MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME A REALITY
M a k e yo u r d r e a m h o m e a r e a l i t y
Real HOMES REALHOMES.COM
BEFORE AFTERS
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50 pages of amazing home makeovers
140 STYLISH NEW SEASON BUYS
HOME OFFICES How to create your dream workspace
DINNER IS SERVED
The latest looks for dining rooms
ISSUE 258
PRINTED IN THE UK
£3.99
Cosy up for Autumn
Kitchens & bathrooms
THE BEST HEATING SOLUTIONS
OCTOBER 2020
ON-TREND SCHEMES AND EASY UPDATES
STUNNING SPACES Extended homes packed with inspiration
s t n e t n co 60
Inside track 15 news
This month’s hottest new homeware and design ideas
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it takes two
Whether cuddling up or sprawling out, these twoseater sofas are ones to want
23 parma violet
Delve into the colour of the moment and enjoy a modern take on soft lilac
24 real home
See how Jasmin Roberston doubled the size of her Victorian terrace for a modern family home
41 would you compromise...
in order to stay on budget or on time? Readers reveal all
105 Real Homes Show
Find out how to get your interiors fix with our online TV show
Style agenda 43 style maths
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Get the latest kids’ bedroom looks for under £300
time to dine
Turn your dining area into a lustworthy entertaining space
53 designer spotlight
Discover the small independent companies we’re loving right now
54 working from home
... and staying sane. Study our guide for a productive space
60 stylish ways with bold flooring From carpet to vinyl, be brave
underfoot for instant impact
118 spotlight on monochrome bathrooms
On-trend designs and expert advice
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going Eco Look out for this logo on our favourite sustainable picks
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s t n e t n co 54
project advice
home life
38 project news
64 real home
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Discover how Ali and Rob planned an open layout that works perfectly for them
86 Real HOME
See why Niamh and Brian’s renovation is a masterclass in creating a homely haven
96 Real home
Amy and Bryn transformed a run-down farm worker’s cottage into a characterful modern home
106 how do you want to live?
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Interiors writer Linda Clayton on why bigger isn’t always better
114 Real home
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Deborah and Jonathan turned a dilapidated galley kitchen into an open-plan entertaining space
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The latest ideas and essential purchases for your renovation
79 Guide to side-return extensions
Make the most of the space at the side of your home by extending
109 extension of the month
An impressive addition we love
111 kitchen and bathroom news
The latest buys and design ideas for a stylish and practical space
121 Guide to heating
Help and advice on getting a new system or a smart upgrade
128 focus on window shutters
Ideas for a timeless look
131 The edit
The latest kitchen worktops and bathroom vanity units
138 Sunday Project
114
Create a DIY Crittall-style shower screen
READER OFFER Subscribe for £18.50 and get a free Joseph Joseph chopping board and recipe journal worth £29.99. See page 10 for details
Samsara velvet sofa-bed in blush pink, £720, Decoville
Jackson two-seater orange velvet sofa, £600, Argos
Boone two-seater sofa, £939, Barker & Stonehouse
Deep Dream two-seater sofa in Forest velvet, £1,995, Graham & Green
I T TA K E S T WO Josh two-seater sofa in Granny Smith fabric, £925, Perch & Parrow
H. Lis Fox two-seater sofa in Cord Honey, £1,530, Rose & Grey
For perfectly lazy afternoons of same-side-sitting or simply sprawling out on, pick a modern two-seater sofa
Holborn velvet small sofa, £399, Next
Frey two-seater sofa, £449, Dunelm
Gabrielle two-seater in Plush Teal, £999, Sofology
style it now
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
This coffee table’s smooth edges and wheels make it a handy resting place for your cuppa
Bumble coffee table, £130, Habitat Slow-Mo sofa in Soft Blue laundered linen, from £1,345, Loaf
Heather velvet upholstered sofa in Charcoal Grey, £239, Cult Furniture
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NEXT MONTH – ILLUMINATE YOUR SPACE WITH THE LATEST PENDANT LIGHTS
Ella blush pink two-seater sofa with chrome base, £799.99, MY Furniture
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Swoon Sala fabric two-seater sofa, £999, Very
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PA R M A V I O L E T FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
With pastel shades the current must-have colours, it’s time for lilac to step into the spotlight. Enjoy a modern take on this soft hue with pieces that pack a calming punch 1 Zanolla Picia purple pendant light, £150, Nedgis 2 Sea Heather totally matt paint, £47 for 2.5ltrs, Little Greene 3 Lavender artificial plant, £12.99, HomeSense 4 Hay DLM XL side table in lavender, £185, Connox 5 LSA International assorted gems tumblers in garnet, £35 for four, Amara 6 Parma Violet No. 710 vinyl matt emulsion paint, £12 for 2.5ltrs, Wickes 7 Dartington Crystal Fable slim vase in amethyst, £30, John Lewis & Partners 8 Scented lavender candle in glass, £1, Wilko 9 Abstract Non Arte Exhibition poster framed A3 wall art print, £49, Made 10 Pastel purple succulent planter, £20, Mint & May 11 Keaton three-seater upholstered sofa in lilac/green, £709.99, Wayfair 12 Lilac triangular water bottle, £14, Paperchase 13 Large Connection fabric drum footstool, £295, Furniture Village 14 Round diffused wall light in lilac, £60, Houseof 15 Virgo: Harness the Power of the Zodiac book, £8.99, Urban Outfitters 16 Ängslilja duvet cover set, £25, Ikea 17 Faux fur sheepskin rug in mauve, £25, Dunelm
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NEXT MONTH – GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH THE LATEST SHAPELY TREND
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Extended Victorian terrace
TWICE AS
NICE
Adding another storey and large kitchen extension doubled the size of Jasmin Robertson’s terraced house, turning it into a modern family home
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Kitchen, Homebase. Vintage chairs, Department Hove. Lime chair, Made. Metal bar stools, Ebay. Floor tiles, Tiles Direct. Walls painted in Strong White and Bancha, Farrow & Ball
Profile
THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom Victorian terrace in Hove, East Sussex project COST ÂŁ198,500
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THE OWNERs Jasmin Robertson, a PR consultant and blogger (@brickdustbaby), her husband, Liam, a digital sales director, their daughter, Molly, five, and their French bulldog, Worley
Working from home (AND STAYING SANE)
If you’re suddenly earning your crust from home, by choice or otherwise, carving out some dedicated office space is essential. Study our guide and all you’ll ever miss about office life is the water cooler convo…
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he ONS reports that, thanks to coronavirus, working from home has become the new normal for almost half of British workers. For many, working from home has been a lifelong ambition, thwarted only by untrusting bosses hell-bent on monitoring every move. However, chances are they weren’t planning for it to happen full-time, overnight. The reality for many lockdown-enforced homeworkers has been makeshift office spaces (read: kitchen tables), a battle for desk domain and bandwidth with their partners, and carrying on the day job with children underfoot/ home-schooling. All while under the unprecedented mental and financial stress of a global pandemic. On the bright side, many companies have finally realised the benefits of not shelling out for corporate HQs, which means thousands of former office drones can celebrate never having to sit sweaty-faced on the Northern line again. Whoop! And now things have eased a little, and shops and schools (please, God) have reopened, it’s time to create a bone fide home office. In the event that your house hasn’t miraculously
sprouted an annexe during lockdown, this will likely require some creative thinking. A spare bedroom is an obvious target, especially with sleepovers still unappealing. Often the smallest, darkest room in the house, it might be possible to add a window or sun-tube to prevent complete depression. For many, a light-filled garden office is the perfect ‘working from home but out of the home’ solution. It requires reasonable investment, and outdoor space. If it takes up half your garden, or more, a garden office can actually reduce your home’s value. A well-insulated loft conversion has similar benefits in terms of peace, quiet and separate space. Again, you’re talking money, at least £15,000 for a small conversion. If both space and spondulicks are lacking, don’t despair. The benefit of the digital age is that we can now work happily in the smallest of spaces – no more dustbin-size PC towers required. An area big enough for a laptop and notepad will do for part-time work, but for 40 hours plus a week, find somewhere that can host a monitor and keyboard. Add coffee and Spotify and you’ll be golden, living the work-life dream.
Get your head down
Eero multicoloured desk lamp, £40, Habitat
Taj and Camilla notebooks and pens, £19.99 each, Emily Smith
Reno brown leather desk chair, £119.99, Homescapes Online
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Dear Self poster, £7.95, Desenio
Nephrolepis Boston, 17cm, £12.99, Haskins
WORDS LINDA CLAYTON
A well-organised (and pretty) work space will help those office hours fly by
NEXT MONTH – CAN A MINIMALIST SCHEME WORK WITH CHILDREN?
With no colleagues in sight to judge you, staying away from social media can be doubly hard at home. Unless it’s genuinely part of your job, remove social media links from your toolbar to help combat the temptation for a quick scroll. Also log out of all social media apps on your phone when you log on to work. Just the act of having to put in a password can be enough of a deterrent to you getting lost down a social media rabbit hole. Do harness the power of music, though – Spotify, Apple and Amazon all have excellent playlists specifically designed to aid concentration.
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The area above your desk holds serious #shelfie potential. Put shelves above your eyeline to prevent distraction when actually working, but otherwise go wild with photos, planters and cute storage containers. Laying books horizontally is a great look, but it does put pressure on book spines so keep valuable tomes vertical. Do reserve shelves for prettiness: there’s nothing inspiring about spare ink cartridges or piles of invoices.
Linnmon/Krille table, £77; Leifarne swivel chair, £35; Burhult/Sandshult wall shelf, £8; Ivar pine cabinet, £45; Ivar red cabinet with doors, £65; Ribba frame, from £3, all Ikea
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CREATIVE WAYS WITH
BOLD FLOORING Be brave and choose a statement pattern underfoot for a decorative and fun space that’s packed with personality
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
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ometimes it pays to step outside of your comfort zone, and when it comes to your décor, choosing patterned flooring is a great place to begin. Our floors are the unsung heroes of our homes, facing up to daily wear and tear, so it’s only right that we show them some love. In the past year, we’ve seen a surge in striking and colourful patterned floors, with daring and creative designs transforming our flooring into a fifth wall that warrants just as much attention as the rest of our space. From tiles to carpet and vinyl to rugs, there’s a bold pattern to suit. If you’re revamping your scheme, begin with statement flooring and work your way upwards for a space that oozes confidence, charm and fun.
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If you’re after a bold pop of pattern but you don’t want to commit to an entire floor, a vibrant rug can transform your space. This stand-out patchwork effect design is a show stealer, and if you get tired of the vibrancy, try it out in another room, or put it away until next season. Washable kitchen and playroom rugs are also a great idea for an inexpensive and quick update. Villa multi blocks rug, from £49.99, Carpetright
HOW TO STYLE
If you want your patterned floor to be your pièce de résistance, keep the rest of your scheme simple. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring; introduce colours of a similar or contrasting hue, and add interest through textures like velvet, bamboo or metal. Keep other patterns to a minimum, unless you’re going for maximalism. A big motif or large format tiles can make a small space feel bigger, but a small, intricate pattern could get lost in a larger room. Lines stretching over the widest part of the space will elongate your room.
Extend upwards Why limit pattern to the floor? Continuing your patterned tiles up your walls, furniture or bath, as shown here, is a great way to blur the line between your walls and floors and make your space feel bigger. Ensure you choose a tile that’s suitable for both, as floor tiles may be too heavy for walls, and wall tiles could crack underfoot. These powerful monochrome stripes are attention grabbers that work best in a simple scheme. Fired Earth Sorrento Turro tile, £8.83 each; bathroom, from £8,000, both Day True
Creative hub Flooring is a great way to zone your space, so make working from home a little easier by creating a designated work station with pattern beneath. Choose a fun and playful design for an inspiring home office scheme that’s a pleasure to be in. This Censor geometric flooring is available in many colourways, and it’ll work just as well in an imaginative kids’ playroom, too. Censor geometric vinyl flooring, £59 per m2, Atrafloor
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Small but mighty
extended edwardian terrace
A LIFE IN ONE ROOM When renovating their run-down period terrace, Ali and Rob put family living at the heart of every decision – resulting in an open-plan extension that works for everyone
Profile THE OWNERs Ali Lovett, an interior stylist (alisonlovett.co.uk) and wedding planner (unionweddings.co.uk) lives with her husband, Rob, a creative partner at Facebook, son Ellis, two, and miniature schnauzer Betty THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Edwardian terrace in Aldersbrook, east London WORDS AND STYLING ALI LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHS RACHEL MANNS
project COST £92,400
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All the furniture has been carefully selected to make the space multifunctional. ‘Rob is a keen cook and we both love entertaining,’ says Ali. ‘We chose an extendable dining table that seats up to 12, a pendant light that can be hooked up and a sofa split into two and moved. It means we can host dinner parties or create a huge dance floor!’
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Dining chairs, Ebay, painted in Railings, Farrow & Ball. Table, Loaf. Kitchen cabinets and bench, Ikea. Sheepskin throw, Dunelm. Pendant light over dining table, Broste Copenhagen at Amara. Drawer and door handles, Dowsing & Reynolds. Floor tiles and Apollo Slabtech worktop, Wickes. Marble splashback tiles, Mandarin Stone. Kitchen wall painted in Temple, Paint & Paper Library. Coving painted in Sleeping Inn, Valspar. Range cooker, Smeg. Kitchen wall light, Wayfair. Ceiling light over kitchen, Made. Coving, Plaster Mouldings Direct
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More space equals a happy home, yes? Not always. If you’ve not thought through what you want to achieve by removing walls or extending, it might not work for your family. Linda Clayton reveals why the emotional side of living is as crucial as square footage
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HOME IS WHERE THE HAPPY IS Elaine Penhaul, owner of home-staging specialists Lemon and Lime Interiors, offers advice on how to gain a happy home: ‘Bring the outdoors in – it’s well known that having plants or foliage in the house can be beneficial to your health and well-being as they release oxygen and take in carbon dioxide. Plants have also been proven to help with stress, anxiety and blood pressure. Studies have shown that having a plant in the house can evoke a feeling of calmness and peace, therefore lowering stress levels. ‘Create a room where you can switch off from technology and unwind. ‘Make your bathroom a sanctuary with candles or mood lighting, and invest in some new fluffy towels. ‘Turn your study into a den and surround yourself with your favourite books or a craft you like doing. ‘Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Your home should be a demonstration of who you are as a person, so include some of your much-loved collectables and souvenirs. You don’t want to live in a perfectly styled show home with meaningless artwork and accessories. ‘Get some hygge in your bedroom – different textured rugs, throws, blankets and cushions can help you relax and drift off more easily, and we all know a good night’s sleep does you the world of good.’
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WORDS LINDA CLAYTON IMAGES GETTY; CANDLE, PRIMARK; HANGING PLANT, MATALAN; COTTON STRIPE THROW, MARKS & SPENCER
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he late, great architect Zaha Hadid once up using it. A common mistake said, ‘Architecture is really about wellis to focus on its primary function. being. I think people want to feel good You’re adding a kitchen extension in a space’. While nobody will argue with so spend hours researching cookers her sentiment, how many of us neglect to and worktops, but what happens think about how we will feel and ‘be’ in a when everyone has eaten? Is there room when we decorate, alter or extend? somewhere to sit back in comfort? Too often, we get caught up in the excitement of adding What about homework – is there room more space only to discover living in an aircraft hangar on the island or will textbooks get doesn’t ‘spark joy’, especially when it comes to cleaning splashed? Thinking about how you’ll that vast expanse of floor. ‘If you knock out the walls use the space throughout the day before you’ve thought about how you’re going to use will also help with the positioning of and enjoy the new space, you are certainly creating lighting, sockets, flooring, etc. But more room in a house, but not necessarily a home,’ don’t overcrowd. ‘A home should flow says Nicole Grey, senior interior designer at Pavilion easily from one room to the next with Broadway (pavilionbroadway.co.uk). sufficient space for key features or When we added our kitchen extension, the old elements that you want to incorporate,’ (pokey) kitchen and (even pokier) utility room became adds Nicole Grey at Pavilion Broadway. redundant. I nabbed the latter for my office/the kids’ ‘If you try to include too many, even playroom and decorated in bright colours that would in a large interior, you are at risk of wake up my brain and make the girls smile. But the first creating a chaotic environment in which time I sat down to my desk, I knew it wouldn’t work. The you’ll feel lost and uncomfortable.” room has big windows but it’s north The psychology facing and cold. I slapped the heating of colour tells us that ‘spend time in specific colours have on, but it wasn’t the physical warmth that was a problem. The sun just each room and mood-boosting or doesn’t get in there and the windows calming properties. are too high to enjoy the views at my Imagine it with Yet we don’t always desk. After spending nine months apply this knowledge to alternative working at the kitchen table of our our home. If you follow sun-filled, south-facing extension Unmumsy Mum Sarah uses before (overlooking rolling Devon hills, no Turner, she revealed less), it was deeply depressing. I had her reno account (@ you get fixed on to get out. If you work from home theturnerhouseproject) full time, it needs to be in a room that she how she fell for on what it’ll be’ how doesn’t make you feel miserable. On the Instagram trap of the plus side, the girls are very happy choosing an on-trend in there. Since they’re prone to nosebleeds if they dark blue because it looked HOT on overheat, it’s probably the best room for them. the grid. It should have been perfect In my case, it was the natural lighting (or lack of) for creating the cosy living that had the biggest impact on my mood, and I am not room vibe she wanted. In alone. Estelle Derouet (aka @savageinteriors) admits reality it made her feel so to making an expensive mistake when extending her low she stopped going into kitchen. ‘We didn’t put any skylights on the extension the room, and repainted six roof in the original plans. When the builders put up the months later. Of course, it’s structure with tarpaulin over it, I stood at the entrance impossible to know how a and went, “erm... NOPE!”,’ she recalls. ‘We added four colour is going to affect your large Velux windows, then the kitchen design had to mood until you’ve lived with be altered to centre the range cooker and extractor it, but you can increase your between two of them. It was absolutely the right thing chances of success by going to do but the kitchen company wasn’t too impressed for shades you already love – with me, and of course it cost more to add them in look to your wardrobe/cushion later.’ We’d all love every room to be filled with daylight collection for inspo. Focus on how but most have at least one that doesn’t catch a glimpse different colours make you feel. of direct sunlight from dawn to dusk. And this is not So instead of starting your the room to be spending all your daylight hours in. planning by working out just how Study the sunlight and add more windows if possible. close to the neighbour’s fence you If not, consider giving it a new role that doesn’t require can risk extending, really think about much daylight, like a snug or living room you head to how you want to enjoy the space – be in the evening, or a utility. ‘If you’ve just moved in, it lazy mornings watching the birds, spend time in each room at different times of the hosting family or even doing your day and imagine it with alternative uses before you tax return. Discuss these ‘moments’ get too fixed on what it’ll be,’ adds Elaine Penhaul, with your architect and/or designer. owner of home-staging specialists Lemon and Lime With any luck, you’ll end up with Interiors (lemonandlimeinteriors.co.uk). sun-drenched seating by the window, The layout and flow of a space can also have a huge space to spread out a buffet and a impact on your emotional wellbeing, and how you end quiet spot to file those expenses.
kitchen extension
LUXE TOUCH After months of building work, Deborah and Jonathan Boston have turned their dilapidated galley kitchen into an elegant open-plan living and entertaining space that’s perfect for hosting friends and family
THE
transformation of Deborah and Jonathan’s kitchen is so dramatically different that it’s hard to visualise what their Victorian terrace house looked like before they worked their design magic. When the couple moved in, the kitchen had been largely untouched since the 1980s – a simple run of units with a separate pantry and outside toilet. In the spring of 2019, the couple forged ahead with their ambitious renovation project to expand the space, transforming how they live in their home forever. Here, Deborah reveals how she’s turned a dated design into a lustworthy kitchen-diner filled with gold and emerald green touches.
‘We went for white walls to bounce light around, then added gold and green for a luxury touch,’ says Deborah. Kitchen units, double Belfast sink and gold taps, all Howdens. Quartz work surface, Kitchen Stone Worktop. Flooring, Colonia. Pendant light, Wayfair
WORDS AND STYLING MAXINE BRADY PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID WOOLLEY
BEFORE
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Profile The owners Deborah Simpson Boston, who runs lifestyle and interiors blog and online shop Honest Woman (honestwoman.co), her husband, Jonathan, sales director of a luxury British heritage brand, and their miniature labradoodle, Blue The property A four-bed Victorian semi in Southwick, East Sussex
Large bi-folds slide open to allow a full view of the garden from the new kitchen renovation. Jonathan installed the decked area and gravel was put down the side return to complement the new extension. Bi-fold doors, Seeview Windows. Outdoor furniture, Ebay. Decking, Wickes. Outdoor lighting, Screwfix
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project cost A similar extension, decked garden and interior fit out would cost around ÂŁ85,000
SPOTLIGHT ON
monochrome bathrooms Whether you keep it classic or inject a colour pop, choose a black and white base for a stylish space that’s timeless, elegant and versatile
WOODEN WARMTH Monochrome can feel cold, so add warmth by incorporating wood into your design, like here in the flooring, shelf and bath caddy. Luxley black bowls, £235; Morina modular wall-hung basin units, £325; Reflexion blackframed wet room panel, £300; Harlesden bath, £1,095, Bathrooms to Love
PAINT PROUD Choose monochrome hardware, like this sleek vanity unit and simple tiles, and the paint colour possibilities for your walls are endless. Here, earthy green has real impact, and you can chop and change as you wish. Arezzo 1000 gloss white drawer unit and basin, £449.95, Victorian Plumbing
Five things...
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
ONE
While black absorbs light, white reflects it, and while black is heavy, white is light, and these opposite qualities are the reason that black and white work together so well. Just like yin and yang, they balance each other out. This makes for a palette that is not only pleasing, but comforting to the eye, which is why monochrome works especially well in bathrooms.
SOFT AND WHIMSICAL Black and white needn’t always be bold and dramatic. This tile-effect flooring is a subtle take on monochrome, while black accessories, white walls and grey metro tiles combine for a tranquil look. Milano Windsor suite with bath, WC and pedestal basin, £699.99, Big Bathroom Shop
you need to know to maximise the power of monochrome in your bathroom for a space that’s striking, empowering and welcoming, too
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The most popular way to introduce monochrome to a bathroom is with tiles. There any many patterned designs out there, but using a plain tile and contrasting grout colour is a simple and effective way to introduce the palette. If you’ve already got white metro tiles, regrouting in black can highlight the shape of each tile, and render inevitable grout stains invisible. It’s a win win.
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As it’s often the smallest room in the home, the bathroom is a great place to introduce patterned flooring. While you may have white walls and black furniture, uniting these two colours underfoot is a simple route to a cohesive scheme. From Victorian tileeffect to florals and geometrics, choose a laminate or vinyl for practicality and warmth.
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Want a burst of colour? With a monochrome base, anything goes, but bright shades of blue, green, orange and yellow will have the most impact. Grey can work to soften, acting as a bridge between the two colours, and pastel shades bring a whimsical element. Use coloured towels, bath mats and laundry baskets as an inexpensive way to update your look when seasons and trends change.
FOCUS ON
Window shutters
A timeless classic, shutters are smart, stylish and energy efficient, plus they easily control the amount of light you let in. We pick the best to suit you BEST FOR UNUSUAL SHAPES
BEST TO ZONE SPACES Tracked shutters are an excellent way to divide an open-plan space for multifunctional use. Draw them closed for a quiet office area or homework room or pull open and concertina neatly together to socialise with family or friends. Classic louvre shutters let light filter through while solid wood can have a fabulous finish. Solid single panel wood shutters in custom colours, approx 3m2, around £2,000 including installation, Hillarys
Window shutters are perfect for dressing an unusually shaped window, particularly if it’s high up. The shutters can be custom made to fit into unconventional angles or curves. These shutters are made from premium hardwood for high dimensional stability, whatever the shape. Wood shutters start from £548 per m2, Appeal Shading
BEST FOR BATHROOMS If you want shutters that offer privacy, consider café style. The bottom half of the window gives discreet concealment while the top half is left clear. Bathroom shutters are available in waterproof PVC or affordable hybrawood painted with a smooth lacquer, so they are resistant to damp and the build-up of mildew. Shutters from £168 per m2, California Shutters
WORDS ALSION JONES
Three TOP TIPS SHUTTER STYLES Café style covers the bottom half of the window. Tier on tier has separate panels, one on top of the other. Full-height shutters cover the window lintel to sill. Solid shutters are made from panels of wood rather than louvres or slats. Tracked shutters have tracks top and bottom so they can fold back. Shaped shutters are made bespoke to fit unusually shaped windows.
Pick the type of shutter that’s perfect for your needs, and your windows, and decide how you want them fitted
OPEN AND SHUT The louvres or slats are operated by a tilt rod which is pulled up or down. Hidden or invisible tilt rods built into the frame or behind the slats mean if you move one slat, some or even all of the others will follow suit. Remote control shutters operate at the touch of a button. Tilting the slats up makes it harder to see in, while tilting down brings light to the middle and cuts glare.
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FIT FOR PURPOSE If you are looking to save money, it is possible to install shutters yourself. Confident DIYers can buy from companies who will measure and custom make shutters to your specifications, then you put them in yourself. For more savings, you can also measure the windows and order from online shutter brands or DIY warehouses. They arrive pre-drilled and mitred, ready to fit.
BEST FOR A CLASSIC LOOK
Finishing touches
In addition to their light control qualities and their thermal benefits, shutters have a timeless elegance. The American-inspired Hampton Collection brings the charm of the affluent US summer seaside resort. Built from faux wood, these durable window covers come in neutral tones of white, cream and grey. Made to measure Hampton faux wood shutters, from £60, Swift Direct Blinds
Love the slatted look of shutters but want a cheaper alternative? Try Venetian blinds in wood or faux wood
BEST FOR SETTING THE MOOD
Enjoy the brightness even when the shutters are closed with some boldly coloured choices. These yellow shutters with contrasting green trim make a real statement in the window, and add a contemporary twist to a period home. Select colours that complement the room’s décor,or pick up on a secondary or accent shade for subtle cohesiveness. Tier-on-tier (or double hung) hardwood shutters, from £299 per m2, Shutterly Fabulous
BEST FOR A BUSY KITCHEN Kitchens can be tricky for window dressings, as they are at risk from steam, splashes and spilt food leaving spots of grease. To combat that, shutters that can be wiped with a damp cloth are a practical option. These plantation shutters are made from hard-wearing polymer faux wood and won’t warp or crack in moist conditions, so the colour stays crisp. Daytona Vivid White plantation shutter, from £72.59, 247 Blinds
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Natural look Chose woody shades in light or dark brown to add a touch of nature. Prices from £64 for W40x D120cm made-to-measure Essential wood Venetian blind, Apollo Blinds
NEXT MONTH: A GUIDE TO THE BEST NEW OVENS
BEST FOR DESIGN IMPACT
Eco friendly These stylish blinds are made from renewably sourced materials and handcrafted for a perfect fit. Eden collection wooden blinds, POA, Thomas Sanderson
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Shutters can be transportive, the look of them calling to mind different places and times. This Coastal Range taps into memories of summer seaside breaks. They are louvre style, and the colours are inspired by the elements of the beach – the sea, the dunes and the sunrises and sunsets on the waves. Made from sustainable hardwood with hidden tilt rods, they’re like a holiday at home. Coastal Range hardwood shutters, from £310 per m2, Just Shutters
Sun shade Control the glare in garden rooms or conservatories with blinds in neutral tones. Venetian blinds from £24.15 for a W30xD30cm made-tomeasure blind, Blinds2Go
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SMART AND SLEEK Clean lines, matt black finishes and minimal styling make a powerful statement in a space. This floor-to-ceiling black-framed shower screen enhances the feeling of height, while the stone-effect floor adds texture and depth. Vellamo matt black framed wetroom panel, £441, Drench
METALLIC POP If you dare to go black on your walls, a large metallic feature will bounce light around the room. Be it a bath, tiles or accessories, golds, silvers and coppers can enliven and brighten. Hylton acrylic double-ended bath, £2,600; Caversham vanity unit, £600, Heritage Bathrooms
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If you don’t want to deviate from this dynamic duo, a key way to prevent a monochrome bathroom from appearing cold and unfriendly is to introduce textures. Exposed wood grain, natural stone, bamboo, concrete, and even fabrics, such as jute or linen, can go a long way in adding another dimension to your space, without going off piste with your palette.
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Dolly Bird Resistance Ultra matt emulsion paint, £44 for 2.5ltrs, Graham & Brown
Stream freestanding bath in mustard, from £1,795, Water Baths of Ashbourne
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Did you know? We’ve got so much more bathroom inspiration over on realhomes.com. From paint ideas to tiles and lighting, we’ve got you covered
Liberté blue Tapestry tile, £3.75 per tile, Original Style
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FOR MORE BATHROOM STYLE IDEAS, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/BATHROOM
TIMELESS ELEGANCE Rich, glossy green metro tiles and checkerboard flooring is a match made in bathroom heaven. Complete with traditional-style sanitaryware and shiny chrome fittings. The Bath Co. Dulwich freestanding shower and bath suite with basin, washstand and WC with black seat, £1,202, Victoria Plum
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PATTERN POWER A bold flooring design can transform a simple scheme, and these tiles have bursts of yellow that bring a sense of fun to the monochrome palette. Ornamental mustard tiles, £41.28 per m2, Ripples. For a similar tub, try the Lisbon bath, from £599.97, Better Bathrooms