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EST. 1920

BRITAIN’S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGAZINE

Idyllic homes

& GARDENS X CAPE TOWN BEACH HOUSE X CORNWALL THATCHED COTTAGE X SMART LONDON TOWNHOUSE X HAMPTONS-STYLE NEW BUILD

Transformed! KITCHEN & BATHROOM REDOS

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Slow summer living X Garden design ideas X Easy style updates X Backyard bars & seating X Sustainable outdoor spaces X Picnic eats

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editor’s letter

Welcome Vanessa Styling Nicky PhilliPs PhotograPh JoaNNa heNdersoN

Vanessa Richmond, Editor

I’ve made some of my most life-changing decisions from a sun lounger. Having a holiday, taking time out from the usual routine – whether it’s on a beach in Barbados or in your back garden – can lead to sudden clarity on all kinds of issues, from career changes to kitchen projects! So, this issue is the ultimate sun-lounger companion: if you’re wrestling with a home-related problem, you’ll find answers; if it’s simply escapism you’re after, turn straight to the real homes and gardens (Jonty and Melanie Rhodes’ Cape Town beach house is my favourite – page 20) and let yourself dream!

august 2019

August 2019

118

38 What’s new

9 You deserve...

A lush alfresco lunch

10 How to add wow! 13 Need to know What’s hot this month

16 Boutique chic

From Ideal Home at Very

glam, too’ Rachel’s proved it

57 ‘We smartened up a

standard semi’ Now it’s a beautiful, stylish home

80 ‘I built my dream home by

the sea’ Alicia’s coastal house

Style & decor

17 The shortlist

32 Botanical style Modern

18 The shortlist

51 A place in the sun

19 Ideal vs Great Deal

69 40 easy style updates

Quirky trays

Natural room updates Chic bathroom accessories

Real homes 20 ‘We bought this house

without viewing it’ And it needed a lot of work

38 ‘Country cottages can be

august 2019

perennials and tropical prints

Pretty up your sun traps Smart tricks and clever buys

Before & after 90 ‘We bought a crumbling

pile of stones back to life’ From rundown outbuilding to snug holiday retreat

98 ‘It’s a family living space as much as a kitchen’ Open-plan layout

106 ‘We revamped this room on a shoestring’ Industrial-look bathroom

Simple solutions 113 Breathe clean Air purifiers

and fans 115 Smart play Tech coding games for kids

Simple pleasures 31 Love the location Explore

all that Cape Town has to offer 151 Ideal Home travel Stay at Mama Shelter in Bordeaux

contents

132

144

To find all the stockists in this issue, turn to page 160 144 Head to the park for a

Summer living

picnic party Recipe ideas

118 Exterior design Indoor style outside

126 ‘We’ve created a garden

we can really live in’ Zones to suit every mood

Regulars 5 Editor’s letter 37 The big question

Should dogs be allowed upstairs?

132 ‘It’s ideal for two amateurs’ Low-maintenance garden

138 Genius problem solvers

for a smooth running life The latest outdoor innovations

95 In my experience ‘We bought the church we got married in’

125 Reader offer Save 20 per

43%

162 A space of my own

garden Top eco buys

143 Everything you need to

know about… Trampolines

up to

cent at Garden Trading

140 Create a sustainable

Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk

SAVE

See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk

‘I converted my stable into a craft studio’

Subscribe!

Be inspired at pinterest.com/ idealhomemag

A subscription makes a great gift or a lovely treat for yourself from just £29.99, saving 43%! Call 0330 333 1113 and quote the code 42AR or visit idealhome.co.uk/august2019

august 2019

Weaving sideboard

ÂŁ699 Penfold ottoman from

ÂŁ249

shop now at

swooneditions.com

what’s new

WHERE TO BUY leaf table runner, £20; Tvis Gold cutlery, £175 for a 16-piece set; Tropical leaf mango wood serving dish, £35; Eddingtons melamine leaf salad plate, £6; coupe plates, £24 for set of four; savino salad plate, £6; savino pasta bowl, £8, all John lewis & Partners

Feature Holly WalsH

IN AUGUST

You deserve… a lush alfresco lunch Set the scene for a stylish summer of long, lazy meals in the garden, with platters and plates designed for salad days and balmy nights. Just add gold cutlery to give your outdoor table a glam upgrade and palm-print linens for a Caribbean vibe august 2019

ultimate lounger Grey canvas Brazilian hammock, £99.99, Clara Shade Sails

chic server Round shagreen tray, £38, Truly

golden touch Fein salad servers, £45, Ferm Living table stunner halo coupe dinner plate, £14, Denby

soft speckle Studio Grey handleless mug, £12, Denby

high contrast Rattan wrapped candleholder, £69, West Elm

wow! how to add

go on, pick something you love – because every room needs a magic ingredient that takes it from finished to fabulous

light up the night Chesterton lanterns, from £40 each; ribbed lantern, from £8, all The White Company

stand up Planter, £109, La Redoute

horse around Hambro objet, £25, Habitat

AuGuST 2019

tactile accent Tufted cushion, £20, Next Home

modern loom Bali rocking chair, £360, Next Home

WHAT’S NEW

frame it Crittall-style mirror, £160, Rockett St George

Feature MiCheLa CoLLiNG

sculpted design Orb watering can, £75, Ferm Living

atmospheric elegance Longstock six-seater rectangle outdoor table, £539; Longstock stacking garden chairs, £160 each; sheepskin rugs, from £35 each; Skultuna Nattlight candlestick, £110; True Grace paraffin wax dinner candles, £6 for two, all John Lewis & Partners. Mbata candelabra, £39.95, Nkuku, is similar

timeless style Marshall stripe throw, £179.95, Tori Murphy room for two Oregan bench, £375, Habitat

hot stuff Josper firepit, £129, Made.com

cool coastal The Seashore candle, £32, Chase and Wonder

rustic luxe Toba rattan basket, £94, Artisanti

AuGuST 2019

BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM

LONDON

GUILDFORD

WILMSLOW

SOLIHULL

ST ALBANS

WHaT’s NEW

know NEED TO

We’ve been shamelessly snooping around the shops, so you don’t miss a single thing that matters...

WE kEEp sEEiNg…

Backpack cool-Bags Get picnic-ready with these hands-free finds

Side tables, from £20 each, all Matalan

Family TimE Picnic rucksack, £59.95, Joules

They could be designer! Walk ThE liNE Bee stripe roll top cool bag, £42, Anorak

H&M’s new home If you love H&M’s homeware but struggle to find items in its shops, treat yourself to a road trip to its new location on London’s Regent Street. You’ll find two whole floors of wall-to-wall homeware, with inspiring styling and specialist areas dedicated to rugs, lighting and dining. The in-store florist, monogramming service and café make it a more immersive experience (you can’t order a coffee and cinnamon bun with online shopping!), and home delivery can be arranged if you get a little carried away.

Just launched at matalan.co.uk, these affordable but stylish accent tables come in all shapes and sizes. There’s luxe-industrial marble and terrazzo-topped designs or rustic wood and rattan. With Cleo’s powder-coated metal style available for only £20, a matching pair won’t break the bank. You won’t want to hide these babies in the corner.

luNch brEak lOvE Pom pom insulated picnic backpack, £28, Next

H&M Home looks right at home on Regent Street

2 3

1 Opal table lamp, £59.99 2 Tasselled cushion cover, £12.99 3 Metal cake stand, £12.99

AugusT 2019

WHAT’S NEW

Ditch the duvet cover! Supremely waShable duvet, From £37.50 For a double, markS & SpenCer

This printed duvet is great for kids’ bedrooms, camping, or just as a time-saving hack. You can chuck the whole thing in the washing machine, so you never have to tie yourself up in knots trying to find the corners ever again. It comes with a handy bag for storage, too.

cabana double hanging pod, £499, John lewis & Partners

everyone’s buying…

Trio vase set, £30; planter, £36; closed garden, £40, all lSa international

Retro hanging chairs Seventies throwbacks are having a moment. according to John lewis & Partners, sales of hanging pods and swing chairs are up 300 per cent year on year. We can see why – it’s the perfect solo hang-out, with a good book and a tall drink. and once summer is over, you can bring it indoors to curl up with a cuppa.

ideaL

great deaL

Create an outdoor living room

£95

£57

White hot Rug square pouffe, £95, Oliver Bonas

August 2019

Lounge LoW Rural crochet stitch pouffe, £57, B&Q

chic, modern and delicate, you’d never know canopy – a collaboration between lSa international and eden Project – is made from recycled glass. its self-watering planter will keep your prized plant alive during the holidays, while the closed garden is a new take on the terrarium.

Feature Michela colling

Be stylish… and sustainable

Live & breathe colour.

Colour brings your home to life. And not only are there new colours from the Breatheasy® Matt & Silk emulsion range, but they’re 99% solvent free and CERTIFIED asthma and allergy friendly® allowing you to create a happy and healthier home. Giving you a new look as well as peace of mind. View the range at crownpaints.co.uk

Available at leading Independents & The CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® Mark is a Registered Certiﬁcation Mark of ALLERGY STANDARDS LTD

proMotIoNal Feature Aaliyah damask double duvet set, £35; Oscar velvet headboard, £279; Silver scratch vase, £24.99, all Ideal Home range, Very

8 1

bedroom refresh

Boutique chic

Lift a neutral space by layering glam touches. Add blush accents, glossy finishes and plush, ornate pieces

5 4 1 Mirage mirrored bedside chest, £129 2 Sadie table lamp, £79.99 3 100% Egyptian cotton Oxford pillowcases, £19 for two 4 Dante armchair, £799 5 Mirage mirrored table and stool set, £279 6 Oscar velvet headboard, £279 7 Eyelash round mirror, £149.99 8 Verona velvet cushion, £14.99, all Ideal Home range at Very

AuguSt 2019

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

olour

what’s new

A NEW LEAF Monstera leaf tray in Gold, £16, Sunnylife

BIRCH BEAUTY Merida large round tray, £68, Georgia Bosson

PRETTY As A PICTURE Birds in the Dunes tray, £32, Nathalie Lété range, Amara

THE SHORTLIST

Feature holly walsh

Quirky trays

WILD THING Leopard tray, £29, The French Bedroom Company

FOR PIMM’s O’CLOCk

sIMPLE sTYLE Stockholm metal tray, £12.50, Argos

DECO ELEGANCE Collector’s House octagon tray, £30, John Lewis & Partners

MEsMERIsING MANDALA Cinnabar round tray, £5, Dunelm

FELINE FAVOURITE Cat tray, £15, Donna Wilson

AuGuST 2019

promotional feature

the shortlist

9 natural room updates

Fringed detail Cotton rope baskets with tassels, £44.99 for set of two, Ideal Home range at Very

rugged leatHer Society premium leather armchair, £799, Ideal Home range at Very

CHandelier style Miller wooden bead easy fit ceiling light shade, £89.99, Ideal Home range at Very

woven willow Hanging hearts, £12.99 for set of two, Ideal Home range at Very

rustiC base Scratch table lamp, £49.99, Ideal Home range at Very

subtle print Wild Blooms bedlinen, from £49 for a double set, Ideal Home range at Very

Hard-wearing wonder Zulia jute loop rug in Natural, from £89.99, Ideal Home range at Very

superb stitCHing Embroidered bouquet cushion, £14.99, Ideal Home range at Very

preCious metal Bronze vases, £34.99 for set of two, Ideal Home range at Very

auguSt 2019

FEATURE Stephanie Durrant

nail neutrals by adding these textured pieces from the ideal home range at very.co.uk

whaT’S new

Ideal Vs Great Deal

Update your bathroom with natural textures, global patterns and sun-baked hues mixed with a little monochrome for a modern-chic look

Tile effecT Geometric plant stand, £60, Next

chevron deSign Patterned pot on wooden legs, £39.99, Very

cool cane Bamboo oval wall mirror, £43.96, Made in Design

naTural weave Woven cane mirror, £65, Amara SofT lineS Stripe towels, from £4 each, George Home

Pure coTTon Christy Maroc towels, £20 each, House of Fraser

SimPle SandSTone Soap dispenser, £18; toothbrush holder, £14, both Debenhams

Feature Stephanie Durrant

Towel Tidy Estivar four bar storage ladder, £69, La Redoute

hinT of bluSh Pink treasured soap dispenser, £4; tumbler, £3, both Wilko

Two Tone Charmer Black and White seagrass laundry basket, £80, Habitat

berber STyle Geometric print bath mat, £29.99, Zara Home

SPace Saver Mandisa storage ladder, £39.50, The Taylor

SmarT STorage Havana seagrass laundry basket, £69, Made.com

TaSSel Trim Geometric tassel bath mat, £10, Matalan

AuGuST 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We bought this house without viewing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Melanie and Jonty Rhodes snapped up this historic, coastal Cape Town house, despite its modest size and unusual layout

real home

Living room The front entrance leads directly into this light-filled living space. ‘Being able to look through the doorway out towards the garden and the sea beyond, means there is nowhere I’d rather be on a beautiful day,’ says Melanie. Buy the key pieces Ava sofa, £432, Maisons du Monde, is similar. Try Nahal rug, from £150, Rug Vista

looped light flex An easy way of adjusting pendant height

Ideal Home

loves

Vintage rugs Their colours always work beautifully with natural wood and leather finishes

AugusT 2019

Welcome to my home

Ethan, 12 and Timothy, nine, and Jonty’s daughter Daniella, 19, and son Ross, 15.

The properTy

Melanie, an architect, lives here with her husband, former cricketer and commentator Jonty Rhodes. They share the house with their daughter India, four, Melanie’s sons

‘The stair colour was inspired by the ocean. I had a Dulux paint shade mixed to my specification’

Take a quick tour... kitchen

bedroom entrance bedroom

ground floor

bedroom

playroom

firsT floor

augusT 2019

A four-bed, 170-year-old stone house in Cape Town, South Africa.

“

With the beach just a few minutes away, we try to get down there as often as we can

”

elanie and Jonty bought the house online four years ago, when they were based in India, where Jonty was coaching the Indian Premier League cricket team. ‘It was the kind of old-style, heritage house that I’m naturally drawn to,’ says Melanie. ‘It ticked the practical boxes, too, with a garage, garden and a natural spring. Having rented properties in the area, we knew and loved the fabulous coastal location. I was pregnant and we were looking for a permanent home in South Africa to accommodate all of our children. We wanted a relaxed, family space where we could all hang out together. I couldn’t wait to get in and see the place, but when I did – with six-week-old India in tow – I discovered it was a much bigger job than I’d anticipated. I’d naively thought we could just buy some sofas and move in! But the house had been in the same family for more than a century, so the plumbing and electrics were antiquated, some rooms had been boarded up to conceal damp and the floors were covered with melamine and carpet. In addition to the refurb work, we decided to completely reconfigure the layout, too. The ground floor consisted of a kitchen, study, dining room, living room and bathroom, with all the bedrooms upstairs. There wasn’t space for all of us up there, so we decided to turn the living room into the main bedroom with en suite, and the study into a bedroom for the youngest children. We kept the kitchen where it was, as it has a real charm to it with its fireplace, while the former dining area is now a communal living area, that in winter is transformed into a snug. This house is very much geared around us and our lifestyle as a family.’

real home

Living room The room leads straight out to a rear courtyard. ‘I love how flexible the ground floor space is. The living room, kitchen and courtyard all flow together.’ Buy The key pieces Hanging chair, £375, Cox & Cox, is a match. Fuse drop cap pendants, £15 each, Made.com, would work. Try Luka tree trunk coffee table, £430, PIB

Bespoke uniT Hides clutter and provides a display surface

augusT 2019

An outside shower stops sand at the door

hanging planters Put the focus on the dining table

Courtyard dining area The indoor living space and kitchen lead out to the back courtyard, which is used as a laid-back family space for eating and relaxing in the sun. Buy the key pieces Weave wooden bench, £108.99, Wayfair, is similar. Wishbone natural and black dining chair, £139, Cult Furniture, has this look. Try Hattholmen outdoor table, £225, Ikea

Dining area ‘I wouldn’t ordinarily use black because it can feel cold, but here a black kitchen felt right with the building’s ironmongery. Plus, all of the exposed wood helps to warm up the space, especially the

reclaimed wood flooring, which we got from a demolition site, made cosy with scattered fleece rugs.’ Buy the key pieces Smeg fridge-freezer, £1,849, John Lewis & Partners. Norraker wooden benches, £40 each, Ikea, are similar

“

There were no real design principles involved, just a gut feeling of what worked and felt right. I wanted to create a home that feels nurturing

”

auguST 2019

real home

douBle-deck shelving Holds a mix of essentials and decorative kitchen items

Kitchen-diner ‘In a small space it’s important to be able to see where everything is, so doing away with the doors is always the first step for me. I’ve gone with freestanding furniture with open shelves so everything is exposed.’ Buy the key pieces Smeg Victoria range cooker, £2,449, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Vadholma kitchen island, £350, Ikea, would work here

Simple hanging rails hold the couple’s clothes

Main bedroom ‘Jonty and I wanted to wake up and see the ocean, so we turned the old downstairs living room into our bedroom. The green marble fireplace had been painted over, so we stripped it back to make it a focal point.’ Buy the key pieces Similar wooden surfboard, from £33, Etsy

En suite and dressing area ‘A run of wooden drawers takes care of bathroom clutter, clothes and shoes.’

Buy the key pieces Milano chest of drawers, £855, Tikamoon, is similar. Hudson Reed Grace freestanding bath, £1,349, Victorian Plumbing, is this style. Try round crochet rug, £44, Maisons du Monde

WhAt i’ve LeARNeD

“

Start with original features. When we stripped the doors, windows, shutters and handles of paint, they were so lovely, they informed our choices after that

AuGuST 2019

”

ReAL homes

Main bedroom suite ‘The wooden bedhead with storage acts as a natural divide between the bedroom and en suite. Cluster pendants take the place of bedside lights.’ Buy the key pieces Malm bed frame in oak, £210, Ikea, is a similar shape. Try Mullan Aneho cluster pendants, £190 each, Made To Last

WhiteWAsheD BRick Gives a softer effect

AuGuST 2019

real homes

Playroom window ‘This is a light, airy space with wonderful views out to the sea. Built-in seats make great use of the space, topped with denim seat cushions. The cross cut-outs on the walls are part of the building’s original design.’ Buy the key pieces Pom-pom garland, £13.50, Maisons du Monde, is a match. Natural knitted cushion, £16, JD Williams, is similar. Try sheepskin rug, from £24.49, Dunelm

auguST 2019

The children’s heights are logged on a wall sticker chart

caBle light Handy for awkward spaces

Playroom

FeaTure Kerryn Fischer, LisA FAZZAni, vAnessA richmond sTyling LuAnne toms PHoTograPHs eLsA young/FrAnK FeAtures Plans Agency service

One of the upstairs bedrooms was turned into a playroom for the younger kids. Shallow trays make great storage for small toys, with a low bench for building Lego or doing jigsaw puzzles on the floor. Buy the key pieces Mosslanda picture ledges in White would work well here, from £5, Ikea

kids’ artwork Framed and displayed to add colour

Kids’ bedroom ‘We decided to put the younger kids in what used to be a study, close to mine and Jonty’s room, on the ground floor. I designed

the beds with storage and pull-out beds for sleepovers.’ Buy the key pieces Chunky grey felted stool, £150, Cox & Cox. Scenario grey duvet cover, from £22, La Redoute, would work here

We wanted to reveal the “ original character of the house and exposing the beams and woodwork has reinstated its warmth and charm

”

auguST 2019

real hoMe

Make it work for you Melanie’s style: IndustrIal Boho

A fusion of global textiles, natural wood grain and smart black accents creates a look with laid-back chic

great deal

ideal

seventies feel Decorative cotton flower pot, £29.99, Zara Home

soft fade Inka cushion, £48, House Doctor at Smallable

hanging gardens Lilypad macramé plant, £19.50, Marks & Spencer

global trails Kopili cushion, £30, John Lewis & Partners

natural habitat Adas bench, £185, La Redoute

Mono weave Chapera bench, £271, Maisons du Monde

vintage treasure R98 rug, £750, Raj Tent Club

rich tones Salaam printed cotton rug, £139, Myakka

lounge low Reema floor and back cushion, £305, Urban Outfitters

AUgUST 2019

raw beauty riva 1920 eco coffee table, £1,099, Barker and stonehouse

hand dipped Kabar jug, £32.95, Nkuku

wondrous wood thanos solid wood coffee table, £329.99, Wayfair

in the fold Leveson chairbed, £229, Dunelm

Feature MIchela collIng

charcoal tint Pottery pitcher, £58, Another Country

real home Feel the sand between your toes at the city’s gorgeous beaches

Explore the colourful Bo-Kaap district

Love the location CAPE TOWN, south africa

FEATurE Ruth CoRbett PhoTogrAPhS alamy stoCk photo

The Rhodes family home is close to pristine beaches, craggy mountain ranges and a national park that’s teeming with wildlife HOW TO GET THERE British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London for around £800 return. Shuttle services into the city centre cost £18. THE LOCAL AREA Perched between ocean and mountains and with a national park at its heart, Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa. WHAT TO SEE AND DO Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for spectacular views, and sample award-winning wines at one of the city’s many estates.

Walk through the treetops at Kirstenbosch

Indulge in a spot of luxury along the V&A Waterfront

WHERE TO STAY More Quarters (morequarters.co.za) near Kloof Street’s many bars and restaurants. These hip apartment-style units are characterful and affordable. august 2019

Go for tonal prints Not a fan of green? Sketchy palm prints in soft pink or neutrals still allow you to indulge in tropical pattern, but the desaturated palette will give an overall more calming and tranquil effect. Japura wallcovering in Flamingo, £110 a roll; headboard upholstered in Miombo in Peony, £107m; Bedspread made in Makani in Pomelo, £97m, all Romo

The new way To do

Botanical style

This perennial country look has been updated with tropical prints, rustic rattan and industrial touches, blurring the lines between inside and out

styLe & decor

Add a statement carved piece

bring pattern to WindoWs Streamlined Roman blinds keeps the look fresh and unfussy.

This rough luxe design is an unexpected way to introduce botanical style – the embossed leaves and brass detailing give the rustic wood a delicate touch. Where to buy Fern Chest of drawers, £599, Atkin and Thyme

Kenitia linen leaf Roman blinds, from £25.75, Blinds 2Go

styList’s note

“

Use plants as accessories, from large potted palms to small succulents on shelves – if you’re not green fingered invest in faux styLe editor, MiChEla CollinG

”

retro spin Create an oasis of calm and conjure up far flung holiday vibes by hanging a chair among tropical plants, inside or out.

Tropical scenes Patterned cushion cover, £6.99, H&M Home

For similar chair, try hanging chair, £199, Rose & Grey. Perfection 585 Wood Effect Vinyl flooring in Sintra, £18.99sq m, Carpetright

lush leaves Filip table lamp, £144, Där lighting ambienT glow Woven bamboo lantern, £40, Amara

AugusT 2019

Try a boho colour mix

Take this lush look outside Make dining alfresco an occasion by upgrading outdoor tableware. The inky base and painterly design adds a high-end finish to everyday melamine. Where to buy Platters; salad bowl, all £8.50 each; plates, from £3; bowls, £4; drinks dispenser, £10, all Sainsbury’s Home

AuguSt 2019

Feature michela colling

The trick to this is not going for matching combinations, so clash colour and pattern scales like this relaxed trailing leaf wallpaper design with a formal spot. Where to buy Paule Marrot parrot wallpaper, £118 a roll (L84x46cm); Elza vase, £26; Rose Wilder vase, £42; Devann cushion, £78; for similar drawers, try Lucienne dresser, £1,998, all Anthropologie

StyLe & decor

Work in modern rattan designs Wicker, cane and rattan are no longer confined to the conservatory. These dining chairs have been given a modern twist in a sleek Scandi frame paired with a black finish. Where to buy Malu Kubu wicker chairs, £285 for two; Qatalpa palm leaf rug, £99; Watford dining table, £575, all La Redoute

Add A pAtterNed AcceNt chAIr Deep green provides the perfect backdrop for pattern. Lift the cocooning shade with a modern print. Fingal loveseat in Dawn, £1,150, lucy Tiffney, Sofa.com

StyLISt’S Note

“

Botanical doesn’t have to be just green, we’re seeing neutrals and monochrome as toned down alternatives of leafy prints StyLe edItor, michela colling

”

perfect perch Pelican oversized cushion, £68, Audenza

Subtle print Watercolour leaves mug, £5, Marks & Spencer

natural textureS iringa basket, £65, oggetto

AuguSt 2019

the big question

Should dogs be allowed upstairs? Are your furry family members free to roam wherever they please? Meet two dog-lovers with very different views on the matter…

Yes “

Dogs need to feel settled and happy

”

Amy De-Keyzer, 30, lives with her husband, Mark, and their dog, Sammy, in a four-bedroom, semidetached house in Horsham, West Sussex. Amy is a senior press officer for the RSPCA. ‘We got Sammy from a small animal rescue charity in November 2013, after he’d been abandoned. We knew he may have separation anxiety at first, but we were determined to give him consistent boundaries from the outset. Initially, I was adamant he wouldn’t be allowed upstairs and couldn’t jump all over the furniture. But that didn’t last very long… After he’d settled in, it became clear he was incredibly reliant on me and wanted to be with me at all times. So we relaxed some of the boundaries: he was now allowed upstairs, for example, just not into any of the bedrooms. But he hated being shut away from us. When we moved house, he became quite unsettled and started lying outside our bedroom door. He was clearly anxious, and we weren’t sleeping either! So we decided to move his bed into our room where he now sleeps soundly every night. I still think it’s important that dogs are treated as dogs, and know what the rules are. But they also need to feel settled and happy in the house. Sammy is much calmer when he has the run of the house – he finds it stressful being shut behind a door – and I feel much happier knowing he’s content. He’s part of our family and he makes the entire house a much happier, warmer and enjoyable place to be. I’m glad he has the run of it!’

FEATURE JANE MURPHY PHOTOGRAPH AlAMY Stock PHoto

finds it “Sammy stressful being

shut behind a door and I feel much happier knowing he’s content

”

“

You’d spend your entire life vacuuming!

”

Clair Venn, 50, lives with her husband, Andy, their daughter, Emily, 18, and son, Joe, 15 – plus Kody the dog and Leo the cat – in a four-bed terrace in Weston-super-Mare. Clair is a teaching assistant. ‘We got Kody as a puppy last year – and the rules were very clear from the start. He pretty much has the run of the entire downstairs, although he’s now banned from the dining room after he decided to use both the table and the floor as a toilet! We just keep the doors closed, and he’s lost interest. The main reason he’s not allowed upstairs is that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to clean up after him. I have to vacuum every day to keep on top of the amount of hair he sheds downstairs. If I had to do upstairs as well, I would probably have to give up work! So we have a gate at the bottom of the stairs. When he first arrived, he would paw at the gate and whine mournfully through the bars whenever one of us went upstairs. The trick was not to look back! But he soon gave up on that, and now just accepts that he’s not allowed to follow us up there. Kody has his own blanket on the “best” sofa so he doesn’t get hair everywhere. His other favourite spot is lying across the back of the armchair in the living room window, watching the world go past outside. The only trouble is I’m forever having to clean the window after he’s wiped his nose all over it. Other than the occasional bit of mischief – hiding one of our shoes when we’re all rushing to leave the house in the mornings, for example – he’s now very wellbehaved. He’s really sweet and adorable, and a valued member of our household. But I also value our house and want to keep it looking clean and smart. So he has to follow the rules!’ august 2019

Dark to light ‘We chose a dark green for the TV room because we wanted a cosy and cocooning feel. Adding soft pink accessories has lifted the scheme,’ says Rachel. BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls, ceiling and bench painted in Green Smoke estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Frame Pink armchairs, £599 each, Made.com

‘Country cottages can be glam, too’ Rachel and Manuel Nogueira’s Cornwall home mixes laid-back, family-friendly practicality with some very grown-up luxury and polish

AUGUST 2019

rEal HomE

Stylist’s Note ‘The immersive green scheme works because it opens out onto such a brilliantly bright space’ Nicky Phillips, Decorating Editor

AUGUST 2019

ReAL hOme

Welcome to my home

Rachel Nogueira lives here with her husband, Manuel, and their twin sons Victor and William, 12. Rachel and Manuel are both architects.

the pROpeRty A four-bedroom, 400-year-old detached thatched cottage in Crantock, Cornwall.

Take a quick tour...

the VALue £750,000.

“

It’s a slower pace of life in Cornwall, which is why we love it here. It’s important to always accept and respect the local way of life

”

bedroom

AUGUST 2019

snug

gROund fLOOR

achel Nogueira has had a long love affair with Cornwall. ‘We used to camp on the beach here as students and I’d gaze longingly at the beautiful houses and say to myself, “one day…”,’ she says. Initially, Cornish properties looked beyond their budget, but Rachel kept an eye on the market and one day a house came up at a price they could afford. ‘We arrived early for the viewing. About 100m from the house there were sand dunes. We walked over the top of them and there was the sea! At that moment it wouldn’t have mattered what the house was like, we were going to buy it.’ ‘It was a classic English cottage, 400 years old, Grade II listed, with an inglenook fireplace and wood burner. It needed a bit of TLC but we loved it, although, as he is 6ft tall, Manuel would have preferred higher ceilings!’ They bought it in April 2007 but had to save up before they could afford to make changes. ‘We painted the walls and furnished it, then used it as it was for several

main bedroom

living room kitchen/diner

bedroom

fiRst fLOOR

years,’ says Rachel. In 2012, after gaining planning permission, renovation began. The galley kitchen was converted into a kitchen-diner by adding a 4m by 6m side extension, and the dining room became a TV snug. Upstairs, they relocated a boiler from the bathroom to the kitchen and converted the space into a shower. ‘The rooms upstairs are small, but our carpenter got around that with some clever joinery,’ says Rachel. He built a bed into the eaves in one of the two single bedrooms. In the main bedroom he designed units to fit around the bed, and in the guest bedroom he made a headboard and bedside tables to fit the narrow space. Rachel’s style is simple but comfortably stylish, ‘and bomb-proof, so we need not worry about kids breaking things. This is our holiday home and we come here all year round. The boys love surfing with their local friends.’ Rachel and Manuel let the cottage out (Unique Home Stays). ‘We didn’t want it to stand empty. The money helps towards its upkeep and brings business to the village.’

Stylist’s Note ‘The round coffee table is the right choice for a connecting room – it encourages free circulation of traffic’ Ruth Corbett, Houses Editor

Love rachel’s style?

Turn to page 49 to shop the look

Built-in seating Rachel had a bench seat built in the TV snug for a streamlined use of space. Fitted open and closed storage keeps this heavilyused room free of clutter. Buy the key pieces Teak and brass coffee table, £900, Dare Interiors. Flagon table lamp base, £95, Loaf

AUGUST 2019

rEal HomE

“

I wanted an open-plan kitchen-diner opening onto the garden so we could keep an eye on the boys when they were small

”

Accent artwork Rachel used a wave painting by William as the starting point for the kitchen-diner’s colour scheme, with a grey slate floor, pink and grey wallpaper and turquoise pendant light. BUY THE KEY PIECES Solid Spin Shoes lamp, £637, Tamma Design

AUGUST 2019

Stylist’s Note ‘Touches of black on the bar stools and dining table smarten up this relaxed look’ Michela Colling, Style Editor

Upcycled kitchen ‘We painted the existing units in shades that remind us of seashells. We also retained the Aga and had it refurbished. We bought an island, a teak worktop and extra units to hide the fridge freezer and washer-dryer.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Island, units and teak worktop, £20,000, Plain English. Units painted in Great White and Calamine estate emulsion, both £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball

Multipurpose space At the end of the kitchen is a little breakout area fitted into the bay window. The bench seat was painted in the same colour as the kitchen units to connect the two areas. BUY THE KEY PIECES Refurbished Aga, £4,000; find your local agent through Aga Living

AUGUST 2019

Glam/rustic mix While the bones of the living room are rustic and natural, Rachel has given it a contemporary and luxurious twist with plush velvet upholstery and touches of matt gold. BUY THE KEY PIECES Aissa sofa in Neptune velvet, £2,500, Sofa.com. Frame foot stool, £199, Made.com

Preserved feature A wooden panel in the living room once screened off the livestock from the living quarters and is protected by the cottage’s listed status. Rachel made it a focus by hanging a richly coloured oil painting on it. BUY THE KEY PIECES Slate floor, £60sq m, Mandarin Stone

AUGUST 2019

rEal HomE Stylist’s Note ‘Painted floorboards are kid-proof – knocks and scratches add to their character’ Michela Colling, Style Editor

Hanging chair The focus of William’s room is this chill-out space. There’s a bed built under the eaves with a shelf and a reading light. BUY THE KEY PIECES Rattan hanging chair, £195, Out There Interiors

AUGUST 2019

Stylist’s Note ‘Dusky pastels are great in small rooms – adding colour and joy to a white space without sucking out light’ Nicky Phillips, Decorating editor

Feature Sharon Smith, VanESSa riChmonD PhotograPhS Colin PoolE

Bespoke fittings A local joiner made a headboard panel flush to the wall and slim bedside tables for the guest room. He also made the porthole cover and the shutters in every bedroom. ‘It’s so peaceful here, we didn’t want to be woken up by the early morning sun.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Velvet cushions, from £30 each, Sofa.com. For a similar throw, try the mohair throw, £89.99, Sally Bourne Interiors

Small-scale luxury A walk-in shower with frameless panels looks barely there in the small bathroom. The bath is smaller than standard, but perfect for kids. Rachel chose white marble for the wall tiles to give the space a dash of glamour. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bath, £800, West One Bathrooms. Shower head, £250, Barber Wilsons. Carrara white marble tiles, from £35sq m, Mandarin Stone

AUGUST 2019

a vintage washstand in Victor’s room works as a small desk

REAL HomE

WHAT I’vE LEARNED

“

In a family home, you can have a smart look that’s child-proof if you use natural materials like wood and stone. We also have removable sofa covers!

”

Worn finishes Soft, washed linens and distressed paintwork give Victor’s room a relaxed look. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke shutters by Banjo Carpentry. White linen duvet cover, from £70, Soak & Sleep

AUGUST 2019

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real home

Make it work for you raChel’s style: SMARt PASteLS

Modern furniture and metallic accents combine with chalky hues for low-key glamour fluted detail Flute table lamp, £135, Loaf Narrow frame Cade mirror in Antique Gold, £149, John Lewis & Partners

Clear wiNNer Brompton lamp, £38, Next Home

great deal

ideal

relaxed look Scrunch cushion, £55, Loaf

watery shade Linen cushion, £33, Maisons du Monde

Feature StePHAnie DuRRAnt PhotograPhs RiCHARD HookwAy

Pure wool Beehive throw, £35, National Trust Shop

warm toNe Jacquard weave blanket, £17.99, H&M Home Cage desigN Gold coffee table, £460, Furniture 123

moderN aNgles Frame armchair in Blush Pink, £599, Made.com

simPle elegaNCe Mirror with golden frame, £79.99, Zara Home

woveN textures Adriatic round rug, £125, Dunelm

marble toP Loriini coffee table, £309, Swoon

artisaN feel Aftas jute rug, £59, La Redoute

Plush velvet Mentosa Pink armchair, £294.99, My Furniture

auGuST 2019

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help you choose stunning bespoke fitted wardrobes, with twice as much interior storage as freestanding wardrobes. Then expertly install everything to perfectly fit the exact contours of your room, creating beautifully organised, maximised space.

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and

style & decor

A place in the sun Exploit the brightest, airiest spaces in and around your home by turning them into stylish spots for taking time out

august 2019

sTyle & decOr preViOus page Face plaque, €36.95, HK Living. cayenne sofa, £787.50, Maisons du Monde. Linen cushion, £65, Design Vintage. Round cushions, €16.95 each, HK Living. Fringed cushion, £40, cox & cox. Mirage leaf cushion, £59, Utility Design. ademola coffee table, £349, La Redoute. (On table) Littala essence wine glasses, £28 for two, John Lewis & Partners. chemex coffeemaker (used as a decanter), £45, Hasbean. ceramic pot, £8.50, Rose & Grey. Batonga basket vase, £65, Interior Spy. White stoneware vase, £33, Design Vintage. Slippers, £26, Yonder Living. Sunglasses, from a selection at Next. Seagrass mat,

£110, Interior Spy. Seat cushion, €69.95, HK Living. Shape basket, £147.88, House Doctor. Olive tree, from a selection at Dobbies. This page ektorp sofa, £325, Ikea. Orla bobble cushion, £35, Graham and Green. Tufted pom-pom cushion, £20, Next Home. Woven fringed cushion, £40, cox & cox. Raffia cushion, £44, Maison Du Monde. Basket vases, from £65 each, Interior Spy. Terracotta vase, £40, cox & cox. carved bowl, £35, French connection Home. Solitaire board, £34.95; Uma cane tea light, £24.95, both Nkuku. Bandug lantern, £38.50, Maison Du Monde. anusha blanket, £89, La Redoute

Stylist’s Note Connect interior spaces to the outdoors with a natural palette of neutrals and terracotta touches

“

nicky phillips, DecORaTING eDITOR

summer fireplace Dress with vessels and lanterns

august 2019

”

Patio perch Get away from it all with a hanging chair for solo time with a good book (or a snooze in the sunshine)

This page Havana swing chair, £75, Graham and Green. Tufted pom-pom cushion, £20, Next Home. Orla bobble cushion, £35, Graham and Green. Inka terracotta cushion, £34.75, House Doctor. Rattan lantern, £65; blanket, from a selection, both Design Vintage. Hat, £16, Next

august 2019

Serving station An off-the-peg bar provides a surface for food and drinks alongside your seating area. Just add lanterns and container plants to make it an intimate zone

This page kaemingk bar and stool set, £595, John Lewis & partners. Felt round cushions, €16.95 each, Hk Living. Solar lantern garland, £15.50, Cox & Cox. Shape basket, £46.88, House doctor. Drinks dispenser, £27.50, maisons du monde. Ripple carafe, £29; tumblers, £49 for four, both Ferm Living. Wood bowl, £35, design vintage. Ceramic pots, as before. Food picks, £7.25 a box, House doctor. marset Led lamp, £160, John Lewis & partners. Faceted plastic wine glasses, £16 for four, next Home. Brass barware, from £4.13 each, House doctor. Basket (as plant pot), as before. kentia faux palm, £125, next Home. montpellier bag, £36, yonder. diamond rug, £119, nisi Living. Pouffe, €139.95, Hk Living. Santorin lantern, £82.50, maison du monde

august 2019

sTyle & decor

Stylist’s Note Dress your deck with textural accessories that can be easily popped inside come rain, for a rustic, laid-back vibe

“

”

michela colling, StyLe edItoR

featuRe nICky pHILLIpS, vaneSSa RICHmond StYLING aLI attenBoRoUGH StYLING aSSIStaNt ISaBeLLa CHaRLeSWoRtH PHOtOGRaPHS Joanna HendeRSon

whiTe panelling Reflects sunlight for a bright, Mediterranean look and feel

This page Face wall plaque, as before. Wall hanging, £75, Cox & Cox. Basket; plant, both as before. Capri carver chair, £180, French Connection Home. Beha linen throw, £75, La Redoute. Bulawayo garlic basket, £150, Interior Spy. Mat, as before

august 2019

Ellis dining table

ÂŁ679

Kyoto dining chair set

ÂŁ199

shop now at

swooneditions.com

real home

‘We smartened up a standard semi’ Christine and Tim blended their families, forming one household in a Victorian semi that proves busy homes can work hard and be elegant

Love

christine’s style? Turn to page 66 to shop the look

Hallway The hallway is the perfect place for floor-to-ceiling storage: ‘I’m obsessed with managing space,’ says Christine. ‘Abundant storage is a must – there’s never enough in British houses.’ Buy the key pieces Inverse Grey Salon tiles, £133sq m, Bert & May

auGuSt 2019

Welcome to my home Tim’s children, Mark, Rob, Nick and Francesca.

the property A five-bed Victorian semi in southwest London.

the vALUe Approximately £800,000. Christine Mason, developer and interior designer, lives here with her husband Tim, and Christine’s sons Noah, 14, and Jake, 16, plus any combination of

R Take a quick tour... kitchen-diner

gUeSt room

tv SnUg

home office home office bedroom

hallway

living room

groUnd fLoor

august 2019

bedroom bedroom

first fLoor

bedroom

second fLoor

“

One of the main challenges was merging two large households and our family histories

”

eceiving an unexpected marriage proposal was the cue that dramatically changed Christine Mason’s life, prompting a move from her own new-build home in Battersea to a larger property in Barnes with her new husband, Tim. Combining their collective offspring of Christine’s two boys, aged 14 and 16, and Tim’s four older children, the family settled on a Victorian house that needed extensive renovation. Christine took on the role of project manager and designer, but was helped with the layout and lighting scheme by experts. ‘I’d spent four years planning and building my dream home before this and had only spent a short time enjoying it,’ she says. ‘Nevertheless, I was excited about creating a home with Tim. I’d gained experience through the renovation and interior-design projects I’d undertaken over 10 years, which had paved the way for my interior business Mason Designs (masondesigns.co.uk). I brought in my trusted builders, Voytex Construction Ltd, which meant less stress! ‘The ground floor was changed dramatically. We turned four small rooms into one, light-filled, social kitchen. We changed the flow of the hallway and created a connecting room between the living room and kitchen. On the first floor, we created a master bedroom and knocked down walls to gain a study, laundry room, guest room and bathroom. We rearranged the second floor into three equal-sized bedrooms and an office for Tim. We also turned the attic into another guest room. ‘For me, functionality and design always have to work together. I like to respect the style of a house and adapt it to fit a family’s lifestyle. One of the biggest challenges we faced was merging two large households and our family histories, so we carefully selected pieces of furniture we both loved that would blend and connect our lives.’

reAL home

Kitchen ‘I wanted to avoid shiny surfaces, so had the cupboard doors fitted with chicken wire instead of glass,’ says Christine. ‘The green-grey paint was chosen to reflect the green of the garden beyond the doors.’ BUy the key pieces Chairs, £800 for the lot, eBay

tv cUBBy The open shelving was built around the screen

rattan pendants Big enough to be a feature, but light and airy, not blocky

august 2019

real home

“

To make one space flow into another, I’ve used the same paint colours all through the house to make sure it all blends together

”

Kitchen Functional but not clinicallooking, the kitchen is a feast of natural materials. ‘I love wood, stone and linen with rattan and bamboo thrown in,’ says Christine. ‘Because I’m half Norwegian, there’s a Scandinavian influence – calm neutrals and natural textures.’ Buy the key pieces Cupboards painted in Panel, £55 for 2.5L, Paint & Paper Library

august 2019

ReAL home

WhAt i’ve LeARNeD

“

A whole house should flow and be connected, so you have to think of it as one project rather than approaching one room at a time

”

puLL-up-ANDDoWN BLiNDs Cord-free for streamlined shade

Dining area Steel-framed doors can make a room look hard and industrial, but Christine has used rugs, lots of warm oak and muted green-grey paint on the built-in cupboards to soften it. Buy the key pieces Lohals rattan rug, 200x300cm, £75, Ikea

AuguSt 2019

Hallway A downstairs loo is concealed behind a door under the stairs. An awkward alcove was given a purpose with a built-to-fit floating bench that provides a perch for putting on or taking off shoes. Buy the key pieces Cushion seat upholstered in Quantock 100% linen, £120m, Fermoie

TV snug The heavily used, more informal alternative to the living room, the snug has a large corner sofa that maximises space. Light grey on the walls and floor keeps it looking fresh, but bare-wood beams and fitted oak storage add warmth and cosiness. Buy the key pieces Aissa corner sofa in Charcoal linen fabric, from £2,678, Sofa.com. Blinds made with Dovetail Dew fabric, £84m, Mark Alexander

supeRsize footstooL Perfect for feet-up film nights and holding the snacks

AuguSt 2019

real home modern chandelier Balances the traditionalstyle furniture in the room

Living room Christine brightened up this shady room with pale walls, blinds and upholstery. ‘We had interior windows fitted that look through to the hall, to promote the flow of light,’ she says. Buy the key pieces Clay Bead Empire chandelier, from $1,675, plus shipping, Restoration Hardware. Mangrove jute rug in Saltwood, £1,099, Calvin Klein

AuGuST 2019

wall lights a simple solution where there’s no space for bedside tables

Bedroom Just three items stop this simple, grey-schemed room looking bland: the bold, graphic print over the bed; the accent-black desk from Ikea and the richly coloured and patterned wool throw blanket. Buy the key pieces Blinds made in Brera Lino in Jade, £65m, Designers Guild. For a similar bed, try the Belgravia upholstered bed frame, £647, Time 4 Sleep. Arkelstorp desk, £150, Ikea

Feature JULIET BENNING PhotograPhs RICHARD POWERS

Bathroom Slim, floor-to-ceiling built-in cupboards for towels and toiletries keep this room streamlined and uncluttered. Christine’s beautiful marble basin and statement pendant give the simple, neutral space a bit of ‘wow’ luxury. Buy the key pieces Cupboards painted in Pavilion Gray, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Kyoto suspension light fitting, €310, Paris au mois d’ août

AuGuST 2019

REAl HOME

Make it work for you

CHRISTINE’S STylE: SOPHISTICATED SCANDI My GO-TO STORES… THE CONRAN SHOP It has an amazing range of tableware and lighting options.

●

Neutral colours and natural textures create a fresh and modern look that’s as functional as it is beautiful HANGING OUT Wicker saucer light, £135, Abode Living

Fresh flowers will pretty up a room in an instant

THE WHITE COMPANY For crisp and classic bedding.

●

BERT & MAY Has a stunning collection of encaustic tiles.

●

SIMPlE STylE Pale wood armchair, £149.99, TK Maxx

STylISH STORAGE Tray basket, £30, Amara

RIGHT ANGlE Black wall light, £139, The French Bedroom Company

MAKE AN ENTRANCE Southampton pattern tiles, £16.99sq m, Tile Mountain

STylIST’S NOTE

“

Touches of brass or copper will add a glamorous feel to this style and warm it up if it’s feeling a little cold HOlly WAlSH, FEATURES EDITOR

AUGUST 2019

”

TACTIlE TOUCH Helsia vase, £30, Sweetpea & Willow

FlOOR FIllER Natural woven rug, £549.99, HomeSense

FEATuRE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOgRAPHS RICHARD POWERS

TOP TABlE Lomond console in Black, £199, Made.com

Monthly extras, exclusive to subscribers Worth

£30

140 free* magnificent allium bulbs

Free 3-month Luxury Restaurant Club membership

Worth

£33

Free child entry to Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Fabulous free** shave set from grüum worth over £20

Discounted cinema vouchers, up to 38% off ticket prices

£4 off tickets to the Creative Craft Shows

Join Rewards today and get even more from your magazine subscription at no extra cost. Enjoy exclusive handpicked offers and unique giveaways every month.

Join today and view your rewards at:

rewards.idealhomemagazine.co.uk *£5.65 postage applies. Supplied as bulbs. ** £3.95 postage applies. Terms apply for all offers. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, grüum and Thompson & Morgan offers end 15 July 2019. Creative Craft Shows offer ends of the last day of the various craft shows. ODEON offer ends 31 December 2019. Luxury Restaurant Guide offer ends 31 January 2020. Dates correct at time of going to press. The Rewards scheme is available for all active print subscribers of magazines published by TI Media Limited, free of charge. Digital subscribers also get access, as long as the subscription has been purchased directly through the publishers at magazinesdirect.com. Full terms and conditions are available at mymagazinerewards.co.uk. For enquiries, contact help@magazinesdirect.com or call 0330 333 111 (Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm UK time)

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40 Easy style updates

style & decor

From best buys and clever tricks to mini decor projects… here’s our roundup of the simplest, quickest ways to make your outdoor space more beautiful now

Set up an outdoor living room

Arrange your garden furniture in the same way you would your living room. Start with an outdoor rug, popping a coffee table on top, then placing your furniture around it. In a corner plot, angle the furniture to look out into the rest of the garden with the chair backs facing the wall or fence.

St Ives outdoor two-seat sofa, £500; St Ives outdoor armchair, £285; St Ives garden side table, £119, all John Lewis & Partners August 2019

LAY A BESpOkE BORDER Wooden railway sleepers are a great alternative to brick or concrete for creating raised beds and border edges for your lawn.

Gain privacy with a patio curtain

Feeling overlooked? Hanging a curtain is an instant fix, plus it gives you shade where you need it for safer sunbathing. Draw it across dinner parties to screen off the kids’ trampoline and the compost heap, and keep the look all class, no clutter.

BUILD YOUR OWN BENCHES

Create your own outdoor seating area using roofing battens or decking planks, by building a simple frame and covering with wood. If you’re in need of extra storage, make the seat part hinged so that it doubles as a place to store outdoor cushions.

Repurpose junk into planters

Before throwing out old pots and pans, think about whether they could be used as planters instead. Their hard-wearing shells make them ideal for the outside. Simple punch a couple of drainage holes in the bottom before re-potting your plants.

AuguSt 2019

ADD COLOUR WITH A pRETTY pARASOL Add colour and pattern to perk up your outside space with a parasol. Set up some seating and a drinks station underneath for a shady spot.

Islabomba umbrella, £55, Sunnylife

style & decor

BRIGHTEN Up GARDEN SEATING WITH A FUN AND COLOURFUL DESIGN If your outdoor dining chairs have seen better days after the rollercoaster of British weather, go for some vibrant and durable options that will instantly add a pop of colour to your garden or patio area.

Blue stripe table runner, £34; Blue stripe napkins, £13.50 for a pair, all Nordic House

8 Lizzie metal chair, £69.99, Dobbies

Channel a nautical vibe

Give your table setting a contemporary, coastal feel with simple glassware, fresh white crockery and blue and white striped table linen. Go for a runner down the centre of the table to stop it looking too busy.

TURN THE SHED INTO A FEATURE Brighten a shed or summerhouse with a fresh coat of paint in a vibrant, sunny shade. Don’t forget your fences either, as they can benefit from a facelift too.

Longstock six-seater outdoor table, £539; Longstock stacking garden chair, £160; Astro Homefield outdoor pendant ceiling light, £160, all John Lewis & Partners

Set up a bar for sundowners

For small spaces, go for a slimline bar table and a mix of bar stools in coordinating styles for a laid-back, eclectic feel. A couple of outdoor rugs will bring extra pattern and colour to your setting.

Hiba wood and metal high bar stools, £209 for two; Saphir metal and woven cord high bar stools, £349 for two, all La Redoute

Set up a simple shade sail

A great alternative to an umbrella, gazebo or pricey fixed awning, a shade sail is easy to put up and great for zoning a seating or eating area in your garden. Use a piece of fabric or an old bedsheet, or check out the ready-to-buy range from Clara shade sails.

Alps compact dining modular set, ÂŁ1,299, Dobbies

TAKE A DAYbED OUTsIDE Go for the luxe look and kick back with a cocktail in hand on this lavish daybed with canopy. Remove the canopy and use the sofa inside during the rest of the year.

AuguST 2019

Palm Springs daybed with canopy, ÂŁ1,250, Raj Tent Club

style & decor

Coloured tumblers, £5 for four; wine glasses, £5 for four; tropical bowls, £4 for two; tropical straws, £1.50 for four; tropical napkins, £1 for 24, all Primark

Wheel in a drinks trolley

In lieu of an outside bar, why not wheel out a bar cart for your next summer drinks party? Fill with a selection of spirits and aperitifs, then decorate with lights, colourful glasses and straws, and accessorise with tropical fruits and juices.

swAb THE DECK

Spruce up garden decking by giving it a thorough clean. A pressure washer will do the job with little effort and is so satisfying you’ll want to spend the rest of the summer sitting out!

bRIGHTEN UP bRICKwORK

Give a rockery a facelift by planting succulents in its gaps. Add grit to the planting hole and push in the plants. Sedums and sempervivums will be ideal as they need little water.

Bottle stopper lights, £8.50, Talking Tables

TURN A wINE bOTTLE INTO A LANTERN

Create a cosy glow by filling several empty glass bottles with these twinkling bottle stopper lights for a safe alternative to candles.

CREATE A COOKING CORNER If you love entertaining, a built-in outdoor barbecue area is a must and doesn’t have to cost the earth. Bring the feel of the kitchen outside by fixing utensil shelves and spice racks to a wall. AuguST 2019

boost seating with a pouffe

Ensure there’s a spot in the garden for everyone, by scattering a few pouffes and outdoor cushions around, perfect for late afternoon lazing. A pouffe makes an ideal seat, foot rest and even coffee table, and this one can be used both inside and out too.

Take flowers outside

if your garden’s not exactly Chelsea-flower-show-worthy, just move fresh flowers to your outdoor living space, using jam jars for an informal, country look.

Tangerine indoor/ outdoor pouffe, £285, Nisi Living

tiDY the Lawn with smaRt eDging Frame your lawn with neat brick or stone edging to define your flower beds and make them the star of the garden.

Four-tier shelving, £19.99, Waitrose Garden

Pink Nina parasol, £399, East London Parasol Company

Make a display of pots

Rather than keep potted plants and herbs at one height on your patio, pop them on shelving so they’re easier to tend to. put the most fragrant plants at the bottom so their scent will waft up as you pass.

AugusT 2019

style & decor

use a bRoLLY base as a Coffee tabLe

Umbrella bases aren’t the prettiest thing to look at, but this clever wooden cover disguises the base and doubles up as a coffee table.

Go for an oversized parasol

Create a shady spot for an alfresco meal with an oversized parasol to protect you from the elements. go for one in a punchy shade to add vibrancy to your outdoor space and string up a few fairy lights under the canopy to take you from day to night.

Julma round parasol base cover, £109, La Redoute

Disguise an ugLY DRainpipe

Utilise all the outdoor space you have with Wilko’s drain pipe pot holders, £2.50 each. The clever hooks attach to drain pipes so you can stack up plants for colour.

aDD patteRn with tabLewaRe Fill a pretty jug with water, ice and frozen fruit for a natural, cooling infusion.

Rainforest bamboo jug, £12, Laura Ashley

Go for a purple patch

Choose plants in varying shades of the same colour for a bed that works in harmony. paint fencing or trellis in a deep grey or indigo to make the greenery pop.

AugusT 2019

Denim hammock, £179, Nordic House

Hang out in a hammock

While away the hours in the garden relaxing in a hammock under a tree. Pop a couple of cushions on it too for the ultimate resting spot for reading or daydreaming.

ADD SOME zING TO YOUR SEATING

Change grubby seat pads on dining chairs and pile up cushions on a daybed or sun lounger to brighten up outdoors.

Tassel cushion, £14, Next Home

Rusty log store firepit, £250, Cox & Cox

GROW A LIVING WALL Hide an unsightly wall or side of the shed by covering it in chicken wire, then planting a climbing plant such a clematis, wisteria or ivy at the bottom. They’ll grow and cover the area with scented, blossoming greenery.

TAKE FOOD PREP ON THE MOVE

Wooden trolley, £355, La Redoute

Gone are the days of being confined to the kitchen prepping for the barbie. This trolley lets you prep outside and can be turned into a bar once the food has been devoured.

AugusT 2019

STAY WARM WITH A FIREPIT

The party won’t have to stop when the sun goes down, thanks to this modern firepit that will keep guests warm well into the night. Plus, there’s a handy log store below.

style & decor Wool blankets, from £35, National Trust Shop

FILL IN BORDERS WITH COLOURFUL BLOOMS

Stow some blankets

For chilly mornings and crisp evenings, a blanket or throw will help keep you warm so you can still enjoy the fresh air. Keep a stash handy in a wooden crate, so that you and the kids can grab one when you need it.

Latchmere raised planter, £120, Garden Trading

RAISE PLANTS TO NEW HEIGHTS

If your garden lacks planting space and beds, then a raised planter is ideal for growing fresh herbs or fruit. Plus, it saves from bending down to tend to produce.

If you’re not so green-fingered but want colourful flower beds, go for something that will cover the ground easily, like evening primrose.

LED connectable festoon lights, from £30, Lights4Fun

Loop lighting over a pergola or frame

Any sort of structure or even the garden shed can be glammed up for a relaxed boho vibe. Simply hang a few strings of festoon lights over and around them.

AugusT 2019

style & decor

Squeeze in a bijou greenhouse

if space on your patio or balcony is tight, but you still want to have a go at growing your own, a raised greenhouse table like this one takes up little space – ideal for a sunny spot.

Raise potted plants

Add some interest and variety to your patio or decking, by raising a few potted plants onto stands for height. Go for leggy planters, or place on top of a stack of bricks or a log instead. Woven flowerpot with stand, £79.99, Zara Home Acacia and glass greenhouse table, £289, La Redoute Grigio concreteeffect bird bath, £75, Habitat

Replace beds with decoRative pebbles For a low maintenance garden, fill a bed with pebbles. Dig up any weeds, cover with a soil membrane and your chosen stones. Finish with pot plants to add interest.

Replace a dated bird bath with a cool, contemporary option instead. Place in view of the kitchen so you can watch the birds bathe throughout summer.

August 2019

hang out in style

Make a statement with your outdoor seating by opting for a hanging chair, ideal for afternoon naps. Hang from a sturdy pergola, thick tree branch or wooden beam, or purchase a simple frame so that it can be moved and used inside during the winter months too.

FeatuRe HOLLY WALSH photogRaphs TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM

upgRade youR biRd bath

Ibis hanging garden chair, £303.50, Maisons du Monde

‘I built my dream home by the sea’ Alicia Trevor bought a tumbledown bungalow and replaced it with this stunning home, designed inside and out to look as if it has stood for years

Kitchen Alicia combined new, pale blue-painted cabinetry with beautiful vintage furniture. ‘I also spotted a pair of lovely reclaimed church doors at an auction and snapped them up,’ she says. ‘My builder created the right size opening for them.’

august 2019

real home

august 2019

Welcome to my home

Alicia Trevor, an interior designer, lives here with her son Tom.

the property A four-bedroom house, built in 2010 in the New England style.

“

We can walk down to the shore whenever we want. Sometimes when we’re playing in the waves, I look back at the house and can’t believe how lucky we are living here

”

Take a quick tour...

bedroom

Kitchen

UtiLity room

bedroom Wc

bedroom

Living room

haLL garage

bedroom bedroom

ground floor

august 2019

first floor

licia Trevor fell in love with this part of the West Sussex coast years ago when visiting friends. ‘I loved their seafront property and relaxed lifestyle,’ she says. ‘The town (near Chichester) has a very special atmosphere, which grew on me. People here are really friendly.’ She found herself heading to the area so often that she decided it made sense to buy her own home here. ‘I got a tip-off that a derelict three-bedroom bungalow right next to the beach was coming onto the market and I couldn’t wait to step inside to see what it had to offer.’ She realised immediately that the only way forward was to knock down the crumbling property and start again. ‘The bungalow was dark and damp, hadn’t been modernised for many years and the garden was an absolute jungle,’ she says. After clinching the deal in May 2009, she couldn’t wait to get started. ‘Suddenly, I had a blank canvas and a wonderful opportunity to create my own coastal house from scratch.’ Alicia knew precisely what style of property she wanted. ‘I visualised a New England-style house with a veranda, plenty of windows to make the most of the

real home Dining area A big farmhouse table from Chalk Farm Antiques has been paired with vintage church chairs that Alicia found at an auction. The rise-and-fall pendant lights can be pulled low for a more intimate atmosphere at dinner parties.

garage

august 2019

Sitting room Loose-covered sofas sit comfortably with Alicia’s antique rattan armchairs for an eclectic look. Painted panelling also adds character to this new build – a trick she has used throughout the house.

“

The door of this house is always open and it has become a real party house, full of fun and laughter

”

stunning sea views and vaulted ceilings to let the incredible coastal light flood in,’ she says. However, the journey wasn’t completely smooth sailing. ‘The first plans had to be withdrawn because the roofline was too high,’ says Alicia. ‘The architect and I agreed to relocate the proposed fifth bedroom to the ground floor. Work started in April 2010. ‘I popped down at least once a week to keep an eye on the build,’ says Alicia. ‘Then, out of the blue, one of the neighbours objected to the height of the roof and campaigned for an investigation.’ Building work was stopped and wasn’t restarted until several weeks later when the planners confirmed they were satisfied that the house was being built according to the approved plans. Inside, Alicia knew she wanted to make the house feel

august 2019

welcoming, with a bright hallway leading to a spacious, open-plan kitchen-diner. With the property being a new-build, Alicia had the luxury of positioning the doors and walls exactly where she wanted them, ensuring one space flowed seamlessly into the next. ‘The flexibility gave me the chance to carefully consider where best to position my cherished furniture and antiques, plus additional pieces bought specifically for the new spaces.’ The palette was an easy choice. ‘It was always going to be muted shades of blue, grey and beige – my favourite colours,’ says Alicia. With the build and decoration complete, Alicia has achieved her aim. ‘I love old country cottages and was keen to inject a feeling of cosy timelessness while giving a gentle nod to our beautiful coastal location.’ ih

real home

Snug A statement armchair from HomeSense creates a cosy reading corner next to the Jøtul woodburning stove. A light grey on the walls – Manor House Gray by Farrow & Ball – cools this sunlight-filled space.

Hallway The house might be new, but Alicia has made it look old and characterful with rustic flagstone flooring (find similar at Flagstones Direct) and period-style joinery for the staircase. The hall, already illuminated by the rooflights, has been made even brighter with walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s All White.

Snug This laid-back space mixes traditional design – like the classic, low-armed sofa from Sofa.com – and mid-century elements like the tripod floor lamp. Using the height of this space, Alicia added a shelf at picture-rail height, with old books to add colour and detail to the simple scheme.

august 2019

Main bedroom Alicia gave this room boutique-hotelinspired luxury with a hand-made freestanding bath from William Holland. With the shutters thrown open, she can enjoy views of the sea while having an indulgent soak.

Guest bedroom This is on the ground floor, leading off the snug. Natural stone flooring and wooden elements lend warmth to the white, high-ceilinged space.

Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom The colour scheme was inspired by the framed Jungle Book poster, given to Tom as a birthday present. The pine chest of drawers from Whitestone Farm Antiques was repainted by Alicia in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball for a more modern look.

AuGuST 2019

rEAL HOME Main bedroom Tongue-and-groove panelling painted in Lamp Room Gray by Farrow & Ball gives this room character and countryhouse elegance

IDEAL HOME LOVES...

Country-style side tables

FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS BRENT DARBY PLANS AgENCY sERvICE

1 Huxley side table, £40, Matalan 2 Rive Droite bIstro tray table, £25, Garden Trading 3 Les Milles bedside table, £179.99, My Furniture

In Alicia’s local area… VISIT ‘Pagham Harbour

Nature Reserve (01243 641508, rspb.org.uk/pagham harbour) is a fascinating, unspoilt spot. It’s very peaceful, ideal for walking and birdwatching.’ SHOP AT ‘Henry Adams Auctions (01243 532223, henryadamsfineart.co.uk), for a fabulous range including

antique furniture, clocks, paintings, ceramics and rugs.’ GO FOR A MEAL AT

‘The Crab & Lobster (01243 641233, crab-lobster.co.uk) at Sidlesham is wonderful. The decor is extremely stylish and the menu boasts food sourced from local producers, including Selsey fishermen and neighbouring farmers.’

AuGuST 2019

Original Art & Limited Edition Prints

RUNWAY GALLERY w w w . r u n w a y - g a l l e r y. c o m / i d e a l h o m e in association with

Pictured: YumYum by Louise Dear, limited edition print, Â£1495

REAl HOME

Make it work for you AlICIA’S STylE: Self build project

Alicia replaced a derelict bungalow with a New England-style home. Find out how to conjure up your own dream property If you’re considering building your own house, you don’t require any prior experience, as there is plenty of expert help available. What you do need is courage and dedication. And when you finally move in, the sense of achievement you’ll feel will be unbeatable.

Where can I build? To find a plot, search online using a plot finding service, look out for brownfield or infill sites and investigate garden plots. Custom home companies may also come up with suggestions. Contact the local council to find out about getting planning permission; if your plot already has this, do check that the planning approval is still current. Neighbours also have a say in what you can build, so talk them through the plans to get them on side.

Can I replace an existing building? Yes. You can even use part of your own garden for a new home. Demolition costs are relatively cheap (around £5,000-

£15,000). Check that the council will permit your replacement, especially if it’s larger than the original, or you want to site it elsewhere on the plot.

Plenty of windows make the most of the coastal views

What about financing? Specialist mortgages for self-building release the funds in stages as the build progresses, rather than all at once. Generally, you’ll need to put down a 15-20 per cent deposit, but try to add a 20 per cent contingency fund. You could also consider releasing equity from your current home. Commit to the design early on, as making changes during the build can prove expensive. Although you’ll pay VAT upfront for materials, if you keep the receipts, you can claim this back once the build is completed.

BEST FOR…

“

Choosing to build from scratch rather than renovate can get you exactly the home you want, and since new-build properties are zero-rated for VAT, there’s a cost saving, too

”

PAul NEwMAN, Self build director, pottoN

FEATURE cAroliNe rodriGueS

IDEAl HOME lOVES… NeW eNGlANd-StYle HoMeS

HERITAGE DESIGN This cottage features traditional gables and weatherboarding. Oak frame cottage, from £350,000, Border Oak

FINE FRAMING Dormer windows were a must for the owners of this property. Timber frame kit house, £415,000, Potton

AMERICAN DREAM A wrap around porch accents this CO₂ efficient house. Bespoke prefabricated home, £885,000, Baufritz

wEB SuPPORT The Self Build Portal (selfbuildportal.org. uk) takes you through various building options, from one-off homes to custom-building on site with others. SEARCH ENGINE PlotBrowser (plot browser.com) is the place to search by county and price for land to build on. It also offers tips on buying at auction. ADVICE lINE Planning Portal (planningportal.co. uk) explains how to apply for building permission and also provides advice on finding builders to realise your dream.

AuguST 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We brought a crumbling pile of stones back to lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Saddened by the disintegration of the old stone farm building on their land, Nick and Caroline Welch decided to transform it into a small but snug holiday cottage

august 2019

before & afTer

before

The ruined building was on the couple’s land, which has been in Nick’s family since the Thirties

Welcome to our home

“

We’ve rescued the linhay and created something beautiful from a sad, unloved shell. It’s now a wonderful, relaxing retreat from a busy world

”

Nick and Caroline Welch run the linhay as a holiday home. They live in their self-build house on the same land, with their daughters Sophie, 20, and Francesca, 18. Nick is a teacher and building services engineer, while Caroline works in sales and marketing.

The properTy A one-bedroom stone linhay (farm building) in Braunton, Devon, built before 1840.

whaT iT cosT The walls have been rebuilt and a new slate roof, windows and doors added. The chimney is the flue for a compact wood-burning stove in the living area of the one-roomed cottage

Fees...................£4,400 Building work..£41,500 Glazing..............£3,900 Heating.............£2,600 Kitchen...............£1,000 Sanitaryware......£1,100 Furnishings.......£4,500 TOTAL............£59,000

august 2019

Take a quick tour...

Bedroom

KItcHen/ dInIng area

lIVIng area

ground floor

mezzanine

ver since Nick and Caroline Welch built their own home on Nick’s family’s land in 1989, they had witnessed the linhay crumble: ‘There was no roof, an open front and a big pile of stones inside. It was completely open to the elements,’ says Caroline. Initially, the idea was to simply put a roof on and repair the structure so it could be used as a bunkhouse for family and friends. However, when Nick took voluntary redundancy, they obtained planning consent to convert it into an off-grid holiday let. ‘We thought that if we were going to put money into it then the linhay should give us something back.’

Ideal Home

loves

Walls of glass Glazed doors let the light flood in and effortlessly connect inside and outside living spaces

making PlanS The first step was to speak to a planning consultant with experience of glamping and alternative accommodation. ‘She suggested adding a small extension to accommodate a shower room,’ says Caroline. The Welches’ friend, Victoria Needham (facebook.com/vneedhamarchitect), designed the new space. ‘We wanted to keep it as simple as possible. There were signs that there had been some sort of upper floor inside, so we decided a mezzanine sleeping platform would work well. One of my favourite features, though, is the shower room rooflight. You can look up and see the sky, the trees and the buzzards flying overhead.’ geTTing involved Contractors tackled the extension and groundworks – including some rock that had to be dug out for the footings – but Nick and Caroline got hands-on, too. ‘Nick bought a sander and did every inch of the interior himself,’ says Caroline. Nick also used his trailer to transport materials along the lane to the site. ‘It was a great experience and a huge sense of achievement,’ says Caroline. ‘Guests love it. The linhay is completely off the grid, so they get a digital detox!’ See butterhillsescapes.co.uk to stay at the linhay.

august 2019

A small, curved, wood-clad side extension houses a shower room

Before & afTer The mezzanine overlooking the main space is a sleeping platform. Caroline didn’t want too much heavylooking timber or stone, so copper piping was used for the balustrade

A rooflight brings loads of light into what is quite a small, enclosed space in the shower room

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

Roof glazing Vanessa Howard from Roof Maker has the lowdownÉ

THeY Can Be a deSign feaTure lantern rooflights can provide another perspective to the architecture of the building, while flat designs are hidden.

The built-in sofabed was made by a company that produces furniture for narrowboats

Slim frameS are BeST Selecting slim frames will look sleek and maximise the amount of natural light in a room.

FEATURE reBecca FoSter, VaneSSa rIcHmond PHOTOGRAPHS roy rIley

THere are loTS of glazing oPTionS a triple-glazed unit provides the best insulation and noise reduction. It will also boost your project’s green credentials and help to keep energy bills down.

WHaT We’ve learned

“

One key thing we picked up from this project is how effective simple materials can be. We felled our own oak trees to provide some of the raw materials and the timber gives the building such warmth and character

”

THeY’re ideal for venTilaTion rooflights that open are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, where they can help to remove steam and cooking smells.

THeY maY need uv ProTeCTion If the room has lots of soft furnishings, glass with a UV coating protects against the impact of direct sunlight.

august 2019

OFFERS

2019 7 nights 14 nights now from: now from: Jul

on request on request

Aug

£789

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Sept

£689

£1,159

Oct

£579

£939

Nov

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WINN RD

G IN

AW A

Prices shown above are per person and include £100pp discount

Holidays

in my experience

‘We bought the church we got married in’ When the church next door to their Northumberland home went up for sale in 1998, Anne and Bill Monroe were determined to protect the building that had been such an important part of their lives and family history

nne Monroe, 67, lives with her husband Bill, 73, in a six-bedroom former rectory near Kielder Water, Northumberland. They are both art historians. ‘Bill and I got married in August 1987. It wasn’t a white wedding. We didn’t even have any photos taken. It was a relaxed occasion, with 50 or 60 guests, including some of Bill’s friends from Chicago, which is where he’s from originally. We were living in London at the time, but the wedding venue was never in any doubt. My parents bought the neighbouring rectory in 1950, and this is where I grew up until I left for university in 1975. It’s such a beautiful, tranquil place – just yards from the river, in the heart of Northumberland’s National Park and Dark Skies area. Greystead Old Church – or St Luke’s, as it was then known – was one of six churches built in the North Tyne Valley between 1814 and 1818. But even then this was a very remote, under-populated area so the congregations were always tiny. When I was growing up, the church was never busy. My father was the warden for a while, and he’d pop in to light the fire before the rector arrived on Sundays. Sometimes there were only three people, including Dad, in the congregation! We’d all attend services at Easter and Christmas, though – and it was always a popular choice for christenings and weddings. After we married, Bill and I continued to live in London

All four of the couple’s boys were christened here

From the outside you wouldn’t know the transformation that awaits inside

and that’s where our first son, Nicholas, was born. But in 1989, Mum became very ill so we moved up to Northumberland to look after her. When she died, I inherited the house – and we’ve been here ever since. We didn’t intend to stay. It felt so strange to be living in my old home again. But we gradually made changes and redecorated, so it began to feel more like “mine”. Our other three sons were born here – and all four boys were christened in the church next door. When the church was finally deconsecrated in 1998, we knew immediately that we wanted to buy it – although we had no idea what we

Many of the church’s original features have been retained

august 2019

It took four years to get the go ahead to start renovations

were going to do with it. We just felt that we needed to secure it, and then worry about the details later on! We managed to snap it up for a relatively small amount, due to a number of restrictive covenants placed on the Grade II-listed building. Basically, we were only allowed to use it for household storage. But the boys were still young and we were both very busy with work, so we didn’t have time for a huge project anyway. Despite our best efforts, the building inevitably began to fall into disrepair. At one point, the

The open-plan living space is located on the mezzanine floor

We snapped it up for a “relatively small amount, As historians the Monroes were protective of the church’s renovation

Clever design means the windows remain a focal point

august 2019

due to a number of restrictive covenants placed on it, but could only use it for storage

”

windows were broken and there were problems with the roof. In the meantime, we’d got into the holiday lettings business – renting out a converted coach house on the same patch of land. So in 2008, we went back to the Church of England and said we wanted to secure the building’s future by restoring it sympathetically and turning it into a holiday home. The project excited us because of our emotional link to the church and because we’re historians.

It took the best part of four years to finally get the go-ahead to start the restoration project. There were so many stakeholders, including the local planning office and church commissioners. To cover the costs, we took out another mortgage, as well as using income from the lettings business. We were also able to secure a couple of funding grants, including one to help restore the stained-glass window. Sorting everything out was a full-time job. I’d be filling in forms and writing letters in the early hours, but I knew it would be worth it. And then there were the challenges of the conversion itself, of course. It turns out that putting bathrooms into a listed building is tricky! Our architect came up with the perfect design. He suggested we do an “upsidedown conversion” so the main open-plan living space would be on the mezzanine floor, covering two-thirds of the former nave, with the four bedrooms at ground level. Our specialist builders from Historic Property Restoration arrived in February 2013 – and Greystead Old Church was fully open for guests by the following September. We do tell our guests about our connection to the building, and they’re always keen to hear more. We’ve met other people who were married here, including a couple who brought their wedding photographs to an open day we had for the church’s bicentenary last year. This is such a wonderful part of the country. Now our sons have all grown up and left home, we’ve opened up more of the rectory garden so we can share it with our guests. We’ve also just converted the abandoned church hall into another holiday home, and we’re wondering if there’s one last project left in us. We’re hoping to add a spiral staircase and a rooftop telescope to the church tower so guests can stargaze. After all, the sky’s the limit!’ Greystead Old Church sleeps eight and is available to rent through Sykes Cottages (sykescottages.co.uk)

FEATURE JANE MURPHY

in my experience

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‘It’s a family living space as much as a kitchen’ Sarah Wood and Matt Williams embraced openplan living when they knocked down walls to create a combined kitchen, dining and living room

The house was originally split into two flats. When Sarah and Matt converted it back into one home, they turned the entire ground floor into one large space. Bespoke units with oak lipping, around £2,000 for a 600mm base unit, West & Reid

august 2019

kiTchen projecT

before

Welcome to my home

oak panel a warm contrast to marble or composite surfaces

Sarah Wood lives here with her partner Matt Williams and their three children, Maya, 19, Luca, 15, and Harry, 12.

The properTy A four-bed end-ofterrace in north London.

WhaT iT cosT Kitchen..............£23,000 Appliances..........£8,464 Worktops and splashback..........£2,000 Flooring...............£2,500 Sink and tap............£500 Lighting...................£800 ToTal...............£37,264

“

The different zones are great for entertaining and for having teenagers hanging out here

”

august 2019

How SaraH and Matt did it ‘We lived in the upstairs flat for 18 months while we planned the renovation of the building. The one-bed flat on the ground floor was full of light and opened on to the garden, so it was the obvious place for our new kitchen. We worked with Charles Tashima Architecture to open the space up and add a small extension. A run of glass doors with slim frames from Paul+O Architects connects the space to the garden outside. We

both liked the practicality and pared-down look of a concrete floor, so that lent itself to a simple, contemporary kitchen. A friend recommended West & Reid. I didn’t want wall units as keeping the spacious feel was important. We moved out for more than a year while the renovation was done. The kitchen bit took six weeks and cost £6,000. It’s a lovely room to be in, and makes the most of our amazing garden, too.’

Metal ligHting echoes the black metal door frames

Love

sArAh’s hidden extrActor? Turn to page 103 to shop the look

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Below ‘A long kitchen island was a must-have. Fitting the kitchen in the centre of the space made that possible. Having the hob set into the island makes it so sociable – we can chat and cook at the same time. I didn’t want a big extractor hanging from the ceiling, so we chose a hidden, pop-up design.’ Larusi kilim, £875; Ocee Design stools, from £700 each, all Zizi Durrance Interiors

FeATure AnnAbelle Grundy, vAnessA richmond PHoTogrAPHS AnD STyLIng colin Poole

kitcHen project

window Seat Doubles as hidden storage space

aBove The kitchen company also built the shelving unit in the seating area. ‘Having doors on some compartments means we can hide bits and bobs,’ says Sarah. The largest panel conceals a drinks cabinet. For similar shelving, try Type 01 storage, from £200, Tylko. Leaf blind, £145, Sewplush

rigHt ‘There’s a structural support pillar behind this cabinet,’ says Sarah. As a result, the shelves are very shallow, ‘but they’re cleverly configured so the space there isn’t wasted.’ For similar tap, try the Grohe Concetto kitchen sink mixer, £139.95, Victorian Plumbing

aBove ‘Disguising the dishwasher behind mock drawer fronts was a clever solution to keep the clean, linear design of the units unbroken,’ says Sarah. For similar worktop, try White Carrara C marble, around £300sq m, The Marble Store

SplaSHBack SHelf Looks neater sitting on top than floating higher up

wHat i’ve learned

“

The designer cautioned against marble worksurfaces as they aren’t as robust as quartz lookalikes. I went ahead as I love the light, organic look, but they do show watermarks

”

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EST. 1920

Â®

N E W R A N G E O F F U R N I T U R E , L I G H T I N G & AC C E S S O R I E S now available at

V E R Y. C O . U K

kItCHEn pROjECt

Make it work for you

SARAH’S CHOICE: DownDraft extraction If you’re not a fan of in-your-face cooker hoods, a flush-fitting countertop downdraft extractor could be the answer Designed to be discreet, you’ll only know a downdraft extractor is there when you need it, so it won’t disrupt your kitchen’s sleek design.

What are the options? Often the cheapest choice is a static downdraft that sits flush to your worktop, usually with a lid or cover over the vent for a neat finish. Another option is similarly low level but built into the hob itself. More expensive versions glide up out of the worktop at the touch of a button – effectively positioning the extractor closer to the steam.

FEATURE LinDa cLaYton PHOTOGRAPHS coLin PooLe

Why should I get one? ‘Downdraft extractors don’t interrupt lines of sight across the kitchen, unlike a ceilingmounted chimney hood, so are particularly suited to open-plan kitchens,’ says Sean Liddle, product manager of ventilation at BSH Home Appliances. Taller people will benefit from not hitting their heads on a protruding hood, but many people just prefer the aesthetics of a downdraft version.

Are there any downsides? The biggest bugbear is that they don’t capture as much steam as overhead hoods. So it’s really important that your downdraft is powerful enough to do the job, but also that it is on the right power setting before you cook.

Rather than an ugly extractor, a pendant is the focal point

Where does the steam go? It can either vent externally or recirculate within the room. If possible, choose a set-up that vents outside for best results.

Anything else to consider? As the motor sits in the cupboard underneath, it’s worth finding out how much storage space will be lost. Also, look at how easy the filters are to clean (some are dishwasher-safe) and find out how often they need replacing and at what cost.

BESt FOR…

“

A downdraft extractor offers greater design flexibility in the kitchen layout, as you won’t have to consider the placement of an overhead hood

”

OwAIn HARRISOn, countrY manager at novY

IdEAl HOME lOvES… 2-in-1 DownDraft hobs

UltRA qUIEt Only 61dB at max power to keep conversation flowing. DD940BK induction downdraft extractor, £3,801, Caple

EASy SlIdE Turn it up or down effortlessly. iQ500 ED851FS11E induction hob with extractor, £2,549, Siemens

SpACE SAvIng Compact, to leave more storage space in the cupboard below. N 70 T48TD1BN0 induction venting hob, £2,549, Neff

tOp tECH Bora was one of the first to develop downdraft extraction, 13 years ago and is still considered the best in the industry. The products aren’t cheap but they promise whisperquiet operation. BARgAIn BUyS Appliances Direct’s outlet deals include a wide range of downdrafts, starting at just £399.97. pROBlEM SOlvIng British brand Westin is renowned for its extraction skills – especially its bespoke solutions for awkward and challenging spaces.

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‘We revamped this room on a shoestring’ Gemma and Lewis Firman spent the bulk of their budget insulating their freezing-cold bathroom, so they had to spend the rest wisely

Love gemma’S StyLe?

Turn to page 111 to shop the look

BaTHrooM proJecT

before

repurposed fireplace Adding a shelf turned it into a storage space

Welcome to my home Gemma Firman lives here with her husband Lewis.

THe properTY A mid-terrace 1830s cottage in Exeter.

WHaT iT cosT Bath taps...................£50 Basin taps................£245 Shower tray and enclosure..............£1,295 Shower head..........£259 Wall tiles...................£120 Floor tiles................£250 Vanity unit.................£35 Wall lights..................£49 TOTAL.................£2,303 ‘Beneath panelling, we found the original cast-iron bath, which we painted, and we reused the loo, adding a new seat. Our only big expense was the shower enclosure,’ says Gemma. Industrial complete walk-in shower enclosure kit B, £1,295, Lusso Stone

“

What pleases us most is getting the look we wanted and sticking to our budget by shopping around and upcycling

”

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How GemmA And lewIs dId IT ‘Our old bathroom wasn’t a place to linger! Its 200-yearold rubble-construction walls made it uncomfortably cold – you could see your breath on chillier days! It didn’t have much storage and was dated, with purple mosaic tiles, and the shower was poky with broken doors. However, the layout was fine. We started by stripping back the plaster to fit stud walls inside the original walls to insulate them. That

Ideal Home

loves

Electric towel rails Great for instant, economical heat on demand, and no plumbing-in required

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revealed joists that were rotten, and brickwork that needed repointing, so it took a lot more work than we’d first expected – making budget an issue. The work should only have taken a couple of weeks, but snow resulted in a six-week delay. It was an upheaval to live with the mess for all that time. But, it was worth it – the insulation, plus the underfloor heating we laid, has made it a warm space we love to spend time in.’

Below Gemma and Lewis painted the original bath with Rust-Oleum’s Universal All Surface paint in Satin Black and decorated the space with plants, prints and accessories to make it a good-looking place for a relaxing soak. Cambridge radiator, £169, Soak. Mosslanda picture shelf, £5, Ikea

FEATURE mandI mIllar, vanessa rIcHmond PHOTOGRAPHS & STyLInG FIona Walker arnott

BATHRoom pRoJeCT

wAllmounTed TAps Give a bathroom a high-end look ABoVe ‘I shopped around to get the best price I could for the floor tiles. The underfloor heating keeps them cosy, but because it’s electric we need only switch it on when we’re using the bathroom, so it’s very economical,’ says Gemma. Hexagon black floor tiles, £33sq m, Tons of Tiles

ABoVe ‘The vanity unit is an upcycled antique chest of drawers from a charity shop,’ says Gemma. ‘It looks great with the contemporary washbasin sitting on top.’ Picasso basin, £195, Lusso Stone. Cassellie Belgrade basin taps, £48.41, Flush Bathrooms. Vintage Sleek Edison wall lights, £24.65 each, Industville

RIGHT ‘I was determined to replace the sliding doors of the old shower, which were tricky to clean. This frame is doorless so it’s simply walk-in. We were able to cut nooks into the stud wall and they’re really handy.’ Melbourne shower head, £259, Soak. White gloss ceramic tiles, 30p each, Tons of Tiles

wHAT I’Ve leARned

“

To stick to a budget, decide what you want your main outlay to be. For us, it was the shower enclosure at almost £1,300, while the white tiles were just 30p each!

”

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Made in Sweden

Why do I use TePe? To keep my smile in shape too – Gabby Logan

My dental hygienist recommended TePe to help me clean between my teeth. What’s great about them is that they give me a bit of extra conﬁdence. I enjoy keeping healthy – and that includes my smile. Your toothbrush only cleans up to 60% of your teeth, a TePe can get you up to 100%. Find out how Gabby Logan keeps her healthy smile at TePe.com/Gabby-Logan

BATHROOM pROjEcT

Make it work for you GEMMA’S STYLE: VINTAGE MONOCHROME Team industrial pieces and Victoriana for an eclectic bathroom in a classic black and white colour scheme

5 a bare brick wall softens the mono scheme

IDEAL

You can’t beat a powerful shower

£380

feature LIsA FAzzANI

GREAT DEAL

£185

MORninG dREncH

RAin On ME

Mira Realm ERD chrome thermostatic mixer shower, £380, B&Q

Voxnan shower set with thermostatic mixer, £185, Ikea

WHERE TO BUY 1 Terrazzo hanging plant pot, £32.50, Scaramanga 2 Shalini Black recycled pine vanity unit with basin, £757, Maisons du Monde 3 White header towel, from £9, Debenhams 4 Sleek Edison wall light in Pewter, £29, Industville 5 Framed wetroom screen, £239.99, Wayfair 6 Black hexagon tiles, £32.95sq m, Walls and Floors 7 Dulwich bath in Black with ball feet, £549, Victoria Plum

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promotional fEaturE

How to… plan a family bathroom

By identifying the needs of your household, you can design a bathroom that’s perfect for every member of your tribe

Where do I start? Check out VictoriaPlum.com to identify your bathroom style. You’ll find options that meet your needs, and bathroom furniture that will make the space work for everyone in the family.

How do I keep things safe for children? Fitted bathroom furniture is an ideal storage idea in a space that’s used by little ones. Sleekly integrating your basin and toilet, fitted units have a seamless look and feel, and maximise the available space. The combination of low and high-level storage makes it a great choice for families with children – store bath toys and toothbrushes on lower levels

and keep razors and cleaning products on higher shelves.

How about older relatives? Go for electric-powered smart showers such as SmarTap, which you can use to control all aspects of your showering experience, including water flow and temperature. SmarTap also lets you set a maximum temperature, so there’s no danger of accidental scalding. You can also keep an eye on your water consumption by setting the shower to run at a lower pressure and a shorter duration.

How can we fit it all in? A shower bath is a great choice for family bathrooms, especially where there isn’t room for a separate bath and shower. Hand-held shower heads in baths are perfect for washing your kids’ hair. And, remember, the room is yours, too, so choose a bath you’ll love to soak in when you finally manage to catch some ‘me time’.

choosE a spacE-saVinG… TAll uNIT chic cool Sleek and slim for a modern bathroom Orchard Elsdon Stone Grey slimline tall unit, £249, VictoriaPlum. com

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AUgUSt 2019

Smart storage is a saviour in a busy bathroom

on Display Show off your bath oils on the open shelves. The Bath Co. Newbury White tall unit, £379, VictoriaPlum. com

timElEss stylE A traditional design in a serene shade. The Bath Co. Beaumont Powder Blue tall unit, £549, VictoriaPlum. com

“

Choose safe yet stylish furniture with rounded edges if you have small children running in and out

”

nicky taha, VISuAl STylIST, VIcTOrIAplum.cOm

for morE information… Find everything you need at online bathroom specialist VictoriaPlum.com, call 0344 804 4848 or follow on social media @VictoriaPlumUK

FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT

Whether you have young children or elderly parents moving in, planning a bathroom fit for the whole family can seem daunting. We’ve broken down the top tips you need to get going…

Simple SolutionS Smart design Stadler Form Q fan, £189, John Lewis & Partners Admittedly, it’s an investment compared to your basic desk fan, but this elegant three-speed stainless steel fan (H43x W36xD15cm) by Swiss designer Carlo Borer is so stylish you’ll want to move to a hot country so you can enjoy it all year round. Plus, it comes in two finishes – stainless steel and brushed bronze. THE BEST BIT The protective grill can be removed to clean the blades.

EXPERT TIP

‘Replace the filter (from around £20) in your air purifier every six months to keep it working efficiently.’ GInevrA BeneDettI, assoCiate editor

Breathe cooler, cleaner air at home If the heat gets too much for you or you’re one of the 44% of British adults who has allergies, a fan or air purifier might be the fix you need. The latest technology can remove microscopic particles of dust and dirt from the air to make your home a cooler, fresher place to be.

Sleep soundly Ion Fresh, £79.99, Dimplex This three-speed fan (H107.7x W31.1xD31cm) has a built-in ioniser to reduce airborne particles like dust. There’s also a 12-hour timer so it turns off automatically. THE BEST BIT Unusually for a tower fan, it tips back helping to direct fresh air upwards.

Strong & silent Pure Cool Me, £299, Dyson Dyson’s smallest air purifier (H40.1xW25.4xL24.7cm) sucks in 99.95% of particle pollutants while doubling up as an oscillating cooling fan – and is almost silent. THE BEST BIT Set the sleep timer between 30 minutes and 8 hours, so you can keep cool while you rest.

Quality control Boneco P50 Portable Air Purifier, £49, breathingSpace Create a bubble of clean air with this desktop design (H17.8xW6.3x D6.3cm) – especially when pollen levels peak. Add essential oil to the Aroma Pad for a hint of fragrance.

Classic 205, £379, Blueair A high performing and reasonably compact (H53xW44xD21cm) HEPA air purifier for rooms up to 26sq m – roughly a large living room. It can be controlled via app, which links up with the Aware Indoor Air Quality Sensor (£199) and adjusts the settings if there’s a drop in air quality.

THE BEST BIT Plug in to your car’s USB port for cleaner air when you drive.

THE BEST BIT The Blueair Friend app shows gives local pollution levels.

FeAture Chris haslam

Spot clean

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HOLIDAYS CURATED FOR THE SOLO TRAVELLER SELECTED DEPARTURES UP TO NOVEMBER 2019 AND JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 2020 4 DAYS FROM £449pp The thought of travelling alone can be daunting, but with Riviera Travel, you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of at every step on our escorted tours. Since 1984, we’ve been carefully curating holidays for customers, many of whom travel on their own, so we understand what makes your experience that extra bit special. We’re delighted to offer the same passionately curated holidays that our customers have come to love, especially for those who wish to travel solo. WHY TRAVEL SOLO WITH RIVIERA TRAVEL? ●

Travel with like-minded people

●

Flights from regional airports

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Representation at UK check-in

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Welcome dinner

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No additional single supplements

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Guided excursions included

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Fully escorted by our dedicated tour managers

CALL 01283 744319 TO BOOK OR FOR A FREE BROCHURE, OR VISIT IDERIVIERA.CO.UK TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Ideal Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of print.

simple solutions Starter kit EXPERT TIP

Science for artists Artie 3000, £69, Learning Resources Aimed at kids aged seven to 11, Artie is designed to develop both left (maths and computing) and right (creativity) sides of your kids’ brains. The wi-fi enabled robot can easily be programmed to draw patterns and pictures.

‘If you grew up in a world before coding, learn the basics from online apps – Primotoys.com has a great beginner’s guide that’s free to download.’

Cubetto, £195, Primo It’s expensive, but this wooden robot kit is so nicely designed that kids as young as three will soon be coding without even realising. It works by creating simple programs using the control board and instruction blocks. Slot the blocks in the holes in the right order, press ‘Go’ and the robot will work around the floor mat following their instructions. THE BEST BIT Extra play mats and instruction blocks are available to keep kids interested.

GinevRA BenedeTTi, ASSoCIAte edItoR

Bring Lego to life

THE BEST BIT Kids can start with the coding instructions included, but as they learn about angles and curves, they can get creative all on their own.

Rainy day coding games for kids

BOOST Creative Toolbox, £149.99, Lego Meet Vernie, the talented moving, talking, dancing robot kids aged seven to 12 can build and control via tablet app (iPad, Kindle or Android). The 857-piece kit includes sensors and motors to wirelessly control the robot and the app has over 60 challenges to keep everyone entertained. THE BEST BIT As kids work through the features on the app, they unlock more challenges, learning even more tricks.

Play ball

FeATURe CHRIS HASLAM

“

Certain STEM toys (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) can help kids learn about coding through play. As they grow the ratio of coding to playing should increase, but start them slowly with toys that involve a simple track to build, movement, lights and noise. As they get older look for toys connected to smart devices that add more coding insight peter jenkinson, toyoLogISt

”

Sphero Bolt, £149.99, Apple A super-fun app-controlled robotic ball, Sphero is one of the smartest coding toys, once kids (aged eight plus) get bored chasing the cat with it. You can draw simple patterns for the ball to follow and use Javascript for programming – the software used by pro coders. THE BEST BIT You can programme it to play interactive games including the classic, Pong.

Micro:Bit – the pocket-sized codeable computer now widely used in schools – this kit for kids aged 11+ has everything you need (including the Micro:Bit) to build and code 20 projects using the website. There’s a racing car, sensorcontrolled golfing game and even a device that decides whose turn it is to do the chores.

Multi-project kit Tech Will Save Us, Micro:Mega Pack, £49.99, Amazon Based around the BBC

THE BEST BIT All the parts included (even the cardboard box) have been designed to be used for other projects.

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BUY ONE GET ONE

FREE*

2020–2021 Cruises

New season just released! Norwegian Fjords | British Isles | Baltic Cities | Worldwide Book your winter season cruise today! We’re oﬀering tremendous value Buy-One-Get-One-Free* savings on our newly launched sailings, for a limited time only. These savings are available on board a choice of four elegant cruise ships and include newly launched itineraries on departures throughout winter 2020–2021. These great value prices make it so much easier to join us for the cruise you’ve always wanted to take, enjoy a longer voyage south to the sun, or treat yourself to a higher category cabin, or of course, use the saving to spend on board or ashore!

Glittering Columbus Sleek Magellan

Elegant Marco Polo

Contemporary

Proud flagship of the CMV fleet, beautifully appointed Columbus offers a range of hugely enjoyable, great value voyages, adding a touch of contemporary style to the traditional welcome and friendly warmth that have long been the hallmarks of the line.

Marco Polo will continue her illustrious career with a series of new and wonderful voyages bringing opportunities for yet more British cruise holidaymakers to experience the elegance and tradition of the much-loved vessel.

Beautifully appointed Vasco da Gama, is a 1,200 passenger vessel with a reputation for combining ultra modern comforts, with the highest standards of service.

Since her arrival in the UK in 2015, Magellan has been a welcome addition to the CMV fleet. Sailing from a choice of regional ports Magellan brings a touch of contemporary chic to the traditional welcome of the CMV cruise experience.

Sailing from Tilbury Sails 9 Oct 2020 1 Nov 2020 6 Dec 2020 10 Dec 2020 13 Dec 2020 15 Dec 2020 17 Dec 2020 20 Dec 2020 6 Jan 2021 7 Jan 2021 1 Apr 2021

Days Cruise Title 53 20 6 6 5 4 22 18

Southbound Voyage via Panama Canal Grand Canary Islands, Madeira & Morocco German Markets & Festive Shopping German Christmas Markets & Antwerp French Festive Getaway, River Seine Experience & Antwerp Christmas Market, Rotterdam & Antwerp Cruise Christmas & New Year Cruise to Cape Verde Islands & Madeira Christmas & New Year Canaries & Madeira

121 Grand Round the World Cruise

Ship Vasco da Gama Columbus

1st person 2nd from person

£7,779 FREE £1,999 FREE

Magellan

£729

FREE

Columbus

£739

FREE

Magellan

£579

FREE

Columbus

£449

FREE

Magellan

£3,359 FREE

Columbus £2,909 FREE Columbus £17,999 FREE

Grand Round South America & Amazon Discovery

Magellan

£12,599 FREE

Easter British Isles Discovery

Magellan

£1,589 FREE

Vasco da Gama

Sailing from Tilbury Sails 11 Apr 2021 23 Apr 2021 30 Apr 2021 6 May 2021

Days Cruise Title

Ship

1st person 2nd from person

Hidden Baltic Treasures

Magellan

£1,899 FREE

Majestic Fjordland

Magellan

£1,159 FREE

Weekend May Day Spring Break^

Magellan

£289

FREE

Spring Break to Rotterdam & Antwerp

Columbus

£449

FREE

Ship

1st person 2nd from person

Magellan

£2,599 FREE

Sailing from Bristol Sails 2 Nov 2020 6 Dec 2020 20 Dec 2020 5 Jan 2021 25 Apr 2021

Days Cruise Title 26 13 17 111 15

Grand Canary Islands, Madeira, Cape Verde & Morocco Escape the Winter Festive Getaway Christmas & New Year Canaries & Madeira Cruise Marco Polo’s Grand Oriental Odyssey Azores, Madeira & Portuguese Highlights

Marco Polo £1,599 FREE Marco Polo £2,689 FREE Marco Polo £16,599 FREE Marco Polo £2,179

Visit idh.newmarketholidays.co.uk or call 0330 160 7885 quoting code IDH Prices above are per person sharing the lowest twin cabin available. A selection of cabin types is available at ranging prices. All prices and cabins are extremely limited & may be withdrawn without notice, please call us or see our website for latest availability and pricing. Single supplements apply. Standard phone charges apply. Fares exclude gratuities. On board prices in sterling. Payment of on board accounts by card only. Offers operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd ABTA V7812, a company wholly independent of Ideal Home published by TI Media Limited. *Buy One Get One Free discount applies to new bookings made between 6 June 2019 and 31 August 2019. Offer subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any time. ^Returns to Newcastle. Travel back to Tilbury available for a supplement.

FREE

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Summer Living

Easy ideas to help you enjoy your garden more 118 Exterior design Take your indoor style outside!

32 page

special

126 ‘We’ve created a

garden we can really live in’ A multipurpose space

131 Make it work for you Shop for Scandi monochrome style

132 ‘It’s ideal for two amateurs!’ Keeping it low-maintenance

137 Make it work for you Coastal-themed buys

138 Genius problem solvers 140 Create a sustainable garden Ecofriendly ideas

143 Everything you

126

need to know about... Trampolines

144 Head to the park for a picnic Homemade faves

Festoon lights make it magical after dark

exterior design Take your indoor style outdoors to turn your garden into an extra room to enjoy, day and night

Modern pergola Zone a seating area with a wooden structure. Add a roof of rush matting or train climbers up it for shade

summer living

Feature wall In the same way that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d hang photos indoors, create a display of bird boxes, barometers and wire box shelves that leave plants open to the rain

Display good-looking gardening kit on hooks and nails

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Hang pots of herbs to use in cocktails

Private bar This Robert Dyas shed will hold your garden furniture in winter, then opens out to make a bar for garden parties and alfresco sundowners in summer

summer living

Container garden Instead of spreading out pots, they have greater impact clustered into groups at varying heights to create pockets of greenery on your patio

Use plinths to raise pots to differing heights

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summer living

Living wall Horizontal fence panels turn the side of a shed, a stretch of bare fence or wall, or the side of a balcony into a vertical garden for smaller plant pots and baskets

Painting it black will make green foliage really pop

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august 2019

Mount leftover tiles onto thick ply to create a temporary splashback

Outdoor kitchen If you go in for barbecuing in a big way, adding a surface and shelves will let you prep and cook without to-ing and fro-ing indoors

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summer living

Where to buy

Modern pergola

Private bar

Living wall

Pressure treated timber Ultima pergola kit, 270x270cm, £371.06, Travis Perkins; painted in Valspar Inky Prose garden exterior paint, £25 for 2.5L, B&Q. Runnen outdoor floor decking in Dark Grey, £19.75sq m, Ikea. Charles Bentley Fisherman three seater sofa, £300, Homebase. Milton round concrete stool in Grey, £95; Truro ceramic planter, £25; Becklen coffee table, £195, all Habitat. Dhatu outdoor rug, 140x200cm, £51; Veda outdoor pouffe, £77, both Maisons du Monde. Classic festoon lights, £70 for 20, Garden Trading. String and cane hanging basket, £48, Raj Tent Club. Stratton cement hanging plant pot, £15, Hurn & Hurn. (On sofa, from left) Tweedmill beehive yellow lap blanket, £28, Hurn & Hurn. Jute striped outdoor cushion in Lime, £25, Marks & Spencer. Harlequin yellow square scatter cushion, £18; Fawn square scatter cushion, £18, both Bramblecrest. Jute palm outdoor cushion in Lime, £25 Marks & Spencer. (On table, from left) Green ceramic pot, £9.99, Dobbies. Clay bowl, £7.50, Scaramanga. Terracotta decorative vase, £49.99, Zara Home. Terracotta teapot, £100, Nordic House. Plants, from a selection at Dobbies and Ikea.

Shire wooden shed and bar, £604.99, Robert Dyas; painted in Valspar Elephant in the Room garden exterior paint, £25 for 2.5L; shelf painted in Valspar Inky Prose garden exterior paint, £25 for 2.5L, both B&Q. Metal bar stools in Black, £99.99 for two; Hoult drinks trolley, £138.99, both Wayfair. Personalised rustic wooden signpost, £59.99, Applecrates. Labritja outdoor rug, 160x230cm, £88, Maisons du Monde. Thena storage basket, £76, Rowen & Wren. Dypsis lutescens potted plant, £20, Ikea. (On bar) Aluminium buckets, £4 each, Hobbycraft. Slate bunting, £18, Garden Trading. Metal hanging planter, £7.99, Clas Ohlson. Lenny recycled glass jug, £32, Rowen & Wren. Mixologist cocktail toolkit, £55; gin balloon glasses, £30 for two; mixologist cocktail stirrers, £20 for four, all LSA International. Terrazzo cheeseboard, £22.50, Scaramanga. Glass beverage dispenser, £30, Hurn & Hurn. (Inside bar) hanging planters, from £20 each, Scaramanga. Chalkboard in wooden frame, £35, Lovestruck Interiors. (On trolley) Ivalo Asho dome and stand, £42, LSA International. Nona ceramic bowl in Yellow, £8, Habitat. Zinc bucket, £9.99, Clas Ohlson. Stem glasses, £9.99 each, Zara Home.

Shire wooden shed and bar, as before. Applaro outdoor wall panel, £35, Ikea. Panel painted in Inky Prose garden exterior paint, £25 for 2.5L, both B&Q. (On wall panel) Aluminium buckets, £4 each; cream zinc bucket, £3.50, all Hobbycraft. Socker flower box with holder, £12; watering can, £9, both Ikea. Retro jar lantern, £16, Nordic House. Stainless steel dibber, £16.99; claw cultivator, £11.99, both Dobbies. (On ground) Large round clay pot, £35, Scaramanga. Affiti medium clay planter, £59.95, Nkuku. Sandblast egg pot, Dia44cm, £55, The Red Mud Hut. Plants, as before.

Larchlap closeboard dip treated fence panel, 183x183cm, £49.40, Travis Perkins; painted in Valspar Carriage Wheel garden exterior paint, £25 for 2.5L, B&Q. Farringdon metal box shelf, £40; St Ives barometer, £40; wirework string holder, £15, all Garden Trading. Dovecote birdhouse, £35, National Trust Shop. Planting ruler, £9.99, Burgon & Ball. (On shelf) Terracotta whitewash pot, £4, Hobbycraft. Copper plated plant mist spray, £5.99, Crocus. Lumley stem vase, £16, Rowen & Wren. (On potting table) Madley wooden storage crate, £28, Rowen & Wren. Clay bowl, £7.50, Scaramanga. Galvanised bird food tin, £20; selection of seeds, £2.50, all National Trust Shop. Plants, from a selection at Dobbies.

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Container garden (Clockwise, from bottom left) Truro ceramic planter, £25, Habitat. Geometric plant stand, £60, Next Home. Milton round concrete stool, £95, Habitat. Green ceramic pot, £9.99, Dobbies. Pink glazed planter, £20, Marks & Spencer. Clay bowl, £7.50, Scaramanga. Plant table stand, £9.99, Dobbies. Colibri woven garden chair with Ecru cushion, £215.50, Maisons du Monde. Cushion, made in Small Check Apricot alfresco outdoor fabric, £82m, George Spencer Designs. Two tone effect pink tumbler, £7.99, Zara Home. Plants, as before.

Splashback tiled in Barolo Amber tiles, £29.95sq m; Ultracolour Plus 299 limestone grout, £17.95 for 5kg, both Walls and Floors. Runnen outdoor floor decking in Dark Grey, £19.75sq m, Ikea. Milton round concrete table in Black, £250, Habitat. Medium big green egg BBQ, £895, Big Green Egg. (On shelves, from top left) Terracotta whitewash pot, £4, Hobbycraft. Classic terracotta dish, £3.95, The Paella Company. Hand painted abstract jug, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. Walnut chopping boards, from £55 each, Raj Tent Club. Suffolk pottery parsley pot, £14, Rowen & Wren. Small pepper grinder, £16.99; large pepper grinder, £20.99; olive oil tin, £15.99; Moka terracotta cazuela, £2.98, all The Paella Company. Compost bucket, £20, National Trust Shop. apron, £32, Rowen & Wren. Mini chalkboard panel crate, £8.58, Wooden Box UK. White pot, £9.99; plant table stand, £9.99, both Dobbies. Acacia wood salt and pepper crate, £11.95, John Lewis & Partners. Tabletop chalkboard, £9.54, Wooden Box UK. Lyle water glass set in wooden holder, £62, Rowen & Wren. BBQ toolset in Red, £15, John Lewis & Partners. Modern Country two person picnic hamper, John Lewis & Partners. Large wooden crate with chalkboard, £21, Wooden Box UK. (On table) Concrete pot, £4.99, Dobbies. Ikat patterned melamine dinner plates, £16 for four; bowls, £16 for four; side plates, £12 for four, all Next Home.

Feature nicky phillips, vanessa richmond Styling gemma gear PhotograPhS joanna henderson

Feature wall

Outdoor kitchen

reader offer Pick pieces that pop against greenery, like the rive Droite bistro set in Teal, £120

relax in the nauticalinspired Colwell sofa set, £2,000

While away balmy summer evenings in the Hampstead hanging chair, £350

SAVE 20% AT GArdEn TrAdInG Enjoy an endless summer with this exclusive discount

ntertain guests, eat meals outdoors and enjoy the very best that summer has to offer with Garden Trading. From good-looking pots and planters to furniture for every sized space, create a summer sanctuary to make the most of those long, lazy afternoons in the sunshine. Make room for friends and family with sofa sets suitable for every style and shape of garden. Layer up with cushions, settle in and stay comfortable well into the evening. For alfresco meals, mix and match the perfectly-proportioned Bistro

collection, available in a range of fresh new shades that complement summer’s lush colour palette. Or, if entertaining feels a little too much like hard work, take some time for yourself with a hanging nest chair. Grab a book, a G&T, and while away the hours in peace. Finish your summer look with pots and planters full of richlyscented flowers. Add fire pits and blankets to keep you cosy after sundown, and keep refreshments flowing with a drinks trolley. In fact, there’s no need to leave the garden all summer long!

How to claim your discount Discover what the summer has in store at gardentrading.co.uk and enter IDEAL20 at the checkout to receive your 20% discount TErms AnD ConDITIons Offer expires 6 August 2019. Code IDEAL20 must be entered at checkout. The code can only be used once per customer and only one discount code can be used per order. Not applicable to last chance and sale items. Free standard UK delivery applies when you spend over £80, after the discount has been applied.

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‘We’ve created a garden we can really live in’ When summer rolls around, the Chadborns can decamp into the garden to relax, cook, eat and entertain around the clock – even in bad weather

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Summer living

Ideal Home

loves

Flatpack summerhouses Isatu and Pete’s structure cost £1,360 from Garden Buildings Direct and they erected it themselves, with a little help from their friends

Welcome to my garden Isatu Chadborn lives here with her husband Pete and their children Millie, 21 and Travis, 17.

The ploT A large 13x17m garden at the rear of a detached, five-bedroom Seventies house near Colchester in Essex.

“

After spending endless long, hot days working hard on the garden last year, we can’t wait to have friends and family over to enjoy it with us this summer

”

The firepit gives the seating area a cosy glow and heat to gather around on chilly evenings

Multipurpose outdoor room The garden, which is largely paved, has been divided into separate spaces. A pergolacovered platform creates a room-within-a-room effect for the kitchen-diner, there’s a deck with two groups of seating, an area of lawn with planting, and a contemporary summerhouse to retreat to in wet weather.

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he Chadborns’ garden was a dreary space with a haphazardly laid deck, patchy lawn and boring brick paving. ‘It wasn’t a space that called you outside to enjoy the sunshine!’ says Isatu. ‘We had to concentrate on the interior of the house for a few years, but I had a Pinterest board on the go and took ideas from places we stayed on holiday. After all that planning and dreaming, we knew what we wanted it to look like. ‘Our biggest challenge was the ground work. We hired a digger and had to work out how to use it! We spent every weekend last summer digging up the old paving and decided on bonded resin for the new pathways, as it has a contemporary feel and doesn’t need weeding. We cut the old curved, patchy

lawn into a crisp square and re-turfed, laying reclaimed sleepers to form a border. A friend built the raised planters and another friend who was studying garden design and wanted to build her portfolio suggested plants for the border. We love the blend of silver birch trees at the back and low-level alchemilla, seasonal bulbs and grasses that gives year-round structure. ‘We saved money by repurposing some old decking, which we laid close to the house. Next to it we poured a concrete base for the kitchen. It’s covered by a pergola which we designed but a carpenter made for us. We painted it white to contrast with the black summerhouse, which we designed inside as a space where our children could hang out with their friends.’

Love

isatu’s style? Turn to page 131 to shop the look

ReuseD DeckINg the couple turned over their old planks and painted them with black anti-slip paint

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Kitchen-diner The couple created the kitchen by painting an old workbench, plumbing in a sink and fitting a tank to collect rainwater for it. The table was made from Ikea trestle legs and sanded, varnished scaffold planks.

Seating area The living room inside extends out onto the deck with a comfortable seating area, perfect for evening drinks with friends or a morning coffee in the sun.

summeR LIvINg

Feature kay prestney, vanessa richmond Styling kay prestney PhotograPhS cathy pyle

bespoke peRgoLA Provides shade and shelter for the chef and diners

Raised beds ‘These were built from breeze blocks and rendered. We painted them white to brighten the space and give a contemporary feel. We love the movement of the grasses in the breeze.’

Summerhouse ‘It came as a kit and we built it over a weekend with help from friends. We’re planning to get a projector and screen so we can host film nights in it.’

WHAT I’ve LeARNeD

“

To achieve your dream on a budget, you have to roll up your sleeves! We reduced eyewatering quotes by doing a lot of the work ourselves, but learnt that sometimes it is worth hiring a pro – like the carpenter who built our pergola

”

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ideal home partnership

The feelgood facTor Artist Louise Dear’s love of life is reflected in her glittering, glamorous pieces, available online at Runway Gallery

ouise Dear began her career as a sculptor before moving into painting. She now creates multi-layered works on aluminium panels, full of texture and intriguing materials. Louise is one of a number of artists featured at the online Runway Gallery.

What effect do you want your work to have on people? I want it to make people smile, and to evoke the feel of a happy memory, like walking along a sunny shore or snuggling up with a warm lover, and add a touch of sparkle to their daily lives. How would you describe your style? My works nearly always portray beautiful women. Each and every line has to be alluring, to create the seductive effect of the whole. The eyes and lips are very much a signature of my style. Tell us about your process I work standing up, almost dancing as I arch and crouch. I work closely with a

master printer to reproduce my prints on tactile paper, which is then embellished with different finishes, such as gold leaf and high-gloss varnish. I then hand finish a select few by creating more layers – adding gloss paints, glitters, sequins, stickers and Swarovski crystals, making each individual piece a unique work. What have you got in the pipeline? I’m working with Victoria Plum to create a bespoke Louise Dear Collection of baths, basins and shower screens. I’ve also just completed a series of new works for Scarlett Green, a restaurant in the heart of Soho, with new restaurants planned for next year. I’m also in the

“

To succeed, you must believe you can. I live in the present and don’t look back, and if I did I wouldn’t change a thing

Louise Dear, artist at runway Gallery

”

process of moving my studio from Brighton to the south of France. My plan is to work for a couple of weeks at a time, returning to London for meetings and the monthly salon of our art movement, The Beautalists, of which I’m a founding member.

Become a collector Looking for a statement piece to give your home the wow factor? Check out the Runway Gallery, an online venture showcasing fashion-focussed art that can be bought at the click of a mouse. Visit runway-gallery.com to buy.

NeXt moNtH New Zealand born Grazie’s pop art is inspired by popular culture.

CLoCkWise, from LefT yum yum, £1,750, V.i.C.e., £9,995, Coo .. ee! splash, £165, all louise Dear

Where do you find inspiration? My favourite place to be is in or near the sea. I swim in the sea every day, and the glitter in my work represents the sunlight twinkling on the water. I also love to walk, which gives me the opportunity to photograph nature at its most beautiful.

suMMeR lIVIng

Make it work for you Isatu’s style: Scandi mono

Zoned areas featuring natural materials and a monochrome palette form clever spaces for entertaining and relaxing

A sheltered dining area can protect you from all weathers

2 3

FeAture Stephanie durrant PhotogrAPhs cathy pyle

IDeal HOMe lOVes… textural plantS

WHeRe tO Buy 1. CusHIOn Denia Black and Off White chevron woven cushion, £14, B&Q

4. taBle Countryside garden table, £487.50, Maisons du Monde

2. PlanteR Smooth pot on legs, £19, Homebase

5. stORage Seagrass ethnic print lined basket, £24.99, Lime Lace

3. lIgHtIng 60 warm white festoon lights, £59.99, Lights4Fun

6. seatIng Toba rattan dining armchair, £188, Artisanti

Stipa tenuissima These fast growing grasses enjoy full sun and are perfect for introducing movement as the foliage billows in the breeze.

Japanese maple Vibrant red with elegant perforated leaves that shed in autumn, making them a statement in pots or borders.

Maidenhair fern Its decorative, finger-like fronds add softness in shady borders. It dies back in autumn and sprouts new growth in spring.

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SuMMER LIVING

EVERGREEN JASMINE Produces scented white flowers in summer and bronze foliage in winter

‘It’s ideal for two amateurs!’ Hampered by a lack of green fingers, Susan and Henry Parker hired a professional to turn their small garden into a low-maintenance outdoor room

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Love

SUSAN’S Style? Turn to page 137 to shop the look

Welcome to my garden Susan Parker lives here with her husband Henry. Their two adult children have left home.

THE PLOT A 5x7m garden behind a fourbed Victorian house in southwest London.

“

Before the upgrade, we only came out here in summer, but we use it all year round now

”

The planting in this raised bed is watered by a hidden timer seep hose and micro sprinkler system

Living space The couple have focused on creating a spot for eating and relaxing, with built-in seating and easy-care planting restricted to raised beds. ‘It’s amazing that such a tiny garden can have so much in it without looking cramped,’ says Susan.

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hen Susan and Henry Parker moved into their house in 1991, the back garden consisted of cracked concrete, dead plants and an outside loo. They put up a shed, laid a small lawn for their children to play on and built raised beds. ‘The lawn was too small and it always seemed to be muddy,’ says Susan. In 2000, they built an extension with bifold doors and paved over the lawn, replacing the beds with potted plants. ‘Neither I nor Henry is a gardener and we thought pots would be easier to look after than beds, but when we went to Devon for two weeks, we returned to dead plants! We wanted a garden we could use more.’ In 2014, they hired Chris Harrington of Harrington Porter. ‘We asked for a

low-maintenance garden with builtin seating, a barbecue, lighting so we could sit outside together in the evening, scented roses, and a fig tree, because I love figs,’ says Susan. Chris also came up with a planting scheme for the space which includes evergreens and perennials that bloom at different times of the year, but require minimal care. ‘We’re both happy to potter rather than to garden,’ says Susan. ‘I prune the olive trees, prune and deadhead the roses, cut back the jasmine and mini hedge, and that’s about it.’ The work took a month to complete and Susan and Henry say it has been £20,000 well spent. ‘We look out of the kitchen doors and remember that it was such a grotty garden before, but now we have this wonderful space.’

Cooking corner The integrated stainlesssteel barbecue by Fire Magic was an investment buy. ‘I did wince at paying £1,800, but it has been wonderful and we use it all year,’ says Susan. Climbing roses give the painted fencing a softer look

Calm colours The couple kept to white and grey shades to give the south-facing plot a restful feel. ‘We used to have a lot of colourful container plants, but we wanted the garden to be less hard on the eye and more calming’

ideal home

Loves

Jura limestone paving Super-tough stone from Germany that stays clean and makes a small garden feel more spacious

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Feature sharon smith, vanessa richmond PhotograPhs david giles

summeR LIvING

Simple stripes Susan’s outdoor cushions match the subtle grey and white stone surfaces used throughout the garden

Select planting

WOOD DeCKING adds texture, colour and drainage

Key plants are repeated around the garden, including roses, hostas and hydrangeas, to give consistency. ‘We can’t believe how many plants we have for such a lowmaintenance garden’

WHAT I’ve LeARNeD

“

Getting a professional in can save you money. We wasted a lot of cash fiddling around with the garden over the years, but we could never get it right. Employing an expert was worth it

”

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SuMMer liVing

Make it work for you SuSan’S Style: English RiviERa

Classic, warm-wood furniture and simple stripes combine to create timeless coastal style, for a relaxing vibe in the garden Relaxed seating makes the most of outdoor living

2 1

6 iDeal hoMe loVeS… WhiTE floWERs

FEATURE MichEla colling

Where to Buy 1. lantern Aldgate wall lantern, from £76.20, Där Lighting range, Wayfair

4. chair Realto folding chair, £165 for two, La Redoute

2. cuShion Block stripe cushion, £12, Marks & Spencer

5. crate Large rectangular wooden box, £19.99, H&M Home

3. hurricane Kennington hurricane lantern, £25, Neptune

6. Blanket Cotton throw blanket, £20, Hurn & Hurn

Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian White’

Nemesia ‘Wisley Vanilla’

Rosa ‘Madame Alfred Carrière’

A semi evergreen, biennial or short lived perennial that will grow to about 60cm tall. It flowers in early summer.

This tender perennial is ideal as a bedding plant. It has pretty white and yellow flowers and a strong vanilla scent.

A vigorous, virtually thornless climbing rose that bears large, cupped creamy white blooms tinged with pink.

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Genius problem solvers for a smooth running life our pick of the latest home innovations, solutions and stuff you never knew you needed… SMALL-SPACE LIVING

Grow your own in a poky plot Danish brand Juliana’s Vertical greenhouse combines open and enclosed planting with a worksurface for potting and harvesting, while its City greenhouse features sliding doors, plenty of shelving and comes on casters. The entire range is made from black aluminium, toughened safety glass and cedar wood. City compact greenhouse, £444, Juliana at Greenhouse Stores

OUTDOOR GAMES TO KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED

ring TOSS This pretty pastel party game will last for years. Wooden hoopla set, £19.50, M&S

BAT And BAll Get moving in the garden, at the park or on the beach. Beach bat set, £25, Amara

Make holiday packing easier Get the most out of your suitcase space with AmazonBasics’ packing cubes, from £14.99 for four, Amazon. Available in a wide variety of sizes and colours. Light your patio in style Channel a bold indoors-outdoors vibe in your garden by introducing this super-sleek outdoor floor lamp to your scheme. The weather-resistant opaque lampshade features a solar panel on the top that will give you five hours of light when fully charged or it can be plugged into the mains if required. Solar floor lamp, £125, Cox & Cox

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ClASSiC CrOQueT A British summer isn’t complete without a round. Croquet game, £19.99, TK Maxx

Use less plastic, get more fizz Stop bulk-buying bottles and enjoy sparkling water on tap instead, with this chic gadget by Swedish brand Aarke. Carbonator II in Brass, £199, Aarke

Summer living Disguise an eyesore

3 PARASOLS FOR THE DESIGN CONSCIOUS

If your view is ruined by an ugly wall, shed or fence, cover it up with a brilliant faux plant wall from Easi Wall. It's handmade for a realistic look and easy to fit for instant lush foliage. No watering required – just wipe over the leaves now and then when dirt dulls them. Easi Wall handmade vertical artificial plant wall, H150xW50xD9cm, £349, John Lewis & Partners Mosquito and midge repeller, £34.99, Lakeland

3 1 Geisha parasol in Purple, £115, Cuckooland.com 2 Amalfi square cantilever parasol in Almond, £449, Bridgman 3 Beach umbrella in Malibu, £55, Sunnylife

Send mozzies packing Create a 20sq m mozzie and midge-free zone in your garden with this neat gadget from Lakeland.

Keep wine cool on the go Grab an Everyday luxury wine cooler bag, £10, Sainsbury’s Home, to keep a couple of bottles chilled. Throw some shade If you’re spending hours outdoors, this elegant gazebo is just the thing to give you some relief from the sun, and it’s perfect for free-range kids, gardeners and alfresco diners, too. With a diameter of three metres, you’ll fit the whole family under and the panels can also be adjusted.

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Keep your garden tidy Stay warm and party on Make sure your garden party doesn’t fizzle away as soon as the sun goes down with Dimplex’s patio heater. As well as pumping out a powerful 1.5kW of heat to keep your guests warm and cosy, it also has a remote-controlled LED ambient light with 16 colours and a built-in wireless speaker for streaming music. Dimplex patio heater, H110xW28xD28cm, £270, Next Home

Showerproof gazebo with sides, £199.99, Very

Ladder shelving is a great way to display all of your garden essentials – from smaller pots and containers to go-to tools and kit, without taking up lots of space. Caleb FSC-certified acacia six-shelf garden storage unit, £329, La Redoute

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Create a sustainable garden Revive your outdoor space with wildlifefriendly plants and back-to-nature eco buys featuRe fence Wonder Wall self-watering vertical planters, £9.99 for a three-pocket planter, dobbies

GENIUS IDEA

COmPACT bEEhivE

Ideal Home loves… living walls aim high and fill empty wall space with a vertical garden

CHOOSE YOUr SPOT If you’ve a bare wall that needs beautifying, whether it’s a brick wall, fence or side of a shed, a living wall is an easy way of adding instant greenery. Planted with evergreens, flowers or herbs, it can cover a whole wall or just a small section.

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PICK A POCKET Planting systems range from simple plastic pockets attached to the wall (try Dobbies Wonder Wall, above) or modular dripirrigated systems sold in kit form (try Wallygro’s garden kits), to more sophisticated hydroponic systems.

ADD GrEENErY Go for long-living, light, compact plants with shallow roots, focusing on texture, shape and colour. For year-round interest, choose evergreens, adding in bedding plants for colour as the seasons change. Water daily in hot weather.

A contemporary option for the urban beekeeper, the Beehaus is made of lightweight plastic, suitable for gardens or rooftops. Beehaus, from £499, Omlet

SUMMEr LIvING

HOW TO…

Plants for butterflies PiCK neCtaR-RiCh vaRieties ■ Buddleia is easy to grow in any soil and produces beautiful blooms between summer and autumn. ■ Lavender thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot and can be used for edging beds. ■ Verbena grows tall and flowers late in the season, plus it is extremely rich with nectar.

PLANT A GREEN ROOF

Re-work your roof with greener alternatives ASSESS THE PLOT There are two types of green roof: intensive, which is planted on a deep layer of soil that requires substantial roof support, maintenance and specialist installation; or extensive, which is planted on a shallow layer of substrate (from 5cm to 15cm). Extensive roofs are low-maintenance and suitable for DIY installation on sheds, garages and flat-roof extensions (check Building Regs with any occupied buildings). KEEP IT CONTAINED Extensive roofs thrive best on a roof with a slope of no more than 10 degrees – anything above will need support to prevent slippage. The roof needs to be lined with waterproof, rootproof material (such as pond liner), and insulation and drainage outlets added so excess water runs away.

Back to natuRe Planting a green roof can help garden rooms blend in with their surroundings. Garden studio, from £18,000, eden Garden Rooms

PLANT UP Before planting, a layer of substrate (rather than regular topsoil) should be added. Many nurseries supply plants and seeds suitable for roofs. Pre-grown sedum or wildflower mats are another option, from £25m. Maintenance-wise, ensure drainage outlets are clear and water in very dry periods.

3 OF THE BEST… eco garden additions Go foR enviRonmentaLLy-fRienDLy outDooR Buys POWEr UP Charges during the day for 6 8 hours of light in the evening. Pendant solar light, £19.99, Lights4fun

IN BLOOM This water butt has a planter on top so blends in with the garden. Rainbowl flower 150L water butt, £238, Kingfisher Direct

WASTE NOT Turn kitchen and garden waste into (free) plant nourishing compost. Composter 500L, £36, B&Q

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SUMMER LIVING

HOW TO…

PLANT A RAIN GARDEN As we increasingly live in built-up areas with poor drainage, a rain garden offers an eco-friendly way of managing rainwater run-off

FEATURE lisa fazzani phoTogRAphs alamy stock photo, ian pollen

WHAT IS A RAIN GARDEN? A rain garden channels rainwater from hard landscaping, reducing the risk of flooding. Sited in a low-lying area, it’s filled with deep-rooted plants that help water to seep more rapidly into the soil. Water is directed away from the house towards the dip, via a roof downpipe and a series of rills or brick channels. Linking elements such as rain chains, water butts, stormwater planters or ponds can also be used. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? A rain garden absorbs up to 30% more water than a regular lawn and reduces the risk of flooding and erosion. Drought-tolerant plants will need little maintenance once established and create a natural environment for birds, butterflies and insects. IS MY GARDEN SUITABLE? You’ll only want to capture as much water as will sink into the soil in 24 hours. Check the absorption rate by digging a 25cm-deep hole and filling with water to see how quickly it drains. An absorption rate of around 1.25cm an hour is ideal, up to 5cm per hour, but any slower and the site might not be suitable. A rain garden dug in sandy, well-draining soil can be deeper than one dug in poorly-draining clay. WHERE’S THE BEST LOCATION? When its raining watch how and where water collects in your garden. There should be a slope (10% or less) from the water collection area (your roof or driveway) down to the rain garden. It should be at least 3m from the house, in an area with full sun or partial shade and away from underground services. WHICH pLANTS ARE BEST TO USE? Use native plants with deeper root systems, such as grasses, wildflowers and shrubs, planted in drifts, with the more wet-tolerant plants in the deepest area and more droughttolerant plants on higher edges.

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If the rain garden is on a slope, use soil from the initial dig to build a raised bank to help hold the water GINEVRA BENEDETTI, associate eDitoR

”

Soak away Go for a mix of plants, some that will thrive in periods of short-term flooding, and some that will thrive in periods of drought.

IDEAL HOME LOVES… Resilient plants

Hosta ‘sUM AND sUBsTANCE’ Clump-forming herbaceous perennial with attractive pale lilac flowers in summer; tolerates a variety of soils.

Sedum ‘pURpLE EMpERoR’ Versatile succulent that’s as at home in harsh drought conditions as it is in wet. Very easy to grow and needs little upkeep.

Carex ‘ICE DANCE’ An easy-to-care-for grass that forms a low, tufted mound. Won’t spread too quickly and can handle different conditions.

SUMMER LIVING

Everything you need to know about…

TrAmpolIneS They’re a popular way to tempt kids away from screens and out into the fresh air for some exercise, but can be spendy, so it’s worth doing your homework first Swings and climbing frames have had their time – these days, a trampoline is a must-have in the garden. If you’re planning to buy one this summer, here’s what to consider.…

Which size do I go for? Consider the age of the users and your garden size. Larger trampolines aren’t suitable for children under six, as they have a bigger bounce, so the frame is higher. While 12ft is the most popular frame size, all models should list a maximum weight limit (if you’re tempted to have a go…). Anything over that will put stress on the springs and shorten its life.

Where’s best to put it? Choose a spot at least 2m away from buildings, fences and bushes, and away from overhead trees or washing lines – allow 7.5m overhead clearance. It should be placed on soft, level ground – never on hard surfaces

which stress the frame and are dangerous to fall on.

What should I look for? The frame should be a thick gauge steel - the heavier, the better – in a galvanised finish to guard against rust. Longer springs give a bigger bounce and should be zinc-coated for protection. With bigger trampolines, welded joints can be weak spots, so look for those with reinforcements.

Plum Spacezone trampoline and 3G enclosure, £179.99, Robert Dyas

Are there safety features to consider? Springs should have protective padding. An enclosure is essential and should meet European safety standards – go for one with a reinforced top rim to stop the net sagging. Net poles should also be padded for protection.

What’s the best way to care for it? Users should wear socks and no shoes, to protect and keep the bounce mat clean.

BEST FOR… Inspect regularly for any damage and wash with soapy water and a soft brush. Store inside over winter if possible, or remove the net, mat and springs and store in a dry place.

FEATURE Lisa Fazzani

IDEAL HOME LOVES… TRaMPOLinEs WiTH a TWisT

SHOOT SOME HOOPS Has a basketball hoop so kids can practise ball skills, too. Slama Jama 12ft trampoline and enclosure, £289.99, Very

SET INTO THE LAWN An in ground trampoline looks much more discreet. Square in-ground 11ft trampoline, £549.99, Plum

SMALL SCALE A starter size trampoline, perfect for little ones. My First 7ft trampoline and enclosure, £89, George Home

BUDDING GYMNASTS Berg’s sports range includes rectangular trampolines, used by gymnasts as the springs work independently for a more controlled bounce (unlike round trampolines). VARIETY Plum’s extensive collection includes trampolines of all sizes and for all ages, including a ‘create your own’ customisable range FUN & GAMES TP’s range includes Australian brand Vuly and its HexVex printed mat, so kids can make up their own jumping games.

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food with friends

Head to the park for a picnic party Yes, you could stop off at M&S for the usual fare, but why not make it special by bringing along something homemade and delicious to shareĂ&#x2030;

Ploughmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picnic loa f See page 149 for recipe

summer living

Rice & bean vinaigrette pots See page 149 for recipe

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summer lIvIng

Elderflower & pomegranate refresher Takes 5min serves 6 IngredIenTs ● 150ml elderflower cordial ● 300ml pomegranate juice ● 1L sparkling water

1 Combine the elderflower cordial

with the pomegranate juice in a jug. Stir in the sparkling water. Pour into one (or more) air-tight bottles and chill until needed.

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Raspberry ripple cake See page 149 for recipe

Gala slice see opposite for recipe

summer lIvIng

Ploughman’s picnic loa f Takes 15min serves 4-8 IngredIenTs ● 1 round cholla or white boomer loaf ● 6tbsp mayonnaise ● 200g Cheddar cheese, sliced ● 4tbsp pickle ● 2 Little Gem lettuces, leaves separated ● 4 slices of ham

1 Cut the loaf horizontally

into three pieces and spread each layer with mayonnaise. Arrange the cheese slices on the bottom layer, spread with pickle and top with lettuce.

2 Place the middle layer

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI RECipEs AnD phoToGRAphs TI-mEDIAcoNTENT.com

of bread on top and press down. Layer over the ham slices and then top with the final piece of bread.

3 Push 4 wooden skewers

into the loaf to hold it together. Wrap it well in a large sheet of greaseproof paper, followed by another of tin foil. Take a bread knife with you to slice it up.

Rice & bean vinaigrette pots Takes 25min serves 6 IngredIenTs ● 300ml basmati rice ● 600ml hot vegetable stock ● 400g tin mixed beans, drained and rinsed ● 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped ● 4 spring onions, trimmed and chopped ● 4 gherkins,

drained and chopped ● 5tbsp French dressing ● Dash of hot pepper sauce ● 2tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra to serve

1 Put the rice and stock in

a pan with a pinch of salt. Cover, bring to the boil and simmer for 10min until the rice is tender and stock absorbed. Remove the pan from the heat and leave to stand for 5min.

2 Stir the other ingredients

through the rice. Let the mixture cool then transfer it to a large lunchbox so you can pack it easily. Serve individual portions in cups or glass jars, with a few extra parsley leaves on top.

Raspberry ripple cake Takes 2hr serves 12 IngredIenTs ● 300g fresh raspberries ● 1½tsp cornflour ● 200g slightly salted butter, softened ● 200g caster sugar, plus extra to dust ● Finely grated zest of 1 lemon ● 2 eggs, plus 1 egg yolk ● 250g self-raising flour ● ½tsp baking powder ● 4tbsp milk ● 3tbsp flaked almonds ● Extra sugar, to sprinkle

1 Preheat the oven to 160°C/

Fan 140°C/Gas 3. Mash one third of the raspberries with a fork until very juicy. In a small pan set over a

medium-low heat, dissolve the cornflour in 2tbsp water. Add the mashed raspberries and cook for 2min. Remove from the heat. Cut half of the remaining raspberries in half and add to the pan.

2 Grease and line the base and sides of a 1.5L loaf tin. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, sugar and lemon zest until pale and creamy. Gradually beat in the eggs and extra yolk, adding a spoonful of the flour if the mixture starts to separate. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl and mix well. Stir in the milk.

3 Spoon one-third of the

Gala slice Takes 1hr 25min serves 6-8 IngredIenTs ● 600g pork sausagemeat ● 6 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped ● 375g ready-made puff pastry ● 1tbsp English mustard ● 6 eggs, hardboiled, plus 1 egg, beaten

1 Combine the sausagemeat and spring onions in a bowl. Season well.

2 Line a large baking sheet

with greaseproof paper. Cut the pastry in half and roll out one half to 38x13cm on a lightly floured surface and place it on the baking sheet.

sponge mixture into the tin and spoon over half the raspberry mixture. Top with half the remaining sponge mixture, then the remaining mashed raspberry mixture. Finally, add the rest of the sponge mixture and level the surface. Swirl a knife through the mixture a couple of times to ripple the ingredients together.

the pastry leaving a 2cm border around the edges, then spread a third of the meat mixture down the middle. Lay the boiled eggs on top of the meat and mould the remaining meat around them. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg.

4 Sprinkle the remaining

4 Roll out the rest of

raspberries and flaked almonds on top. Bake for around 1hr or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean (expect the surface of the cake to be level rather than risen in the centre). Sprinkle over a little sugar and leave the cake to cool in the tin. Wrap in greaseproof paper to pack.

3 Spread the mustard onto

the pastry to a 43x18cm rectangle and lay it over the filling. Seal and trim the edges. Chill the slice in the fridge, while the oven heats to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6.

5 Brush with beaten egg,

score the top and bake for 45min. Leave the slice to cool before wrapping it up . august 2019

149

A D V E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E

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simple pleasures

CloCkwise, from top left There’s room types to suit every party; enjoy the views from the rooftop bar; the reception area is designed to make a fun impact; the party keeps going long after dinner in the on-site restaurant

Late-summer escape MaMa Shelter Bordeaux, France Bring the kids (or leave them at home!) to this laid-back Philippe Starck boutique hotel in southwest France

hilippe Starck injects each of his hotels with a healthy dose of funk that belies the affordable room rates. Behand the somewhat drab exterior are expansive, warehouse-style internal spaces and there’s a fantastic rooftop terrace – perfect for sundowners after a day spent exploring the city. The idea of a buzzing village square drove the ground-floor design, as it quadruples as a restaurant, pizzeria, wine bar, and club. In terms of style, fun and flamboyant sum it up, so it will appeal to style aficionados as readily as it does to little ones. Chalked graffiti covers the ceiling,

inflatable rubber rings decorate the bar, and there’s even a ping-pong area. Activity workshops are held for kids aged two to 16 every Sunday. The bedrooms are no less playful, with soft pink walls, checked carpets, and lime-green bathrooms to wow you, plus iMac entertainment systems with free films. Mama Shelter is a veritable fun palace – which, in a city that’s synonymous with wine, makes for a wonderful weekend trip.

Book it Double rooms, from €79, XXL Mama Family suites, from €219. To book, visit mamashelter.com

august 2019

151

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Y Z

BE cAnDLE sAfE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home, but take care to use them safely Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished

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AUGUST 2019

161

a space of my own

‘I converted my stable into a craft studio’ When her passion started to take over the house, Gail Grant turned an outbuilding into her ideal escape from family life and her endless ‘to do’ list…

Gail loves the serenity of her studio

Materials from the stable were reused by Gail to decorate

162

august 2019

“

I have a lot of space in here, which is lucky because I’m a messy, quite chaotic person and I consider that to be part of my creative process

old scaffolding planks lying around, which I used to make a feature wall. Wool from my alpacas insulates it – I sheared them, washed and dried it, and pressed it into the walls. Keith fitted the stove, hearth and flue, while an electrician did the wiring. I did the joinery and decorating. I have a lot of space in the studio, which is lucky because I’m a messy,

”

quite chaotic person and I consider that to be part of my creative process. It gives such a tranquil feeling of escape; it’s somewhere I can really concentrate without the distractions of family life. I use it as a place to chill out, too. It’s a hideaway from the household chores! I try not to bring my phone here, so I don’t have to answer calls or emails. It’s bliss.’

FEATURE Alison Gibb PHOTOGRAPHS DouGlAs Gibb

ail Grant, 60, an events manager turned professional crafter, lives in a four-bedroom Sixties house on a smallholding near Edinburgh with her husband, Keith, who manages a storage business. They have three adult daughters, including Rebecca, who runs a crafts company with Gail. ‘When Rebecca’s daughter was born five years ago, we started a company together so she could be a stay-at-home mum but still have an income. We make homeware and fashion gifts to sell at country fairs. It’s wonderful working together, in a practical and emotional sense, as we support each other’s ideas and balance out one another’s strengths and weaknesses. As the business grew, I thought of converting the disused stable in our garden to use it as a studio. My last horse died some years ago. It’s south-facing, which isn’t ideal – a studio should face north to give a more even light – but the building was there and I was keen to use it. I did almost all the work myself – it was a real labour of love! I used the membrane under the sand floor to line the building and the horses’ kickboard for timber. We had some

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