Tequila Sunrise jug, £79, Designers Guild. Cobalt large platter by Silvia K Ceramics, £155, The New Craftsmen. Blue handglazed side plates, £55/six, Cox & Cox
£130/m, Black Edition. Pillow Talker bed, from £1,145; Lazy Linen white pillowcase, £40; both Loaf. Crushed linen pillowcase in Turquoise, £48; kingsize duvet cover in Turquoise, £358; both Volga Linen. Crumpled linen bedspread, £185; Tonal Velvet Sage & Green cushion, £45; both The Conran Shop. Katsura in Peacock square cushion, £98, Black Edition FOR MORE PRODUCT DETAILS, SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Get the look... SUMMER HAZE
WORDS AND STYLING LORRAINE DAWKINS STYLING ASSISTANT AMY NEASON PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SCOTT
Combine cobalt and soft sky-blue hues with turquoise and jade for naturally beautiful room schemes that have depth and sophistication
Carmen Herrera postcard, 85p, Tate Modern Shop. Recubed Green ceramic tiles, £8.75 each, Smink Things. Arsenic, Vardo, Verdigris Green and Emerald Green estate emulsion, all £47.95/2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Poppy Seed vase by Akiko Hirai, £220, The New Craftsmen. In the Ponds wallpaper in Muddy Green & Blue, £155/roll, Ottoline Fabrics (from top): Pebble Green linen, £130/m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Quartz in Green, £120/m, Fermoie. Lisbon Azure, £45/m; Brera Moda Baltic, £75/m; both Designers Guild. Spa Jasper White, £78/m, Mark Alexander FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Graphic design
STYLING HANNAH DEACON PHOTOGRAPHY DAN DUCHARS
For easy-to-live-with pattern, opt for gentle geometrics. Scaled-down motifs in understated shades will bring a sophisticated feel to this dynamic look
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Welcome decoration
Delightfully naïve, this simple line-drawn design will have the effect of bringing subtle texture to your walls. Sticking to a monochrome palette ensures the scheme holds together beautifully. Herringbone wallpaper, £64/roll, Ferm Living. Bench Series Two in ash and walnut, from £895, Another Country. Find similar baskets at Trouva
Take centre stage
Patterned upholstery can feel like an adventurous choice, but in subdued shades of lemon yellow, duck egg blue and dove grey the overall effect is both modern and serene. Accessorise with mostly plain cushions and throws to keep the look harmonious. Sofa in Escher Multi in Lovage, £45/m; cushions in Sumba in Lovage, £45/m; Dune in Sea Holly, £37.50/m; Dune in Coconut, £37.50/m; all Romo
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ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Smooth blend
Wallpaper is an incredibly effective way of introducing energising pattern into a room. A tight repeat in a two-tone colourway means that even a bold design doesn’t overpower the space, while picking out one of the shades to echo across surrounding walls gives a cohesive feel. Lavaliers wallpaper in Low Wave, £73/roll; Hicks’ Blue and French Grey absolute matt emulsion; both £45/2.5L; all Little Greene
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Curtain call
As well as being an opportunity to add instant interest to a room, generous drapes are a great choice if you’re looking to soften expansive windows or warm up a stark space. Curtains in Zamarra in Zebra, £59/m; sofa in Sanara in Onyx, £45/m; cushions (l-r): Turaco in Onyx, £49/m; Zamarra in Saffron, £59/m; all Harlequin at Style Library
S H TE YA LDEE RI NHSEPRI R EAT I O N
The small print
Simply updating linens and accessories will make a big difference to a room. Layer contrasting prints for a sumptuous feel. Loft Living Industrial bed, £149; Grey Triangle Tile printed bedding, £21/double set; Nomad desk, £180; Joey chair, £60; Loft Living pouffe, £35; Global Diamond flat weave rug, £40; Mustard abstract hand woven rug, £55; all Argos Home
Play with pattern
Rather than committing to one design, a half-and-half effect will not only tone down a vivid pattern but is also a gorgeous style statement. Contrasting tile sizes or laying patterns will accentuate the look. Astrid navy porcelain tiles, from ÂŁ43.13/sq m; Oska Shell matt porcelain tiles, ÂŁ46.34/sq m; both Mandarin Stone
S H TE YA LDEE RI NHSEPRI R EAT I O N
Get the look... GRAPHIC DESIGN
Fabrics clockwise from top: Dorothy cotton in Pink Denim, £90/m, Imogen Heath. Lille in Ballet, £43/sq m, Villa Nova. Halle linen in Garden Green, £120/m, Imogen Heath. Danby weave in Buxton Blue, £80/m; Osumi cotton in Jasmine, £47/m; Linara linen in Sunflower, £39.50/m; all Romo. Calimanco linen in Light Blue, £120/m, Fermoie. Stiffkey Blue and Green Blue estate emulsion; both £47.95/2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Hay porcelain paper plate, £35, Connox. Mosaics Confiserie white triangle, £6.29/sheet; Renzo Hex Whitney, £15.49/sheet; Renzo Hex Shard, £15.49/sheet; Xanadu dark grey, £7.38/ sheet; all Claybrook. Metal white scissors, £9, Kikki.k. Rhombus mosaic tiles, £274.87/sq m, Fired Earth FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE 38 housebeautiful.com/uk
WORDS AND MOODBOARD STYLING AMY NEASON MOODBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SCOTT
Experiment with complementary shapes, colours and textures to achieve your own unique take on the geometric trend
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Tuscan touches Embrace the lighter, longer days with a sunbleached palette offset with rustic materials and natural finishes
Golden hour
Spend a relaxing evening sipping drinks around a linen-dressed table with loved ones. Keep things informal with mismatched glassware in mellow glinting hues.
Recycled glass tumblers, from ÂŁ7 each; linen tablecloth, ÂŁ78; all Rowen & Wren
Country style
Mixing reclaimed wood and Venetian plaster walls with sleek stone and contemporary tableware achieves the perfect balance of a modern rustic look. Clarise pendant, £125; Kamilla seagrass basket, £54/two; Grace napkin, £9.70; Wall teapot, £41.70; Wall thermal mug, £21; Todo chopping board, £20; Bubble carafe, £26.75; Kamilla hanging seagrass basket, £37.50/two; all Broste Copenhagen
House Beautiful MAY 2020 41
A perfect canvas
Let the sun into every corner of your room by opting for neutral shades on walls, curtains and upholstery to reflect the light. Go for a textured wallcovering and subtly patterned linens to add depth and ensure these muted shades really sing. Walls in Kuima wallcovering in Canvas, £320/roll; curtain in Windward in Cement, £120/m; sofa in Casual in Dove, £145/m; cushions (l-r): Windward in Indigo, £120/m; Cluster in Driftwood, £139/m; Breaker in Ocean, £139/m; Windward in Indigo, £120/m; Bourne in Grey Mist, £120/m; all Mark Alexander
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Keep it organic
This scheme lets the beauty of natural materials shine through, and they’re combined to stunning effect. Smart parquet flooring in a smooth oak contrasts beautifully with raw stone.
Crawford table, £1,099; Crawford bench, £449; Crawford large sideboard, £899; all by Rob Scarlett; prints (l-r): Faberge, £25; Details 01, £70; Mother, £25; all by Paper Collective. Vista cushion by Ferm Living, £65; vases, from £25 each; all from Heal’s House Beautiful MAY 2020 43
Natural balance
Citrus trees feel gloriously Mediterranean and with the right care can be kept indoors all year round. They look fantastic in stoneware pots. Group different sizes together to create a range of heights to draw the eye around the space. Debbie terracotta pots, from ÂŁ29.20 each; Kamilla seagrass basket, ÂŁ54/two; all Broste Copenhagen
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S T Y L E HI E N AS DP EI R AHT EI O RN E
Secret garden
Create a cosy oasis in your garden with layered rugs and throws, comfy cushions and, of course, candlelight for when the sun sets. Rattan pendant light, £175; Medium Poppy Field rugs, £125 each; cushions, from £32 each; Poppy Field pink throw, £46; French cane coffee table, £295; all French Connection
ST Y L E I N S P I R AT I O N
Get the look... TUSCAN TOUCHES
Tattenhall herringbone flooring, £68.34/sq m, Ted Todd. Woven jute placemat, £25/four; Marble small serving platter, £25; both Design Vintage. Alhambra white Decor tile, £288/sq m, Fired Earth. Mushroom 75 and Dormouse 67 interior eggshell, both £60/2.5L, M&L. Handmade pale terracotta tile, £64.94/sq m, Claybrook. Fabrics (from top) Taza weave in Briar Rose, £79/m, Romo. Hertford stripe linen in Light Green, £120/m, Fermoie. Lille in Seal, £43/m, Villa Nova. Sulis linen in Abelia, £56.50/m; Calida weave in Jasmine, £70/m; both Romo FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
WORDS AND MOODBOARD STYLING AMY NEASON MOODBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SCOTT
For this understated, rustic style, keep the scene simple with natural pieces that create a warm and inviting environment
FIND THE BEST...
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
It’s the time of year when we start to think about better weather and alfresco living, so if your garden furniture is looking less than lovely, check out these latest styles 2 1
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FI E STA TIME 1 Eos rectangular table in Rust, £598; Eos armchairs, £195 each; Eos side chairs, £180 each; Eos bench, £455; all by Matthew Hilton for Case at Heal’s 2 Splash out on the fabulously flamboyant Sywawa Tahiti parasol, £1,990 from Go Modern – its exotic looks are sure to be a talking point 3 The Aplomb concrete outdoor pendant light, £400 from Christopher Wray, would be perfect above a table 4 Use the vibrant Lhasa outdoor rug to define the dining space on a patio. It’s £49.95 from Cuckooland 5 Round tables are more intimate for smaller groups – we like the Copa outdoor dining table with its flashes of green, £299 from Made 6 The Saba square table in Vermillion, £25 from B&Q, is ideal for dinner à deux and folds neatly away 7 Outdoor cushions are essential for creating a comfortable area where guests will want to linger. Pina Colada cushion, £79, Penelope Hope 8 Sit back in the Aqua Blue Lido lounger and imagine you’re on the Riviera. It’s weather-resistant and costs £295 from PR Home 48 housebeautiful.com/uk
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S C AND I NATU RAL 1 Neat and funky, the CAS aluminium and teak set, £1,999 for table and four seats, from Out & Out is ideal for a contemporary, minimal garden 2 Indoor/ Outdoor Albany dining set, £995, Cox & Cox 3 The St Ives Outdoor lantern, £47.40 from PR Home, has a handy carrying handle and can be charged using a USB cable 4/8 Create a comfortable space with soft furnishings such as this Juno outdoor rug, £67, and matching large floor cushion, £185; both Weaver Green 5 Introduce an industrial edge with this Shoreditch metal side chair, £69, Cult Furniture 6 A small concrete table looks modern, and with a 60cm diameter top, Habitat’s Milton, £250, doesn’t take up much space. It won’t blow over in windy weather either 7 Relax on an outdoor sofa, £695 from Idyll Home, that’s stylish enough to be used indoors. This has a lightweight and water-resistant bamboo frame and full-size cushions 9 Stools are a versatile choice for garden dining as they can be moved around easily – perfect for a party. Camley table set, £1,500, Garden Trading House Beautiful MAY 2020 49
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C O NTE MPO RA RY COOL 1 Oval bistro set, £110; potted plant in basket, £30; 12-piece stoneware dinner set, £20; all Argos Home 2 A new take on a traditional shape, the Richmond bench, £190 from Garden Trading, provides useful extra seating for guests. It’s also lightweight, so easy to move around 3 Give your plants a stylish home with the Metal bowl planter, £40, Mink Interiors 4 Outdoor cushions get the monochrome treatment with this simple Summer Gardens design, £59, Bridgman 5 If you only have a small terrace, make your furniture count with the smart Tribu Branch garden table and chair set, £1,090, Go Modern 6 With a simple, graphic metal frame, the Copenhagen armchair, £195 from Rose & Grey, is the perfect partner for modern tables 7 The Cinder outdoor light, £36 from BHS, is sleek and unobtrusive – ideal for a compact space 8 Stools are useful in the garden – take the cushion off and it doubles as a table. Catania ottoman, £129, Made 9 Add interest at low level with the patterned Copenhagen outdoor rug, £49.95, Cuckooland 50 housebeautiful.com/uk
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FIND THE BEST
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WORDS ALISON DAVIDSON
AT THE CO A S T 1 Swing in style in this great-value Striped hanging chair, £21.99, VonHaus 2 The Fin sunbed, £325 from PR Home, is an elegant choice for relaxing, and its wheels make it easy to manoeuvre in and out of the sun 3 A beach-hut-inspired angled wall light, from £238, Holloways of Ludlow will set the scene 4 This Mesmerise outdoor cushion, £79 from Penelope Hope, is like gazing into a rockpool 5 The Capri parasol, £57 from B&Q, will add soft colour to a wood dining set 6 Introduce a modern feel to a coastal scheme with Made’s Mead outdoor bench set, £1,499 7 Get an instant seaside look with the Catamaran Stripe outdoor rug, £59, Darlings 8 The Samira woven rattan armchair could be used for dining or relaxing, £295, Cuckooland 9 Polperro woven armchair, £432; handwoven Kapok floor cushion, £112; checked linen napkins, £21/two; Elif recycled glass tumbler, £11; Arlo recycled glass tumbler, £7; raffia woven basket, £6; all Rowen & Wren HB FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE House Beautiful MAY 2020 51
HOMES Fabulous properties with style ideas to steal
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74 YORK 54 NEW CITY LIVING A super-glamorous SoHo apartment
64 CHARACTER CHANGE Turning a new build from bland to beautiful
THE 74 IN GALLERY
Eclectic collections liven up a Victorian terrace
THE 84 PUTTING HEART BACK IN Reinstating original touches in a stone cottage
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Understated elegance in shades of grey
INSPIRING HOMES
NEW YORK CITY
LIVING One intrepid owner cast aside rules and convention to create a beautiful apartment with character and personality WORDS ATHENA CALDERONE PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLE FRANZEN
HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE
Jenna Lyons, a fashion designer and businesswoman, and her son Beckett, nine THE PROPERTY
A three-bedroom, fourbathroom loft apartment in SoHo, New York, built in 1909 and renovated six years ago
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HALLWAY
Door surrounds and decorative moulding extend past the actual door frame, offering a sense of grandeur
READING CORNER
Jenna’s bookshelves are displayed in an easy-to-find
alphabetical system. One shelf, tilted down at an angle, provides an opportunity to display and rotate her favourite pages. Plus, it makes an interesting foil to the late-19th-century mahogany round table
‘I realised that taking a chance and trying something new was probably more valuable than just staying within the borders’
INSPIRING HOMES LIVING ROOM
Jenna’s off-centre method of hanging artwork – clustered on the floor, breaking the mouldings, lined along the windowsills – feels effortless and draws your eye in. She starts with a statement piece and then layers the
accessories, supporting colours and pattern. The pink sofa is undoubtedly the focal point but it doesn’t dominate. Secondary colours and a duo of prints (the jungle-motif screen and the leopard pouf) make the whole room come together in a lively mix
INSPIRING HOMES
KITCHEN
While decoration choices usually come after construction, lighting is the exception. Jenna bought her decorative light fixtures at the start of the renovation. The grand Venini
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chandelier dictated the central location for the electrical box over her kitchen island. She prevented the costly rewiring and patching of walls by sorting out lighting and electric placement in advance
‘I love a sense of history in something. I love a patina, I love seeing someone else’s touch, or seeing a stain, a nick or a chip’
INSPIRING HOMES
‘I
(Above) Jenna sits on one of her favourite green mohair chairs
BEDROOM
(Opposite) Although we may not be able to buy pieces by our favourite artists, says Jenna, we can look to their
work for design inspiration and incorporate its spirit into our homes. Donald Judd’s minimalist, monolithic style was a starting point for Jenna, who commissioned her floating brass bedside tables as an homage to the artist
This extract featuring Jenna Lyons’ New York apartment was taken from Live Beautiful, written by Brooklyn-based interior designer Athena Calderone (£30, Abrams) 60 housebeautiful.com/uk
JENNA LYONS PHOTOGRAPH SARAH ELLIOTT
THE DESIGNER
love a sense of history in something. I love a patina, I love seeing someone else’s touch, or seeing a stain, or seeing a nick or a chip,’ says Jenna Lyons, who embraces imperfection passionately. Not only does she have a great sense of style, but she’s also business savvy and a brazen risk-taker. So it’s no surprise that her homes past and present embody her personality, and have been inspiration for countless fans who swoon over her unconventional colourful, personal style. After a long stint living in Brooklyn, Jenna knew what she wanted when looking for a new home – a living space to be all on one floor and large enough to accommodate the ‘main parts of life’, such as cooking, eating and hanging out. She found a SoHo loft that fitted her size requirement but little else. So, unfazed, she set about transforming the space, and now rooms that feature oversized mouldings and fabulous unfinished herringbone floors are decorated in a stunning yet playful layering of styles, materials and finishes. A mix of French influences, designer classics and quirky pieces brings a unique look: a sconce peeks out from behind a jungle-motif screen; a leopard-print pouffe sidles up to a pink sofa… Jenna deliberately disrupts the symmetry of the architecture by hanging her artwork off-centre, or even leaning it on the floor. It feels unexpected, and the eccentric placement highlights the work. After finding the sofa in the living space, which is the main anchor of the room, she altered its original design by removing the tufting and upholstering it in a pink cotton velvet. ‘In my job as a designer, I got used to having to say, “Taking a chance and trying something is probably more valuable than just playing safe.”’ But her decisions are not made quickly. She spent hours poring over pink swatches to choose exactly the right one. A mint green and pink colour combination in the living room, where a pale malachite-hued goatskin cube cosies up to the pink sofa, looks fresh and cool. Avocado-green lacquer covers some of the bathroom walls and French 18th-century threadbare mohair chairs are dotted around. She takes her influence from a variety of sources – a bathroom at the Gritti Palace hotel in Venice, for instance, inspired her to source veined marble for her own. With a profound love for the details and patina of French architecture, Jenna worked with the contractors to create mouldings, extra-tall doors, and high doorknobs (she is five foot eleven) to reflect that appreciation. In all of the finishes Jenna chose throughout the home – the unlacquered brass backsplashes, the honed-marble countertops, the unfinished oak floors – she wants life to be visible. ‘I had lengthy conversations with my contractor about making sure the floors weren’t too perfect,’ she says. ‘I wanted them to wear enough to show spills and reveal the markings of people’s footsteps walking down the hall.’ It’s symbolic of the honesty of life she craves. ‘I’ve never felt comfortable looking perfect or being perfect. My taste is unconventional, and I couldn’t make a perfect room if I tried,’ Jenna says. HB
Get the look
Play with different textures and colours to copy Jenna’s super-stylish interior 3 4
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1 Bubl mini vase, £32, Design & That 2 Viserra low footstool, £99, Cult Furniture 3 Herringbone Oak CC Dim White oak flooring, £78/sq m, Kährs 4 Selena Gold Metal Lea room divider, £186, Maisons du Monde 5 Jeanie table lamp in Dark Mahogany with drum lampshade in Antique Rose dupion silk, £184, Pooky 6 Faux fur throw, £250, Oka 7 Tab four-seater sofa, £995, Habitat 8 Illias rug, £399, Swoon 9 Glorious Gold palm table lamp, £375, Rockett St George FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
S T Y L E I T FA S T
Abhika Krizia Malaki box, £135, Sweetpea & Willow 62 housebeautiful.com/uk
Firefly wall light in Antique Brass, £103, Pooky
Aurora green glass mirror, £95, Oliver Bonas
Marble vase, £99, The Conran Shop
Leopard Love cushion, £50, Rockett St George
COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL
Quick fixes from the high street and online stores to help you recreate Jenna’s glamorous look
INSPIRING HOMES
CHARACTER
CHANGE When one couple found their dream new build, they set about turning it from bland to beautiful – and all on a tight budget WORDS SARAH WARD PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
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KITCHEN
Homeowner Jen in the contemporary space, which, with the raw wood Ikea table and clean lines of the Magnet cabinetry, has a distinctly Scandi feel
DINING AREA
‘The bookshelves add tons of personality and warmth
to the room, while also making great use of the extra-tall ceiling,’ says Jen. Made to order by Striped Wood, the shelves have been filled with colourful tomes and ornaments, and the vibrant orange armchair is the perfect spot to get lost in a novel
HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE
Jen Brake, a children’s book illustrator, her husband Nick, a business development manager, and children Bella, nine, Ollie, five, and Bear, three THE PROPERTY
A four-bedroom new build on the outskirts of Chorley, Lancashire PRICE £267,000 MONEY SPENT About £5,000 WHAT IT’S WORTH NOW
£350,000
KITCHEN
(Above) Jen and her daughter Bella in the pared-back kitchen, where a bright red pendant and copper wall clock from Made add touches of individuality. Hooks for Ikea chopping boards and fresh potted herbs keep the Magnet worktops clear (Far left) A collection of houseplants on a raw wood sidetable from Striped Wood add a Nordic edge
HALLWAY
(Left) An unremarkable hallway has been livened up with a practical yet stylish tiled floor, runner and upcycled pew, which was bought from the church the couple got married in
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INSPIRING HOMES
LIVING ROOM
Painted in Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe, the dark walls and furnishings create a cocoon-like feel, with an upholstered ottoman from Made and Ikea sofa adding warm texture. A vibrant yellow clock and colour-coordinated books fill the grey built-in shelving, creating a bright focal point in the room
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or Jen and Nick Brake, putting a woodburner in their new home was one of their top priorities. ‘We love the warm, cosy feel they give to a room,’ says Jen. And when they discovered that a local building firm was installing them as part of a new development, the deal was sealed. ‘We thought, “Wow! We need to go for this,”’ says Jen. Although they had always loved period properties, the couple settled on a new build after realising that the few Victorian houses in their area were out of their price range. And it was an opportunity for Jen, a children’s book illustrator, to spread her artistic wings and add some character. ‘There wasn’t any wallpaper to strip or structural wear and tear to fix,’ she says. ‘It was a blank canvas that we could put our own stamp on.’ Other big plusses were the location, on the outskirts of Chorley in Lancashire (‘green enough for Nick, but close enough to people for me!’), and a bigger garden. The property was bought off-plan and Jen and Nick were able to make minor tweaks to the build. ‘There 68 housebeautiful.com/uk
was going to be an ensuite bathroom off the main bedroom, and we decided we didn’t want that – we preferred that guests could have their own bathroom,’ Jen explains. ‘We also chose paint colours, and got the builders to install light fittings.’ There was a hiccup when the project began to fall behind schedule and Jen and Nick were forced to go through with the sale on their home, and then rent the house back from the buyer while they waited. ‘Things kept being delayed – it was a real pain,’ she says. Twelve months later, in January 2015, they were finally able to pick up the keys. ‘It was great to be in,’ Jen says. ‘I knew there were changes I wanted to make straight away to add personality to the house, so we rolled up our sleeves and got on with it. We retiled the hallway and wallpapered the kitchen ourselves, trying to do everything as cheaply as possible. You learn on the job. I don’t like spending a lot of money on things and I try and do as much as possible myself. I was determined to get stuck in and make it our own.’ Jen and Nick’s creativity is displayed throughout
MAIN BEDROOM
(Above left) Dark accents, such as the black bed frame and side table, both Ikea, contrast with the pale walls painted in Nana’s Pearls by Valspar, which was Jen’s second attempt to get the right hue (Opposite) A mirrored wardrobe adds depth, giving the illusion of more space, while an artwork by Jen makes a statement against the pink walls and reflects the cushions’ hues
BATHROOM
(Top) A collection of framed pictures creates a gallery wall
BOYS’ BEDROOM
After their room was painted in Long Water by Valspar, Ollie and Bear decorated it with handpainted gold stars
INSPIRING HOMES
House Beautiful MAY 2020 69
INSPIRING HOMES
‘I love that it is completely different on the inside. It’s got so much potential to be whatever we want it to be’
the house. In the hall, there’s a handmade coat rack; empty wall spaces are filled with Jen’s paintings; and in the downstairs cloakroom, the dark walls feature a hand-drawn gold-leaf design. ‘I mixed together all the paints we had left in the garage,’ she explains, ‘and painted the cloakroom; then I found some leftover gold paint and drew a leaf pattern – it was cheaper than wallpapering the room!’ To achieve their dream house on a budget, Jen and Nick not only took on the decorating, but also added their own style to high street buys, giving them a bespoke edge. The dining table is a sanded-down Ikea model; the chairs, also from Ikea, have been handpainted. The cushions, lighting, rugs and vases that add personality have been carefully selected from Ikea, La Redoute and H&M Home. ‘I want the house to feel cosy and for there to be lots of interesting details for people to look at. I also love that it is completely different on the inside to how it looks on the outside. It’s got so much potential to be whatever we want it to be.’ Determined that her family should share in the 70 housebeautiful.com/uk
joy of making their home their own, Jen enlisted their help. Bella was tasked with colouring in the birds on her Ikea curtains with specially bought fabric pens, and the boys covered their bedroom walls in gold stars. Together, she and Nick made the planters in the sitting room from an old chest of drawers. Downstairs, Jen has succeeded in bringing a cosy feel to the colourful kitchen/diner, despite the high ceilings. ‘Warming up the house was a challenge,’ she says. ‘These new builds are all cookie-cutter properties; they look similar and don’t have much personality. I really didn’t want our home to be like any other new build. There are so many details that I love about our place, but my favourite has to be the around-the-door bookshelves I had built in the kitchen. We are a book family – I’m a children’s book illustrator and my husband has been in the book publishing industry for the past 10 years, so to have a huge bookcase as a feature wall feels like the perfect way to inject our personalities and passions into our home!’ HB FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
DRESSING TABLE
Originally this was a computer table from Ikea and Jen upcycled it by painting it and changing the handles for a truly bespoke look. The pretty accessories and round Ikea mirror add to the main bedroom’s eclectic feel
BELLA’S BEDROOM
Jen wanted all the children to be involved in the design of their own rooms and Bella coloured in the birds on her Ikea curtains with special pens. The soft pink hues teamed with the wooden Argos desk and powder blue chair give the space a vintage charm
Get the look
Jen and Nick showcase their creativity with splashes of colour and personal touches 3
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1 Cyra poster, £11.95 (unframed), Desenio 2 Lola rug in Duck Egg Blue, from £99, Carpetright 3 Velvet ottoman storage benches, £249, Kaleidoscope 4 Master Edwards clock, £60, Newgate 5 Miss Behaving chair in Drift Terracotta, £949, Sofa Workshop 6 Seagrass and gold sequin basket, £29.99, Ivyline at Dobbies 7 Flagon small table lamp with shade, £95, Loaf 8 Wilderness large gold arc floor lamp, £120, Argos 9 Acapulco embroidered cushion in Coral, £39.50, Bombay Duck FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
S T Y L E I T FA S T
Storage tin by Lucy Tiffney, £15/three, Debenhams 72 housebeautiful.com/uk
Braid glass candlestick in Emerald, £12, Pooky
Natural wicker baskets, £12/two, Primark
Mint Green round cushion, £26, Mint & May
Enamel bud vases, £28/three, Bohemia
COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL
Quick fixes from the high street to help recreate Jen and Nick’s home style
INSPIRING HOMES
IN THE GALLERY
HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE
Rachel Forshaw, a social worker, part-time interior design student and Instagram blogger; her husband Mark Forshaw, a children’s home manager and trainee psychotherapist, and their cat, Claude THE PROPERTY
A three-bedroom Victorian terrace in south London PRICE £600,000 MONEY SPENT £3,500 WHAT IT’S WORTH NOW
£615,000
With only a small budget to play with, a creative couple have updated a Victorian terrace by combining vibrant tones and treasured artworks WORDS MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH 74 housebeautiful.com/uk
LIVING ROOM Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Light Gray, a warm neutral that changes in different lights, and the scheme has been lifted with different textures and colours found in an interesting range of cushion
covers. The concrete coffee table came from West Elm, and the velvet Malvern corner sofa and pale pink armchair were from Swoon. Frida Kahlo and Magritte feature in Rachel’s eclectic art collection, which includes exhibition posters
INSPIRING HOMES KITCHEN
(Left and right) Clever lighting has been created from cheap wooden B&Q brackets and hanging wire bulbs from Amazon, which are complemented by wooden kitchen accessories like bread boards. For similar units, try the J-Pull Kitchen from Wren Kitchens. Artesano tiles in Rose Mallow, from Tons of Tiles, lend a warm tone to the walls painted in Crack in the Pavement emulsion from Dowsing & Reynolds
DINING ROOM
With entertaining important to Rachel and Mark, the Callia extendable dining table from John Lewis & Partners takes centre stage. It is teamed with retro vintage chairs found on Ebay and a traditional Persian rug that was a present from Rachel’s mother. The Alana rectangular mirror in Brushed Brass is from Made
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achel and Mark Forshaw had been living in Rachel’s one-bedroom Georgian conversion flat, a stone’s throw from central London, for three years before deciding to buy a place together. The flat was fast becoming a squeeze for them and their cat Claude, and the couple were beginning to think about marriage and starting a family, so moving to a bigger home in a quieter area had become a necessity. ‘We loved living close to central London,’ says Rachel, ‘but we were happy moving further out so we could afford a bigger property.’ Rachel had grown up in a leafy suburb in south London, where her parents still lived, and Mark had always liked the area, with its good local amenities, spacious green parks, tree-lined roads and beautiful City views. ‘I never intended to move back to my old suburban neighbourhood,’ admits Rachel. ‘It felt strange to even be considering it, but I could see the benefits. The area had really evolved and moving closer to my parents was important to us.’ Rachel and Mark both have a passion for period properties with character, and started looking for something suitable within their budget. It wasn’t long before 76 housebeautiful.com/uk
a charming, three-bedroom, three-storey Victorian terrace came on the market. ‘We loved the look of the house straight away – its three floors made it different from other properties in the area and it was bigger than we thought we could afford, which was a lovely surprise. And it has a huge back garden, perfect for Claude to explore,’ explains Rachel. ‘The house was in an awful state when the previous owners moved in, so a lot of restoration work had been done and a new kitchen and bathroom recently fitted. Apart from damp proofing and redecorating, we didn’t need to do any building work.’ The floors had all been sanded and new windows fitted, including a large one in the study area that stretched almost to the width of the room, flooding the second floor with light. This tall window added a smart, modern feature that complemented the style of the house. ‘It ticked all the boxes and we fell in love with it,’ says Rachel. The couple moved in in January 2018 and, apart from a few weeks planning their wedding, spent most of their spare time redecorating. As Rachel and Mark both have demanding, full-time jobs, this often meant working late and at weekends. ‘Injecting colour and personality into the house was
‘Our eclectic mix of furniture and artwork sits so well alongside contemporary pieces’
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INSPIRING HOMES
DINING AREA
A vintage fold-down table and matching chairs, which Rachel found on Ebay, work wonderfully in this space alongside a modern floor lamp from B&Q. The dark walls provide the perfect foil for a coral print by graphic designer and Instagrammer Rachel Graham
DEN
Using Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue on the walls creates a cosy feel in this small space. The lamp by Iconic Lights is a modern take on the classic Anglepoise and complements the vintage mid-century side tables and coffee table. The Friheten sofabed is from Ikea
House Beautiful MAY 2020 79
BEDROOM
Walls brightened up with Farrow & Ball’s Oval Room Blue work harmoniously with the Roscoe bed in Aegean Blue and the contemporary Starkey wall lamps in Black and Brass, all from Made
HALLWAY
A striking focal point has been created in the upstairs hallway with a wooden trunk from Ebay, a lamp from B&Q and a mini feature wall displaying some of Rachel’s favourite framed prints. The turquoise camel candleholder and 1970s Kiln Craft Bacchus teapot filled with roses add quirky colourful touches FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
our main aim. Every room had been painted a cold grey, so it needed warming up,’ explains Rachel. ‘We didn’t have the budget for a decorator, so had to do the work ourselves. It was big learning curve!’ The first space the couple tackled was the living room. ‘It was important for it to feel comfortable, as it’s where we spend most time relaxing or entertaining,’ says Rachel. They painted the walls a warmer grey and added colour with a beautiful indigo sofa, pastel armchairs, fun artwork and soft furnishings. As the spaces flowed together, they painted the dining area the same colour, but with splashes of black for an industrial feel – beautiful with the deep reds in the dining room’s Persian rug. A rich green has since been added to the study walls, with a mid-century-style desk and grey swivel chair next to the large window. The main bedroom is painted in a soft blue. ‘We’re not morning people,’ confesses Rachel, ‘so this room needed to be bright and colourful!’ On a small budget, they were unable to replace the kitchen, so the pair transformed the space by painting the walls dark grey and replacing the tiles. ‘We originally wanted teal Metro tiles and tried lots of samples, but when we saw these pink ones, we had to have 80 housebeautiful.com/uk
them. Even the plain white cabinets and grey worktops, which we weren’t big fans of, work well in the scheme,’ says Rachel. ‘It’s the room we’re most proud of, particularly as we did all the work ourselves.’ Mark and Rachel are keen travellers. Rachel moved around a lot as a child and later spent a year in Istanbul teaching, all of which have shaped and inspired her interior tastes. The house features everything from Turkish rugs and paintings by Rachel’s favourite Georgian artist, Eteri Chkadua, to vibrant, Middle Eastern touches and treasured family pieces that have been handed down from her grandmother and parents. ‘It makes me smile how our eclectic mix of furniture and artwork sits so well alongside contemporary fixtures and finds from our travels. They combine to make our home interesting and unique to us.’ Rachel and Mark have accomplished a lot in a short time. Their home is a warm, inviting haven of colour, showcasing a range of different influences while exuding a quietly cool style. ‘We’ve come a long way since our one-bedroom flat,’ says Rachel. ‘I’m delighted with all we’ve achieved, and looking forward to the next stage.’ HB Follow Rachel on Instagram @claudeandthehouse
INSPIRING HOMES
Get the look
Rachel and Mark soften dark blue tones with rich colour to create a warm and inviting home 1
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1 Izzy three-seater sofa in Loch brushed linen cotton, £1,730, sofa.com 2 Golden Yellow velour cushion, £12.99, M&Co 3 Yellow standing lamp, £49.99, TK Maxx 4 Milan large mirror, £99, M&S 5 Persisk Hamadan rug, £120, Ikea 6 Mid-Century mini desk, £399, West Elm 7 Pitada earthenware small vase, £18, Habitat 8 Afroart cushion cover, £45, Arket 9 Faux cheese plant in rattan basket, £43.50, Gisela Graham 10 Self Portrait with Monkey and Parrot by Frida Kahlo framed print, £130, King & McGaw FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
S T Y L E I T FA S T
Wild Meadow framed print, £18, Gisela Graham 82 housebeautiful.com/uk
Iron and gold candlestick, £29.95, Flo & Joe
Manhattan Woven Geo cushion, £20, Next
Colori small pitcher, £16, Anthropologie
Exposed bulb table lamp, £20, JD Williams
COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL
Quick fixes from the high street to help recreate Rachel and Mark’s home style
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INSPIRING HOMES
PUTTING THE HEART BACK IN
Thanks to the efforts of its interior designer owner, a picturesque stone cottage in a quiet Wiltshire village has been restored to its former glory and filled with an eclectic mix of personal pieces WORDS CAROLINE ATKINS PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL WHITING STYLING BEN KENDRICK 84 housebeautiful.com/uk
OUTSIDE
A rose climbs over the front door. In a separate garden across the road, where two brooks meet, Clare has planted ferns, gunnera, hostas and other damp-loving species
INSPIRING HOMES
86 housebeautiful.com/uk
C
lare Nash admits to being an inveterate mover: she can’t resist buying wrecks to do up. But when she bought Watersmeet House a few years ago, it dictated its own terms. It wasn’t a wreck, and it had already been done up, so the challenge for Clare was to undo the work and rediscover the house’s beautiful early-19th-century bones. Clare bought the property – whose name reflects its position at the confluence of two brooks in a Wiltshire village – on impulse, seduced by its possibilities, its easy distance from members of her family, and the Indian bean tree whose huge, pale leaves spread a dappled green across the windows in summer. ‘I’ve always wanted an Indian bean tree!’ she says. ‘I found the house online, rang the agent and bought it as soon as I’d been to see it. I didn’t even consider anywhere else.’ Originally two cottages, one of them the village post office (still with the old polemounted red postbox outside), the property is only one room deep, its pale stone front stretching along the village street behind pretty painted railings. An out-of-control wisteria and a rose scramble up the walls, and
inside are calm, beautifully proportioned rooms with huge fireplaces and deep windowsills. Stone-flagged floors run throughout the downstairs area and there are lovely wide floorboards upstairs, but when Clare moved in, these had been largely hidden under fitted carpet and vinyl. The overhead beams had been stained dark brown in a 1980s version of period style – whereas, in fact, she says, historically they could well have been painted in pale colours. So for Clare, who runs her own interior design business, it was just a question of putting the heart back into it. ‘It was never going to be a light house,’ she says, ‘but I’ve made it slightly brighter by stripping it back.’ The result is mellow and welcoming. Stone-coloured walls and plain Swedish linens blend quietly with the old flags and floorboards, the rush mats and neutral woven rugs, the exposed stone of chimney breasts and the natural wood of the original panelled wall cupboards. The only rooms where Clare has used deeper colours are the study, which has an olive-green ceiling – ‘I like painting ceilings dramatic colours’ – and the dining room, where one wall is the dark green of pine trees. That colour was created, Clare says, from a mixture of other shades that
SITTING ROOM
The floorboards weren’t in very good condition here, so Clare limed them and laid lots of rugs. A vintage leather and chrome chair and a Habitat standard lamp make a statement in the cosy space
CUSHIONS
A mix of designs includes an old Designers Guild daisy print, gold leather from London’s East End and an embroidered present from Clare’s sister
COLLECTION
Clare’s vintage ashtrays sit on a table topped with 1930s Swedish tiles
House Beautiful MAY 2020 87
INSPIRING HOMES
KITCHEN
Simple cabinets were built from Ikea carcasses fitted with locally made doors and topped with Carrara marble worksurfaces. A curtain of Indian cotton cleverly hides the dishwasher while an alcove has been fitted with shelves of offcut wood
DINING ROOM
Striped Neisha Crosland curtains add colour to the natural tones of the room. Clare has sourced a mix of dining chair styles to go around the old French table
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‘I bought the house as soon as I’d seen it. I didn’t even consider anywhere else’
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INSPIRING HOMES
had turned out to be mistakes. It’s only used for eating at night and in winter, and Clare’s policy with dark rooms is not to fight the gloom, but to work with it and add character. However, both rooms are enlivened by accents of a strong citron yellow that recurs throughout the house in accessories such as lamps and cushions. In the dining room, it appears in the ceramic glaze of a fruit bowl, an enamel lightshade, and the bold stripes of the floor-length Neisha Crosland curtains. And it is echoed, in a slightly softer hue, in the 100-year-old doors of the china cupboard, which Clare discovered – already painted – in a Lillie Road antiques shop in Fulham, west London. She then hung the doors on a basic MDF structure to create the effect of a traditional armoire. That’s a trick she repeats in the kitchen where, having relocated the sink to provide a more practical layout, she fitted the carcasses of Ikea cabinets and commissioned a local carpenter to make simple doors for them. She installed Carrara marble worktops, with a splashback of white tiles behind, and hung pretty cotton curtains below them to hide the dishwasher and other clutter. The furniture here has the comfort of a sitting
room, with an old squashy leather armchair creating Clare’s favourite spot: ‘I can spend most of the day here. The Aga keeps it really warm in winter.’ The same sense of comfort, simplicity and individuality pervades the house, giving Clare and her two daughters the perfect retreat from their London home. She has collected mid-century furniture for years, and it looks made to fit here, sitting easily alongside car-boot finds and pieces inherited from her grandparents. Fibreglass Eames chairs mix with old rush-seated designs around the French farmhouse table, and a coffee table topped with handmade tiles (which were brought back from Sweden by Clare’s grandfather in the 1930s) is home to a collection of colourful ashtrays. In the bedrooms, Clare combined handmade quilts with high-street rugs, while a classic Saarinen resin Tulip table sits comfortably alongside her granny’s satinupholstered slipper chair. A little Lloyd Loom nursing chair that Clare has owned since she was a teenager has found a perfect home in the bathroom, alongside the traditional fittings that she salvaged from a reclamation yard near Bath. Because it
MAIN BEDROOM
Clare commissioned the bedhead from dark blue Cloth Shop linen and turned it into a buttoned panel. The quilt was knitted by one of the other mums at her girls’ school
WINDOW SCENE
The splendid slipper chair, covered in pink satin, was from Clare’s granny. Beside it is an Eero Saarinen resin Tulip table
BATHROOM
A little Lloyd Loom nursing chair, covered in mattress ticking, sits beside the bath, which was found at a reclamation yard near Bath
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INSPIRING HOMES
BEDROOM
Pretty fresh blooms sit beside a statement lamp on the bedside table. An Indian printed bedspread from Toast adds pattern to the room, while the window seat provides a cosy corner for relaxing in
LANDING
A painted staircase leading up to the attic bedroom keeps the look simple, clean and pared back
FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
didn’t need refiguring or any major structural changes, Clare was able to live in the house while the work was carried out. The occasional bouts of chaos involved were easily offset by the usefulness of being on hand to answer the builders’ queries and confirm what she wanted. She also benefited by using a local family firm, which had been established in the area for a century or more and knew all the houses. They were familiar with the huge fireplaces that needed re-lining; told her when they came across interesting nooks that could be put to new use; and had imaginative ideas for recycling materials. ‘They would never throw away a nice piece of wood,’ Clare explains. So when they found a useful alcove in the kitchen, near the door to the larder, they fitted it with shelves made from offcuts from another job. Clare herself became builder’s mate when necessary: they would tell her what they needed, and she’d go and buy it. It meant the whole project was satisfyingly organic – much more interesting than working from technical drawings and abstract plans. And the house has got its heart back, just as Clare hoped it would. HB For more information, visit clarenash.com
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Get the look
Clare has given her cottage a new lease of life by complementing rustic textures with earthy colours 2 2 3 4
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1 Aurora table lamp with green shibori shade, £165, Pooky 2 Southwark coffee table, £129, Swoon 3 Carnival rug, £220, The Braided Rug Company 4 A Garden of Wildflowers wallhanging, £70, Katie Putt 5 Rafael side table, £139, Very 6 Green vintage glass jar, £45, Raj Tent Club 7 Chirripo Tamarind cushion, £99, Romo 8 Appledoe sofa in Pearl River, £1,340, Willow & Hall 9 Mikko two-drawer sideboard, £650, Graham & Green 10 Remus baskets, £35/three, Habitat FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
S T Y L E I T FA S T
COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL
Quick fixes from the high street and online to help you recreate Clare’s home style
Cabbage leaf platter, £50, Liberty London
Ombre vase, £29.99, Zara Home
Tenby clock in Lulworth Blue, £25, Garden Trading
Basket with handles, £24.99, H&M Home
Colour Pop yellow flocked candlestick, £25, Audenza
INSPIRING HOMES
ST YLE FOR
SIZE A colour scheme of mustard yellow and dark grey runs throughout this Victorian property, uniting the rooms and creating a feeling of space WORDS JANE CRITTENDEN PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES FRENCH STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
HALLWAY
Cole & Son’s Chatterton Damask wallpaper in French Yellow and Ivory, from John Lewis & Partners, introduces a bold decorative pattern to the mustard colour scheme. Karndean’s Palio Clic flooring in Arezzo extends from the hallway into the kitchen-diner to give a cohesive feel
LIVING ROOM
Double doors separate the room from the rest of the downstairs to create an intimate space. Made’s Margot Accent chair in Antique Gold and a brass floor lamp from French Connection add touches of elegance to the room
House Beautiful MAY 2020 95
HOME PROFILE WHO LIVES HERE
Nicola Casperson, who works in brand marketing and is also an interior designer THE PROPERTY
A two-bedroom Victorian terrace in West Dulwich, London PRICE £450,000 in January 2015 MONEY SPENT £75,000+ WHAT IT’S WORTH NOW
£650,000
KITCHEN
The handleless Bromley & Ellis units were installed six months after the main renovation work was finished due to budget constraints. Running the cupboards along one wall helps to elongate the space, and a Mr Robinson wall clock 96 housebeautiful.com/uk
by Newgate provides a smart focal point at the end wall. A patterned monochrome rug from H&M Home helps to enliven the mostly neutral scheme
DINING AREA
Brick slips made from reclaimed London brick were
used for the wall in the new side extension. Hanging on it is an abstract canvas by artist Lola Donoghue. Nicola painted the Ercol Originals chairs, which she found on Ebay, in yellow and black to match her colour scheme. The dining table is from Ikea
ISLAND
A hob on the island faces into the room so Nicola can chat to guests as she cooks
LIVING ROOM
Beautiful cushions from Liberty London perk up a plain sofa. The nest of tables is from Rockett St George
INSPIRING HOMES
House Beautiful MAY 2020 97
W
hen Nicola Casperson first laid eyes on this dated and cramped Victorian terrace, she immediately imagined it as a chic and contemporary open-plan home – and couldn’t wait to get started on the transformation. ‘The downstairs rooms were small, and orange pine cladding zapped out the light and energy, so I wanted to pull it all apart and begin again,’ Nicola explains. ‘The biggest challenge was making the space look and feel big without spending lots of money.’ Originally a three-bedroom house, this property is one of a pair that many years ago would have been a single terraced house, so Nicola shares the main entrance and hallway with her neighbour. The front door opened into a tiny hall, leading directly into a separate dining room, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Straightaway, Nicola began fleshing out ideas to open out the staircase and knock the rooms together. ‘I could visualise an open-plan downstairs with a bright kitchen-diner leading onto the garden and, for contrast, double doors into a dark and cosy front living room,’ she says. The biggest decision was sacrificing one of the three bedrooms to gain a new bathroom. ‘It made perfect sense,’ Nicola continues, ‘upstairs seemed unbalanced as the downstairs space isn’t big enough to sustain a three-bedroom house.’ It would have been possible to extend into the garden, but Nicola had an eye on her budget, which also needed to cover new electrics, pipework and windows, as well as connecting to the gas and installing central heating. Instead, she opted for a smaller side extension to replace the kitchen lean-to. ‘The garden isn’t very big and I already had enough room for a table, so I didn’t think a rear extension would add to the value of the house versus the cost of the work,’ Nicola explains. ‘Extending to the side has only given me an extra three square metres but, with its glass roof, it’s made a massive difference to how the room feels.’ Nicola had her sketched layout turned into plans by an architectural designer so she could obtain a certificate of permitted development. When she took ownership of the house in January 2015, her builder, Adrian England, from England’s Carpentry Services, was ready to start. ‘Adrian did some work on my previous flat and knows his stuff,’ says Nicola. ‘He came and saw the house before I put in an offer to check I hadn’t missed anything vital.’ Adrian worked methodically through the property in stages. With no side entrance, everything had to come through the house, including tons of soil to level out the garden. Once the bathroom and upstairs were finished, Nicola was able to move in while Adrian started on the downstairs. Keen to reinstate the period features, Nicola had a specialist install cornicing and Adrian built three faux chimney breasts where the originals would have been. ‘The living room, entrance hall and my bedroom felt flat and featureless without a chimney breast,’ says Nicola. ‘And although the fireplaces take up space, putting them back
MAIN BEDROOM
Farrow & Ball’s cocooning London Clay shade was used on the walls. It’s been brought to life with playful pops of vivid pink, such as the print of The Shard (left), from Etsy. The vintage chest of drawers below were an Ebay find. The 98 housebeautiful.com/uk
Zeus bench (top left) upholstered in Korla’s Portia Steel, and the Valentin bed (right), upholstered in Granite Varese fabric to match the sofa downstairs, are both from sofa.com. Above the bed hangs a striking palm tree print from Holly’s House
INSPIRING HOMES
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INSPIRING HOMES
in has given me the opportunity to have built-in alcove storage, which makes the rooms feel bigger.’ To increase the sense of space, Nicola decorated the open-plan living area in white, adding texture with the side extension’s exposed brick wall. A charcoal grey kitchen with mustard yellow chairs sets the contemporary colour scheme for the whole house. ‘I was conscious each room needed to flow and connect to make the house feel bigger,’ says Nicola. ‘The grey and mustard combination has a modern feel, but still works well with the period features.’ Over the past few years, Nicola has gradually furnished her home with a mix of high-street buys and designer brands, including Vita’s Eos white feather ceiling pendants in the bedrooms. Lighting, she says, has been a learning curve. ‘I thought the kitchen ceiling would be too low to hang pendants over the table and island, but I see now it could have worked. Elsewhere, though, the lighting is far better than I had in my old flat – I’m finessing my ideas with each project.’ Nicola is already on to the next one – a holiday cottage in Cornwall – prompting her to set up an interior design and project management business, alongside her job as a brand marketing consultant. ‘I’m really pleased I achieved what I set out to do,’ she says. ‘I love coming in through the front door and walking into a bright, open room and seeing the garden. The house feels bigger and is more balanced now – everything has its place.’ HB For more information, visit nicolacaspersoninteriors.co.uk LANDING
The Searchlight chandelier from Lighting by Paul brings understated glamour to the space
GUEST BEDROOM
This simple pale yellow and light grey scheme, with cushions from H&M Home, echoes the rest of the 100 housebeautiful.com/uk
house. Nicola painted the side table, an Ebay find, in Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe
BATHROOM
A luxurious tub from Victoria Plumbing is teamed with Crosswater’s Belgravia nickel taps FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
Get the look
Nicola blends classic pieces with bold, modern elements to give her home character 1
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1 Cotton velvet cushion cover, £6.99, H&M Home 2 Explorer pendant, £78, Dusk Lighting 3 Framed Penguin Books art print, £120, King & McGaw 4 Yellow herringbone wool blanket, £75, Daisy Park 5 Aglaonema small artificial plant, £19.99, Dowsing & Reynolds 6 Copper plant stand, £12, Sainsbury’s Home 7 Claudia loveseat in Pewter Grey velvet, £499, Made 8 Contemporary rug, from £150, Limited Abode 9 Grand reclaimed oak drawer chest, £771, Sweetpea & Willow 10 Vintage-style mirror, £80, Next FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
S T Y L E I T FA S T
COMPILED BY DAISY BENDALL
Quick fixes from the high street to help recreate Nicola’s home style
Eli patchwork embroidered cushion, £25, M&S
Ceramic pineapple, £12, Matalan
Porton Geo candleholder, £18, Artisanti
Palm Leaves vintage wall chart, £26, Rose & Grey
House plant in textured pot, £19.50, M&S
PROPERTY POD BATHROOM In a clever twist on the conventional, this house gained a generously sized kitchen extension and a bathroom that appears to float in the air above it...
The hanging timberclad ‘pod’ forms the dramatic centrepiece to the ground-floor kitchen/dining space. A power float concrete floor flows from inside to outside
E
asing the pressure on family space can be done in surprisingly inventive ways, and this project for a young family in south-east London takes the extension concept to a whole new level. Suspended above the new kitchen, a bathroom pod has been created that appears to hover in mid-air. Designed by architects Proctor & Shaw, it’s part of a major renovation of a doublefronted Victorian house – the main aim of the project being to extend and re-invent the ground floor for modern family life. Like many Victorian homes, the building had a two-storey outrigger – the portion of the original house that protrudes into the
garden to provide extra rooms. The architects decided to demolish this entirely when planning the new full-width extension, but then looked for a way to replace the lost upstairs area. ‘The pod bathroom was a practical solution in many ways and, due to the floor levels, it forms an interesting feature for the ground-floor open-plan space,’ says John Proctor, director of Proctor & Shaw. Fortunately, the design sailed through the planning process, then building firm Orchestrate got to work, inserting steel beams to support the floating bathroom, which were then clad with mirrors to make them seem to disappear. ‘Bringing tonnes of structural steel through the house and inserting it without disturbing the existing cornicing, wall covering and skirting was hair-raising – needing precision and an House Beautiful MAY 2020 103
PR O PE R T Y P O D B AT H R O O M
‘Easing pressure on fa mily spa ce, this project takes the extension concept to a whole new level’
RENOVATING C R E AT I V E I D E A S F O R ADDING A ROOM John Proctor of Proctor & Shaw Architects offers some solutions
Mirror cladding on the supporting beams makes the structure appear to float above the kitchen island
FIND OUT MORE… • Contact Orchestrate at 020 7585 2020; orchestrateltd.com • Contact Proctor & Shaw Architects on 020 8244 6110; proctorandshaw.com • Ensure your builder is a member of the Federation of Master Builders 0330 333 7777; fmb.org.uk • Contact Metsä Wood on 0800 004444; metsawood.com for cladding materials • For online advice on extending your home, take a look at Planning Portal; planningportal.co.uk • Find a local architect at RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at 0330 333 7777; architecture.com 104 housebeautiful.com/uk
• A suspended box or mezzanine is more easily achieved in a new-build property, an old hall space or perhaps a converted school, as most houses don’t have enough head height. • It is possible to build rooms on half levels – for example, overlooking a central void – as long as there’s enough head height and space for access. It’s not restricted to new-builds. • For a mezzanine, a ceiling height of about 4.6m-plus is ideal, allowing for reasonable head height at both levels, but a fraction less would also work. As long as you can comply with building regulations, a mezzanine can be used for any purpose. But if you only have ladder access, then its use is restricted. • To create a sense of small rooms within an existing larger room, change the cladding material or colour to make it stand out. • Internal alterations are subject to Building Regulations unless a ‘Change of Use’ is involved, in which case, depending on the building, it might come under Permitted Development or will need full Planning Permission.
WORDS CAROLINE RODRIGUES PHOTOGRAPHS FMB
incredibly light touch,’ says Orchestrate’s managing director Ross Malone. One of the most impressive elements is the cladding, which seamlessly continues from the exterior to the interior. Thermowood by Metsä Wood was selected as it has a similar tone to the floorboards. ‘It’s a bakedtimber product and requires no additional finishing for maintenance,’ says John. Thanks to a painstaking approach, the lines of the cladding converge above the island unit. ‘This was one of the trickiest aspects and had to be measured meticulously, but it’s a real highlight of the project,’ says Ross. The cladding was just one of the features that caught the attention of the judging panel at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), who awarded Orchestrate a Master Builder London Award, praising the execution and attention to detail of the project. Now the ground floor has been rejigged – with openings between the sitting room, snug and rear extension, and hinged cabinetry that can close off areas – the house has a spacious, flexible layout that perfectly suits family life. HB
The cladded pod bathroom (left) protrudes down into the kitchen area. Positioned across the front of the house, the main bedroom (below) has a chic ensuite
SPACE SOLUTIONS Make the most of every inch in your home
S HELF L IFE With working from home on the rise, finding a dedicated workspace is more important than ever, but it’s not always easy to find the room. Attaching a small desk to the wall can work really well and this beautiful version, made from curved birch plywood, is a luxe but lovely solution. U Desk, from £780, Lozi
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A small rear extension has created a sociable open-plan space for entertaining
112 BAT HR OO M
Patterned encaustic tiles give this light-filled room a distinctly Mediterranean vibe
117 SHOPPING
Beautiful buys and fabulous finishing touches for your kitchen and bathroom
K I TC H EN T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
W H AT I T C O S T Units Corian worktops Sink and tap Appliances Furniture Flooring Lighting
£14,000 £3,000 £2,639 £2,482 £2,886 £2,062 £370
TOTAL £27,439
‘WE WANTED A SOCIABLE SPACE FOR ENTERTAINING’ Enlarging a tiny kitchen has resulted in the creation of a relaxed dining area, where one couple can enjoy spending time with friends
WORKTOP Eyecatching Imperial Yellow Corian ensures the island has become the focal point of the kitchen. It forms an overhang, creating a breakfast bar
WINDOW SEAT The built-in design is perfect for lingering with a coffee and doubles as seating for the dining table
Simon Baker, a theatre sound designer, and his wife Emma, a theatre director, live in a threestorey, four-bedroom, Victorian end-of-terrace in Bristol. They wanted to create a large, sociable cooking and eating space Describe the old kitchen to us… It was an L-shaped galley kitchen. Most of it projected into the garden by 2.4 metres in a single-storey extension – it was so small that you could just about fit in a two-seater table. The working area of the kitchen was set further back in the house. It looked as if different eras of Ikea cabinetry had been installed
and then undergone a lot of wear and tear, which isn’t unusual for a busy family home but they needed it all replacing. What was the main problem? Lack of space – wherever we were, there just wasn’t enough room. The rest of the ground floor was one big open area comprising a sitting room and a dining room that had been knocked together. How did you plan to solve this issue? Our first step was to employ architect Federica Vasetti of DHVA for advice. When we’d first arrived in Bristol we’d bought her old house. We’d loved it straight away, as she’d reconfigured its interior and created so much extra space in the process. We felt confident that she would design a better layout for us. She advised us on how to rework the ground floor and add a tiny kitchen extension. Planning permission was granted within eight weeks and then the building work began. You wasted no time getting started… No. First, our builder Neil Bridle and his team demolished the House Beautiful MAY 2020 107
DINING AREA A wood dining table and chairs match the striking Tom Raffield oak light fitting
FLOORING Grey Marmoleum provides a contrast to the brilliant yellow Corian worktop. ‘We chose Marmoleum because it’s made from natural raw materials, is sustainable and long-lasting,’ says Emma
original kitchen extension and then completely rebuilt it to span the width of the house at the back, effectively squaring off the projection. This meant we gained an extra four square metres, which, although it might not sound much, made a huge difference to us. It means we now have enough space in the new kitchen to have a full-size table where we can comfortably seat six – especially as Federica designed a bay window with bifold windows that include a space-saving built-in bench. This doubles as part of the seating for our new dining table, so we only need a single row of chairs. What happened next? The original kitchen – the part that hadn’t been demolished – was gutted, rewired and partly replastered. Fortunately, the replumbing was fairly minimal because the new sink and dishwasher are in the same positions as the old ones. But we did have to take the drains through to the new utility room, which had been created from part of the old dining room. A small RSJ (rolled-steel joist) was put in 108 housebeautiful.com/uk
HOT TAP The Minerva boiling water tap by Franke saves essential worktop space, as the couple no longer need a kettle
‘That extra four square metres may not sound a lot, but it’s made such a difference to how we live. Now we have a dining table that can seat six people easily’
above the new bifold windows and door, and a new suspended timber floor, with insulation between the joists to reduce heat loss, replaced the old floor. We laid Marmoleum above it, replacing the existing laminate flooring. The building work took four months. Your favourite finishing touches? It has to be the Imperial Yellow Corian for the island worktop, which has become the focus of the room. I love a big, vibrant splash of colour, but just before buying it I lost my nerve and chose wooden worktops instead. I still have them – they’ve just not been fitted, as I decided I did want the yellow Corian after all! We used white Corian for the run of units along the wall so as not to overwhelm the space. The cabinetry is from John Lewis & Partners, and I installed it in exactly the same place as the previous cabinetry had been to take advantage of the existing plumbing. I love spending time in here now, sitting in the bay window with a cup of coffee and looking out onto our tiny courtyard garden.
K I TC H EN T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
DETAIL
IN DETAIL THE BASICS UNITS AND WORKTOPS For similar units, try City Style in gloss Platinum, made to measure, £14,000; Corian worktops in Imperial Yellow and White, £3,000; all John Lewis & Partners SINK AND TAP Franke sink, £1,300; Franke Minerva three-in-one boiling water tap, £1,139; Toughened glass splashback in black, £115; all John Lewis & Partners BLACK WALL Covered in a chalkboard paint, it works as a useful and quirky message board
MAKING PLANS Despite being relatively small, the new extension has given the Bakers a good-size dining area with a bench seat in a newly created bay overlooking the courtyard garden. Bifold windows add to the feeling of space.
APPLIANCES JLBIOS633 single pyrolytic multifunction oven, £499; AEG FSB41600Z integrated dishwasher, £486; AEG HG644351SM integrated gas hob, £229; Siemens freestanding fridge freezer, £699; Bosch built-in microwave, £319; all John Lewis & Partners. Acova column radiator, £250, Screwfix FURNITURE For similar bar stools, try Hay About a Stool, £199 each; for similar table, try Ercol Shalstone oval oak extending table, £899; for similar chairs, try Clio, £89 each; all John Lewis & Partners. Sideboard, £600, Afid Design. Stockholm cupboard, £315; magic shelf, £10; yellow steps, £15; all Ikea FLOORING & WALLS Marmoleum flooring, £75/sq m (including fitting), Natural Born. Rust-Oleum Chalk Board paint in black, £13/750ml, Homebase. Mid Lead Colour absolute matt emulsion, £47/2.5L, Little Greene LIGHTING Bobby floor light, £65, Habitat. Circus lights (above wall units), £60, Toast. Tom Raffield Skipper pendant in oak, £245, John Lewis & Partners
WORDS VICTORIA JENKINS PHOTOGRAPHS WILLIAM GODDARD PLAN NERYHS KWAK
FEDERICA’S TIPS
Crea ting spa ce Think outside the box: there wasn’t enough room for Simon and Emma’s table and chairs in the extension, so we created a projecting bay window, which provided space for seating. l Consider how you use the house and plan accordingly. We converted a small, inner rear reception into a utility room, which is far more useful. l Experiment with bold paint colours on walls – you can always change it! l
BEFORE
ACCESSORIES Window seat cushions, from £9.99 each, TK Maxx. Saucepan, £60; casserole, £113; both Orla Kiely. Big jug (on table), £25, Habitat. Lavazza coffee machine, £149; Simplicity toaster £40; both John Lewis & Partners GARDEN FURNITURE Salsa garden chairs, £49 each; for similar table, try Henley by Kettler, £449; both John Lewis & Partners HB FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
House Beautiful MAY 2020 109
SOURCEBOOK Simon and Emma created space with a single-storey extension, but are they always worth the effort?
SHOP THE LOOK
SIDE RE TURNS
Most of us are keen to squeeze as much usable space from our homes as we can. Extensions can be a great option but there are lots of things to consider before embarking on one, says Jo
JO BEHARI A champion for women in DIY and business, as well as an expert on using space and improving properties
Extending into a side return is a very common spacecreating solution, especially in Victorian homes. It involves the back part of the property being pushed to the party wall, which creates a wider footprint, making it possible to replace a smallish kitchen with an open-plan area. However, home owners can often be put off by the amount of effort that goes into an extension that may only be gaining them four to six metres of additional space. In many terrace houses, the kitchen and living areas aren’t next to each other, which isn’t ideal for modern lifestyles. Planning permission will be needed for this type of extension, and is widely granted on such applications as long as you aren’t blocking out light from a neighbour’s garden. This is not a DIY project and it involves a lot of structural work as you’re removing a main supporting structure from the side of the house. You’ll therefore need a good team of builders. For recommendations ask around your local area, particularly from neighbours who have completed similar projects. As with any building scheme, you need to set a specific budget and work your plans accordingly. The world is your oyster here – you could have a full climate-controlled glass ceiling on the extension section, which would cost a small fortune, or you can have a normal sloped roof with rooflights, which would keep the budget down. The beauty of a side return extension is that – subject to planning permission – you can be really creative with the space and can make it look very different to the more traditional part of your house. These projects create a beautiful open-plan area in a home that normally doesn’t have one and are always guaranteed to add value to your property.
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1 Dutchbone Bond oval ceiling light, £139, Cuckooland 2 Hay analog wall clock, £89, Nest 3 Jarra vase, £29.50, Oliver Bonas 4 Bao bowl in Mustard, £9.95, Nkuku 5 Gin and Tonic small plant pot, £45, Pow Pots 6 Hatton wooden bar stool, £79, Cult Furniture FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
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SHOPPING COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD
DIY AND PROPERTY
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B AT H R O O M T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
‘A HOLIDAY TO IBIZA INSPIRED OUR BATHROOM’ One couple’s mission to recreate a modern Mediterranean vibe has led to a stunning new space enlivened with striking tiles
W H AT I T C O S T Furniture and joinery £358 Bath £151 Bath screen £259 Bath waste £49 Paint £100 Tiles £1,009 Shower set £595 Basin taps £160 Radiator £260 Shutters £800 VANITY UNIT Updated with neat handles and a smart black tap, it now fits in with the new scheme
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TOTAL £3,741
SHOWERHEAD Claire didn’t want anything square, so picked a round showerhead with a separate flexible hose (below)
WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE PLAN NERYHS KWAK
TILES Simple white designs are a good option to ensure the bold patterned encaustic tiles remain the star of the show
Claire Hillen, an executive assistant, and her husband Craig, a buyer, live in a three-bedroom 1930s semi in Darlington, County Durham. After receiving a home improvement gift from family, the couple have given their bathroom a makeover What was the bathroom like before? The 1980s-style P-shaped bath was far too small for Craig, who’s 6ft 4in and had to sit in it with his knees up. It was bland with white tiles that were tainted with limescale and mould, plus the shower hadn’t been updated since 2005. We did a cosmetic update in 2016 when we first moved in – changing the flooring and adding a vanity unit and shutters – but we knew we’d eventually have to update the whole room.
Where did you get your inspiration? We went on holiday to Ibiza and the hotel we stayed in had an amazing bathroom with matt black fittings, which we both loved. Then we saw the gorgeous encaustic tiles on Instagram. I have an album of screenshots from Pinterest and Instagram, but I don’t have the imagination that Craig does – so he put everything together. How did you plan the space? Initially, we wanted a separate shower cubicle, but realised it would’ve meant losing the floor-to-ceiling built-in storage cupboard behind the shower and we would have ended up with an even smaller bath. So the compromise was to move the cupboard back by 15cm and install as big a bath as possible with a shower above. Who did the work? A friend recommended a company called IFix Property Installations, which did 75 per cent of the work and was fantastic. We also had help from a joiner friend of Craig, who made the bath panel and built-in storage doors behind the shower. House Beautiful MAY 2020 113
SHUTTERS A white design adds to the Mediterranean vibe
WHITE TILES Black grout adds definition to the herringbone pattern
SHOWER SCREEN This pivots in the middle so it can be moved in front of the shower when the bath is being used
Tell us about the tiles… Although the decorative encaustic tiles are really thick and needed sealing twice, we couldn’t find an alternative we liked, so decided they were worth the effort. The tiler had never fitted anything like them on a wall. They’re so lovely that I’ve even used a few of the leftover ones propped up as decoration in other rooms. We went for plain white rectangular tiles laid in a herringbone pattern elsewhere, as we didn’t want anything too fussy to contrast with the ornate ones. They’re fashionable but also classic and tie in with the Mediterranean feel. How did you choose the paint colour? Craig wanted a dark blue and because the room gets so much sunlight streaming through in the morning, we didn’t want a colour with too much yellow, pink or red in it. We must have tried about nine tester pots to get the perfect shade. Was it easy to find black fittings? We came across a company called Lusso Stone, which had exactly what we’d seen in Ibiza, so we bought the shower, taps and bath 114 housebeautiful.com/uk
SMART RE-USE Claire and Craig saved money by keeping the unit and wall cabinet from their initial mini makeover
waste from there. Everything matches and looks sleek and modern. I also changed the handles on the vanity unit to black ones and used black grout and trim on the white tiles to add definition. And can Craig fit in the bath now? Yes! He found a 1800 x 800mm bath. My friend and I tested it out fully clothed, and we could both fit in it! As we weren’t having a separate shower cubicle, we wanted the bath to be as wide as possible. Were there any challenges? We bought a bath panel that ended up in the skip, even though Craig, his brother and his dad spent a whole day trying to fix it in place. The huge window shutter had to be removed to accommodate the thick tiles and, as none of the walls are straight, getting it back in was tricky. Is there anything you’d change? I wasn’t sure about the wood-effect ceramic floor tiles when they first went down. If we’d had a bigger budget, I would have chosen an industrial polished-concrete floor, but they’ve grown on me and I’ve tried to pick out the beige flecks with bamboo accessories to make it work.
B AT H R O O M T R A N S F O R M AT I O N
MAKING PLANS The existing layout worked well, but Claire and Craig have managed to fit in a bigger bath by reducing the size of a built-in cupboard
INDETAIL DETAIL THE BASICS FURNITURE/JOINERY The Bath Co Camberley grey vanity unit with basin, £209; Camberley white wall cabinet, £99; both Victoria Plum. Bath panel, £50, from a local joiner. Shutters, £800, Cathedral
SANITARYWARE/ TAPS/RADIATOR Orchard square-edged double-ended bath (1800 x 800mm) is similar, £151.20; Orchard Balance closecoupled toilet is similar, £179; Mode 8mm black framed bath screen is similar, £219; all Victoria Plum. Lusso Luxe three-way thermostatic shower set, £595; Lusso Luxe monobloc basin mixer tap, £160; both Lusso Stone. Vertical radiator, £260, Column Rads
PAINT Walls painted in Basalt Intelligent matt emulsion, £50/2.5L, Little Greene
TILES
‘I particularly like the shower area as it’s so roomy. We love our holidays and the dark blue really reminds me of Greece – the tiles have that Moorish south Mediterranean look’
WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY KATIE LEE PLAN NERYHS KWAK
BEFORE
CLAIRE’S TIPS
Choosi ng a ba th Acrylic is best on a budget, with lots of choice, and is scratch-resistant and warm to the touch. Steel suits a designer look; it lends itself to strong shapes and retains heat for longer. l Freestanding baths look superstylish, but a panelled model is better for hiding pipework. Both can be re-painted when you fancy a change. l Ask in the showroom if you can get into the bath and try it for size, especially if you’re very short or tall.
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Dartrey black rhombus floor tiles, £79.92/sq m, Topps Tiles. Old Havana Bauta wall tiles, £70/sq m, Claybrook Studio. Architect matt white 5 x 20cm wall tiles are similar, £23/sq m, Tiles Direct
ACCESSORIES Tall metal planter, £14; geometric bath mat, £10, both Matalan. Wireworks oak wooden storage box is similar, £35, Amara. Scenario honeycomb cotton indigo hand towel is similar, £8, La Redoute. Natural bamboo bath caddy, £21.95, by Opal Living is similar. Similar macramé wall-hangings are available on Etsy HB FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
House Beautiful MAY 2020 115
SOURCEBOOK Inspired by Claire’s modern Mediterranean style? Give your own bathroom some wow factor with these easy ideas…
SHOP THE LOOK
WHERE TO SPEND AND SAVE Remodelling a bathroom is a big investment, so ensure the design incorporates current trends while creating a timeless space, advises Sallie INTERIOR DESIGN SALLIE CHATER Founder and director of her own interior design company, Interiors at 58, Sallie believes in creating luxurious, elegant and original schemes at affordable prices
Tiles Geometric tiles are a great way of introducing pattern into your bathroom and, as they’re a standout feature, it’s best to invest in a quality product you love. The monochrome trend is set to continue in 2020, so black and white tiles or those with an accent colour will help create timeless character. If you opt for a bold design in one area though, pair it with something simpler, such as Metro brick tiles elsewhere. And for a modern take, lay them diagonally, which will also make the space feel larger.
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Taps and shower hardware Chrome was once the only option, but thanks to recent developments, finishes such as black, gold and copper have now become more mainstream and affordable. Sleek black taps will give your bathroom a smart, contemporary feel, but be careful which products you use to clean them as it can be a delicate finish. You’ll need a tap that’s well made and durable, but if you may want to update the space in a few years, opt for a version that doesn’t cost the earth. Taps can be easily replaced by a good plumber, so choose the finish that best suits you today. Shower screens Once overlooked, shower screens are now a statement in themselves. A black panelled screen will create an urban feel, with a look inspired by Crittall windows, first manufactured in the UK in 1889. These designs will frame the area and add interest. For a simpler look, a sleek frameless screen will enhance the feeling of space. Choose an affordable design as, no matter how carefully you clean your shower screen, it’s likely that watermarks will develop and you may want to replace it in the future. Consider an option with an easy-clean glass coating as it will make maintaining the look of your screen much easier, whichever style you choose.
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1 Tinago shower, £549.99, Dowsing & Reynolds 2 Artificial fern in pot, £30, Next 3 Mr Jones Azure Blue pattern tiles, £17.99/sq m, Tile Mountain 4 Big waffle medium towel in Navy by The Organic Company, £38, Trouva 5 Small seagrass basket with rope handles, £37, Oliver Bonas FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
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SHOPPING COMPILED BY ALICIA FORD
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BATHROOMS KITCHENS The latest news and shopping to m ake life easi er and more bea utiful GREEN SCHEME Tiles in a range of verdant shades set in a herringbone pattern create a stunning backdrop to a simple circular basin. Golden notes in the tapware bring a lustrous finishing touch. Zellige Nouveau Emerald matt ceramic tiles, ÂŁ52.65/sq m, Mandarin Stone
BATHROOMS KITCHENS
TREND ALERT
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1 Fine Edge Arch mirror, £299, Heal’s 2 Craquele Mint tiles, £32.99/sq m, Tile Mountain 3 A by Amara Antique Gold Honeycomb soap dispenser, £28 4 Iva Mint Green concrete basin, £2,340, Kast Concrete Basins 5 Lorena Canals Tropical washable rug, £197, Cuckooland
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Ca l m i ng tones Neutral shades are a soothing choice for a bathroom and this blend of mint green with biscuit is sublime. To liven it up, pops of colour are added with an emerald green window frame, and the colour is then picked up on the chair and leaf-print rug. Grouping the vanity unit, tall storage and mirror together makes the perfect balanced solution with everything close at hand – and these pieces are designed for smaller bathrooms, with the vanity unit’s depth being just 46cm. Basin unit in Soft-Mat Canapa with Kuk handle in Titanio and Semi-Insert Aloe basin in Deimos Bianco, £1,483; Gioia mirror in Soft-Mat Canapa and Grafite Olmo, £760; Anis tall unit in Soft-Mat Canapa and Grafite Olmo, £760; all Alternative Bathrooms
COLOURED FREESTANDING BATHS Now you can get every shade imaginable
UNDER FOOT
Boat Bath in Tranquil Dawn, £1,870 including painting, BC Designs
There’s no need to tow the line with Claybrook’s Zip Line floor tiles. Simple yet stylish, these tiles can be laid in a variety of different ways to create a pattern unique to you. Use these highly durable designs, which are suitable for walls and floors, to bring a touch of playfulness to your bathroom. Zip Line tile in Rose, £1.45/tile, Claybrook
Washington bath in Kate Blush, £1,600, Claybrook
The Sensuelle bath in London Grey, £1,195, Utopia Bathrooms
Kilnsey single-ended bath in Dust Grey, £930, Holborn Bathrooms
GREEN WITH ENVY Stream White 3 bath, £1,795, painted in Mustard, £2,290; this includes painting the bath, up to two basins, or one basin and one accessory, Waters Baths of Ashbourne
A modern take on a traditional radiator, this stunning model has a brass framework, with the column radiator beneath custom painted in RAL 6027 Light Green. Nexus Grand IV radiator towel warmer in white and chrome, £1,105; in brass and RAL colours, including green as shown, £1,329, Vogue UK House Beautiful MAY 2020 119
KITCHENS BATHROOMS
Taking its influence from the smallerscale cupboards popular in the 1960s and 70s, this combination of crisp white units with light, grained ash is smart and elegantly understated. The wood softens the harshness of the white and the soft grey and teal shades add complementary colour and sophistication. Black cupboard handles and the tap keep it looking sharp while the black brackets on the island unit give the space an industrial edge. K2 kitchen, from £25,000, Brookmans
D ARK B E AUT Y Like many designer extraction hoods, this super-stylish design is an extractor and a decorative suspension lamp all in one. The circular shape optimises the filtering surface, offering excellent suction and filtering, and it is also extremely quiet – important in an open-plan space. Designed for use over an island, it has a powerful 4200K LED light source, emitting light directly over the hob. Sophie, about £1,700, Falmec
di ne i n style There’s something lovely about buying new tableware – it’s an easy uplift if you can’t afford to re-do the whole kitchen. These pieces are simple but stylish, and the bowls are great for morning cereal or noodles… go on, treat yourself! Poppi dinner plate, £15.50; small plate, £10; bowl, £10; all Abode Living. Noah serving plate with dip dish, £25, Made
FOR STORE DETAILS, SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
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COMPILED BY ALISON DAVIDSON
MIXED MATERIALS
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SEASONAL REFRESH
HELLO SUNSHINE! The really useful guide to getting your home ready for the warmer days just around the corner It’s nearly summertime, and the living should be easy. But if you’re surrounded by thick winter duvets, chunky throws on the sofa and a hall crammed full of winter coats, getting your space ready for the lighter days
ahead might seem like an uphill task. Fear not – we’ve come up with 26 quick wins to help reorganise and refresh your home, freeing up space and turning what was warm and cosy into bright and breezy…
1MAKE A LIST Tiresome as it may seem, listing all the things you need to do will help. Take a walk around your home, indoors and out, and write down everything you’d like to change, then break these tasks down into ‘must do’ and ‘nice to do’. Prioritise the essentials and then, if you have time (or energy), move on to the extras. Not only will you gain immense satisfaction from ticking things off, writing them down makes it super-easy to share the jobs with others too – just hand them the list and pour yourself a cold one!
2 WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY Sunshine isn’t kind to grubby windows, so give them a good clean (or get someone to do it for you). If possible, swap heavy curtains for voiles or blinds that can filter the brighter light and, at the very least, throw open doors and windows to let those breezes work their warm magic.
4 PACK UP THE RUGS & THROWS 3 BOOST THE SPARKLE
With more sunlight pouring into your room, you might want to brighten up your interiors to match. We’re not suggesting a total redecoration, but simply swapping darker cushions and accessories for ones in lighter shades or coastal colours can have a huge effect on the look and feel of a space.
Woolly rugs and cosy throws are necessary in winter, but can become dust traps in warmer months. It makes sense to pack them away until the autumn months. Vacuum your rugs thoroughly, then, if needed, clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow to dry, then protect against moths and other insect damage before rolling (never folding!) and wrapping them in an old cotton sheet. Store somewhere cool and dry. For throws and cushions, vacuum bags are ideal as they shrink down, making it easy to pack them away until needed.
5 KEEP YOUR WINTER
CLOTHING UNDER WRAPS If you need to make space in your wardrobe, packing up winter clothes and accessories to store in the loft is a great solution. Here’s what you need to keep them safe and sound over the summer months: • VACUUM STORAGE BAGS These are ideal for bulky items, such as duvets, sweaters, cushions and throws. Lakeland has a good selection of bags from £12.99. • PLASTIC STORAGE BOXES Perfect for clothing as, unlike cardboard, they’re not acidic and totally water- and damp-proof too. • GARMENT BAGS As these accommodate hangers, they’re a great way to keep coats, suits and dresses crease- and dust-free. John Lewis & Partners has clothes covers from £8.50. • SHOE BAGS OR BOXES Fill shoes with tissue paper to help keep their shape, then put each pair into a separate bag or box and label it so you know what’s inside. • ACID-FREE TISSUE PAPER Go for pH neutral, which will protect garments while in storage. Use to layer between items or when folding sweaters and other delicate items. Try Acid Free Tissue Paper roll, recycled, £4.79, Staples House Beautiful MAY 2020 123
6 MOTHS BE GONE These pesky beasts are more active during summer months, so it’s vital to protect any clothes or fabrics you pack away. Scented moth repellents, such as cedar wood balls or sprays and lavender bags, are a great first line of defence. We love: Dahlia linen lavender bag bundle (pictured), £12/two, Not on the High Street
9 ON THE PEG Another brilliant way to organise your hall is to give each family member a peg or hook of their own to hang up jackets, bags or hats, so they can just grab and go.
7 IT’S A SHOE-IN People are in and out of the house more in the warmer weather, so it’s good to have a designated area where they can leave their shoes. Set up some stylish baskets by each entrance (front door, back door, bootroom etc), so everyone can drop their outdoor shoes into one and grab slippers from the other to stop grass and dust being tracked through your home.
10 COTTON ON
Now you’ve swapped your winter duvet for one of a lighter tog, why not change up your bedlinen too? Crisp natural cotton or luxe linen will help you keep cooler on the hottest of summer nights.
8 SPORTS REPORT
Winter sporting equipment can clutter up your home, so sort out storage for your kit now. Skis and snowboards should be thoroughly cleaned and packed away in the garage or back of a cupboard; hiking or football boots would benefit from being scrubbed of mud and popped in a shoe box ready for the new season, and you can get sports clothing laundered and vacuum-packed away too. For easy access to summer sports equipment, utilise a selection of pegs, hooks, shelves and benches on a wall in the hall or spare bedroom for a neat and tidy way to keep everything together. 124 housebeautiful.com/uk
SEASONAL REFRESH
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11WELLY, I NEVER! Okay, it might nearly be summer, but we’re talking about the UK and that means we’re going to get at least some rain… so you’ll still need somewhere to keep your wellies handy by the door. We love: Farringdon welly stand, from £50, Garden Trading
12 BICYCLE ART
TOP TABLES Just because you’re eating outdoors doesn’t mean you should skimp on style. Here’s all you need for the best-dressed table this summer
You don’t want to be falling over a pushbike in the hall or having to steer your car around it to get into the garage. Instead, think higher, literally, and mount your bike from the ceiling in the hall or garage.
13 CHAIR RAISING
Got a lot of extra chairs for when family and friends come round for that summer party but nowhere to keep them? Look upward to see if you could hang them on a hook somewhere. They might even work as wall art – saving space and make a style statement at the same time.
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14 CAPSULE COLLECTION Fed up with hunting for your sunnies, keys, purse, in-car charger (delete as appropriate) every time you leave the house? Grab a selection of gorgeous baskets or pots and arrange them by the door to keep individual items in (it works so much better than one big, messy bowl crammed with everything).
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15 LUNCH BOX
Dining alfresco is one of summer’s great joys, so this year make it easy on yourself by collating all your outdoor dining items – plates, glasses, cutlery, table runners, napkins, jugs, hurricane lamps, candles – into one box in the garage, shed or utility room, so when the sun does shine, you’ve got everything you need in one handy place.
1 Pacific melamine dinner plates, £28/four, Royal Doulton 2 Ostbit bamboo tray, £6.50, Ikea 3 Wave acrylic wine glass, £4.50, John Lewis & Partners 4 Toro round woven placemat in Teal, £14/four, Made 5 Idha hurricane lantern, £29.95, Nkuku 6 Aragonez melamine serving bowl, £35, Oka
House Beautiful MAY 2020 125
17 PERFECTLY
TRANSPARENT
Now is a great time to have a clear out of your kitchen cupboards. If you want to cut back on plastic, then invest in some glass jars and head to your nearest refill/ zero waste shop to stock up on pulses, rice and pasta. We love: Tall Ball jar, £12.99/ four, Lakeland; Copper Wire cliptop jar, £5.50, John Lewis & Partners
18 ROBO-CLEAN YOUR
BARBECUE AND GRILL
Want a spick and span grill with next to no effort? Say hello to GrillBot, the barbecue-cleaning robot that has three powerful brushes to remove stubborn grub. Choose between a 10-, 20- or 30-minute run time and then, when it’s finished, pop the brushes into your dishwasher. GrillBot grill cleaning robot, £99.99, Robert Dyas
20 CLEAR THE DECKS
19 GRILL CLEANING BY HAND
Summer equals barbecues, but if yours has spent its winter languishing in the shed, give it a little TLC. Here’s how… • Take off the grill and clean thoroughly with hot, soapy water. • Use a hard-wire brush on the grill itself – if it’s really bad, you might need to call in the heavies in the form of oven cleaner. • Once it’s clean, turn on the burners (or light charcoal) and let it heat up for about 10 minutes. Turn off or douse the coals. • When fully cool, wipe a little cooking oil over the grill and you’re good to go. Linen napkin, £21, Rowen & Wren
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Chances are your decking has been a tad neglected over the winter months, but with summer approaching, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so you’re going to want it in tip-top condition. The good news is, with a couple of clever products and bit of elbow grease, you’ll be done in no time. • Start by sweeping away any dirt or debris, and fix any protruding nails or screws (they’re guaranteed flip-flop killers!). • Next, powerwash the deck – use the washer on low so you don’t damage the wood. • Apply a good-quality decking cleaner. This removes residual grease and stains, and restores the wood at the same time. • Finally, reseal the wood with decking stain or oil to replace the natural oils and resins and protect it throughout the summer. We love: Ronseal Decking Cleaner & Reviver, £9.99/5L; Screwfix and Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil, £42/5L, B&Q
21 POWER PLAY
Patios need the occasional pampering too, so spruce up yours with a power washer… Kärcher’s T350 Patio Cleaner attachment, £40, from John Lewis & Partners, is splash-free on various surfaces so you can make your paving stones pristine without the risk of getting your windows and doors mucky.
SEASONAL REFRESH
22 WHATEVER THE WEATHER Sadly, we don’t live in a country where the sun shines from May to September, so weatherproof garden storage for cushions, garden chairs and rugs is a must. No matter the size of your outdoor space, there’s a solution to suit, from a full-sized summer house to cushion boxes and a handy bench with built-in seat storage to stash bits and bobs.
23 SPRUCE UP YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE
25 TIDY UP THE GARDEN
Go for a quick spruce-up – grab the mower and give the lawn a quick haircut, trim away any old branches or overgrown hedges, chuck out cracked or broken pots and planters and get the greenhouse in order. This means, should the bank holiday be nice weatherwise, you’ll have a garden you’re happy to spend time in.
WORDS AMANDA MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHS MARK SCOTT; MEL YATES; CAROLYN BARBER; LIVING4MEDIA; GETTY IMAGES DREAMS BED PHOTOGRAPHY BY POLLY WREFORD, STYLING BY JEN HASLAM
While we’re on a cleaning mission, your garden furniture may not be looking its best after months under wraps. So pop on your Marigolds and give metal tables and chairs a wipe down with hot soapy water. Treat wooden pieces to a light sanding and some teak oil to revive and refresh them, and throw dusty cushion covers in the machine for a quick wash before hanging out to dry in the sun! Cushions, from a selection, The White Company
26 MERGE
24 SORT OUT THE SHED
A bit of time spent organising now will save you lots of time over the coming months. Invest in some shelving for the watering can, compost and smaller plant pots; hang hooks on the walls to hold the strimmer and garden tools; and move the mower and wheelbarrow to the front so you’re not wrestling other items out of the way when it’s time to cut the lawn. And don’t forget about the doors – make the most of this often unused space by hanging some baskets on the inside to hold smaller items, such as gardening gloves, secateurs and plant labels.
INDOORS AND OUT
Adding a few (or a lot) of green, leafy houseplants makes any space feel instantly summery. Place them near windows or patio doors and they’ll blend with the garden beyond, creating a seamless transition from indoors to out. We love: Big Ken kentia palm, from £50; Theodora string of nickles, £18; both Patch HB FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
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LIGHT&SHADE
Smart and contemporary, House Beautiful’s new range of made-tomeasure pleated blinds at Hillarys allows you to control privacy and light – and they’ll look fantastic in any style of interior
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he perfect blind can really bring your interior scheme to life. Neat and versatile, pleated blinds will add a stylish softness and texture, as well as providing shade and privacy. And whether you want your window dressing to make a bold statement or you’d prefer something elegantly understated, there’s an option for everyone in Hillarys’ new range of made-to-measure pleated fabrics. To create your serene interior, choose from a collection of linens in marble and ombre effects, with shades of green, blue and blush pink – all inspired by the natural world. Or go for a dramatic effect with a gorgeous selection of prints in dark jewel tones, Art Deco geo patterns and metallics, which will bring a wonderfully luxe look to your home. Plain metallics in white, silver, gold and copper are brilliantly versatile and give a supersmart finish. And for a timeless classic, you couldn’t do better than one of our perennially popular white
fabrics. Elegant and simple, these crisp whites add subtle texture for a sophisticated look. To make your life easier, these blinds come with a range of helpful features, including light and temperature control, as well as motorised options. Thermashade Blackout fabrics (pictured above) are ideal for a bedroom as they have a honeycomb structure that provides enhanced thermal and blackout properties. Or why not go for Transition blinds? These are a combination of any two fabrics from the collection, enabling you to create exactly the look you want. Combine a white sheer with a blackout fabric, for example, to ensure you get the best option for both day and night. Perfect Fit blinds are a great no-frills choice for uPVC windows and doors, as they’re cordless and clip directly into the frame. And finally, Trilite™ blinds (pictured opposite) can be opened and closed from the bottom or top for complete flexibility. HB
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Opposite Camo White Trilite™ Pleated blinds, from £225, with Drift Alabaster curtains, from £243 Above Thermashade Blackout Yellow Pleated blinds, from £233, with Serene Stone voiles, from £116/m
Call 0800 587 6480 or visit housebeautiful.com/uk/house-beautiful-collections House Beautiful MAY 2020 129
HEALTHY HOME Oliver Heath, our wellbeing expert, on the benefits of creating happy spaces
OLIVER’S BEST LOUNGE BUYS
Plants offer a direct connection to nature, and large leaves dampen sound. Calathea roseopicta Dottie, £15.99, Hortology
A fish tank will create visual interest and a focal point. BiOrb Life 60 MCR aquarium, £309.99, Maidenhead Aquatics
PHOTOGRAPHS MARK SCOTT; DAVID WOOLLEY
Daybeds are a great way to add comfy seating under a window. Mabel daybed, £625, sofa.com
Himalayan salt lamps bring a warm glow. Taourirt natural salt lamp (25cm), £26.99, Wayfair FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
R O O M T O B R E AT H E I N …
THE SIT TING ROOM While there are many areas in the home that can aid our physical health, the lounge or living room is key to better mental wellbeing. It should be a flexible space where we can spend time with loved ones, or alone, to relax and restore, and feel contained, safe and comfortable. Yet housing developers increasingly insist on combining kitchen, dining area and lounge into one open-plan space – and trying to deliver on all three functions in one area can create discord. I believe that, if it’s possible, it’s more desirable to have a separate lounge area. So, how can we create a lounge space that benefits our mental wellbeing? It comes down to ‘place making’ to deliver what you want to feel. What will help you relax? A sofa or armchair is a great place to start. How about a coffee table with a side lamp, plus blankets and cushions nearby, all set up ready for you to instantly unwind? Adaptable lighting helps; choose dimmable, low-level warm options such as lamps rather than harsh overhead lighting. Minimise unwanted noise and increase calm by using thick curtains and soft furnishings.
Keep connected to nature A view to the
outside will help you reap nature’s restorative benefits. Point your armchair towards a window or add a window seat from which you can gaze outside, enabling quiet reflection and maximum exposure to natural light.
Bring nature inside to increase its benefits
Studies have shown that natural materials, such as timber wall panelling, can reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Soothing pastels such as Dulux’s Colour Futures 2020 ‘care’ palette are the perfect backdrop for plants and greenery, which will bring a space to life without overstimulating the senses. Think about the position of the TV It doesn’t have to be the focal point of the room. Introducing some movement is a great way to create visual interest; the obvious one is flickering flames in a fireplace, or you could install a fish tank. These can even be another way to bring people together for passive social time (spending time together without doing anything in particular) – creating a deeper connection to others is fundamental to our overall happiness and mental wellbeing. HB House Beautiful MAY 2020 131
NEAT SHELVING
Each cubby hole on this unit is a self-contained shelfie in its own right, with books sitting next to ornaments and file boxes next to CDs, creating a harmonious whole from very different items
SHELFIE LOVE Whether it’s photos of beautiful bookshelves, perfect pantries or organised ornaments, it seems we all love a shelfie – and not only do they look great, the act of creating them can do us good too
Shelfies (not to be confused with selfies) have taken social media by storm in recent years… photos not of us posing, but of our books, knick-knacks, pictures, collections and possessions carefully curated and arranged on shelves, cabinets, stools, pianos, radiators – basically anywhere with a flat surface. At last count, #shelfie on Instagram was showing more than 1.9 million posts and #shelfiesunday was trending high in the Twittersphere too, with avid followers uploading weekly images of their self-styled home art.
What began life as a way to show off our book collections has morphed into a fun and rewarding way to display treasured accessories and demonstrate our styling skills (and great taste) at the same time. Celebrities were quick to jump on the bandwagon, with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon posting enviable pictures of super-organised shelves, and Buffy alumna Alyson Hannigan posing with her colourful crafting room, featuring shelves stacked with fabric and haberdashery.
MONOCHROME EFFECT
Limiting your shelfie to similar shades – such as the blacks, whites and greys used here – creates a unified display
Structured simplicity – creating a calm, organised space in which to relax – is a key decorating trend and the shelfie is the perfect way to tap into this
BALANCING ACT
Even a windowsill can become a shelfie space – this eclectic display of green houseplants draws the eye through them to the garden beyond
WELLNESS NATURAL TOUCH A trailing plant adds vibrancy to a pared-back grouping of wooden utensils and glassware
PERSONAL THERAPY
As well as ending up with something beautiful, creating a shelfie comes with other benefits, too. According to awardwinning journalist and author Martha Roberts, from whose book Shelfie we’ve taken these stunning photographs, it’s a form of therapy. Having suffered from the occasional bout of depression and anxiety, Martha says that creating shelfies helped her when meditation or yoga wasn’t cutting it. GAINING CONTROL OVER LIFE ‘I always thought I was a lost cause on the mindfulness front, until I discovered that I get my fix from doing shelfies,’ explains Martha. ‘It began as an exercise in seeing how different favourite objects worked together in visual union on a shelf. It was less about organisation and “tidying up” and more about still life, aesthetics and theatre. I enjoyed the interaction between the objects, whether it was the colour, the composition or the story they told when put together. A CALMING EXERCISE ‘So I found myself doing shelf arrangements whenever the mood took me,’ she continues. ‘As months of shelfie-creating went by, I noticed a pattern. Where others organised their paperwork, got creative in the kitchen or did cleaning when they were stressed, I would shelfie.’ For Martha, it became an exercise in self-soothing. ‘When I do shelfies, I’m not thinking about anything else. It was as if immersing myself in the process introduced structure into my life and edged out uncertainties and worries. I started to do them when I wasn’t feeling stressed, simply to “enjoy the ride” and be flooded with feelings of contentment. ENJOYING THE RESULTS ‘At first, I didn’t really understand the significance of this to my mental wellbeing. My primary reason for doing shelfies was to revel in the sheer visual drama and beauty of it all. However, within a few months, I found that I was feeling more grounded and my mind less inclined to go off on an anxiety trajectory. As a result, I concluded that my shelfie-making was a very mindful activity for me.’
TOP TRIOS
When styling, it’s a good idea to keep to the magic number three and group ‘same but different’ items
THE DESIRE TO COLLATE
This is all nothing new. Our Victorian ancestors were fond of a ‘treasure cupboard’, a glass-fronted cabinet in which they displayed precious items. And while minimalism has been the watchword for a few years now, urging us to purge our possessions, signs indicate that this is giving way to a more relaxed outlook, one in which we create environments that truly reflect us and celebrate the things that make us happy. CONTAINED CREATIVITY Sales of display cabinets are on the up, showing that we’re now in the market to ‘make our mark’ with uniquely personalised living spaces. We still need to buy less and clear clutter, especially as many of us now live in smaller or rented spaces. It’s no surprise, then, that ‘structured simplicity’ (creating a calm, organised place in which to relax) and ‘layering’ (mixing and matching old with new, for example holiday souvenirs with local buys, books with crockery), to create a harmonious whole that tells our individual stories, are key decorating trends for 2020… and a shelfie is the perfect way to tap into both. House Beautiful MAY 2020 135
ALTERED IMAGES The joy of being surrounded by objects that make us smile cannot be overestimated. The advantage of a shelfie is that it can easily be changed according to our mood, decorating style or even the season – what works in winter’s low light might not suit the brightness of summer. It’s the adult equivalent of playing with a doll’s house, whose furniture can be rearranged at will – just a lot more stylish! Shelfies have no boundaries, either. With these eclectic displays, anything goes – traditional symmetry (candlesticks on either end of the mantelpiece, paintings hung centrally on a wall) can be abandoned in favour of dynamic collation, with objects of differing heights, textures, shapes or colours nestled together in a riotous whole. That said, planning is important and any shelfie grouping needs a hook – perhaps centre your display around similar items, such as vases, or keep all elements within the same shade spectrum to avoid the jumble-sale look. Happy shelfie-ing! For more inspiration, check out Shelfie: Clutter-Clearing Ideas for Stylish Shelf Art by Martha Roberts (£12.99, Mitchell Beazley)
A WOW WORKSPACE
Create a display for when you pause from your work for a moment of reflection
BATHROOM BLISS
Make an impact with everyday essentials by balancing colours, heights, textures and shapes
TO THINE OWN SHELFIE BE TRUE
Inspired to try it for yourself? Here are Martha Roberts’ six Cs for creating the perfect shelfie… CLEAR This is the ideal opportunity to decide what to keep and what to jettison. Martha advises keeping things you love (not just like), and selecting a ‘hero’ item – such as the teapot from your nan’s dinner service – then letting go of the rest. COMMENTARY What do you want the shelfie to say? Is it inspired by one key piece? Is it marking an occasion? And who is it talking to – followers on social media, or visitors to your home? It needs to reflect your personality, so stick to the things that spring to mind when you think of your theme. COHESION This is how the shelfie works, visually and aesthetically. For maximum impact, go for a good mix of heights, shapes and textures. Same-but-different items, such as modern and vintage candleholders, or potted plants with different greens, hang together beautifully. COLOUR Start with a colour wheel, easily searchable online. Then select analogous shades (next to each other on the wheel) for harmony, or complementary (opposite each other) for impact. Picking elements from just one colour works well, too.
CREATE Decide where to display the shelfie – on shelves, windowsills, bookcases, stools – and go for it. Think horizontally and vertically, add a few plants for texture, and don’t be afraid to layer or overlap items. Anything goes, and your happiness with the end result is the only measure that matters. HB
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WORDS AMANDA MORGAN
CURATE This is conscious collecting – choosing items that build up into your story. Seek inspiration from vintage stores, seashores, auction websites – but ensure that whatever you glean or buy fits your theme.
FOOD & LIVING Inspiring ideas for enjoying the season with friends and family
FIND A GREEN SPACE
PHOTOGRAPH LIVING4MEDIA
Dust off the hamper and make the most of the warmer weather with an alfresco lunch. And for something more exciting than egg sandwiches, try making the spiced pea falafel and pitta breads from our recipes on p138
138 RE CIP E S
Seasonal produce is the star of these spring suppers from food writer Kate Young
146 F EAS T
Take a plate of food from average to exceptional with edible flowers, suggests Giovanna Ryan
149 TRAVEL
European city breaks with a side order of green space
SEASONAL RECIPES
SPRINGTIME SUPPERS Celebrate great seasonal produce with recipes from Kate Young’s Little Library Year, inspired by her love of books and food
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Spiced pea falafel with pitta bread and hummus Turn the page for the recipe
‘I used to be a bit contrary about the arrival of spring, as it meant the end of my favourite season. But, as I grow older, I have found a lot to love in the green, generous richness of the season,’ says Kate Young, food writer and author of The Little Library Year. ‘I happily anticipate seeing asparagus piled high, bunches of crisp, peppery radishes, tiny little
Jersey Royal potatoes in need of a good scrub. I love those first few days of being unburdened of a justin-case coat and look forward to the increasingly longer evenings and the scent of laundered linen that has dried outdoors.’ Share in the unbridled joys of spring with these simple recipes for laid-back, seasonal eating from Kate’s debut cookbook.
SEASONAL RECIPES
Spiced pea falafel with pitta bread and hummus This is an entirely different sort of Sunday lunch. It’s brilliant fun to have on the table; hands on, and a little bit messy. There are a number of component parts but you can easily substitute shop-bought alternatives (the hummus, pitta and pickles could come ready-made if you prefer). That said, a Sunday morning spent putting this together may be right up your street – it’s certainly up mine. SERVES 6 FOR THE FALAFEL 200g frozen peas, defrosted 1 x 400g tin chickpeas 1tsp ground coriander 1tsp ground cumin 2 cloves garlic 1tbsp tahini 2tbsp plain flour 1tsp baking powder Pinch of salt 15g parsley leaves, chopped 15g mint leaves, chopped 1tbsp sesame seeds 1L vegetable oil FOR THE PITTA 180g plain flour 180g strong bread flour 7g easy-action yeast Generous pinch of salt 250ml lukewarm water FOR THE HUMMUS 1 x 400g tin chickpeas 3tbsp tahini 1 clove garlic Juice of 2 lemons FOR THE COURGETTE PICKLE See Cook’s Note for method 2 large courgettes 1tbsp rock salt 500ml cider vinegar 100g caster sugar 1tbsp cumin seeds 1tbsp coriander seeds 1tsp chilli flakes 2 banana shallots, sliced TO SERVE Fresh coriander Yogurt Cherry tomatoes
Pickled red onions (see Cook’s Note) 1 To make the falafel, blitz together the peas, chickpeas, spices, garlic, tahini, flour, baking powder and salt in a food processor. Keep an eye on it; you want some texture to remain, so use the pulse function rather than letting the processor run. 2 Transfer the mix into a bowl, add the chopped herbs and sesame seeds. Form into 18 balls, making sure you press them together really well (they’ll come apart in the oil if you don’t). Set aside in the fridge for at least an hour while you make the pitta. 3 To make the pitta bread, put the flours in a bowl, add the yeast to one side and the salt to the other. Add the water and mix together by hand. Knead until the dough is smooth and
elastic and bounces back when prodded. Place in a clean bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to double in size (about an hour). 4 For super-smooth hummus, first peel the chickpeas, then blitz them with the tahini and garlic. Add the lemon juice and then some cold water to achieve a spreadable consistency. Taste, season and set aside. 5 Once the pitta bread dough has risen, divide into 9 even pieces and shape into balls. Flour your surface, place the balls onto it and cover with the tea towel again. Allow them to double in size (around 45min). Once ready, the dough will bounce back when prodded. 6 Preheat the oven to 240°C/220°C fan/gas mark 9. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll each pitta into a circle, about 5mm
thick. Place on the baking sheets and bake for 7-9min, until golden and puffed up. Remove from the tray and wrap in foil – this will keep the pittas warm, but also soften them, making them easier to eat. 7 While the pittas are in the oven, fry the falafel. Pour the oil into a high-sided saucepan and place over a moderate heat. When the oil is at 180°C (test with a thermometer or the handle of a wooden spoon – a steady stream of bubbles will form around the handle when it’s hot enough), carefully drop in the falafel and fry until crisp and golden brown. Scoop them out and drain on a paper towel. 8 Serve the falafel and hummus with coriander leaves, yogurt and cherry tomatoes, as well as the pickles. See Cook’s Note. Put everything in the middle of the table and allow people to stuff their own pitta.
COOK’S NOTE
For the courgette pickle, slice the courgettes into ribbons using a peeler. Sprinkle with salt; allow to sit for 1hr. Rinse in cold water. Bring remaining ingredients (except shallots) to a simmer in a pan, stirring so the sugar dissolves. Push courgettes and shallots into a sterilised jar; pour over vinegar. Leave for 2hr before eating. To make the pickled red onion, sprinkle onions with salt and squeeze with hands until they start to soften. Add to a sterilised jar; cover with vinegar. Leave for 30min before eating.
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SEASONAL RECIPES
Tomato tarts with capers and olives These tasty tarts are a wonderful home for early season tomatoes, the ones that begin to smell like the promise of summer, but are helped by a little time spent in the oven. This recipe is a reimagined version of a tartelette méridionale, a southern tart that steals a little from a pissaladière, and a little from the flavours of a traditional Provençal tapenade. MAKES 8 FOR THE PASTRY 200g plain flour 100g butter Pinch of salt 3tbsp cold water FOR THE FILLING 2 red onions, finely sliced 1tbsp olive oil 3 cloves garlic, crushed
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1 x 400g tin tomatoes, roughly chopped 1tbsp red wine vinegar 1tbsp caster sugar Leaves from 6 sprigs of thyme Salt and black pepper 2tbsp capers 8 anchovies 16 cherry tomatoes, halved 24 pitted black olives Juice of 1 lemon Fresh basil leaves Olive oil YOU WILL NEED 8 small loose-bottomed fluted tart tins 1 For the pastry, blitz together the flour, butter and salt in a food processor. You can also do this by hand, rubbing with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the water slowly; you need just enough to bring it together. Knead as little as possible, then wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for half an hour. 2 Once chilled, divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll into balls, and then roll out to 3mm-thick
discs. Place in the tart tins, pushing into the corners. Chill for another half an hour. 3 Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. For the filling, fry the onions in oil for 10min, until softened. Add the garlic and fry for a couple of minutes. Tip in the chopped tomatoes, and cook over a moderate heat until they’ve collapsed. Add the vinegar, sugar and thyme. Cook until thick and not too wet. Taste and season. Turn off the heat and stir in the capers. 4 Once the pastry is chilled, trim the overhang. Prick the bases all over with a fork, line with cling film and fill with baking beans. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20min. Remove the cling film and beans, and bake for a further 10min, until golden and dry to the touch. 5 Divide the filling between the tart shells and top each with an anchovy, 4 cherry tomato halves and 3 olives. Cook in the oven for a final 15min. Dress with a spritz of lemon juice, basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.
Miso and honey roasted chicken There’s always a jar of miso paste in my fridge. I like it stirred through noodles, painted onto scored aubergines before they’re roasted or whisked with a generous couple of spoonfuls of honey for this chicken dish. It makes a simple supper – just as good with the slaw as it would be with some noodles or rice, or a few sprigs of griddled Tenderstem broccoli. SERVES 4 for a light lunch, or 2 for dinner FOR THE CHICKEN 4 large chicken thighs, bone in, with skin 3tbsp red miso paste 3tbsp honey 2tbsp sesame oil 1tbsp toasted sesame seeds
FOR THE SLAW 1 carrot 5 radishes Handful of kale leaves ¼ red cabbage 20g coriander 20g mint 1 mild red chilli 1tbsp black sesame seeds FOR THE DRESSING Thumb-sized piece of ginger 1tsp sesame oil 1 lime, juiced 1tsp rice vinegar 1tsp honey Pinch of salt
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7. Put the chicken thighs in a small roasting dish, making sure you don’t leave too much space around them. Mix together the miso, honey and sesame oil, and spoon onto the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the oven and roast for 40min. 2 While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the slaw. Slice the carrot and radishes to a fine julienne (I have a julienne peeler I bought for a couple of pounds
that renders this the work of moments), then slice the kale, cabbage and herbs finely. Deseed the chilli and slice finely, then add to the vegetables, along with the sesame seeds. 3 To make the dressing, grate the ginger and whisk together with the other ingredients. Toss the dressing through the slaw. 4 Check the chicken is cooked by inserting a skewer; the juices should run clear. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on the chicken and serve alongside a generous portion of the slaw.
SEASONAL RECIPES
Pork and broad bean burgers The first time I made a broad bean purée, I turned a Diana Henry recipe for six people into an accompaniment for a whole roasted pig at a wedding. It was very much my fault (she was clear it’s a recipe for small groups), but I felt like I spent days tediously podding broad beans. It’s to their eternal credit that it didn’t put me off – not only are they delicious, especially when fresh, but their soft, fuzzy beds are so satisfying to split open and run your thumb through.
The Little Library Year by Kate Young (£25, Head of Zeus). Photography by Lean Timms
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SERVES 4 FOR THE BURGERS 50ml Marsala wine 1tsp smoked paprika 1tsp fennel seeds Salt and black pepper 400g minced pork FOR THE PUREE 100g podded broad beans 75g frozen peas, defrosted Zest and juice of 1 lemon 10 mint leaves 1tbsp olive oil Salt and black pepper TO SERVE 4 burger buns, sliced in half Butter and mayonnaise 1 Mix together the Marsala, paprika, fennel seeds and some seasoning, and stir through the pork mince. Place in a bowl, cover and transfer to the fridge for 24 hours to allow the flavours to develop.
2 The next day, boil beans for 1min, drain, and pop skins off. 3 In a food processor, blitz the cooled broad beans and peas with the zest and juice of the lemon and the mint leaves. Add the olive oil and blitz again. Taste, and season. 4 Shape the seasoned mince into 4 patties. Fry in a dry non-stick or cast-iron pan, for 8min on each side. Turn the heat down if they’re browning too quickly; you want them to be cooked right through, but not burnt on the outside. 5 Toast the split buns in the still hot pan for a minute or two, and spread the top half with a little butter and the bottom half with mayonnaise. Add a generous spoonful of the purée, a patty and top with the other bun half. Serve immediately.
COOK’S NOTE
To make the gravy, place the pan with the lamb juices over a low heat and, once simmering, whisk in the flour. Cook out for a couple of minutes, then add the stock and simmer until thick. Add the mustard, then taste and season. Sieve and keep warm.
Roasted shoulder of lamb with watercress, pea, and radish salad This meal always goes down a storm. It’s simple to prepare, and although the salad looks very impressive, it’s almost laughably easy. Serve the lamb warm but well rested, and avoid the last-minute scramble to get everything out hot. SERVES 6 FOR THE LAMB 2kg lamb shoulder (bone in) 4tbsp honey 3 sprigs of rosemary 50ml olive oil 2tsp salt FOR THE GRAVY See Cook’s Note for method 2tbsp flour 200ml vegetable stock 1tsp English mustard Salt and black pepper FOR THE SALAD 15 radishes 100ml cider vinegar Pinch of salt 1tsp granulated sugar 100g watercress 30g mint 300g frozen peas 120g soft goat’s cheese FOR THE DRESSING 1tbsp vinegar (reserve some after you pickle
the radishes) 1tsp English mustard Black pepper 1tbsp olive oil 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3. Place the lamb in a roasting tin and make slashes in the fat. Spoon over the honey and rub in. Pull the rosemary leaves from the stalks and sprinkle over the top. Pour over the oil and season with salt. Roast in the oven for 4hr. 2 Halve 10 radishes and place in a small saucepan with the vinegar, salt and sugar. Bring to a simmer, turn off the heat, and leave to cool. 3 Take the lamb out of the oven and leave to rest for 20min. Pull the flesh apart with two forks (it should come away easily from the bone), and pile it up on a plate. If you’re not ready to eat yet, the lamb can be warmed through in the oven before serving. Make the gravy. 4 Pick the watercress and mint leaves from their stems. Put the peas in a sieve and run under cold water to defrost. Thinly slice the uncooked radishes. 5 Make the dressing by whisking together the vinegar, mustard and pepper, then whisk in the olive oil. Toss the watercress, mint, sliced radishes and peas in the dressing. Place on a plate and top with the pickled radishes and goat’s cheese, torn into chunks. Serve alongside the lamb. HB
TIME TO FEAST Seasonal ideas from our food writer, MasterChef f inalist Giovanna Ryan
GIOVANNA’S KITCHEN ESSENTIAL
3 W A Y S T O U S E U P. . .
ANCHOVIES
These tiny morsels are the definition of small but mighty. They may not be universally loved but their unbeatable savouriness brings impressive depth to so many dishes. Use as a base for a tomato sauce Finely chop and fry in olive oil until dissolved before adding your usual sauce ingredients. Pair with roast lamb I love to mix finely chopped anchovies and parsley into butter and rub all over a lamb leg or shoulder before roasting. There’s something magical – and delicious – about this unlikely pairing. Top a boiled egg Simple is often best. Very finely slice the fillets and drape over a soft-boiled egg with a grind of pepper. 146 housebeautiful.com/uk
THIS MONTH I’M LOVING…
EDIBLE FLOWERS Many of us are upping our food presentation game, and at this time of year, we’re blessed with an easy and instant beauty fix for salads, soups and more. Edible flowers can provide colour, texture and a great deal of flavour to an otherwise ordinary dish. A huge array of flowers can be found online from specialist growers, while some more common varieties are appearing on supermarket shelves. They can be expensive as they’re delicate, difficult to transport and have a short shelf life. For this reason, I’d recommend growing some of your own. Most are easygoing, happy indoors or out, and require minimal space. They’re also a haven for bees and garden-friendly insects. Nasturtiums are the queen of the edible flowers. The leaves and seed pods are also edible and they grow so easily and quickly, you might struggle to keep up with them. They’re happy in pots, hanging baskets, beds or even in little paving or wall crevices. The flowers are usually flame-coloured in variations of red, yellow and orange and pack a peppery punch, making them excellent for salads. Once they start to go to seed, collect the pods and store them in a simple pickling liquid to create something akin to capers. Violas are also a real stalwart of the kitchen garden. They pretty much survive anything
and, again, will happily grow almost anywhere. When everything else is dormant, you can rely on violas to see you through into early winter. I like to freeze them into ice cubes to use in drinks. With its white- or blue-tinted petals, borage is the other great ‘grow-yourown’ option, with a delicate cucumber flavour perfect for summer dishes. Try using the flowers to garnish a strawberry and cream dessert, gazpacho or a glass of Pimm’s and lemonade. Most herbs around this time of year also produce edible blooms. I love using tiny purple sage flowers to top a risotto or pasta dish. They have a heady, sweet sage-y flavour that is surprisingly powerful. Chive blossoms can be just as strong, but are wonderful in potato salad or on top of soup. Use them in anything to which you’d like to add that sharp allium flavour. Finally, common on restaurant menus, but less used in home kitchens, are courgette and squash blossoms. As a child, I recall waking up at daybreak in the summer to pick courgette flowers from the vegetable patch before they closed up. My mum wanted them in their open state to make an impressive tempura starter for a dinner party. When they’re closed, I love them stuffed with ricotta, herbs and parmesan, deep fried and drizzled with honey. Follow Giovanna on Instagram @giovannaryan
PHOTOGRAPHS ALICE BOAGEY; GETTY/ WESTEND61 ILLUSTRATION ALEESHA NANDHRA IF YOU ARE GROWING YOUR OWN, OR FORAGING FOR EDIBLE FLOWERS, CHECK THAT YOU’VE CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED WHAT YOU’RE EATING, AND THAT IT’S SAFE TO CONSUME
This cast-iron pepper and spice grinder is a serious piece of kit. It’s made in two halves and is designed to fit in the palm of your hand. Simply tip in your chosen spices and twist to crush (twist more for a finer grind). Each one is hand cast and unique. It costs £39 from Sous Chef (souschef.co.uk).
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Trees and bold-coloured huts line the sandy beach of Finland’s Pihlajasaari island, just a couple of miles from the centre of Helsinki
The last time I was in Helsinki, my flight left without me. When I should have been in a cab heading to Departures, I was instead sitting quietly by the seaside, focused on nothing more than the two punnets of market-fresh berries in my lap, ripened to an impossible sweetness under the long days of the Nordic summer. I’d come expecting to be wowed by the cleanliness and design of the Finnish capital, and I was. What struck me more, however, was how the city seemed awash in green and blue, its 330 islands scattered offshore like a flotilla of verdant icebergs. Of course, when I House Beautiful MAY 2020 149
TR AVEL CIT Y B R E A KS
realised the time, my state of zen was ruined with a frantic, expletive-ridden race to the airport. But I learned a valuable lesson – to seek out serenity in even the most urban environments. That, and to wear a watch. Here’s my selection of serene city breaks… HELSINKI O N T H E W AT E R F R O N T
BERLIN SPOILED FOR CHOICE Known for its classical music, museums, explosive nightlife and edgy creativity, Berlin’s melting-pot culture also extends to its parks. In the centre of town, Tiergarten provides an urban sanctuary close to famous landmarks
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‘the Slovenian capi ta l is hom e to Art Nouveau buildings and an abundance of parkland and wa terwa ys’ such as the Brandenburg Gate, as well as a home for Zoo Berlin, and Café am Neuen See, an atmospheric lakeside spot serving beer and traditional Bavarian specialities, such as pretzels (above right). On the city’s western side, Grunewald’s 3,000 heavily wooded hectares provide numerous hiking and cycling trails, plus plenty of history at Jagdschloss Grunewald, a Renaissance-era hunting lodge. But perhaps nowhere better exemplifies the city’s inventive energy than
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Tempelhofer Feld – a former airport in the city’s south, which has been redeveloped into an eclectic green space where people can enjoy kitesurfing, roller-skating and birdwatching. STAY With views over the zoo, 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin has a safari theme that includes hammock-slung rooms and a newly revamped Monkey Bar. From £134, 25hours-hotels.com.
LJUBLJANA S E C O N D N AT U R E Laid out along medieval lines, the Slovenian capital is home to a towering castle, candy-coloured Art Nouveau buildings and a thriving Central Market, where you can pick up street food for a song. Knitted into it all is an abundance of parkland and waterways – Ljubljana comprises 75 per cent green areas, including 1,400 hectares of forest designated as a carbon sink. The historic Botanic Garden is both a leafy haven and one of the country’s oldest cultural institutions, but it’s at Tivoli Park, the city’s largest, where you can really lose yourself. Running through the centre of town, it was partially designed by Slovenia’s renowned architect, Jože Plečnik. Stroll beneath the horse chestnut trees and along Jakopič Promenade, where outdoor photographic displays are on permanent display.
PHOTOGRAPHS GETTY IMAGES; ALAMY
You might come for the contemporary cultural treasures – the 1960s-built Temppeliaukio ‘Rock’ Church, architecture by Alvar Aalto or the Design District featuring more than 200 galleries and stores – but chances are you’ll stay for the experiences that bring you closer to nature. From late spring, sun-starved Finns head to the sands of Pihlajasaari island, a stone’s throw from central Helsinki and characterised by bright beach huts. For visitors, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island of Suomenlinna is a must, famous for its walking trails and 18th-century sea fortress. Everywhere you go, there’s a chance for a sauna, such as at Löyly, which has a stunning geometric wooden construction on the Helsinki foreshore and offers post-sauna food and drinks. It’s a quintessentially Finnish respite from the world outside. STAY Klaus K hotel has rooms that channel nature and folklore. From £136, klauskhotel. com. Suomenlinna offers high-quality hostel accommodation. From £59, hostelhelsinki.fi.
STAY InterContinental Ljubljana is the city’s tallest hotel, with rooftop terrace views that stretch to the Julian Alps. From £185, intercontinental.com/ljubljana.
PA R I S ELEGANT ACREAGE What the City of Love lacks in overall green space, it makes up for with its immaculate gardens. When the sheer scale of the Louvre becomes overwhelming, wander into the 16th-century Jardin des Tuileries, with its gravel pathways, statuary, flowerbeds and lawns. If you’re feeling reflective, stop at the Musée de l’Orangerie, in which Monet’s Water Lilies compositions are on display, or pause at Café des Marronniers for a classic croque-monsieur or a crêpe with all the trimmings. Kids getting restless? Over on the Left Bank, the Jardin du Luxembourg has plenty to keep little ones occupied, from puppet shows to pony rides. STAY Close to Jardin du Luxembourg, Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles is an oasis of classic French country style in the city. From £103, hotel-grandes-ecoles.com.
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NEW YORK CITY W I L D AT H E A R T Occasional coyote sightings are proof that Central Park provides a welcome slice of wilderness in the Big Apple, with 341
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1 Ljubljana’s 17th-century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation overlooks the river Ljubljanica. Most of the city is made up of parkland and waterways 2 Get up close to hippos and other animals at Zoo Berlin 3 Rhododendrons put on a magical display in Berlin’s Tiergarten 4 Right in the heart of the concrete jungle, New York’s Central Park offers 341 hectares of gardens, lakes and woods 5 Take a relaxing stroll around the formal gardens and down the tree-lined alleys of Jardin des Tuileries in Paris 6 The Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) at Seville’s breathtaking Real Alcazár
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hectares of craggy bluffs, gardens, fields and woods. Highlights include Central Park Zoo, horse-and-carriage rides, boating excursions on the lake, and the carefully landscaped Conservatory Garden, but less-trod paths can be found at Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the secluded Shakespeare Garden and The Ravine in the North Woods. If you want to lunch like a New Yorker, pick up some deli treats from iconic café Russ & Daughters at the Jewish Museum on Fifth Avenue, then head to Sheep Meadow and join the locals lolling on the grass. STAY 1 Central Park offers farm-to-fork dining (including pizza, right) and interiors inspired by the outdoors. From £267, 1hotels.com. Further afield, Made Hotel has rooms with an airy, natural vibe. From £190, madehotels.com.
SEVILLE PA L AT I A L O A S I S It can be hard to know where to turn in the Andalusian capital, with its stunning architectural heritage that runs from Roman to Baroque. Many visitors start at the Real Alcazár, a royal palace with 10th-century origins that is UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its rare blend of Mudéjar Islamic and Western features – vaulted halls, elaborately painted plasterwork, exquisite tiling, minarets and wooden domes. Outside, its extensive gardens are reputed to be the oldest in Europe, featuring fountains, a maze, fruit and vegetables and palm-fringed paths. There is also a 16th-century loggia, Galería del Grutesco, which offers welcome shade and a peaceful spot to observe the greenery. Take the feeling of tranquillity to dinner by walking 10 minutes to Seis, where you’ll find good-value tapas in modern, foliage-rich surroundings. STAY Set in a 16th-century building, Legado Alcázar has a modern interior and puts you right next to the lush palace gardens. From £94, legadoalcazarhotel.com. HB House Beautiful MAY 2020 151
SUMMER EXHIBITION With the RHS Chelsea Flower Show bursting forth this month, we’re all about to get serious garden envy. So we’ve asked four previous winners to give us the lowdown on the latest growing trends ALFRESCO LIVING Outdoor living spaces, from pergolas to larger pavilions, such as this smart contemporary design, are perfect spots to relax in and enjoy the garden
G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N
MARK GREGORY
Mark won Gold in the Show Garden category at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year and is managing director of Landform (landformconsultants.co.uk)
Mark says… NEW SURFACES
I think we’ll see a rise in the use of porcelain for landscaping. It’s so versatile and can replace decking in shady areas to reduce the danger of slippery surfaces. Makers are getting more adventurous, using digital printing to create something truly bespoke. As it’s a natural product, it will also weather beautifully and can be used as vertical cladding and even wrap around curves for a contemporary look. Check out London Stone (londonstone. co.uk); Alfresco Floors (alfrescofloors.com).
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
These are becoming more and more popular and are likely to be a big trend for this year. The site is crucial – avoid positioning under trees that produce dripping sap and areas of the garden that are wind tunnels. A good idea is to use a normal barbecue as a trial to see what works before you invest in a more expensive set-up. It’s also important to think about scale so your outdoor kitchen doesn’t end up dominating the space. Check out Silverland Stone (silverlandstone. co.uk); Profesco (kitcheninthegarden.co.uk); Gaze Burvill (gazeburvill.com); Roshults (connox.co.uk).
REPEAT PATTERNS
So many people fall prey to impulse buying in a garden centre and just pick up one or two plants, which inevitably creates a bitty, uncoordinated look. This year try… buying multiples of plants – odd numbers always look best – as repetition within a space creates a sense of balance and cohesion.
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JO THOMPSON
Jo is a multi-award-winning designer and considered one of the UK’s leading plantswomen (jothompson-garden-design.co.uk)
Jo says…
PLANTING FOR WILDLIFE
I really hope that more of us will consider plants for our gardens that aren’t only beautiful to look at but are also beneficial to the environment. If just a proportion of us took this more holistic view when choosing plants, we could make a real difference. This year try… planning your planting to ensure there’s something to enjoy visually in the garden year-round, and also provide food or shelter for wildlife throughout the seasons.
THOUGHTFUL FURNITURE
I’d encourage a more critical approach to outdoor furniture. The pieces I used in my RHS Chelsea Wedgwood Garden were selected because they balanced both the hard and soft landscaping as well as being weatherproof – always good for our British summers. This year try... considering the setting of outdoor furniture carefully, with a view to complementing the space. This can be through colour, form or texture.
ROSES EVERYWHERE
There are very few places that wouldn’t be improved by a rose. I’ve started to use them in more unusual settings, for example planting Rosa multiflora in wildflower meadows. This year try… Rosa ‘Mannington Mauve Rambler’; also charming is Rosa ‘Meg’, a short climber with large single flowers that are blushed with a soft pink at the petal tip fading to apricot in the centre.
G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N
NATURAL SHELTER Providing refuge in our gardens can really help wildlife survive WINNING DESIGN Jo used classical elements with a modern twist in the Wedgwood Garden she created for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with carefully chosen seating that fits in perfectly
‘Choose outdoor furniture to complement the space’
House Beautiful MAY 2020 155
COLOUR CLASH Gardeners are embracing exuberant planting with vibrant hits of colour
‘Leave those perfectly striped lawns to manor houses and let our gardens teem with wildlife!’ L I L LY G O M M
Lilly won Gold with her Show Garden debut at RHS Chelsea last year. She is based in Kent (lillygomm.com)
Lilly says… LESS FORMALITY, MORE SUSTAINABILITY There will be a move towards the informal, with hard landscaping being outweighed by softer planting. We’re stepping away from the days of gleaming white paving, which is difficult to maintain without the use of harsh chemicals, and embracing natural stone for its character. TOP TIP Look at your local stone and embrace the vernacular!
POPS OF COLOUR Bold hues are here to stay. Both in our full-sun borders and shady corners, those pops of colour against green foliage make a real difference. 156 housebeautiful.com/uk
This year try… looking out for thalictrum for shady areas. Varieties such as ‘Tukker Princess’ and ‘Thundercloud’ can bring a much-needed hit of yellow and purple. We can also play around with colour using annuals, such as vibrant cosmos, to bridge the gaps in the garden.
RETRO SHRUBS I see a comeback for flowering shrubs, which are often considered old-fashioned. This year try… plants such as abelia, daphne and deutzia, which produce delicate, often scented flowers. These need a revival in modern garden design.
LONGER GRASS AND WILDFLOWER MEADOWS We’re all aware of biodiversity losses due to our human footprint, so making sure the balance is right in our own gardens is very important. TOP TIP Take this on board by gardening with a lighter touch – allowing relaxed areas of planting to thrive, or replacing lawns with wildflower turf. Leave those perfectly striped lawns to manor houses and let our gardens teem with wildlife!
G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N
ULA MARIA
WORDS ALEX MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHS JONATHAN WARD; GARDEN COLLECTION/FLORA PRESS/DEREK ST ROMAINE/STEVEN WOOSTER/CHRISTINE ANN FOLL/MATTHEW BRUCE; RACHEL WARNE; MMGI/MARIANNE MAJERUS; CHRISTOPHER PLEDGER/EYEVINE; GAP PHOTOS/NICOLA STOCKEN
Ula is a fresh new voice in the garden design world, whose accolades include the RHS Young Designer of the Year 2017 (ulamaria.com)
Ula says… NATURAL MEETS CLIPPED We’ll be seeing schemes featuring more naturalistic planting contrasted with perfectly manicured structural plants. This year try… using architectural specimens like topiary, cloud-pruned yew or multi-stem trees such as amelanchier immersed in soft, naturalistic planting.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Quirky, beautifully crafted and unique pieces will become more in demand. This year try… looking for garden furniture in interior furniture stores, as some is suitable to use outdoors. Antiques markets are brilliant for one-off pieces.
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Mediterranean style will be big this year, particularly Moroccan, Spanish and Italian. TOP TIP Use clay bricks, pots, tiles and ornaments, and dry-climate plants such as Mexican feather grass and lavender.
PLANTS WITH BENEFITS
Everyone seems to be into growing their own herbs and veg as well as flowers for cutting, from dahlias to Orlaya grandiflora. This year try… combining beauty and productivity by growing stunning edible flowers, such as Dianthus ‘Mrs Sinkins’. HB
DISORDERLY FASHION Ula predicts we will be combining free-spirited planting with more structured elements
PL ANT, PICK, SHOP Inspired by the trends on the previous pages? Here’s what you need to get started...
Th e Med look
Terracotta pots offer an easy way to give your garden a Mediterranean feel, especially when they’re as beautiful as these handthrown, frost-resistant ones from Crete. Plant them with lavender, tumbling pelargoniums or agaves. From left Beehive planter, from £230; Fraska, from £36; Vespa, from £32; all potsandpithoi.com.
GO WILD Turning an area of the lawn into a mini wildflower meadow is great for wildlife and it will look incredible. Starting one off from seed can take years, but wildflower turf will give pretty much instant results – you simply remove existing vegetation, dig the ground over and roll it out. Lindum Turf has one that contains at least 20 wildflower species and costs about £16.80/m excluding delivery. See more at turf.co.uk, or call 01904 448675 to order.
Cool ti le styles Encaustic cement patterned tiles will bring an on-trend Mediterranean or Moroccan vibe to your garden. Bert & May has plenty of great styles on offer, from the floral Grey Santona (top), to the geometric Green Majadas (bottom), and the pretty star-shaped Pradena range, all £3.96 each – use them to bring an exotic touch to courtyards or seating areas. See bertandmay.com; search Outdoors.
Edible flowers look beautiful in cocktails or thrown on top of salads. The All Year Edible Flower Seed Collection, £4.95 (or £11.50 in a seed tin) from sarahraven.com, is a fantastic starter kit containing seeds of orange calendula ‘Indian Prince’, nasturtium ‘Black Velvet’, delicate purple viola ‘Heartsease’, and blue borage, so you can be harvesting all year round from pots and windowboxes.
Growing flowers for cutting has never been so fashionable. This ingenious jam jar-style vase combines utility chic with a meshed lid so stalks stay upright for maximum display. Retro stem vase, £7.50, nordichouse.co.uk.
THIS MONTH REMEMBER TO... Get early bedding plants into the garden l Add liquid fertiliser around spring bulbs that have gone over to ensure a good display next year l Plant up summer hanging baskets l Prune shrubs once they’ve flowered l Pull up forget-me-nots to stop them taking over
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WORDS ALEX MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHS STOCKFOOD; GARDEN COLLECTION/FLORA PRESS/KARIN GOLDBACH
EAT THE FLOWERS
DISPLAY YOUR BLOOMS
A DV E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
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House Beautiful MAY 2020 159
A DV E R T I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
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HOUSE PROMOTION
EXCLUSIVE CRUISE
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LITERARY FESTIVAL ON WATER House Beautiful readers can sail along the Danube in the company of some of the world’s most inspiring writers in association with the Henley Festival of Literature & Arts Gaby Huddart, GH editor-in-chief
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e’re thrilled to announce our first Literary Festival on Water. Departing in April 2021, this unique eight-day Danube cruise will lead you on an unforgettable voyage along one of Europe’s great rivers. Sailing in style on an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, you’ll enjoy talks, interviews and Q&A sessions on board with famous and inspiring writers and more. Created in partnership with the Henley Literary Festival, this holiday promises the chance to enjoy fantastic food, wine and views as you explore Europe’s great cities, while rubbing shoulders with some of our favourite personalities from the world of books.
DAME JENNI MURRAY
JEREMY PAXMAN
LOUIS DE BERNIÈRES
VICTORIA HISLOP
JEREMY PAXMAN
KATE ADIE
The award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster was the anchorman of BBC’s Newsnight for 25 years and has hosted University Challenge since 1994. His books include the memoir A Life In Questions.
The former correspondent presents BBC Radio 4’s From Our Own Correspondent and has written several books, including a memoir of her extraordinary life, The Kindness Of Strangers.
LOUIS DE BERNIÈRES
LIZ EARLE
Louis has written numerous internationally acclaimed novels. His best-known work, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Novel and was adapted into a film.
Liz is the bestselling author of more than 35 books, as well as being a leading wellness entrepreneur, TV presenter, podcast host, charity founder and organic farmer.
DAME JENNI MURRAY
VICTORIA HISLOP
GABY HUDDART
Much-loved broadcaster Jenni Murray has presented BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour for more than 30 years. She is also the author of several books, including A History Of Britain In 21 Women.
Victoria’s novel The Island has sold more than 5m copies. Her books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and she’s drawn to Greece and the Aegean, where many of her novels are set.
GH’s editor-in-chief, Gaby Huddart, will host a drinks reception and gala dinner, interview special guests and give her insight into how Britain’s biggest-selling lifestyle magazine is created.
Who you’ll meet
OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS Emerald Waterways offers classic river cruises on board spacious, modern ships. Its award-winning, state-of-the-art fleet is the newest in Europe. The Henley Festival of Literature & Arts is one of the UK’s most popular literary festivals and takes place from 26 September to 4 October 2020. Tripsmiths partners with leading tour operators and media brands to deliver exclusive travel experiences.
DISCOVER MORE at goodhousekeepingholidays.com 166 housebeautiful.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE! HB READERS CAN SAVE £620pp OFF THE BROCHURE PRICE*
Bookworms will be entertained at the literary festival
Sail one of the world’s most beautiful waterways
Enjoy stunning views from your Grand Balcony Suite
*Price based on two people sharing our lowest-priced available cabins at time of going to press (13 February 2020). Price shown includes all relevant discounts, inclusive of exclusive GH saving of £620pp. Book by 24 April 2020. Please note that more writers and special guest speakers will be announced shortly. Supplements apply for single travellers and upgraded cabins. For full booking conditions, visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. Our travel partner, Emerald Waterways, is ABTA-bonded and ATOL-protected
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LIZ EARLE
WHERE YOU’LL STAY Your elegant Emerald Waterways Star-Ship has everything on board to make your trip truly unforgettable. Staffed by an attentive and highly trained crew, the ship’s excellent amenities include spacious cabins, a stylish restaurant with outstanding cuisine, sundeck, putting green, fitness centre and heated swimming pool, which turns into an open-air cinema on selected evenings.
WHERE YOU’LL GO During this wonderful voyage along the Danube, you’ll have time to discover two capitals: Vienna, famous for its art, culture and culinary specialities (including delicious patisseries), and Budapest, known for its magnificent architecture, such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle. Along the way, there’ll be more to enjoy, including guided walks, gourmet tastings and other excursions, plus the chance to discover Passau and Linz, the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley.
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Fly to Munich and board in Passau DAY 2 Passau DAY 3 Linz DAY 4 Melk and Dürnstein DAY 5 Vienna DAY 6 Bratislava DAYS 7 & 8 Budapest YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… Meet some of the world’s leading writers and presenters Listen to private talks, interviews and Q&A sessions Cruise for eight days on an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship Visit destinations including Passau, Linz, Vienna and Budapest Enjoy a drinks reception and gala dinner hosted by GH editor-in-chief Gaby Huddart
Experience a range of excursions, such as guided walks and gourmet tastings
ALSO INCLUDED Return flights, transfers (to and from the ship), all meals, plus wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, tips, free wi-fi, use of bicycles and the services of a cruise director.
HOW TO BOOK
PRICE From £1,875 (early-bird until 24 April); £1,995 (standard price after 24 April)* including exclusive Good Housekeeping Holidays saving of £620pp* DATES 24 April to 1 May 2021 TO BOOK, CALL 0161 516 6559 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/hbliterarycruise for more details and to see the full itinerary
DISCOVER MORE at goodhousekeepingholidays.com House Beautiful MAY 2020 167
WHERE TO BUY 1882 Ltd 020 3002 8023; 1882ltd.com erende 0774 880 8433; aerende.co.uk Afid Design 0797 156 4513; afiddesign.co.uk Alternative Bathrooms 020 3375 9009; alternativebathrooms.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Arket 020 3868 9990; arket.com Atrafloor atrafloor.com Artisanti 0345 259 1410; artisanti.com &Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Basket Room (The) 01608 239482; thebasketroom.com BC Designs 01206 827100; bcdesigns.co.uk Beaumonde 01202 707770; beaumonde.co.uk BHS 0333 005 0070; bhs.com Black Edition blackedition.com Bohemia 0131 555 2485; bohemiadesign.co.uk Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000; bombayduck.co.uk Braided Rug Company (The) 01654 767248; braided-rug.co.uk Bridgman 020 8804 7474; bridgman.co.uk Bromley & Ellis 020 7738 7323; bromleyellis.com Brookmans brookmans.co.uk Broste Copenhagen 00 45 36 39 03 00; brostecopenhagen.com arpetright 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk Cathedral 01388 810768; cathedralshuttersandblinds.co.uk
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Choosing Keeping 020 7613 3842; choosingkeeping.com Claybrook 020 7052 1555; claybrookstudio.co.uk Christopher Farr Cloth 020 7349 0888; christopherfarrcloth.com Christopher Wray 020 7013 0180; christopherwray.com Column Rads 023 9275 1306; columnrads.co.uk Connox 020 3499 0194; connox.co.uk Conran Shop (The) 0344 848 4000; conranshop.co.uk Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123; coxandcox.co.uk Crosswater 0345 873 8840; crosswater.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231; cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960; cultfurniture.com Curious Egg 01738 621111; curiousegg.com aisy Park 01769 579077; daisypark.co.uk Darlings 020 7371 5745; darlingsofchelsea.co.uk Debenhams 0344 800 8877; debenhams.com Desenio desenio.co.uk Design & That 0789 161 1379; designandthat.com Designers Guild 020 7351 5775; designersguild.com Design Vintage 01273 558675; designvintage.co.uk dittrichhudsonvasetti architects 0117 9148317; dhva.co.uk Dowsing & Reynolds 0113 8199985; dowsingandreynolds.com Dusk Lighting 01392 363200; dusklights.co.uk bay ebay.co.uk Ercol 01844 271800; ercol.com Etsy etsy.com almec 01206 849900; falmec.co.uk Farrow & Ball 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com Fermoie 01672 513723; fermoie.com Fired Earth 01295 814396; firedearth.com Flo & Joe 01865 821101; floandjoe.co.uk French Connection 0333 400 3285; frenchconnection.com arden Trading 01993 847334; gardentrading.co.uk Gisela Graham 020 7708 4956; giselagraham.co.uk Go Modern 020 7731 9540; gomodern.co.uk Graham & Green 01225 418200; grahamandgreen.co.uk &M Home 0344 736 9000; hm.com/gb
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Habitat 0344 499 1111; habitat.co.uk Heal’s 0333 212 1915; heals.com Holloways of Ludlow 020 7602 5757; hollowaysofludlow.com Holly’s House 020 7736 2222; hollys-house.com Homebase 0345 077 8888; homebase.co.uk an Snow 01271 858649 Idyll Home 01270 812717; idyllhome.co.uk Ikea 020 3645 0000; ikea.co.uk Imogen Heath imogenheath.com Ivyline ivylinegb.co.uk D Williams 0871 231 2000; jdwilliams.co.uk Jennifer Manners 020 3648 6865; jennifermanners.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com ährs 023 9245 3045; kahrs.com Kaleidoscope 0333 200 8018; kaleidoscope.co.uk Kidly kidly.co.uk Kalinko kalinko.com Karndean 01386 820100; karndean.co.uk Kast Concrete Basins 01623 709249; kastconcretebasins.com Katie Putt katieputt.com Kikki.k 020 7240 7807; kikki-k.com King & McGaw 01273 511942; kingandmcgaw.com akeland 01539 488100; lakeland.co.uk La Redoute 0844 842 2222; laredoute.co.uk
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Liberty London 020 7734 1234; libertylondon.com Lighting by Paul 01642 231109; lightingbypaul.co.uk Limited Abode 0116 277 8897; limitedabode.co.uk Little Greene Paint Company littlegreene.com Loaf 020 3141 8300; loaf.com Lola Donoghue loladonoghue.com Lozi lozidesigns.com LSA International 01932 789721; lsa-international.com Lusso Stone 020 8038 5491; lussostone.com &Co mandco.com M&L 01730 779911; mandlpaints.com M&S 0333 014 8000; marksandspencer.com Made 0344 257 1888; made.com Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172; maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone 01600 715444; mandarinstone.com Mark Alexander 01623 756699; markalexander.com Matalan 0845 330 3330; matalan.co.uk Mink Interiors 01892 547049; minkinteriors.com Mint & May 020 3637 7969; mintandmay.co.uk atural Born Flooring 01179 427829; naturalbornflooring.com Neptune 01793 427450; neptune.com
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Nest 0114 243 3000; nest.co.uk New Craftsmen (The) 020 7148 3190; thenewcraftsmen.com Newgate 01691 679994; newgateclocks.com Next 0333 777 8000; next.co.uk Nkuku 0333 240 0155; nkuku.com Not on the High Street 020 3318 5115; notonthehighstreet.com ka 0333 004 2042; oka.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110; oliverbonas.com Opal Living opal-living.co.uk Original BTC 01993 882251; originalbtc.com Orla Kiely 020 7720 1117; orlakiely.com Ottoline 0794 444 0789; ottoline.nl atch patchplants.com Penelope Hope 01481 721410; penelopehope.com Pinch 020 7622 5075; pinchdesign.com Pooky 020 7351 3003; pooky.com Pow Pots powpots.co.uk PR Home 01623 847030; prhome.co.uk Primark 020 7495 0420; primark.co.uk äsa Qäsa qasaqasa.co.uk aj Tent Club 020 7820 0010; rajtentclub.com Rapture & Wright 01608 652442; raptureandwright.co.uk Robert Dyas 0800 707 6677; robertdyas.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391; rockettstgeorge.co.uk Romo 01623 756699; romo.com
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Rose & Grey 0161 926 8763; roseandgrey.co.uk Rowen & Wren 01276 451077; rowenandwren.co.uk Royal Doulton royaldoulton.co.uk Ruby Cubes rubycubes.co.uk Rust-Oleum rustoleum.com ainsbury’s Home 0800 636262; sainsburys.co.uk Screwfix screwfix.com Sebastian Cox 020 8316 5679; sebastiancox.co.uk Smink Things sminkthings.co.uk Sofa.com 0345 400 2222 Sofa Workshop 0808 256 3586; sofaworkshop.com Staples 0333 300 1334; staples.co.uk Style Library 020 3457 5862; stylelibrary.com Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627; sweetpeaandwillow.com ate Modern Shop shop.tate.org.uk Ted Todd 020 7495 6706; tedtodd.co.uk Tile Mountain 01782 223822; tilemountain.co.uk Tiles Direct 0113 253 0005; tiles-direct.com TK Maxx 01923 473561; tkmaxx.com Toast 0333 400 5200; toa.st Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636262; sainsburys.co.uk Tom Raffield tomraffield.com Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262; toppstiles.co.uk Trouva 020 7193 6444; trouva.com nique & Unity 0845 605 9699; uniqueandunity.co.uk Utopia Bathrooms 01902 406402; utopiagroup.com ery 0800 092 3355; very.co.uk Viaduct 020 7278 8456; viaduct.co.uk Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878; victorianplumbing.co.uk Victoria Plum 0344 804 4848; victoriaplum.com Villa Nova 01623 756699; villanova.co.uk Vogue UK 01902 387000; vogueuk.co.uk Volga Linen 0844 499 1609; volgalinen.co.uk VonHaus 0161 833 5442; vonhaus.com aters Baths of Ashbourne 01332 824166; watersbaths.co.uk Weaver Green 01548 431902; weavergreen.com White Company (The) 020 3758 9222; thewhitecompany.com Willow & Hall 020 8939 3800; willowandhall.co.uk onder yonderliving.com ara Home 0800 030 4238; zarahome.com
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BLUE SKY THINKING Cube tall blue vase, £59; Everyday mug by Emma Lacey, £36; both The Conran Shop. Indigo Rain tankard by Faye Toogood, £35, 1882 Ltd. Blue handglazed side plate, £55/six, Cox & Cox. Ahead Bluetooth headphones by Kreafunk, £95, The Conran Shop. TIME TO REFLECT Seat pad made up in Peace & Love Green linen, £165/m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Oblong cushion made up in Brera Moda Baltic, £75/m, Designers Guild; on reverse, Pebble Green linen, £130/m, Christopher Farr Cloth. Large cushion in Serendip Cucumber, £102/m, Rapture & Wright. Three Squares rug by Sandra Blow, £975, Christopher Farr Cloth. Jenny platter, £100, 1882 Ltd. Recycled tumblers, £38/four, Rowen & Wren. Organic Sand salsa dish by Wonki Ware, £14, The Conran Shop. RELAXED ENTERTAINING Avery Stacking stool in white oiled oak, £410, Pinch. Stripe Linen tea towel, £18, The Conran Shop. Lara chair, £295, Ercol. Chiaro blue chair, £425, Viaduct. Glasshouse Celadon cushion, £90, Designers Guild. Smokey Stripe high ball glass, £21; Ombré Turquoise & Petrol tumbler, £19; both The Conran Shop. Tequila Sunrise jug, £79, Designers Guild. Cobalt large platter by Silvia K Ceramics, £155, The New Craftsmen. Stripe salad bowl, £37, Unique & Unity. Cube tall blue vase, £59, The Conran Shop. Ensley White bottle vase, £20, Habitat. Handglazed side plates, £55/six; dinner plates/six, £70; White and Brushed Gold cutlery set, £145; all Cox & Cox. Etosha bowl by Wonki Ware, £45, Toast. DEEP AND DREAMY Crosshatch floral print wrap dress in Pine Green (on bed), £185, Toast. Ore side table in oak, £275; Ore coffee table in oak, £349; both Ercol. Shoulder vase in Teal by Lucia Fraser, £45; Ripple Clear tumbler by Ferm Living, £35/four; both Heal’s. Roman vase XXII by Michael Ruh, £140, The New Craftsmen. Penguin Classics book, £14.99, The Conran Shop. Gustav hand-knotted rug in Jade, £1,100/sq m, Jennifer Manners.
House Beautiful MAY 2020 169
My style inspirations MELISSA HEMSLEY The chef, bestselling cookbook author and Fairtrade ambassador shares the passions that have shaped her I live in a Victorian townhouse with my partner. We fell in love with the building at first sight. Built in 1878, it has fantastic features, such as very high ceilings, beautiful cornicing, marble fireplaces and wood panelling. The downside was that it hadn’t been lived in for many years, and therefore needed completely restoring. We just knew it was the place for us, though, and set to work. No matter how much you plan, worry and research, things inevitably go wrong and take a painfully long time! The process was challenging, but it was worth it.
COOK’S KITCHEN
From top Melissa develops all her recipes at home on her Bora cooking system. La Fromagerie in Marylebone. Potted herbs in the kitchen make for edible decoration. Nibble bowl, £20; Horn condiment/ caviar spoons, £10.50 each; all Qäsa Qäsa FOR STORE DETAILS SEE WHERE TO BUY PAGE
The kitchen is my favourite part of the house – it’s a lovely open-plan space with a dining table that doubles up as our home office. I host fundraising community classes at the big island, which can fit 12 people around it. I buy all my kitchenware from sustainable brands too, such as Aerende and Qäsa Qäsa, and I keep herbs on the countertops as edible decorations. There’s often a pot of ginger bubbling away, which I use to make hot tea with lemon and for ladling into noodle soups. The radio is always on; I love Classic FM – especially the Saturday evening soundtracks session.
A FINE ART
My partner works in the art and design world, so we have lots of artwork throughout the house. I own a few pieces myself, including drawings by friends. In the kitchen, we have a gallery wall of colourful David Shrigleys 170 housebeautiful.com/uk
– they’re hilarious, and still make me belly laugh. Another favourite is our painting by Caroline Walker, a Scottish artist – it’s a rather special portrait of her mother, and I think it’s beautiful.
DOWN TO EARTH
My mum is a huge inspiration – she didn’t teach me how to cook so much as how not to waste. I’m always thinking about sustainability. I buy secondhand at home as much as possible – we recently bought our sofa and armchairs on Ebay and had them re-upholstered at Charles of Lloyd in Leyton. I’m always browsing vintage websites such as Archive Furniture, The Modern Warehouse and The Peanut Vendor. I’m trying to cut back on flying and I’m planning a train trip around Europe as we speak. My aim is to be barefoot, in nature, and jumping in water as much as possible!
LOCAL SPOTS
London’s food markets are great. When I was 18, I worked near Borough Market and have known some stallholders for 16 years. Maltby Street Market is another favourite. My partner is often near Marylebone, so I’m always happy when he comes back with a little cheese surprise from La Fromagerie. It’s important for me to support local social enterprises, too, and I love the produce from the OrganicLea community farm, which is near us in Leytonstone. It’s good to see the rise in refill shops, where you can top up existing packaging with wine, olive oils and cleaning products. HB Melissa’s new cookbook Eat Green (£22, Ebury Publishing) is on sale now
INTERVIEW JAMES CUNNINGHAM PORTRAIT OF MELISSA SARAH MALCOLM
GRAND DESIGNS
MOVING MADE EASY
FI ND IT B UY I T L OV E IT
CONTENTS 4 SIX VERY EASY
STEPS TO… BUYING AND SELLING
6 MOVING STORIES
WELCOME
9 CREATE YOUR
Liz Murphy Project Editor 2 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
11 DECORATE IN SCANDI STYLE
16 HOW TO GET THE GLAMOUR LOOK
21 FINANCE YOUR HOME MOVE
22 CREATE A COSY NATURAL SCHEME
27 RENTING MADE EASY 28 MIXING COLOUR AND PATTERN
30 REALLY USEFUL GUIDE TO…
PHOTOGRAPHS LIVING4MEDIA FRONT COVER CAMERA PRESS/LEHTIKUVA/MIRVA KAKKO
Buying a new house is one of life’s most exciting events – and one of the most stressful. With this in mind, we’ve launched My New Home where we aim to take the stress out of moving so that you can concentrate on the excitement. Sitting under the umbrella of House Beautiful, My New Home online provides expert advice to guide you through the confusing process of buying and selling, plus decorating inspiration aimed specifically at new home owners. And now, My New Home appears in print for the first time in the shape of this special magazine, with expert advice on the financial side of moving as well as useful information for renters. We’ve also included tips on how to bring the latest interiors looks to a house when you’re starting from scratch, and captured the emotion of this bewildering and often frustrating journey through the real stories of two women who’ve recently moved home. We hope you enjoy and find it useful. And please do visit us at housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome where you can sign up for our digital newsletter to receive constantly updated information and advice.
DREAM HOME
I N M Y N E W H O M E , W E H E L P YO U...
…make moving in a breeze
…find the right decorating style
…take the frustration out of the buying and selling journey
House Beautiful MAY 2020 3
6
V ERY E A SY ST EP
BU Y I NG A PROPERT Y Follow advice from the professionals to make the process run smoothly
1
HOW TO DECIDE ON YOUR PERFECT PROPERTY
Think long-term. If you expect to move again within a few years, would selling be easy? Is there enough space for a growing family, or would it be too big if children flee the nest? If it’s perfect except for size, look at how it could be extended. Could you convert the loft, garage or cellar? Two things you can’t change though are proximity to a busy road and natural light.
2
THE BEST PLACES T O G E T S TA R T E D
Register with local estate agents and strike up a rapport so they’ll let you know when good properties come onto the market. Sign up to property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and Trovit Homes. When setting search terms, extend your price bracket and geographical distance slightly so you receive details on a wider variety of houses – you might be able to do a deal on a too expensive property. And use social media to post details of what you’re looking for.
3
FINDING A SOLICITOR OR C O N V E YA N C E R You can choose between a traditional high street solicitor or a specialist conveyancing firm. Some estate agents may persuade you to use companies they have a relationship with – and who may pay them a commission – but don’t be pressured. Word of mouth is the best recommendation. Instruct early. ‘These days many conveyancing firms work on a ‘no move, no fee’ policy so the risk of losing money is gone,’ says property expert Gavin Brazg at property advice website The Advisory (theadvisory.co.uk). ‘There’s no reason not to instruct a conveyancer when you begin to think about buying or selling.’ 4 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
4
MAKING AN OFFER
It’s daunting, but it is only an offer. If you change your mind, perhaps after the survey results (see right), you can legally withdraw up to the point of exchange without penalty. Find out how the asking price compares to sold prices achieved for similar homes. Use an online guide such as ourproperty.co.uk, which uses Land Registry figures.
5
GETTING THE A P P R O P R I AT E S U R V E Y
6
KEEPING ON TOP OF THE SALE
A valuation (required for mortgage purposes) and a survey are different. Surveys aren’t strictly necessary, but Paula Higgins, CEO of the Homeowners Alliance (hoa.org.uk), says one is recommended if you’re worried about specific areas (such as the roof), feel unsure about its general condition or are looking to buy an old or unusual home, or one of ‘non-standard’ construction, such as timber-framed or listed. The most basic survey is a Condition Report (about £300), while the most detailed is a Building Survey (upwards of £500). Most people go for a Homebuyer Report, upwards of £350, which highlights obvious major problems such as subsidence, but won’t deal with anything going on under floorboards, for example.
According to Gavin Brazg, the average length of a property chain is three links. ‘No one in a chain can exchange contracts or complete until everyone is ready,’ he explains. ‘Chains move at the pace of the slowest link. The longer the chain, the greater the risk of delays or breakdown.’ That’s why it pays to keep on top of progress. Once your offer is accepted, the process is largely in the hands of your solicitor or conveyancer, so keep on top of things by emailing them weekly and if progress stalls, pick up the phone and chase them.
S T O. .. 1
TRADITIONAL E S TAT E A G E N T, HYBRID OR ONLINE?
There are three main ways to sell: the traditional ‘shop window’ estate agent, who may be an independent business or part of a chain or franchise; the ‘hybrid’, such as Yopa and Purplebricks, which conducts business online but has property agents who act as liaison between seller and buyer; and the purely online ‘sale by owner’ companies that list your house for a flat fee, such as The House Shop. Both traditional and hybrid agents advertise on the major property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. A big factor is cost; while average commission for traditional agents is 1.42 per cent of the final selling price of the house (according to property advice website, The Advisory), basic ‘sale by owner’ packages can start at just a couple of hundred pounds.
WORDS JAYNE DOWLE PHOTOGRAPHS LIVING4MEDIA *IF YOU ARE HOSTING VIEWINGS YOURSELF, MAKE SURE THEY HAVE BEEN ARRANGED BY THE ESTATE AGENT AND THAT THERE IS ANOTHER ADULT IN THE HOUSE WITH YOU. NEVER SHOW AROUND CALLERS WHO ARRIVE WITHOUT A PRIOR ARRANGEMENT
2
CHOOSING AN AGENT
It’s best to go on personal recommendation, but as a general rule, get valuations from at least three different estate agents, and research online the sold prices of similar properties in yours and surrounding streets. Some agents will value on the high side to get your business, so be wary. Lots of estate agents include a tie-in period in their contracts, so check you can escape if you’re not happy with their service. ‘Make sure your contract gives you the flexibility to terminate and go elsewhere, without incurring a penalty,’ says Paula Higgins, CEO of the Homeowners’ Alliance. ‘Never tie in for more than 12 weeks and be careful of unnecessarily long notice periods,’ she adds.
SEL L I NG A PROPERT Y Expert tips to help you get the best deal for your home
5
WILL HOME S TA G I N G S P E E D UP THE SALE?
Home staging is where you remove most if not all of your things and replace them with more neutral furnishings and decor. Some sellers employ home staging experts. According to Sam Ashdown of home-selling advice company Home Truths (hometruthslancs. co.uk): ‘A typical home stager may cost £300 for a first visit and to provide recommendations. Time is charged by the hour after that. This could include shopping for you or just making a shopping list.’ See Home Staging Network (homestagingnetwork.co.uk) to find a professional. Alternatively, you could bring in your own ‘living props’ – a pair of wellies in the porch perhaps, or a dog lead on a cool coat hook – to help foster an ‘experiential’ connection with would-be buyers, says Phil Spencer.
6 3
HIGHLIGHTING T H E B E S T F E AT U R E S
4
IS IT WORTH D E C O R AT I N G ?
It’s a good idea to work up a unique selling point (USP) for your house, so that it stands out with buyers. ‘Think back to when you bought it,’ says TV property expert Phil Spencer, co-founder of property advice site Move IQ (moveiq.co.uk). ‘What was it that first caught your eye? If it worked for you, it’s likely to work for the next buyer, too.’ Whatever USP you decide on – the smart open-plan kitchen, the child-friendly garden or the spacious garage – get it into super condition, and if your estate agent is hosting viewings, make sure they know to highlight it.
While it’s definitely worth touching up tatty paintwork, it’s unlikely that a full redecoration will add value to a sale equal to the time and cost of the work. In fact, it may even put buyers off. Even if you decorate in a neutral style, your taste might not be shared by potential buyers. Also, some may wonder if you’re covering something up. The best advice is to take a long, hard look at your home and consider whether there are any specific areas that would put a buyer off that could be easily changed. For instance, colourful wallpaper in children’s rooms can be simply and inexpensively replaced in less than a day.
HOSTING THE VIEWINGS
Who should host viewings will depend, to an extent, on what kind of agent you’ve opted for. If it’s a hybrid agency, property experts may not be available to host viewings, or they may charge extra. Some high street agents may also attempt to wriggle out of doing viewings, or send a representative who will simply open the front door and accompany prospective buyers as they look around. If you’re confident, host the viewings yourself, but be aware that sometimes in eagerness to ‘sell’ their house, owners can gush and put buyers off. It’s one to discuss with your agent*.
My new
home ONLINE
For expert advice on getting the best price for your home, visit housebeautiful.com/ uk/mynewhome
House Beautiful MAY 2020 5
M OV I N G STORIES Living in her new house for a while before renovating helped Abby create her dream home, while downsizing meant Caroline was able to find the perfect home for her next life stage
‘We used Pinterest to find our style’
Abby Hollins, a student Montessori teacher, and her husband, Chris, a company director, moved from Manchester with their two small children, Jackson and Isla, to a Victorian terrace in Chiswick, London. Although they were keen to have some outside space for their children to play in, Abby and Chris were realistic enough to know they were unlikely to be able to find it in their price range in London. ‘We’d looked at completed projects and realised we weren’t going to get what we wanted,’ says Abby. ‘So we decided to view properties that needed work and that’s when we found this house and fell in love with its space.’ The three-bedroom Victorian place in leafy Chiswick was end of terrace, on a corner, and hadn’t been extended. They asked
‘My new house is smaller but totally me!’
Caroline Bloor recently sold her family home in favour of a traditional two-bedroom cottage in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. ‘It had always been my plan when my daughter left home to downsize from the practical 1960s threebedroom semi we’d lived in for most of her childhood, to something with more character in the middle of town. Our family home had served its purpose – now I only ventured into the spare bedrooms and conservatory to clean them, or went into the garden to cut the grass. I wanted somewhere cosier, easier to maintain and better-suited to the next phase of my life. So, last January, I put the house on the market for £425,000. I’d known that leaving my neighbours would be hard, as we’ve become friends over the years – and it was. But the hardest thing about downsizing was parting with two-thirds of my furniture
House Beautiful MAY 2020 7
The couple chose a relaxed urban industrial look with exposed brick walls
STORY
Chris’s childhood friend, Felix Milns of design and build firm Zulufish to give his expert view. ‘Felix got really excited when he saw this place,’ says Abby. ‘He could see there was plenty of scope to expand and create something special, which encouraged us to go for it.’ With two sets of families up north – Abby’s in Liverpool and Chris’s in Manchester – the couple wanted to have a house that could easily accommodate guests.
I N S P I R AT I O N Although they had plenty of ideas about how
they wanted their new home to look, the couple were also prepared to take their time and get things right, and so they decided to live in the house for a while before renovating. ‘That really helped us see how we were using the space, the rooms we spent the most time in, and to understand the good things about it as well as the areas that needed to change,’ explains Abby. ‘For instance, the garden was at the front with a gate that opened onto the road, so we couldn’t let Jackson out on his own. The kitchen was tiny, but there was a utility room, which I loved.’ The couple decided to extend the ground floor to the side and rear, lower the floor to increase the ceiling height, move the staircase and relocate the front door to the middle of the side wall. ‘Moving the front door was a revelation,’ says Abby, ‘as it increased the floor space and gave us plenty of storage in the hallway, with a large kitchen-dining-family room on one side and a separate chill-out zone on the other.’ They also extended into the loft with an ambitious plan to create two extra bedrooms and a shower room. ‘As we have so many visitors, being able to convert the loft into a guest suite was a dream come true,’ she adds.
M O O D B O A R D S Felix’s wife Caroline, who runs the interiors arm of Zulufish, encouraged Abby and Chris to create Pinterest boards with their ideas for the design of the interiors. ‘Although we know what we like when we see it, we find it hard to describe in words,’ says Abby. ‘The Pinterest boards really helped us.’ Images of Crittall windows kept popping up on their boards, along with concrete, steel and leather. ‘We wanted a durable, working kitchen, as we both love cooking,’ says Abby. ‘The relaxed, urban, industrial look appealed. And as soon as I saw the blue paint I loved it. It works with the Crittall-style windows and the exposed brick.’ H A P P Y E N D I N G The fun of designing the interiors was balanced by the stress of the renovation work, which took 10 long months to complete. During this time, the young family moved into a five-month short-term let and then stayed with friends and family. ‘We were living out of suitcases,’ says Abby. With two small children it was tricky. ‘I’d buy toys from a charity shop and then drop them off again when it was time to move on. It’s surprising how little you can live with. ‘But now the house is finished, having this space and the ability to entertain family and friends is amazing. We knew it would be good but we didn’t realise how good.’ 8 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
> CAROLINE’S
STORY
and possessions. I set up a WhatsApp group for my extended family called ‘Caroline’s clearance sale’ and took pictures of everything that needed a new home. Passing precious things on to people I knew made it easier, but I did sell some items through a local auction house and all the charity shops nearby benefited hugely. By mid-April I’d had just six people round to view the house and no offers. The feedback was frustratingly vague (‘too small, too much work needed, just not for us’) and, in the end, I asked one of the estate agents for her honest opinion about why the house wasn’t selling.
G O O D A D V I C E She told me the decor felt ‘a little dated’
and ‘tired’, and suggested that quite a few ‘treasures’ could be put away temporarily. That evening, when I got home from work, I stood in the living room doorway and looked around with fresh eyes. She was so right! The place was full of other people’s things I’d inherited or been given, all treasured, but displayed without any real thought to the impression they might give. It was an epiphany. That weekend, my daughter and I went through the house like a whirlwind. The kitchen was easy: Caroline managed we removed to bring some everything from the favourite pieces to surfaces except her new home essentials, buying an inexpensive red toaster and kettle and red tea towels for a splash of colour. The living room was the main focus of our efforts. We removed all but a couple of modern ornaments, changed fading paintings for bright prints, washed the sofa cushions and, less successfully, the curtains, which shrank unevenly. Not to be put off, we rushed down to Homebase and bought the cheapest new curtains we could find and a rug in a complementary colour. It was £65 well spent and my daughter later took both for her new house. The effect was amazing. Everyone loved the new look!
S U C C E S S The update produced a flurry of viewings,
resulting in two offers, just three weeks later. I accepted an offer of £400,000 from buyers with no chain. Within a week, I’d found the perfect place: a stylish 1890s character cottage five minutes’ walk from the town centre. It’s been beautifully decorated, and has a woodburning stove and fabulous colonial-style shutters. With a surprisingly hassle-free chain of four, I was able to move in last October. It really does feel like the start of a new life stage. There are so many benefits to downsizing and living in the middle of town – from cheaper council tax and energy bills to the money saved on parking and the fact I’m getting fitter walking everywhere. And I’ve mitigated my sadness at having to get rid of so much of my old furniture by getting new things that are totally my style. My daughter recently came home for a week and although her room now is tiny, she loves the house as much as I do. ‘It’s much more us, Mum, isn’t it?’ she said, and she’s right.
WORDS JACKY PARKER (ABBY’S STORY); CAROLINE BLOOR (HER OWN STORY) PHOTOGRAPHY GUIFRÉ DE PERAY FOR ZULUFISH (ABBY’S HOUSE); ALUN CALLENDER (CAROLINE’S HOUSE)
> ABBY’S
C R E AT E YO U R DREAM HOME The hard bit is over: you’ve found your perfect house and the removal men have gone. Now the fun can start, as you put your stamp on the place and choose fabrics, wallpapers, furniture and accessories. But where do you start? Interiors expert Charlotte Boyd gives this advice…
Get inspired There are so many places to look for ideas – House Beautiful is obviously a great place to start, but also Instagram and Pinterest, plus hotels and restaurants you visit, friends’ houses… Put together a vision board, real or online, of what you want your home to look like. This doesn’t have to include specific paint colours and fabrics, just rooms you love. Consider how you want it to feel: warm and cosy, light and uplifting, fun… doing this will help focus your mind. If you have a partner or family, it’s important to include their ideas too. Look at what furniture you already have Your budget may not allow you to start from scratch in every room, so it’s
important to work your new schemes around furniture you’ve brought from your old house. If the colours and styles aren’t working, can they be recovered, painted or renovated to fit? You’ll be amazed at how different your old grey sofa will look covered in a vibrant emerald-green velvet. Take the time to get to know your new house Don’t rush into anything, especially if it involves buying 10 rolls of expensive wallpaper! Your initial ideas will almost definitely change once you’ve spent time living in each room. Sometimes it’s easier and less overwhelming to start from a blank canvas, so if you’re staring at rooms covered in hideous wallpapers or awful paint colours, strip it all back
Be wary of rushing into decisions, especially about colour! And remember, good quality paint will require fewer coats to get an even coverage than cheaper alternatives and will also look smarter for longer, so don’t skimp
and paint it white. This will make everything more liveable and help give you the space to plan. Try using V33 Multi Surface Renovation paint, £30/5L, which is a tough and durable white paint that can be used on anything from wallpaper and plaster to wood and radiators.
identical. Incorporate a few common themes or colours in each space, but perhaps choose a slightly different shade for the walls. A pale pink might be beautiful in your light-filled living room, but feel a bit wishy-washy in your dark north-facing office – work with the qualities of each space.
Flooring, lighting, sockets and switches are important to get right first time, because changing them involves the most upheaval. You don’t want to have to replaster and repaint a bedroom wall because you’ve decided that wall lights are better than table lamps beside your bed.
Spend money on important furniture such as the sofa, bed, bath and kitchen table and buy quality that will last. Even if you have to save up, it’s better value to get the piece you love and will want to keep than going for something cheap and uncomfortable that will fall apart in a few years.
Once you’ve decided on the look and feel you want to create, start with one room at a time, as tackling a whole house in one go can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Buying a cushion, fabric or painting that you love is often a good starting point for a scheme. You can then pick out the colours in that design for paints and other furnishings.
Avoid the show home look by incorporating pieces with character; a vintage leather armchair will look fab next to a modern sofa and an antique picture will provide contrast in a contemporary living room. It’s also vital that your home reflects the people who live in it, so add personality with art you love and collectables, fill shelves with books you’ve enjoyed, and remember that making a home is a life-long journey and something that grows and evolves over time.
Even if you have one scheme for the whole interior – for instance, Scandi or contemporary rustic – each room doesn’t have to be
WHAT’S YOUR DECORATING STYLE? Try our quick quiz to discover the scheme that’s perfectly you!
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WHAT MATTERS MOST IN YOUR HOME?
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A Cosiness B Simplicity and order C Feelgood colour
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHES? A Hush B Kin C Oliver Bonas
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WOOD FOR FURNITURE? A Something that shows its age and natural textures B Ash, birch and pale oak C I don’t like wood furniture
WHAT COLOURS AND FABRICS DOMINATE IN YOUR WARDROBE? A Natural linens, denim and white cotton B Mainly monochrome, with some pops of colour C Anything goes… velvets, silks, vintage buys and lots of clashing colours 10 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
WHERE DO YOU SHOP FOR INTERIORS? A Nkuku B Ikea C Made IF PAINT WASN’T AN OPTION, WOULD YOU OPT FOR… A Exposed brick? B Wood panelling? C Patterned wallpaper?
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WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE SPOT FOR A MINI BREAK? A Remote bolthole in the Highlands B Design hotel in Copenhagen C Boutique riad in Marrakech
Buy sample pots and paint onto pieces of paper that you can move around the room. These colours are from Neptune
IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY A, you love a home filled with natural materials and textures, lots of wood and a relaxed colour palette. For ideas to create your dream interior, turn to our cosy Natural Scheme on p22. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY B, you love a bit of Nordic simplicity, sleek lines, plywood and pops of colour. For ideas to create your dream home, see our Scandi Style section opposite. IF YOU ANSWERED MOSTLY C, you love an eclectic home filled with bold colour, clashing pattern and the odd metallic flourish. For ideas on how to create your dream home, turn to our Glamour Look on p16.
DECORATE IN
SCANDI STYLE This pared-back contemporary look is an ideal choice for a more open-plan home. The key elements are light, bright spaces decorated with cool neutral tones, with pale wood on the floor (fitted carpets upstairs only), and light oak, ash or birch cabinetry and furniture. Add warmth and colour with wool rugs in simple block designs, together with textured woven cushions and throws. Mustard, rust, blush and olive hues work well, but try using a different subtle accent colour in each room to make that space feel unique without losing the Scandi feel. Plants and greenery are also key to creating this look, which is big on wellbeing, but if you’re not green-fingered, go faux.
Simen teak sideboard 170, ÂŁ1,149, tikamoon.co.uk House Beautiful APRIL 2020 11
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1 WHITE WASH Choose a light-enhancing pale, but warm, neutral paint for the walls. Hollyhock absolute emulsion, £45/2.5L, littlegreene.com 2 DIVIDE AND CONQUER
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LIVING ROOM
Open shelving can be used to separate zones in a large living space. Hopkins 150cm bookcase, £695, habitat.co.uk
Natural materials and patterned accessories create a warm and relaxed space
A woven design will soften your scheme. Kilbo hemp wallhanging, £120, roseandgrey.co.uk
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4 CURVE APPEAL Supplement recessed ceiling spotlights with a minimalist floor lamp. Contour LED floor light in Black, £499, heals.com 5 SHAPELY DISPLAY Use retro-inspired ceramics to fill open shelves. Glaze Stripe vase, £60, johnlewis.com 6 PATTERN PLAY Use bold geometric cushions to add colour and pattern to a plain sofa. Savannah cushion cover, £36, hunterandcostore.com
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7 SEAMLESS FINISH
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Link all the downstairs rooms by laying the same flooring throughout. Alabastro block engineered European oak, £55.14/sq m, havwoods.co.uk 8 NAKED ATTRACTION Group monochrome framed prints together to add interest to neutral painted walls. Figure #1 framed print, from £35, hunterandcostore.com 9 LOW PROFILE My new
home ONLINE
12 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
9 Need help to plan your living room? Visit housebeautiful.com/uk/my new home
Opt for wood furniture that has a rustic natural finish and interesting textures. Grayson storage coffee table, £299, johnlewis.com
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
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BEDROOM Choose a softer palette for this room – mix neutral tones and pale woods with shellpink and soft-grey accents
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8 1 HINTS OF PINK A chunky textured rug feels great under bare feet – choose a simple geometric pattern in muted tones. Prism pink rug, from £209 for 120 x 170cm, woven.co.uk 2 ALL ABOUT THE BASE Paint the walls in a warm off-white to make the most of the light, without giving the room a stark feel. Beauty Cream matt emulsion, £16/2.5L, dulux.co.uk
3 ON THE SIDE Look for bedside tables with tapered legs to continue the Scandi feel. A drawer will keep clutter and valuables out of sight. Little Groover side table, £245, loaf.com 4 ECO CHIC Boost your green credentials with this stylish design made from recycled glass bottles. Way cushion by Ferm Living, £85, heals.com
5 IN THE LOOP Carpet is a warm and cosy choice for bedroom floors – opt for a loop design in a pale shade. Wool Croft Arran carpet, £59.30/sq m, alternativeflooring.com 6 SEE THE LIGHT Up the style stakes with this striking grey glass lamp. It emits a soft diffused light that’s perfect for the bedroom. Table lamp, £135, minkinteriors.com
7 SWEET DREAMS For a pared-back look without compromising on comfort, go for a simple wood bed with a cushioned headboard. Pillow bedframe in Natural and Grey, from £599 for a double, johnlewis.com 8 HANG IT Reflect the colours of your room scheme in artwork. Berit Mogensen Lopez print No.10, £90, oggetto.com House Beautiful MAY 2020 13
Using similar shades of wood for cabinets and furniture gives the room a seamless feel
Spot 12-piece dinner set, £44; mug, £3.50; Amber glasses, £3.50 each; water jug, £12; circular board, £18.50; grater, £12; all Nordic Spring Collection, sainsburyshome.co.uk
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
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1 DARK & DRAMATIC Hang a statement pendant low over the dining table or above an island unit. Moore light, £195, habitat.co.uk
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2 CURVED CLASSIC Add contrast to a pale table with Carbon Black carver chairs, £195 each, gardentrading.co.uk
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3 POT OF COLOUR Show off vibrant kitchenware on open shelves. Loft Living cafetière, £16, sainsburyshome.co.uk 4 NATURAL BEAUTY A pale marble-effect quartz worktop looks fab when teamed with pale ply cabinets. Silestone Eternal Peal Jasmine, £400/sq m, cosentino.com
KITCHEN Add accents of yellow and black to wooden finishes for a modern Scandi feel
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5 TIME FOR A CUPPA Choose 1970s-inspired ceramics with a geometric design. Loft Living stacking mugs, £14/four, sainsburyshome.co.uk
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6 FLOOR SHOW Patterned vinyl is a cost-effective way to add interest to the floor. Starfloor Tile Cube 3D Luxury Vinyl, £29.99/sq m, carpetright.co.uk 7 TAKE SHAPE Bring a pop of colour to the floor or walls with the hexagonal Zip Line Sun tiles, £1.45 each, claybrookstudio.co.uk
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8 DINE IN STYLE Go for a touch of Nordic noir at the table with this matt black Tome cutlery set, £79, made.com
FEATURE CHARLOTTE BOYD
9 SOLID BUY Perfect for everyday use and entertaining, the mid-century Scandi-inspired Austin table extends from a four to a 10 seater. £750, habitat.co.uk
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My new
home ONLINE
See all the latest kitchen trends at housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
House Beautiful MAY 2020 15
HOW TO GET THE
GLAMOUR LOOK If you love luxury and drama, then this elegant and bold styling will fill your home with a sense of joy. It’s all about mixing gorgeously rich colours, layering up velvet upholstery with clashing cushions, playing with pattern and adding quirky accessories. Done carefully, this design will work throughout your home, just remember to use a few linking colours and themes in every room. Keep the floors the same – a dark wood parquet adds to the glamorous feel – and include gold accents in each space to help tie the different rooms together. Only go really dark in a couple of spaces though – the bathroom or bedroom are ideal.
Using a dramatic wallpaper in the bathroom can add wow factor to what can often feel like a very bland space. Camden bath from £4,934, cphart.co.uk
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM 1 2
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1 HOT TROPIC Using a dramatic wallpaper will add wow factor to an often bland space. Jungle Jive wallpaper in Palma, £75/roll, hookedonwalls.com
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2 TIME TO REFLECT A statement gold mirror will stand out against dark painted or papered walls. Divide wall mirror, £97, sweetpeaandwillow.com
B AT H R O O M
3 BIG IS BETTER Large-format tiles are a space enhancer, even in smaller rooms. Get a luxe feel by choosing a porcelain that looks like real marble. Mamori St Laurent black matt tile, £39.99/sq m, ctdtiles.co.uk
Embrace your dark side and create a dramatic scheme with botanical prints, natural stone and subtle metallic touches
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4 BOLD AS BRASS Make even the simplest sink look chic with smart taps. MPRO basin three-hole set, £399, crosswater.co.uk 5 SITTING PRETTY Be creative and place a marble countertop sink on a base of your choice. Carrara stone round basin, £457, indigenous.co.uk
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6 SHINE ON Add some old-school glamour by placing wall lights either side of a mirror. Eddis bathroom light in brushed brass, £49, made.com
FEATURE CHARLOTTE BOYD
7 IN SHORT Measuring just 162 x 69.5cm, this compact tub is ideal for smaller spaces. Origine double-ended bath painted in Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, £2,682, albionbathco.com 8 BLACK BEAUTY
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An oversized washstand creates a focal point in a bathroom and provides vital storage. Liv mango vanity unit 155, £839, tikamoon.co.uk House Beautiful MAY 2020 17
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In this room you can really go to town with glamorous gold, sparkling glass and tactile fabrics
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1 FEATHERED FRIENDS
Show off your collection of gins on the Harper drinks trolley, £129, dunelm.com
Frame windows with elegant floor-length drapes made up in a charming trailing design. Netherfield linen and cotton fabric, £87/m, osborneandlittle.com 2 RETRO FEEL Hang the Otton shade, £120, low over a dining table. For longer tables, place two shades side by side, habitat.co.uk
4 BLUSH IT ON A grown-up, restful hue with grey undertones, Dorchester Pink is available in pale, mid and deep, so you can find the perfect shade for your room. £47/2.5L for absolute matt emulsion, littlegreene.com
18 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
5 THINK TINT Add subtle colour to your tabletop with these pastel-toned glasses, £8/four, direct.asda.com 6 PATTERN PLAY Enliven a wood floor with a beautiful patterned rug – choose a design that fits the size and shape of your dining table. Sahara round rug in pink, from £339 for 150cm, Ted Baker at woven.co.uk
7 GATSBY GLAM Keep clutter hidden away and add a touch of old-school glamour with the mirrored Chevy sideboard, £550, next.co.uk 8 DINE IN COMFORT Bring colour to your table with upholstered dining chairs – use one shade or mix them up. Heather dining chair in Sage Green, £99, cultfurniture.com
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
Baltimore dining table, £349; velvet chairs, £249/two; patterned glass pendant light, £59, Capri table lamp, £59; vases, from £7.50 each; Amberley crockery, from £6/piece; Tribeca cutlery set, £19.50; all marksandspencer.com
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
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1 1 GREEN DREAM Bring in rich colour with a jade chest of drawers with brushedbrass handles. Show Wood chest, £499, johnlewis.com 2 IN BLOOM Add a decorative touch to plain bedlinen with this Peony velvet cushion, £50, frenchbedroom company.co.uk
BEDROOM
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Deep shades work beautifully in a bedroom and can actually make a small space feel larger – just remember to paint the ceiling white and add a few metallic accents
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3 LOOKING GOOD A striking mirror also doubles as artwork. Sunburst mirror with green Agate, £120, audenza.com 4 SNUGGLE DOWN Opt for good-quality, pure cotton bedding that will last. Luxe bedding bundle in Rose, from £79 for a single, bedfolk.com 5 BOLD BUY Contrast florals on the walls with an ikat design on the floor. Gooch Berber rug, from £525 for 180 x 120cm, johnlewis.com
My new
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home ONLINE
A rug can make a real statement. Our Rug Buying Guide with advice from Carpetright can help you feel confident in your selection – visit housebeautiful. com/uk/ mynewhome
6 FLAMBOYANT FLORALS A vintage-inspired velvet fabric is perfect for thick drapes. Faded Glamour floral velvet, £110/m, woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk 7 COCOONING FEEL Use a sumptuously rich shade on the walls and paint the woodwork in the same shade for a dramatic look. Teal the Show Supreme matt emulsion, £49.99/2.5L, dowsingandreynolds.com
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8 RED ALERT Choose an opulent, showstopping bed with a winged headboard in a claret-coloured velvet. Camelia double bed in Tulip, £1,025, buttonandsprung.com 20 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
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F I N A N C E YO U R H O M E M OV E Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving into your ‘forever home’, looking to help family members onto the property ladder, or want to find ways to cash in on the value of your home, our guide to the schemes and products available will help…
FIRST-TIME BUYERS Getting a first foot on the property ladder isn’t easy but there are plenty of potential ways to find assistance.
LIFETIME ISAS If you’re aged 18-39, you can take out a Lifetime ISA (LISA) – a savings account specifically to help you save for a first home (which must cost under £450,000) or for retirement. You can stash up to £4,000 per tax year into your LISA every tax year until you’re 50 and the Government will top it up with a 25 per cent bonus. But be warned: if you withdraw the funds before buying a house or retiring, then you will lose the bonus and be charged a 25 per cent penalty, meaning you could end with less than you started with. See gov.uk/lifetime-isa for more.
SHARED OWNERSHIP On this scheme, you are able to buy anything between 25 per cent and 75 per cent of a property – and then pay reduced rent on the rest. You’ll need at least five per cent of the property price for the deposit and a mortgage for the part you’re going to own.
H E L P T O B U Y: E Q U I T Y L O A N Interest-free for the first five years, the Help to Buy: Equity Loan allows you to borrow 20 per cent of the property price (up to 40 per cent in London) for properties costing up to £600,000. You’ll need a mortgage and a five per cent deposit for the rest. Find out more at helptobuy.gov.uk.
WORDS SUSANNE NORRIS PHOTOGRAPH LIVING4MEDIA
FA M I LY M O R T G A G E S Family mortgages, such as the Barclays Family Springboard or Halifax Boost, allow a family member or friend to help first-time buyers with their deposit. Generally, this works by them putting 10 per cent of the purchase price of the house into a fixed term savings account as a guarantor, for a set amount of years. As long as the purchaser doesn’t default on mortgage payments, they get their money back with interest. There are a number of different types of products available so it pays to do your research.
MOVING ON UP If it’s time to move because you need a bigger place or are planning to relocate, you could either take your existing mortgage with you (known as porting) if you’re already on a great deal, or you could take the opportunity to remortgage. Porting means you have to repay your mortgage and then continue with the same terms and conditions on your new property – but you have to reapply for it and there are no guarantees your lender will allow you to do it. It will still be subject to legal fees and stamp duty. If, however, your deal’s almost coming to an end, or you’re moving to a more
expensive property, then it’s worth seeing an independent mortgage broker to help you scour all the potential options. You can find one at unbiased.co.uk or vouchedfor.co.uk.
PROPERTY RICH, CASH POOR? If you’re over 55 and a homeowner, releasing equity from your house might be on your radar. How much you can borrow depends on the lender, your property value and your age. The most popular type of equity release is a lifetime mortgage. This enables homeowners to borrow against the value of their property, either taking a lump sum or regular withdrawals. There are no monthly repayments, the interest (typically around five per cent, but some are as low as three per cent) rolls up and is added to the loan. The loan plus interest accrued is only paid back when the homeowner goes into long-term care or dies, although many lenders will allow you to make ad hoc repayments to control the size of the overall debt. Equity release is an expensive way to fund your retirement or help family, especially if you have other more appropriate options for your long-term financial planning, such as downsizing. Talk to your family before approaching any equity release company, find an independent financial adviser who specialises in retirement planning or visit the Society of Later Life Advisers (societyoflaterlifeadvisers.co.uk).
My new
home ONLINE
Which to choose for mortgage help – banker or broker? See housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome or for money tips, sign up to financiallyfabulous.co.uk
House Beautiful MAY 2020 21
HEADER HERE
CREATE A COSY
N AT U R A L SCHEME You don’t have to be moving into a home in the country to make this contemporary rustic look work. It’s incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit a modern new build or an 18th-century cottage. The key elements are big squishy sofas, dark-painted kitchen units, exposed architectural elements – from beams and brickwork to steelwork and panelling – and layered textures, including natural linen, chunky wool and woven rattan. Contrast this with a few pieces of beautifully modern furniture or lighting and don’t forget the details – brushed gold or brass handles are a perfect finishing touch on cabinetry and doors. The result will be an effortlessly stylish home with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Create depth in a chalky white bedroom by layering up different textures with bedlinen and knitted throws and add a feathery feel with pampas grass. Natural Stripe bedlinen, from £23, nordichouse.co.uk
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
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BEDROOM Take inspiration from the outdoors and decorate your bedroom with botanical motifs and natural textures contrasted with dark-grey accents and Shaker-style furniture
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My new
home ONLINE
We spend almost a third of our lives asleep, so for the best night’s sleep be comfortable in bed. See ‘How to choose a mattress’ with advice from Dreams at housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
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1 IN THE ROUND A large mirror will make a smaller bedroom feel much more spacious. Go for a round design to add some soft curves to your space. Stockholm mirror in ash veneer (80cm), £75, ikea.com 2 SOFT TOUCH Sheepskins look fab draped over the bed or on a chair – not just on the floor. Cream sheepskin rug, £70 for 57 x 95cm, habitat.co.uk
3 BESPOKE FINISH This Shaker-style wardrobe comes in a choice of 23 gorgeous chalky paint colours – or use your own custom shade. A&B Home triple painted wardrobe, from £1,850, angelandboho.com 4 LAYER UP Add texture to the bed with a chunky knitted blanket. Large Stamford cotton throw, £89, neptune.com
5 BACK TO BASICS A fuss-free bed crafted in birch with subtle leather details is ideal for this look. Bjoksnas bed frame, from £374 for a double, ikea.com 6 FOREST FEEL Decorate the room with natural materials – this artwork has ferns printed directly onto the glass and would look great hung above the bed. Fern picture set, £69.95/ pair, nordichouse.co.uk
7 ROLL WITH IT Use pattern on the wall behind the bed with a textured wallpaper in a soft-grey modern abstract design. Hockley in Cement, £85/roll, villanova.co.uk 8 GO BLONDE Look for traditional crafted furniture with raw natural edges – this piece is the perfect mix of modern and rustic. Brocklesby side table, £455, thewhitecompany.com House Beautiful MAY 2020 23
It’s worth investing in good quality paint, as it will require fewer coats and give long-lasting coverage
This modern rustic kitchen has an ‘unfitted’ feel with a freestanding island and pantry-style cupboards finished with burnished bronze handles. Haddon kitchen, from £15,000, burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
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Warm oak, pale grey marble, navy units and aged brass details… the perfect recipe for a modern rustic kitchen
Hang tea towels and aprons from these black metal hooks, £20, johnlewis.com
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2 TASK MASTER Place antiqued brass spotlights over shelves and work areas. Derby Spot lamp, £116.60, jim-lawrence.co.uk
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3 GLAZED LOOK Hang this hand-painted light as part of a trio over a breakfast bar or island. Weba ceramic pendant light, £220, lusophile.co.uk
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4 GREAT SHAPE Use tiles in a mix of shades to bring depth of colour to a neutral kitchen. Hexagon tiles, £24.99/sq m, tilemountain.co.uk 5 ROLL WITH IT Bring a hint of the outside in by using Rolling Leaves fabric in Sage Green to make a simple Roman blind, £85/m, arleyhouse.com 6 MOODY BLUE Available in a range of finishes, Benjamin Moore’s Blue Danube is perfect for giving wooden kitchen cabinets a facelift, £29/0.94/L, benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk
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7 ON TAP Gold or brass accents work beautifully with a dark-painted kitchen. Nyvattnet kitchen mixer tap, £90, ikea.com 8 CENTRAL POSITION A freestanding island provides extra workspace. Westcote Blue large island with wine rack, £899, cotswoldco.com
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9 TAKE A SEAT Add contrasting textures round the kitchen table by choosing rattan chairs with modern metal legs. Pax chair, £169/two, dunelm.com
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My new
home ONLINE
Want help on planning a kitchen island? See housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
House Beautiful MAY 2020 25
HOW TO DECORATE / ROOM BY ROOM
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Bring this look to life with an easy mix of contemporary design and vintage style in a palette of cool white and denim blue
1 SOLID FINISH A marble top adds a touch of luxe to this contemporary round oak coffee table. Marmo coffee table, £445, loaf.com 2 LIGHT MY FIRE
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If you want to warm up with a woodburner, choose a design that won’t date. Morsø 04, £999, morsoe.com 3 ABSTRACT ELEMENT Add a touch of personality with some bold modern art. A Perfect Match print, from £55, hunterandcostore.com
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4 SWITCHED ON
Perfect for this look is the Mizo lamp with its contrasting base, £175; and woven rattan shade shade, £65; both kalinko.com 5 NATURAL CHOICE Made from woven seagrass, the Beach rug, £189 for 150 x 220cm, from tikamoon.co.uk, would add beautiful texture and pattern to a wooden floor My new
home ONLINE
It’s one of the biggest investments you’ll make so see our Sofa Buying Guide, with advice from DFS, at housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
6 ROCK ON
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This modern take on a rocking chair is ideal for a reading corner. Jemima chair in Sustainable Plain Fog, £760, arloandjacob.com
Use coloured glass bottles to display foraged twigs and flowers. Round blue bud vase, £8, gardentrading.co.uk 8 TAKE COMFORT
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Choose a big, deep, squishy sofa covered in a soft bluegrey fabric. Deni Grand sofa, £2,700, nkuku.com
FEATURE CHARLOTTE BOYD
7 DINKY DISPLAY
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SORT POUNDS AND PAPER WORK
Decide what you can afford before you start house-hunting. Remember you’ll have to budget for gas, electricity, water, phone, internet, TV licence and Council Tax on top of your rent. Do you want to live alone or share? Think carefully about who to live with. Good friends don’t necessarily make great flatmates. Landlords and letting agents will want to confirm your identity, immigration status, credit history and employment status, so have your passport and all this information readily available. Before you start, do several photocopies of all the relevant paperwork; if you find the perfect place and there’s lots of competition, you could lose it if there’s a delay.
WORDS JAYNE DOWLE; LIZ MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHS CAMERA PRESS/JAMES VEYSEY; GETTY IMAGES/WESTEND61
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R EN T I NG M A DE E A SY How to get the best deal and the new way to rent
BE CLEAR ON FEES
It’s now illegal for a landlord or letting agency to ask you to pay fees for obtaining personal references, administration and credit and immigration checks, thanks to the ‘tenant fees ban’ legislation introduced in June 2019. Housing charity Shelter says that the following are the only circumstances in which fees are chargeable: late payment of rent (after 14 days), replacing lost keys, ending your tenancy early or changing or assigning your tenancy. Be aware that tenants who signed contracts before June 2019 and wish to renew can also be liable for a renewal fee. Find out more about tenant fees in Britain at shelter.org.uk; just select your country.
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If you’re renting on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy, the most common kind of tenancy (known as a Short Assured Tenancy in Scotland), check that the landlord or letting agent uses a tenancy deposit protection scheme. Without this, the deposit you put down to secure your new home – capped at five weeks’ rent in advance if the annual rent is less than £50,000 – isn’t protected. Then when you wish to move out, the landlord or letting agent could unlawfully withhold your deposit, even if you leave the property in good order. Under the scheme, the landlord or agent is required to protect your deposit within 30 days of receiving your money and send confirmation as to which approved scheme they’re using plus any relevant information, known as the ‘Prescribed Information’. If he or she refuses to use a tenancy deposit protection scheme, contact Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk).
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ENSURE YOU’RE PROTECTED
You’re entering a legally binding agreement so don’t be pressured into signing any documents quickly, such as immediately after a viewing. ‘Take your time and read the contract thoroughly,’ says David Cox, chief executive of letting agents’ organisation, ARLA Propertymark. ‘Ask as many questions as you want until you’re comfortable you understand everything. If you’re not happy, ask for changes or amendments.’ If you’re renting for the first time, it’s a good plan to take someone you trust to viewings and meetings for support.
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Once you’ve signed the contract, there’s a list of items to check, says Cox. You must be given a copy of your new home’s Gas Safety Certificate if the property has gas, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), the Government’s How to Rent Guide (also online at gov.uk), your Deposit Protection Certificate and the attached Prescribed Information (see top right), which may take a few days to process, as well as a licence issued by the local authority if the property is subject to any form of local authority landlord licensing scheme. Approve the inventory (contents list) with the landlord or agent before you move in. My new
home ONLINE
For the latest on the new way of professional renting, see ‘Built to rent’ at housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
DEPOSIT PROTECTION
T H E N E W W AY TO RENT
All-inclusive, fully fitted and furnished, high-quality rental properties including 24-hour reception, on-site gym, and hotel-style communal lounges are the newest idea in renting. Build to Rent is the clumsy term for these flats that are going up in their thousands around the country. Rents start at about £950 a month for a studio outside London, but include everything except Council Tax, and there’s often zero deposit. ‘Our apartments are designed for renters from the outset. This marks a significant change from the ‘one size fits all’ approach so often seen with newly built urban homes,’ says Jeremy Fletcher, COO of the Tipi development at London’s Wembley Park, while Johnny Caddick, founder of Moda Living, which has the Angel Gardens development in Manchester adds, ‘The hotel-style add-ons not only save our residents money but also create a sense of community.’ (tipi.london; modaliving.com). House Beautiful MAY 2020 27
MIXING COLOUR A N D PAT T E R N Adding colour to your new home is the first step to making it uniquely yours. To help, we’ve selected four of the latest schemes that will work in any property and show how to combine paint and wallpaper to create them TIP Avoid painting walls in brilliant white for a quick fix. Instead, pick softer and warmer shades of white or grey.
TIP A neutral wallpaper can add pattern and texture to a living space, without dominating it.
CLASSIC NEUTRALS
COOL NEUTRALS
A good option if you can’t decide on a colour scheme and want to give a room a quick freshen up
Lighter shades of blue and green create a calming feel, perfect for bedrooms or spaces you want to unwind in
TIP Fresher turquoise hues can be uplifting, so use to invigorate a bathroom.
Top (l-r) A soft white, such as Farrow & Ball’s Snow White estate emulsion, £47.95/2.5L, can be used everywhere and has a hint of yellow pigment to add warmth to your space. Block print-style wallpapers create a relaxed feel in a living room. Try the Pinjara Trellis in Dove, £59/roll, Sanderson. Small areas, such as a cloakroom, can be transformed with a statement wallpaper. Embrace the faux tile trend with Osborne & Little’s Faenza Tile, £79/roll. Main Walls in Betulia wallcovering in Dew, £85/roll; chairs in Bokeh in Tuscan, £30/m; curtain in Tagia in Chalk, £75/m; all Villa Nova 28 housebeautiful.com/uk/mynewhome
TIP Tonal schemes, in which you combine a few different shades of blue and green, work brilliantly. Just remember to include some contrasting textures.
Main Wall painted in Tranquil Dawn matt emulsion, £16/2.5L, Dulux. Above (l-r) If decorating a bathroom or kitchen, choose a paint that’s moisture-resistant, such as Crown’s Soft Duck Egg Breatheasy paint, £20/2.5L. Stripes look fab on their own or as a foil to a bold floral. Estelle in Teal, £76/roll, Sandberg. Love the maximalist look? Clarke & Clarke’s Pavone, £39/roll, would be stunning in a bathroom. Combine this textural design with a bolder pattern, use on its own to add soft colour to a space or opt for a gentle neutral such as Lint, £69/roll, Harlequin at Style Library
TIP Avoid shades that are too sugary in living spaces – choose ones with a grey undertone.
TIP Pinks are great for softening monochrome schemes.
TOASTY SHADES The colours of the moment – earthy ochres and rich orange hues – create a welcoming feel in any room
NEW PINK Definitely not just for little girls’ bedrooms, pink brings a sophisticated edge to a study or hallway My new
home TIP Mix blue or aqua accents with these warm colours to add depth to a scheme and don’t forget the neutrals for balance.
TIP
ONLINE
The right curtains can make or break a room so be sure to get it right. See our guide to measuring for curtains with expert advice from Hillarys at housebeautiful. com/uk/ mynewhome
FEATURE CHARLOTTE BOYD
If bold shades aren’t your thing, try softer apricot and honey hues.
Main Use a bold wallpaper as a focal point behind a neutral sofa. Esala Hikkaduwa in Spiced Pear, £45/roll, Scion. Above (l-r) Bring a sense of joy to a room with Farrow & Ball’s Dutch Orange estate emulsion, £47.95/2.5L. House of Hackney’s Pluma Flaxen design, £185/roll, would look amazing behind a claret-red velvet headboard. Add colour and warmth with a woven-effect printed paper, such as Essential, Les Nuances Chanderi, £115/extra-wide roll, Arte. Papered ceilings are a thing! Give it a go with this fun Diagonal Stripe wallpaper, £30/roll, House by John Lewis & Partners
Top (l-r) Soft pink shades offer a subtle way to introduce the colour into a scheme – try Igor in Coral, £74/roll, Sandberg. Abundant floral patterns with big blooms are back – we like Forbidden Bloom in Blush, £150/roll, Divine Savages. Team a subtle linear geometric design in a warm berry hue, such as Sketch Shackle, £75/roll, from Hooked on Walls, with dark wood furniture. Contrast neutral shades on the walls with furniture upcycled in Annie Sloan’s Emile Chalk paint, £19.95/1L. Main Give an office an elegant
feel with Romo’s subtly patterned wallpaper, Nyiri in Wild Rose, £99/roll House Beautiful MAY 2020 29
R E A L LY U S E F U L G U I D E T O ... …the finishing touches that make your home uniquely yours. Brought to you by the editors at House Beautiful CUPBOARD HANDLES BOMBAY DUCK Find something completely different here, as this retailer prides itself on stocking the unexpected bombayduck.com
HAUTE DECO For the prettiest, most glamorous if pricey handles hautedeco.com
DOWSING & REYNOLDS
WILLOW & STONE
The devil’s in the design detail for this company, which produces original and statement styles dowsingandreynolds.com
For a more traditional look, this company specialises in period fittings willowandstone.co.uk
XL JOINERY JIM LAWRENCE A great selection of different door handle styles plus other door accessories, such as hinges and locks as well as switches and sockets. Not the cheapest but good quality and choice jimlawrence.co.uk
ROWEN & WREN Nice selection of hardware, including door handles, hooks, latches and knobs rowenandwren.co.uk
THE HANDLE GUILD From the luxurious to the whimsical, these are talkingpoint door handles doorhandlecompany.co.uk
SCREWFIX Easy to view its stock on the website. You can see them in the flesh in a store before you buy and then order online screwfix.com
TURNSTYLE DESIGNS Family-run business with a wide choice of door furniture and bespoke options available turnstyledesigns.com
ZARA HOME
Best known for its sustainable approach to internal and exterior doors, this firm also has an eye to stylish door furniture and finishing touches xljoinery.co.uk
THE LONDON DOOR COMPANY With designs for inside and out, each door from this company is available in a wide selection of timbers londondoor.co.uk
WICKES For a great selection that’s functional and stylish wickes.co.uk
XL JOINERY See Door Furniture
INTERNAL DOORS
LIGHTING
ARTSTEEL
DAVID HUNT
With a modern take on traditional Crittall style, these doors really make a statement artsteel.co.uk
An excellent choice, from wall lights to table lamps davidhuntlighting.co.uk
HABITAT PURE SCANDI We love its clean and simple designs in birch ply with hidden handles – very now purescandi.co.uk
Perfect for breathing new life into cabinets, the range here is varied with reasonable prices zarahome.com
Always worth a look for the latest contemporary designs, especially if you want your home to make a statement habitat.co.uk
HEAL’S Lighting royalty! Heal’s offers an exclusive range, with designs and collaborations from some of the world’s most talented designers heals.com
DOOR FURNITURE
IKEA BEARDMORE
Contemporary, innovative lighting with the latest smart thinking, all at very reasonable prices ikea.co.uk
A wide choice of tempting handles, from period to contemporary, all made in England since 1860 beardmore.co.uk
ORIGINAL BTC CHLOE ALBERRY This shop’s an Aladdin’s cave of handles and door knobs. Situated in London’s Portobello Market, it’s a favourite of homes stylists! Also available online chloealberry.com
Hockney door handle, £59.99; Magni leather kitchen door handles, £13.99 each; all Dowsing & Reynolds. Solid Ebony and Brass Beehive door knob, £52, Willow & Stone. Chevron knob, £4.95, Bombay Duck
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This British-made lighting brand, including Davey Lighting and Beadlight, offers a range of elegant designs that are also relatively affordable. The showroom is in London originaltbc.com
DESIGNERS GUILD The destination for beautiful British blooms and colour designersguild.com
LITTLE GREENE A vast selection from metallics to florals and birds, with plenty of decorating advice online littlegreene.com
MURALS WALLPAPER Such a wide variety of colours and designs and some really striking wall murals muralswallpaper.co.uk
Satin nickel plain door knocker, £94.50, Willow & Stone
ROCKETT ST GEORGE Not cheap but perfect if you want a statement wall. See lighting
STYLE LIBRARY From left: Geneva Oak Cottage internal door, £80, Wickes. Cottage White primed door, £107.99, XL Joinery. Single door with side panel, from £2,000, Art Steel
POOKY Great for colour and unusual shapes pooky.com
ROCKETT ST GEORGE With a wide selection of traditional lighting fixtures and more than just a few glamorous statement pieces, there’s something for everyone rockettstgeorge.co.uk
LIGHT SWITCHES
RECOMMENDED BY CHARLOTTE BOYD; ALICIA FORD; CAROLYN BAILEY; SARAH KEADY; JAMES CUNNINGHAM OUTSIDE BACK COVER GETTY IMAGES/WESTEND61
DOWSING & REYNOLDS Has a good metallic range dowsingandreynolds.com
FORBES & LOMAX We love its Invisible Lightswitch acrylic plate designs forbesandlomax.com
PA I N T S BENJAMIN MOORE A US paint brand that’s becoming a decorator’s favourite benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk
CROWN Its Breatheasy coloured emulsions are low VOC and 99 per cent solvent free so are
easier to live with for asthma and allergy sufferers crownpaints.co.uk
R E A D Y- M A D E C U R TA I N S
EARTHBORN PAINTS
CLARISSA HULSE
Eco-paints with a really lovely range of colours earthbornpaints.co.uk
Great colours and innovative designs – ideal for something a little bit different clarissahulse.com
EDWARD BULMER Love this for its colours and sustainable credentials and health benefits edwardbulmerpaint.co.uk
FARROW & BALL Synonymous with rich pigments and depth of colour, Farrow & Ball has a classically elegant palette that works well in contemporary and period properties alike farrow-ball.com
BLENDWORTH INTERIORS For something more bespoke blendworth.co.uk
H&M HOME, IKEA & ZARA HOME These high street favourites all offer lovely linen drapes at great prices hm.com/ikea.co.uk/ zara.com
HABITAT V33 Covers everything from walls to woodwork all in one go. Great for when you want to quickly freshen up the whole house in one go v33.co.uk
VALSPAR Has more than 2,000 colours to choose from plus can create any bespoke shade you want valsparpaint.co.uk
See Lighting
JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Everything from blackout to voile and eyelet to pencil-pleat johnlewis.com
W A L L PA P E R COLE & SON For wonderfully glamorous bold prints cole-and-son.com
The knocked-back colour palette of the Pure range gives its Morris & Co papers a more contemporary look stylelibrary.com
WOOD FLOORING CARPETRIGHT The new engineered wood flooring range, in a variety of Scandinavian muted tones, is a fraction of the price of many other places carpetright.co.uk
HAVWOODS With a focus almost entirely on wood, this company provides expertise, good customer service, and reasonable prices havwoods.co.uk
KAHRS FLOORING Good quality engineered wood flooring that’s less expensive than solid hardwood and works with underfloor heating kahrs.com
TED TODD Handcrafted in the UK are flooring ranges from newlyproduced planks to reclaimed, antique wooden floorboards tedtodd.co.uk
THE NATURAL WOOD FLOOR COMPANY Has a floor suitable for every room in the house naturalwoodfloor.co.uk House Beautiful MAY 2020 31