North Devon Journal's Homes & Gardens 2015

northdevonjournal.co.uk

Everything you’ll need for your home this season.

Words from the professionals Devonshire Pine Stephen from Devonshire Pine knows a thing or two about choosing furniture that’s perfect for your home.

He says: “Our oldest range stocked – New Pine – is still one of our best sellers. It’s a classic and timeless style of furniture and is appreciated in any room.”

With a wide range of oak products to suit all budgets, and in various different finishes, it’s easy to find the perfect addition to your home.

All the furniture is made from kiln-dried Scandinavian redwood at the factory in Bideford, where it is machined, assembled, sprayed, and packed ready for delivery by a large transport fleet to independent retail customers all over the UK. Devonshire Pine’s furniture showroom is open six days a week and is about to double in size with a new showroom extension.

If you want to update your furniture for the new season but don’t know where to begin, talk to Stephen and his team for advice about high quality, stylish and local furniture.

Finishing Touches

Welcome...

Spring is here and with it comes a sense of getting rid of the old and bringing in the new. There’s no better place to make changes than in your own home.

Inside Homes & Gardens, we’ve got plenty of ways you can revamp your home this season, from small changes such as cushions, bedding and furniture to bold new colour schemes and flooring designs.

We’ve got all the best interior trends for this year as well as expert advice from North Devon designers, furniture makers and tradesmen who share their insider knowledge and top tips.

Now that the days are getting longer, it’s a great time to get in the garden. Derrick Dyer from Eggesford Gardens gives his advice on how to make the most out of your garden, while we have tips on what’s good to grow at this time of year. If you’re short on outdoor space, don’t worry: we’ve also got advice on how you can get gardening when don’t have a garden.

So put the kettle on, grab a comfy chair and find some inspiration in Homes & Gardens 2015. Enjoy!

Advertising Sales Manager:

Fiona Clarke

Editorial:

Ruth King

Contents: Trends Living Spaces Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms and Flooring Eco Home Outdoor Living Gardens

Page 3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12

Design:

Creative Hub creativehubs.co.uk

Julia from Finishing Touches, South Molton believes that interior design can greatly affect your mood. After all, you spend a vast majority of your time in your home environment – if you are unhappy with the interior, you will feel unhappy yourself.

With Spring on its way and the weather looking up, now is a great time to make interior changes to boost both your home and your mood.

Finishing Touches is painted with William Morris’ quote: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”, which Julia is a firm believer in. While this is a great place to start, she also has some expert advice of her own.

“Be clever with your money and furnishings and know your budget. While manufacturing costs are always the same, you can save money by using cheaper fabrics which are just as effective.”

“Keep your rooms neutral and change the furnishings. You can have neutral floors and furniture and add splashes of colour and pattern on the lampshades, cushions, curtains and ‘hero’ pieces of furniture which give the room a completely different feel. That way, when you want to change the room again a few years down the line, just remove the furnishings and you’re back to a completely neutral room and a blank canvas again.”

“Never put something in your home unless you love it and can live with it every day. While homes follow fashion trends and it’s easy to be swayed by something that’s in style, you want to choose something that is classic, timeless and costefficient and you will love for years to come.”

Julia also has lots to say on what’s popular this year.

“Blue and cream is popular in any room of the house, as are vintage fabrics paired with contemporary furniture. Animals, nature and floral prints are popular too and are very versatile.”

“More than anything, people want colour back in their lives.

Colour is good for the soul and makes you happy.”

Interior design trends Bold floral prints

Greek Blue/ Petal Pink

Designers Clarke and Clarke forecasted Greek blue and petal pink to be the colours of 2015. Greek Blue is great paired with white and cream in any room of the house and petal pink is perfect for adding fresh touches of colour throughout the home.

THIS SEASON’S TOP INTERIOR FASHIONS

Professional tips

Marsala

Pantone’s colour of 2015 is Marsala. This rich, winey red is great for adding feelings of drama and decadence to any room and matches well with the Renaissance trend that is great in any lounge space.

iLiv Fabric at Finishing Touches

“Gustavian colours like light and dark greys mixed with white are big this season, as well as duck egg blue. These colours make your home chic and elegant.”

Karen - La Belle Maison

Furnishings at La Belle Maison iLiv Fabric at Finishing Touches

“Big and bold f loral print wallpaper and fabrics brighten up your home and are extremely popular.”

Karen - La Belle Maison

“Country prints such as hares and wildlife are really in at the moment and f ly off our shelves – they’ve been popular all year. Country-style furnishings make your home feel cosy.”

Karen - La Belle Maison

Living Spaces

New Oak Dining at Devonshire Pine

Clovelly Dining at Devonshire Pine

Home Pine

Living Space Trends

Chris from Home Pine is an expert when it comes to handbuilt and hand-finished furniture.

He is a one-man furniture making team, based in North Devon and has been building oak and pine furniture with his own hands for more than 20 years.

He says: “I design products to suit all kinds of houses, from new builds to old farmhouses. I would recommend choosing neutral furniture that will go in any room of the house and with any interior scheme.”

“I specialise in bespoke interior oak and pine furniture which can be painted and finished in a variety of colours. I trade on reputation and offer free advice and free quotes. If you want to update your furniture but don’t know where to begin – come to me.”

Tactile embroidery

Embroidered fabrics are big in 2015 and add a sense of luxury to any room. They’re perfect for covering furniture or for making curtains and create a cosy and comforting atmosphere.

Stripes

Gucci’s 2015 menswear collection took inspiration from the nautical profession, with stripes and deck shoes in abundance.

Stripes (especially blue and white) are a huge trend for this year, not only in the home but when it comes to clothing too.

Horizontal blue and white stripes with a narrow band are more subtle but if you want to make a statement, opt for broad stripes in a bold colour.

Floral/Botanical

“Quality pine furniture in North Devon” Pip Studios Furnishing at Daisy Park

Home Pine Furniture Centre www.home-pine.co.uk

MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPACES IN YOUR HOME

Daisy Park www.daisypark.co.uk

2015’s biggest interiors trend takes inspiration from nature with organic fabrics and lots of greenery. Floral or botanical prints in the home channel this trend, but they don’t have to be twee.

Choose bold and bright prints to give the home and fresh and vibrant feel.

Living Spaces

Furnfix

With 31 years’ experience, Furnfix has got furniture fitting down to a fine art.

The team of twelve specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, home studies, business offices and reception areas and offer a free consultation, planning and quotation service with no obligation.

All its furniture is bespoke which is especially useful for fitting furniture into unusual spaces, such as a study in an eaves space or a kitchen in a tight corner.

Ken says: “Country-style studies are especially popular this year. We can build integrated filing systems, keyboard trays and radiator covers to utilise and maximise any space and create a cosy yet efficient room”.

“All our furniture is made exactly to the customer’s requirements and we mainly trade on word of mouth, having built up a great reputation in North Devon.”

“Check out our brand new website for more details and inspiration at www.furnfixdevon.c o.uk”

We have a vast range of wardrobes and doors, non-standard heights available.

Gain space and work area by careful practical design.

STORAGE, FURNISHING, DECORATING & MORE

Kitchen

THIS YEAR’S LATEST TRENDS FOR THE KITCHEN

Kitchen by Furnfix Kitchen by Furnfix

Bold is better

Bold colour is a big trend for kitchens in 2015, but the amount of colour can be adjusted to suit individual taste. Not feeling that brave? Try bright accents of primary colours on appliances to lighten up your kitchen. A bright feature wall or a splash of paint on the cupboards adds a great focal point and draw the eye in. Want to go for it? Paint the walls a bright shade, but balance it out with lighter, neutral cupboards and fittings.

Neat and tidy

In 2015, a tidy kitchen is a chic kitchen. The aim is to maximise the layout of the kitchen and increase storage space for ease and fluidity. Eliminate stress in the kitchen by adding pull out shelves – perfect for storing pots and pans or pantry goods and you’ll find them in seconds. No more rummaging!

Vertical shelves are also great for storing plates, pan lids and chopping boards and are a great way of utilising unused areas of the kitchen.

Posh porcelain

While porcelain flooring sounds luxurious, it’s actually a great idea for those pinching the pennies. Porcelain lasts a lot longer than other more conventional kitchen flooring, and at a fraction of the price.

Crockery by Pip Studios at Daisy Park

Tiles for miles

Tiles are trendy this season, especially if they’re in bold colours.

With lots of designs and sizes to choose from, as well as being really easy to install yourself, there’s no excuse not to revamp your kitchen. Not sure where to start? Try a feature area in a central part of the kitchen – like above the hob or by the sink.

It’s a simple and effective way to make the kitchen more vibrant.

Furnfix Devon www.furnfixdevon.co.uk

Daisy Park www.daisypark.co.uk

Brilliant brass

Perhaps taking inspiration from copper blush – Dulux’s colour of the year– 2015 sees the return of traditional brass pans.

Hanging a few bronzed saucepans in the kitchen is an easy way to elevate the space and give it an elegant feel. If pans aren’t your thing, try anything gold-hued, like vases or cupboard handles.

Everything you’ll need for your home this season.

Crockery by La Belle Maison

Kitchen

THIS YEAR’S LATEST TRENDS FOR THE KITCHEN Kitchen by Furnfix

Kitchen by Furnfix

Crockery by Pip Studios at Daisy Park

Bedrooms

FROM BEAUTIFUL FABRICS TO ELEGANT & RICH FURNITURE

Professional tips Julia from Finishing Touches says “When decorating children’s bedrooms, try to transcend the ages. You want something that will last your child for at least ten years, so paint the walls white and pick fabrics with lots of colours so that when you add clothes, toys and drawings it will all look right.”

Lundy Oak at Devonshire Pine

Antique and rustic

Metallic tones are big in 2015 and this is no different when it comes to the bedroom. Add a touch of luxury with iron frame beds, copper vases or an ornate chandelier. An antique piece or two can give the room a lavish and extravagant feel.

Green elegance

2015 takes most inspiration from nature. Be bang on trend by adding a vase of greenery or flowers to the bedroom, or furnishings in a green hue. This adds an energising yet calming feel to the room – perfect for relaxing and refreshing.

Pip Studios bedding at Daisy Park

Daisy Park www.daisypark.co.uk

Devonshire Pine www.devonshirepineandoak.co.uk

Finishing Touches

Professional tips

Stephen from Devonshire Pine says: “Our most popular furniture style this year is our Lundy bedroom furniture, particularly in “Truffle”. It’s principally of pine with an oak top and every face is painted to the highest quality. It’s made right here in our Devon factory, as shown by the Devonshire flag.”

www.juliafinishingtouches.co.uk

Lundy painted bedroom at Devonshire Pine

Bold, rich tones

Pantone’s colour of 2015 is Marsala – a rich, winey red.

Renaissance-style colours like dark greens, purples and reds are also popular this season and also tie in with antique bedroom fashions. Using rich tones in the bedroom can create an opulent and luxurious feel to the room. If repainting the whole room seems like a bit too much commitment, try adding furnishings like cushions, bedclothes or drapes – bonus points if they are velvet or satin.

Bathroom

SCULPTURAL FITTINGS TO SUBTLE COLOURS AND TILES Pip Studios Towels at Daisy Park

Nature

Natural and organic materials are a huge trend this season, and where better to use them than in the bathroom? An abundance of green foliage brings the outside in to create a relaxing atmosphere, while natural materials such as stone or wood create a zen-like spa vibe, perfect for de-stressing at the end of the day.

Sustainable style is also big in 2015 where an eco-friendly frame of mind is increasingly common. Combine two trends in one by using reclaimed timber or locally found materials in the bathroom.

Freestanding bathtubs

Sculptural baths were popular in 2014 and the trend looks set to continue this year. Not only do freestanding bathtubs look visually striking, they also create a indulgent and relaxing mood. Semi-inset standalone baths are great for smaller spaces and incorporate the luxury of a freestanding tub, with the practicalities of a built-in bath.

Tiles

Like the kitchen, tiles in the bathroom are set to be a big trend in 2015. However, instead of feature walls, it’s all about feature floors. It’s a great trend to suit any size of bathroom. Smaller spaces can be elevated into something altogether more stylish with a feature floor, while larger bathrooms look elegant – especially when combined with a free standing bath.

Grey

Perhaps taking inspiration from the release of Fifty Shades of Grey earlier this year, grey is set to be a trend not just in the bathroom but throughout the rest of the home. Use it to effect by paring it with white to create a cool, sophisticated feel.

Flooring

BRIGHT, SIMPLE & FUNCTIONAL

Colour splashes

Neutral tones are good throughout the home but a splash of bright colour can have a big impact. Small areas of floor are the place to play with colour, such as hallways and landings.

Totally taupe

Taupe-coloured flooring is big this season and can be utilised in any room to bring a natural and calming effect. Taupe comes from the French meaning “mole”, so think brown and grey colours. Taupe can be used most effectively in larger rooms, like hardwood flooring in a kitchen/diner and large carpeted areas in lounges and bedrooms.

Carpet tile

While tiled feature walls are big in kitchens and bathrooms this season, 2015 also sees the return of the carpet tile. A custom made flooring jigsaw can be utilised in any room and makes a great focal point. Blend light and dark tones of a similar colour to add great contrast and prevent the look from becoming too bright.

Eco Homes

reducing your carbon footprint, and cutting your energy bills.

Bradworthy Glass Mike from Bradworthy Glass has some great advice to update your home this season.

“Instead of buying new uPVC windows, just replace the sealed units. This can save a lot of money and makes any room look brighter and feel warmer.”

“We can also upgrade existing internal and external doors to give your home a whole new look. My top tip would be to replace plain glass with our decorative glass for a lovely and individual effect.”

Low carbon living in period properties A Devon energy saving company is celebrating its fifth successful year in business.

CosyHome was founded by two climate change experts and aims to tackle the problem of high carbon emissions from ‘energy leaky’ period and listed properties. Eco-entrepreneur and low carbon living expert Mukti Mitchell will start the party with a series of talks the first of which is to be held at Endecott House, Chagford on May 14.

CosyHome, which is based in Bideford, North Devon, was started to provide a way of helping to reduce heat loss and therefore CO2 emissions in older protected properties but with little or no disruption and while retaining their original charm and character.

As a result it developed a clever, virtually invisible and English Heritage-approved energy saving window insulation system for original windows, as well as specialist sloping ceiling insulation and natural eco friendly loft insulation.

The business recently won the Chartered Institute of Building Sustainability Award and can its products can reduce heat loss by as much as 70%.

“I am passionate about the environment and have spent my life promoting a low carbon lifestyle” said Mukti Mitchell founder of CosyHome and author of The Guide to Low Carbon Lifestyle. “As energy bills continue to rise for period properties the unique range of energy saving products I have developed including original window insulation and our sheep’s wool loft insulation can save you money as well as helping the planet”.

Already installed in hundreds of period and listed properties across the county CosyHome uses skilled Devon craftsmen

for all its products. Its special window insulation system called CosyGlazing, is made from plexiglass, a modern lightweight equivalent to glass often used in aeroplanes, fixes into place using magnetic strips which allows the windows to open and close smoothly even with the glazing system. The company often also restores and draught proofs original windows before CosyGlazing is fitted so that they leave them in perfect working order.

In its first five years the company has insulated more than 180 traditional homes, many of them listed, and saved more than 3,000 tonnes of CO2.

The five year celebrations will begin this month with a series of talks by Mukti Mitchell, co-founder and eco-entrepreneur who is also an expert and author on low carbon living. The first of these talks, entitled “Energy Saving, Beautiful Old Houses and Low Carbon Living” will take place at Endecott House in Chagford on May 14 2015 from 7pm until 8.30pm and is free to attend on registration by email: info@cosyhomecompany.co.uk

Outdoor living

THE PERFECT GARDEN, WITH EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED

Torridge Gates Hayes Garden Machinery

Mark from Torridge Gates has some great advice for updating your garden furniture this season: “Always buy quality. Our furniture is pressure treated and will last a lot longer than anything from a generic national shop. You don’t need to treat our products – just put them in the garden and enjoy them.”

“Office sheds have been popular this year, for people who want an office at home. Entrance gates have been popular too. We can make bespoke gates and furniture to suit any size.”

If you’re looking to tidy the garden before the good weather arrives but don’t have the tools for the job, then visit Hayes UK Garden on April 6 for its 2015 Open Day. Based in South Molton, the open day will be Hayes’ launch of becoming the main Honda lawnmower dealer in North Devon.

You will also be able to see its new showroom displaying a great range of products. Deals will be available during the Open Day so you can bag yourself a bargain and there will be a demonstration area so you can try a product before you buy.

Hayes also offers a part-exchange service so if you want to update your lawnmower then you can bring it along to the showroom and save yourself some money.

With excellent knowledge and top tips for the right product for you – Hayes has everything you need to get busy in the garden this Spring.

Torridge Gates www.torridgegates.co.uk

The “little bit of Bespoke” you gave made it perfect!

Mark Jacks - Plymouth

Hayes 01769 579 862 www.hayesgardenmachinery.co.uk

Gardening

make the most of your garden this year

Gardening without a garden : six top tips Have you ever felt like you’ve got green fingers but never had the space to find out? Good news!

While many people dream of having a vegetable patch to call their own, gardens are becoming fewer and far between and it’s a big problem.

Gardening lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, strengthens your immune system and can even make your happier.

But you don’t even need a garden to feel the benefits of getting dirt under your nails. All you need is a small patio area, or even just a windowsill to grow your own fruit and vegetables, or plant your own flowers.

If you have a small outdoor space, like a patio or decking area or even outside the front door, you can grow lots of things in containers and now is the best time to get started. Here’s our step by step guide:

Choose your vessel

You can find plastic containers very cheaply at larger supermarkets, or if you want something a little more robust then terracotta pots can be found at garden centres or some discount stores. Compost can be found cheaply at the same place.

Fill it up

If your containers don’t have holes in the bottom, put some in.

Then line the bottom with a small amount of newspaper. Fill three quarters of the way with compost, leaving a little dip in the middle – then you’re ready to get planting.

Pick your plants

You can either buy plants from a garden centre or grow your own from a seed. If you choose to grow your own, it’s always best to do it in a warm, sunny location then transfer to the containers when they’re getting larger.

When transferring the larger plants to the containers, brush off any excess soil from the roots, pop into the middle of the compost and cover all over with more compost. You want it to be level with the base of the plant. Water liberally.

Spread out

All herbs grow well in containers, as do leafy greens, root vegetables and strawberries. You can even combine plants in the same pot, but don’t overcrowd them – they need room to grow.

Find a sunny spot

If you don’t have room for lots of pots, herbs and flowers can be grown on any windowsill that gets at least five hours of sun in the summer. Hardier vegetables, like carrots and beans can be grown outside on a small balcony or exterior windowsill.

Keep them fed

Wherever you plant your crops, always remember to feed them regularly. The compost will provide some nutrients, but it’s best to top it up for best results.

What’s good to grow now

Enjoy your garden

There’s no better time to get planting than now, when British Summer Time begins and provides an extra hour of sunshine, and Easter gives thoughts of new life.

The harsh winter frosts have been and gone and all that lies ahead (hopefully) is brighter days and warmer temperatures.

March and April are great times to get the garden organised. Most vegetables and flowers can start to be planted into soil, and the more sensitive plants can get growing indoors.

Salad leaves, chilli peppers and basil will benefit from being sown indoors, and left to grow on a warm windowsill, ready for planting over the next few months.

Flowers like ageratum, coreopsis, sunflowers and petunias can also be planted indoors in a warm room or greenhouse.

Hardier root vegetables can withstand colder spring temperatures, so plant parsnips, leeks, broad beans, carrots and brassicas into well maintained beds.

As the weather turns warmer, it’s a good idea to start planting strawberry plants and raspberry and blackberry canes, ready for an early summer harvest.

Warmer weather also brings an opportunity to plant calendula, wildflowers, comfrey and marigolds outside, to bring colour to garden beds.

Derrick Dyer from Eggesford Garden & Country Centre gives his top tips for enjoying your garden this Spring.

“Whatever the size or shape of your garden, you can transform your outdoor space into an extension of your home.

“Brightly coloured paint can really cheer up your garden. Try the new range of Garden Paint from Ronseal – it can be applied to wood, stone and metal.”

“Pots are a simple way to have a go at gardening. Why not try salad leaves and herbs in a container? You can even get a good crop of potatoes from a largish pot. Other easy to grow veg include radish, carrots, spring onions and tomatoes. You can easily buy small plants and grow them on.

“Flowering plants like Nemesia add a splash of colour, grow well in pots and are easy to care for. Plants growing in containers need watering and will benefit from a weekly feed with a liquid fertilizer such as Tomorite.

“If you’re using your garden for parties, it needs to look good at night too. Adding some solar lighting along with lanterns creates a welcoming atmosphere.

“Lawns can look a bit tired after winter so give them a treat with an application of lawn food. Use an edging iron to tidy up your lawn edge and you will be amazed at how different it looks.

“Friendly advice is always available from the staff at Eggesford Garden. With the Gardens Restaurant serving delicious food it’s a great place to visit - even if you aren’t a gardener.”

Eggesford Garden