Life Magazines (Essex Editions) February 2022 by Fish Media Group Ltd

Your Kind of Luxury The hottest destinations for 2022

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Jason Clelland has a wealth of experience in the Garden sector and has been in the Landscape/Garden maintenance business all his life. Based in Welwyn Garden City, Jason works on schemes all over Hertfordshire, Essex and North London. With an extensive knowledge of the finest Turfing projects both natural and artificial, JC Garden Services are also an approved Millboard Decking installer. Jason also has great knowledge of Garden Maintenance, with an exclusive portfolio of regular clients in both private and commercial sectors. JC Garden Services offer a professional and passionate service to help create your dream garden. jobs undertaken from small domestic gardens to large commercial installs.

01707 883581 07932 603951 Email: jcgs2@icloud.com

Facebook: JC Garden Services Instagram: jcgardenservicesllp Twitter: jcclelland Web: jcgardenservices.co.uk

FROM THE

EDITOR P

icture summer how it should be - relaxing by the pool, dancing the days away and exploring new and wonderful places. And where better to spend it than under the warmth of the Mediterranean sun? Europe comes alive in summer, with its stylish beach bars, home to the rich and famous, and city centres bursting with glamour and vibrant energy. But it’s often hard to pick the destination that ticks all the boxes. So take note of these ‘must-try’ Mediterranean destinations all tried and tested by The Villa Edit team. These really are the hottest destinations for Summer 2022.

Kew Gardens’ much-loved annual orchid festival returns, taking inspiration from the rich and colourful culture of Costa Rica, where visitors can escape the UK’s winter weather and embrace the sights and sounds of this internationally recognised biodiversity haven. For 2022, the route around the Princess of Wales Conservatory will be designed to recreate the varied and verdant landscape of Costa Rica, transporting visitors through the wonders of this biodiversity hotspot, from the tropical dry forest of the north Pacific, to the rainforests of the southern coastline.

With an anticipated 200,000 weddings due to take place in 2022, in addition to the 280,000 weddings that take place in the UK each year, figures suggest that we’re entering record years for the Weddings industry. Recent surveys by The National Wedding Show in partnership with Confetti* have revealed that 93% of couples have postponed their wedding to a later date, with 67% of those couples saying their wedding budget has not been impacted by the pandemic and 13% of couples saying the pandemic has meant they now have a bigger wedding budget than originally planned. The UK’s leading wedding event, The National Wedding Show will be going ahead this Spring at London Olympia, London ExCeL and NEC Birmingham.

Faye Manning Editor

EDITOR FAYE MANNING EDITOR’S ASSISTANT KIERAN BULLWORTHY SUB EDITOR CHANG KAIRA FASHION EDITOR BEN JONES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PRUVEE PATEL ACCOUNT/ADMIN KATHY MANNING, ANDREE GEORGIOU DESIGN & PRODUCTION BOB AMBROSE DIRECTORS PATRICK SMITH, RORY SMITH

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OUT & ABOUT – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M A G E : D O W N H A L L H OT E L , S PA & E S TAT E

OUT & ABOUT

29 MARCH MIDGE URE VOICE & VISIONS Following the overwhelming response to 2019’s ‘The 1980 Tour’, Midge Ure & Band Electronica are delighted to return to the road in 2022 with the ‘Voice & Visions’ tour, celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums. Transporting you back to the decade of electronics, experimentation, synthesizers and great songwriting, the albums’ highlights will be showcased alongside landmark hits from Ure’s incredible back catalogue. Cliffs Pavilion Southend On Sea, Essex SS0 7RA

[EVENTS]

THE CALENDAR 24 FEBRUARY

I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T A CLUE TOUR 2022 BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2022 with its sell-out touring show. Join Jack Dee, Miles Jupp, Tony Hawks, Pippa Evans and Rory Bremner for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense. With musical accompaniment from Colin Sell. Charter Hall, Colchester, Essex CO1 1YH

12 FEBRUARY 2022

23 MARCH KAREN HAUER & GORKA MARQUEZ - FIREDANCE Hot pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passion that will take your breath away. With live Latin musicians and a dynamic dance ensemble, get ready for a stunning dance experience you strictly won’t want to miss. Featuring iconic songs including – In the Air Tonight, Sway, Bad Romance, Sweet Dreams, Relight My Fire, Bamboleo and more. FIREDANCE is back for 2022 and is the hottest ticket in town. Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea SS0 7RA

12 MARCH BETH CHATTO’S PLANTS & GARDENS

11 & 12 MARCH

SUGGS: A LIFE IN THE REALM OF MADNESS Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple as they return to UK Theatres with their brand new show for 2022. SHOWTIME is a glittering celebration paying tribute to some of the greatest entertainment icons of all time. Anton & Erin present world class dance inspired by an array of classic performers. Kicking off the show with very best of British including Elton John, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, The Spice Girls, continuing with the creme de la creme of Hollywood Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin, right through to US pop megastars Beyoncé and John Legend. Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea, Essex SS0 7RA

Internationally famous gardens, inc dry, damp, shade, reservoir and woodland areas. The result of over 60 yrs of hard work and application of the huge body of plant knowledge possessed by Beth Chatto and her husband Andrew. Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens, Colchester, Essex CO7 7DB

25 MARCH APRIL IN MY MIND Award-winning pianist and composer, Mátyás Bacsó is back at the Headgate Theatre to introduce his brand new album of piano compositions ‘April In My Mind’. The compositions were written during the first lockdown, when Matyas decided to set himself a composition marathon, writing a piece for the piano every single day for the month of April 2020. Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT

24 FEBRUARY NOUVELLE VAGUE Bossa Nova = Nouvelle Vague = New Wave. This transliteration was the starting point for Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux’s unique project, which, by appropriating the punk and post-punk cannon and running it through the Bossa Nova filter, reinvented the cover band genre, revealing new and brilliant talents along the way: Camille, Phoebe Killdeer, Nadeah, Mélanie Pain, and Liset Alea. Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester, Essex CO1 1NF

15 MARCH CHINESE BOXING Written and performed by Mark Kitto. An entertaining and enlightening one-man play about China and ‘The West’, based on the siege of the foreign quarter in Peking during the 1900 ‘Boxer’ Uprising (as seen in ‘55 Days at Peking’). Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT FEBRUARY 2022 13

26 FEBRUARY THE REYTONS

16 MARCH

GO WEST - CELEBRATING 35 YEARS, LIVE WITH ORCHESTRA Award-winning 80s Pop icons Go West are celebrating their 35th anniversary with a special event, together with a full live orchestra featuring all their greatest hits plus very special guests Cutting Crew. Go West are one of the most successful singer/songwriter pop duos, from the glorious 80’s pop decade. Their eponymously titled debut album sold 1.5 million copies worldwide and remained on the UK chart for 83 weeks, with the music video that launched them into the charts ‘We Close Our Eyes’ directed by Godley & Crème. They then went on to win the people’s choice BRIT Award for ‘Best British Newcomer’ in 1986. Cliffs Pavilion, Southend On Sea, Essex SS0 7RA

The Reytons are back on the road! After selling out Rotherham’s 4,300 Capacity Magna in just 10 hours, the South Yorkshire four piece are throwing an additional 17 dates into the mix. Chinnerys Southend, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2EJ

17 MARCH THE KITCHEN SINK Things aren’t going to plan for one Yorkshire family. Martin’s milk float is falling apart and something’s up with Kath’s sink. Billy’s trying to get into art school with a portrait of Dolly Parton. Sophie’s dreaming of her black belt whilst Pete, a local plumber, is quietly falling in love. Amidst the dramas and the dirty dishes, something has to give… Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch Billet Lane Essex RM11 1QT

19 MARCH GLOW SOUTHEND

24 FEBRUARY

IN CONVERSATION WITH STACEY DOOLEY In conversation, Stacey will open up the conversation around mental health in young people, and look back on some of the stand-out moments and interactions from her widereaching career. Join her for what promises to be a thought-provoking, inspiring and informative evening. Southend Palace Theatre, Southend on Sea, Essex SS0 9LA 14 FEBRUARY 2022

This March, be a glow-getter at one of our sponsored night walks near you. Get your team together and walk for a loved one affected by dementia. Light up the night at Glow this March. Glow is a series of fun and colourful night walks, which raise money for lifechanging dementia support. Southchurch Park Essex SS1 2XB

COVER STORY

THE HOTTEST DESTINATIONS for Summer 2022

Villa Sahara, Mykonos

Travel is back with a bang, so it’s time to sate your wanderlust and go all out on that next luxury summer holiday.

countryside, graceful Villa Llenaire is a wonderful family home. This is a luxury Finca style villa lying between the unspoilt town of Pollenca and the sandy beaches of Puerto Pollenca, making it the perfect peaceful retreat, whilst also being close to one of the best beaches in Mallorca. Features: Outdoor pool, Cinema room, Gym From €11,440 per week

Best for culture: MAJORCA The older more sophisticated sister of Ibiza so to speak, Mallorca offers a more relaxed take on nightlife and the social scene whilst not compromising on style. Picture endless beaches, delicious local tapas, a vibrant restaurant scene, lively beach clubs and dramatic sea views. Packed with historic towns awash with small boutiques and markets, Mallorca is the perfect blend of modern sophistication and rustic beauty. For adventurous travellers, a luxury yacht charter or boat trip is a must-do, allowing you to dive in hidden coves or take lunch on board, surrounded by aqua blue vistas. Where to stay: Villa Llenaire, Mallorca At the heart of the beautiful Mallorcan 16 FEBRUARY 2022

Villa Llenaire, Mallorca

Mallorca is the perfect blend of modern sophistication and rustic beauty

Best for socialising: MYKONOS With jet-setters and the made in Chelsea crowd favouring this charming Greek island, Mykonos is tipped to be the hottest destination for Summer 2022. It’s out with exhausting clubbing in Ibiza and in with the contrast and character of this mesmerizing whitewashed island. Days are spent in the effortlessly cool boho beach clubs of Scorpios and Hippie Fish, sunbathing on golden sandy beaches and boutique shopping in Mykonos town. The fun doesn’t stop after the sunsets. Mykonos has a chic and lively nightlife and a gourmet restaurant scene. Spend the days at fabulous beach restaurants and then dance the night away at elegant nightclubs and international parties. Where to stay: Villa Sahara, Mykonos (sleep 10) Occupying a peaceful spot on the exclusive Aleomandra headland, Villa Sahara is designed to

bring everyone together for a summer to remember. Outdoor living is at its finest here; with a pool bar and lounge, bbq, and outdoor jacuzzi, plus large terraces with comfortable seating areas. Features: Outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, Outdoor bar From €12,600 per week

Best for getting off the beaten track: CROATIA’S ISLAND Beautiful coastlines, rich culture, pristine beaches and glimmering turquoise waters, the iconic Croatian islands promise a summer like no other, but don’t tell everyone, it’s still beautifully undiscovered. Each island has its own character and appeal, whilst all having a distinctly Mediterranean vibe blended with centuries of tradition. From dense woodland interiors, vineyards and olive groves to picturesque bays, secret coves and attractive fishing villages, these islands have so much to offer. Where to stay: Villa Dianna, Korcula (sleeps 10) A modern architectural masterpiece on the secluded island of Korcula in Croatia, Villa Dianna is one of the most distinguished high-end luxury mansions and has been named ‘The Best Luxury Villa in Croatia’.

Mykonos has a chic and lively nightlife and a gourmet restaurant scene Villa Dianna, Korcula

Features: Two outdoor pools, Sun Terrace From €16,800 per week

Best for families: CORFU Corfu is an island that charms quickly and impresses easily. The second largest of the idyllic Ionians, this Greek island boasts an impressive Roman and medieval history, unique culture, stunning natural beauty and a wonderfully slow pace of life. Corfu truly is a unique Mediterranean paradise. From the Venetian architecture of Corfu Town and the traditional tavernas in Agni Bay to the popular fishing village of Kassiopi in the North East of the Island, Corfu is a firm favourite for families and it’s clear to see why. Where to stay: Villa Ulysses, Corfu (sleeps 12) Perfectly combining privacy and ultra-luxury surroundings, Villa Ulysses is run like your own five-star deluxe hotel, where the only guests are your friends and family. This world-class luxury villa prides itself on being a cut above the rest.

THE DETAILS Villa Ulysses, Corfu Features: Outdoor pool, Private Dock, Cinema Room From €136,000 per week

All villas are bookable with The Villa Edit 0208 133 1130 info@thevillaedit.com www.thevillaedit.com FEBRUARY 2022 17

OUT & ABOUT

Journey through a colourful Costa Rican Paradise:

Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival returns for 2022 Until Sunday 6 March 2022, Princess of Wales Conservatory

ew Gardens’ much-loved annual orchid festival returns, taking inspiration from the rich and colourful culture of Costa Rica, where visitors can escape the UK’s winter weather and embrace the sights and sounds of this internationally recognised biodiversity haven. For 2022, the route around the Princess of Wales Conservatory will be designed to recreate the varied and verdant landscape of Costa Rica, transporting visitors through the wonders of this biodiversity hotspot, from the tropical dry forest of the north Pacific, to the rainforests of the southern coastline. Throughout their journey around the glasshouse, visitors will encounter an assortment of native animals replicated across a series of stunning horticultural displays. Monkeys, sea turtles, toads and hummingbirds- all intricately hand-crafted from plants- will burst into colourful life for the duration of the festival. The central display in the glasshouse pond will be filled with brilliant vibrant orchids and bromeliads.

THE DETAILS Entry to Orchids is included when purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens, visitors must book separate timed entry slots for Orchids 2022. The best value tickets can be booked in advance via kew.org

18 FEBRUARY 2022

Kew’s focus on Costa Rica for Orchids 2022 will highlight the country’s unique position as a biodiversity hotspot, as recently recognised by the country being awarded the inaugural Protect and Restore Nature Earthshot Prize. Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, despite covering just 0.03% of the planet, Costa Rica is a role model for the conservation of biodiversity; with around a quarter of its land part of a protected forest or reserve. RBG Kew has many collaborative scientific projects located in Costa Rica, which include constructing a ‘family tree’ for all of its orchid species to learn how to better protect them, and documenting plants in La Amistad Biosphere Reserve - one of the richest places on Earth for plant diversity. What Kew are doing to keep visitors safe The safety and wellbeing of visitors is of the utmost importance to them and are continually monitoring and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic as it evolves. They are adhering to government advice to ensure visitors and staff remain safe while enjoying Orchids 2022. Safety measures will reflect government advice at the time of the exhibition run and will be clearly communicated across RBG Kew’s channels and onsite.

OUT & ABOUT

BBC SEVEN WORLDS ONE PLANET

LIVE IN CONCERT

The O2 Arena, London 31st March 2022 BAFTA winning British Explorer, Naturalist and TV Presenter Steve Backshall to host special UK Premiere Ahead of this much anticipated event, we chatted to Steve Backshall about being the host in 2022. There’s been other natural history shows performed live with music before, but this new production is on another level. Can you tell us about why it’s going to be such an event? This is simply an extravaganza of both sight and sound which is going to completely overwhelm people’s senses. It showcases the very best of glorious, glamourous, blue-chip natural history on a giant screen, backed by a full live 80-piece orchestra, which is something that all too rarely gets to happen. This is my first opportunity to do one, so I’m very excited. The show itself was hosted by the greatest broadcaster of all time, Sir David Attenborough, so I have to find a way of trying to step into his shoes! The music by Zimmer and Shea is more than just a score, it’s an essential part of the production. How important do you feel it is for music to help convey the emotion and messages of a production like this one? It’s critical. It’s an area that I’ve not had a tremendous amount of involvement with, as the

20 FEBRUARY 2022

shows I have made just haven’t had the kind of budget you need to commission a score by Hans Zimmer. When you watch those kinds of shows, they have this ability to make your heart soar, but then can make it plummet with a moment of fear or terror when we are being shown environmental degradation. It has an unparalleled ability to steer or enhance your emotions. Either the visuals or the sound of this show would be enough for me to go and see it if I wasn’t involved! Seven Worlds, One Planet was the BBC’s most-watched factual programme of 2019 and now it’s being shown live to an audience of thousands. It must be encouraging that so many people, both young and old, are engaging with something that has such an important message beyond just entertainment? This isn’t just for conservationists or biologists, it is something that anyone can appreciate and be moved by, which is really important. These programmes bring people to the natural world

“When you watch those kinds of shows, they have this ability to make your heart soar, but then can make it plummet with a moment of fear or terror when we are being shown environmental degradation”

never seen before, or have a massive rock fall on your head! It’s that sense of the unknown that is really exciting to me. It’s been the great privilege of my adult life to repeatedly have that opportunity. That’s something special and that I will be most grateful to have experienced. Lastly, if anyone is undecided about coming to The O2 in March to see Seven Worlds, One Planet…why should they be making a point of attending? At the moment, this is a one-off opportunity to see something that visually and aurally will be completely unmatched. It’s going to be a very special evening. It’s going to be unforgettable!

and all those marvels and wonders that they may never get to see with their own eyes. Or potentially they will, as these shows could start a whole new fascination in their lives that leads towards them seeing these things for themselves. They can lead people to conservation and the natural world, which has never been more important to be doing than it is right now. The series was narrated by Sir David Attenborough himself, who’s voice will still be heard at the show. How much of an influence and inspiration has he been to you personally? He is everything. I’ve been lucky enough to meet him several times and even present a couple of awards ceremonies alongside him. We did an awards show for the 100th anniversary of the Wildlife Trust at the Natural History Museum. Myself and a few other people spoke, which we had all spent ages planning for, then Sir David stepped up and spoke for an hour without any slides or preparation. He didn’t hesitate once and had the entire room hanging on every single syllable. The man has an absolutely unparalleled gift as a storyteller and a broadcaster. You’ve already had a long career that has taken you all over the world, what has been the real highlights for you personally? I would probably treasure the expeditions most, where you don’t know what’s going to happen next. There could be a major discovery around the next corner, or you could find a new species you’ve

THE DETAILS For more details and to purchase tickets visit seven-worlds-one-planetlive.co.uk Seven Worlds, One Planet – Live in Concert, The O2 Arena Tickets: £65/£55/£45 *under 14 discount tickets available Box Office: theo2.co.uk or 0844 856 0202 axs.com; eventim.co.uk; ticketmaster.co.uk; seetickets.com

FEBRUARY 2022 21

OUT & ABOUT

THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW 2022 19-20 February at London Olympia 25-27 March at NEC Birmingham 9-10 April at London ExCeL

ith an anticipated 200,000 weddings due to take place in 2022, in addition to the 280,000 weddings that take place in the UK each year, figures suggest that we’re entering record years for the Weddings industry. Recent surveys by The National Wedding Show in partnership with Confetti* have revealed that 93% of couples have postponed their wedding to a later date, with 67% of those couples saying their wedding budget has not been impacted by the pandemic and 13% of couples saying the pandemic has meant they now have a bigger wedding budget than originally planned. The UK’s leading wedding event, The National Wedding Show will be going ahead this Spring at London Olympia, London ExCeL and NEC Birmingham. The National Wedding Show has established itself over the past 25 years as the ultimate destination for wedding planning, with thousands of couples visiting the shows every season. Featuring hundreds of wedding suppliers already confirmed, the Spring 2022 Shows will also continue to include a stunning Catwalk, a WEDTalk stage, the Inspired Bakes Gallery, and much more. The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Show will run alongside the ExCel show, showcasing venues and services from beautiful locations all over the world. 22 FEBRUARY 2022

Cassandra Denman, Group Show Director says “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to improve our visitor experience with exciting new features, to attract more wedding planning couples to the show than ever. The level of ticket sales we’ve seen in the past few months has been unprecedented. There’s a real buzz around the events this Spring and we can’t wait to be back, supporting the best suppliers the wedding industry has to offer as they get back on their feet after a challenging 2 years.” *Based on 5,353 responses collected through surveys run by The National Wedding Show in partnership with Confetti in February and August 2021. LIFE MAGAZINES READER OFFER Quote LIFEMAG and get standard tickets for only £16.50 and VIP tickets for only £30 For more details on all events, please visit nationalweddingshow.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

Twisted EV Defender, the silent head turner comes to London

and Rover Defender specialist Twisted Automotive has unveiled its first fully electric Defender 90, perfect for London driving without any environmental guilt. With the total market share for new partial or fully electrified vehicles approaching 30%, Twisted have ensured that the iconic Defender is future proof and will be seen around the capital for many years to come. Having bucked the trend through Covid and expanded the business, the recently opened boutique showroom and commissioning space in Kensington is the ideal place to speak with one of the team and start your Twisted EV journey. Recognising rarity as a luxury in itself and priding itself on its craftsmanship and attention to detail, Twisted only ever build a handful of vehicles every year. Having been tailored to each customer’s individual needs, they feature a huge amount of in-house engineering and a single technician seeing the build through from start to finish. Alongside the factory and flagship showroom in Thirsk, North Yorkshire and the Kensington space, Twisted now boast further sites in Salcombe, Austin and Dubai helping deliver its ‘The Best. Made Better’ brand mantra across the globe. The Twisted journey begins with customers choosing one of three options: Defined, Commissioned and Certified. Defined Twisted

24 FEBRUARY 2022

“Recognising rarity as a luxury in itself and priding itself on its craftsmanship and attention to detail”

vehicles are built around a specification drawn from years of experience and ensures every element of the vehicle is the best it can be and can be offered on a Twisted sourced vehicle or a customer’s own Defender. Commissioned builds are tailored around a customer’s own vision for what their Twisted build should be. Each one is unique, never replicated and represents the ultimate in exclusive hand-built vehicles. Finally, their Certified vehicles are a handpicked selection of previous Twisted builds which prior to sale are inspected, re-worked where necessary, serviced and warrantied before being issued a certificate confirming its authenticity as a genuine Twisted vehicle. Whilst the Twisted EV Defender is certainly the future, there may be some customers who are not ready to make the jump to fully electric motoring or currently don’t have easy access to charging. Twisted are able to offer a range of engine conversions to suit every scenario and have a 300hp 4 cylinder turbo’d petrol option, a 450hp V8 petrol with 8 speed automatic or can even offer a conversion to standard diesel engines with all gaining compliancy for the ultra-low emission zones (ULEZ) around the city. Twisted EV Defender has been in development for over two years and are now available for

customer order. Powered by a 61 kWh battery offering 140 miles of range and is capable of recharging in sub three hours. Designed to be completely modular, components can be replaced independently of one another as battery technology improves meaning it can be a lifelong companion and not just a short-term fix. The Kensington showroom is located at 21-23 Radley Mews, W8 6JP and open Monday – Friday (9.00am – 5.00pm) with bookings by appointment for evenings and weekends. For more information about booking a visit call 020 3908 2995 or visit: twistedautomotive.com

ABOUT TWISTED AUTOMOTIVE Twisted Automotive was founded in 2000 in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, where its factory and flagship showroom remain,. It has additional locations in Kensington, Salcombe, Silverstone, Austin (Texas) and Dubai, Twisted is globally recognised as the leading modifier of the Land Rover Defender. It is quietly confident and stands by the mantra, “The Best. Made Better.” For more than 20 years, Twisted has sought, through an obsessive attention to detail, to make the Defender the best vehicle it can possibly be. With perfection impossible, this is a never-ending process of continual improvement and, with engineering integrity one of its key values, the firm designs and engineers all parts either in-house or in close partnership with trusted manufacturers who share Twisted’s commitment to deliver a product that is the pinnacle of its type. Founder Charles Fawcett created Twisted as an evolution of his lifelong love affair with Defender and the business now employs people across the globe - each committed to the shared ambition of making the best off-road vehicle better whilst never losing sight of what makes a Defender special in the first place. With a workforce who all share Charles’ passion, they think of this in terms of preserving the soul of the Defender and being its guardians for the future. New customers have three ways into Twisted ownership, Defined, Commissioned and Certified. A Defined Twisted is a Defender that, based on 21 years of experience, has carefully selected specification added to it to make it the best it can be. Commissioned allows those customers with a very firm view of how they would like their

Twisted to be to create a vehicle that is unique to them. A Certified Twisted is a pre-owned vehicle that has been thoroughly inspected by the factory, had any faults rectified, is fully serviced and sold with the benefit of a new warranty. All come with the sought after Twisted build plaque. The base vehicle for both Defined and Commissioned builds can be one of Twisted’s 60 remaining delivery mileage Defender, the customer’s own cherished vehicle or a vehicle carefully selected from the market. For those who don’t wish to undertake all the modification work necessary to warrant a build plaque, Twisted also undertake less extensive modification works to customers’ own vehicles. 2022 will see the continual improvement of Defender continuing whilst, for the first time, the ethos and values that Twisted have applied in the automotive market will be introduced to the marine market with a range of RIB’s and restomod powerboats that hold true to the mantra of “The Best. Made Better.” Website: twistedautomotive.com Instagram: @twisted_automotive Twitter: @TwistedAuto

“The base vehicle for both Defined and Commissioned builds can be one of Twisted’s 60 remaining delivery mileage Defender, the customer’s own cherished vehicle or a vehicle carefully selected from the market”

FEBRUARY 2022 25

OUT & ABOUT

Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli and Fendi play a starring role on the catwalk as

PRÊT-À-PORTEA RETURNS TO THE BERKELEY, MAYFAIR

he Berkeley has unveiled its Prêt-àPortea collection – a playful and stylish selection of couture cakes inspired by designers from Ganni to Gucci. A firm favourite with fashionistas with a sweet tooth, Prêt-à-Portea gives a contemporary twist to afternoon tea with a collection of bold catwalkinspired creations. This season’s collection opens with Balenciaga Couture – a striking ensemble reimagined as a velvety mandarin cheesecake with orange confit on chocolate sablé, topped with a Dulcey cream and oversized chocolate hat. To mark fashion icon Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday, The Berkeley pastry team have created a spiced biscuit intricately iced with Apfel’s trademark red lipstick and oversized glasses. Stella McCartney’s psychedelic blue jumpsuit has been transformed into a cassis mousse with blackcurrant jelly and a zigzag of Joconde sponge. Meanwhile, a Pink Lady apple pavlova with Granny Smith apple compote, topped with apple jam and Chantilly cream, pays homage to Giambattista Valli’s powder-pink, avant-garde couture. Ganni appears in Prêt-à-Portea this season for the very first time: the cult Danish brand’s look from Copenhagen Fashion Week becomes a hazelnut dacquoise with salted caramel, encased with Valrhona chocolate mousse and finished with a passion fruit crème diplomate and chocolate shard. Fendi’s oversized tote is recreated as a cinnamon chocolate blondie, encased with Ivoire chocolate and finished with desiccated coconut ‘fur’. Finally, as Gucci marks its 100th anniversary

26 FEBRUARY 2022

with a collection starring the label’s signature equestrian style, the Prêt-à-Portea team have created a hero, showstopper of a cake – designed to share – in their honour. A red velvet and mascarpone mousse is topped with a hand-painted galaxy chocolate dome, while inside sits a citrus marshmallow dipped in white chocolate. The whole ensemble is finished with a chocolate truffle riding hat filled with dark chocolate ganache. Prêt-à-Portea is served from 1pm - 5.30pm every day, priced from £64 per person. To make a reservation for Prêt-à-Portea visit the-berkeley.co.uk/restaurants-bars/ afternoon-tea

ABOUT THE BERKELEY Nestled between bustling Knightsbridge and leafy Belgravia, The Berkeley is the essence of contemporary chic and innovative luxury. With stunning rooms and suites, Michelin-starred cuisine from Marcus Wareing, a fashion favourite afternoon tea at Prêt-à-Portea, the Blue Bar and The Berkeley Bar & Terrace for drinks and The Bamford Spa, The Berkeley continues to surprise and enchant.

MEDIA SAI�ES EXECUTIVES FlSH MEDIA GROUP

We are the proud publishers of this high quality group of magazines and are looking for two experienced telephone and face to face sales executives. We pay a high basic plus uncapped commission, on-going training and a real development to managing your own group of magazines. You must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident and above all you must be able to sell. If you can really sell and want to be part of our expansion programme call Patrick Smith on 07932 608797. To see the quality of our magazines and portfolio visit www.thelifemagazines.com

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OUT & ABOUT

LUXURY WEDDING SHOW AT DOWN HALL HOTEL, SPA AND ESTATE 20TH FEBRUARY 2022

n 20th February 2022, the stunning country house and estate hotel Down Hall is hosting a luxury wedding fair in partnership with the Luxury Wedding Show. Providing a stylish and stunning environment for potential brides-to-be, couples visiting the stunning hotel will be met with a beautifully dressed venue and unique collection of suppliers hosted by the Luxury Wedding Show, to offer a truly unique day out for those planning the big day. Designed to be fun and inspiring with that special touch of luxury and style, guests will be greeted with a welcome glass of champagne and canapés before speaking to a variety of florists, photographers and

Running from 11am – 3pm, to attend The Luxury Wedding Show at Down Hall register for free by visiting luxuryweddingshow.co.uk hair/make-up artists brought together by the Luxury Wedding Show, who are on hand to discuss every detail to help make the dream wedding happen. In the early afternoon, couples will meet Down Hall’s exceptional wedding team, where they will be treated to a guided tour of the hotel’s dedicated wedding facilities which will be dressed for a wedding to help guests envisage how their special day will look.

28 FEBRUARY 2022

THE DETAILS Down Hall Hotel & Spa Matching Road, Hatfield Heath Essex CM22 7AS T: 01279 731441 www.downhall.co.uk

PACKAGES

FREE MEDIA

INCLUDED

UP TO

SAVING

FREE MEDIA

INCLUDED

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hangloosebluewater.com @HanglooseBluewater

@hangloose_bluewater

01285 640600

OUT & ABOUT

GOING UNDERGROUND

ahoots is Soho’s underground home that transports guests back in time to post-war 1940s, to a disused underground tube station, where guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails, 1940s rationed snacks and regular entertainment with homages to the 1940s stars of the stage and screen. Inspired from the era that saw Londoners take refuge in the underground, as stations were commonly used as air raid shelters during the war, Cahoots replicates the wartime British spirit with drinks and sing-alongs around the piano to boost morale. Look out for the underground sign on the ground floor of Kingly Court by the Beak Street entrance, where old-fashioned wooden escalators lead you downstairs to a stationmaster at the entry kiosk, who will issue you a ‘day ticket’ to the platform/tube carriage destination bar. Regulars of Cahoots will be rewarded with a special ‘season

30 FEBRUARY 2022

ticket’ with exclusive access to the bar. Sit on reworked 1940s tube carriage seats and enjoy a drink or two. The bartenders (in braces, of course!) serve classic cocktails, as well as black market liquor and post-war favourites - in particular rum and gin based drinks that are furtively knocked back from old mugs, hip flasks, vintage milk bottles and tins. And several times each week, a live band plays 1940s jazz and swing, so you can practice your lindy hop! The 1940s tube carriage seats, mismatched furniture and bunting draped throughout completes the perfect backdrop for a jolly good knees-up. Cahoots, where spirits are high and drinks never run dry. Available seven days a week for private hire.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAHOOTS 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW get in touch via email highspirits@cahoots-london.com or call 0207 352 6200 to book. Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday - 5pm-1am Thursday & Friday - 5pm-2am Saturday - 7pm-3am Sunday - 5pm-12am. cahoots-london.com

EDUC ATION

Location, Location, Location

There are many contributing factors when it comes to making a decision about choosing a school for your child, but there is no denying that location can play a major role.

his extends much further than a school simply being convenient for dropping off and picking up. Ideally, a site would be located along major transport routes for ease of access, rich with services, but also free from disturbing elements such as noise and air pollution. The Oak-Tree Group - Braeside, Coopersale Hall, Normanhurst and Oaklands Schools - are four privatelyowned independent schools in the Epping Forest area. Although each school has its own identity, all four enjoy prime locations in Buckhurst Hill, Epping, North Chingford and Loughton, and this brings a number of benefits and opportunities. Enjoying Epping Forest On the doorstep of the vast Epping Forest, each school in the Oak-Tree Group utilises the great outdoors on a weekly basis. Younger pupils enjoy afternoon forest walks, donning their wellies and heading out to explore. Pupils are encouraged to listen, question, and investigate for themselves. They construct dens out of the materials around them, identify birds and bugs, or even play with bubbles. As a result, impromptu lessons take place in which pupils are given the opportunity to develop their natural curiosity. Older pupils also often use the forest and surroundings for topic work, geographical studies or outdoor activities. Transport links Due to their location, the Group has good transport links into London and beyond. Oaklands, Coopersale Hall and Braeside School are all within close proximity to Central Line stations, providing quick and convenient ways to get to the Capital. Normanhurst in Chingford benefits from an Overground service to London’s Liverpool Street in just over 25 minutes. The schools are also located on bus routes, which many older pupils take advantage of for getting to and from school.

32 FEBRUARY 2022

Sports and activities With such impressive sporting facilities nearby, the schools often travel off-site to take part in sporting fixtures or PE lessons. The Lee Valley Athletics Centre is a popular venue for school sports days, however many other facilities are also often utilised day-to-day, such as the Peter May Sports Centre, Eton Manor RFC, Chingford Driving Range and local leisure centres. Trips and opportunities Thanks to the excellent location of the Oak-Tree Group, the schools make full use of the range of resources and facilities on their doorstep in the form of trips and enrichment. Be it a trip to London via the tube to the Science Museum, an outdoor adventure at one of the local residential centres or simply a walk into the high streets, extended leaning opportunities are everywhere. A sense of community From trips and visits to the local care home, litter picking days, and taking part in town events such as Remembrance Day Parades and Christmas Markets, the schools have well-established places in the local community. Open events and personal tours Official Open Events run in October and March each year, with the next events in early March. Prospective families are also welcome to arrange a private tour with the Headmistress at any time. There are virtual tours on the school websites as well as a wealth of information on day-to-day school life, curriculum information and much more. Visit an Oak-Tree School for yourself and see why these prime locations have helped to put the Oak-Tree Group on the map.

Older pupils also often use the forest and surroundings for topic work, geographical studies or outdoor activities.

THE DETAILS Oak Tree Schools For more information about joining us at The Oak-Tree Group of Schools: www.oaktreeschools.co.uk

MARCH ATOPEN DAYS THE

OAK-TREE GROUP OF SCHOOLS 1 - 4th MARCH 2022 020 8508 3517

020 8529 4307

BRAESIDE SCHOOL

COOPERSALE HALL SCHOOL

020 8504 1133

01992 577133

NORMANHURST SCHOOL

OAKLANDS SCHOOL

020 8529 4307

020 8508 3517

Buckhurst Hill

Epping

North Chingford

Get an insight into school life

Loughton

Meet the staff and pupils

Take a guided tour

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT THE SCHOOLS DIRECTLY TO BOOK A PLACE For more information www.oaktreeschools.co.uk

@OaktreeSchools

EDUC ATION

Education Heroes John Manning, Head of Prep & Year 6 teacher at Avon House Preparatory School talks to us about what inspires him in the classroom.

Tell us about your favourite teacher at school? My Favourite teacher at school was Mr. Naylor. He travelled throughout Europe before becoming a history teacher. I particularly remember when talking about World War I, he described his experiences of visiting the areas where the battle took place. Who or what inspired you to teach? Initially, I worked in Sports Development and was employed by the Essex FA. When I retrained to be a teacher, the Government were phasing out the “Every Child Matters” initiative. For me this perfectly summed up the reason why I wanted to become a teacher, to ensure that every child was valued and celebrated. What part of your job brings you most joy? Currently, I am completing a Masters in Character Education and teach this subject as part of our curriculum. I enjoy when a pupil, identifies the value they need, in order to make a change to the situation that they find themselves in. For example, developing their resourcefulness in order to use what they know to overcome the problem they face. 34 FEBRUARY 2022

What is the best thing you’ve learned from your students? I have learnt the importance of being honest about your feelings. During every registration time, I ask the pupils how they are feeling. Their responses, not only help me to identify how I can help and support them that day, but also encourages me to be honest with those around me, so that I also can get that help and support. What famous person – alive or dead – would you love to give a talk to your students? Malala. On the wall in my classroom I have the following quote from Malala, “Let us remember, one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Not only does she demonstrate what resilience looks like, but also how to use your influence, when you are in positions of authority. Invaluable lessons for students to learn. What has been the highlight of your career so far? The highlights in my career centre on when opportunities are created that enable children to feel noticed, valued and celebrated. Most recently, a pupil who can sometimes go unnoticed, as they are quiet and reserved, sang a solo at our Christmas Carol Concert and it was so beautiful, it made me cry.

I wanted to become a teacher, to ensure that every child was valued and celebrated THE DETAILS Avon House Preparatory School 490 High Road, Woodford Green Essex, IG8 0PN 020 8504 1749 office@ahsprep.co.uk avonhouseschool.co.uk

pplications now open

quest an application form please email our Registrar at registrar@ahsprep.co.uk

AVON HOUSE High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0PN PREPARATORY 0 8504 1749 I www.avonhouseschool.co.uk SCHOOL

AR FO T AC R C TI HI VIT LD IE RE S N

OPEN MORNING

Wednesday 23rd February 2022 9.00 – 11.00am Head’s Talk at 9.15am Please email admissions@ahsprep.co.uk to book your space 490-492 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 OPN

www.avonhouseschool.co.uk | 020 8504 1749 |office@ahsprep.co.uk

EDUC ATION

The importance of SCHOOL OPEN DAYS

s we approach the new term, it is now when thoughts turn to Independent School Open Days - allowing you to get a genuine feel for the school and whether on first impressions it is right for your child.

TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF A SCHOOL OPEN DAY… • Check on the school website if you need to make an appointment prior to visiting • It is vital that you are prepared so read their school brochures thoroughly • Take your child with you – their opinion is the most important. Children will get an idea whether they feel comfortable there. • Talk to as many people as you can: pupils, teachers and the headmaster ideally • Take an independent walk around with your child and chat about any reservations you might both have.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A SCHOOL OPEN DAY…. Some questions will differ according to your child’s age and whether you are visiting a day or boarding school. • How selective is the school academically and what is the current pass rate for the common entrance exam? • Are there high expectations and high academic achievements? • Is the curriculum broad and well balanced? (you want your child to be successful but not too compelled in pressure) • What are the classroom sizes? 36 FEBRUARY 2022

• What is expected of my child with regard to homework? • Is there a healthy balance of fun and academia? • Is there a bullying policy? • What lunchtime meals are available? • What sports and music facilities are available? • What after school clubs and trips are available? • How many pupils branch out into further education? After the tour, you may have the opportunity to meet other parents and children on a more informal footing whereby the teachers and the head can answer queries over coffee and biscuits.

ance Exam & Scholarship pplications now open

quest an application form please email our Registrar at registrar@ahsprep.co.uk

AVON HOUSE High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0PN PREPARATORY 0 8504 1749 I www.avonhouseschool.co.uk SCHOOL

7+ ENTRANCE EXAM & SCHOLARSHIP Applications now open

For further information and to request an application form, please email registrar@ahsprep.co.uk 490-492 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 OPN www.avonhouseschool.co.uk | 020 8504 1749 |office@ahsprep.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH

& BEAUTY

– Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – I MAGE: SKIN LAB MEDISPA

FASHION,&HEALTH FASHION BEAUTY& BEAUTY

LONDON FASHION WEEK PREVIEW presented by Clearpay

AUTUMN/WINTER 2022 COLLECTIONS

Friday 18th- Tuesday 22nd February 2022

he world famous London Fashion Week: catwalks, celebrities, glitz and glamour. It is one of the highest profile fashion ton events in the world – and one of the ‘big 16Arling four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent and the best and brightest names in the industry. The pandemic has obviously changed Fashion Weeks across the globe. After going fully digital in 2020, London Fashion Week (LFW) returned in September 2021 with a mix of physical and digital showcases. With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 rapidly spreading late 2021, we wondered whether LFW would be cancelled or return to digital only. A provisional line-up has been released by the British Fashion Council and it looks like we will be treated to another hybrid digital-physical showcase this year. The major fashion event used to be exclusively for those who worked in the fashion industry — from buyers to journalists and even bloggers. However since the start of the pandemic, with the shift to digital, LFW has become open to everyone so has become a little more public. There are still physical shows and those are exclusive events, but you can tune in on the LFW website. So while most of us are planning our Spring and London, with designers Summer wardrobe, designers worldwide descending on the at London Fashion Week capital in one form or another. a h c o R e will be showcasing their The hybrid digital-physical Simon Autumn/Winter 2022 schedule will continue to Collections. It is a week where incorporate catwalk shows, designers are free to create at presentations, appointments, and will and experiment with new events throughout London, as trends. Whether colourful, crazy or well as digital content available controversial - the world is watching as at londonfashionweek.co.uk. fashion history is made. The LFW digital platform is the The event will incorporate catwalk Official Digital Hub and will be shows, presentations, appointments, events, freely accessible to everyone, industry digital content and activations throughout professionals and global fashion consumers

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alike, showcasing digital content from the designers, enabling collaboration and bringing together fashion, culture and technology. The provisional line-up currently sees over 100 confirmed participating designers who will present their new collections. These include: 16Arlington, Banshee of Savile Row, Matty Bovan, David Koma, Seokwoon Yoon, MAXXU, Bethany Williams, Christoph Ritter Studio, 8ON8, London College of Fashion, ERDEM, Central Saint Martins MA Fashion, Dear Frances, OSMAN, Harris Wharf London, TOGA, Simone Rocha, FASHION EAST, Richard Malone, BLOKE, HALPERN, Labrum London and Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY. LFW City Wide Celebration is a full schedule of events and activations open to the public over LFW, which will run alongside the London Fashion Week show schedule. From artistic installations at Browns East, interactive pop-ups at Machine-A to drinks at the NOW gallery and going behind the scenes at Mulberry, City Wide Celebration aims to unite London in a festival of creativity and innovation. The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the designers’ and fashion stylists’ cutting-edge collections, but the media excitement that accompanies them. Celebrities swarm to attend the fashion event of the year – past attendees include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Dame Helen Mirren, Bradley Cooper, Brigitte Nielsen,

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Pronounc

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Yasmin Le Bon, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson, Cara Delevingne, Eva Herzigova, Craig David, Pamela Anderson, Calum Best, Jude Law, Pixie Lott, Daisy Lowe. The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe. London Fashion Week has been running twice yearly since 1983 and has since become one of the most exciting, creative and coveted events in the world. For more information about London Fashion Week including up-to-date schedules, news, and tickets go to londonfashionweek.co.uk Follow on @LondonFashionWk and join the conversation. #LFW Fashion Show Live SS22

Bora Ask

Bethany

Williams

FEBRUARY 2022 41

FASHION & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

FASHION & BEAUTY PRETTY PRINT Ornately framed portraits of family dogs, rococo side chairs, humped back sofas, ornate bouquets influenced by floral designer Constance Spry and gilt pier glasses. roryhutton.co.uk

WE LOVE This Anya Belle 9ct Yellow Gold 3 Cluster Ring. ramsdensjewellery.co.uk

WINTER WARMERS Welligogs’ Harley Gilet deviates from their traditional gilets, flaunting a British quilted wax and beautifully contrasting moleskin features. The fabric is water-resistant, windproof and breathable making it perfect for the outdoors. We also love this traditional Richmond Wax Trench coat, made in England. welligogs.com

SHAKE UP YOUR STYLE Shake up your style this summer (if it ever gets here!) with a bespoke statement hair accessory from Wild Vanilla Studios. Handmade in London, this newly launched collection of delicate and playful pieces will add the finishing touch to any outfit. wildvanillastudios.co.uk

FIT FOR A QUEEN Bring a touch of royal glamour to your makeup routine with this crown embroidered cosmetics bag. Made with royal purple plush fabric and gold metallic detailing. shop.westminster-abbey.org 14 82 0 FFEEB BR RU UA ARRYY 2 02 2022 2

LOVE HEARTS With the striking heart print against a dusky pink background there are endless styling opportunities with this stunning blouse. mimisedit.co.uk

FASHION,&HEALTH FASHION BEAUTY& BEAUTY

KATE AT 40:

How her style compares to other royals at 40

The Duchess of Cambridge’s style shares some similarities with other royal family members. By Katie Wright

ne of the defining style icons of our time, the Duchess of Cambridge rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to fashion. It’s coming up to a decade since she officially joined the royal family and the mum-of-three has evolved her signature style, making bolder choices as the years have gone by. In the early days of her marriage to William, the Duke of Cambridge, Kate was rarely seen in trousers (unless it was skinny jeans for a sporting activity), but now she embraces tailoring and the latest trends in a cool, confident manner. Her red carpet gowns are more show-stopping than ever. Could the same be said of other members of the royal family when they hit the big 4-0? As Kate celebrated her milestone birthday last month, we look back at how her personal style compares to other royals at the same age…

THE QUEEN The Queen turned 40 on April 21, 1966. By this time, the monarch had already perfected her signature look for public appearances: a kneelength dress and matching frock coat in a vivid colour (to ensure she stands out from the crowd) with gloves, hat and her trusty

Above: The Duchess of Cambridge on stage, during the first Earthshot Prize awards ceremony Left: The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Nower Hill High School in Harrow Far left: Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Hospital garden party, Chelsea, 1967

Launer handbag. Kate does embrace bold colours on occasion (she always looks stunning in red), but she varies her outfits a lot more than Her Majesty and chooses more casual ensembles for outdoor events and activities.

PRINCESS MARGARET Princess Margaret, who turned 40 on August 21, 14 94 6 FFEEB BR RU UA ARRYY 2 02 2022 2

1970, shared a fondness for frock coats, sensible court shoes and hats with her sister, the Queen. Compared to the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Margaret’s outfits tended to be more formal, though she loved a glittering gown for high-profile events, as Kate does.

PRINCESS ANNE

DUCHESS OF YORK

A dedicated follower of fashion, Princess Anne rocked some incredible Sixties mod minidresses and bold Seventies suits in her younger days, and her bouffant hair ‘do became famous in itself. By the time she turned 40, in 1990, the Princess Royal had toned down her style considerably, but she stuck with the voluminous hair. Kate’s Christmas Day outfits are often similar to Princess Anne’s, featuring classic wool coats accessorised with leather gloves and boots.

The Duchess of York was already divorced from Prince Andrew when she turned 40 in 1999. During that period, Fergie was often pictured in boxy, dark-coloured skirts or trouser suits. By comparison, Kate is a lot more adventurous with her style, embracing bright hues, bold prints and trendy silhouettes.

Above: The Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the Together At Christmas community carol service Top right: The Duchess of York at London’s Queen’s Club in 2000. Top left: Princess Margaret leaves Hammonds Store during a visit to Hull, 1971

COUNTESS OF WESSEX Left: The Princess Royal at Ascot in 1993 Right: Sophie, Countess of Wessex on her 40th birthday in 1995

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, turned 40 in 2005, a time when she favoured feminine tailoring, often in white or pale hues. The Countess managed to side-step many of the worst fads of the Noughties by keeping her style relatively classic, and that’s also what Kate does. While the 40-yearold nods to current trends, she knows how to avoid anything that will date quickly. BR F E BFRE U AURAYR Y2 0220 22 2 415 9 7

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Art of Beauty The Skin Lab MediSpa is a welcoming spa located in Chingford.

elcome, through a private entrance, Skin Lab Medispa is a calming, cosy space where tranquillity prevails. It is a place where people can come to achieve a more natural and youthful appearance. Skin Lab Medispa offers a wide range of treatments designed to combat the signs of ageing and leave you looking and feeling refreshed and their experienced and medically qualified clinicians ensure that all of your needs are met in a stress-free environment. From the moment you enter Skin Lab, you will be treated with personalized attention while being cared for by their expert team. This includes a thorough consultation with medically qualified aesthetician who will discuss and recommend treatment and products to suit your specific needs and goals. It is a place where people can come to achieve a more natural and youthful appearance and experience their full range of advanced aesthetic injectables including dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle treatments, facial rejuvenation, and more! The Skin Lab MediSpa is your partner for exceptional medical aesthetics.

Popular treatments include: IV Drips Their IV drips packed with vitamins and minerals delivered right into the bloodstream for rapid access to vital nutrients, along with medical grade anti-oxidants. If you want to improve your health, strengthen your immune system and have more energy, IV drips are best way to restore your body with micronutrients that are often lost due to our toxic environment. Sit back, relax and take your vitamins in a whole new way. Dermal Fillers Skin Lab Medispa uses premium range dermal filler to enhance and restore lips, cheeks, jawline, chin and use their expertise to bring a harmony to a female face, and masculinize male facial features. Facial Rejuvenation Skin Lab Medispa is your destination when it comes to facial rejuvenation. They treat your skin differently, making you look and feel your best. They specialize in anti wrinkle treatments, skin boosters, Profhilo, plasma rich platelet treatments and more! For all enquires regarding Skin Lab Medispa, please get in touch with us.

46 FEBRUARY 2022

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and love unique faces. With us, you can be sure of getting the most suitable treatment for your individual needs.

THE DETAILS Skin Lab MediSpa 107b Station Road, Chingford London E47BU 02034572046 info@skinlabmedispa.co.uk skinlabmedispa.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Skin Boosters Treating skin conditions where no topical creams or skin care products can go

ge, lifestyle, and environmental exposure can all exacerbate skin conditions like dehydration and skin laxity. This can eventually result in dull, tired skin. The stresses of modern life can take their toll on your skin, causing it to loose its soft and radiant appearance. Unfortunately, we may have to deal with a variety of skin problems: • Uneven rough skin • Loss of moisture and radiance • Worn and tired looking skin Skin Lab Medispa provides skin boosters as a solution to improve your skin’s condition and beauty. Our skin boosters provide benefits by increasing the skin’s nutrient and moister supply.

adding smoothness, firmness, and elasticity. These skin boosters are used to improve the skin structure of all skin types in the areas of the hands, lips, neck, and face for both men and women. Will plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and creating smoother, more youthful skin. Choices you can make at Skin Lab Medispa • Teosyal Redensity 1 -3 session course £450 • Profhilo – 2 session course £550 • Restylane Vital – 3 session course £375 • Belotero Revive – 3 session course

The stresses of modern life can take their toll on your skin, causing it to loose its soft and radiant appearance

THE DETAILS Skin Lab MediSpa

What Exactly is a Skin Booster? Skin boosters, are a fantastic treatment for creating radiant, glowing complexion. Hyaluronic acid skin booster injections rejuvenate the skin by improving hydration retention in underlying skin tissues and 48 FEBRUARY 2022

107b Station Road, Chingford London E47BU 02034572046 info@skinlabmedispa.co.uk skinlabmedispa.co.uk

FASHION,&HEALTH FASHION BEAUTY& BEAUTY

Thierry Mugler’s most iconic

red carpet moments The futuristic designer counts Kim Kardashian West, Cardi B and Nicole Kidman among his fans. By Prudence Wade

roundbreaking French designer Manfred Thierry Mugler has died aged 73. The news was announced on his Instagram page with a black square accompanied by the caption: “We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022. May his soul Rest In Peace.” Mugler launched his brand in the early 1970s, and became known for an architectural and experimental approach to fashion. On the runway, his silhouettes were always bold: waists were cinched, shoulders were exaggerated, and he favoured sheer panels and cut-outs to accentuate the female form. In recent years, Mugler’s popularity has seen a resurgence, thanks to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West and Cardi B wearing designs from his archives. Mugler stepped down as creative director of his eponymous brand in the early Noughties, but later returned as creative adviser – and his signature style is still felt in the modern designs. Beyoncé and Diana Ross are just some of the famous faces who have paid tribute to the designer so far – and they join a long list of celebrities who have served some major Mugler moments on the red carpet…

Cardi B This will go down in history as one of Cardi B’s most impactful red carpet moments. She made history as the first solo female artist to win best rap album at the 2019 Grammys, and walked the red carpet in a vintage Mugler creation. With a black velvet skirt and pale pink material 15 80 2 FFEEB BR RU UA ARRYY 2 02 2022 2

fanning around her, Cardi looked like a modern interpretation of Botticelli’s painting The Birth Of Venus.

Kim Kardashian West The 2019 Met Gala’s theme was Camp: Notes On Fashion, and Kim Kardashian West pulled off a coup by wearing Mugler’s first new design in 20 years. The nude latex minidress featured an extreme corset and was dripping with crystals – and with Kardashian West’s wet look hair, the reality star looked like she had just walked out of the water.

Reese Witherspoon This is definitely on the more demure end of the spectrum for Mugler, but you can still see the hallmarks of the French fashion house in Reese Witherspoon’s dress for the 2017 Met Gala: an architectural silhouette with a statement shoulder, and a bit of extra sex appeal in the mega leg slit.

Dina Asher-Smith While Mugler’s designs tend to feature monochromatic block colours, this is a rare

example of the brand venturing into colours and patterns – worn by Dina Asher-Smith to the 2021 GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Grammys. A plain black suit was kicked up a notch with shiny panels, oversized shoulders and sleeves, and kicky cropped trousers.

Dua Lipa

Nicole Kidman

Dua Lipa is a long-time fan of Mugler – she wore a studded black dress with a slit going all the way up to her hip bone to the Global Awards 2020… …And really leaned into the sexiness of the label in a black cut-out bodysuit, worn to perform at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2019.

The Mugler label is fairly unique in the fashion world – it’s worn and loved by all different types of celebrities. Here, Nicole Kidman’s little black dress is given a subtle sexiness with silver rings studded all over.

Rita Ora Mugler’s designs are all about drama, and what could be more OTT than Rita Ora wearing sculptural feathers on her dress?

Abbey Clancy Abbey Clancy tested the limits of cut-outs in a Mugler creation in 2017 – made even more memorable by the zingy orange hue.

Miley Cyrus When the Mugler brand does a suit, it’s not going to be any old take on tailoring: just look at Miley Cyrus’s outfit to the 2019

FEBRUARY 2022 51

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

I HAVE AN EAR INFECTION, WHAT CAN BE DONE?

ar infections can be due to infection of the ear canal, commonly known as swimmer’s ear or due to infection of the middle ear.

THE DETAILS Private Secretary info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk 07494914140

What could be reasons for middle ear infections? Middle ear infections could be due to hole in the ear drum. This could lead to water getting in and infecting middle ear lining. Another reason for middle ear infection could be cholesteatoma.

Practices at four facilities

What is a cholesteatoma? Cholesteatoma is an infection of the ear in which dead skin cells can grow and expand in the middle ear. As cholesteatoma is an expanding cyst, it can grow and damage hearing, facial nerve and/ or balance.

Nuﬃeld Health Brentwood Hospital Shenfield Road Shenfield Brentwood CM15 8EH

What are treatment options for hole in the ear drum? It essentially depends on the symptoms of the patient and how it is affecting quality of life. If the hole is dry and does not have associated hearing loss it can be left alone. If you have associated hearing loss, ear surgery in order to repair the hearing or a hearing aid can help. How is cholesteatoma treated? Unfortunately, there is no medicine for cholesteatoma. The only treatment possible is delicately dissecting out cholesteatoma from the ear, sometimes with the use of Lasers and preserving the hearing.

Spire London East Roding Lane South Redbridge Ilford IG4 5PZ

Are there any advancement in ear surgery? The good news is that with the advancement of endoscopic ear surgery, patients can have ear surgery in less painful and minimally invasive way, without external scars.

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon entsurgeonclinic.co.uk

What is your experience of endoscopic ear surgery? I feel pride in telling my patients that I have been performing ear surgery for the last 22 years. I have operated on more than 1000 ear cases and till date I have not had any facial weakness in my hands which is a known complication of ear surgery. After including endoscopic ear surgery and Laser in my practice I am able to perform complex ear cases with a good outcome.

Spire Hartswood Hospital Eagle Way Brentwood CM13 3LE NHS Practice Barking Havering Redbridge NHS Trust Queen’s Hospital Rom Valley Way Romford RM7 0AG FEBRUARY 2022 53

FASHION,&HEALTH FASHION BEAUTY& BEAUTY

Valentine’s Day gifts for beauty buffs From make-up to candles, these beauty buys are sure to please, says Katie Wright.

he most romantic day of the year is just around the corner, when we dote on our partners and thank them for all they do for us. If your significant other is a self-confessed beauty obsessive, you’re in luck – this year there’s a plethora of fabulous presents to choose from. Similarly, if you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day and want to spoil a friend, these glamorous treats are sure to impress.

1 RU UA 5 84 6 FFEEBBR ARRYY 2 20 20 12 2

HERE ARE SOME GIFTS THAT WILL DELIGHT A BEAUTY LOVER ON VALENTINE’S DAY… MAJOR MAKE-UP Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in At Night, £38 The Ambient Lighting collection from Hourglass is legendary among make-up lovers, and new blush shade ‘At Night’ – as seen on brand ambassador Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – is stunning, blending brick red pigment with luminescent particles, to impart a gorgeous glow.

Jo Loves Orange Butterflies A Fragrance Paintbrush, £40 The newly revamped range of Fragrance Paintbrushes from Jo Loves now features more sustainable packaging and a refillable cartridge, with seven different scents to daub on your skin.

PAMPERING PRESSIES Marks and Spencer Apothecary Luxury Gift Set, £49 With candles, scented oils, bath salts, reed diffusers and more, this impressive 18-piece bundle from M&S’s chicly packaged Apothecary range is excellent value for money, and has everything you need to create a sumptuous spa experience at home. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Red Case, £27.50 Actually a Chinese New Year launch, available from February 1, we think this ravishing ruby lipstick in a beautiful floral case makes an ideal V-Day gift, too. Laura Mercier Color Infusion Blush in Watermelon, £24, LookFantastic One of four new shades launched to coincide with Valentine’s Day, Watermelon is a subtle peachypink with a hint of shimmer. Fenty Beauty Lil Gloss Bombs Mini Lip Duo & Keychain Holder, £22, Boots This dynamic duo brings together mini Gloss Bomb lip glosses in classic shade Fenty Glow (a shimmering tawny nude) with new hue Pink Firefly (a glittering coral), plus you get a keychain holder, so you can glow on the go.

SENSATIONAL SCENTS Jo Malone Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense, £86 for 50ml The latest launch from the iconic perfume house pays homage to the poppy, adding the warmth of ambrette and the sweetness of tonka bean to the floral notes, creating a wonderfully well-rounded fragrance housed in a striking scarlet bottle. Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Eau de Parfum, £45 for 40ml, The Perfume Shop Bursting with juicy peach and mandarin orange notes, this elegant oriental fragrance centres around the white floral pairing of lily and jasmine sambac, softened with a dash of vanilla.

Kiss The Moon Love After Dark Bath Oil, £38 With romantic restaurant visits off the cards this year, why not treat your other half to an indulgent night in, starting off with a relaxing bath? Scented with rose, frankincense and ylang ylang, this oil is the perfect way to enhance tub time. Baylis & Harding Jojoba, Vanilla & Almond Oil 5 Piece Gift Set, £25, Next This pretty pink selection brings together body wash, lotion, scrub, soap and shower creme, all scented with a delightful jojoba, vanilla and almond blend.

CAPTIVATING CANDLES Boy Smells Hypernature Fleurshadow Scented Candle, £45, Osmology Part of the new Hypernature collection from cult candle brand Boy Smells, Fleurshadow is a dark floral dream, melding geranium, rose and violet with benzoin (a rich-smelling resin) and incense. Evermore London Flore Candle, £50, Harvey Nichols Housed in a chic black glass, this floral symphony of a candle is centred around lilac blooms, with citrusy petitgrain and a splash of spicy clove, tempering the heady perfume of the purple flower. Yankee Candle Large Jar Candle Fresh Cut Roses, £23.99, Boots The aromatic equivalent of a dozen long stem roses, this long-lasting jar candle will fill your home with the decadent scent of the queen of flowers. EU BR F E BFR AURAYR Y2 0220 22 1 5158 7

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

CREAM

For That Special Occasion Once you know your son or daughter is getting married a wedding is just the excuse you need for dressing up. Bride aside all eyes will be on the Mums.

ream has been trading in Royston for 46 years and is predominantly a special occasion store. The extensive stock on two floors is colour co-ordinated for ease of selection. Everything is available from outfits (sizes 6-26) to shoes, bags, hats, hatinators, fascinators and lingerie. Brands stocked include Condici, Ispirato, John Charles and Veni Infantino. Dressed up, Lewis Henry and Ann Balon are perfect for plus sizes. Less formalwear from Frank Lyman, Gina Bacconi, and Alison is ideal for a day at the races, wedding abroad or guests and cruising. Mothers usually purchase their outfits four months before the event and customers are given the option to change it if they see something they prefer later, but they rarely do. Once everything gels and you have the wow factor you have found the outfit. It is usual for the mothers to co-ordinate with the wedding party. It is very important to be comfortable with what you are wearing. A shift dress with a jacket is always a popular choice because

56 FEBRUARY 2022

A free alteration service is available on all full priced outfits bought in store THE DETAILS Cream Fashions Why not pay Royston a visit, there is something for every occasion and budget. To book an appointment call Cream on 01763 244073 email info@creamfashions.com or Occasions for less on 01763 247166 email info@occasionsforless.co.uk The shop is Covid secure and the diary is filling up fast. Spring/ Summer 2022 stock now arriving. www.creamfashions.com

the jacket can be taken off in the evening when things warm up. A dress with a statement hat is also popular. It is important to be happy with the final look. Whilst the outfit must be perfect for the occasion, having the correct lingerie underneath can alter the whole look of a garment. Cream has a well stocked lingerie department which can be tried on with the outfit. A free alteration service is available on all full priced outfits bought in store, a fitting being carried out six weeks before the event, thus ensuring a perfect fit. Shoes and bags are made in Spain in different heel heights and beautiful leathers. The Sale shop, Occasions for less located opposite Cream in Roysia House offers mother of the bride and groom outfits, shoes, bags, hats and hatinators from previous seasons at fantastic prices. See the Sale page on creamfashions.com. There is also a half price section at Cream. See the bottom of the pages on Condici, John Charles, and Ispirato on creamfashions.com.

It is usual for the mothers to coordinate with the wedding party. It is very important to be comfortable

the final look. Whilst the outfit must be perfect for the occasion, having the correct lingerie

now arriving. www.creamfashions.com

For That Special Occasion ~ CeLeBrAtInG 46 YeArS In rOYStOn ~

SpeCIALISt In OutfItS fOr MOtHer Of tHe BrIde And GrOOM

Condici • John Charles • Ispirato • Ann Balon • Veni Infantino • Gina Bacconi • Lewis Henry • Luis Civit • Claudia C • Izabella

Sizes 6 - 26 • Free Alteration Service • Matching Hats, Fascinators • Shoes & Bags available Lingerie from Fantasie, Charnos, Lepel, After Eden, Royce, Triumph & Bodywrap. Cup sizes AA - H

John Street, Royston, SG8 9BE

Tel: 01763 244073

www.creamfashions.com info@creamfashions.com

HFASHION, O U S E & GHEALTH A R D E N & BEAUTY

How to grow your own edible flowers for cakes, bakes and cocktails

The pretty petals in your garden will keep bees happy too. By Hannah Stephenson

pollinators, around 30% of the crops we consume wouldn’t make it to our plates,” says Hanenne Madi, brand manager at Rowse Honey, whose Hives For Lives (rowsehoney.co.uk/hives-for-lives) programme of initiatives aims to support bees and beekeepers. To help you navigate the best nectar rich blooms to plant and pick in every season, gardening expert Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, offers this guide to planting and foraging edible flowers in your garden:

s edible flowers continue to grace the plates of TikTok and Instagram influencers, it’s time to get in on the act. The petals are being used to decorate cakes and loaves, garnish weekend cocktails and make pretty ice cubes. Many have a unique taste, from the almond flavour of hawthorn to the subtle spicy notes of cornflower. But most important to the gardener is that growing these nectar rich edibles can provide nourishment for bees too. “Growing them can help to feed pollinating insects like honey bees all year round. Without 2 UA 5 58 6 FFEEBBRR U AR RYY 2 20 02 22 2

“The petals are being used to decorate cakes and loaves, garnish weekend cocktails and make pretty ice cubes”

SPRING FLOWERS Chive blossoms – I love the gentle onion taste that these flowers give. Perfect as a garnish for salads or scrambled eggs. They’re easy to grow, even in a window box. Sow in March for early puff balls of flowers in May. Crab apple tree blossoms – Remember that many spring blossoms are edible and these will be one of the first edible blooms in the year. Crab apples are perfectly safe to eat, and while tart, you can make some delicious recipes with them like crab apple wine and crab apple pie. If you’ve only got a patio, why not try a dwarf variety? I’d recommend planting during the winter months. By early spring you should start to see pretty blossoms surrounded by happy pollinators. Hawthorn – The blossom of hawthorn is often used in cooking, but don’t forget the foliage is also edible which has a nutty taste when young. In the autumn, the berries are also useful in the kitchen for jams and jellies. Hawthorn grows best in sunny conditions and is tolerant of all soil types. Best planted in the winter. Expect blossoms by late spring.

SUMMER FLOWERS Cornflower – Bees and pollinating insects love the electric blue of the traditional cornflower. It’s also edible and adds an injection of colour to any baking and is ideal for decorating cakes. Sow the seeds in April for flowers by July. Elderflower – The perfect flower for making cordial. Forage your own in the wild or grow yourself from a great range of cultivated varieties. Elderflowers are ready around mid-May to midJune and are best planted in winter. French marigolds – This childhood favourite is edible, and the petals can look decorative on cakes. Easy to grow from seed or you can buy plants at your local garden centre. French marigolds have

little helicopter pads for bees to land on and feast on the nectar. Sow in spring for flowers by July. Lavender – A pollinator favourite, it can be used in baking to decorate cakes. For something a bit different, try a lavender latte. Super easy to grow, they prefer Mediterranean conditions, so keep them on the dry side. Borage – The cool blue colours of borage are perfect for cocktails and also add a cucumber flavour to salads, as do the leaves. Very easy to grow from seed, and will self-set too, meaning you don’t need to re-seed each year. Bees adore the flowers of borage, as it’s an essential nectar source. Sow in April and May for flowering from June through to November, sometimes even lasting into early winter.

AUTUMN FLOWERS Nasturtiums – Probably the most well-known of all edible flowers, they are easy to grow in any soil type. Use the flowers, leaves and unripe seeds in the kitchen to add some surprise and delight to your recipes. Sow in the spring for flowers all the way through to October. Dahlias – Dahlia petals are edible and can be used to add a flush of colour to salads, while the tubers can also be eaten. Bees buzz around for nectar, preferring the single blooms. Plant in May and June for flowers all the way until November, providing a late source of nectar for pollinating insects.

“Bees and pollinating insects love the electric blue of the traditional cornflower. It’s also edible and adds an injection of colour to any baking and is ideal for decorating cakes”

WINTER FLOWERS Primroses – An essential nectar source for bees during the colder months, the primrose is also a deliciously edible flower for us. I think the classic yellow colour looks amazing on top of cakes. Very easy to grow. Plant in September, in a shady corner. Violas – Violas are a miniature pansy, and the flowers are perfect for decorating your favourite bakes. These cool season bloomers and can remain in bloom throughout the winter. Edible flower expert Erin Bunting, co-founder and head of cooking at The Edible Flower (theedibleflower.com), says: “Pressed flowers are so delicate they make a perfect garnish for little canapes and tartlets. You can press them when the flowers are in season and then store them for months, meaning you can use them for your special occasions throughout the year.” EB F E BF R URAURAYR Y2 02 20 22 2 5295 7

HOUSE &

GARDEN – Keep it local for everything house and home – IMAGE: C HA PLINS

HOUSE & GARDEN

Meet The Italian Brand Rewriting The Rules of Comfort Anna Howell, Chaplins Interiors Editor

udwig Mies Van Der Rohe once said that it’s easier to design a skyscraper than a comfortable chair. After thirty years of searching, we’re inclined to agree. Skyscrapers, for all their bluster, have proven to be underwhelming overlords; kingpins in concrete jungles that offer little in the way of biodiversity. Sitting, however, is a whole other ballgame. The one we dedicate nine hours of the day to. Often without giving it much thought. And yet finding comfort in the rhythms of work and play has proven to be essential in finding any kind of equilibrium in the everyday. To paraphrase one Pierluigi Masini, it’s only when the body experiences wellbeing that the mind can ride the waves of the imagination. It’s out of this context that a truly superlative seating brand has bloomed. One that has no interest in creating just another chair. And whose meticulously-made furnishings would have given even the cynical Mies a reason to smile. Not all technology is visible to the eye. Indeed, if connectivity is anything to go by, most of the best innovations take place just out of sight. It’s the same with Gellyfoam — a patented material that introduces into contemporary living spaces the kind of softness once reserved for travelling astronauts. “It is a material that can accommodate any posture,” confirms designer Francesco Binfaré,

62 FEBRUARY 2022

“It’s out of this context that a truly superlative seating brand has bloomed. One that has no interest in creating just another chair”

correcting it with all the care of a mother tucking a child in at night.” Hyperbole aside, it’s a remarkable invention. And just one of the components that make Edra sofas the crème de la crème of comfort. Nowadays, the core collection also counts on the inclusion of Smart Cushions. Plump, technological pillows that sound like they should belong in the Metaverse, but were actually developed ten years ago in Tuscany. With a slight pressure of the hand they can rise or bend in any

direction — movements for a sofa that wants to be in sync with the way people think, rest and dream. This sense of atomised comfort is typical of EDRA’S approach to design. Before, it was the sofa, or rather the designer, that dictated how one should sit. Now, in Edra’s world, it’s the user who suggests the final form the sofa should take. On the one hand, it’s a generous gesture. But it’s also an ancient one, too. Stefano Pasqualetti wrote recently that for all its advancement, architecture remains a basic discipline, dedicated to creating a relatable space that puts men and women at the centre of their own experience. This ability to put people first or “build to human” is easily the greatest talent of Edra. Through a mix of sumptuous, enticing designs, they seek to understand people in their chosen place. Without ever having to sacrifice on the beauty, aspiration or quality that makes the label Made in Italy great. chaplins.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2022 63

HOUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS ENCHANTE SPECKLED GOLD TEAPOT

BOMBAY DUCK MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

We all know that Mums are superheroes, but Mother’s Day is the perfect time to make sure they know it too. Bombay Duck has prepared the ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide for you! bombayduck.com

PHULKARI DIAMONDS CUSHION RECTANGLE GOLD METALLIC

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN Bringing the outdoors in never goes out of style with its proven ability to boost morale and positivity. The new earthy delights from Atkin & Thyme will introduce a subtle sense of nature to any scheme. atkinandthyme.co.uk

BERTIE ENAMEL FRAME 4X6IN AQUA/GOLD

POSH POOCH Of course your perfect pooch deserves a perfect perch. A gently distressed pet bed with a hand-carved wooden frame in a white-washed finish, pale pink velvet upholstery and double-piped edges. Pure princess style! frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

ANY OCCASION GIFT CANDLE FREESIA & VIOLET MAMA

REINVENTING THE TEAL Want an interior space that exudes tranquillity with a side serving of luxury? According to the experts at eco paint specialists, Victory Colours, teal is the go-to shade. victorycolours.co.uk 64 FEBRUARY 2022

CASABLANCA EMBROIDERED POUF GOLD METALLIC

GARDEN HHOUSE O U S E && G ARDEN

Design Storey

Kate Watson-Smyth shares styling tips The interiors author and Mad About The House blogger has launched a new home edit-store. She tells Sam Wylie-Harris all about it.

fter 20 years of writing about interiors and sharing her passion for styling homes through her award-winning blog, Mad About The House, Kate Watson-Smyth is taking her expertise to the next level – with a décor hub that does all the hard work for you. “I had the idea for Design Storey (designstorey. shop) a year ago, and then the pandemic happened. And it feels even more right now, because we’ve all pivoted to online shopping, like it or not,” says Watson-Smyth. “Yet there’s so much stuff out there – my job is to wander through the corridors of the internet looking for nice stuff to put on the blog.” The result is an online interiors store with a really tight edit of 50 of the best of each product, to help narrow down your search. “So it’s that idea of saying: ‘Do you know what, I will edit the internet for you. I will find you the best stuff, whether it’s filleting through a massive department store or sight like La Redoute, smaller brands, and hopefully bringing some new designers to your attention – and I will find you the best ones’,” Watson-Smyth explains. Fun, creative and with a brilliant eye for detail, she’s realised with the ongoing restrictions and people desperately trying to create space for a home office (or homeschooling), they don’t want to spend all day looking for a desk lamp: “They just want a really nice one – so they can go back to work, or whatever they were doing.” Each ’50 of the best’ collection on Design Storey 26 0 212022 6 8 FM EA B RRCUHA 2R0Y

is arranged over five pages, with no more than 10 on a page. “You can look through five pages at the bus stop – should you ever go to a bus stop again, or while waiting for the kettle to boil,” she says. And if the specific thing you’re searching for isn’t in that desk lamp parameter? “You can go and look at table lamps, or floor lamps, which are great for working from home, because they give you more space on your desk.” Making homewares more accessible than ever, with styling tips and advice to engage your interest, expect fun finds, new designs, as well as classics that hold their value – rather than ‘fast furniture’. “We’ve had this moment in fashion where we’re understanding fast fashion is not a good thing, and that notion is coming to interiors,” she continues. “Where now you might have to spend a little bit more, but you’re going to buy it once, and buy it right.”

HERE, WATSON-SMYTH SHARES KEY PIECES TO STYLE UP YOUR SPACE… Amara Bloomingville Face Glass Vase – Brown, £42 (other items from a selection or part of room set), Design Storey “The Seventies called and they want their smoked glass back… This is a growing trend and whether you buy original vintage or modern pieces, it looks good in any style of interior,” says WatsonSmyth. “This will look as good filled with flowers or faux eucalyptus as it does empty, so it earns its place in your room and won’t take up precious cupboard space.”

Lights & Lamps Nola – 1 Light Matt Black and Brass Table Lamp, £52, Design Storey “If your work-from-home space is lodging in a corner of the sitting room, kitchen or bedroom, you want a desk light that will work in all situations. This elegantly styled lamp can be angled to shine directly onto your desk, or turned to face the wall, where it will allow the light to glow gently back at you.” Style Tip: “Face your lamp forwards for work, and backwards to signify the end of the working day.”

Style Tip: “I love a big statement vase on the shelf and the sculptured face on this makes it really fun.” Love Your Home Ottilie Modern Sofa in Turmeric Mohair, from £1,748 (other items from a selection or part of room set) “The key to making a small room look bigger is to keep the furniture simple in style,” suggests Watson-Smyth. “This sleek little number has legs tall enough for you to see the space underneath – and the more floor you see, the larger the area will feel. Its slim arms also mean more sitting space, and its modern styling and velvet upholstery means it will work well in both modern and classic interiors.” Style Tip: “Why not consider a really bold colour for your sofa, rather than choosing a sensible plain colour and having patterned cushions? Mix it up – and have a really strong colour that makes your heart sing. After all, you’re going to be sitting on it for quite some time.”

Antipodream Bedding, items from a range of collections from various prices “After years of crisp white bedding and hotel style bedrooms, the current mood is for

something a little more rustic and relaxed – think #cottagecore. Layer up several of these patterns with their slightly vintage feel, and prepare to sleep out the rest of lockdown in style.” Style Tip: “If the colours are from the same colour palette, you can mix as many patterns as you like.” Nkuku Indigo Drop Ceramic Collection, from £11.95 each (main image) “Stripes never go out of fashion and this collection of tableware from Nkuku – which works with independent businesses, social projects and co-operatives to source Fair Trade products – you can buy as you go along. Style Tip: “With restaurants firmly off limits at the moment, it’s time to elevate your tablescaping and you can add some plain indigo pieces to mix it up a little.” Soho Home Garret Swivel Chair, from £1,495 (other items from a selection or part of room set) (above) “Boucle is everywhere at the moment, and its textured surface is perfect for curling up and getting cosy. The curved shape of this chair is part of a trend for so-called ‘fat furniture’, which is mostly about being comfortable,” says Watson-Smyth. Style Tip: “This chair will hug you in all the right places, and who doesn’t need that at the moment?” Mad About The House Planner: Your Home, Your Story by Kate Watson-Smyth is published by Pavilion.

Bisley Hideaway Wall Desk – Wooden Wall Mounted Desk, £349 (other items from a selection or part of room set) “Now that we all have multifunctional spaces, we need multifunctional furniture, and this wall-mounted desk is built to hide everything away at the end of the day. You can customise the colour of the steel back panel to go with the rest of the room, and the design includes a USB port and light too, so you’re good to go as soon as you open it up. Perfect for small spaces, as well as for teens and tweens.” Style Tip: “If you’re working from home in a small space, you can pack everything away at the end of the day – and flip your sitting room from office to cocktail lounge in a matter of seconds.” F E B R UMAARRYC H2 02 20 22 1 627 0 9

HOUSE && GARDEN GARDEN HOUSE

AT ONE WITH

NATURE

aturewall, the masters of crafting sustainable wall coverings, has launched its new ‘Peel and Stick’ range. The real wood wall planks that anyone can install, thanks to the simple ‘No nails, no glue, no fuss’ NatureWeld fitting system, are handcrafted in Britain using FSC Certified Timber. Always making sure they stay trend relevant, the new range has a premium feel embodied within four new finishes; Driftwood Grey, Natural Oak, Oiled Oak and Rustic Oak. With the focus on bringing nature indoors prominent for 2022 to denote well-being in the home, these natural boards are the ultimate connection with the outdoors.

“Each individual plank has been treated with an innovative new brushing process, giving every piece its own identity, tone and appearance” An evolution from the original Naturewall ‘Peel and Stick’ designs, each individual plank has been treated with an innovative new brushing process, giving every piece its own identity, tone and appearance emphasising the organic characteristics of the wood. Finished with European oils, the planks are splash-proof and easily cleanable to ensure a nofuss design update for any interior. Naturewall’s interior designer, Olivia Crosher explains the inspiration behind the new line, ‘Layering natural materials and textures is a style technique currently being executed by many interior designers and homeowners alike to create a warm, welcoming, and soulful interior. With four finishes in the range, any room can be elevated with a high-end feel that can be tailored to a variety of interior styles. Ranging anywhere from a minimalist Scandinavian feel with Natural Oak to a luxurious and rich maximalist space using Rustic Brown’. naturewall.co.uk 26 68 0 FFEEB BR RU UA ARRYY 2 02 2022 2

T: 020 3126 4984 E: info@riversideshutters.co.uk www.riversideshutterslondon.co.uk

HOUSEB&ASEMENTS GARDEN & CONVERSIONS LOFTS,

The Top 10 Home Improvements to Invest in During 2022

oft conversions, new kitchens or bathrooms, real wood flooring and smart home wiring have been revealed amongst the top 10 most value-adding property features to invest in right now, according to new research. A recent study, conducted by Flooring Superstore, analysed live Rightmove listings and collaborated with top property experts to unveil which home improvements have the potential to add the most value to a property. The Rightmove research suggested that real wood floors were most likely to have a positive impact on property prices in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh. The investigation also highlighted that underfloor heating can increase the overall value of a home too, with this energy efficient form of heating most likely to boost property prices in London, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Glasgow, and Birmingham. According to industry experts, homeowners should look to invest in improvements that add to the overall footprint of their property. Creating extensions or home improvements that modernise, improve the general condition of, or

27 10 8 FM 21 2022 EA BRRCUHA2R0 Y

The top 10 value-adding home improvements were revealed as: • Loft conversions / extensions • New kitchen • Open plan living • Restoring original features • New bathroom • Designated space • New windows and doors • Approved planning permission • Smart home wiring • Real wood floors

add interest to – such as creating a dedicated work from home space, installing underfloor heating, or restoring original features came out on top. Creating a loft conversion or extension was the most likely improvement that significantly adds value. New kitchen, open plan living, restoring original features, new bathroom, designated working from home space, new windows and doors, approved planning permission, smart home wiring, real wood floors and underfloor heating were other aspects that were likely to add value. While having a bath within the main bathroom – not just a shower – or having a working fireplace had minimal impact on the property’s value, these installations could sway a sale if in line with the personal preferences of the prospective buyers. Installing solar panels are a potential risk due to the respective tariffs, the fact that some see them as an eye sore, and the repair/maintenance costs. If the solar panels are leased rather than owned outright, it can make a property unmortgage-able. Similarly, outstanding planning permission could potentially damage the value of a property, as it implies that there’s a problem with it.

The average potential percentage increase per home improvement revealed the following: Rank

Home improvement

Potential impact on property value

Estimated % increase

Loft conversions / extension

Significantly adds value

+19.38%

New kitchen

Adds value

+9.38%

Open plan living

Adds value

+8.33%

Restoring original features

Adds value

+7.38%

New bathroom

Adds value

+6.88%

Designated WFH space

Adds value

+6.33%

New windows and doors

Adds value

+4.83%

Approved planning permission

Adds value

+3.75%

Smart home wiring

Adds value

+3.67%

Real wood floors

Adds value

+3.33%

Underfloor heating

Adds value

+3.00%

Bath in bathroom (not just shower)

Neither adds nor damages

+0.67%

Solar panels

Neither adds nor damages

+0.50%

Working fireplace

Neither adds nor damages

+0.00%

Outstanding planning permission

Potentially damage value

-1.25%

“Our research suggests that there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to add tangible value to their properties”

“Our research suggests that there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to add tangible value to their properties. Real wood flooring has the potential to add up to 5 per cent to a sale price in some areas. We recognise the value of real wood flooring, which is why we have the Direct Wood Flooring brand and team of experts to advise on grades, shades, grains, trends and much more. However, if real wood is out of your budget or not practical for your lifestyle, then you can still get the premium look for less with our vinyl or EvoCore alternatives. Waterproof and scratch resistant, EvoCore is an extremely versatile range; suitable for all areas of the home. Practical, hardwearing and easy to maintain it’s great for busy family homes too. “For most of the top value-adding features in a home that our research revealed, flooring is an important consideration. For example, whether you’re getting an extension, new kitchen or bathroom, you need to consider functionality and style when it comes to the flooring type. On trend designs such as the popular parquet, is not only eye-catching and super stylish but instantly associated with luxury – for that all important first impression. Available in hardwood, laminate, EvoCore and vinyl designs, there’s a range suitable for every project too. “Whichever home improvements you are looking to invest in, it’s likely that your current flooring will be disrupted, so try to take advantage of this by updating your flooring at the same time”. flooringsuperstore.com

As well as improvements within the property itself, expert advice suggests that landscaping outdoor space can also be a good investment to make. A well-maintained garden has the potential to add anywhere between five to 20 per cent to a property’s value – perhaps more as lockdown has created an increased demand for outdoor space. For those looking to revamp their external areas, artificial grass is easy to maintain, weather-proof, and pet-safe, so could be a good option. Jessica Fox, Senior Marketing Executive, at Flooring Superstore commented: FEBRUARY 2022 71

HOUSE && GARDEN GARDEN HOUSE

MOODY ACCENTS FROM ATKIN AND THYME I

njecting black accents into the interior space adds contrast and a striking impression. The Fandango Collection is a sight to behold with its distinctive ridged finish and brass-plated legs and handles that embody luxury and elegance. When paired against neutral colour schemes and coordinated throughout the home, this collection offers both storage and style in office spaces, bedrooms, kitchens and living areas. Also available as a sideboard.

“The Greenwich Drinks Trolley effortlessly combines work and play” Drinks trolleys are not just handy for a Friday night tipple, but can also act as stylish storage. The Greenwich Drinks Trolley effortlessly combines work and play, and has a sophisticated antique brass design that cannot overlooked. The matching Greenwich Bedside Drawers give a decadent finish to the master suite or guest room. Beautifully classic, the Hex Bedside Drawers and Apollo Table Lamp were created for adding class to contemporary environments. The added black hue to the lamp’s brass base will accentuate the space and add layers of depth. atkinandthyme.co.uk 27 52 2 FFEEB BR RU UA ARRYY 2 02 2022 2

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HOUSE GARDEN H O U S E && G ARDEN

TOP PLANT & GARDENING

ow that we are in 2022 and beginning to think about our spring gardens, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, has some insights into what will be big in the year ahead. From on-trend grasses including Pampas and plants for every space, to taking a more mindful approach when growing fruit and vegetables, there’s a whole host of new trends for the garden in 2022. In terms of how people will be approaching gardening in 2022, Marcus expects wellbeing to be at the forefront of minds. Gardening is often associated with having a positive impact on our mental health, as well as our physical wellbeing, which fit with the trends of looking after yourself and self-acceptance. The benefits of gardening are endless, and it’s expected that more people will take to their outdoor spaces to look after themselves in 2022. Sustainability and innovation are also expected to be huge trends for 2022, with more people than ever now aware of their carbon footprint, how we can reduce waste and creating safe spaces for pollinators and wildlife in our gardens. Dobbies

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now only sells 100% peat-free bagged compost, with other sustainable products such as recycled and recyclable propagation kits also available for customers. When it comes to planting, it is not just for those with a large garden. City and town dwellers will be making the most of their space and more people will be interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables. There have been significant innovations in how vegetables can be grown in small spaces and because of a flourishing interest in grow your own, Marcus expects to see more unusual produce being grown. Dobbies are focusing on varieties such as Spaghetti Squash and easy salad leaves outside, plus tomatoes and chilies for the windowsill, to inspire customers. This trend highlights a nostalgic nod as well as a sustainable ethos. Blurring the lines between indoor and out will be strong in 2022, not just in terms of our furniture, but the plants we use to enhance our space. Having plants in pots that can be brought indoors in the winter will be a key trend, with houseplants outside in the warmer months and enhancing our homes in the winter. Tying in with Dobbies’ Spring Summer 2022 themes, Marcus outlines how you can incorporate some of the year’s top planting trends into your garden this year.

“Having plants in pots that can be brought indoors in the winter will be a key trend”

SLOW LIVING A soulful theme that inspires us to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Muted tones and colours that change with the light, mirror the way nature around us ebbs and flows. On-trend grasses including pampas fit in with this style, in borders, raised beds as well as in pots. Great for those that only have a small space and there are now lots of different sizes of Pampas Grass available. Dried flowers also suit this theme, as Marcus predicts increased demand for these. Top outdoor plants include Cordyline ‘Torbay Dazzler’; Stipa tenussima; Festuca ‘Azurit’; and for indoor Ficus lyrata, Howea forsteriana, Sansevieria zeylanica.

TRENDS FOR 2022 NATURAL ZEN

An organic yet sophisticated blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, East meets West in this contemporary, minimalistic style. A modern look that celebrates the simplicity of clean lines and beautiful shapes. Neutral tones are punctuated with sleek black and rose pink for a feminine touch. Striking ferns for both indoors and outside fit well with this vibe, with Dobbies noting an increase in the sale of indoor and outdoor ferns in 2021, predicted to continue in 2022. Also fitting with this theme are Acers, Orchids, Bananas as well as Buxus topiary and Bonsai trees. Top outdoor plants include Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’; Hardy Ferns; Ilex crenata Bonsai; for indoor Cymbidium Orchid, Fatsia japonica, Musa ‘Dwarf Cavendish’.

GLOBAL FUSION A refined, blended look, inspired by the senses brought to life by travel. Chalky terracotta tones are married with pops of jaded teal for a worldly collection that evokes memories of past adventures and will bring a sense of zen and calm to your outdoor space. This look offers a jungle vibe, with big foliage, citrus plants, as well as plants that should be brought inside during colder months, allowing people to blur the lines between indoor and out. Top outdoor plants include Yucca Colour Guard; Chamerops humilis; Dicksonia antarctica; and for indoor Citrus; Musa Cavendish and Cacti.

in life. Bright pops of colour will inject personality and fun into your outdoor space. A celebration of happiness, regardless of the space you have. This is a high summer look, with instant colour from hanging baskets and tubs. Top outdoor plants are flowering perennials, such as Echinacea; Digiplexis Falcon Fire; flowering alpines such as Dianthus Cocktail Shirley Temple; and for indoor Ananas; Bromeliad and Cymbidium Orchid. dobbies.com

“A refined, blended look, inspired by the senses brought to life by travel”

CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY Urban dwellings inspired by a country cottage feel. Shades of green, inspired by rolling hills, are complemented by highlights of dusty pink to give this theme a more contemporary look and feel. Grow your own fits with this look, with a nostalgic nod as well as innovation. Edible flowers and vertical veggies are ideal for small spaces. Sustainability is also key with mini meadows and wildflower turf to attract pollinators. Key outdoor plants include flowering perennials, Delphinium, Echinacea, Digiplexis and Nepeta; as well as grasses such as Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ and herbs for grow your own.

LET’S CELEBRATE A bold, colourful theme that celebrates the joy of being together and appreciating what’s important BR F E BFRE U AURAYR Y2 022022 27 25 6 3

HOUSE & GARDEN

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GOLD WATERING CAN

Photography by Paul Craig

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Beautiful flooring, designed to last

Photography by Paul Craig

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HOUSE & GARDEN

The Rain is Forecast IS YOUR ROOF SECURE?

After experiencing some mild winters could this be the year the beast strikes back? Is your flat roof ready to cope?

re you one of 70% of home owners in the UK incorporating a mineral felt flat roof ? Mineral felt generally has a slow breakdown often allowing water ingress to cause unnecessary damage before anything can be visibly detected within the home. A failing roof & the warning signs- look for signs of cracking around the roof edge, pipes, upstands and roof lights etc. Beware of blisters on the roof surface, during colder months they can become brittle and crack. The home-owner should also be made aware that insurance companies will no longer accept any liability for any external or internal damage caused by a leaking flat roof which is over 10 years old. Further very important information: - all property owners please be aware when a flat roof is replaced there are Building Regulations that the homeowner and the contractor must comply with. Failure to comply can leave the homeowner open to major problems when selling the property. Please call for free information regarding the regulations. In 1999, High-Tech Roofing first introduced the most advanced flat roof technology to the homeowner. Protan, based in Norway, has a pedigree in the design and manufacture of water- proofing materials dating back to 1939, and producing the first roofing membrane in 1971. Protan is our preferred PVC single-ply flat roofing system and will cope with all climates, millions of square metres are installed here and abroad with a proven track record stretching over four decades. Protan is predominantly an architectspecified roofing system, winning many awards serving

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WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE OUR WINTER DISCOUNT IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE. the very competitive commercial sector. A High-Tech roof is dimensionally stable and solar reflective, the material is unaffected by climate change and 100% resistant to moss & algae growth. The membrane has a unique anti-slip finish allowing the roof to be walked on and is aesthetically pleasing. As it is a vapour permeable product it will never blister or become brittle and crack. High-Tech will create a 100% storm resistant watertight roof, maintenance free and guaranteed for life never to leak. We will be delighted to welcome you at our showroom located in Leigh-on-sea. This gives us the opportunity to show you first hand our superb Lifetime Guaranteed flat roofing systems. We have a variety of displays showing the glass skylights and roof lanterns offering the opportunity to view everything before you buy. We can assure you all quotations are carried outside and social distancing is being adhered to at all times. Please stay safe.

THE DETAILS Hi-Tech Roofing We welcome you come and visit us at 850 London Road, Leigh-onSea, Essex SS9 3NQ. Our opening hours are Mon to Fri 9:30am till 4:30pm and Sat 10am till 2pm. However, we do offer a service whereby we will open upon request outside of opening hours. Please call to arrange an appointment. T: 01268 856762 / 01322 517683 www.flatroofs.net

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HOUSE && GARDEN GARDEN HOUSE

TAKE TO THE FLOOR: W

Top flooring trends 2022

orking from home and homeschooling pressures have prompted home owners to find ways they can make their interior choices work harder and provide more functionality. According to Google Trends, data from early January shows that searches for carpets and floors surged 65% in the last three weeks. However, with retail stores closed across the UK, how can we curate the look we want as well as gain expert guidance on selection and purchase? One company tapping into the growing online market for flooring and revolutionising the way consumers shop for aesthetics and function when it comes to their carpets and floor is Tapi. They have pivoted and transformed their business to allow people to shop for products in the comfort of their own home, with online video appointments and free home consultations. Tapi’s carpet and flooring collections come in an array of colours and styles and its customer service reviews are second to none. As a brand, their immediate aim is to make life a little easier for those of us who know that now is the time to invest in new flooring. Tapi offers an insight into flooring colours and looks that are trending and why flooring is the foundation of the home.

BIOPHILLA IN BLOOM Transforming an interior space into more of an experience or satisfying usage is key and Biophillia - the integration of nature as a focal point – as a trend isn’t going to disappear any time soon. A biophilic home will boast flooring that reduces stress and improves creativity while featuring forms and materials that emulate those found in the great outdoors. You can achieve the look with Luxury Vinyl Flooring tiles (LVT), which offer a similar appearance to natural materials like wood or harder stone and concrete, but remain comfortable, smooth and warm under foot. It’s a sophisticated option for homes both traditional and modern.

BEIGE IS BACK As a nation, the numerous lockdowns have 28 1 RU UA 0 6 FFEEBB R ARRYY 2 02 2012 2

helped us reconnect with nature and review and re-shuffle our priorities. We have a newfound love of the simple things which has allowed us to feel grounded. This change invites warm and earthy tones to come to the fore and replace the gloomy greys of 2021. In fact Tapi reports that searches for beige, browns, light wooden colour palettes in carpet and flooring has risen six fold in the last 12 months (Average page views for beige colour searches 110 per day to 700 per day). Tapi’s BEDOUIN carpet in beige lines or brown hobnail

adds visual texture and depth to a room, providing a firm foundation for a deeper connection with nature. It’s the perfect pairing for original stonework, exposed wooden beams, natural materials but also sets the scene to allow statement items of furniture and pops of colour to shine.

FLOORWARD THINKING Brits are reporting higher traffic than normal in their homes and so some are opting to open up space and choose function over feel-appeal. Whether you require new work stations, fitness suites or child-friendly dining areas there’s a long tick-list of objectives when choosing or replacing flooring. These include stain resistance for those messy meals, waterproof so floors can handle spills, UV resistance if in areas catching direct sunlight, the right acoustics for video calls or lively households and of course budget. Solid hardwood flooring is often expensive to purchase and install but Tapi’s Everywhere LVT range has been developed to cover all bases. The technology is so good that it can replicate the look of real wood but appeal to homeowners that need a hard-working, multi-function floor. It has built in underlay, stability in all temperature conditions and it’s made from100% recyclable materials.

BLENDED SCHEMES You can style a whole room or space from the floor up, so choosing a carpet or flooring style can arguably be one of the hardest tasks when designing a new look or interiors scheme. Yet this year will see us embracing creativity when it comes to fusing new and old. The nation’s love affair with Netflix series Bridgerton, which harmoniously blends the Regency era’s extravagance and decadence with modern glamour and clean lines, will stimulate confidence to do the same in our own homes. One trend we are likely to see push through here is layering, adding different textures and tones to bedrooms and living spaces with modern flooring and large patterned area rugs framing grand furniture.

WOOL AND WOVEN A quick scroll on Instagram will no doubt give you the perception that a wool and woven rug is an absolute must-have item. However, this natural material has become such a desirable designer

favourite that it’s being laid end to end. Wool and woven carpets are extremely cosy and exude elegance but it’s also more durable than you’d expect. It has a natural elasticity which makes it bounce back and because it’s made from pure wool, this carpet choice can act as an insulator. The beauty of the properties of wool together with the stain resistant qualities of man-made fibres make today’s wool carpets the perfect choice and so they are adorning bedrooms, landings, hallways and snugs. They are versatile enough to add individual styling for wow-factor staircases too such as wide-taped ends for runners or coloured whipping to add contrast and visual appeal.

“One trend we are likely to see push through here is layering, adding different textures and tones”

PRETTY PATTERN Perhaps the doom and gloom surrounding the pandemic has propelled us to get busy and bold as patterns, geometrics and colour are also showing signs of a resurgence. It’s the most delightful details of pattern that can add romance, fun and ignite emotion to a space. Bolder flooring lends itself well to high traffic areas or spaces which can draw in a visitor and lead them through to other areas of the home. tapi.co.uk BR F E BFRE U AURAYR Y2 0220 22 1 8 21 1 7

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Japan meets Scandinavia Create the Japandi look in your dining room

ocusing on their common interest in minimalism, the traditional style inspired by Japanese culture combined with the warming comfort of modern Scandinavian design gives you ‘Japandi’ . Centered on simplicity and functionality, Japandi has both core elements of Japanese ‘Wabi-Sabi’ meaning, a world view centered on the acceptance

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of transience and imperfection and Scandinavian following the practice of ‘Hygge’ which is defined as a certain quality of coziness. Keep in mind the following elements; organic, clean lines, rattan, bamboo, light/dark woods and functional accessories. Get the idea? A good saying to stick to when creating this stylistic and comforting interior style is ‘Less is more’, keeping your space decluttered and airy is the way forward with Japandi. Let’s give your dining room a Japandi transformation… Starting with the basics, you’re going to want to keep these tones in mind; beige to a soft gray. Then get ready to fill your baskets with the following; Heaven dining table and the Lund dining chair for all your fine dining needs. The Alma sideboard for storage and a few decorative elements such as; Iguaze pendant light, Olbia vase, Marlborough stoneware vase and the Cango table lamp. Combine all these pieces together, (and your own personal touch) then there you have it! Your Japandi style dining room. cultfurniture.com

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We have one of the most comprehensive ranges of kitchens and bedrooms available, manufactured in our own UK factory, we believe great design is achievable on any budget.

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020 8531 3413 urbanmyth.net

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