36 minute read
HOUSE & GARDEN
sPoNsored By
expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property
[ N e W s ] INTERIORS
tea For tWo We are thrilled to announce that Sweetpea & Willow has partnered with a glamorous and chic, Polish lighting brand. This sensational collection of luxury lighting by Schwung boasts timelessly chic designs in the forms of brilliant wall sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, pendants and chandeliers that will give your living space a refined and elegant feel.
sweetpeaandwillow.com
CoSy uP This season sees the arrival of over 300 new products at Garden Trading. Cosy up indoors with new lighting, textiles, storage solutions, bathroom products and kitchen favourites. Update your interiors this season and make the most of the cooler autumnal evenings indoors at home.
gardentrading.co.uk
DoGGy DelIGhtS have announced an addition to their best-selling “Santa Paws” Collection of pet bedding and accessories. The ideal gift set for any dog owner, featuring four popular products, a mattress, softwalled bed, snuggly blanket and a reindeer toy.
petslovescruffs.com
Not everyone is going out for their Afternoon Tea. There’s a thriving culture of throwing own tea parties at home! It’s hard to think of a more civilised way of getting together with friends and family members during the daylight hours.
luxury lIGhtInG CollaboratIon
Manchester-based pet bedding suppliers Scruffs®
micucci.co.uk
tIle Style Walls and Floors have launched their newest collection of tiles ready for 2021 - behold, the Lily Tile. Inspired by Art-Deco design, Lily Tiles are a diverse and malleable tile, perfect to suit a variety of trends; from Grey on Grey, to festive tones. With their ornate, encaustic effect appearance, Lily tiles are perfect for creating a statement in your home, and are suitable for both walls and floors. Their matt porcelain body is effortless and durable, yet their Art-Deco style patterned design is a creative avenue to explore in your home. wallsandfloors.co.uk
Hodkin & Jones The Finest Quality
Founded in 1868, Hodkin & Jones have been the specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of high quality, fibrous plaster mouldings for over 150 years.
The Hodkin & Jones range of mouldings offers one of the most comprehensive selections of fibrous plaster covings available. With traditional elegant cornices from Georgian, Victorian, Gothic, Regency and Art Deco periods right through to popular modern day contemporary stepped cornices.
Popular in many of their residential, retail and commercial projects, Hodkin and Jones are able to produce cornices that can incorporate modern LED uplighting, creating a discreet glow and enhancing a room’s ambience.
Other plaster products in the range include decorative ceiling and wall panels, centre pieces, door surrounds, fire surrounds, arches and columns, all of which are delicately handmade by their dedicated and highly skilled craftsmen.
The Hodkin & Jones contemporary cornices range reflects current market trends with their minimalist, geometric, flat design and they are suitable for any size modern renovation. Although
modern in design, the contemporary covings are still designed and manufactured in house with the same high quality finish as the traditional range.
Often Architects and Interior Designers create designs not available from standard ranges, which is where Hodkin & Jones can offer a bespoke service. From drawings they are able to manufacture mouldings to exact dimensions specified, whether it is a bespoke ceiling design to create a grand space or a cornice specific to the particular project they are working on.
Restoration of Listed buildings and historical properties is also a speciality of Hodkin & Jones with many buildings requiring surveys and needing
existing mouldings to be exactly matched where they can’t be repaired. Hodkin & Jones can match any plaster moulding no matter how complicated the design is, mouldings are then reproduced and installed by their team of fixers, all of which is overseen by a dedicated contracts manager.
Hodkin & Jones have a broad project portfolio that includes 10 Downing Street, Harrods Knightsbridge, the Royal Armoury, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the o2 arena to name but a few. Involving a specialist supplier like Hodkin & Jones, from the very beginning of a project helps to ensure the smooth running of an operation while providing cost and time benefits.
Hodkin & Jones undertake projects both nationwide and overseas with installers working on a daily basis in London and the surrounding counties. By using their installation service you can be assured that products will be fitted correctly with an exquisite finish, maximising the plaster mouldings longevity. The company also have their own transport department to ensure all products are delivered safely and on time.
For clients looking for a fast turnaround Hodkin & Jones also have a large quantity of cornice and mouldings in stock, ready for delivery or collection. Their standard range of mouldings are available to view and purchase on their website.
Get in touch For more information, visit the company’s website on hodkinandjones.co.uk For a free hard copy of the brochure or to discuss your project requirements, call the technical sales team on 01246 641214 or email info@hodkin-jones.co.uk.
Colour Your Way to Happy
As the UK hurtles towards winter, and shorter, darker days, it is important to ask yourself how your home makes you feel. If you are feeling exhausted and depleted, depressed and lethargic, bored and lifeless, then it may well be to do with the colours that surround you in your home.
There is a growing body of scientific evidence showing that the way in which spaces are designed has a direct impact on our psychological and physical health which in turn impacts our happiness and well-being.
How you choose to decorate your home, or more specifically the colour palette you select, affects your mood and energy levels, your appetite and sleep patterns, and has a profound effect on your well-being. Although you see colour with your eyes, each different wavelength of coloured light stimulates a distinct part of your physical being, evoking a specific physiological response, which in turn produces a psychological reaction.
In 1810 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote that “savage nations, uneducated people, and children have a great predilection for vivid colours,” but that “people of refinement … seem inclined to banish them altogether from their presence.” This mind-set led to the belief that
colour was a bad thing, and subconsciously this still lingers today!
Too many people do not quite know what to do with colour. They are scared that they will get it wrong, chromophobia creeps in, and so they tend to avoid it all together and play it ‘safe’ with shades of grey or beige. Colour choices are made on behalf of a future buyer of one’s home, or because of what our friends and family will think.
However these neutral colour schemes seldom bring joy; that feeling of great pleasure and happiness! And without joy, you may be surviving, but you will not be thriving. If your surroundings lack energy and harmony, then no matter how beautiful your home might be, it will not make you feel truly alive. The drive towards joy is synonymous with the drive for life.
Colour has the power to positively support us emotionally. It can instantly liven up a room, giving it a new perspective and completely changing the way that you, and your family, feel and behave in that space.
And at times like this, as a second lockdown is looming and you will once more be spending much more time than usual in your home, creating a home that nurtures your health and well-being is more important than ever.
nicolaholdendesigns.co.uk
Architecture Interior design Build Project Management
For further information call Mark Howorth on 020 7336 8560 or visit callenderhoworth.com Follow us on: twitter.com/C_H_studio pinterest.com/CHstudio facebook.com/CallenderHoworth
‘Martini Pad’ - by Knox Interiors
Knox was approached by a fantastic family looking to create a slick, contemporary but warm and welcoming, second home in Knightsbridge.
The brief to create a ‘martini pad’. In this case the clients post the look book stage and Knox making sure that all parties were on the same page were keen to have a seamless experience and hands-off approach. Their wish to have a quality base finish with some fun accessories, smart furniture and clever joinery.
Knox tackled the job as always with huge enthusiasm and were able to develop a strong base of trust with the clients. Every detail was designed by Knox and the entire project managed building and interiors throughout.
Tip: trust is the core of all Knox projects. Clarity is key and open and honest communication
The main core to deliver immense quality from Ted Todd flooring, Forbes and Lomax light fittings, Castrad architectural radiators to Phillip Jeffries and Hermes wallpapers. Mingled among these are clever and more cost-effective choices that still lend to an extremely smart finish.
Tip: There is nothing wrong with mixing in some more cost-effective options if anything it adds to the overall interest of the final project.
The bathrooms were all done in a Calacatta Oro porcelain copy by Minoli the same tile used throughout. The reason for this is that by adding too many factors to a bathroom in the opinion of Knox can date extremely fast! The best plan is to keep it simple and to concentrate on vein matching and to always reflect quality. Never forgetting lighting and the need for the small features such as heated mirrors and underfloor heating in
bathrooms, in our opinion are always needed.
Tip: Best to keep it simple and not have too many factors and shapes going on
To compliment the fixtures and fittings the furniture was sourced or bespoke, Roche Bobois Sofas, Lliang and Emil bedsides and Eichholtz featured throughout. The fabrics are a mixture of GPJ Baker, Thibaut, Pierre Frey and Dedar. The accessories are collected throughout the project and bought when seen to give a personal and original feel. Knox feels strongly about this as an instant house needs to have a feel of individuality.
Tip: To remember that every project should be unique and special one of a kind
During the final week, all possible angles were covered, the beds were made immaculately, the wine fridges and bar fully stocked even the fridge and pantry cupboards stocked, music throughout lending to a great vibe. On the final day Knox awaited the arrival of the clients, handed over the monogrammed keyrings and left them to enjoy their gorgeous new home.
knoxnteriors.com office@knoxinteriors.com 07983 332332
Jessica Cox Design Ltd email: info@jessicacoxdesign.com Website: www.jessicacoxdesign.com Instagram: jessica_cox_design Phone: 07747 538281
Keeping London Magnificent
When I first got involved in the security door and window industry, I thought I knew at least a bit about doors and windows, having used them all my life. As it turned out, I had a bit of an eye-opener when it came to the ease and speed with which criminals can gain entry to a property through various types of locks and doors. Everything I saw from lock picking to purely just kicking down the door made me realise that my front door had given me a false sense of security all this time.
Affluent counties have reported year-on-year increases in burglaries during the latest release of annual crime stats and there are currently neighbourhoods in London where we’re helping to combat burglaries from mopeds crashing through front doors. There’s never any harm in being proactive and taking precautions to ensure your family and possessions are protected. A
THE DETAILS
magnificentsecurity.co.uk Jacques du Preez 07804 456965 jacques@magnificentsecurity.co.uk
high quality security door can do so much more than just keep intruders (not to mention wind, fire, water, cold and noise) out. It can improve a property’s aesthetic, raise its value and decrease the cost of insurance.
We’re starting to see a trend where new builds and refurbishments are including an element of panic rooms, security doors or security windows as standard. When you’re designing a property, you need to be able to personalise the security aspects so they fit seamlessly into the overall look and feel, without detracting from it. Our bespoke design service and ability to literally incorporate any door furniture into the manufactured product, gives you all the flexibility you’ll ever need.
Why Magnificent Security? • Truly bespoke - freedom of choice regarding design, materials, colour, finishes and features. • Security - incredibly durable panic rooms, security doors and security windows with bulletproof or triple-glazed security glass. • Listed buildings - we have a track record of replicating existing doors for high profile clients. • Peace of mind - our doors have been tested and certified and our products have a warranty. • Full service - we design, manufacture in the UK, deliver, install and service your new security doors, security windows and panic rooms, whilst removing and recycling anything that is being replaced. • Free consultation at home - our showroom is near Kings Cross station.
JWJ INTERIORS
In the midst of a global pandemic, JWJ Interiors has never been more in demand. With increased work and pleasure time being spent at home, people are looking to founder and mother of two Jess Willcox-Jones’ infectious enthusiasm for colour, texture and pattern to brighten their homes.
Jess travels all over the country meeting clients from Cornwall to London, the Home Counties to the Highlands. Her projects range from soft furnishings to total refurbishments. She strongly believes that interior design is simply a service and should be accessible and affordable to all. Whatever the brief, her number one priority is to understand her client’s budget, style, requirements and function. She utilises all space to its best ability and turns houses into homes. Jess has access to all leading interior suppliers however likes to utilise the high street, the internet and her little black book of antique contacts for those unique pieces, saving clients time and money along the way.
Jessica’s approachable manner and devilish sense of humour elevate the process from purely functional to fun and enjoyable.
With an ever-growing client base, Jess endeavours to source materials and services locally, maintaining respect for original home-grown artisanship. She advises clients on the importance of investment “forever items” as well as scrimping on pieces where possible (no-one needs any more
than IKEA in a playroom). With an early career in fashion working with brands such as Ralph Lauren, Toast and Selfridges, Jess felt her skills would be better suited to her true passion of interiors. With more than a decade of experience, Jess has an encyclopaedic knowledge of fabrics and suppliers as well as access to a vast range of products. Yet despite the enormity of choice out there, Jess can curate a vision seemingly effortlessly and with total conviction. She takes inspiration from her own rich experience and a childhood spent touring antique fairs, art galleries and textile mills with her father, former MD of Mary Quant, as well as hanging out with her Godparents at their vintage linen shop on Camden High Street.
Evolving with the seasons and fashions while maintaining a vein of timeless integrity running throughout, Jess looks to her idols for fresh ideas: Edward Bulmer for his use of colour and natural heritage eco friendly paint; Molly Mahon for her creativity and craftmanship; Penny Morrison for her pattern combination confidence; Kit Kemp for her inspiring commercial portfolio; Lewis & Wood for their authentic British textiles and wallpapers; The Fabric Collective for new and inspiring textile designers; Robert Kime for one of a kind antiques & Pooky for fun and affordable lighting…she could go on forever!
Jess can often be found dancing round her studio in the Berkshire hills dressed head to toe in leopard print with her dog, Pudding, looking on disapprovingly. For a window into Jess’s life and her flashes of inspiration, you can follow her on Instagram: @jwj_interiors.
Morrocan Tiles from Floors of Stone
We have spent many months trying to source the perfect tiles to fit in with our ever-growing range of beautiful tiles and we have now found just the ones. We are very excited to launch our new Mill House Blend Limestone and Buccella Tumbled Limestone. Both of these stunning tiles have been sourced from Morocco, close to the Atlas Mountains.
The Buccella Tumbled Limestone has chalky, pale grey tones and softly tumbled edges help to give such a timeless feel to this stone and gives the impression of a floor that has been laid for many years. There is a lot of interest to these tiles with subtle black veining and mineral deposits running through the stone which adds even more natural beauty! The tiles are available in either an opus pattern or a freelength pattern so, depending on the look you wish to achieve, would depend on whether you would prefer a more obvious pattern or something a little more subtle. The hardwearing nature of these tiles means they are well suited to busy home environments and are ideal for use in kitchens, dining spaces and even external patio areas.
The second recent addition is our Mill House Blend Limestone and there is something so charming about this tile and something so different from other products that are on the market. The tiles range in colour from a pale grey to a warmer oatmeal tone with a lot of colours in-between, making them truly unique! The tumbled edges and pitted surface provide a very authentic feel to the tiles and we know they would work perfectly in period properties such as cottages or barn conversions. The tiles come in a slightly different size to the rest of our range as they are available in a 200xFL (freelength) size but this means they lend themselves well to smaller areas, such as utility rooms and boot rooms, as well as large, open spaces. The Mill House Blend is an extremely hardwearing stone meaning it can be used outside for patios or pathways.
THE DETAILS
Our Moroccan tiles are now available to view on our website but if you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our lovely sales team via phone on, 01509 234000, or via email to enquiries@floorsofstone.com.
Turn up the heat
While radiators serve a highly practical purpose, they can often present a design challenge. MY Furniture have addressed this issue head on and launched a range of stylish covers that will set temperatures rising!
The new Anastasia Mirrored radiator cover range is a stunning addition to their existing collection. The unique design features hand cut, bevelled mirror panels of toughened safety glass with a stainless steel pedestal. Tested up to 80 deg C to withstand changes in temperature, there are discreet 3mm gaps between the mirrored strips – thin enough to conceal your radiator, wide enough to enable effective air/heat circulation. As well as hiding intrusive, ugly radiators they also protect children from burning their fingers and provide extra storage with an above radiator shelf. The Anastasia range is available in three styles, standard and adjustable, which extends in height as well as width, and a show-stopping Black Glass version!
In addition to the Anastasia range MY Furniture also offer two striking mirrored designs, the stylish French inspired Antoinette range and the sleek Leonore range. Available in small and standard sized fixed width and large extendable version, MY Furniture radiator covers will accommodate radiators up to 196cm in size.
my-furniture.com; 0800 092 1636
Beautiful homes by Beverley Barnett
THE DETAILS
For a gratifying experience whilst transforming your home, feel free to speak to Beverley over the phone on 07887564621 or via email at beverley@beverleybarnett.co.uk.
Please also feel free to visit her website beverleybarnett.co.uk, where you can see an array of beautiful work in her portfolio. Beverley Barnett’s expertise, is in creating beautiful homes and ensuring that they reflect your personality and lifestyle in your very own way.
As a lifelong member of BIID, her experience and excellence are apparent in every completed project. With a career that first started at Colefax & Fowler, Beverley’s business has now established itself for over 35 years within the Interior Design world.
Beverley takes on the role as Project Manager with ease, and so co-ordinating with the tradesmen on site and overseeing all of the designs along the way - ensuring that the end result, is a wonderful
extension of your personality. Understanding your needs and wants, is the key element and an integral part of Beverley’s lengthy success.
Beverley, together with her team - bring an abundance of skills to the table. Producing detailed drawings, which include; floorplans, elevations, electrical, lighting and small power and data plans. They also conceptualise and design bespoke pieces that can then be created, drafting detailed drawings to form part of the projects tender and construction package – whether it be; staircases, room sets, internal/external doors or furniture. These services, coupled with the team’s inherent talents, in selecting just the right choice of; fabrics, colours and textures - provide a service, that is second to none.
The significance of the right lighting in all rooms of your home, is a major part of any project. Beverley will steer you through this potential minefield and will look in detail at how to maximise the light and space, whilst keeping to the character of both you and your property.
With the dilemma of choosing the right; flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, window treatments etc. for you - Beverley and her team will assist, and guide you through it all. Beverley Barnett will hold your hand, and ensure the transformation meets your needs with your constant approval.
From the very first time meeting you to the end results, you will know that you are in safe hands - and can relax, knowing that your dream home will soon become a reality.
A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
When it comes to achieving a each mattress; renowned worldwide for quality restorative night’s sleep, we and years of trouble-free use to keep customers all know how important it is to choose the right bed. Cue returning time after time. Taking the time to select only the finest of “Using traditional the Westend Bed Company, conveniently located materials ensures that every Treca mattress gives techniques, the between Putney and Richmond. Home to 40 outstanding comfort and support, night after mattresses are finished different models from the world’s finest, leading night. Using traditional techniques, the mattresses by hand” bed brands including the UK’s only exclusive are finished by hand, offering you the ability to display of beds from Treca Paris. choose personal specifications and dimensions; a
With a reputation for quality across the globe, large part of what makes Treca Interiors stand out Treca blends premium luxury with beautiful from the bed crowd. French craftsmanship and expert design with Ensuring they are consistently improving the
quality and comfort of their beds, Treca has pioneered articulated relaxation beds with their CAD bed bases. These bases combine the comfort of a traditional high-quality bed base with an outstanding movement mechanism. With discreet technology, the silent motors move smoothly, allowing you to find the ideal position effortlessly.
Exclusively available at Westend Bed Company, this collection of high quality, luxury beds can be sampled in the showroom’s sleep room. Westend’s knowledgeable team are on hand to offer professional advice and deliver complimentary sleep consultations, going above and beyond to help you select the perfect sleep solution for your home.
Along with Treca beds, Westend Bed Company is home to another luxury bed brand, Hypnos Beds. This British family-run bed specialist, has been perfecting the art of crafting luxury spring beds for over 100 years. Using traditional techniques that have been passed down from five generations, Hypnos’ craftsmen create truly authentic pieces of furniture.
Another premium brand found exclusively at Westend Bed is Marshall & Stewart. Six luxury beds make up their inaugural Diamond Collection, all of which are handcrafted to the highest standards. The unique beds are designed to the specific requirements of each client, taking into consideration size, weight and lifestyle, ensuring the bed is perfect for its owner.
The bespoke nature of Westend Bed’s service goes beyond the correct tension and model of bed. Here, the style and look of the bed are of utmost consideration; From the level of support, to the divan fabric and beyond, your bed is unmistakably yours. There is an extensive selection of legs, fabrics and headboards to choose from, so that your new bed complements your personal interior style perfectly.
No dream bed is complete without the addition of the ultimate bedding, also something that you can find inside the Westend Bed store. Their comprehensive collection of high-quality duvets and pillows come in a variety of options to suit your particular preference. For that added touch of luxury, every item is crafted from the finest pure goose down and encased in 100% cotton with a smooth satin finish. Westend Bed also boasts a wonderful collection of fantastically crafted Libeco Belgian linens, allowing you to sleep soundly,
wrapped up in warm, 100% organic linens.
Brent Cooper, managing director of Westend Bed Company, is passionate about educating people on the importance of sleep. Purchasing a bed should be considered an investment given how much of your life you spend there, and the higher the quality of the bed, the better the night’s sleep will be.
Call Westend Bed Company today on 020 7723 2925 to book your complimentary sleep consultation and start your journey to your dreamiest nights sleep yet.
westendbedcompany.com 215 Upper Richmond Road West. East Sheen. London SW14 8QT
Bespoke Interior Design by Amberth
Amberth is a bespoke Interior Design Specialist based in Islington. With over 10 years of experience in designing and crafting unique Kitchens, Bathrooms and Fitted Interiors, their attention to detail allows them to create beautiful spaces, perfectly suited to their clients’ lifestyles. Amberth will take on projects of any size, from taking a compact kitchen and maximising the space available, to project-managing a full home renovation. Their design department and team of in-house fitters allow them to manage a project from the initial vision, right through to completion, creating a stress-free experience for their clients.
The kitchen is the heart of the home and Amberth put their heart and soul into designing classic and contemporary spaces that are both functional and beautiful. From custom-made cabinetry to feature walls, Amberth’s bespoke kitchen interior designs combine beautiful natural materials with functional appliances and handpicked worktops to create the perfect space. The process begins with a free consultation at their Studio in Islington, where the experienced designers work with the client to establish what they want from their ideal kitchen. The designers then create 3D visuals to bring the client’s dream space to life. Two to three design options are presented during a second consultation, and a quote is given. Once the client and the designer are happy that the design is perfect, a site survey is carried out to take photographs and measurements and a schedule of work is put together. This gives the designer and project manager a visual sense of the space they are working with. With their dedicated design process and by using only the highest quality materials from around the world, Amberth is able to achieve extraordinary results with the space you have.
If you are ever in their neighbourhood, why not stop by for a quick chat?
There is always someone on hand to help.
Amberth - 311 Essex Road, London N1 2BD. T. 020 7354 8958 amberth.co.uk
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT with ANNIE SLOAN
By leading the decorative painting revolution over the last three decades, Annie Sloan is widely recognised as one of the world’s most respected experts in paint and colour. As well as authoring 26 internationally sold books, Annie Sloan transformed the world of furniture paint with the creation of her own brand of decorative paint, Chalk Paint®, in 1990. Annie’s fine-art background and contagious enthusiasm for decorative painting has motivated both home painters and experienced professionals, unlocking countless creative potentials over the last 30 years. Annie Sloan is all about sharing her passion for decorative painting, and inspiring people to be creative and adventurous with her paints and colours. Her products are exclusively available through her network of over 1,700 independent Stockists located in 55 countries around the world.
anniesloan.com
COMFORTABLE & RELAxED DINING For the heart of the Home
This season, Bridgman are celebrating all the moments that make a house a home. From everyday activities to the moments and memories we share.
The dining table is the heart of the home. It is where you have your morning meal, where you relax and read the paper, where you laugh with loved ones. It is where life happens.
With all of this in mind, we have crafted the newest Bridgman range of home furniture, aptly named Casual Dining, made for easy, everyday living. These comfortable dining sets are handcrafted from the highest quality materials and built to last with up to 10-year guarantees. Featuring a collection of contemporary furniture which is low maintenance yet stylish, comfortable yet practical.
From beautiful tactile ceramic marble or slate tabletops to the beauty of glass paired with either hardwearing teak or modern aluminium bases all in 3 sizes – perfect for entertaining or a quiet morning coffee with friends. Beautiful, fully upholstered chairs that are virtually stain resistant and completely waterproof – no need to worry about the odd wine spill.
Be the first to get a luxury interior dining set by Bridgman in time for Christmas with fast, free delivery. Choose from a variety of gorgeous styles, colours and high-quality materials, and enjoy guarantees of up to 10 years.
SNUG – The Sofa in a Box Company Snug - the sofa in a box company has launched a beautiful Forest Green Velvet colourway which
is perfect for cosying up this winter. The brand’s iconic easy self-assembly 2 and 3-Seater Sofa, customisable Modular Sofa, Snuggler Chair and Footstool can now be upholstered in a stainresistant, easy care Forest Green Velvet fabric in a choice of either The Rebel or The Big Chill. Super stylish and packing a punch when it comes to innovative design, each sofa or chair offers fully padded frames with extra-comfy deep seats and super ‘Snug’ back cushions, making for an inviting spot to sit. With free and fast delivery, each sofa is also easily assembled in under three minutes, no tools required. Simply take the bits out the box, twist the legs on, pop on the arms and slide in the back et voila!
THE DETAILS
Experience the Bridgman Casual Dining range and the collection of Snug sofas at one of the Bridgman showrooms – pop in for a cup of tea or coffee or visit us online at bridgman.co.uk or snugsofa.com
LONDON SHOWROOM
2 New Kings Road, London SW6 4SA Monday to Saturday 10.00am – 5.30pm 020 7736 9693 | info@bazaarvelvet.co.uk | www.bazaarvelvet.co.uk
Come to the home of luxury rugs.
A BEAUTIFUL WOODEN FLOOR FOR LIFE
oak Parquet silver White oiled
The surface you walk on provides the backbone of an interior scheme. Get it right and it will make a dramatic difference to the overall feel of a room. Wood flooring is a wonderful option as it introduces colour, texture, pattern and character. It’s easy to live with being practical, hardwearing and a cinch to maintain. There are endless design options too.
“Wood flooring is brilliant for bringing a scheme together,” says Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company. “Dark floors create a luxurious look, while rustic floors with lots of knots enhance a casual, country scheme. Rich colours will add warmth, while pale colours will go with just about anything and introduce plenty of light into a room.”
The grade of wood will also create a different look. Prime grades have minimal knots and colour variation, so create a contemporary feel. Natural grades have more feature marks so lend themselves to more traditional looks. “Don’t be constrained by this though,” Peter advises. “A rustic board with plenty of knots, shakes and detailing can soften modern schemes.”
When it comes to the latest trends, darker hues are gaining in popularity. “Although there will always be a demand for light wooden floors, darker shades are about to step into the limelight and have their moment. The dark rich shades found in our Smoky Mountain and Baked Oak flooring introduce a glamorous, dramatic look and can’t fail to get noticed.”
Parquet blocks have been back in fashion for a while, but couldn’t be hotter right now. The combination of colour, wood detailing and pattern makes for a real statement floor. For an up-todate look go large with 600 mm sized blocks. Alternatively, aged blocks are great for adding extra character as they look like reclaimed blocks but can be used with underfloor heating.
It always pays to buy a good quality floor from a reputable supplier, as the right wooden floor will improve your property, add to its value and last for years. The Natural Wood Floor Company manufacture most of the floors they sell and are also valued for their expertise. The full flooring collection can be viewed on large display boards at their Wandsworth showroom or on their new-look website.
oak White Mist oiled
THE DETAILS
The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1EG. 020 8871 9771. naturalwoodfloor.co.uk
First impressions
The front door can make or break how good your property looks from the outside. People look at a front door before they look at anything else – it reflects what you and others think about the house.
A front door must be in keeping with your property - planked doors work well on barn or warehouse conversions. But there is no escaping the universal charm of the Georgian front door - solid, well-constructed, but at the same time curiously domestic and welcoming. The classic Georgian combination of solid, panelled door with a glazed fanlight over the top, is just magic.
The different types of front doors There are three main types. Firstly you can opt for solid wood. These are built to last, but they do require some upkeep. You’ll need to sand them down and repaint periodically to stop the wood from rotting. And you can change the colour of the door whenever you want.
Secondly you can get a uPVC front door. These tend to be a lot cheaper, easy to clean and only need the odd wash and dry to rinse off dirt and dust. And finally you could opt for a composite front door. As the name suggests, they are made from a variety of different materials. The best material is chosen for each part of the door, providing the best overall performance as a result.
Door knobs, knockers and letterboxes should be in keeping with one another and sympathetic to the style of the door. Simple brass ring knockers and “Doctor’s” door knockers are two styles that suit both panelled and plank doors. Lionhead knockers and knobs with ornate embellishment are typical of the Queen Anne period while reeded (ridged) door furniture was used in late Georgian and early Victorian times. Edwardian door furniture is plain, with simple reeding, while Victorian is slightly heavier.
Focusing on security Security is an important element of any front door. Ideally choose one that offers multipoint locks and have a split spindle design. This means when you close the door from the outside, the only way of getting back in is to use a key. Multipoint locks should have bolts that move into place by an upward turn of the handle from inside or outside your home. You then use a key to keep in place. In some cases compression bolts are provided in the door, to further secure it into the frame. Clearly the more bolts you have the more secure it will be.
Architectural Bronze Casements
The Luxury of real bronze. Stylish refurbishments and new builds, and for bringing bespoke hand-made bronze windows, light into internal spaces using internal and doors, screens and secondary glazing. external bronze screens. Architectural Bronze are
For those looking for a luxury also the only company to provide double glazed product which will transform the look of a home, secondary glazing, improving thermal efficiency, Architectural Bronze has a unique richness and soundproofing and security. depth of colour that is striking for both traditional To explore the beauty of bronze, visit our and contemporary architecture, and for use either factory and showroom or The Building Centre in internally or externally. London, browse the website to see the diversity of
Real Bronze is an exciting alternative to projects, or call for a brochure. THE DETAILS aluminium and steel and is available in two finishes 01476 24 94 94 - Classic Mid Bronze showing off a rich lustre, and enquiries@bronzecasements.com Dark Bronze lending it’s depth of colour to a clean bronzecasements.com contemporary look. A choice of ironmongery allows you to tailor products to suit personal taste and style.
Architectural Bronze are the preferred choice for many leading architects and specialists within the design and build sector and are proud to have been involved in award-winning prestigious projects around the world.
They are recognised for windows and doors for
