INTERIORS All the latest trends from the local designers

INTERIOR MOTIVES

Interest in interiors has rocketed in recent months, as we’ve all spent a lot more time at home. The spaces we live in have had to become an office, school, gym as well as a place to live in and enjoy. We chatted to the local designers for a bit of inspiration By Chloe Appleford

Kitchen designs by Lowe and Bespoke

ALL IS CALM “In our experience people are looking to make the best possible use of space so their home feels calm and uncluttered,” says Mark Newbery, managin director at Sapphire Spaces.

“Many of us need better storage solutions and other clients are keen to change their open-plan layout for a more broken plan arrangement where clever positioning of furniture and free-standing cabinetry can create zones for both working and relaxing.”

There are plenty of on-trend furnishings that can help with creating a zen-like atmosphere too, from pretty tilings, homeware in ice cream pastel shades and pieces in earthy rattan and straw textures.

SHOPPING LIST 1. Tiling, Mandarin Stone 2. Green Spiral Jute Rug, £29.95, Hyde and Seek 3. Handmade Stoneware Pinch Jug In Turquoise and Pink, £15, Insideout 4. Large Black Zigzag Seagrass Basket, £19.95, Hyde and Seek Basket, £19.95, Hyde and Seek

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TIPS FOR CREATING A WFH OFFICE “Pay attention to seating, there are some beautiful, supportive offi ce chairs available that don’t look like they have just come out of a call centre! I’m a big fan of house plants too, not only do they soften a room and evoke a feeling of calm, the right plants will also cleanse the air around you.” Mark Newbery, managing director at Sapphire Spaces

“Nothing makes a home offi ce look or feel more cluttered than wires hanging from your desk and running everywhere: go wireless, install good lighting. Personalise, don’t sacrifi ce on style! The great part about working from home is that you can decide how you want your home offi ce to look and feel.” Fran d’Argent, sales consultant at Casa

“Choose the room you are going to work in and keep it clear, empty a drawer or cupboard so that you can store your paperwork and stationary away at the end of your shift leaving that room free of the day’s work; this will enable you to let go of any work tensions and stresses and enjoy the rest of your day.” Farzana Chaudry Wise, interiors consultant at Drapes 2

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SHOPPING LIST 1. Storage solutions, Sapphire Spaces 2. Conceal bookshelf, £34,95 Hyde and Seek 3. Faux Olive Tree, £95, Nest

1 BE BOLD Bright and daring colours are very popular in the interiors world right now, with the current furniture pieces oozing deep colours and textures that are perfect for going into autumn.

“People have become braver and the lack of travel has brought memories of rich velvets, leather and warm tweeds, savoury and spicy yellows, teals and golds all adding to that exotic touch” says Fran d’Argent of Casa.

“We love these trends because they add class, warmth and a feel of cosiness.”

What else is on the horizon? “Green and pink are still going to be “Green and pink are still going to be big, but we will see more ochre, yellow big, but we will see more ochre, yellow and terracotta tones emerging; adding and terracotta tones emerging; adding that much needed warmth to schemes. that much needed warmth to schemes. Luxe style materials such as tiles that Luxe style materials such as tiles that mimic natural onyx, bold marbles mimic natural onyx, bold marbles and fun terrazzo will be popular and fun terrazzo will be popular this autumn.” Louisa Morgan, creative director at Louisa Morgan, creative director at Mandarin Stone

“Burnished red, mustard, pink blush “Burnished red, mustard, pink blush tones, bronze – basically anything that tones, bronze – basically anything that goes with the hit grey trend! Japanese goes with the hit grey trend! Japanese minimalism with graceful bird motifs, minimalism with graceful bird motifs, abstract and blooms are all stylized to abstract and blooms are all stylized to create perfect prints for now. “ Farzana Chaudry Wise, interiors consultant at Drapes 2

A WORD WITH THE EXPERTS Do you think that Covid has infl uenced the way people are reappraising their homes?

“Making home improvements now seems to be a top priority and carrying out those projects that have been on the to-do list for years!” Louisa Morgan, creative director at Mandarin Stone

“The predicted pent up demand after lockdown for home furniture and fl ooring came to fruition and we have had the busiest three months in the history of our business. Customers have been spending more time as ‘self taught’ interior designers during their time off work.” Gary Dixie, co-owner of CASA

“People in lockdown have been spending much more time in the kitchen and baking bread (fl our shortages were pretty prevalent!) and cooking became a bigger part of people’s lives. After an initial quiet period at the beginning we found we were getting an increase of interest in kitchen design, people wanting a change, realising what they have got isn’t working as best for them as it could do.” Ruth Andrews, director at Lowe and Bespoke 4 2 5

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SHOPPING LIST 1. Lido Snuggler, £809.10, Casa 2. Ruffl e Snuggler, £999, Casa 3. Dimmable table lamp, £218, Kartell, available from Drapes 2 4. Petite club chair, £329, Casa 5. Bunny Tails (Lagurus), Barn Florist

COSY UP “Creating spaces that people can enjoy and relax in now matters more than ever,” says Louisa Morgan, creative director at Mandarin Stone.

And with the changing of seasons, it’s all about making that place you spend a lot of time in – probably the sitting room and the bedroom – really cosy. As the explosion in people buying fi re pits over the summer proved, there is nothing quite like sitting round a fi re with your loved ones. Elsewhere, thick, soft furnishings and beautiful textures are the way to go to create the ultimate relaxation haven.

Sapphire Spaces Limited, 3 Dart Business Park, Topsham EX3 0QH; www.sapphirespaces.co.uk Drapes 2, 86 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RP; www.curtainsandblind.co.uk Mandarin Stone, The Newton Centre, 3 Thorverton Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8GN; www.mandarinstone.com 1

SHOPPING LIST 1. Chilli Penguin Woody, Faraway Stoves 2. Giant Knit Bed Runner, £270 – £320, Lauren Aston Designs 3. Elise Velvet Cushion in Green Grey, £39, Toot Garouk

LOCAL GO-TO INTERIORS EXPERTS

2 Casa, The Old Gaol, Strand, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0JB; www.casa-furniture.co.uk

Dusk Lighting, 1, Lancaster Court, Exeter Airport Business Park, Exeter EX5 2DP; www.dusklights.co.uk

Devon Shutters, Unit 22b, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth EX10 9HL; www.devonshutters.co.uk

Exeter Carpet Company, 92A Old Tiverton Road, Exeter EX4 6LQ; www.exetercarpet.co.uk

Faraday Stoves, Park Court, Devonshire Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton EX14 1SW; www.faradaystoves.co.uk

Devon Tiles, Devon Tiles Ltd, 23 - 25 Finnimore Trading Estate, Ottery St. Mary, Devon EX11 1NR; www.devontiles.co.uk

Toot Garouk, 19 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SH; www.tootgarook.co.uk

Lauren Aston Designs; www.laurenastondesigns.com 3

Barn Florist, Unit 23, Woodbury Business Park, Woodbury, Exeter EX5 1AY; www.barnfl orist.co.uk

Insideout, 1 Bampfylde Street, Exeter EX1 1GQ; www.insideout.co.uk

Hyde and Seek, Unit 1, Harlequins, 1 Paul Street, Exeter EX1 1GQ; www.hydeseek.co.uk

Meet the family lawyer

When it comes to the sensitive and long-term issues surrounding family law, you need to know the right experts who can assist you through those diffi cult times

JESSICA BURGESS GILBERT STEPHENS SOLICITORS 01392 424242; www.gilbertstephens.co.uk

How has family law changed in the last few years? Vastly – with the restriction of legal aid, funding is now very limited. A lot more people act in person which has placed immense pressure on the legal system.

What do you enjoy about your job the most? Helping people, particularly in domestic violence situations. Knowing that you can make a difference by keeping people safe and getting them out of abusive situations. Sadly, this area of work increased dramatically in lockdown. What professional accomplishment has made you proud? Qualifying! I was not an academic however, when you work in a job you enjoy, it really surprised me what you can achieve.

What is the biggest misconception surrounding family law? It is not like it is on the television! You would be surprised how many clients say this.

What advice would you give to anyone considering choosing a family lawyer? Take your time. It is important you feel comfortable with the person you are going to instruct.

What do you specialise in? Working in my legal profession for over 30 years, I have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience, specialising in divorce and fi nancial matters. I also deal with private law children cases involving the arrangements for the care of children following a marriage or relationship breakdown, as well as cases in relation to domestic violence, involving injunctions and emergency applications to the court.

Tell us something about yourself? Strangely, I have really enjoyed lockdown. In some ways, I have worked harder than I have before – but no travelling! What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce? Breathe and do not rush into it. Take your time – it can be a very raw and emotional time.

If you could introduce one new law what would it be? Animals can be a very thorny issue, and as an animal lover, I think the law should be changed so that they are not just treated as chattels.

What was your very fi rst job? I had a part time job as a teenager working as a waitress at a café near Buckfast Abbey. My fi rst “real” job on leaving school was working in a chemist and assisted in dispensing of prescriptions.

If you weren’t working in the legal world what would you be doing? I love anything to do with animals – particularly dogs. So I would love to run a business looking after peoples’ dogs – perhaps a dog hotel!

What are the most common family issues? Contact disputes and enforcement applications have featured a lot recently as a result of the pandemic.

For more information or to request a call back please visit our website at www.gilbertstephens.co.uk

HANNAH QUICK CARTRIDGES LAW 01392 256854; www.cartridgeslaw.co.uk

How has family law changed in the last few years? The most recent signifi cant change to the whole legal system has been cases and court hearings being conducted remotely. What is the biggest misconception surrounding family law? I think for me, when I fi rst joined the family law department at Cartridges Law, the thing that surprised me the most was the length of time court proceedings take. Now that I am fee earning it makes sense, the court are making a huge decision, especially when it comes to children and their future. They have to have all the available information before them in order to be in the best possible position to make such big decisions and obtaining this information can take a long time. What do you specialise in? Children Law and domestic abuse. I represent parents in proceedings brought by the Local Authority and social services. I also represent parents in proceedings where there is a disagreement about a child’s living or contact arrangement. My work also includes representing victims of domestic abuse and applying to the court for protective orders to protect them and, if they have them, their children too. Tell us something about yourself? I play netball and have done since I was in primary school. I currently captain a team in an Exeter league although we haven’t played for a while because of COVID19. I have a chocolate Labrador called Alfi e who keeps me busy!

GEMMA ROWE THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY 01392 421777; www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

What do you enjoy about your job the most? The ability to help vulnerable people, children and those suffering domestic abuse. When they fi rst get in contact, they’re often anxious and panicky – I’m pleased to be able to provide reassurance, explaining what can be done to help them and how the processes work. Ultimately I know I am helping clients to start on a journey to a more positive future. What areas do you specialise in? Children, which includes seeking to resolve issues such as where a child lives and contact with the other parent. I also help victims of domestic abuse get protection in the family courts. If you could introduce one new law what would it be? I’m in favour of legal aid being more available so everyone has access to justice and the no fault divorce which will help to mitigate antagonistic behaviour associated with the divorce process as people try to blame each other. Hopefully we’ll see that one being implemented soon! What are the most common family issues? Enquiries about domestic abuse, children and divorce really increased during and after lockdown, no doubt due to the added stress of families being shut in together, and ongoing anxieties to do with Covid-19 issues.

Hannah Quick

Moira Reynolds

Gemma Rowe

Sarah Walls MOIRA REYNOLDS EVERYS SOLICITORS 07702 202882 www.everys.co.uk

What professional accomplishment has made you proud? There are many: reuniting a father with his child after months of no contact (based upon unfounded allegations); supporting a wife who did not want contested proceedings against her husband, and securing spousal maintenance for her as well as a 62% share of the equity in the FMH; supporting an elderly victim of a domestically coercive relationship. What advice would you give to anyone considering choosing a family lawyer? Don’t choose the fi rm; choose the lawyer, and don’t rely upon Google reviews (they are often posted by the disgruntled spouse). What are the most common family issues? Lack of unity spurned from lack of communication and entrenched positions. Communication is key. A mutual respect to recognise that if your relationship has broken down, it will take time to undo the ties that exist (both emotional, fi nancially and far wider). Remember the children (if there are any) – they suffer incredibly and the long term effects will come to the fore in the future. What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce? Make sure that talking is on the daily agenda – that will help to alleviate feelings of isolation.

SARAH WALLS STEPHENS SCOWN LLP 01392 210700; www.stephens-scown.co.uk

What do you enjoy about your job the most? When people fi rst instruct me they can be upset, or angry, but as we work together, and subsequently reach an agreement with their spouse, I often see a signifi cant change. It is so rewarding to know that I have helped to achieve a positive change. What professional accomplishment has made you proud? Stephens Scown’s family law team was named Family Law Team of the Year (South of England) in the 2019 Family Law Awards in London. I am so proud to be part of an award-winning team and to have represented our fi rm with Andrew Barton and Sarah Atkinson in collecting the award. What advice would you give to anyone considering choosing a family lawyer? Choose someone who not only has the expertise to help you achieve the best outcome for you and your family, but also who you can get along with. What key bit of advice would you give to somebody considering a divorce? Take advice before you separate. Knowing what you may be entitled to in a divorce can help you make informed decisions about the actions you take on separation and subsequently. If you could introduce one new law what would it be? Parliament is considering a bill to introduce a no fault divorce. I would want to ensure this was passed to reduce the animosity caused by blaming one person in a divorce petition.

Relationship worries?

Rachel Buckley from THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY shares advice surrounding separation

Relationships have been put under pressure more than ever as the Covid-19 pandemic continues around the world but what happens if you think your relationship has come to an end?

It is a confusing time. The Family Law Company's new guide to divorce is based around real-life client experiences. We wanted to create a free resource for those who were concerned about their situation. It provides a starting point for anyone considering or facing separation and aims to alleviate some of the initial anxiety and confusion.

As a dedicated family law firm of over two decades, we've helped thousands of clients through separation, dissolution and divorce. We understand that it is never easy and that there are always going to be challenges – from the moment the decision is made to the day the decree absolute lands on the doorstep.

To help us produce our new guide, we spoke to a cross section of clients with differing circumstances and reasons for separating who were happy to share their stories. Happily, they have all come out the other side in the knowledge that the breakdown of a relationship is not just an end but also a beginning. We asked for their top tips – and this is what they told us: l Try counselling, it can help you to be sure if the marriage is salvageable or over. l Meet with different lawyers to make sure you find the right one for you. l Look at areas where you can do things yourself to help keep fees down – your solicitor will advise you. l Protect yourself by keeping the process as business-like as possible. l If you have children, try to maintain an amicable relationship. l Be open with friends and family, who will give you support.

Our guide is called 'We are only human' reflecting the fact that nobody is perfect, mistakes can be made and feelings can be hurt. At The Family Law Company, we believe in empathy and understanding, supporting our clients towards a brighter future. n

To view the guide please visit www.thefamilylawco.com/only-human 01392 421777; enquiries@thefamilylawco.com