Kent homes & interiors by Lee Grover

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Spring 2014

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Kitchen advice from the trade

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A look inside two of Kents best homes Bathroom revamping & tips on updating Interior inspiration for all room shapes

Also: Auction myth busting Hobby turned business Spring Gardening help and advice Sisters doing it for themselves Architects warning of the pitfalls when restoring and renovating Confessions of a hoarder

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2 Kent homes & Interiors

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In this issue we have two featured homes, to look inside. Kitchen advice from the trade, bathroom revamping and tips on updating. Interior inspiration for room shapes, auction myth busting, and hobbies turned crafts. Gardening help and advice, sisters doing it for themselves. An architect warning of the pitfalls when building and confession of a hoarder. This magazine is for all home owners in Kent so if you love you home tell us about it, it might just end up in our next issue. Enjoy.

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My aim is to give you the reader, a home and interior publication that will show off the best of Kent’s home products and interior furnishings. You will notice, that we have only included only Kent advertisers, so you see what’s in, the best of Kent’s shops and help support our Kent economy and get a better deal locally.

Spring heralds the start of a new season both in the incoming of home and interior design styles and repairing and the redesign, of the garden. These next few months, new home trends will start and winter colours will start to make you feel a little out season.

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Welcome to Kent Homes & Interiors magazine, I hope you’ll enjoy reading not only this spring issue, but the first ever edition of the magazine. We endeavour to improve on each issue produced in the coming years.

Lizzy Rose

Editors Letter

Woodstoves ● AGA Rayburn ● Biomass

To find out more please call: Roper Close, Canterbury, CT2 7EP 01227 457643 | www.heatdesignkent.co.uk dthomas@heatdesignkent.co.uk

Kent homes & Interiors

Spring Contents LG Brands Ltd 3-9 Station Street Sittingbourne Kent ME10 3DU

Email sales@kenthomesmag.co.uk

Pages 6 - 13 The house that grew

Pages 28 -29 Bathrooms Updating your bathroom. Ideas to update on a smaller budget.

Though the keyhole style look at, the a 19th century farm workers cottage located in Hildenborough.

Telephone 01795 883696

Editor Lizzy Rose

Publisher Lee Grover

Editorial Contributors: Sultan Anibaba, Alison Griffiths, Rachael Hale, Matt Jackson, Jo Murray, Tony Pratt and Wendy Rainthorpe

Pages 30- 37 A Tudor revival

Design & Artwork designappeal.co.uk We are always looking for homes to be featured if you would like you home to be featured or know someone who would like their home feature. You can call us on 01795 883696 or email us with the subject, ‘my home’ to info@kenthomesmag.co.uk

Although we have made every effort to ensure that the content of features within Kent Homes & Interiors magazine is correct and accurate upon the date of sale. The publisher cannot hold responsibility for claims of contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. We reserve the right to change or amend editorial supplied for use with Kent Homes & Interiors magazine. Neither can the publisher guarantee that images or photographs supplied by any source, to use within Kent Homes & Interiors magazine will or will not be altered or changed in any way to suit the publisher. Kent homes & Interiors magazine is the copyright of the publisher LG Brands Ltd and any reproduction of said magazine content would require written consent from the publisher.

4 Kent homes & Interiors

Pages 14 - 21 Kitchens

House two of our though the keyhole style look at the 17th century Tudor house in Goudhurst.

Two of Kent’s finest company’s talk kitchens, 10 kitchen inspirations and the age of the kitchen.

Pages 22 – 27 Splashing out on a new bathroom? A guide to choosing the best type and style for you.

Pages 38 - 41 Interiors and Inspiration A springtime helpful guide when redecorating a room, when ideas for different shapes of rooms.

Pages 42 - 45 Dispelling the auction myth A guide to buying under the hammer from our county’s most knowledgeable auctioneer.

Pages 46 - 47 The best of Kent’s, arts & crafts The iron man of Kent, is a profile of Rob Longley.

Page 48 Gardens Spring in the garden, is a reminder some of the jobs, to get on top of in the garden.

Pages 50- 53 How to make the most of your spring garden Advice from one of Kent’s best landscape designers / head gardeners.

Pages 54 - 56 A safe seat

Pages 62 - 64 Decluttering and storage solutions Were all a bit of a hoarder at heart, solutions and tips on avoiding hoarding?

Page 65 10 tips to selling your home In a growing housing market.

The Barrell sisters talk about family business that’s been running since 1895.

Pages 58 - 61 Extensions & Renovations A helpful guide by an architect, on extending and renovating your home.

Page 66 Don’t miss this during spring & what’s coming up in our summer issue A few interesting things for the home & garden to be at in spring and what’s coming the next issue guide.

Kent homes & Interiors

The House that Grew Property 19th Century Farm Workers Cottage Location Hildenborough Written by Rachael Hale 6 Kent homes & Interiors

“ We were meant to be buying somewhere else...” Caroline Brooks-Jacklin longed to live in a character property. She loved her modern flat in Beckenham but what she really wanted was a cottage over-looking fields. The chance to relocate came when she and her former husband decided to buy a house together and they started looking in the Hildenborough area. But as Caroline explains, not everything went according to plan. ‘We were meant to be buying somewhere else but when the details for this one came through I loved it so much that I stuck it in my file. Then I had a phone call to say that our original house had fallen through so I just rang the estate agent to see if this one was still free.’ Fortunately it was and Caroline recalls that the location was perfect, ‘It’s in a rural location with good links to London and schools.’ The interior of the house was another matter and although Caroline could see that it had lots of potential she initially thought it was ‘horrible’. Situated just a few minutes’ drive from the main village, the double-fronted, grade II listed cottage sits at the end of a row of eight farmworkers’ cottages . They are all built from Flemish bond brick with peg tile roofs and are partially tile-hung but the actual building

dates range from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Bizarrely, the left end of the row is older than the right, as the cottages were expanded over time to meet the increasing number of farm labourers and their families. In some of the cottages, the frames of earlier incarnations remain and the ad-hoc extensions have given rise to several flying freeholds in what Caroline describes as a haphazard ‘stickle brick effect’. A flying freehold occurs when part of a property is above or below part of an adjacent property and when Caroline bought her cottage for £85,000 in 1996 ‘it just had two bedrooms, the front part of the lounge had a flying freehold over it and my current bedroom belonged to next door.’ At the front of the house it was reversed so ‘we flew under them at the front of the lounge and over them in what is now the office.’ It was also without many of the mod cons that we now take for granted and ‘one of the first jobs was to install central heating’. With only an open fire for heat Caroline’s ex-husband used to ‘heat up some great big stones and then put them inside a pillowcase in the bed to warm me up’. Kent homes & Interiors

Continuing in the tradition of adding rooms as they are needed, the first extension coincided with the arrival of the couple’s first daughter, Amelia, thirteen years ago. ‘The kitchen was housed in a flat roof extension carried out in the 1960’s or 70’s and the extension actually improved the look of the house tremendously’. The work was carried out by professional carpenters and roofers and Caroline says she just had to add the finishing touches. The actual inspiration for the build came from the house itself as it ‘just lent itself to having it done because it looked so ugly on the outside and it was also a natural progression. The other end cottage had it done so we were just following their lead.’ Fortunately the build went smoothly as just after Amelia was born, the stream running alongside the cottage flooded causing some carpet damage. ‘It was early in the New Year and we flooded along with many other properties in the area. The general feeling was that someone was misusing the stream for something because the water came up and dropped very quickly. Since then the Environment Agency

8 Kent homes & Interiors

have kept a very close eye on it and it has never flooded since.’ It did provide an opportunity to update the kitchen, however, and Caroline laughingly recalls how ‘we treated ourselves to a freestanding oak kitchen with the thought that, if we

ever needed to, we could carry our kitchen somewhere safe but that’s unlikely to happen. She also adds that she loves her range cooker and the overall style suits the cottage perfectly – so much so that visitors frequently ask whether it’s bespoke.

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Another job involved the replacement of the ‘ugly upvc windows that had been installed prior to the cottage becoming listed’ in 1990. The couple used a carpenter from Edenbridge who handmade the wooden frames and Caroline says that she ‘spent far too much on the window furniture. It was the one thing I thought I could go for a cheaper option on but decided not to as I had always wanted the nice curly handles’. The second extension proved more tricky and could only occur when the house next door became empty. ‘It was originally rented by an old chap who unfortunately died and the owner then put it up for auction.’ It proved to be a nerve wracking experience. Having discussed the various options for the additional space the couple planned to remove the flying freeholds and then re-divide the properties with the aim of renting out the house next door. People suggested that they amalgamate the two houses but Caroline says ‘we would have lost rooms to gain rooms and it was never of interest to me, I think it would have unbalanced it all.’ Their plans could only come to fruition if they secured the property and daunted by the prospect of buying at auction, and worried they would be spurred into exceeding their budget, they asked a friend to bid on their behalf. Several other buyers were also after the property but, in a nail biting moment, the property was secured for them at £160,000, the very top of their budget and far more than the £100 that the previous occupant had been offered the house for in the 1960’s. Caroline was too nervous to attend the auction and distinctly remembers where she was when she heard the results: ‘I was out walking the dog in Vines’ Lane when I got a phone call to say that we’d got it. I threw my hands up in the air and went ‘yes!’ ‘The next stage was getting planning permission, because obviously both buildings are listed and we needed it to do what we wanted to do. That took a long time but if you have a listed building you just have to bite the bullet, tick all the boxes and dot the ‘i’s’ – you have got to get everything spot on.’

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Once permission was granted the two homes were then split into a more traditional arrangement and Caroline says, ‘I think we did the most logical thing – we gained a fourth bedroom and we could have gained an extra room downstairs if we wanted to but we chose to open up the lounge as with two young children it made more sense to have the extra floor space. The work took a long time and it was done in phases.’ The resulting layout works perfectly and Caroline has enjoyed decorating it all to her own taste,

‘I know what I like, I’m not a ditherer and if I have to contemplate something or try to convince myself then it’s not right.’ The ground floor of the house is painted in a neutral stone colour and Caroline adds that because she ‘always had this yearning to live in a cottage my choices are cottagey but I am a very minimal person. I don’t like lots of fuss and I always go for quite a simple look so sitting in the lounge with the red sofa is quite full on for me. But it is a Christmassy room.’ Upstairs the rooms are painted ‘predominantly in white, unless my daughters have had an input and then it’s pink or purple.’ The whole

house was redecorated last year and in Lily’s room one finishing touch has yet to be added. Caroline explains that the odd window treatments are down to ‘laziness, - I had visions of myself being a proper homemaker and being like Kirsty Allsopp making my own curtains but I only ever made one and the material for the other one is still in the bottom drawer of Lily’s wardrobe waiting to be made.’ One noticeable trend running throughout the cottage is the use of mirrors and when asked about it Caroline says that she likes the ‘look that mirrors give the room.

Being a cottage with small windows downstairs is quite dark and so I feel that mirrors help with that and make it feel a bit more spacious.’ One cleverly positioned mirror in the dining room was actually the suggestion of Caroline’s new partner, Keith. ‘We needed somewhere to put the mirror and he said what about putting it in the fireplace and I went ‘oh yeah’.’ It reflects light back into the room perfectly. Keith is not so keen on the low ceilings in the kitchen, however, and ‘moans about getting a hot head from the spotlights when he’s washing up.’ Kent homes & Interiors

Apart from updating the family bathroom Caroline has no current plans to alter anything and says she ‘loves every room for different reasons; the lounge because it is so cosy and my bedroom because it’s very simple and uncluttered.’ Her girls also like it as ‘they think it’s unusual -very different to their friends’ houses.’ Caroline’s favourite recent alterations are both of a practical nature, however, and she is thrilled with the repositioning of the cottage’s loft hatch. Originally situated over the stairs Caroline admits that she ‘didn’t like going up there but the new one has a nice fold down ladder so I can freely ascend the ladder without fearing for my life.’ She is also relishing her newly re-fitted office as it allows her to properly manage the administration side of her nutrition and personal fitness business that she runs from her studio in Hildenborough. The surroundings of the cottage have always been just as important to Caroline and her family and the east facing position of the property allows her to sit in her favourite spot in the porch and enjoy the early morning sunshine. The front garden was re-designed by a good client of Caroline’s who is a retired

12 Kent homes & Interiors

landscape gardener. ‘ I gave her my brief which was to have an incredibly low maintenance but lovely country cottage front garden so in the summer it really does look good and I don’t do anything to it.’ The fields opposite and adjacent country lanes are also popular for family walks and Caroline’s favourite is from her house to Ightham Mote for a cream tea. If she fancies wandering a little further afield in search of bluebells she heads for Knole Park via Godden Green. ‘I love that I can go for an interesting walk straight from the front door, it feels like you are escaping from everything for a short time while you check out what’s happening in the woods and observing the seasons changing.’ She’s also ‘seen a magnificent stag on one walk’ and come ‘across a fox hunt on another which was quite something if a little scary. I first became aware of it when I heard the thundering hooves, didn’t quite know what to do with myself or the dog.’ There are also several good cycle paths in the area and, on one ride to Penshurst Place; Caroline found her doorbell in the gift shop. With farm shops selling local seasonal produce, a good dance school for the girls, convenient

public transportation links and a great choice of pubs close by, the location suits all members of the family and when asked whether she can ever see herself moving, Caroline answers: ‘It would have to be into something very old or ultramodern. I’m not moved by anything in between but this suits us perfectly and I think we would be hard pressed to find something that suits us better.’

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Neptune Design Centre At Neptune Design Centre Tonbridge, creating your own sophisticated interior has never been easier. Step inside our beautiful new Design Centre and you will see why. Neptune have always had an aim to keep creating new and innovative designs, so that you can enjoy choosing Neptune furniture for many years to come. We like our designs to reflect our lifestyle. We want pieces that are elegant, relaxed, authentic and inspired. We are influenced by classical proportions, English heritage and traditional artisanal techniques. We provide furniture and upholstery that feels bespoke and original, hand crafted and functional. The best raw materials such as beautiful oak, stunning granite and pure English lambswool inspire our designs so that we make the most from our wonderful natural resources. Our three kitchen ranges: The Chichester, Suffolk and Henley have these elements in abundance. Soft

14 Kent homes & Interiors

hand painted finishes, warm faded oak and antique brass fixtures and fittings are a classic staple that will also make your home feel fresh, seasonal and stylish. We are sticklers for detail. Our cabinets go through a four stage finishing programme, all our shelves use a flexible and elegant zig-zag system, our timber is sealed with our revolutionary IsoGuardTM system and we use four coats when hand painting our furniture. Combine this attention to detail with the hidden extras such as soft-close drawer runners, removable covers, plate grooves and washable linens and you have beautiful, clever pieces for your home that will last a lifetime. Our value is made up of technology and traditional craftsmanship to ensure good organisation, consistent design and efficient production. We keep costs low by going direct to source for all materials and by doing as much as we can ourselves. We offer a carefully considered

palette of sophisticated paint colours, finishes, sizes, handles and hinges so that you can create your own unique design. We combine contemporary style with traditional form, attention to detail with careful engineering and innovative designs with modern day classics for a stylish and comfortable look that is designed to fit your lifestyle perfectly. All this helped us design a beautiful kitchen for our clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oast house in Kent.

Oast House Kitchen Design Oast house kitchens can be a challenge. Fitting furniture into a round room can sometimes cause problems but for James Buck, Kitchen Designer and owner of Neptune Design Centre Tonbridge, rose to this challenge and designed a beautiful and functional room. Our clients had recently moved into their oast house in Kent and decided to totally renovate their home. To

suit their style and compliment their design a Neptune kitchen was just what they wanted. They chose the Chichester Kitchen painted in the standard Limestone. A must was the fantastic larder cabinet which is a great piece and worked well with the other handmade cabinets that James added to their design. All this worked well to incorporate the beams and other oast interiors. Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; idea of creating a round island was very in-keeping with the roundel kitchen design. The clients chose to have a Quartz stone worktop and with the expertise of our kitchen fitters this was fitted with just two joins. A beautiful design that looked amazing and worked well for busy family life. Our kitchen range has been designed to reflect your lifestyle. We create kitchens that feel bespoke and original, hand crafted and functional. We also work closely with Granite, Quartz and Corian fabricators to offer a varied choice in beautiful yet

practical work surfaces to compliment your chosen cabinets. Take a look at what Neptune has to offer -

Chichester The Chichester Kitchen is a simple design that blends the beautiful quality of European craftsmanship with classic lines and a neutral palette. It has an easy-going grace that suits any style, an impeccable finish and an artful balance of traditional details and crisp silhouettes. With the option to paint in any colour of your choice or to add any style of handle or hinge. It is a most versatile, flexible and affordable kitchen range. Perfect for country living or urban life or anything in-between!

Suffolk The Suffolk Kitchen is a modern classic design. It is a simple but supremely elegant Shaker style that looks to function and form as much as it does to shape and style. By playing with scale and proportion to

emphasise the trademark clean lines and functionality, the Suffolk is bold, serene and sophisticated. Customise with one of our original paint colours to complement the elegant oak surfaces and beautifully finished timber drawers that make this kitchen even more luxurious.

Henley The Henley Kitchen is a confident design that marries chic, faded oak with clean, contemporary cabinet design. The texture is rich, smooth and luxurious. The effect if stylish, warm and welcoming. The organic curves, natural timber and authentic detailing transform this traditional kitchen into a celebration of modern design. Each cabinet has been treated with our unique IsoGuardTM finish to ensure the timber is fully protected yet still retains its elegant, silvered appearance. It is practical, elegant and luxuriously understated. Our new showroom will encompass all the wonderful Neptune products to include... Kent homes & Interiors

Handmade Bathrooms Whatever the size of your room, there is no excuse not to introduce some fresh simplicity with our collection of beautiful bathroom furniture. The Chichester Range reflects the trends for neutral colours, organic materials and traditional craftsmanship that will help maximise the feeling of space and light. Warm oak, elegant marble and a hand painted natural palette give your bathroom a larger, brighter and more inviting feel. Our collection is ideal for bathrooms big or small. The natural colours perfect for any setting. The mix of traditional and contemporary designs are flexible, stylish and versatile. To create your own bespoke look, we can paint your furniture in any of our 28 colours.

Accessories At our Design Centre we also offer the new collection of Neptune accessories, enabling customers to create a delightful co-ordinated look through-out their home. Neptune has designed glassware, cutlery and beautiful dinnerware that combine tradition with innovation.

Our service to you We can work with any budget and offer a full and detailed design service. Should you need us to manage the entire process, we are happy to liaise with any required parties such

16 Kent homes & Interiors

as your builder or electrician. We can also offer building services such as plastering, plumbing, tiling and more. However, if you wish to design and manage the kitchen installation yourself, we are more than happy to welcome you in our showroom to have a look at our kitchens and discuss which cabinets would work best in your home. All the Neptune cabinets are fully framed and ready to install â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no flat packs!

Our showroom is beautifully designed and decorated to give you the full experience of a Neptune Home. From kitchens and living rooms all the way through to bedrooms and bathrooms and a new range of accessories. We offer a superb opportunity to experience the whole home concept. If you would like the full Neptune experience, pop in for a coffee and let our team find the perfect Neptune design for you.

Neptune Design Centre Tonbridge Our new Design Centre is the largest Neptune Home Store in the UK and offers the full range of Neptune hand crafted furniture and accessories for the whole home. Located just off Tonbridge High Street, near Waitrose, our new showroom is 6,800 square feet.

OPENING APRIL 2014 For further information Call 01732 351866 Kent homes & Interiors

Danmar Kitchens Kitchens A well designed kitchen is everyone’s dream and with the help of Danmar Kitchens it is within everyone’s grasp. The perfect kitchen is a multifunctional room depending on the needs of the family, no longer just a room to cook in, it is the heart of the home, a room where the family can relax, entertain friends, or perhaps simply enjoy a pleasant environment where the children can do their homework while the evening meal is being prepared. No two families are the same and there are other

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major factors to consider such as the space you have to work with and the budget. This is where Martyn Ive and his team can step in, not only can they transform your dreams into reality but their extensive experience means that they can offer new ideas and solutions to create a better kitchen. Working from initial drawings, Danmar always prepare a 3D virtual kitchen for you to view online, which gives you the opportunity to work together to iron out any problems before final plans are drawn up. All cabinetry is manufactured in

Danmar factory in Colchester where there is an overwhelming choice of materials and finishes available from rustic to ultra modern, solid timber to laminates. Danmar designers pay attention to every element of detail to ensure the highest quality results, unlike other manufacturers all units are designed so that the wood grain flows. Furthermore, Martyn and the team can take care of every aspect themselves from project management through to knocking down walls and decorating. The company was recently featured in Beautiful Kitchens magazine and Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms – showcasing two different kitchen solutions.We are the winner’s of the 2011 Kbb review customer service showroom for Malling & Tonbridge , based in West Malling, but also covering Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells and Bromley. Danmar offer a full design, supply and installation service available on kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. We provide full project management and building, as well as an honest and friendly service from the moment you visit our showroom all the way through to completion.

What they say... “My new kitchen is stunning, the quality is excellent, the fitting was carried out with no problems, and everything went according to plan. Can’t fault anything, superb service!” David and Marion, Kent

“We enjoyed an excellent design service, followed by a first class build, installation & after sales service. The quality of the workmanship was excellent, the teams were efficient, polite & tidy, and we are delighted with the end result.” Mr & Mrs Easby, Kent

“I would just like to say how delighted I have been with my new kitchen. Both the office staff and workman were kind, helpful and did a remarkable job. Thank you so much.” Mrs Jean Roxburgh, E. Sussex

Environment... Danmar make a strong effort in looking after the environment when we can. We are fully aware that our large manufacture with solid wood can have an impact. As part of our efforts we run quality control at our local workshop reducing waste and transport emissions. We also source alot of our wood from environmentally responsible forests to ensure we do our bit!

With excellent kitchens come excellent appliances. Here at Danmar we have the privilege of supplying some of the best quality and well known brands in the industry. Our expert knowledge of all these brands allows us to advise and supply the right appliances and fittings for your kitchen. Whether you

love cooking and want the best oven on the market, are you tight for space and need something compact and hidden or do you want all the most up to date equipment going? Then Danmar can supply exactly what you need at reasonable prices to make your life easier. Kent homes & Interiors

10 kitchen

inspirations 1. Artwork in the kitchen 5. The breakfast bar

9. Keeping it close

Really can match, you just need to choose the right picture. Images like Andy Warholâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soup can or wartime ministry of food prints, in a kitchen adds to a nice touch to a young and fun kitchen.

Really does work, if you have older children. Most high school aged young adults sit with their laptops open even at breakfast, so the bar helps stop the spread of gadgets all over the dining table.

A simple steel pipe, strung with S hooks, keeps pans, trivets, and utensils in handy reach and gives a slight industrial feel to the kitchen.

2. Adding more copper

6. The kitchen island

You might already have copper pans in your kitchen, so by adding more copper makes a smart, Tudor house feel to the kitchen, add handles, oven splash backs or window accessories and trinkets.

On wheels is a great storage option, best matched with the colour of the cabinets. It can also be used to open up or reshape your kitchen area.

3. Old butchersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blocks They have become harder to buy because of their popularity, these standout pieces of kitchen furniture, makes a country kitchen.

4. Belfast sinks Have one of the best looks in a kitchen, and goes with so many styles, whether you have a shaker style or granite work topped kitchen, they look great.

20 Kent homes & Interiors

7. Lighting in a kitchen Can be both a cosy light over the dining table or spot lamps and low on the kickboards for an evening dinner party feel.

8. Kitchen garden Your kitchen is becomes part of the garden once you open the backdoor, so why not use herb plants in pots on window seals to bring the outside in and handy to pop in the beef stew.

10. Colour In a light coloured or white kitchen. Adding a blast of colour, matching the kettle or toaster is a very used but still a popular way to go.

The age of the kitchen Kitchens have only started to become more of a social hub of the home, within the last 30 years or so. Before then, we shut the door to the kitchen and gathered in living rooms, with only a few select friends allowed in to help prepare and fetch food or drinks. These days, the kitchen is more integrated into the home, walls have been knocked though to create bigger and more relaxed feel to these area. All seems more possible after, the dishwasher become an easy place to put away the dirty dishes and mugs. This appliance has allowed us not only to speed up the cleaning process, but also a clean bright space to move around and enjoy. Another factor for the now larger kitchen, is the microwave oven. Back then, after the invention of the microwave oven, when it first come out we got wrapped up, in the meal of the future ‘the microwave meal’ many of us, have got to admit we did spend many evenings sat in front of television with a burning hot inedible meal in on our laps. Gladly, since we had bigger kitchens the dining table has come back into our lives, although the family meal times are still not a peaceful event, but they are more fun and truly are the best part of the day. Loved by all the family, you don’t need a trendy one, just one big enough for you all to enjoy a real dinner or tea together.

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Splashing out on a new bathroom? There’s nothing worse than facing a dingy bathroom first thing in the morning or trying to get glammed up for a night out when all you can see are the damp patches on the walls and mouldy grout reflected in your mirror. Turning the room into your perfect bathing heaven can seem a little daunting, however, and a visit to a well-stocked showroom can leave your head in a spin. So where do you begin?

Take a seat Thanks to gentlemen such as Sir John Harrington, Alexander Cumming and Thomas Crapper – yes that really was his name – we all have the benefit of a fully functioning toilet and the decision to include one in any scheme is automatic. Thomas didn’t invent the system or have any hand in manufacturing the product, but he was a great salesman who knew how to market, and repackage, an item for his market. The humble toilet was first introduced in Elizabethan times but many people remained sceptical of its health benefits as they were worried that

22 Kent homes & Interiors

germs and smells would carry towards them rather than away from them. Even Florence Nightingale had her misgivings but design alterations made over the centuries, most notably the invention of the ‘s bend’, solved its initial problems and, thanks to Joseph Bazelgette and his designs for the London underground sewer system, the toilet’s popularity finally soared. We still take advantage of that system today and now our main considerations are whether we should choose a traditional self-supporting style of loo or its newer wall-hung cousin. Adorned, in the past, with elaborate patterns and floral schemes our modern toilets can seem rather plain in comparison but the actual shape has been evolving and, as in all areas of the bathroom, there is a strong desire for squarer designs at the moment. Wall hung basins, toilets and units are very popular. They tend to be more expensive than the more traditional floor supported styles but are great for helping your room look bigger and have the bonus of being easy to clean. Just remember

though, these styles will need solid walls and strong supports to keep them in place.

Basin or bowl Whether you like to wake up with a cold splash of water or a warm wipe of a flannel is now a question of choice. In times past, they weren’t so lucky and, with only a pitcher and bowl on offer, you would have prayed that in cold weather the water wasn’t iced over in the morning. Thankfully, instant hot water is now to hand and the freestanding style of bowl has inspired many new designs over the past few years. Top trending styles now follow either a structural square or fluid circular theme. The choice is endless, however, and even heart shaped bowls are available in a range of finishes that includes stone, marble, glass and stainless steel. The more traditional, pedestal style sinks are less popular but those given a wall hung, contemporary twist with thinner, squarer edges and chrome accessories are suiting period properties very well and the moulded inset basin designs are increasing in prominence too.

When it comes to taps, most of us are choosing the square, slim and sleek designs but, if you are like many in the region who suffer from limescale, you may want to consider the installation of a water softener to help them keep their sparkle.

All stand It seems we are a county of shower lovers with one local showroom selling twenty showers for every three baths last year! Shower trays can be bought in a range of sizes starting at just 700cm² and, unlike baths, it seems to be one item we’re willing to risk a little colour on, with dark slate shower trays creating a great focal point. Still seeking a spacious visual finish, many of us are choosing frameless shower doors but when it comes to showerheads there is a huge range on offer from large flatheaded rainfall options to beautiful, almost sculptured, teardrop designs. A small word of advice though, as obvious as it sounds, if you go for the ‘wet room’ look it will get wet. Which means any floor, wall, basin or radiator the water can reach, it will.

Choose your shower screen carefully. Also, you may want to consider that due to the larger showering space within a wet room, it can feel a little cold and draughty as the steam doesn’t rise around you. What feels wonderful on a balmy, tropical holiday may not be quite so pleasurable during a Kentish winter.

Bathing beauties There is something about the word ‘bath’ that conjures up a feeling of indulgent, lingering relaxation that a shower just can’t provide and, if you are considering selling your home, a bath is still seen as a buyer’s essential. They don’t have to be purely functional, however, and the choices available are staggering: roll top, inset, freestanding, slimline, shower and bath combination, slipper or egg, there is bound to be one that will help you create the theme of your dreams and fit your space too. Once again the top trends are for strong rectangular lines or sexily curvaceous and if you want to inject some colour into your scheme many of the freestanding styles can be externally painted.

Be water wise A bathroom can’t function without water and Kent always seems to have either too much or too little of it. As meters are being installed across the county it’s time to consider just how much water we are using and all new builds have to conform to regulations allowing 120 litres of water per person per day (that’s about 25 gallons). With showerheads gushing out approximately 15 litres a minute, a loo using up to 6 litres per flush and a shallow bath taking 45 litres, it doesn’t take long to add up. So, as it is unlikely that many of us are sticking to the recommended four-minute showering time, you might like to consider some of the water saving appliances on offer and use the dual flushing controls on your cistern.

Calm and clear Everyone has far too much stuff in their bathrooms, from the silly soap on a rope you received at Christmas to the ‘special occasion’ spa treatments that you’re determined to find time to indulge in. In the meantime, however, all those bottles

Kent homes & Interiors

and boxes have to go somewhere and these days there’s no excuse for them spilling over every available surface. Hidden storage is the way to go, for how can you possibly hope to relax if you can’t see the sink? Vanity units with drawers beneath the basin allow you to easily locate your everyday items, while a bank of mirrored wall units allow everything to be neatly hidden away whilst reflecting light back into the room and allowing you to check your appearance. A good joiner can build bespoke cupboards around an inset bath or alongside a shower and if you have high ceilings why not consider having additional cupboards built above your eye-line for items you don’t need very often?

Add some personality Despite the manufacturers occasionally trying to inject a little colour back into our sanitary ware, the Avocado and Pampas coloured shell baths have, for now, had their day and most of us plump for pure white. It’s crisp and clean, classic and stylish and dare I say it, quite a safe bet, as we know it won’t be going out of fashion anytime soon. When it comes to choosing your wall and floor coverings, however, you can afford to be bolder. Your bathroom is one of the most private spaces in your home, your safe haven and as such it should definitely reflect your personal style. The trend for covering every surface with tiling is losing its grip a little. Carefully sealed wallpaper is making its way back into the room, creating a softer, more opulent feel, whilst floors are moving beyond the plain and simple to bold, textured and patterned. Your granny’s turquoise bath may be out but her geometric tiles are definitely in and it’s worth poking around the reclamation yards to see if you can find some originals. Stone and marble, especially cultured Corinthian marble, are here to stay but the trend is for a wider spaced veined effect – think along the lines of a classic Roman column rather than a lump of stilton – and grey remains a popular backdrop. Wood, especially teak, seems to be rising in prominence and you can expect to see more wooden basins and baths appearing on the scene – well, if a wooden barrel was good enough for Henry VIII to bathe in then it is good enough for us too! If you don’t fancy tiles then how about a shower wall? Made from moisture resistant MDF with a watertight,

24 Kent homes & Interiors

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hygienic, laminate covering, these coloured panels are available in a range of styles and can be used with both bath and shower installations and are, apparently, very easy to wipe clean. Another option that’s locally available is Tadelakt, a Moroccan multi-layered and highly polished style of plastering resulting in a unique finish, which can be spiced up with any colour of your choice and even given a dash of glitter if you so fancy.

Finishing touches Not sure about being bold with your walls? Then add a splash of colour through your towels, soaps,

26 Kent homes & Interiors

candles and small accessories. Even your toothbrush can get in on the act and these little items are much cheaper to replace when you fancy a new look or want to try out a new trend one piece at a time. As for the colours to go for this spring, Panetone, the global colour authority, has revealed that ‘Radiant Orchid’ is the colour of 2014, so you can expect to see purple hues popping up everywhere but a local interior design expert has kindly told us that citrus lime, pink, yellow and orange are also hot at the moment, as are the gradually shaded, dip dyed style of towels, so be sure to grab those while you can.

Ready for a revamp? Then here are some tips from an expert: Now you have an idea of what you do and don’t like, it’s time to make a wish list. Grab lots of magazines, visit showrooms, explore the internet, ask friends what they like about their own bathrooms and try to pick a theme. Set a realistic budget. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most expensive rooms to remodel and as we don’t update them that often we tend to undervalue the cost of their replacement. We also tend to forget how much it will cost to install them properly. So, unless you are a whizz at DIY, you are probably going to need professional help from bathroom fitters, tilers, plumbers, plasterers, decorators, joiners and electricians and their time does not come cheap. Expect to add around £3,000 to £4,000 onto your

budget for labour. And remember, bathrooms get a lot of wear and tear, you can buy fittings very cheaply but if you also want them to last for the next ten to fifteen years it’s worth investing in quality items whenever you can. As a ballpark figure a new, good quality, bathroom can cost between £7,000 to £10,000 plus fitting. Think about the practicalities and plan for the people who are actually going to use the room. If this is a new en-suite for you and your spouse, you can be more adventurous with your theme, go totally over the top or indulge in those luxurious fittings. Whereas, if you’re choosing a new style for the family bathroom, the practical aspects are a good place to start. There’s no point dreaming of a wet room with multi-directional

spray fittings if your kids are too scared to use it, or trying to fit in everything around a bath when you all like to shower. Ask the family what they like and don’t like about your present bathroom, you may not be able to please everyone but it might help you solve some existing arrangement or usage issues. Remember to measure your room and keep the measurements with you at all times. It’s much better to have a rough diagram scribbled on the back of an envelope than to end up with your dream fittings and not be able to squeeze past them to open the door. Struggling to start? Then choose your basin first, it will set the tone for the rest of the room and you will be amazed how everything starts fitting into place once you have decided on this basic. Kent homes & Interiors

Updating your Bathroom We think your bathroom is your sanctuary, whether you’re in danger of being trapped by an avalanche of towels falling down each time you open the bathroom cabinet. Or still bathing in your olive coloured bath, we would still like to try to inspire you to update your bathroom. This year’s trends are adding colour to the bathroom, egg shell pastels give a matching look to the room. By painting the bath panel and a single wall gives a white bathroom suite a clear relaxing look and feel. It’s about choosing the right shading of colour for you.

The shops are filled of accessories in every colour for your Bathroom, towels, taps, signs and soaps. Eclectic accessories added to the room adds a little style things like, circler mirrors, white framed pictures and flowers in vases to add soft scenes and a focal point. If plants are your thing, Spider plants and African violets love the steamy heat of a bathroom. New taps to match, a new look is a low cost way of creating an impression of a new bathroom suite.

The Bath. A new bathtub is now a big choice, with a lot more options. Classic roll rim, flat rim, roll top bath, stone or granite. The option for the bath really depends on your budget and if your house can cater for it. Many homeowners make the mistake of going to by the bath first before checking if the floor can take the weight of a stone or granite bath. Checking with your builder that you can get it in the house, and the floor is solid enough, will give you peace of mind, before you search for you bath. At the end of the day you’re spending a lot of money on a new bathtub, you need take your time and make sure it’s exactly the one you want. As most homeowners buy a new bath once every 9 years.

28 Kent homes & Interiors

The Shower Over the years showers have changed, choosing the shower is as much a style choice as the bath. Gone are the days you would balance your head under the rubber hose, attached to the taps in the bath. Now the shower can spray you from every angle possible. Now your choices need to start at the shower tray you can go for a standard single shower to a double shower area, then you have a walkin shower which you can have with or without a tray. Next Screens and doors, they are mostly safety glass though, the choice of thickness and height is up to you. Door choice tends to be just fold, slide or hinged. Electric versus filler & mixer, this is really a price choice. The electric showers tend to be much cheaper but then, why improve your shower if you don’t spend a little extra. Fillers & mixers look nicer and with the pipes getting hidden in the wall, combined with a water pump it will give you a shower like a steamy waterfall. Shower heads over the years have gone from big to small and back

again, but this year big is definitely back, though make sure if you get it fixed in a position your happy with it before it’s too late. Step under a wide shower head and your feel clean and refreshed in a matter of seconds.

Tiling the shower area right up to the ceiling keeps and splash’s from causing any problems with damp with a powerful shower. Stone tiles in a neutral colour on right on trend, and gives a stylish hotel like look to the shower area.

Tunbridge Wells | Goods Station Rd | TN1 2DE - Tel 01892 557744 Sevenoaks | London Rd | TN13 2DN - Tel 01732 454112 Kent homes & Interiors

A Tudor Revival Property 4 bedroom period property with a separate 3 bedroom cottage and 9 acres of land Location Goudhurst Written by Rachael Hale 30 Kent homes & Interiors

Despite being greeted by a variety of canary yellow, orange, red and lurid green walls and carpets, Helen Young knew she’d found her new home before she’d even seen it all. ‘It was on a gut level that I felt it but there were a lot of changes that had to happen.’ One of the most noticeable improvements appears as you open the front door. As first impressions go, the hallway is stunning. Light and space surrounds you despite

the small-paned windows and a large chandelier draws your gaze towards the vaulted ceiling. It’s a far cry from the dark, tartan clad space that greeted the Young family two years ago. A small step leads into the main sitting room where two fireplaces and vertical support beams are evidence of the property’s history. Parts of the timber framed house date back to the 1500s when it was an impressive medieval hall-house.

This is believed to have been sited next to a water-powered mill, and a report by a house historian explains how exposed markings and additional timbers reveal how the building has been altered to match the changing trends in property design. These alterations, although usually of a practical nature, such as the addition of the late 17th century brick chimneys, have also been opportunities for the owners to show off their wealth through the Kent homes & Interiors

‘I just go to a room and I know how I want it to look, like I knew I wanted purple in this room and when I told my husband he was slightly freaked out.’ use of additional decoration. Over time the main house was extended and, at some point, split into four separate farm workers’ cottages, before being combined into the one house we see today. The numerous inglenook fireplaces are part of this legacy and having two strong focal points within the main sitting room could have provided a decorating challenge. Helen knew what she wanted, however, and says, ‘I just go to a room and I know how I want it to look, like I knew I wanted purple in this room and when I told my husband he was slightly freaked out.’ The couple have very different tastes but, through experience, David now trusts Helen to lead the way, although having come from a brand new home furnished in an ultra-modern style the new setting took a little getting used to. ‘I knew instantly that I couldn’t put white vinyl wrapped furniture in here, it just didn’t work so I had to introduce furniture that would be sympathetic to the room. I had to compromise

32 Kent homes & Interiors

on perhaps what I would really like, which is something ultra-modern, to somewhere in the middle of old and new and add a bit of both.’ When it came to sourcing new furniture for the property the couple found lots of pieces in an antiques shop in Tenterden, which also carries new fabric and furniture ranges. The new sofas were one of their indulgences and Helen says ‘we wanted to be comfortable and I wanted something that was high backed that you could sink into. We had leather sofas in our old house and the cushions were constantly sliding off which was really annoying.’ ‘I knew the design and pattern that I liked but when I wanted to put a stripe with a damask sort of floral, David was unsure, especially when he saw the pewter curtains I wanted to put with them. He just couldn’t work out how it was all going to go together.’ Fortunately they are both happy with the results and it’s now Helen’s ‘absolute favourite because it’s an adult room, no children are allowed in here. It’s

also north facing so it can be quite a cold room, which in the winter is fine because we have the log burner on and in the summer it’s a really cool place to be.’ David likes this room too and ‘likes to lay out on the sofa and just chill out.’ Upgrading the property has not simply been a matter of taste, however, as being a grade 2 listed building the Planning Office and English Heritage had to be consulted prior to any alteration. In addition to the cosmetic changes many more substantial jobs had to be completed, and as Helen explains, not all of them were expected: ‘When we moved in the AGA didn’t work at all so we had no way of cooking food. We had no hot water and there wasn’t enough water pressure so we had to have a complete new hot water and heating system installed. And I didn’t know I was pregnant, we found out a week after we moved in here and I was project managing, so that caused a few issues. We had builders and workmen here from week two of living here to two weeks before my

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son was born. Whenever we had one problem sorted there appeared to be another one.’ Fortunately the couple found several trusted tradesman to help them and would recommend P. Ivinson and Sons for their painting

and decorating services. Helen adds that despite the eight-month-rush everything seemed to work well. She also adds that interior design ‘is an interest I have so it doesn’t come as any hardship for me to choose

One thing Helen won’t be changing is her AGA and says that even though it didn’t work when she moved in, she now couldn’t live without it.

34 Kent homes & Interiors

things. It was just trying to work out what would work because I wanted to bring a bit of contemporary into an old house and trying to get that balance is not always easy.’ Now, after the initial burst of work, Helen is taking a break from the redecorating to enjoy being with one-year-old Theo and her fiveyear-old daughter . The next rooms to be tackled will be the bathrooms and kitchen and Helen laughingly says that the kitchen ‘is a bit Henry VIII for me but it’s functional and fine’. Theo is currently making his mark on the room and is forever ‘in and out of the cupboards, banging and crashing them, drawing and all sorts so once that’s finished we will get a new kitchen.’ One thing Helen won’t be changing is her AGA and says that even though it didn’t work when she moved in, she now couldn’t live without it. Leading off the kitchen is the dining room which is used every day. The antique table and chairs were sourced through an agent in Paddock Wood and the room provides a wonderful view of the garden from every angle. The children’s lounge is a welcoming

space situated between the main sitting room and the kitchen and is a place where they can be as messy as they like. It also features the leather sofas from the couple’s last house.

Bedrooms Once upstairs, the floors really begin to slope underfoot and in Theo’s room they must have been quite a crawling challenge. The slanted and oddly-shaped windows in his room have also proved slightly problematic and Helen says she couldn’t have managed without someone coming in to measure up and fit the curtains for her. ‘They did become a trial for the people who were fitting them, especially the poles – trying to get them physically level and yet look level from a distance was a challenge.’ Free standing, white wooden furniture has been used in both Theo and Darcey’s rooms and wooden shelving has been carefully fitted into the fireplaces to create additional storage space. Splashes of colour are added through personalised decorations and toys

and, although Darcey’s en-suite still features the inherited orange carpet and curtains, her bedcovers, curtains and rug were entirely her own choice. A favourite place for locating accessories has been a children’s shop in Tenterden but Helen also likes to buy pieces, such as Theo’s car bunting, on holiday as a memento. White scented candles fill the main bedroom with a hint of cinnamon and add to the romantic, restful feel of the room. Locally sourced

dove grey antique French furniture sits beneath a bank of windows over-looking grazing sheep, while the centrally placed bed faces yet another exposed brick fireplace. To the left of which, a reclaimed oak door with original black wrought iron handles leads to a narrow passage built around the back of a chimney breast. Although linking the main bedroom directly to Theo’s room, it’s currently being used as an enviable walk-in wardrobe for Helen’s collection of bags and Kent homes & Interiors

the kitchen ‘is a bit Henry VIII for me but it’s functional and fine’.

36 Kent homes & Interiors

shoes. After the main sitting room this is Helen’s favourite room, her retreat and it’s easy to see why. The adjoining en-suite bathroom is not quite so luxurious and Helen says the bathrooms are next on her hit list. She’s decided to wait until Theo is a little older, however, as ‘he makes a tremendous mess everywhere and the children both like bath crayons and all those types of messy things so once they are at the stage where they don’t do that anymore I’ll have a new bathroom. I want a roll top bath and I know exactly what I want but it’s just not the right time.’ The house has not yet given up all of its surprises and just when you think you have seen everything you realise there’s still another floor to go. The central open staircase provides a wonderful bird’s-eye view of the hallway as you climb up to the attic rooms of the house. Low level windows allow light to filter into the cosy room, which will one day provide the perfect den for the children and their friends. A hidden door at one end reveals another bathroom and cleverly concealed storage beneath the eaves. It’s the perfect hideaway and a day bed caters for impromptu sleepovers. For larger gatherings, friends and family use the other three bedrooms housed within a separate cottage in the garden. It’s also where David

likes to relax, as it has an adjacent games room with a snooker table and ‘boys toys’.

The Garden Land was one of the non-negotiable items on the family’s wish list and the house is surrounded by nine acres which, with some professional help, is now being fully re-discovered. A few surprises have been found in the undergrowth, including several ponds and what Helen describes as ‘a circle of historic stones’ near the lake;

‘we have no idea what they are – it’s like a mini Stonehenge.’ Nearer the house, the more formal area of the garden is split into a series of ‘rooms’ and features three rare Liquid Amber trees, whose leaves start turning yellow at the bottom and, as the colour moves upward, change to a stunning shade of orange. A circular rose garden reveals the thick and twisted stems of 100-year-old roses and, tucked away in a sunny spot, is the family’s biggest indulgence; a heated swimming pool. As a tenant farmer uses their land, the family also have the advantage of seeing sheep, and shortly, cows in their fields without having the

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full-time responsibility of their care. That doesn’t stop them all getting involved though and Theo likes to fill his pockets with sheep food to take to them. Two pet sheep named Benedict and Albert, Tinkerbell the rabbit, a vegetable plot, and camping in all weathers are all proving great reasons to lure the children outside and in the future Theo and Darcey will also be able to help look after the alpacas that Helen’s planning to keep. She says they are her ‘passion and one of the reasons we wanted the land’. When asked why she loves them so much, Helen explains that ‘they are very gentle, quite good with children; good foragers and they’re good at keeping foxes down, which would be a good thing for us because we are overrun with foxes.’ The gardens also have an abundance of apple trees and, as there is only so much apple crumble one family can eat, Helen says they now take their surplus supply to a farm near Kilndown where it’s pressed and blended into their own unique supply of apple juice. It’s obvious that Helen loves her new home and when asked whether she can see herself moving in the future, she answers,

‘if we were to move again it would be to a self-build but this could be our forever home… it could be.’ Kent homes & Interiors

Interiors & Inspiration Spring bank holidays, get us back into the shops looking to improve our homes with new interior styles & trends. Whether you’re thinking redecoration a room or doing a DIY project, then we hope to help with a little inspiration. Don’t try doing the house in one weekend! Start out looking at which room needs the most attention. Then measure up the room, as this is a classic mistake which can cost you money in the long run. Decide what’s staying, and what could be reused or recover and put elsewhere in the house. Remember to recycle the remaining bits you don’t want and which can be put in the bin.

The Small room Make a small room, feel larger With a neutral scheme throughout the room, increases the feeling of

space, touches of reds make it feel warmer and more welcoming, long thin mirrors helps exaggerate the width of the wall, making the room seem wider.

Don’t Over Co-ordinate The trick with co-ordinating a scheme in a small room especially is not to overdo it. let cushions pick up the various patterns within the curtain fabric, while the subtle patterns of the wallpaper adds interest to a scheme, without making it look too busy, a good choice for a small room.

Define the space In a house where the front door leads straight into the living room, it’s important to define the space carefully so that the room doesn’t feel like a glorified hallway. The trick here is to pull the sofa forward to divide the living area of the room from the hallway part.

The long thin room These are usually two rooms that have been knocked through to create one Rarely feeling homely, but there are tricks you can use to zone the spaces. Wood flooring wax coated one colour will bring the two rooms together or painting white will create a bold Nordic theme. A huge rug will also visually draw together armchairs or sofas when placed on edges or corners of the rug. Painting the end farthest away from the door a lighter colour will bring the eye along the room to the wall, seeming to enhance the room.

Hang Pictures In a long thin room, hanging pictures which match will bring the spaces together as the rooms will look more matching.

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38 Kent homes & Interiors

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The L shaped room Highlight its good point By having sleek low-level furniture, from the sofa to the coffee table to built-in storage helps highlights the tall ceilings in this room, which in turn detracts from the room’s awkward shape.

Create a focal point Is a must as this will detract the shape of the room. Combination storage units which can house everything from toys to DVDs. Also using the television is a clever trick that makes the feel of the room less non-functional and more design-led.

Unite the scheme A second matching sofa in the smaller part of the L-shape facing the TV will help bring the room scheme together, while a large mirror over the sofa reflects the storage unit and further unites the different parts of the scheme, bringing different elements of the scheme together.

Curtains When redecoration a room start with the curtains, as they are the frame to your view out. Your choice of colour of curtains, blinds or shutters will almost direct the new look of the room.

Wallpaper or paint Either is very in, right now, so which ever you choose you won’t be

40 Kent homes & Interiors

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wrong. Though if you’re going for wallpaper, go one bolder than you would normally decide on. There’s a great choice of patterns with bright colours. Three or more colours in wallpaper has become the interior style choice of many designers and are available all over Kent. If painting, pastel shades are the currant choice of interiors designers.

Heating As you’re doing a whole room think about the heating which is currently in the room.

Radiators Have become almost a statement pieces all of their own, from a chucky old style school box rad, to a, six foot high spring shaped tube. You could paint the radiator

(if painting a radiator turn off and use radiator paint and a radiator roller to apply the paint) or even by buy a new one to suit the style of the room.

Stoves Have become a lot more poplar and very cost effective. Using a wood burner can lower the heating costs of the average family household by at least £400 per year. So what do you need to know when looking for a new wood burning stove? Heating a room or supplying hot water have always been options but more and more people see wood burning stoves as a lifestyle choice too. Picking a stylish stove can transform your living space. Whether you live in a compact urban bolthole or a cosy country cottage, both traditional and contemporary stoves work equally well in either.

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Dispelling the Auction Myth:

Your guide to buying under the hammer

By Tony Pratt of The Canterbury Auction Galleries

Time was when the only people who went to auction sales were dealers and, perhaps, owners of period properties looking for furniture from crumbling country estates of the landed gentry being sold off to pay death duties. Not any more. Now, everyone from those period properties to young marrieds furnishing their first homes have all realised that auction sales – as old as commerce itself – are the perfect place to pick up that elusive and often unique piece. So why not join in the fun? Visit your local saleroom and discover for yourself there’s no more civilised way of buying fine art and antiques … or come to that, 20th century collectables. There’s nothing to fear. Nor should you pay any heed to the old chestnut that scratching your nose might be mistaken for a bid for something you can’t afford. It’s a fallacy! The reluctance some people might have at bidding in a saleroom is understandable, they can be daunting places. But once you conquer your initial nerves, auctions are a fascinating and often exciting way to buy things for the home. The newcomer to auction sales would be well-advised to visit the saleroom on a couple of occasions, just to get the hang of proceedings and a feel for prices. Introduce yourself to the auctioneer and tell

A George IV 18 carat gold, enamel and diamond-set “Royalist” snuff box, hallmarked London 1824. Sold for £12,000

42 Kent homes & Interiors

him or her what you’re looking to buy. You’ll find he is a font of knowledge and he’ll be only too happy to pass his knowledge on to you. He’ll also give you unbiased advice on whether or not pieces in the sale are good buys.

‘I advise any prospective buyer to purchase a printed auction catalogue, which describes objects for sale, and should give an indication of period, style of construction and size.’ The better auction houses also give an indication of condition and likely selling prices. However, the onus is still on you to check condition and suitability Time spent viewing and examining carefully the pieces on offer is time well spent. So arrive at the saleroom in plenty of time. One pitfall in an auction sale is getting carried away and finding yourself bidding far more that you had originally intended. To guard against this, during the viewing, either mark your auction catalogue, if one is available, or make a list of anything you might be thinking of buying with a note of the highest prices you are prepared to pay. When the bidding starts, stick to the limits you have set yourself. Auction houses charge the buyer a commission, known as buyer’s premium. Somewhere between 10 to 20 per cent is the usual rate of buyers’ premium, which needs bearing in mind when fixing your upper limit. VAT is also payable on the buyer’s premium, but many auctioneers including ourselves now charge a VAT inclusive premium. You should check out the saleroom’s charges when you register to bid. Once the sale starts, remember the auctioneer rules the proceedings. He has the right to refuse a bid, or

advance the bidding at a figure to suit him. He can withdraw, divide or combine lots at will and, in the case of a dispute, what he says goes. If there is a dispute, perhaps where two people each think they have bid successfully, the auctioneer will usually re-offer the lot and the bidding starts all over again. The winner between the two would-be buyers is, as ever, the one prepared to pay the most. When the bidding starts, it is wise to hang back until the pattern of bids is clear. Join in when you think fit, but don’t leave it too late, or your bid could be missed. When you make your move, bid calmly and decisively, making sure you catch the auctioneer’s attention. If a raised hand fails to catch his eye, make a spoken bid by saying “Yes” or “Here”. From then on, the auctioneer will return to you as the bidding advances. By now a nod of the head is all that is required. If the idea of bidding yourself is too daunting, leave a written bid, known as a commission bid, with the auctioneer. He will buy the lot for you as cheaply as other bidding permits, not at your upper limit as some people think. If you fancy dipping a toe in the auction water, why not come along to one of our Two Day fine art and antiques auctions at our saleroom in Station Road West. They are held six times a year and offer more that 1,000 lots covering everything from books, coins and medals to fine paintings, silver, ceramics, furniture, clocks, carpets and rugs and collectors’ items.

Auction sales are a good day out and buying from them is pleasurable and potentially rewarding. I hope to see you soon and good hunting!

Battle of Wind and Rain, an oil on canvas by Colin Colahan (1897-1987) 25 x 30ins. Sold for £14,000, a world auction record for the artist

Regular antiques roadshow We’ve all watched transfixed as the TV antiques expert enthuses over a treasured heirloom and marvelled at the value placed upon it to the surprise of the unsuspecting owner. But did you know that the same thing happens every Friday morning at The Canterbury Auction Galleries? Auctioneer Anthony Pratt and his team of specialists are present every week to identify and give saleroom valuations on the entire spectrum of fine art, antiques and collectables

brought in to the saleroom at 40 Station Road West. And what’s more, the service is entirely free of charge and without any sort of obligation on the part of the owner. The valuations run from 10am to 1pm and it is not necessary to make an appointment. If the item is too large or difficult to take the saleroom, a member of the valuation team will be happy to give you a preliminary opinion from a photograph. The company also provides a full professional valuation service for insurance and probate purposes, which is carried out in clients’ homes by fully experienced and qualified staff.

A George II bachelor’s walnut chest with folding top. Sold for £6,000

Kent homes & Interiors

“The Sluggard” a good bronze figure by Frederick Lord Leighton (1830-1896) 20.5 inches. Sold for £29,000

The professionals since 1911 The Canterbury Auction Galleries is the Kent’s premier saleroom for fine art, antiques and collectors’ items, operating from premises thought to be the first purposedesigned saleroom outside London. Built alongside the city walls in 1911, it was once described by the Lord Mayor as “the finest saleroom in the South-East”. Auctioneers Tony Pratt and Michael Roberts hold six specialist sales a year, all with fully illustrated catalogues and extensive viewing arrangements including weekends and evenings. Together with their colleagues Director Cliona Kilroy, Jewellery specialist and consultant valuer Tina Rackham and the well known James Linington, who is a consultant, Tony and Michael offer vendors the benefit of more than 100 years’ combined experience in obtaining the highest possible prices for antiques and works of art consigned to their sales. Buyers attend The Canterbury Auction Galleries’ sales from throughout the UK and Europe and, with live Internet bidding in real time, from around the world.

The Canterbury Auction Galleries 40 Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN Tel: 01227 763337 www.thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com

44 Kent homes & Interiors

KentKent Homes Homes magmag HalfHalf page page AprilApril 2104 2104 edition edition outline.indd outline.indd 1 1

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Our prices are very competitive and we offer free design and quotation. To view the quality of our workmanship please visit our only showroom in The old Forge Antiques Centre in Appledore high street. See website for details.

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You can also view a large selection of furniture and collectables

Kent homes & Interiors

10/12/2013 12:02

The Best of Kent’s Arts & Crafts The Iron Man of Kent Back in the 80s Rob was studying agricultural engineering, his adolescence having been spent rebuilding tractors and vintage cars, including a much loved Austin 10. A few years ago he decided to make his lifelong love of engineering, designing and inventing his career, and named his business after his home town of Cranbrook keeping a workshop next to his childhood home. Rob has created a thriving family business producing bespoke ironwork. There’s no such thing as an average day, but he’s usually to be found in the workshop welding, cutting, rolling and pressing steel; this is still his favourite part of the work, although he enjoys meeting his clients during site visits and helping them work through their designs, adapting and improving where necessary so that they get exactly what they want. His work is dotted around Kent, the best known being….

“The giant Penny Farthing that sits at the entrance to Sissinghurst village” Commissioned to celebrate the Tour de France passing through that part of Kent in 2007 - but there are also many gardens in the county that have iron fire-bowls (both small and very large) or several garden obelisks, a Wisteria walk, gate or something more complex and unusual. In 2012 he participated in the restoration of the Old Smock Mill near Benenden, now run as a beautiful holiday let, including an innovative winding mechanism for raising and lowering the heavy doors between storeys. Rob has worked with the owners of Hush Heath Vineyards, producing a wide variety of garden supports to their own design, and provided Frankie’s Farmshop near Staplehurst with an Argentinian Barbecue for a summer food event. Barbecues have been extremely popular despite 4

46 Kent homes & Interiors

the rather unpromising summers in the last few years; many designs of these have been produced and Rob often hears from clients how much they enjoy using them. The range of products goes on; there are planters both galvanised and with a natural rusted finish, elegant supports for garden shades, obelisks and garden sculptures. This year Rob is starting to produce more small decorative items for the home and garden too, having had great success at winter fairs with

Christmas decorations, coat-hooks, log stores and simple garden stakes, and many people will recognise the trademark flying bird which appears on some of the designs. A recent collaboration with Mounsthill Woodcraft, another Cranbrook business, has been very enjoyable; making door furniture and other items for an industrialstyle kitchen, and this is a new and interesting direction for the company. A love of being able to adapt to help clients with jobs both large and

small makes the work worthwhile - a gate latch and a large piece of public art like the Penny Farthing are equally valuable projects, and Rob looks forward to helping his future customers turn their backof-envelope scribbles or technical drawings into reality. www.crabrookiron.co.uk nF eature written by Wendy Rainthorpe

Kent homes & Interiors

Gardens:

Spring in the garden So its spring, your garden will be starting to take shape now that warmer weather has arrived. But be warned that, with it, comes an invasion of slugs and snails …and the occasional overnight frost. The start of spring is an exciting reenergising month in the garden flowers start to emerging. This is an important time of year to get on top of the mowing (once a week will do it) , weeding and hoeing, because once you’ve planted your seedlings of flowers and vegetables, you’ll be adding regular watering to your list of gardening tasks. May is the month to put in the bedding plants and frost-tender vegetables, sow perennial seeds and plant and train sweet peas, which make a delightfully scented cut flower – perfect for bringing your garden into your home. If you’ve got variegated shrubs or trees, pinch out any green shoots that appear and, for evergreen shrubs, its pruning time. If you grow that classic favourite, forsythia it’s time to prune it now that the blooming time is over. You might also check whether you need to stake any perennials and biennials in danger of flopping over when fully grown. When you deadhead tulips and daffodils, remove only the seed pods once the flowers fade and fall. Leave foliage for at least six weeks after the plants have finished flowering. Although they will start to look a bit scruffy, leaving on the foliage means energy can be returned to the bulb for next year’s flowering. Finally, sew grass seed on any bald patches of the lawn – and make sure you water it daily. Beware of knotweed.

FACT: From April to October this plant can grow up to 7 meters.

48 Kent homes & Interiors

At first glance the attractive plant with lush spring foliage and delicate flowers, has become the cause of nightmares. Of course this were talking Japanese knotweed, the name is a bit of a giveaway. This plant,

which was imported to the UK in the 19th century for ornamental gardens, is now the one of the most damaging invasive species. It knots itself around, and grows though, anything. It even breaks up decking and concrete, major concern for homeowners.

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How to make the most of your Spring garden Written by Matt Jackson Most of us have medium sized gardens, and we use them in many different ways, but they are all spaces that can seem small or large, depending on their layout. This may sound grand, but the use of a ‘vista’ can be a great way to enhance depth, and add intrigue. By vista I really mean a focal point, view or perhaps even just a glimpse; something to catch the eye, draw attention and arouse interest. As far back as the 18th Century the great English Landscapers realised that a view revealing all of its glory at once, removes the joy of reaching its end. A glimpse, a hint is far more exciting, like a flash of lace, a wisp of coffee or newly opened chocolate. Only on reaching your goal is the full delight and pleasure experienced, and this concept we can see in many of the greatest gardens through history. In a small garden a vista can be used to great effect, and as powerfully as those seen in the best large landscapes, like the views towards the Pantheon at Stourhead Gardens, or from the Lime Walk to the White Garden at Sisinghurst. In a small garden a vista is best initiated at the entry point, or the most commonly frequented section of the garden. It needn’t however focus at the end of a long path, and is often better if interrupted on foot by a hedge, wall or border. Being driven away from the ultimate destination only adds another layer of mystery about how to get there, and what will be experienced along the way. A view or focal point in any garden may of course be ‘borrowed’. The horizon may hold a wonderful feature, as may the land next door, or you may have divided your garden into two or more ‘rooms’. It then becomes about how to frame such a focal feature, and there are many fine examples. The ‘claire-voie’ was used often in 17th Century French gardens, and would give an opening or view beyond a

50 Kent homes & Interiors

garden enclosure. This can be as simple as a closed gate, a window in a hedge or wall, or a living division such as tall grasses. Whatever method used the end result is that one can see only part of the picture, leaving more to be revealed. A similar effect can also be achieved in your garden using bays, which often works well in long, thin gardens. By creating and open area, which narrows at one end, and then opens into the next area one can create rooms, and enhance the perspective. This is no new concept, having been successful for decades, which is why as a design style it is still so popular and so often used. With a little more area it is possible to become very clever with vistas. A single focal point can be used more than once, from various points in a garden. Depending on the layout it can help to create the impression that an asymmetrical plot of land is in fact perfectly symmetrical. At Sissinghurst the statue of Dionysus can be seen along the central view from the tower, and also is the focal feature at the end of the Moat Walk, but this is only apparent when viewed on a plan. My 3 top tips when designing a vista; 1st take time to decide from where it will be most enjoyed, 2nd the focal feature should have all year round interest, 3rd add a layer of intrigue.

Jobs in the garden It’s finally warming up, drying out, and the garden is responding by showing us the early signs of spring vigour. Hellebores and Daffodils are flowering, and some of our favourite blossoms are starting to show themselves. It’s at this time that some key tasks in the garden can start the season off well, and cut out lots of extra work in the months ahead. Many of these tasks are the rewarding ones with a real sense of achievement at the end.

Tidy up Weeds will always be the first thing to get going in spring, which is why

they are so successful, and why it’s important to catch them early. Work through your borders with a hand fork, loosening the roots, lifting the weeds, and shaking off the soil. A thorough job now means that you’ll only have to hoe for the rest of the summer. At the same time pull any old, dead plant matter from last year out of perennial clumps, and cut back the woody stems that have stood all winter. Do this now before the spring growth becomes too tall and makes the task a chore (I personally love this stage of border maintenance).

Prune winter stems Shrubs that are grown for their winter stem colour such as Dogwood (Cornus sp.) need to be cut back now. It’s tempting to leave them until the leaf growth starts, but better just before the buds start to swell. Using sharp secateurs cut them as low as possible, removing any dead or diseased stubs too. At the same time it’s not too late for a last minute prune on forgotten specimens such as Roses and Buddleia, the simple rule being that if it flowers in spring, don’t prune, but if it flowers from mid to late summer you’re ok.

Mulch The best thing you can give your garden is a good healthy mulch. Doing this will feed the plants, supress weeds and help retain moisture. I prefer to garden along the ‘no-dig’ lines, which means maintaining healthy soil the natural way, and reduces work. The key elements are to mulch every season and hoe small weed seedlings regularly (a very speedy and simple task). Mulch can range from manure, council recycled waste, leaf-mould and home-made compost, but in all cases must be well broken-down. If you are starting out along these lines, and have a bit of a weed problem, lay cardboard down and mulch thickly over it – you’ll be surprised at how effective it is.

Kent gardens to visit in Spring

Doddington Place

Doddington Place. Has displays of Tulips in pots, borders and in the meadow grass of the spring garden. The woodland garden contains Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas in a wonderfully secluded location.

Goodneston Park. Blossom in the arboretum, early magnolias, euphorbias, tulips, alliums and spring perennials in borders. The location is remarkable, situated in rural countryside.

Doddington Place

Goodneston Park

Kent homes & Interiors

Riverhill Himalayan

Riverhill Himalayan. A hillside garden, privately owned by the Rogers family since 1840. Extensive views across the Weald of Kent. Spectacular rhododendrons, azaleas and fine specimen trees. Bluebell and natural woodland walks. Walled Garden has extensive new planting, terracing and water feature. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure playground, den-building trail, hedge maze and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yeti Spottingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

NGS open gardens

NGS open gardens. A selection of gardens open specifically for charity, at usually when at their optimum best. Many of these gardens are privately owned, vary in size from tiny to very large, and are a rare opportunity to glimpse some hidden gems. There are a number throughout Kent, which can be viewed via the website www.ngs.org.uk

Photo: www.challengefencing.com

52 Kent homes & Interiors

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Kent homes & Interiors

A Safe Seat The family run upholstered furniture maker has seen many changes and a design revolution since it first opened in Tunbridge Wells thirty three years ago. Wesley-Barrell was founded by Anthony Barrell in 1895. Today the three sisters Juliette, Eugenie and Isabel Barrell, great grand-daughters of original founder now head up the company. Between them they passionately champion the traditional craft skills that go into making their quality furniture whilst ensuring their sofa and armchair collection chimes with changing lifestyles and 21st century tastes. Wesley-Barrell has recently refreshed their presence in Tunbridge Wells by refurbishing their showroom on the High Street to create a series of new interior spaces to provide a beautiful backdrop for their furniture collection. The sofa collection is all hand-made to order in their workshops by skilled craftsmen and women demonstrating a wealth of experience and craft skills handed down through generations. An archive of traditional sofa and armchair designs are constantly reinterpreted to create a comprehensive collection of classic and contemporary styles to suit both period and modern homes.

A guide to choosing the right style to suit you Creating the perfect scheme and finding the right sofa is often a daunting prospect. We are perfectly placed to offer all the advice and expertise you’ll ever need on choosing the right sofa, from time honored classic styles through to more contemporary designs. Quality – The most important element of a quality sofa is the frame. If you have a well designed, hand-built frame you will end up with a beautiful sofa that will stay beautiful for many years. Our wooden frames are screwed and glued for durable strength. Springing – Traditional coil springs are fitted to our frames to ensure excellent support and even distribution of weight thereby reducing wear on the cushions. Serpentine springs should only be used on the arms or back where the stress is less. Padding – Check the padding materials. We use layers of materials, natural hair, wool felt and cotton wadding. They are extremely durable and also allow air circulation to give warmth in winter whilst keeping you cool in the summer. Finish – Patterns should be

54 Kent homes & Interiors

matched, valances and back panels hand sewn whilst our cushion seams are triple stitched. All tried and tested methods to ensure your sofa looks good for longer. Testing – Looks can deceive so it is really important to take the time to try out your sofa. Take off your coat, sit or recline as you would at home, get comfortable and feel the difference. Bespoke tailoring – To ensure that your sofa is right for you, take advantage of tailoring options to ensure maximum comfort. Changes to cushions and alterations to seat depth will ensure that your sofa meets your comfort needs exactly. Working for you – A high back for shoulder, neck and head support or a fixed back sofa for less cushion plumping? Choose a duck feather cushion which allows you to sink into your sofa or for lower maintenance choose the increasingly popular feather and fibre combination cushion filling. Measure up – Make up a paper template to full size to help you visualise the space that your new sofas and armchairs are going to take

in your room. Also double check that you have adequate delivery access. Style – Narrow down the sofa styles that you’ll be comfortable with in your home for years to come. Classic styles that owe their heritage to traditional designs have been refined with simpler lines for contemporary tastes, they will date less and can be refreshed with cushions and throws. Compact styles with slim arms are very popular and ideal for home offices, hallways and rooms where space is at a premium. Large oversized sofas, chairs and loveseats with a casual arrangement of scatters are currently finding favour perfect for family rooms and today’s relaxed informal living. For a young family, loose covers, which can be taken off and cleaned are a practical alternative to fixed upholstery. Modular sofas with streamlined arms and large cushions are also ideal for open-plan living spaces and TV rooms. They are flexible with options for sofa and sofa or chaise arrangements to maximise seating possibilities.

Kent homes & Interiors

Traditional, tailored sofas are ideal for creating an authentic feel for a period home. Combined with plenty of occasional furniture and wooden frame armchairs they will give a room a sense that it has slowly evolved and is well ‘lived in’. Fabrics – The shape of your sofa will also determine fabric style. Classic fabrics such as linen, cotton or wool are usually the top choices for upholstery because of their texture and durability. Linen has a wonderfully cool tactile quality which wears well and is ideal for a more relaxed scheme. Wool in all its incarnations such as plains, plaids and tartans creates a smarter more tailored look and so is often used for more formal schemes. It also benefits from being inherently flame retardant. Gently shaped fixed back sofas are a perfect foil for a huge variety of fabrics from florals and stripes through to checks, damasks and plains. Alternatively think about ‘mixing and matching’ perhaps using a plain fabric on a sofa combined with a bold floral or stripe on an occasional chair or sofa table.

56 Kent homes & Interiors

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Extensions

& Renovations

Written by Sultan Anibaba BSc(Hons), MSc Architecture. RIBA, MRICS,

Before embarking on that costly and emotionally demanding renovation or extension ‘project’ to your home, it is important to clearly think through and determine the ‘drivers’ for the impending punishment you are about to unleash on yourself. Turning your home into your dream residence is not easy, start with the basics and research your options. The following are common errors as well as necessary considerations to ensure a successful project;

Finger in the air budgeting The project will inevitably cost more than your ‘budget’ with telling impact on the finished product…and your stress levels.

DIY Unless you are a chartered Architect or Building Surveyor, any project beyond minor repairs will be beyond your scope of understanding and will result in bitter disappointment with the planning authority and or contractors.

58 Kent homes & Interiors

Expertise Employ an Architect or Surveyor to act as your consultant on the ‘slippery slopes’ of planning approval, building regulations control and contract management unless the project is small enough. (in which case the contractor is actually executing the roles of architect, surveyor and project manager; without any checks!) Ensure that you employ qualified architects by requesting to know their registration details before employing them. These details

can be verified at no cost from the institute’s web site.

The cheapest quotation is not always the best Many contractors inadvertently under-price jobs in their bid to be competitive only for additional costs to come up after construction has started – It is advisable to use recommended contractors who have executed similar projects and ensure that a contract cost is established and documented before works

begin. If this cost is greater than your budget, reduce specifications. Do not stretch the budget!

Contingency It is crucial that you maintain a 10% contingency over your budget. This fund is for unforeseen outcomes and if you are managing the project yourself, should be managed by yourself. It is important to resist the tendency to use the contingency fund for things forgotten by the contractor or to achieve an easier solution. Kent homes & Interiors

Changes Changes to the agreed works cost money and usually come at a premium…remember you had chosen the cheapest contractor! Changes need to be properly thought through before instructing the contractor. If you decide you must have the change, ensure that it is assessed for cost and programme implications before going through with it.

Rushing into a project without a plan Plan, plan, and plan! Measure twice and cut once! A professional (architect or surveyor) will take you through the necessary stages and costs associated with them. Investing 8-12% of the cost of small projects to ensure quality, cost and timely execution of that project is a no-brainer!

Ambitious projects Do not over scale your project – consider moving house (this may turn out a cheaper less frustrating option to extensive remodelling). Bear in mind that a house is only as expensive as the street it is on!

Timing Start consulting as soon as the idea occurs to you. Do not wait until you have the money (savings or loan). Talk to the local authority

60 Kent homes & Interiors

planning teams, architects, surveyors, neighbours who may have done similar extensions or renovations, contractors etc. Extensive consultation will ensure you fix the budget right and avoid many of the mistakes made with such projects.

But aren’t architects expensive This is not necessarily true. Whilst large practices may be beyond affordability for small projects,

there are several ‘Sole Practitioners’ available to members of the public who would gladly embark on such projects. With lower overheads, these architects and surveyors are usually affordable for most extensions and conversions. Check membership registers for architects and Surveyors at www.architecture.com and www.rics.org nw ww.searsassociates.co.uk

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Decluttering & Storage Solutions 62 Kent homes & Interiors

My name is Joanne and I am a hoarder! There. Now that I’ve got my dirty admission out of the way, I can begin my exposé of the simplicity of decluttering... As with most folks, I find an emotional attachment to “stuff”. I have managed to accumulate quite an impressive stash of “stuff”, to such a degree that it has begun an all-out invasion on my life. There is stuff stuffed in bags. There is stuff stuffed in cupboards. There is stuff stuffed in containers and those containers stuffed into every gap between, under or on top of furnishings. I have a lot of storage space, so, why then do I find that I cannot find a surface without stuff on it, nor space in a cupboard to house my daily utensils?

My name is Joanne and I am disorganised. The two are siblings... Not only do I have an emotional attachment to The Stuff, but I have literally and absolutely NO IDEA what to do with it! Where on Earth do I put a half-full box of screws? The refill for my room air freshener? A box of party games? What about that travel pillow or the jungle formula mosquito repellent? In the absence of forthcoming answers to my self-asked questions, The Stuff continued to build until...

My name is Joanne and I have been lying (a little bit). In truth this is in the past. I found a way! I had tried advice from decluttering programmes on TV and from friends and family:

“If you haven’t used something in a year, then throw it away.” But I continually find myself using things that I discovered in The Stuff... The only reason that I had not used them was because I had no idea where they were!

“Go through one box at a time and decide what to keep, what to give away or sell and what to bin.” Whilst this is not bad advice in itself, my problem was that the boxes of “keep” remained just that, as I was missing an integral step: What to do with the things I kept. What I didn’t want was just to rehome a hopefully post-diet version of The Stuff in another area, such as the loft. I would know that it was there, brooding and ready to attack, whenever I needed to find that thing that I knew was in there SOMEWHERE... I wanted to be in control of what I owned and I did not want to sacrifice one more hour to searching in vain, through a sea of chaos. So, I threw out all previous methods (this had been going on for years!) and tried a new approach, inspired by my own frustrations...

Make homes for things. Choose something you really like that you have lots of (such as camera equipment or craft items). Choose a home for it and empty its current inhabitants into a container. Search for more things to go into it (e.g. more craft items) . Along the way, you will find things naturally group into genres to home. Again, select a location. Never mind what is already there: this will get sorted in the process. I kept finding “man drawer” type items and so I emptied the contents of a drawer into a container and was now also search-

ing for “man drawer” items... That half-full box of screws finally had a rightful home! My fresh and fun way of decluttering was actually to turn it into a stuff-hunt! During the process of filling new homes for things, you will find many items are duplicated or redundant, with another, more effective alternative already there. THEN decide to either bin, give away or sell. This is much more enjoyable and not stressful at all.

Keep going! As I continued, I had a temporary pile of containers and boxes in my living room. This was a difficult phase! But for the first time it felt positive, rather than oppressive. I was no longer struggling to work out what to do with things but rather I was on a hunt for things! I had accidentally stumbled upon some kind of (dare I say?) organisation! I continued with neonate enthusiasm and vigour. Yes, I hit a wall. I had a pile of things in my living room and didn’t have the time to continue for a little while. It began to breathe and metamorphose from things into Stuff.

Make appointments with yourself, to continue. Put dates into your calendar and stick to them. Make sure that you are realistic with these, as otherwise you can easily slip into the habit of not keeping these dates with your home and The Stuff will only begin to grow again (believe me, I know!) As much as you would love it to , these things will never put themselves Kent homes & Interiors

away into their snug new homes: you have to do it. As the demands of life are many, if you don’t actually allot time to putting them away, they will stay exactly where they are!

Get creative! There will be items that you don’t want to stow away. Make them accessible and enjoy them! Source light wooden planks and white shelf brackets. Use these to make a very high (above picture rail height), bookshelf, running the circumference of your room. Onto this place for example books along with some items that you want to enjoy. I enjoy the effect, as the books give a cosy feel to the room but don’t darken it, as the wood is light and the shelf is so high up. To create floor space, wall-mount your television. This can leave a bunch of ugly cables, so use upright DVD racks (more storage!), as a screen for the cables. This also acts as another little surface upon which to place some items that you want to enjoy. The more that I placed an emphasis on doing little things to make the place look beautiful (hanging and displaying artwork and interesting items, rather than simply storing them), the more I enjoyed the process and the more I

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organised everything else. For more creative ideas for storage and enjoyment of your possessions, check out the Summer edition of Kent Homes! Or, why not send in our own ideas to kenthomesmag@gmail.com to be featured in the next issue?

Accept help! As much as I love being an independent single woman, there are some jobs that would be tricky, as I simply don’t have the experience or skills required to complete them. So, accept help from friends and

family! Accepting help is not a sign of weakness or a loss of control: it shows that you are able to recognise where help is a good idea. Don’t suffer in silence! Now I just have stuff. Like everybody else. The Stuff is thankfully a character from my past, whom I do not wish to re-encounter! I love my liberation from the constrictions of the endless search for things without homes and the clear spaces around me make me feel more peaceful at home. I hope that my experience can help others also to enjoy their homes to the full.

10 top tips

when selling you home The Kent housing market continues to grow little by little, so if you are thinking of selling in spring, known as the best time of year to sell, then here’s a few tips from us.

. Maximise the 1 number of bedrooms Many people move because they need more bedroom space, so if you use your third bedroom as an office come box room. Then replace it for a single bed, this will make obvious to anyone walking into the room, that it is suitable for an adult or older child.

2. Clean kitchen A smelly and dirty kitchen can put people off, make sure everything is cleaned and put away in cupboards and draws, especially foods. You never know what a viewer could find, lurking behind you fridge.

. Look at your 3 furniture layout

sofa or barking at them though the letterbox. So ask your friends and family to take them for the day, also hide away the bowls and baskets and toys. Then give the house a quick spray of air freshener, they might never now you a pet or two.

7. Kids bedrooms They can show that your child is an individual with posters all around the room. But if your child likes one team or band the person coming to view the house might not. Even these little things might give your house, the name of “that house with 1D shrine in it” which could put you out of the running.

8. Family photos You love you family and friends and love to show it, but just this once pop them in a draw and put up, a “we love our home” sign or home sweet home” viewers will see you as someone who has looked after your

house and of course, they then won’t spend all the time looking at your private photos.

. Show off the age 9 of your home Make sure the estate agent knows all, the best bits of your home. If you have celling roses, mantels, art décor windows or any other original feature in your home make sure they know about it. These period parts of your home are really popular to many home buyers.

10. Pavement view The very first sight a viewer see’s is from the pavement, this is normally the very first “wow” moment. So a new coat of paint on the door and some flowering of plants in the garden, and a space to park outside will really go down well. If you have a lawn garden make sure it’s mowed on the morning before they come, as we all love the smell of freshly cut grass.

Your furniture layout is prefect for you, but to someone else it might make the room feel smaller than it is. Push back your sofas to the walls and move anything that doesn’t allow, a hoard of people to walk through your home.

. Refresh the 4 bathroom Mouldy grout and worn or damp floors are a no-no, calling out the local handy man, to re-grout and resilicone around the bath, shower and sink. It won’t cost much and it could help seal the deal.

5. Check the loft The loft is often ignored by sellers, but not smarting it up and checking for leaks or holes, before a viewing, can be costly. A viewer may ask to see it to check for holes in the roof, and if they find any it may halt any deal, there and then.

6. Pets, get out You love your pets, but not everyone will love to see them sat on the Kent homes & Interiors

Don’t miss this during Spring We have pick out a few of our best events to attend this spring, we hope you’ll enjoy.

I LOVE Vintage, Quex House and Gardens. Good Friday 18th April. Vintage style fair at the Powell-Cotton Museum.

Sweeps Festival, Rochester. 3rd May to 5th May. The modern day Sweeps Festival is a colourful mix of music, dancing and entertainment with more than 60 Morris sides and entertainers celebrating throughout the three-day festival.

Jousting with the Knights of Royal England, Leeds Castle. 27th May to 1st June. The Knights of Royal England will return on horseback ready to entertain children and adults with an action packed week of medieval activities and entertainment. Watch displays of spectacular action, daredevil stunts, medieval weaponry, falls, fights and galloping horses.

The Kent Garden show Kent showground. 24th to 26th May. Over 300 exhibiters with a wide variety of goods on display and for sale

What’s coming next in our, Summer issue? Summer 2014

On sale

7th July

Were back in the shops from the 7th of July, and with an extra 16 pages added to Kent Homes & Interiors magazine. Featuring three more interiors of Kent homes and their interiors. Going through the home to discover the history and redesign that has helped it become the home to its loving owners. One of these hames you might have seen before it’s been on Sarah Beenys “Double house for half the money” TV programme. Kitchens feature, to help inspire you in your own home, were talking granite verses wood worktops. Bathrooms & Wet-rooms feature, big budget versus little budget, and what

you can get for your money. Gardens in Summer feature, including garden buildings, outdoor furniture, BBQ’s and landscaping. And many more yet to come, with 12 more pages added to the magazine.

We’re looking forward to summertime. Plus remember last year’s hot sunny Kent summer, well look forward to another as the met office has already predicted were in for a warm dry long summer again. So make sure you buy Kent Homes & Interiors as you could well be reading the summer issue out in the garden. Spring 2014

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66 Kent homes & Interiors

Homes featured in Goudhurst, Hildenbough, & Whitstable Gardens including Garden buildings & Swimming pools Bathroom & Wet room Trends & Kent Homes Spring Edition 2014

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Kent Arts & Crafts Spring Clean Insider knowledge on Kitchens

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