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Photographer Kasia Fiszer gets the perfect angle in cover star Rachael’s dreamy kitchen
your snug, we’d like to change that. These once-posh rooms are now becoming must-have spaces for relaxing, snuggling up with a good read or watching films , and we’re offering up some of our favourite ideas and inspiration for carving one out in your home. A worthwhile endeavour mid-winter, I promise. Wherever you’re enjoying this copy of Real Homes, I hope this issue inspires you to look at old trends – and old spaces – with a new perspective.
kaitlin madden Editor in chief @kaitmadden
over c e h t f o s e cen s e h t d n i h e b Ella the cockapoo waits for her close up, or treats for being a good dog
Checking to see if it’s a winning shot
Rachael helps Ella strike a pose – the camera’s the other way!
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PHOTOGRAPH MINDY BRIAR PHOTOGRAPHY
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say about ds is that e new again. Wh lhouettes and rattan ed creeping back into shops I was a little concerned, to be honest. As a child of the 1980s, I remember all too well the style sins I grew up with (why was there so much shag carpet?). But a few years into the decorating renaissance and I’m not only less horrified by it... I’m actually a fan. The thing about trends a second time around is that we’ve had some time to give them a proper edit, resurfacing what was good about them and leaving the bad in the past. The same can be said about the colours of the ‘70s, which we’re taking a renewed look at in our feature on page 40. Tones like caramel, cinnamon and terracotta might have felt dated even five or 10 years ago, but turns out they’re warm and oh-so sophisticated in the right context (I think you’ll agree after having a look at our edit). Of course, after a while even the most celebrated trends start to feel dated. If you’re looking around your home and nodding your head in agreement, you’ll want to check out page 124, where we’re sharing our best budget-friendly tips for updating your kitchen. Whether it’s painting existing units, replacing old work surfaces or figuring out where to splurge and where to save, this four-page feature is packed with ideas for giving your kitchen a new look while keeping costs down. Finally, if you’re not currently reading this issue while curled up in
s t n e t n o c 64
Style agenda
Inside track 13
39
Get the latest kitchen looks for £300 and under
news This month’s hottest new homeware and design ideas
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40 ‘70s revival Take inspiration from this funloving era with warm shades of caramel and terracotta
cuddle up Have your own love-in with one of these bijou loveseats
21
rural nostalgia
49
real home
50
Jen and Pete’s two-storey extension perfectly blends old and new
37
Is a Utility a Must Have?
56
Inspiring ways with staircases
102 49
Give your wooden staircase a fun and vibrant makeover with these statement ideas
What do you think… of our real homes? Tell us and you could win £100 in vouchers
99
create a snug … that’s snuggle worthy. Get the lowdown on how to make yours cosy and well-used
Should washing machines be kept out of the kitchen? Two readers reveal all
85
Designer spotlight The independent wood crafters we’re loving at the moment
Embrace country-inspired chic and connect to a slower-paced life
22
style maths
135 spotlight on spa–style bathrooms Take your cues from nature for a calm and tranquil sanctuary
let’s be friends Follow us on social media
86
141 our top Instagram renovators
SEE ONE OF THESE?
The accounts we love to follow and why
Scan on your phone for more from realhomes.com
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40
s t n e t n co home life 130
63
77 guide to permitted development Cut through the reno red tape
119 extension of the month A striking addition that we love
Real HOME See how Chloe turned a quirky modern townhouse into a vibrant family home
121 kitchen and bathroom news The latest buys and design ideas for a stylish and practical space
100 Is your home causing wfh burnout? How to make this new-found freedom work for us in 2021
124 cut the cost of your kitchen How to update yours for less than you might think
102 Real home Iain and Eoin rethought their flat’s layout and filled it with dark colours, antiques and chandeliers
121
project news The latest ideas and essential purchases for your renovation
real home Jessica Clark let her interior style evolve naturally for a colourful home that’s playful and fun
86
33
my favourite corner A reader shares the part of her home she loves the most
64
project advice
145 guide to laminate Choose the right design for you
114 real bathroom Vicki and David turned a spare room into a private sanctuary
130 real kitchen
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Rachael and Adam updated their kitchen to make their Victorian home perfect for modern living
135
155
152 focus on built–in storage Up your storage game to maximise every nook and alcove
155 The edit The latest kitchen larders and traditional bathroom hardware
162 Sunday Project A fun playhouse for kids made with minimal cost and effort
going Eco Look out for this logo on our favourite sustainable picks
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ISSN 1464 - 4061 áƺ Əȸƺ ƬȒȅȅǣɎɎƺƳ ɎȒ ȒȇǼɵ ɖɀǣȇǕ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ȵƏȵƺȸ ɯǝǣƬǝ ǣɀ ƳƺȸǣɮƺƳ ǔȸȒȅ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǼɵ ȅƏȇƏǕƺƳً ƬƺȸɎǣˡƺƳ ǔȒȸƺɀɎȸɵ ƏȇƳ ƬǝǼȒȸǣȇƺٮǔȸƺƺ ȅƏȇɖǔƏƬɎɖȸƺِ Áǝƺ ȵƏȵƺȸ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ɯƏɀ ɀȒɖȸƬƺƳ ƏȇƳ ȵȸȒƳɖƬƺƳ ǔȸȒȅ ɀɖɀɎƏǣȇƏƫǼƺ ȅƏȇƏǕƺƳ ǔȒȸƺɀɎɀً ƬȒȇǔȒȸȅǣȇǕ ɎȒ ɀɎȸǣƬɎ ƺȇɮǣȸȒȇȅƺȇɎƏǼ ƏȇƳ ɀȒƬǣȒƺƬȒȇȒȅǣƬ ɀɎƏȇƳƏȸƳɀِ Áǝƺ ȅƏȇɖǔƏƬɎɖȸǣȇǕ ȵƏȵƺȸ ȅǣǼǼ ƏȇƳ ȵȸǣȇɎƺȸ ǝȒǼƳ ǔɖǼǼ I³! ƏȇƳ ¨0I! ƬƺȸɎǣˡƬƏɎǣȒȇ ƏȇƳ ƏƬƬȸƺƳǣɎƏɎǣȒȇِ ǼǼ ƬȒȇɎƺȇɎɀ ۰ אאIɖɎɖȸƺ ¨ɖƫǼǣɀǝǣȇǕ nǣȅǣɎƺƳ Ȓȸ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝƺƳ ɖȇƳƺȸ ǼǣƬƺȇƬƺِ ǼǼ ȸǣǕǝɎɀ ȸƺɀƺȸɮƺƳِ zȒ ȵƏȸɎ Ȓǔ Ɏǝǣɀ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ȅƏɵ ƫƺ ɖɀƺƳً ɀɎȒȸƺƳً ɎȸƏȇɀȅǣɎɎƺƳ Ȓȸ ȸƺȵȸȒƳɖƬƺƳ ǣȇ Əȇɵ ɯƏɵ ɯǣɎǝȒɖɎ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸǣȒȸ ɯȸǣɎɎƺȇ ȵƺȸȅǣɀɀǣȒȇ Ȓǔ Ɏǝƺ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝƺȸِ IɖɎɖȸƺ ¨ɖƫǼǣɀǝǣȇǕ nǣȅǣɎƺƳ ٢ƬȒȅȵƏȇɵ ȇɖȅƫƺȸ דזזזא٣ ǣɀ ȸƺǕǣɀɎƺȸƺƳ ǣȇ 0ȇǕǼƏȇƳ ƏȇƳ áƏǼƺɀِ «ƺǕǣɀɎƺȸƺƳ ȒǔˡƬƺ يªɖƏɵ RȒɖɀƺً Áǝƺ ȅƫɖȸɵً ƏɎǝ È ِ ǼǼ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇ ƬȒȇɎƏǣȇƺƳ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ǣɀ ǔȒȸ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇ ȒȇǼɵ ƏȇƳ ǣɀً Əɀ ǔƏȸ Əɀ ɯƺ Əȸƺ ƏɯƏȸƺً ƬȒȸȸƺƬɎ ƏɎ Ɏǝƺ Ɏǣȅƺ Ȓǔ ǕȒǣȇǕ ɎȒ ȵȸƺɀɀِ IɖɎɖȸƺ ƬƏȇȇȒɎ ƏƬƬƺȵɎ Əȇɵ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǣǼǣɎɵ ǔȒȸ ƺȸȸȒȸɀ Ȓȸ ǣȇƏƬƬɖȸƏƬǣƺɀ ǣȇ ɀɖƬǝ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇِ çȒɖ Əȸƺ ƏƳɮǣɀƺƳ ɎȒ ƬȒȇɎƏƬɎ ȅƏȇɖǔƏƬɎɖȸƺȸɀ ƏȇƳ ȸƺɎƏǣǼƺȸɀ ƳǣȸƺƬɎǼɵ ɯǣɎǝ ȸƺǕƏȸƳ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸǣƬƺ Ȓǔ ȵȸȒƳɖƬɎɀٖɀƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ȸƺǔƺȸȸƺƳ ɎȒ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇِ ȵȵɀ ƏȇƳ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺɀ ȅƺȇɎǣȒȇƺƳ ǣȇ Ɏǝǣɀ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ɖȇƳƺȸ Ȓɖȸ ƬȒȇɎȸȒǼِ áƺ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǼƺ ǔȒȸ Ɏǝƺǣȸ ƬȒȇɎƺȇɎɀ Ȓȸ Əȇɵ ȒɎǝƺȸ ƬǝƏȇǕƺɀ Ȓȸ ɖȵƳƏɎƺɀ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺȅِ Áǝǣɀ ȅƏǕƏɿǣȇƺ ǣɀ ǔɖǼǼɵ ǣȇƳƺȵƺȇƳƺȇɎ ƏȇƳ ȇȒɎ ƏǔˡǼǣƏɎƺƳ ǣȇ Əȇɵ ɯƏɵ ɯǣɎǝ Ɏǝƺ ƬȒȅȵƏȇǣƺɀ ȅƺȇɎǣȒȇƺƳ ǝƺȸƺǣȇِ Xǔ ɵȒɖ ɀɖƫȅǣɎ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ɎȒ ɖɀً ɵȒɖ ɯƏȸȸƏȇɎ ɎǝƏɎ ɵȒɖ Ȓɯȇ Ɏǝƺ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ƏȇƳٖȒȸ ǝƏɮƺ Ɏǝƺ ȇƺƬƺɀɀƏȸɵ ȸǣǕǝɎɀٖȵƺȸȅǣɀɀǣȒȇɀ ɎȒ ɀɖȵȵǼɵ Ɏǝƺ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ƏȇƳ ɵȒɖ ƏɖɎȒȅƏɎǣƬƏǼǼɵ ǕȸƏȇɎ IɖɎɖȸƺ ƏȇƳ ǣɎɀ ǼǣƬƺȇɀƺƺɀ Ə ǼǣƬƺȇƬƺ ɎȒ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝ ɵȒɖȸ ɀɖƫȅǣɀɀǣȒȇ ǣȇ ɯǝȒǼƺ Ȓȸ ǣȇ ȵƏȸɎ ǣȇ ƏȇɵٖƏǼǼ ǣɀɀɖƺɀ ƏȇƳٖȒȸ ƺƳǣɎǣȒȇɀ Ȓǔ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇɀً ǣȇ Əȇɵ ǔȒȸȅƏɎ ȵɖƫǼǣɀǝƺƳ ɯȒȸǼƳɯǣƳƺ ƏȇƳ Ȓȇ ƏɀɀȒƬǣƏɎƺƳ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺɀً ɀȒƬǣƏǼ ȅƺƳǣƏ ƬǝƏȇȇƺǼɀ ƏȇƳ ƏɀɀȒƬǣƏɎƺƳ ȵȸȒƳɖƬɎɀِ ȇɵ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ɵȒɖ ɀɖƫȅǣɎ ǣɀ ɀƺȇɎ ƏɎ ɵȒɖȸ Ȓɯȇ ȸǣɀǸ ƏȇƳً ƏǼɎǝȒɖǕǝ ƺɮƺȸɵ ƬƏȸƺ ǣɀ ɎƏǸƺȇً ȇƺǣɎǝƺȸ IɖɎɖȸƺ ȇȒȸ ǣɎɀ ƺȅȵǼȒɵƺƺɀً ƏǕƺȇɎɀً ɀɖƫƬȒȇɎȸƏƬɎȒȸɀ Ȓȸ ǼǣƬƺȇɀƺƺɀ ɀǝƏǼǼ ƫƺ ǼǣƏƫǼƺ ǔȒȸ ǼȒɀɀ Ȓȸ ƳƏȅƏǕƺِ áƺ Əɀɀɖȅƺ ƏǼǼ ɖȇɀȒǼǣƬǣɎƺƳ ȅƏɎƺȸǣƏǼ ǣɀ ǔȒȸ ȵɖƫǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ɖȇǼƺɀɀ ȒɎǝƺȸɯǣɀƺ ɀɎƏɎƺƳً ƏȇƳ ȸƺɀƺȸɮƺ Ɏǝƺ ȸǣǕǝɎ ɎȒ ƺƳǣɎً ƏȅƺȇƳً ƏƳƏȵɎ ƏǼǼ ɀɖƫȅǣɀɀǣȒȇɀِ
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Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford !ǝǣƺǔ ˡȇƏȇƬǣƏǼ ȒǔˡƬƺȸ Rachel Addison Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244
REALHOMES.COM
PRODUCTION Head of Production Mark Constance Production Project Manager Clare Scott Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson Production Manager Vivienne Calvert
INSIDE INSIDE
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Get the scoop on new design ideas, must-have products and looks you’ll love… Nordic Move On Avalon sofa, £1,099; Joslin floor lamp, £99; Larkin cotton throw, £39; Rudzi set of two cushions, £35, and Nighy handtufted wool rug, £349
NEW LOOK Trend seekers behold; the latest offerings from urban style aficionados Made are upon us. Presenting three brand new collections of statement trends, they have covered all things curvy, textural, smooth, bronzed and, well, everything in between. Nordic Move On, Luxe Maximalist and The New Soft are the tantalising trends that you can view on the clever virtual tour of the brand’s Amsterdam apartment.
Selky corduroy cushions in mustard, £39 for two
Sulta brass side stool, £69
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
Anakie accent chair in Mountain Grey, £399
Coretta round rattan wall mirror, £139
easy living Keep your cool with more from Made’s Nordic Move On collection – a perfect way to refresh any room
Ankhara sideboard in black-stained oak and cane, £549
Mosie tufted cotton cushion in soft pink, £29
Rumana dining chair in cane and nutmeg orange velvet, £129
3 OF THE BEST
Alma cushion cover, £15, La Redoute
Tufted cushions Are you feeling the newest cushion trend yet? Tactile doesn’t cover it: these super-textured soft furnishings will bring extra layers into your lair.
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Kerala tufted embellished cushion, £18, Next
Whether you’re after design ideas for every room in your home, the latest deals on homeware or inspiration for those finishing touches, you’ll find it all at realhomes.com
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Cotton tufted cushion, £25, Joe Browns
COUNTRY HERITAGE In homage to the historical designs of its homeland, Transylvania, quirky interiors company Mind the Gap is celebrating its fifth anniversary by launching a very personal collection of wallpapers, fabric, furniture and homewares. Inspired by evocative forests, villages, nature, folk and gypsies, it’s comforting and fun.
Bookworm Bold British Design: Modern living spaces to inspire fearlessness and creativity by Emilio Pimentel-Reid and Sarah Hogan (£30, Quadrille Publishing) Take an exclusive peek inside 20 top British creatives’ studios, homes and mood boards in this inspiring book packed with beautiful imagery, designed to help you achieve a bold, original and fearless home of your own. Celebrating our heritage, history, wit and attitude, this is more than just a coffee table-topper.
Transylvanian Roots Folk Embroidery wallpaper, £135 for three rolls, Mind the Gap
Bedded bliss
These lovely bedlinens, made from French flax, are the latest from bedding experts Scooms. The newest collection was months in the making, undergoing vigorous testing to ensure ultimate comfort, a lightweight finish, long-lasting wear and dreamy softness.
A Diane von Furstenberg collection vase, coming soon to H&M Home
H&M X DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
Linen bedding in soft pink, from £40, Scooms
Now here’s a collaboration we’re super excited for. International fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is bringing her unique flair to H&M Home with an interiors collection that encourages personal style. Based around her iconic fashion prints and colour play, there will be vases, cushion covers, blankets, candles and more. Details to be revealed…
MOVABLE FEAST
TIDY DESK, TIDY MIND Get a kick of style along with a clutterfree table. These new pastel-toned, grooved desk accessories from Martha Brook will step up your work-zone game. Add to your to-buy list, pronto.
Pastel rounded pencil tray in marble, £16.95
Pastel scalloped pen pot in soft peach, £19.95
Break free from the constraints of wires with a portable lamp. The Como and the Manhattan by &Tradition are battery-powered and easily recharged with a magnetic USB cable. The Manhattan is made from extruded aluminium and canvas. The mushroomshaped Como is anodized aluminium, and can be used indoors and out. How’s that for some get up and glow?
Pastel grooved coaster/pen holder in mint green, £14.95 &Tradition SC52 Manhattan and SC53 Como portable table lamps, both £145, Nest
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Baldaz brushed brass-effect 3-lamp pendant light, £70
Pep & Co paint in English Mustard, £3 for 1ltr, Poundland
Apennin wall lamp in black, £25
TIME TO LIGHT THE LIGHTS B&Q has brightened us up with some fabulous fresh arrivals of swish light sources. Its new ceiling, wall and floor beauties are not only easy on the eye but very wallet friendly, too. These style-led shapes, materials and finishes would give a boost to any scheme. Yarra pendant lamp in green, £40
Wutai natural light pendant, £25
A REAL DEAL We can hardly believe our eyes at this absolute bargain in a tin. If you’re craving an upgraded hue on your walls, or ceiling but the price of paint leaves you wincing, check out the Pep & Co paint range and prepare for some fresh tones at economical prices. Available from Poundland in a variety of vibrant shades, they cost as little as £3 for a 2.5ltr tin of brilliant white or magnolia.
British Revival Prepare for the evolution of a classic: with more than 65 years of iconic design under its well-styled belt, Laura Ashley is back on the interiors map. It has linked up with retail giant Next to continue its legacy of home products, including wallpaper and upholstery ranges, both online and in stores. A perfectlytimed refresh for spring 2021.
Laura Ashley’s iconic interiors look will soon be available through Next
PEDESTAL POWER Be your own emperor with modern furniture inspired by ancient Greek pillars. Use as a statement side table, extra seating or an elevated platform for your favourite sculptures. Broste Copenhagen’s Rillo is made from tactile Fiberclay and available in two on-trend colours, each with a matt concrete finish.
Rillo podiums, from £185, Broste Copenhagen
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Lily snuggle seat, £599, Next
Rochester loveseat in terracotta velvet, £899, Marks & Spencer
Alchemist chair in Plush Turmeric, £899, Sofology
Darwin loveseat in J Brown Fabrics Monza Buttercup, £2,835, Darlings Of Chelsea
CUDDLE UP Hermione fabric snuggler, £799, Furniture Village
Hector green velvet cuddle chair, £430, Argos
Have a love-in on a bijou love seat – designed for getting cosy with a companion, the dog or a warm drink
Bumpster loveseat chaise, from £1,095, Loaf
Stocksund armchair in Tallmyra blue, £329, Ikea
Fingal loveseat in Biba Navy Palm, £1,150, Sofa.com
n now
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
For the finishing touch, your own colourful comfort blanket to snuggle up under
Multicoloured throw, £17, George Home Monaco loveseat in grey, £749, Dwell
Croft Collection Frome loveseat, £1,099, John Lewis & Partners
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NEXT MONTH – STYLISH OFFICE STORAGE FOR ALL BUDGETS
Flora velvet loveseat sofa, £595, Oliver Bonas
REALHOMES.COM
Ottilie velvet loveseat, from £1,631, Love Your Home
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U R B A N C OT TAG E FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
Hankering after some escapism and homely comforts? Embrace countryinspired chic to help feel a connection to a slower, more rustic kind of life 1 Patrice 1-light pendant in silver glass, £70.80, där lighting 2 Highgate rustic oak and painted small dresser, £799.99, Oak Furnitureland 3 Rust-Oleum Mustard chalky finish furniture paint, £13.99 for 750ml, Very 4 Kitchen Craft homemade stoneware mixing bowl, £11.99, Charlies 5 Blue wooden desk lamp, £49, The Grey Works 6 Traditional floral cushion, £7, George Home 7 Roger medium bar stool, £105, French Connection 8 Spice Rack kitchen paint, £20.50 for 2.5ltrs, Crown 9 Trestle kitchen table in Heritage Blue, £995, Loaf 10 Billie Crewel rug, from £78, Anthropologie 11 Diego green bottle, £34.99, Dobbies 12 Bronte coral velvet upholstered wingback armchair, £139, Cult Furniture 13 Cushion in Otega Jacquard soft floral pattern blue grey fabric JO-342, £36.99 per m, Yorkshire Fabric Shop 14 Wooden chopping board, £12.99, Homesense 15 Henley cake stand, £49, Hunter & Co 16 Fox & Ivy coral floral mug, £5, Tesco
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REALHOMES.COM
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NEXT MONTH – STEP INTO THE BLUE WITH COOL AEGEAN TEAL
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A pieceof history Period home extension
Jen and Pete Fletcher went through the emotional mill with their ambitious two-storey extension, but they now have a beautifully thought-out home that’s inspired Jen’s new career Why we love Jen’s home
Falling out of love with a property is understandable following a lengthy planning battle, issues with builders and escalating costs, but Jen Fletcher’s renovation experience hasn’t put her off. In fact, it’s led her to set up a business, Squiffy Mill Interiors, to make project managing, design and styling easier for others. Having each renovated several homes before getting together, Jen and husband Pete had ploughed their energies into a three-bedroom Grade II-listed cottage in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. However, after having son Alfie and with daughter Rose on the way, they needed more space and a bigger garden. Soon they found a three-bedroom detached house in the nearby village of Stoneleigh, then set about transforming their new property into a family home fit for their children to grow up in. It’s not been without its challenges – in fact, the couple considered selling part way through the works – but they’ve come through the other end with a stunning home and plenty of experience under their belts. We spoke to Jen to discover how they did it. Left The mill’s entrance has been moved, to pleasing symmetrical effect. Front door, Solidor
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‘The mill pond sometimes floods, which meant we had to get a structural engineer involved with the decking. It’s sunk into concrete for stability. We were going to have glass around the decking but it would’ve been a nightmare to keep clean, so we opted for wooden spindles.’ Golden Oak Millboard decking, Woodworks of Kenilworth
‘We saved money by hiring a semi-retired cabinet maker who rarely takes on projects, but the trade-off was being flexible on time. He made the kitchen over six months while the extension was being built. The modern Shaker style with a country feel suits the age of the house, and robust handles and good quality plinths make a big impact.’ Bespoke kitchen painted in Raven Plume, Dulux. CRL Quartz worktops, Godiva Granite. Stools, Made. Engineered oak flooring, Barbers Flooring. Range cooker (in alcove), Rangemaster. Striped tea towel, John Lewis & Partners
Profile THE OWNERs Jen Fletcher, an interior stylist and project manager (squiffymill.co.uk), her husband, Pete, who works in digital technology, their children, Alfie, seven, and Rose, five, plus cat, Betty THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Victorian house in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire project COST £144,500
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Over to Jen... Ideally we wanted a project with kerb appeal and period features, but it was difficult to find anything where the sums added up. This property was originally built in the 18th century as a mill house, before being rebuilt in the late 19th century and later becoming the village shop. It was slightly out of budget but we viewed it anyway, fell in love and had to stretch ourselves. ‘There was inherent character, but it lacked personality – everything was painted cream, from the walls and woodwork to the kitchen, bathroom and radiators. We knew the galley kitchen was far too small and didn’t link with the third-of-an-acre plot. However, Pete loved the setting overlooking a mill pond and it had lots of potential. We hired architecture firm Brock Charles for the works – they’d done lots of work with old and listed homes, so were able to navigate the local planning process. ‘Being in a Conservation Area, the house could only be increased by 30 per cent of its original size, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing as constraining our plans kept costs down. We opted for a two-storey extension incorporating a square kitchen-diner with a fourth bedroom and en suite shower room above. Unfortunately, our plans were initially rejected – the planners claimed the extension would spoil the view of greenbelt land behind us, which didn’t really make sense as no-one could see it. We won on appeal but the process took almost 18 months. ‘Finding a good builder was a challenge. Our architect recommended someone but their quote was almost double the two I’d already got. We couldn’t justify the huge difference in cost so we went with a cheaper quote. ‘We fell out of love with the house during the process and even considered selling it as soon as we finished. However, once the extension was completed and we started decorating, I began to feel better.
TOP TIP
BEFORE
Pendant lights, Graham & Green. Try Tap Warehouse for a similar flexible tap. Dining table and benches, Next. Wishbone-style chairs, Wayfair. Blue throw, Cotswold Company
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#SOREALHOMES
WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE
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Ensuring the house and extension flowed together sympathetically was key. The extension was built from reclaimed bricks with a slate roof, and we painted the new windows to match the replacement ones in the old house. We opted for brick slips by the dining table and in the false chimney breast, as well as matching in cornicing and adding panelling in the bedrooms. Our builder didn’ think they were a good idea, if your heart’s set on someth you have to fight your corne
FOR MORE EXTENSION IDEAS AND ADVICE, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/EXTENSIONS
If you love the raw look of exposed walls, brick slips can be cost-effective, and less messy than stripping off old plaster
Leather sofa, Loaf. Eucalyptus crown original artwork, Florence Lee & Co, is similar. Propagating plants art print, Young Schmidt Prints. Austin cement table lamp, Iconic Lights. Oak side table, Lusophile
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Above Piano, Yamaha. Ceiling pendant light, Watt & Veke. Walls painted in Card Room Green and Wimbourne White, Farrow & Ball. Floor lamp, Laura Ashley
Bought house June 2014
PROJECT TIMELINE
Left and right I redecorated this room a number of times but it never felt right and I couldn’t work out why. After creating a moodboard, I found a muted green that felt a lot calmer than the darker green we’d tried before. I think I’d been influenced by styles on social media, which don’t always work with my own palette. The loveseat is one of my favourite things. It’s such a lovely size for cuddling up with the kids and reading a book. It’s a happy coincidence that all my artwork coordinates with the room, but you could pull things together with identica es or spray frames from c y shops the same colou
Right Love seat, Loaf. Black side table, Ikea. Console table, Cotswold Company. Tall vase, John Lewis & Partners. Wooden bird ornament, Normann Copenhagen
Building works started January 2017
Planning permission granted August 2016
Decking built April 2019
Main bathroom renovation June 2018
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Windows in original house replaced August 2019
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I’m not one for feature walls, as I like to be able to look in every direction and feel like I’m in the same room, so we fitted panelling to a height of around two-thirds across all the walls in our bedroom. It fits in and yet gives a different feel to the dado rails elsewhere that are one third up the walls, and also allows me to add a colour that’s balanced by the white above.
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Panelling painted in De Nimes, and walls in All White, Farrow & Ball. Bed, Happy Beds. Green throw, Home Equals Happy. Blue throw, Hurn & Hurn. Stitched cushions, B&Q. Navy velvet cushions, Cushook. William Morris cushions, Etsy. Bedside table, Cotswold Company. Lamp, Made. Curtains and blinds, Blinds2Go
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The guest bedroom is south facing but overshadowed by a huge tree, so it took a lot of tester pots to find the right shade of white that wouldn’t look too harsh. I wanted to create a calm and tranquil room for guests. The combination of dusky pink with rust is one of my favourite colour schemes in the whole house. I’m always trying to get that balance of clean, fresh and modern but with a country feel, too, which is why I added the stripes. To save money, I revamped the fitted wardrobes, which had window panes and net curtains. I ed the glass, painted them to match the walls and t added hexagon handles
Top left Arkin chair, Dunelm. Woven tweed cushion cover, Grand Illusions. Red Root open edition fine art print, Florence Lee & Co Left Master bedroom chest of drawers, Next. Isle of Wight artwork, Mapiful. Fly Away by Kubistika artwork, Juniqe. Plant pot, Homesense
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Above For a similar headboard, try the Karr upholstered in Heather, Wayfair. The Emporium turned-leg bedside table, Feather & Black, has a similar style. Walls painted in Mole’s Breath and All White, Farrow & Ball. Striped cushion made with Ian Mankin fabric. Glass vase, Home Equals Happy. Tall vase, John Lewis & Partners
Below Bottom of wall painted in Night Jewels 1, Dulux. Teepee, Hobbycraft. Pompoms and artwork, Etsy. Adventure print, BT Design Co. Dinosaur head (upcycled), Asda
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Alfie and Rose helped choose their bedroom colour schemes after looking at Pinterest boards with me, although I got the final say to ensure it worked with the rest of the house. Rose is very creative and into crafts, dancing and singing, while Alfie wants to be a naturalist so he’s all about animals. Because they have so many fads and phases, whatever they’re into is limited to thin like artwork or duvet covers they can easily be changed.
Above Walls painted in Erica, Paint & Paper Library. Shelving, Great Little Trading Company. Fox head and rabbit lamp, Hurn & Hurn. Milk print, Rachel J Powell. Canvas toy storage, H&M
THE PLANS GROUND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
BEFORE
AFTER
LIVING ROOM
BEFORE
AFTER
BEDROOM BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM BEDROOM
WC
PORCH
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BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BATHROOM
KITCHEN/FAMILY ROOM
BATHROOM
PLAY ROOM KITCHEN
UTILITY
DINING ROOM
HALLWAY
PORCH BEDROOM EN SUITE
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Although we hadn’t budgeted for revamping the bathroom, we upgraded it with new sanitaryware and a walk-in shower instead of an enclosure, which made it feel less corridorlike. It looked out of place in comparison to the rest of the house, and the tongue and groove panelling was rotten in places, so we tackled it while we had the main trades in. ‘Everything was cream in here, including the carpet; new floor tiles were a must, along with a new basin with storage underneath for the kids’ toys. We kept the bath, painting it grey to match the vanity unit.
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Admiral roll-top bath, Victorian Plumbing, is similar. Vanity unit, House of Enki. Floor tiles, Tile Giant. Panelling painted in Basket of Bobbins, Valspar. For a similar glass wall light, try the Lenham, The Lighting Company. Towel, South Hammam
Costs & contacts Extension £80,000 Doors and windows £30,000 Kitchen and utility £13,000 Decorating £8,000 Decking £7,500 Bathroom £6,000 Architect Brock Charles, 01789 765099, brockcharles.com Windows Residence Collection, 01452 345732, residencecollection.co.uk Window fit Fox Windows & Doors, 01926 754044, foxwindowsanddoors.com Electrics Phil Green at 007 Electricians, 01926 870218, 007electricians.com Decking Woodworks of Kenilworth, 07786 265102
Signature Halo Pine, from £70 per m2
Spacia Royal Oak, from £40 per m2
PROJECT
NEWS S AND ESSENTIA D EN TR S, EA ID ST TE LA E TH
HALL OR NOTHING
FOR YOUR HOME IMPRO VEMENT PROJECT
Your hallway flooring should make the best first impression, but be durable enough to withstand anything you throw on it – kicked-off shoes, dumped bags and parked bikes. Amtico’s LVT (luxury vinyl tile) looks like tiles, wood or timeless parquet, but is also waterproof and scratch resistant. Amtico LVT costs from £40 per square metre
Steamy windows
Condensation can steam up windows and leave water pooling on your sills, ruining curtains and blinds. Caused by cold weather and lots of indoor activity, the air is trapped inside thanks to too-efficient glazing. A dehumidifier like the MeacoDry ABC 10L and 12L can suck in air, remove moisture and blow it out again to keep the home dry.
SWEET SOLUTION We all want to make things cosy at home – especially this winter. Between 20 and 50 per cent of heat can escape through windows, so you need the right covering to stop it. The double honeycomb design of Apollo’s Duette blinds makes them energy efficient, with an insulating barrier that reduces heat loss by up to 46 per cent. And if you’re not ramping up the heating, you could see your energy bills drop by up to 12 per cent. ThThere’s a choice of 350 fabrics, from black out blinds for the bedroom to semi-sheer for living spaces, with motorised, app and voice-actived blinds for hard-to-reach windows
Duette blinds, prices start at £162 for 1100mm x1100mm made-tomeasure, Apollo Blinds
Mind the gap FEATURE ALISON JONES
L BUYS
To stop cold air creeping through gaps, the smart thing to do is plug it, like wrapping a scarf round your neck. The gap around the frame of rooflights – recommended by manufacturers so the opening can be squared up – can lead to cold bridging. Keylite Windows now offers an expanding thermal collar as standard, integrated into the frame of every window. It activates when the rooflight is fitted, filling the gap and stopping heat loss and condensation.
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MeacoDry ABC dehumidifier, from £149.90, Meaco
Rooflights from £199, Keylite Roof Windows
REALHOMES.COM
Form Barrel Oak Trestle, from £50 per m2
Glass act Keeping doors closed in winter can lead to gloomy halls and dark landings where there are no windows to let daylight in. Don’t let this be a barrier to brightness. These LPD industrial-style doors have enough glazing to keep the light flowing through rooms. A perfect combination of contemporary and classic, they have Art Deco influences and the look of the black steelframed doors that are as on-trend now as when they were first designed back in the Victorian era. But they also have an urban edge that’ll fit with a modern loft-like scheme. They cost from £213.99, Moda Doors
Lead the car charge Mandy Simpson, brand director at Anderson EV (andersen-ev. com), reveals how to switch on to charging your electric car. What options are there for charging your car at home? You can use a domestic three-pin plug socket for 2.3kW of power for emergency slow charging and keep your car ticking over. Most drivers prefer the speed and convenience of installing a home fast charging point. About 350,000 homes will be fitted with electric vehicle chargers by 2025. If it’s a smart charger, it qualifies for a Government grant. What are these grants? The Government offers grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Electric Vehicle Home Charge Scheme (EVHS). For home charging, the OLEV grant allows electric vehicle drivers to claim up to £350 for a home charging point. You can claim one charge point per eligible vehicle and up to two eligible vehicles per household. In Scotland, there’s also a £300 Energy Savings Trust (EST) grant.
SCREEN SCENE If you’re struggling to make space for the home office you suddenly finding yourself needing, adding a screen to an existing room could be an economical answer. B&Q’s new Alara range of modular room dividers can create a private zone and provide a professional backdrop for all those Zoom calls. You could also divide a shared bedroom or even create a corridor in an openplan home with them. They can be customised with windows, corkboards, oak slats and shelving. Post extenders to the ceiling keep them secure. Panels for the divider rom £40, B&Q
Adoration Rose, Poison into Medicine
PAINT IT GREEN
ECO CHOICE
Happy anniversary to Francesca’s Paints! It’s 25 years since colourist Francesca Wezel founded her sustainable paint company – one of the first in the UK to specialise in eco paint. The colours Francesca creates aren’t Leaves of Grass, just about being green, they tell a story. The Colours of my Mind two latest collections, Poison into Medicine and Colours of my Mind, are inspired by art and words. The first emulates the serenity of Piero della Francesca’s 15th-century painting Energetic Grey, The Nativity. The latter explore the idea of Poison into words as colours and embodies the Medicine pleasure of reading. From £21.52 for 1ltr of eco emulsion Piero Purple, Poison into Medicine
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What should I consider before choosing a charger? Find out your home’s power supply and decide if it’s sufficient. For example, is a 7kW charger enough or would you prefer an extra boost to a 22kW option to charge your car more quickly? Our Anderson A2 7kW option is supported by a single-phase power supply, which 90 per cent of households in the UK have. But if you have a threephase power supply to your home, or want to upgrade to one, you can get up to 22kW of power. Look for a charger in finishes and colours to suit your home. Do chargers suit different cars? It depends on the charger – always check. Ours are compatible with all electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles, so will still work if you switch to a new car.
E T A B E D G I B E TH Should the washing machine have its own room or are you happy to keep it in the kitchen? Two readers reveal all
YES ‘A utility was on the wishlist and a laundry room
WORDS ALISON JONES
upstairs is practical.’ Lianne Westwood (@albertandmoo) lives with her husband, Craig, and their dog in a four-bedroom house in south-east London ‘We sacrificed a bedroom to make a bigger bathroom, and rather than turn the old bathroom into a study, which was the first plan, having a laundry room upstairs was more practical. ‘In our old house we had the washing machine in the kitchen, and it’d really bug me when we were eating in the kitchen and the machine was on. That constant thump, thump was really irritating. So a utility was very much on the wishlist. ‘When we renovated this house, we knew we’d either do a side-return extension or a loft conversion – deciding on the conversion for the extra bedrooms. Because we couldn’t have a utility downstairs and we were moving the tiny bathroom into a bedroom, we turned the room left into the utility. The plumbing was all there so it was really straightforward. We’ve got a washing machine and tumble dryer, a sink for hand washing and hanging rails for when we don’t use the dryer. ‘It’s upstairs because that’s where we had space for it, but it’s so handy. You’re not dragging piles of washing up and down, you just take it from the bedrooms to the laundry then back. Our builder thought it was brilliant. He’s telling his clients and few of them have done the same. ‘Our dog’s toys are often lying around and there might be fur on the floor. Now the washing has its own room , you can just dump it all in there. You couldn’t do that when it was in the kitchen.’
‘A washing machine in the kitchen is handy; you know when it’s done’ Filippa Harris (@pippas.pad) lives in an apartment in Cologne with her teenage son ‘I come from Germany where all the houses have basements where the laundry is done, which is quite far away from everything. I was living in Dublin when I first found a washing machine in the kitchen and I thought, “This is quite handy” – it meant I’d know immediately when the washing was done because it’s right there. ‘I used to take it straight out of the back door to hang in the garden. Wet washing is much heavier to walk around with than dry washing, so to have the washing machine close to where you are going to hang it out is the main consideration. I prefer to have the shortest route possible. Ideally you should dry it outside anyway – it’s much more environmentally friendly. I never had a dryer, simply because I didn’t have the space, but now I do, my son is like, “No, I don’t want you to”. Kids are much more environmentally conscious these days. ‘Obviously the dirty washing usually accumulates upstairs, and the basement where the washing machine is far away. In the top notch houses in Germany there is a chute for it between the floors. My son dreams of one of those! ‘I’m happy to have a washing machine in the kitchen if that’s the most practical place for it. If I was living in a house rather than an apartment, why not? It can be a definite plus. I like knowing when it’s done rather than forgetting about it. That simply doesn’t happen when it’s in the kitchen. You can’t ignore it. You don’t come to the utility the next morning and realise, “I should’ve hung up that washing” and then have to rewash it again because it’s damp and smells. ‘If you have one of those cupboards in front of the washing machine so you can’t see it, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be in the kitchen.’
It bugged me when we ate in the kitchen and the machine was on. The thump, thump was irritating
NEXT MONTH: WOULD YOU DECORATE YOUR HOME LIKE YOUR PARENTS DID?
IS A UTILITY A MUST HAVE?
NO
STYLE
maths Multiply your kitchen’s style for less than £300 with our edit of the latest schemes and how to create them on a budget
MODERN HERITAGE
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Emma Bridgewater two-slice toaster, £69.99, Russell Hobbs
Cooke & Lewis Torc brass-effect tap, £42, B&Q
+ Leeton kitchen island, £156.99, Wayfair
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Orange pendant light, £26.99, TK Maxx
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Stoneware grand teapot in teal, £47, and salt and pepper set, £40, Le Creuset
£285.99 Breakfast for Dinner print, £22 for an A3 size, Hand & Palm
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
NATURE INSPIRED
Hampstead slim bar stool, £140, Garden Trading
£291.47 £8.53 LEFT OVER FOR VICTORIA SPONGE INGREDIENTS
COLOUR BURST
Pocket metal shelf in neon, £150, String Furniture
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Small snake plant, £14, Leaf Envy
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Swan Nordic kettle, £49.99, Very
White bamboo kitchen trolley, £70, Dunelm
£14.01 LEFT FOR SOME COLOURED GLASSWARE
= £273.99
£26.01 LEFT OVER FOR A COLLECTION OF BAMBOO TUPPERWARE
+ 3 39
REALHOMES.COM
Kitchencraft Living Nostalgia clock, £22.49, Amazon
MODERN R E V I VA L Take inspiration from the ‘70s with this sophisticated take on the funloving era. Choose shades of cinnamon and terracotta together with neutrals to create a scheme that’s a perfectly balanced throwback
MIXED & MATCHED Using contrasting materials brings depth and interest to a scheme. Choose on-trend reeding in a wood finish – that ‘70s staple – and place against sumptuous velvet fabric in burnt orange to provide a luxe urban vibe – perfect for this modern, era-clashing mash-up.
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY
Velvet pouffe, £65; Gooch abstract pastel rug, from £1,500; Fusion reed sideboard, £899; Broste Copenhagen Arild stoneware vase, £80, and flowerpot, £12; Whispering Tide I framed print, £60, all John Lewis & Partners
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SUBTLE SIMPLICITY Accentuate your dining space with tactile tableware in comforting hues of cinnamon mixed with putty and grey tones. The natural element runs throughout this look, so neutral-toned linens and light fittings work beautifully, while the soft texture of blousy grasses add a nostalgic nod. Julian Bowen Kensington dining table and chairs, £549; ceramic pink milk bottle vase, £20; rattan light shade, £35; Denby Natural Canvas dinnerware, from £28, and KitchenCraft Mikasa Serenity tableware, from £24, all Very
LAIDBACK LOUNGING Elevate the comfort level of your living space by layering on texture and warmth in honey shades. Inviting lowlevel rattan seating creates a relaxed mood while soft floor coverings, caramel colour block artwork and a generous scattering of woven cushions provide that sink-into-me feel. Low rattan lounge chair, £199.99; table, £79.99; light, £69.99; cushion covers, from £6.99; vases, from £8.99, and blanket, £12.99, all H&M Home. For similar artwork, try Fragments by Tom Pigeon set of three wall art prints, £195, Made
SWEET DREAMS Terracotta tones are ideal to use in children’s bedrooms and playrooms. They offer the flexibility of being gender neutral so lend themselves perfectly to this fun space. The calming shades work harmoniously paired with greys and black – a perfect scheme for your little prince or princess.
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Ronja canopy in caramel, £98; beanbag in caramel corduroy, £98; Rainbow doll bed in rattan, £75, and The World tufted rug, £140, all OYOY
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COCOONING EFFECT Surround yourself in the soothing tones of caramel by painting walls in warming hues. The addition of a sumptuous padded headboard in tactile velvet and oh-so-soft bedding in similar earthy tones will create a restful haven for the end of the day. Bliss. Velvet Daydream Javier bed, £749; Connection large fabric drum footstool, £215, and Bubble table lamp, £169, all Furniture Village. For a similar wall colour, try Orange 02, £38 for 2.5ltrs, Lick
FIND MORE INSPIRATION FOR STYLING YOUR INTERIOR AT REALHOMES.COM/LIVING-ROOM #SOREALHOMES
RICH RECLINE Invest in statement furniture in a modern retro palette. This oversized corner couch provides a rich base shade while graphical scatter cushions amplify the swinging-pad look. Keeping the rest of the scheme neutral will ensure the room doesn’t feel too busy. Enchanted corner sofa in cinnamon velvet, £1,299, DFS. Bosie Ozella cushion, £39, La Redoute. For other similar cushions, try Made. For a similar lamp, try the Robson ochre lever arm floor lamp, £55, Dunelm
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Carmella lamp shade in burnt orange velvet, £35, Made
Funky vibrant orange glassware set, £70, Rockett St George
le y t s l Rea mes
Rattan bedside table, £99.99, Beautify @ashleyhosmer
eal Ho R w o h See raced b m e e rs hav sweet followe d n a g ylin s retro st y shade c i p s d an
Fisola brown zig-zag cushion, £25, Habitat
Large floral wall basket, £30, French Connection Berkeley marble sideboard, £799, Atkin & Thyme
Rust flax dried grasses, £16, Rose & Grey
CARAMEL Henley loveseat in terracotta velvet, £799, Marks & Spencer
@oakkappledecor
H T O SMO Terracotta-effect pot, £12.99, Homesense
Kylo woven string floor lamp, £99, Dunelm
@baking_a_home
Abstract terracotta poster, from £8.95, Desenio Black wood and rattan armchair, £270, Graham & Green Marwa beige cotton blanket with brown graphic print, £55, Maisons du Monde
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Support independent businessses and meet the creatives makin ng waves in the interiors world. This month: woodworkers Sophie Sellu, Grain & Kno ot
Q WORDS ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS MARIELL LIND HANSEN (GRAIN & KNOT)
Hi Sophie! Tell us about Grain & Knot We create handmade wooden utensils and objects from timber that’s reclaimed or sourced sustainably.
Q
What is it you love about your work? I only ever make things I would want to own myself – I love that creative freedom. Using natural materials is lovely, too. I think of it as
Branch out Inject a bit of nature into your home with two more creative woodsmiths
lengthening the e life of a piece of wood that might otherwise go to waste, making an object that people will cherish forever. We use a lot of timber from a sustainably managed forest in Kent, and I use offcuts from my friends, too – it’s a circular way of working.
Q
What’s been your proudest moment? I entered Appear Here’s Space for Ideas competition last year and won the chance to open a pop up in London for two weeks. It was really special having that space for my work – and a bit daunting. I’m also proud of how I’ve worked through the pandemic, selling out collections each time. Being able to work has been important for my mental health as well as paying the bills. Now people are at home more, they want to fill their spaces with nice things that are bought locally.
ECO CHOICE
Q
What is your favourite piece? I love working with spalted timber. Each piece is differrent and the grain pattern is beautiful. I do like my brush hes, too. I have several around tthe house and use one to swee ep away the crumbs from my table. My pieces are a nice way to elevate the everyday.
Q
What else do we need to know? I’m collaborating on a proje ect involving a tree taken down n because it was dangerous. It’ll be a while before it comes to fruition, but it’s exciting! Follow Sophie @grainandknot and see r work at grainandknot.com.
MADE IN THE WOODSHED @madeinthewoodshed Helen Brook discovered a talent for woodworking while holidaying in France, and now makes sustainable designs for the modern home, such as bud vases and candlesticks. Daughter Lucy photographs and markets the quirky pieces. madeinthewoodshed.com
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NIS DSM H @ rni oodsmith Base n – you guessed it – North Cornwall, Dominic Pearce uses foraged and stormdamaged wood to create his carefully crafted collection of kitchen goods, from egg cups to jugs. cornishwoodsmith.com
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A common thread running through our conversations with all the designers in this series is the love and care they put into their creations, and Grain & Knot is no exception. Owner Sophie Sellu started her business crafting beautiful objects out of sustainably sourced timber after a spoon carving workshop in 2013, and since then, she’s taken her passion for woodwork full time.
CREATE A SNUG (THAT’S SMUG-WORTHY) Thought only posh types had snugs? Think again. It’s the must-have living room coming to normal homes across the nation. We’ve got the low-down on how to make yours super cosy, useful and, above all, well-used with Me mode when dinner guests are in-coming. Save space with a drop-down Murphy desk, bed or dining table, which utilises the room’s vertical storage potential. A sofa bed or day-bed is the ultimate flexible friend, and can add guest facilities to virtually any room – don’t forget to choose a side table and lamp that can neatly double as a bedside table. Don’t be tempted to overfill the room with furniture, though. A too-snug snug can quickly become stuffy and oppressive, and you’ll end up with a room nobody (except perhaps hoarders or the cat) wants to hang out in. If you’re sold on the idea of a flexible snug but don’t have the luxury of a ‘spare’ room downstairs, any identitychallenged space will do, be that the box bedroom (too small for a bed, too big for a cupboard – what even ARE you?), a loft space that isn’t quite guest room material, or the small lean-to the previous owners ambitiously called a garden room. Convert the garage if you have to. All can be ‘snugged up’ with a bit of nimble paintwork, atmospheric lighting and a lorry load of cushions. Onesies are no longer optional.
he trend for boshing massive extensions onto the rear of our homes has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we live. Lots of light, lots of space and a better connection to the garden; there’s a lot to love. But there is one downside. What to do with that strange ‘middle room’, which was once a poky dining room/ kitchen/utility [delete as applicable] and is now a rather grim and gloomy hole with no clear identity or purpose in life? Why, create a ‘snug’, of course – and not just any old common-or-garden snug but a multifunctional, multi-useful snug that can seamlessly switch roles, chameleon-like, according to your needs. To make a multipurpose snug work as hard as possible, it helps to use it for roles that make sense together and require similar furniture. For example, a teen den with a large screen TV, sofa and desk can easily morph from chillout zone to serious study space. A formal dining table can also double as WFH central, with room for two or more to earn their daily crust, before switching to suave Come Dine
T
SNUGGLE UP
Corella daybed sofa in Dark Teal, £949, Cult Furniture
Antique gold peacock lamp with teal velvet shade, £74.99, Charlton Island
Homcom two-in-one storage cabinet table, £119.99, ManoMano
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Tassel trim throw, £45, Joe Browns
Nighy handtufted wool rug, £349, Made
WORDS LINDA CLAYTON
Make it comfortable with cosy accessories and flexible furniture and get ready to chill
A desk may be essential now WFH is the norm. Go as wide as possible so your workspace can also be used for crafting, art or homework once you’ve clocked off. A drop-down desk that can be safely clipped back to the wall when not in use will make the room more flexible, allowing space for a blow-up guest bed, for example. Width is more useful than depth when designing a built-in desk. Go long and narrow to give yourself plenty of room to spread out when working, without encroaching into the room.
Champion Cobalt 2061-20 Aura eggshell, from £30.50 for 940ml, Benjamin Moore
Whether it’s hidden, used for display or a mix of both, storage will boost the multifunctionality of your snug. Wise decorators conceal the uglier side of proceedings, such as IT equipment and DVDs (for those who haven’t got the ‘DVDs are dead’ memo) within built-in storage. Go for bi-folding or pocket doors that can be left open without taking up floor space. Bedroom storage, such as Ikea’s Pax system, works well in snugs. Look for good internal fittings, like drawers with compartments and drop-down shelving, to maximise every inch inside.
Above Oak Aged Parquet Ebony Oiled wood flooring, from £54 m2, The Natural Wood Floor Company
Sofa beds are an obvious way to switch from snug to sleep space. However, while most sofas are comfortable in seating mode, they frequently fall short when counting sheep. To avoid guests feeling like the lead in Princess and the Pea, find out how the bed is supported and the mattress type before you buy. Ideally, the base will be wooden slatted with rubber webbing, rather than trampoline or metal net style. And the mattress should be pocket sprung – at least 14cm deep – or memory foam.
Slowcoach sofa bed, from £1,595; Parker coffee table, £325; Little Parker side table, £195; Bobble rug in grey, from £195; Scatter cushions, from £20, Loaf
Five things... ONE
Your partner’s anguished cries about your ‘waste of money’ cushion obsession really were unfounded. You were simply preparing, over several years, for the arrival of a snug in your lives. Now they all have a home and your world is a comfier place.
TWO
Crucial Trading’s Morning Mist wool rug with cream cotton border from the Enchanted Collection, around £800, is similar. Design by VSP Interiors
you’ll realise when you own a snug
The goal of spending more time together ’as a family’ will only really be achieved if the snug has decent WiFi range. Get thee to Currys for a WiFi extender soonest. And pick up some noise cancelling headphones to block out everyone’s YouTube vids.
THREE
It is 100 per cent true that you can never have too much storage. Unfortunately, it’s also true that you can never persuade anyone else in your family to use it. Or rather, they can get stuff out, they just can’t put it back again. Don’t fight it. You’ll lose.
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FOUR
It doesn’t matter how many times you work out how to turn the sofa into a bed, you’ll have to Google the instructions. Every. Single. Time. Don’t talk to us about making it a sofa again. Pure voodoo. Maybe just leave it as a bed – ready for weekend lounging.
FIVE
Your main living room, now labelled ‘the best room’, is infinitely cleaner, completely toy-free and peaceful, aka your new favourite place to hang out with a good book and large glass of red.
PHOTOGRAPH MARK BOLTON (VSP INTERIORS, ABOVE); ALEX JAMES (DE ROSEE SA, ABOVE RIGHT)
With low ceilings and rising heat, converted lofts create naturally cocooning snugs. It can usually be done under your home’s permitted development rights but building regulations approval will be required to ensure essentials like fire safety, structural loadings and roof structures meet modern standards. Invest in sound insulation between the loft and floors below, especially if you plan to use it for movie nights or a teen den. An electric guitar or sub-woofer so big it can be seen from Mars? No problemo!
The idea that dark décor equals cosy is hardly headline news, but if you’re nervous about embracing darker paint colours, a snug is your chance to man (or woman) up. The most successful schemes feature at least two dark shades, pitched fairly close together on the colour wheel. This technique prevents total blackout and lets architectural details such as coving and architraves stand out. Add accessories in contrasting rich tones, like ochre, teal or plum. Warm metallics like brass and copper on light fittings, frames and side tables also sing against a dark backdrop.
Interior design by De Rosee Sa
HOME RENOVATOR
BEX BOYLE
Left French Connection Studio cuddler sofa in Ocean, from £799; French Connection Studio threeseater recliner in Ocean, from £1,499, both exclusively from DFS
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Making a snug that doubles as a cinema room isn’t as expensive as it sounds, assuming you’re not seeking Odeon-grade quality. It’s important to think about the layout of seating to ensure everyone gets a good, view, and nobody risks retina meltdown. A large television (aim for a 75-85 inch screen) can be used in daylight – perfect if your snug is the only/main TV room in the house – but for proper movie night treats, a projector and drop-down screen are the way forward. Do ensure windows can be blacked out for the best picture.
‘This space is part of an L-shaped openplan kitchen/diner/snug we created at the back of our home. The snug is multifunctional. It’s a safe space for our daughter to play while we cook, hence the toy storage, and we also watch TV in there, and guests use it during parties. Our main living room is plusher and cosier – much more grown up. We tend to use the kitchen snug in the daytime and the living room in the evening. I love the way the double-height ceiling makes the snug feel bigger, and the fact it’s child friendly without being “childish”. ‘The rug adds a colour pop but is very hardwearing. We love the Farrow & Ball Calamine pink walls, too. This is our second reno, and we definitely learned from past mistakes. This time we used a room planning app to see how the space would look before making any final decisions, especially since we were knocking walls down. ‘We also took our time with decorating it – we’re still not 100 per cent done. We wanted to see how we used the snug before we added in soft furnishings and accessories.’ Insta: @back. to.brick.14
Multifuel 3112 stove, £1,099, Morsø A snug isn’t snug without heat, and real flames are hard to beat. A woodburner or multi-fuel stove is far more fuel efficient, and safer, than an open fire. Go for a gas-fuelled fire if you don’t have space to store logs. All stoves must comply with UK building regulations, which dictate flue installation, hearth size and position from combustibles. Choose a flat top stove design to warm hot chocolate on cold nights and, if burning wood or coal, make fireside toast an evening family ritual.
Bespoke shutters, £1,159 fully installed, Hillarys. Room design by Erica Davies @erica_davies
Wallpapering the ceiling looks super glamorous and, more importantly, can also make the room feel super snug. It’s not the easiest DIY project but totally doable, especially if you are already practiced at papering vertically. Improve your chances of success with paste the wall wallpaper. Hang it in lengths moving away from the window, so that any overlapping is less visible. Never be tempted to wallpaper on top of old wallpaper. Paste can loosen the paper beneath and the whole lot end up on your head. Not so glamorous.
How many cushions is too many? There’s no such thing in a snug. They are the fast-track to cosiness. Floor cushions are especially useful if the room is being used by teens (or flexible adults). Unlike sofas, they can be piled up in the corner when more floor space is required. When buying cushions, don’t worry about matchy-matchy sets. Instead seek out different textures – like boucle, velvet and sheepskin – in similar colour tones for a layered effects. A sturdier, pouffestyle floor cushion can double as a footstool. ol. Add a tray to use it as an n extra sii table.
Mocha rib knit onesie, £20, F&F at Tesco
Don’t forget STAY COSY
HOME BARGAIN HUNTER
JAMILA ALHASSAN
‘The conservatory, which is just off the kitchen/diner, is our snug. We spend hours in there reading and listening to music. It has a radiator for winter, which is handy as it’s used as an occasional guest bedroom. We painted the dull magnolia walls white and added plants to make the space green and purify the air. The furnishing, décor and colour palette is very natural to mimic the outdoors. We consider it somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle when it all seems a bit too much – it brings the outdoors inside. For me, a snug is all about comfort. Soft furnishings can be transformative but only at the right price. I look for brand alternatives or at reusing things to fit our budget without compromising quality. We repurposed our tan leatherette sofa bed from another room, added curtains to soften the angular doorway, and threw in a rug, cushions, our radio, books, mags and plants – boom, our perfect sanctuary!’ Insta: @prosecco_lifestyle
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CREATIVE WAYS WITH
STAIRCASES Give your wooden staircase a fun and vibrant makeover with our edit of the best statement ideas of the moment
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
A
ll too often, our staircases are over worked and under loved: they put up with our constant stomping, our muddy shoes and our piles of upstairs things just waiting to be carried up. But we say a staircase can be so much more than just a transitional space. They’re often the first thing you see when you walk through the door, so they should set the right tone for the rest of your home. Whether that’s colourful and funky or sleek and luxurious, decorate your staircase like any other room and running upstairs to grab your keys – again – will be a pleasure, we promise.
Work your wallpaper Who says wallpaper is just for walls? Add a splash of pattern by applying strips of wallpaper to your treads. The process is much the same as papering a wall, only we highly recommend a layer of protective sealant to protect your design from scuffs or tears. We’re loving this abstract painterly pattern in @at.home.with.abbi’s lovely entrance. You could even choose a different design for each riser for a real statement space.
Keep it cosy If you’ve got little ones in tow, a staircase runner is a great way to keep soft and warm underfoot, while acting as a sound absorber, too. There are tons of patterns out there to choose from, but we’re loving this bright zigzag design, adding a splash of colour to a monochrome scheme. They bring a sense of grandeur and elegance, too, which is always a good thing in our book. Crucial Trading floor covering available from Day True. Hallways from Day True start from £2,000
Never underestimate the power of masking tape. This statement entrance by @mysecondhandhouse combines yellow, pink and blue to perfection for a larger than life stripe that’s playful and quirky. Simply use a ruler and pencil to draw your lines, apply tape and paint for a crisp and clean edge. We also love the contrast to the monochrome flooring, creating a maximalist hallway that’s a feast for the eyes.
TOP TIP
When it comes to staircase runners, you get what you pay for. They take a lot of footfall, so it’s worth investing in a quality design that’ll last.
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REALHOMES.COM REALH S
Colour blocking
Stairway to heaven Sometimes you just need a touch of luxury, and this shining staircase by @hardcastletowers is an almost luminous welcome home. Paint the treads first, and then carefully apply gold or copper leaf to your risers. As this is a high traffic area, remember to protect your work with a clear varnish. Stairs painted in Tanners Brown Estate eggshell, £64 for 2.5ltrs, Farrow & Ball
TOP TIP
Tile style How gorgeous is this mosaic tiled staircase by @maxinebradystyling? All you need to do is paint the treads and skirting in a colour of your choice, and then delicately tile the risers, just as you would tile a wall. This may take a slightly steadier hand and a little more patience than painting, but the end result is well worth it.
how to paint your stairs ONE
two
three
Ensure your Paint on a primer Use painting stairs are in and allow to dry. tape to mark out good condition This prevents your edges or by filling in dents your paint colour pattern. This will with wood filler from being make painting and sanding absorbed into much quicker down rough the wood for a and ensure patches. smoother finish. a neat and sharp look.
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four
While a wood paint is fine for your risers, choose a wood floor paint for your treads, as these are designed to be less slippy.
five
Start at the top and work your way down (so that you don’t get trapped upstairs!). Apply several thin coats for durability.
six
Allow to dry completely overnight – the longer you can go without walking on them, the better. Protect with a non-slip sealant.
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Stairways can often be quite dark areas in the home, so choose light and bright colours to lift the space. Metallic and high shine finishes work to bounce light around the room, which can make your space feel bigger.
Wild side
Chase the rainbow TOP TIP
This bright and beautiful rainbow delight is a joy to behold, especially at a time when we’re loving rainbows more than ever. Simply paint your risers in different shades, keeping your treads the same for cohesion. Overflow onto the floor for a playful feel. This is great for using up left over tins of paint! For similar rainbow hues, try Annie Sloan chalk paint, £5.95 for 120ml
Don’t forget about the finishing touches. Whether it’s panelled walls, a few perfectly positioned plants, a gallery wall or a decorative rail, embellish your stairway just as you would any other room.
TOP TIP
PHOTOGRAPH DAVID BURTON (TOP LEFT)
If using different paints, stickers or wallpapers, lay them side by side first to ensure the patterns and colours fit together cohesively. You can save money by using pieces of wallpaper you’ve kept after decorating.
Numbers up Often, the simplest ideas are the best ones. Stencilling a number onto each riser will bring a quirky and almost sporty twist to any style of staircase. This elegant panelled space by @hall_farm_cottage pulls the look off perfectly. The green painted steps creates the effect of a runner, adding a touch of muted colour without overwhelming the space. Warning: you will almost certainly find yourself counting the number aloud with every step. For similar stencils, try Etsy.
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Oh hello there, zebra stripes! This bold and beautiful staircase is by @carlaelliman and we are head over heels. To create the look, all you have to do is paint your stairs black, then cut and stick on white vinyl zebra stripes. It’s an easy and hardy route to a stand-out monochrome masterpiece. The bright striped bannister-effect wall detail brings a splash of colour and adds to the funky feel as well. Zebra print vinyl, from £22 for 1m, Jes Rose
homes r l ea a re d
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home li
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WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPH KATIE LEE
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MY FAVOURITE CORNER
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Caroline Briggs, a BBC journalist and photographer (@edwardian_seaside_ home), lives in a four-bed Edwardian terraced house in Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, with her husband, an accountant, and their two children ‘We had moved from London and were living in Newcastle when a walk on the beach at Whitley Bay inspired us to move to the coast. The previous owner, an interior designer, had done a lot of work to the bones of the house, such as putting back fireplaces and radiators. Her style was true to its age, with swag curtains, ornate gold wallpapers and purple carpets. I wanted to take what she’d done so well, but redecorate in a palette of greys, blues and yellows, inspired by the seaside. You can watch the sun rise from the bay window so it felt silly to try and fight it. We sanded the floorboards, then I bought lots of tester pots to find a true grey for the walls. This room is south-east facing and changes with the light, so some greys we tried had a blue or purple tinge. After much research I picked Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball, which is perfect. My mum and her friend made the blue curtains over a bottle of gin in a caravan, and I kept things simple with a blue sofa and chair, too. I love rooting around charity shops, which is where I found the midcentury side table with Dansette legs for £5. In the morning I’ll head for the chair with my cup of tea. It’s a lovely spot to watch the world go by, and I feel there’s a synergy between the inside and outside now.’
e v o ey l
Stocksund armchair, £329, Ikea. For a similar rug, try the Neptune chenille rug, £125, French Connection
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Home of the Year BEST makeover
TIME TO
GROW
By taking the time to let her interiors style naturally evolve, Jessica Clark has crafted a colourful and quirky family home that fosters positivity. Deputy style editor Amelia Smith takes the tour
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The cosy dining room shows off Jessica’s natural eye for colour. ’When I was choosing paint, I just went for the colours I was drawn to – which are generally greens, yellows and oranges,’ she says. Walls painted in YellowPink, Little Greene, and Brilliant White, Dulux. Dining table, Etsy. Dining chairs, West Elm. Velvet chair, Bothy Blue. Rug, La Redoute. Curtains, H&M Home. Flooring is original
LOOKING
back at photos of my teenage years, I can’t help but cringe at some of my rather questionable outfit choices. Over time, and through years of trial and error, I’ve developed a style that works for me and makes me feel good. Crafting a fashion style is very much like crafting an interiors style– it takes time. While those experimental years tend to happen much later in life – often when we’ve reached the milestone of homeowner – it’s crucial that we go through them in order for our personal style to evolve. Wandering around Jessica’s colourful home, I get the impression this is the work of an experienced crafter. Far more than just an impeccably well-considered decorating scheme, this is a living and breathing work in progress. The fun and fearless design decisions, colour courage shining though in every room and the journey it took to get there, made this home a worthy winner of Best Makeover in our annual awards. I couldn’t wait to find out how Jessica gained her creative flair.
quite bare and empty. We decided on colour blocking to avoid having to navigate a paint brush around the WC and basin, but it’s surprising how just a splash of colour completely lifts the room. When you walk in it feels so bright, happy and complete. The yellow and pink is a lovely sight to be greeted with every morning, and is a fun backdrop to Wren’s bath time.
Q A
I have to say that your bathroom suite is dreamy – it’s exactly what I’d choose. But how did you manage a bathroom renovation with a little one in tow? Wren was only four months when we installed the new bathroom, so we moved into my mum’s! There was a lot of upheaval as we completely changed the layout – we weren’t keen on the shower being right next to the wooden window frame, so we moved it to the opposite side. The process was made a lot smoother by the fact that we had a great relationship with our builder. I was originally set on a freestanding claw foot bath, but he suggested sealing one length and end against the wall to prevent water dripping down, potentially damaging the floor. His input proved invaluable. It was actually really exciting to come back every few days and see the progress.
Q A
I adore colour, and I’m impressed by your playful use of paint. Have you always gone for a vibrant palette? Not at all! This is the first house I’ve owned, so when we moved in and I was faced with lots of empty walls to decorate for the first time ever, I found it a little daunting. As I began planning my first decorating scheme, I thought everything had to be crisp white and minimal for it to look nice. I wanted clean lines and simple styling – I wasn’t really that into colour. I think I was even scared of it, and white felt very safe. Looking back at old photos, I honestly can’t believe how different it looked.
Q
I can tell you’re a fashion lover, but the big difference between developing interior and fashion styles is that in your home, you need to consider your family’s preferences. Was Brett also involved in the design process? Interiors are a real passion of mine, and my style has definitely progressed as I’ve gotten older. I’d say that I lead the way, but of course it had to be a space that we all loved. Luckily Brett and I have quite similar tastes. Choosing the paint colours was a joint decision. We picked out shades we liked, ordered a ton of samples and spent a lot of time mulling them over together. We’re a good team – I love the ideas side and the planning, Brett is more methodical in figuring out how to get it done. We’re always looking for what we can update next.
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Q A
That’s such a stark contrast to how it is now – complete opposite ends of the spectrum! I totally understand the security of white, but what made you change tack? I began following interiors accounts on Instagram and Pinterest, and the exposure to so many different styles and ideas really helped me to define what I did and didn’t like. With so many colourful and decorative ideas out there, I started to find my white space a little overwhelming. I began seeing my white home not as completed project, but as a blank canvas from which I could get creative. I guess I just needed time to find my feet with it, and in the past few years I feel that I have.
Q A
Your kitchen is a similar size to mine. It’s safe to say they’re not the biggest of spaces, but yours is surprisingly bright, airy and inviting. How did you do it? We completely gutted both the kitchen and bathroom, so we had the creative freedom of starting from scratch. As the kitchen was one of our biggest expenses, we went for a classic style that won’t date. We wanted open storage up top to make the space feel bigger. When Brett and I were in a café in Amsterdam, we noticed some shelving that we knew would be perfect. Brett sketched out a similar design and our joiner created it. The green window frame and door are more recent additions – I saw the idea on Instagram and knew it would liven up the traditional design.
Q
One last question, and it’s a big one. You took inspiration from other people’s homes, and now on the pages of this magazine, your home is the inspiration. What one piece of advice would you give? At the start of the process, I was impulsive with my decisions and that lead to mistakes. The tiny ceramic hexagon tiles on my kitchen floor, for example, are a nightmare to clean and prone to chipping, but I’d never have thought about that beforehand. I would advise thinking about how things will work on a practical level more thoroughly, as it really does make a difference to your overall home happiness. Also, making a mood board for your decorating scheme is an essential. I’d never decorate a room without one now, and it’s really fun to do!
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Clockwise from right Jessica’s home has a retro vibe with mid-century-style furniture mixed with genuine vintage finds. Marble bar trolley, Oliver Bonas. Wooden shelving unit, West Elm. Love Play Dare Live art print, MadoMado. Kitchen walls painted in Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball
Q
Several studies have found that colour can impact our mood. As your home has been both pure white and very colourful, have you noticed any difference in how your space makes you feel? Oh, definitely – the most obvious difference is in the bathroom. When we first had it done it was all white. I liked it for a while but as my confidence grew it began to feel
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WORDS AMELIA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS KASIA FISZER
Above left and left Jessica initially chose a white scheme to make her compact kitchen feel more spacious. In time, she grew tired of the stark white, and added pops of colour to walls and window frames. ‘We chose not to have an extractor fan to free up space,’ says Jessica. ‘This makes the kitchen feel more airy, but it does require more cleaning. It’s swings and roundabouts!’ Kitchen units, Howdens. Sink, Victorian Plumbing. Tap, Amazon. Window frames painted in Arsenic, Farrow & Ball. Flooring, Tons of Tiles. Shelves, made bespoke by Satterthwaite Property Services
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Above and right ‘The living room was the first space where I used a mood board to plan out my decorating scheme before buying a single thing. I mapped out all the colours and textures I wanted on paper, so I knew they’d fit together perfectly,’ says Jessica. ‘If you compare the mood board to the completed room, it’s an exact match!’ Walls painted in Green 02 and White 03, Lick. Sofa, The Lounge Co. Cushions, H&M Home. Picture shelves, Amazon. Coffee table, West Elm. Rug, La Redoute. Art prints above the sofa, East End Prints, Max Made Me Do It, and Lucy Loves This. The flooring is original
Profile THE OWNERs Jessica Clark (@charminglifebyjess), who works in interior styling and marketing, and husband Brett, who works in IT, live here with their three-year-old son, Wren THE PROPERTY A two-bed Victorian terrace in Leicestershire PROJECT COST £18,500
Painting your fireplace the same colour as the wall is a clever trick for making a small room seem bigger
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Costs & contacts Furniture and decoration £7,000 Professional fees £4,000 Kitchen £4,000 Bathroom £3,500 Kitchen fitter Satterthwaite Property Services,. 07921 904227, satterthwaitepropertyservices.co.uk Bathroom fitter Gordon Home Solutions, 07891 341149
Below and below left Jessica nails the latest sustainable trends in her bedroom – from rattan furniture to bamboo accessories. ‘I’m drawn to 1970s-style décor – I love oranges and yellows, and I thought the rattan would bring an extra warmth.’ Bed, wardrobe and light, Made. Art prints, Desenio. Bird print above
Right A statement arch shape forms a focal point in the bedroom. ‘To create the arch, we fashioned a compass by pinning the middle point of a full circle, tying a pencil to the other end of the string and drawing the arch. We both fell in love with this paint colour and knew we had to use it somewhere.’
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the bed, Arminho. Desk, Wayfair. Chair, West Elm. Magazine rack, vintage. Bedside tables, West Elm. Chest of drawers, Beautify. Cushions, Not on the High Street. Bamboo hooks, Sunday Living. Mirror, West Elm. Pampas grass, The Bloom Project. Walls painted in Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball; Orange 02, Lick; and Brilliant White, Dulux
Below and right As Jessica’s creativity and confidence grew, she began to see her white bathroom as less of a completed space and more of a blank canvas. ‘I was keen to try out colour blocking, and this seemed the perfect place. It’s south facing with a big window, so it’s very bright anyway, but with the pop of yellow and soft pink,
it really feels like such a happy and positive room.’ Burlington Hampton bath, basin, WC and shower, Heritage Bathrooms. Shelves, String. Wall tiles, Walls & Floors. Floor tiles, Laura Ashley at Victorian Plumbing. Cabinet, Swoon. Walls painted in Setting Plaster, Farrow & Ball and YellowPink, Little Greene
Moved in February 2016
PROJECT TIMELINE
Wren Born July 2017
New kitchen fitted July 2016
Hosted Christmas for the first time December 2019 New bathroom fitted October 2017
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Redecorated the living room September 2020
FOR MORE MAKEOVER IDEAS AND INSPIRATION, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/COMPLETED-PROJECTS
Use dark grouting to highlight the laying pattern of metro tiles – plus it will hide any stains. Bonus!
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TOP TIP
}} Head here for more creative wall paint ideas
In her son’s bedroom, Jessica combined Wren’s favourite colours with her creative eye for a playful and fun space. ‘It’s my favourite room in the house,’ she says. . Bed, Ikea. Wall hanging, Cotton Clara. Bunting, Arket. Bedside table, Urban Outfitters. Art print above bed, East End Prints. Walls painted in Verdigris Green, Farrow & Ball
Clockwise from left ‘I love peaches so I was determined to have them in the house somewhere,’ says Jessica. ‘I fell in love with a wallpaper on Pinterest, but couldn’t find it anywhere. I discovered these stickers on Etsy and stuck them close together to recreate the look – it’s
such a statement feature wall, and Wren loves them.’ Bookcase, Jojo Maman Bébé. Magazine rack: vintage. Art prints above bookcase, MadoMado. Wardrobe, Argos. Grey chair, Ikea. Walls painted in Dutch Orange, Farrow & Ball
A GUIDE TO
Permitted development Find out if you can cut through the red tape by using permitted development rights on your home-improvement project
SEE HOW THESE HOMEOWNERS EXTENDED UPWARDS AND OUTWARDS UNDER PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT
REALHOMES.COM
WORDS IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOGRAPH CHRIS SNOOK
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hen it comes to planning a project, it's easy to get carried away, especially if you’re extending. But the more ‘out there’ in size and style your renovation plans are, the more likely you are to need planning permission, which means extra money and time to get things approved. The result? We tend to need to scale back our plans. If you’re thinking about a renovation, it might be reassuring to know some elements of your project could fall within permitted development (PD) rights. This means you won't have to apply for consent from your local authority, saving time and money. However, you will still be required to notify your local council of changes being made to your property, and you may need Building Control approval. There are some caveats: PD rights don't apply to certain buildings, including listed ones. But if your property is covered, let us help you navigate the world of PD, and be inspired by these great examples of projects built under it.
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UP & OUT
PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS SNOOK
Angus and Jessica McWhinney transformed a Victorian terraced house for their growing family under permitted development ‘We bought this house because we fell for its views onto the local green and recreation ground, and the southwesterly orientation,’ says Angus. ‘It still had the traditional layout with two reception rooms and a kitchendining area at the rear. No structural works had been done to the house or any of its immediate neighbours. ‘As a young family, we wanted a space to grow into, and for family to visit. We were keen on extending into the loft to create additional bedrooms. Given we both worked from home for much of 2020, going from three to five bedrooms and having some spare to repurpose as studies has been very fortuitous! ‘We went through many attempts to get permission to extend. We started with the neighbour consultation scheme under permitted development, which was rejected because of a neighbour’s comments. We took the scheme to planning, also rejected by the neighbour because of the tunnelling effect she claimed it caused. We appealed this, but our plans for the ground floor were rejected on the same basis. In the end, we had to work with the L-shape of the house and used traditional permitted development to add additional space on the ground floor. ‘We didn’t extend the full permitted three metres at the rear of the house as that would have taken away too much of the terrace and garden. We had to adapt our original plans and didn’t gain as much additional room as initially hoped, but we were able to create a separate WC and utility area in the side return and some sitting space by the large sliding doors in the kitchen, which was high on our wish list. In the end, we’re very happy with the flow of the design and its arrangement. It works perfectly for our needs, and gives us so much light.’
GARDEN ROOM You can build a dedicated workspace, gym or art studio in your garden under PD rules, as long as the area isn’t used as sleeping accommodation. The unit must also be a single storey construction of up to 50 per cent of the garden area with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres. Bear in mind that the garden room will also count towards your allowance for extending other areas of your property.
GO OUT You can add an extension to your existing property if it is within two metres of a boundary. The eaves height should be no higher than three metres and you can extend out by three metres on a terraced property and by four metres if the property is a detached house. If you are adding a side extension, it can only be single storey. A two-storey extensions can also be built under permitted development, as long as it is not higher than the property and no more than 40 square metres of floor area is added.
COSTS & CONTACTS Project cost £220,000 (£75,000 for the loft) Architect Olivier Jauniaux of OLJ Designs, 0770 7284125, oljdesigns.com
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WINDOW UPGRADE When it comes to renovating a property and improving thermal efficiency, swapping out old windows can have a significant impact. If you’re planning on replacing your windows with like-for-like units then you’ll only need Building Regulations approval or an approved installer. However, if you're changing the size of a window or its location, you will need to apply for consent.
REALHOMES.COM
BEFORE
LOOK UP Under the current rules you can make use of your attic space or even extend it using a dormer to create more head height, as long as you do not extend higher than the highest part of the roof – gaining up to 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached. It cannot overhang the original façade of the existing house.
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NEW OPENING
PHOTOGRAPHS ADELINA ILIEV
Polly Jones used permitted development rights to extend the downstairs of her terraced north London home and create a small sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life ‘We had been living in this threebedroom terrace for 10 years before we started works,’ says Polly. ‘I had no experience of renovating a property, but I wanted to increase the size of the downstairs footprint to create a functional and relaxing space the entire family could enjoy. I also wanted to create something that would work harder, especially as I have two teenagers. Our small garden, ultimately a yard with peeling concrete and an old shed that had an outside WC with a tumbledown laundry space full of spiders, needed a makeover, too. ‘The inside of the house had initially been carved up into many small areas, but it’s now been opened up into one big space that flows through from front to back, and out into what is now a lovely courtyard. My neighbours over the road had already renovated their beautiful house to create a lot more space, so I knew it would be possible. ‘We lived upstairs during it, without a kitchen, dining room or washing machine for several months, as I had limited funds and thought I could funnel more money into the project elsewhere. In hindsight I don’t think I’d do that again! ‘Our architects came up with a few inspirational ideas to choose from, and while I was expecting the standard full-width, bi-fold door design, Edwards Rensen Architects suggested a window seat, which I can sit in and feel like I’m in the garden – it’s great when it’s too cold to actually be outside. As soon as I saw the 3D drawing, I immediately said yes. Now it’s built, I love relaxing there and spend a lot of time reading on my window seat. The redesigned and extended space now flows seamlessly from front to back, with a perfect area for relaxing and a lovely outdoor courtyard.’
INTERNAL REJIG Sometimes all the space you need is actually already there, but you need to replan and remodel the internal areas of the property in order to make it work better for you and the other occupants. This could mean removing walls or closing up doorways. Work of this nature will, however, require a building inspector's sign off if you remove a load-bearing wall.
COSTS & CONTACTS Project cost £148,209 Architect Edwards Rensen, 020 3227 0122, edwards-rensen-architects.co.uk
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GARAGE TRANSFORMATION Converting a garage space may work out cheaper than building a new extension, especially if it is attached to the property and you can knock straight through to create a bigger open-plan living area, or simply open up a doorway for a new bedroom or study. As long as all the changes remain internal, you may not need to seek permission. If you are adding an external window or door, however, you should consult with your local planning department.
BEFORE
BUILDING BORDERS You don’t need planning consent when taking down a fence, wall, or gate, even if you want to alter, maintain or improve an existing fence, wall or gate that is higher than two metres, as long as you don’t increase that height. A new fence can’t be higher than two metres, or one metre if it is near a highway.
REALHOMES.COM
SMALL ADDITION Giving the façade of your home a facelift might mean adding a front porch, which, as long as it's no bigger than three metres squared in ground area and three metres in height, falls within the permitted development rules. A porch like this, which is under 30 square metres of floor area, is also exempt from building regulations if there are no windows or electrical elements to consider.
real home 3
A WELCOME CHANGE
DIG DEEP If you already have a basement that you’d like to take advantage of in order to create a usable space, you can apply to use permitted development rights to do so. This is as long as you are not actually excavating to create the basement or changing the appearance of the façade of the property by adding a lightwell. In this case, it will be worth speaking to the council about your plans first.
Richard and Kirsty’s bright new extension made room for the open-plan layout the couple longed for
PHOTOGRAPHS DAN LOWE
‘The house was actually quite lovely when we first saw it, full of character,’ says Richard. ‘It had the general charm of a Victorian terrace, with large bay windows and fireplaces. There was already a newly fitted kitchen, but it was important for us to have an open-plan layout. This meant that we had to remove the supporting wall that was located between the kitchen and old extension in order to achieve what we have now. ‘There was a small extension at the rear of the house, but after removing the supporting wall, Sentinel Design and Build knocked down the single skin construction, which was mould ridden and couldn’t have been used at all, in order to build our new extension. ‘The great thing is that we’ve got the openness we wanted. We were able to do all of this under permitted development rights as we were replacing an existing extension, which has saved time and costs. The new extension is the same size as the old one, except the roof we have now is vaulted instead of flat. ‘If we could do it all over again we would perhaps somehow have created enough support on the extension facia for an awning, but the issue there was that it would have been too low. The house used to be very cold and draughty on the ground floor due to the hollow eaves, but the work we’ve done means it’s more comfortable to live in. We lived with the old setup for a year before we started making changes, and it has absolutely changed the way we live and use the house. Now, it's a much more social area that everyone can talk and move around in.’
RENEWABLE TECH With renewable incentives making adding green tech more accessible, you might be considering the addition of solar panels to your property. And as long as the panels are sited to minimise visual impact, these should not require planning consent. Solar panels can even be installed in the garden and on outbuildings.
COSTS & CONTACTS Project cost £39,000 Design & Build Sentinel Design and Build, 0800 292 2128, sentineldesignandbuild.co.uk
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ROOFLIGHTS As with windows, replacing rooflights for a like-for-like unit will be straightforward, and if you want to install a new one in a loft conversion or as part of a reroofing project, then this too falls under permitted development. You will need to ensure that it doesn’t project more than 150 millimetres from the existing roof plane and isn’t higher than the highest part of the roof.
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Find more on PD rights here to help with your project
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FRESH FACE You can transform your home by repainting or recladding it as long as the paint or material that you use to clad broadly matches that which was previously used on the property. If you’re planning on adding more insulation to your attic space or replacing a leaking roof, then you can do so as long as you are not altering the shape and, again, not going out further than the existing roof profile by 150 millimetres.
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PHOTOGRAPHS MALCOLM MENZIES; KASIA FISZER; KATIE LEE; CHRIS SNOOK; FIONA WALKER-ARNOTT
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ant to have a say in the beautiful real homes we show off in the pages of this magazine? We’re inviting you, our readers, to take part in our online survey to find out exactly what you want to see. Whether you’re a sucker for a period property or love the clean lines of a new build, enjoy the balance of the properties we feature or want more of a certain type of home, now is your chance to let us know. And did we mention you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £100 in Amazon vouchers, too? Don’t say we don’t treat you! Go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/readersurvey-homes2020 to enter today.
Townhouse renovation
UPTOWN GIRL With a tight budget, Chloe has turned her quirky modern townhouse into a vibrant family home
This image and right The lounge features upcycled furniture and high street buys with a few quirky touches like a vintage Singer sewing machine. Chloe transformed the high gloss media unit by updating it with a reclaimed pallet wood wall. Media unit, Ikea. Pendant lights, B&Q
TOP TIP Repurpose wood or scaffold to clad internal walls and give the room a warm, tactile look that’s in tune with nature
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or weeks, Chloe and Nick scrolled past the Gatehouse in the property listings because they’d always imagined their family home to be Victorian or Georgian in style, with high ceilings and full of original features. But after months of searching, the couple decided they needed to broaden their criteria and started to look at almost every property within their price range, which included this modern townhouse. ‘Never before was the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” more prominent,’ says Chloe. ‘From the outside I’d never given it so much as a second glance, but the inside told a whole different story.’ The house had so many quirky features that they couldn’t resist a viewing. ‘We were drawn in by the balcony space and remote-controlled garage parking, but the ultimate selling point was the roof terrace.’ The previous homeowner had a traditional approach to decorating – there was lots of floral wallpaper as well as pink and purple hues. But Chloe has crafted a more original look.
there are lots of outside-in elements to our home, such as the reclaimed wood and expanding plant collection.’ The redecoration began with the open-plan first floor space, comprising kitchen, diner and lounge. Since they didn’t have a huge budget, they decided to make use of the existing fixtures and fittings where they could. ‘Luckily the kitchen units and surfaces were newly installed.’ says Chloe. ‘Solid wood worktop and plain white-fronted Ikea cabinets – there wasn’t too much to protest about there. But the tiles weren’t working for us, so we decided on a white subway with grey grout as the main change. I also fixed reclaimed floorboards to the back wall, adorned with lots of bohemian and quirky finds.’ The dining space was where Chloe’s love of repurposing materials was born. She continued the wooden rustic element with floorboards to the wall covering boxed-in pipes. ‘The table was made by bracing scaffold boards together with lengths of 4x2 and fixing hairpin legs from B&Q,’ she says. ‘We added pendant hangings above to finish the industrial look.’
‘I WANTED TO GIVE EACH ROOM ITS OWN UNIQUE
‘I wanted to give each room in our home its own unique twist as a nod to the quirkiness of this property,’ she says. ‘I love creating spaces that are great talking points – something a bit different or unexpected. I’m also a sucker for an upcycled project and antiques. I’ve always loved the idea of having items that have had a past life and a tale to tell. I don’t always know what it is but I like to imagine the possibilities.’ Soon after moving in, the couple embarked on the redesign, taking on most of the DIY themselves, partly due to budget but mostly due to self-determination. ‘I love picking up new skills but most of all it’s the sense of achievement that really does it for me.’ says Chloe. ‘My husband and my dad get roped in with the heavy lifting and are usually happy to muck in.’ Inspiration came from the home’s industrial surroundings, but Chloe loves to mix things up a bit, too. ‘I love nature, so
In the lounge, the previous homeowners had left behind some of their existing furniture, including the high gloss veneered media centre. ‘This posed a bit of a predicament, because it isn’t really the sort of thing we’d go out and buy, but it fits really well in the space, and the storage it provides is much needed,’ says Chloe. ‘I had to get my thinking cap on and figure out a way to revamp it.’ The solution ties in with Chloe’s love of industrial and natural design. ‘The original unit came with glass shelves and a glass backing. I decided to bring in the reclaimed elements to link everything together. I clad the back board of the unit with pallet wood and fitted three hanging hammered copper light shades from the overhanging top units. I’m so pleased with how it all came together – the unit doesn’t look at all out of place now and the transformation cost me the price of the shades and an electrician to fit them.’
Shelf life Inspired by Chloe’s upcycled crates, here are four more industrial-style storage solutions
Farringdon box shelf, £35, Garden Trading
Irving mango wood and black square shelves, £59 for two, Made
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Fjørde & Co Ainsley wall shelf, £64.99, Wayfair
Rustic wooden rectangle shelf, £62, Funky Chunky Furniture Co
WORDS AND STYLING SUZIE ATTAWAY PHOTOGRAPHS OLLY GORDON
TWIST AS A NOD TO THE PROPERTY’S QUIRKINESS’
Chloe made old fruit crates into display shelves for her vintage finds. ‘When it came to dressing this space I just knew all of my belongings were going to be right at home,’ she says. ‘I absolutely love antiques or anything old and interesting that has a tale to tell. They’re great conversation starters and look brilliant against the raw natural materials utilised in this room.’
Profile THE OWNERs Chloe Spillett, a children’s spaces designer (chloegetscreative.com), lives with her husband, Nick, and daughters Esme, six, and Heidi, three THE PROPERTY A four-bed townhouse in Rochford, Essex project COST £15,000
TOP TIP
Left Chloe is a lover of reclaimed wood, which features throughout the dining room. D Dining table hairpin legs, B&Q
Above right Chloe kept the original units, stripped back the worktop, replaced tiles with white subway tiles and grey grout, and fixed old floorboards to the wall. She made a hanging planter using a wooden storage box from H&M and an old belt.
BEFORE
Kitchen cabinets, Ikea. For similar tiles, try Tile Giant
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Plants clean the air and reduce stress. Make space for more by hanging them from the ceiling or suspending in planters
In the bedroom, Chloe wanted to achieve a space that was tranquil, cosy and relaxing but also gave a sense of ‘get up and go’ when the couple woke each morning. The end result fits the bill perfectly. ‘We opted for very natural green tones and white furnishings combined with raw reclaimed materials including scaffold boards and pallet wood,’ she explains. ‘It’s a really lovely room and a great space to start and end each day in.’ In her daughter Esme’s bedroom, Chloe gave an Ikea chest of drawers a facelift with paint, and she hand crocheted a few blankets. ‘I also made her some toys, such as the wooden camera and amigurumi crocheted pear. The Kallax unit was upcycled by adding hairpin legs, and I used a lino printing technique to add an ice cream print to her blind. Delicious!’ The bathroom is yet to be redesigned, but Chloe has given it a quick mini makeover. ‘I haven’t yet made any final decisions on what I want to do with our bathroom,’ she says. ‘It may be a while before we can justify it. In the meantime, I painted the shelved section and added some accessories.’ The ground-floor playroom features handpainted murals and plenty of handmade items, such as the teepee. ‘The tree stump pouffe actually houses an old tyre,’ Chloe says. ‘I topped it with MDF and foam and covered with an old velvet curtain I found in a charity shop and some felt. I also repurposed some Ikea spice racks to make the girl’s bookshelves, and the high-gloss cabinet that houses our boiler was also given an update. I replaced the doors with OSB and now it doubles up as a memo board. The girls can pin their favourite things and artwork to it.’ As the flat roof needed a new waterproof membrane fitted, the couple decided to go the whole hog and make it a roof terrace, part tiled with click-together tiles from Ikea and part laid with artificial lawn. The property has a pretty small garden, but since the couple have the roof terrace as their ‘adult’ zone, that space is definitely the girls’ territory. Chloe’s favourite rooms in the house are the children’s, which are full of colour and energy. ‘I love the way they make us feel – they’re playful and a bit whimsical,’ she says. ‘They remind me to not take life too seriously and to let loose and have fun from time to time. The girls are always giggling and being silly and their rooms reflect their vibrant personalities. I loved the design process and creating the girls’ rooms – it felt great to reconnect with my inner child!’
Left Chloe turned the flat roof into a charming and colourful roof terrace for entertaining friends and family. ‘The planter was handmade using scaffold boards’, she adds. Table, Ikea. Chairs, George Home
Above ‘As with all my projects, I sought inspiration on Pinterest for the girls’ playhouse and came across some cool designs, many of which were really similar to my vision.’ says Chloe. ‘It was built using free pallet wood but I did have to spend around £200 in total on materials – I had to buy the structural joists and the sheet metal for the slide, as well as the corrugated roofing sheets.’
Above The bathroom is next on Chloe’s to do list, but for now she’s brightened it up with a painted emerald green alcove and fresh new accessories. Shelving painted in Aussie Surf, Valspar. Accessories, H&M and Ikea
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This image and right ‘The wall behind our bed is painted in Camouflage by Homebase, and I mixed some white into it to create the lighter tones on the other three walls,’ says Chloe. ‘I made the geometric shelving unit from pallet wood.’ Wardrobes, Ikea; for similar handles, try Etsy
TOP TIP Wardrobes looking tired? Experiment with paint effects, such as ombre, and change the handles to make them look like new
Esme’s colourful bedroom features updated drawers and handmade crochet blankets.
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Chest of drawers and shelving unit, Ikea
Sleep tight Let them have the sweetest of dreams in a colourful bed that’s charming and fun
Billy bed in olive, £219, Bobby Rabbitt
New York metal kid’s bed, £199, Cuckooland
Bethwin pink house bed, £116.99, Daal’s
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Minnen extendable bed frame, £75, Ikea
Above and right ‘One of my favourite features is the tree mural in here,’ says Chloe. ‘It was painted by hand, and while I’ll admit it was very time consuming, it was pretty easy to achieve.’ Bookshelves, Ikea. For a similar sofa, try the Knopparp, Ikea
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Wired smart thermostat starter kit V3+, from £199.99, Tado. One-pack E27 white ambiance smart bulb, £24.99, Philips Hue
EXPERT ADVICE Extending doesn’t have to be a head-scratching affair, thanks to our top tips for a successful project. From designing the perfect space to getting things in on time and on budget, you’ll find all the info you need for your dream home on our site. realhomes.com/extensions
sMART THINKING T Thinking of making ur home a smart on ne? Cut through the jargon j and find outt what it’s all abo – and what’s rea worth the hype – on The Hub, Rea Homes’ dedicatted tech corner. rea alhomes. com/te nology
g n d n e r t w o n # Kitchen painted in Aegean Teal, from £24 for 940ml, Benjamin Moore
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PHOTOGRAPH CHRIS SNOOK (TOP)
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DESIGN PROJECT INSPO Whether you’re tackling a kitchen renovation or giving your bedroom a style update, we’ve got plenty of ideas galleries for every room, style and budget – so Scandi fans and colour enthusiasts alike can get inspired for their 2021 project. realhomes.com/design
Smeg coffee machine, £199, Lavazza
SAV V Y SHOPPING Fancy nabbing a bargain in the New Year sales? We’re entering shopping season on realhomes. com with all the latest sales buys, but not the rubbish you don’t want – we’re talking the very best offers for your home, from top tech deals to home accessories for a room refresh. realhomes.com/deals Fire TV Stick with Alexa voice remote, £39.99, Amazon
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Cast-iron casserole set, £129, ProCook
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Is your home causing
The work/life lines have never been so blurred. How can we make what we once saw as a new freedom work for us in 2021, asks Jennifer Morgan any of us have been doing it for nearly a year, but is our workingfrom-home anniversary one we’re that happy to celebrate? Or is your home office setup coming up short, far from conducive to work/life balance, even though initially it seemed the dream? We’ve all seen laptops balanced on ironing boards, spaces cleared on the dining table for workstations or the kids’ bedroom doubling as a meeting room on Zoom. But while they all work, these inventive solutions are far from ideal – and they can edge us towards what the internet is calling ‘WFH burnout’, where the boundaries between work and life have blurred beyond recognition. So what are we to do? ‘We need to create gorgeous spaces that we actually want to work in,’ says Holly Tucker MBE, founder of Not on the High Street and Holly & Co (holly.co), which supports small brands through the highs and lows of their business journey, and UK Ambassador to
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Creative Small Businesses. ‘It’s likely that we’re in this for the long haul, and that the world of work will have fundamentally changed forever. We need to make our working-fromhome spaces somewhere we enjoy being in.’ Nancy Poller of Aligned Design Co (aligned-design.co) has worked from home for five years already. She found that changing her home studio around during the first lockdown really helped. ‘I wanted it to feel less like a spare bedroom and more like a supportive workspace,’ she says, ‘so I did a huge declutter and sorted my storage so that it would feel ordered and calm. WFH has meant I’ve learnt to appreciate tidiness.’ With many of us not having that separate workspace, chartered psychologist, scientist and writer Dr Meg Arroll (drmegarroll.com) says to get as near to a window as possible. ‘There are benefits both in terms of avoiding eye strain and mental overload,’ she explains. ‘We need to let our minds wander as this is
the scheme well,’ says Ben. ‘If you’re looking to create added privacy, consider shelving units: they help to define the space while also offering extra storage. When you spend hours at your desk every day, even the smallest of adjustments can make a big difference. Your workspace shouldn’t fill you with dread, whether because of an overloaded desk or an uncomfortable chair; creating a space that works for you is key to a happy working environment. Free up as much of your desk by installing shelves up above, always remembering to keep these organised with folders and baskets.’ Likewise, invest in the best possible broadband available – even if it means making lots of persistent phone calls. You need the right tools to be productive; try a separate screen attached to your laptop or even a standing desk. Still finding it hard to concentrate? You need to set positive constraints, says Dr Meg. ‘The reason why the washing, dishes and toys seem to magnetically pull you to clear up is that these tasks feel like an achievement, and a much easier one than most work duties. You can still do these jobs throughout the day if you want to get that “I finished something” buzz, but only after doing some actual work. The simplest positive constraint is a timer – in the classic Pomodoro technique you set a timer for 15 minutes and then take a short break. It’s important to stick with this time period even if it seems short at first – your brain will focus much more if it knows you only have a short space of time. Then during your break, put a wash on – or better yet, move your body around for a boost of energy.’ You could also mix things up by leaving your home. ‘Find yourself an independent café or your local library,’ says Holly. ‘I work from home in the mornings and from my Holly & Co Work/Shop in the afternoons. Find as many local places as you can – they need our support now more than ever.’ ‘WFH in itself is not exclusively good or bad,’ concludes Dr Meg. ‘We all differ in our preference but I’ve found many people take less breaks, slip into perfectionism and have woolly boundaries when working from home, which all stifle creativity and can negatively impact mental health. But these are all things we can change and control – reinstate your coffee breaks, ask for feedback and DO NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF YOUR SCHEDULED HOURS! This can be more challenging if you’re self-employed as there’s often a fear of where the next contract will come from, but it’s even more important for freelancers.’ The Germans have a word, Feierabend, which describes the time after work is done, and leisure and rest begins. Dr Meg agrees: ‘I think Evelyn Knight had it right in the song Lucky Lucky Lucky Me: “I work eight hours, I sleep eight hours, that leaves eight hours for fun”. Protect your fun time and spend it with people that matter to you. In the end, it’s our relationships that matter, not our output.’
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healthy WFH habits to work on Dr Meg Arroll advises:
1 Set WFH hours and stick to them. We are creatures of habit, so having a schedule helps to dampen anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of this time.
2 Change at the start and end of the day. It doesn’t need to be a whole outfit – it could be something as small as a watch, but this habitual action will signal to your brain that the working day is starting and finishing.
3 Go outside – at least for 10 minutes every day. Research shows that you only need a 10-minute stroll to boost your mood and protect against feelings of depression.
4 Commit to being good enough at being good enough. The echo chamber of our self-critical minds creates standards that would rarely be expected by others, so aim for done, not perfect.
5 If you’re WFH, there’s no reason to have work emails on your phone. Take the account off so you aren’t tempted to check emails in bed or in front of the TV.
REALHOMES.COM
WORDS JENNIFER MORGAN IMAGE GETTY
often when we’re able to problem solve – have you ever been hitting a brick wall trying to figure out a tricky issue and then it comes to you when you least expect it? You can create this to some extent by gazing out a window every so often, which will also give your vision time away from the screen.’ ‘I have lots of plants in my office,’ admits business coach Nicky Wilkes (seriouslystylishbusiness.co.uk), who takes breaks throughout the day to water them. ‘It means natural daylight is a must. Since moving home, I’ve positioned my desk right next to a large window. Blinds that can be closed when the sun streams in help massively with clarity of screen vision when I’m on a call, though.’ But it’s not just natural light that will improve your WFH space. ‘Warm, bright light can help to improve your mood, keeping you motivated,’ says Ben Stokes of KAGU Interiors (kagu-interiors.co.uk). ‘Invest in good-quality light bulbs and be mindful of the wattage: 70 watts is ideal for creating a bright but not overpowering light. The style of your light fittings may influence your choice of bulb: frosted glass works best for pendants to diffuse the glow, while LED filament styles are perfect with “naked bulb” designs.’ And if you’re working from your kitchen table, then Natalie Mann of Iconic Lights (iconiclights. co.uk) suggests investing in an angled task light to cast a pool of light where needed. Also, think beyond your desk or table to create an inspiring and productive WFH space, as Holly explains: ‘Surround yourself with things that make you happy and fill you with inspiration and creativity – I love animals and I love colour.’ Try a break-out corner where you can sit and recharge, even flick through a magazine. Nancy has finally put up a print she bought at a Tate exhibition 15 years ago alongside a ‘client win gift to me’ of a print from Hotel Magique. ‘They double as a stylish Zoom background,’ she smiles. ‘I always have a scented candle or two around. Different scents really make a difference throughout the working day, so I use a diffuser and essential oils to bring either calm or energy – depending on what I’m working on and what I need.’ ‘My Nespresso machine is a must,’ adds Nicky, who always makes sure her working day is well-thought out and intentional when not at her desk. ‘A typical day starts with taking a coffee back in bed and reading a business-inspired book, followed by a meditation while I do my hair and makeup. It’s part of my daily ritual and ensures I get to my desk feeling like I’ve “arrived” for work, both mentally and physically.’ Back at our desks, it’s important to create spaces that have a sense of privacy too, especially in open-plan areas. ‘Zoning the space will help to define a dedicated area, but you’ll want to consider the furniture and colours to ensure they complement
‘We spend the majority of our time in here and wanted a wide aperture while still retaining some division between the spaces,’ says Iain. ‘At one point we considered Crittallstyle doors so added a frame around in readiness, but I’m glad
we didn’t bother as we like the open feel.’ Living room walls painted in Depths and kitchen walls painted in Battlements Grey, Valspar. Radiator, Glasgow Architectural Salvage. Chesterfield sofa, Annie Mo’s
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renovated apartment
GENTLEMEN’S
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alking into Iain and Eóin’s Glasgow tenement flat, the generous hallway feels like a room in itself, and the balance between living spaces and bedrooms makes it seem like the layout has always been that way. It’s clear why they fell in love with the high ceilings, stained glass windows and period features, but it required a bit of replanning to unlock the flat’s potential. The couple’s master stroke was to move the kitchen from the rear of the apartment to a spare room at the front and knock through to the living room. Light was brought into the windowless hallway via a glass-panelled double doorway, a new utility/pantry was added and the old kitchen was split into a guest bedroom and master en suite. They’ve even revamped the narrow bathroom – a common feature in Scottish tenements – to create a three-zone wet room with Japanese style bath. Over the page, they tell us how they’ve made an elegant home fit for modern living…
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To flatter the elegant proportions of their flat, Iain Martin and Eóin Colgan rethought the layout and filled it with rich colours, sweeping drapes and dramatic chandeliers
TOP TIP
Add wall lights to give you task lighting while cooking, and to highlight your kitchen art displayed on open shelving
‘Our builder thought up the idea of a platform to accommodate the pendant lights and spotlights as the existing ceiling was too old,’ says Iain. ‘We thought it might look awful but it’s actually very discreet, has LED lights around it and doesn’t interfere with the beautiful coving.’ Kitchen, Howdens. Pendant lights, Wayfair. Wall lights, Juicy Home. Stools, Made. King & McGaw sells the Anna Pavlova art print by John Lavery
WORDS KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE
BEFORE
‘When I first walked around the flat, I was blown away by the high ceilings and loved the bay window in the living room with views across the park. An additional lounge didn’t seem to serve a purpose and the kitchen just didn’t work at the back of the property, so I knew straight away it should be moved to the front. ‘Our plan was to live here while the work was done, but in the end we were getting in the way of the builders so moved out to speed things up. ‘Moving the kitchen took an awful lot of planning. The pipes had to be run through the ceiling as going through the floor would’ve meant cutting three joists. We now have three Saniflow pumps in the island, utility and behind the fridge so the system isn’t overloaded. It was more expensive but worth it for the entertaining space we’ve ended up with. ‘Iain likes more things than me and I’m probably a bit fussier, but we have very similar tastes and enjoy mixing traditional and modern. I’m quite good at imagining things but Iain has to rein me in a bit if it’s not going to work on a practical level. ‘Because of the shifts we were working, we shared tasks equally. Whoever wasn’t working would deal with the problem of the day or Iain’s mum would step in. Inevitably, it took longer than we thought. If someone says it’ll take six weeks, double it and add 10! Luckily the builder was good at running everything by me so nothing ended up in the wrong place. ‘My favourite part is the openplan kitchen and living room, which is where we spend the majority of our time. It’s so nice to come home and chat about our days while one of us cooks and the other relaxes. ‘We poured so much time and energy into our home, I’m happy we’ve breathed new life into it.’
Profile THE OWNERs Iain Martin, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, lives with his partner Eóin Colgan, a GP THE PROPERTY A three/four bedroom apartment in a 19th-century Victorian tenement (@tenement.style) project COST £65,828
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EóIN says…
‘Having renovated a two-bedroom flat in Glasgow together, we wanted somewhere bigger in a quieter location. We found a four-bedroom tenement flat 10 minutes away. Walking into the unusually spacious hallway, I’d never seen such a big tenement with so much potential, but we tried to play it cool and hide our excitement. Luckily our cheeky offer was accepted the same day, and our flat sold within 10 days for well over the asking price. When we moved in, all we had was a footstool and a four-poster bed as our buyer purchased most of the furniture. ‘It was Eóin’s idea to relocate the kitchen to the front and knock through to the living room. I wasn’t sure I had the energy but it elevates the property so much as the kitchen is now the heart of the home and full of light. We also transformed the main bathroom with a bespoke tiled bath to fit the 1.4m width of the room, and a wet floor shower. ‘It took longer than expected as sanding and restaining the flooring was a huge job. We also had to upgrade the boiler to accommodate our new castiron radiators – it’s probably suitable for a small hotel! These delays meant our six-week stay with my parents in South Lanarkshire ended up lasting over four months, during which time we were commuting 80 miles a day. ‘Eóin’s a dreamer and he has great ideas, but I’m the one getting quotes and organising the builders. We’re good at deciding things together, though. If one of us doesn’t like something, we won’t have it, so what we agree on ends up working better. I never have a vision of a room totally finished – it kind of evolves as the builders ask questions about fittings we want. Eóin’s really good at visualising and very meticulous – he loves symmetry. Style-wise we both wanted something classic but also masculine, so chose dark colours and traditional materials with vintage furniture and chandeliers for drama. ‘After Christmas 2018, we moved back in even though we still had the last bedroom to finish. At that point we’d run out of money and enthusiasm, and took a year off to enjoy the new layout before the final push. We went about £10,000 over budget but we’re happy with the result. Having the bedrooms private at one end of the apartment and the reception rooms and kitchen at the other works so much better.’
FIND INSPIRATION FOR PAINTING IN DARK COLOURS AT REALHOMES.COM/DECORATING
IaIn says…
‘I really love the Turkish rug, which my mum bought on a family holiday 20 years ago,’ says Eóin. ‘We picked the yellow armchairs to pop against the dark colours.’ Alexander & James armchairs and framed map, both Annie Mo’s. Agora side table from Swoon is similar
a fabricator. It seats eight and is something I would never part with.’ Mirror, William Wood Mirrors. Lamp, Wayfair. Decanter, Oliver Bonas. For a similar dining table, try Riz and Mica Make on Etsy. Dining chairs, Dunelm. Artwork, Dream Printable on Etsy
design classic Add warmth and character underfoot, as Iain and Eóin have done, with a traditional-style rug in a muted palette
Vintage rug, £149.99, Zara
Handwoven Samanyu rug, from £48, Anthropologie
Louis De Poortere Fading World Medallion rug, from £155, The Rug Seller
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Heriz Oriental border granite rug, from £51.99, Carpetright
REALHOMES.COM
Above and right ‘Most of the furniture is from charity or antique shops, like this sideboard,’ says Iain. ‘I’d describe our style as eclectic, chic, decadent and glamorous. The dining table is made from a mahogany workbench my dad used in his construction business, with a frame made by
‘I absolutely love the curtains in here,’ says Iain. ‘They were gifted by interior designer Ruth Bond of Crimson in return for using the flat as a backdrop for taking some marketing pictures.’ Walls painted in Thundercloud, Valspar. Bed, Feather & Black. Halo armchair, Barker & Stonehouse. Curtains, Crimson
TOP TIP
A large statement mirror can be both useful and ornamental – framing your #OOTD and making rooms feel larger
‘We’d used this blue colour in the living room of our old flat and wanted to use it again somewhere else because we loved it so much,’ says Iain. Walls painted in Thundercloud, Valspar. Chest of drawers, Glasgow City Antiques. Mirror, William Wood Mirrors. Bed, Feather & Black
‘Installing glass paned double doors lightened the hallway,’ says Iain. ‘We added a second ceiling rose to have two chandeliers. It’s such a long room, it needed that drama. The console table was made from my dad’s workbench, like the dining table.’ Walls painted in Brandenburg Gate, Valspar. Radiator, Glasgow Architectural Salvage. Lamps, Wayfair. Mirror, Laura Ashley. Chandeliers, Ebay
Above ‘The built-in shelves are typical of Glasgow tenements,’ says Iain. ‘We’ve dressed them with photos from special occasions and my favourite Mulberry satchel. My mum gave
us the bedside table, which we upcycled, as we had no furniture when we moved in.’ Lamp, Ralph Lauren Home. Rug, Homesense. Clock, Made
MOVED IN July 2017
PROJECT TIMELINE
FLOORS SANDED October 2018
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM KNOCKED THROUGH August 2018
BATHROOMS FITTED; MOVED BACK IN December 2018
KITCHEN FITTED Oct/Nov 2018
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PANELLING ADDED TO BEDROOMS June 2020
WARDROBES BUILT; BEDROOMS FINISHED February 2020
Costs & contacts Building work £35,000 Kitchen and appliances £12,170 Bathrooms £12,123 Bespoke wardrobes £4,000 Architect and structural engineer £2,535 Builders G71 Construction, 07796 265014 Structural engineer Prime Structural Solutions, 01294 277005, primestructuralsolutions.co.uk Bathrooms Bathroom People, 01698 284168, bathroompeople.co.uk
‘When we first moved in, we painted this room green but it looked disgusting,’ says Iain. ‘During lockdown we created the panelling over three weekends and went light on the walls. It was an experiment as everywhere else is dark.’ Walls painted in Elephant’s Breath, Farrow & Ball. Bed, Feather & Black. Globe Wernicke bookcase and trunks, Glasgow City Antiques. Bedside cabinet, Homesense
‘We wanted a separate bath and shower but the room is so narrow it was a real challenge. We saw the idea on Pinterest for a made-to-measure Japanese style fibreglass bath, which is tiled inside. It’s shorter than a standard bath but is deeper and wider so still feels luxurious.’ Bath, Abbacus via Bathroom People. Fittings, Crosswater. Wall tiles, B&Q. For similar bath tiles, try Dartrey Grey Rhombus tiles, Topps Tiles
Wardrobes, Ingrained Bespoke. Woodwork painted in Green Smoke, Farrow & Ball. The Celeste four-poster bed, Maisons du Monde, is similar. Cushions, Sofa.com and TK Maxx. Pendant light, Wayfair. Ottoman, Made
Sleeping beauty Copy Iain and Eóin and live a modern fairy tale with a four four-poster poster bed that that’ss sleek sle and smart
Small double Toulon fourposter iron bed in Mint Green, £598, The Original Bed Co.
Small double Booker canopy bed, £809.99, Wayfair
Super-king Gilmour canopy bed, £1,499, La Redoute
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Super-king Porada Ziggy fourposter bed, £6,400, Go Modern
REALHOMES.COM
Above ‘As this room used to be the kitchen, it was looking a bit tatty and needed built-in wardrobes to hide the boiler and provide storage,’ says Iain. ‘They’re custom-made to look like a panelled wall as the doors are handleless.’
bathroom conversion
PRETTY IN PINK By repurposing a former chill-out room into a spacious en suite, Vicki and David now have a relaxing retreat to call their own
PRIVACY
is hard to come by when you have kids in the house – even grown-up kids, as Vicki and her husband David know all too well. With their daughter Katie starting university, the couple felt it was time for a switch up of the layout of their bungalow to create a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of family life – but how to do it? After toying with the idea of further loft work, Vicki and David settled on a bedroom swap with Katie, giving them space towards the back of the house to create their dream suite. Alongside a bedroom and dressing room, the couple have created a stunning en suite set that’s practical as well as pretty. Vicki explains how they brought their new space to life.
ALL CHANGE
BEFORE
‘We’ve been in this house nearly 10 years, and in that time we’ve extended, knocked down walls, the lot. Once our daughter started university we thought about moving, but couldn’t find anything we liked more. However, the layout wasn’t working for us any more. Our bedroom was next to the kitchen and didn’t give us the privacy we wanted. We eventually swapped with our daughter, giving her a sizable room, more wardrobes and a bigger en suite. In return, we turned her old en suite into a dressing room and the adjacent room, built behind our garage as a chill-out room for our son, became our bathroom.’
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LOCKED DOWN
‘The builder we chose was one we trusted, as he’d redone the family bathroom the year before. We went into lockdown just as the project started, which was stressful. Luckily our builder was able to carry on as the room is separate to the rest of the house and has its own external doors, but sourcing products was an issue. We had to swap a few things out – our original bath tap supplier shut down, for example, so we had to go for a different product. But we were lucky in some ways. We’d already chosen the tiles and the builder picked them up for us literally the day before they closed – so we got there in the nick of time.’
SAVVY SHOPPER
‘To save money, we sussed out what we wanted ahead of time and made sure the items we chose were good quality. We shopped around for prices then presented them to our local bathroom showroom, who gave us a good discount on everything. All the extra storage we’ve added has been invaluable, too. Our builder made us a large cupboard, which stows away all the spare toiletries, medicine, cleaning products and the bin, and there’s storage in the sink unit too – we haven’t actually managed to fill all the drawers!’
THE OWNERs Vicki Roath, a finance director, lives with her husband, David, a solicitor, their son, Sam, 21, and daughter, Katie, 19, and three cats, Maisie, Modi and Magni THE PROPERTY A detached 1950s chalet bungalow with a loft conversion in Hampshire Total project cost £16,000
REALHOMES.COM
Profile
PERFECT HARMONY
‘Having our own space separated from the rest of the house has made such a difference. Our son, Sam, is now tucked away upstairs, which means I don’t have to see his messy bedroom, and Katie has a much bigger space with more room for her clothes. For us, having more privacy is brilliant, and our new dressing area is a massive bonus – but the bathroom is the star of the show. David and I have similar working days, so the twin sinks are great for getting ready together in the morning, and it’s a lovely sanctuary to come back to at the end of the day.’
HOTEL LUXE
EASY CLEAN
‘I was really keen that this bathroom, along with being beautiful and spacious, was also very practical and easy to keep clean, especially as we live in a hard water area. We have grey grout, which doesn’t discolour, wall-mounted taps, which prevents limescale build-up, and a large, flat piece of glass for the shower screen, which is easier to keep clean than our old cubicle. I opted for a black radiator so that the water marks wouldn’t show – that way I don’t have to polish it all the time!’
SHOPPING LIST Wall and floor tiles, Tile Flair. Walls painted in Sulking Room Pink, Farrow & Ball. Shower screen, Bathroom Warehouse. Shower fixtures and sink taps, Flova. Vanity unit and basins, Harvey George. Round mirror, HiB. WC, Pura. Bath, Waters Baths of Ashbourne. Bath mixer, Crosswater. Side table, TK Maxx. Lights over bath, Belid Lighting. Radiator, Radox
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WORDS ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE
‘The rest of the house has quite a vintage feel with lots of 1950s and 1960s antiques, and a bit of Scandi style thrown in. I wanted a bit of that in here, but the overall aim was for a luxury boutique hotel look. We decided on the colours early on and I love the dusky pink – it’s warm, not girly, and I think it really helps get that luxe look.’
Costs & contacts Builder Nick White of The Ensuite Bathroom Company, 07745 980345 Underfloor heating DEVI, devi.danfoss.com Rooflights Velux, 01592 778 225, velux.co.uk Build work (including paint) £8,300 Fixtures and fittings £6,300 Tiles £850 (including builder’s discount) Decoration £550
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Blue-sky thinking
WORDS ELLEN FINCH PHOTOGRAPH MATTHEW SMITH ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY
How about a pop of colour to brighten up the gloomy winter days? This extension is a treat for the eyes and just the tonic we need for what’s been a very dull year. The blue-green tone is pre-patinated copper, which manages to feel fresh and contemporary without being too in-your-face – and it’s perfectly paired with the oak windows and doors. Speaking of which: can we take a moment to appreciate that window? Right now it lets in plenty of light to brighten up dark days, but come spring and summer, it’ll be the perfect perch to soak up some rays with a cuppa and a book. Project cost: £110,000. Butcher Bayley Architects, 01733 753 430, wearebba.co.uk
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KITCHEN & BATHROOM
NEWS
Smart soap dispenser, £49.99, Eko Home
MPRO towel rail in brushed brass, £395, Crosswater
S AND ESSE D EN TR S, EA ID ST TE LA E TH
NTIAL BUYS
FOR YOUR KITCHEN AN
D BATHROOM
Terma simple electric blue towel warmer, £295, B&Q
Washing our hands has never been so important, so keep it as hygienic as possible with a motion sensor, touch-free soap dispenser. This sleek design by Eko Home will sit neatly on any worktop. Simply charge up with a USB, fill with your favourite hand soap and you’re good to go.
Tubone radiator, £674.89, Antrax
3 OF THE BEST
Modern bathroom radiators Warm your towels and add some aesthetic oomph to your bathroom with bold and bright radiators.
Carrousel hexagonal tiles in Pattern; Agatha tiles in Coral and Amarillo, £45 per m2, Rees Tiles & Flooring
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
DITSY FLORALS It’s not too often that we see ditsy florals in the bathroom, but this scheme is proof that a pretty print can work in a modern space, too. The sharp hexagonal lines and clean cut furniture balances out the whimsical floral pattern for a space that’s contemporary and refined, but also full of personality.
Touch free
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE
Tired of messy cupboards filled to the brim so you can never find anything? We hear you. This clever three-door unit from Schmidt is the ultimate in organisational ease. Complete with internal drawers and dividers to maximise space, these large units pull out at once so you can see everything you have, instantly. What a dream. Bolero kitchen, from £10,000, Schmidt
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Washing up liquid in lavender or coastal scent, £9, Norfolk Natural Living
NATURE INSPIRED This brand new Forest Green splashback in a contemporary matt finish is the perfect way to add a touch of depth and drama to your kitchen. Inspired by the mossy rock surfaces found in Nordic forests, and complete with anti-bacterial technology, the splashback is high in style and hygiene, making it a clear winner in our eyes. Elements collection splashback in Forest Green, £139 per 80x60cm panel, Alusplash
ECO CHOICE
Multi-purpose cleaner starter kit, £13; refills, £3.50, Spruce
Adobe matt black 4-in-1 hot water tap, £300, Benchmarx
3 OF THE BEST
Eco cleaning products
InSinkErator 3-in-1 steaming hot water tap in rose gold, £1,201
Keep clean and protect the planet with these sustainable essentials Hot water tap, £575, CDA
Fusion square boiling water tap, £2,020, Quooker
Quick cuppa Keep the brews flowing with a hot water tap in a stylish shade
ARCHITECTURAL ADDITION
Why have a rectangular screen when you could go for a statement arch? We’re more than a little bit in love with this unique new design from Victorian Plumbing, bringing a striking architectural feature to your space, with no building work in sight. The matt black frame stands loud and proud and is bang on trend, too. Arezzo arched matt black wet room screen, from £239.95, Victorian Plumbing
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Eco-Me marble and granite cleaner, £7.22, Amazon
Raku black wall tiles, £32.95 per m2; Zermatt Natural porcelain stone-effect floor tiles, £26.95 per m2, Walls & Floors
CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO VINYL AND LAMINATE ON PAGE 143
Cut the cost of your
EN
Your dream kitchen doesn’t need to cost the earth – use our wallet-friendly tips to come in under budget
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SAVVY SHOPPING
Metod cabinets in high-gloss red-brown, prices vary; Knixhult pendant lamp, £35; Odger chair, £70; Voxlov dining table, £199, all Ikea
NEXT MONTH: EXERT ADVICE ON HOW TO CUT THE COST OF YOUR BATHROOM
You already know to wait for bargain events like Black Friday and the winter sales for big-ticket items like fridges and dishwashers. But when it comes to the kitchen itself, you can save hundreds, even thousands of pounds by shopping smart. End-of-line or closing down sales could nab you a new design at slashed prices. Ex-display models are a good option – see ‘Go second hand’.
Sticking with the same layout will avoid costs around moving your plumbing, electrics or gas supply, so if you’re happy with what you’ve got – particularly the position of your sink, dishwasher and cooker – then don’t change a thing. If it’s not working for you, switching needn’t be too expensive. A galley layout, with a run of units facing each other, is cheapest because there are no joins or corners to fill. Need more storage space? Consider adding wall storage in the form of units or open shelving. Ikea sells the latter for as little as £10 – but if you do opt to go open, be clutter-conscious.
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FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT Why pay out the big bucks on a marble or hardwood worktop when you can get the look for less with a faux version? Opt for a good-quality laminate version for the same aesthetic and save yourself some cash. The same goes for flooring, too: today’s vinyl and laminate offerings are brilliantly effective.
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DO IT YOURSELF We’re not suggesting taking on the plumbing – there lies potential disaster/flooding – but there might be some tasks you can do to save on labour costs. Mechanically-minded? Measure up and sketch out your plan and take it to a showroom rather than hiring a designer. Relieve stress by taking a hammer (safely) to your old kitchen and get everything smoothed over before the new one is delivered. Tackling what you can yourself will save money and give you new skills. Just don’t attempt any DIY rewiring; leave that to the pros.
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SPLURGE ON
A HANDY HOT WATER TAP FOR EASY CUPPAS Signature modern boiling water tap, from £695, Qettle
REALHOMES.COM
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KEEP THE LAYOUT
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SPEND VS SAVE
Be picky about where you spend your cash. Good basic units can be jazzed up with fancy doors and expensive worktops, while a budget stainless steel sink will be lifted by a designer tap. Here’s where to spend and where to save on your kitchen.
SPEND
> Worktops Materials like granite are popular for a reason thanks to their ability to deal with scratches, spills and heavy-duty cleaning products, but a high-quality laminate will stand up to everyday use just as well if you can’t quite stretch to stone. > Hardware You touch kitchen taps, handles and switches multiple times a day, so pay attention to these details and up the spend for hardwearing versions. Even though they’re small, going for quality here can have a huge impact on the overall look of your space. > Lighting The actual lights you buy don’t have to be pricey, but make sure you put aside some budget for a layered scheme. Task lighting over prep areas and mood lighting over a dining space are essentials, both practically and aesthetically.
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EASY UPDATE
If your kitchen’s in good nick but feels a little stale, why not give it a refresh with a tin of paint instead of buying brand new? Handpainted kitchens are bang on trend and inexpensive to boot if you’re DIYing. Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint is hardwearing and easy to apply as it doesn’t need priming or sanding, and it comes in plenty of delicious colours. For an extra upgrade, replace old handles with a new design. Voilà– a brand new kitchen, without the empty wallet.
Walls painted in Antoinette and island in Napoleonic Blue chalk paint, from £5.95, Annie Sloan
> Wall surfaces Tiles around splash-prone areas like the sink and hob, but use a less expensive finish like kitchenfriendly paint elsewhere. Love the look of tiles all around? Consider tile-style stencilling on the walls for a low-cost, highly creative look. > Appliances Take on the task of sourcing appliances yourself. Sales events and end-of-line discounts are your friends – and be picky when you’re choosing what to buy. Be honest: how many times have you actually used that Bake Off-worthy mixer? > Sink We all love the look of an enamel Belfast sink, but a stainless steel version will be half the price and probably more practical. Fitted flush with your worktop, you’ll hardly see it. Still set on a Belfast? Look for one second-hand in a reclamation yard.
DESIGNER LOOK, BARGAIN PRICE BUY A LOOKALIKE METALLIC LIGHT AND GIVE YOUR KITCHEN AN INDUSTRIAL EDGE
Brooklyn 13 inch dome pendant in pewter and brass, £99, Industville
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Titan Size 1 pendant, black with gold interior, £269, Original BTC
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SAVE
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FIT FOR FLATPACK
Contrary to what you might think, a flatpack kitchen isn’t necessarily a poor quality one: well-made versions can be better than an inexpensive preassembled design. The choice can come down to practicality and time. A flatpack kitchen is usually cheaper than a pre-made one, but you’ll need to hire a fitter or find the time (and skills) to do it yourself. Preassembled kitchens are more expensive, but fitting is quicker and often offered as part of the package by the company.
Right Shaker five-piece kitchen in Indigo, £2,519 for these fully built units, Wren Kitchens
Hadley timberframed kitchen doors in Dust Grey, from £162.31 for a 600mm base unit (including cabinet, two pairs of hinges, shelf and door), Flatpack Kitchens
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WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
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MAKE A SALE
The next best thing after reusing your old kitchen? Selling it and using the proceeds to fund the new one. Sites like Gumtree, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace are good places to list your kitchen, but you’ll likely be responsible for dismantling, storing and possibly transporting it to its new home. If not the whole kitchen, you might be able to flog old appliances, cupboard doors or even worktops.
THE UK AVERAGE SPEND TO DO UP A KITCHEN*
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GO SECOND HAND
As with everything from books to clothes, shopping second hand for your kitchen is great for saving money and doing your bit for the planet, too, avoiding the huge amounts of energy used to create a brand new model. The second-hand kitchen trade is still relatively young but worth exploring. Ex-display kitchens from showrooms are pretty much unused but cost a fraction of the price of new. Alternatively, try companies like The Used Kitchen Company (theusedkitchencompany. com), who specialise in buying and selling secondhand and ex-display kitchens.
WORDS ELLEN FINCH *ACCORDING TO RESEARCH BY CONFUSED.COM
£5,219
Not only is chucking out your old kitchen without a second thought environmentally unfriendly, it’s also unnecessary. If you’re not changing your layout, you could reuse the carcass of your kitchen and update the doors; companies like Husk and Plykea offer custom door fronts for Ikea units, for example. Keep your old appliances where possible. Old kitchen beyond repair and need to start from scratch? Bring a recycled element into your new design by using reclaimed materials where you can: flooring and shelving are good options.
Home of the Year Best Kitchen
Buying a Victorian house was a dream for Rachael Ball and her husband, Adam, but they had to tackle their nightmare kitchen before they could truly love it houses have such charm from the outside, their façades promising high ceilings and ornate features beyond the front door. But the Victorians lived differently to us. The family wouldn’t inhabit the kitchen as much, especially if they had a cook, nor would they need the space for the vast amount of helpful modern appliances. When Rachael Ball fell for a Victorian house on a leafy street in Worcester, she knew it could be an ‘amazing’ place to live – but only once she and husband Adam had turned the dark, dingy kitchen, which was so cold they’d eat breakfast in the living room rather than linger there, into what is the worthy winner of the Real Homes award for Best Kitchen. Rachael reveals the love/hate journey they took to create their dream kitchen, and the race to get it finished ready to host Christmas for the family…
WORDS ALISON JONES PHOTOGRAPHS KASIA FISZER STYLIST MELISSA DENHAM
PERIOD
BEFORE
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This image and left On the advice of kitchen maker Jeff, Rachael went for cream units to keep the space feeling light, with the moveable island in contrasting blue. Kitchen units, Jeff Spencer. Work surfaces, GoForGranite. Range cooker, Rangemaster, Pendant lights, Laura Ashley. Bar stools, Bringsty Vintage Living. Flooring, Ebay
Profile The owners Rachael Ball (@renovating. no.66), an art/photography teacher, and husband Adam, a laser service manager, live here with daughter Darcey, five, and Ella the cockapoo The property A five-bedroom Victorian semi built in 1899, in Worcester project cost £45,000
Rachael and daughter Darcey love baking together. Velux windows above the units bring in plenty of light to where they are working.
Step one
Step two
Step three
Sink, Ebay. Tap, Aston Matthews. Appliances and white goods, Smeg. Wall paint, Dulux; for a similar colour, try Pointing, Farrow & Ball
Character appeal
Cold kitchen
Getting hands-on
‘We’ve lived here since October 2016. We lived in Stourport and Kidderminster and used to come here a lot – we loved the city. It was a good location for my husband’s work and I had a new job teaching at the high school up the road. ‘Our previous houses were 1930s and 1970s houses, but in Worcester I was desperate for a Victorian house. I love their character and style, and I liked this house’s location; the road is lined with trees and has beautiful Victorian houses, so it’s very picturesque. It’s a road that people really want to live on, and there’s a real community feel. During the first lockdown, everybody was messaging each other or putting letters through doors, offering help.’
‘I‘ve had a love/hate relationship with the house – the renovation journey has had its ups and downs. When we first looked round I thought it could be amazing, but it was going to be a lot of work. There were times I felt we’d bitten off more than we could chew. I’d started a new job and Adam was working away, so I was project managing, juggling a career and looking after a young child. ‘We lived in it for a year before starting the extension in September 2017. It had such a dingy kitchen – long, thin, dark and freezing. We’d put the gas hob on to heat it up in the morning. The upstairs of the house is big but the downstairs felt cramped. To extend, to have this space, was a must for us.’
‘This is our third house renovation and we do as much as we can ourselves to save costs. Adam used a software programme to draw the plans and submitted them to planning, which went through smoothly. He also painted the kitchen walls, did all the flooring, fitted the radiators and skirting boards. He worked really hard to make sure we could get everything done before Christmas. I did a lot of research for the kitchen design and décor. ‘During the build, Adam made us a kitchen in the playroom with the old units, plumbing in the washing machine and a sink. I had a microwave with hob on top to cook on. It was primitive, but we had a table so we could eat together.’
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The island is the social hub, but Rachael also likes to relax with friends and family in the living area overlooking the garden.
my kitchen IN
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Sofa, Dunelm. Pink chair, Ebay. Floor lamp, Ikea. For similar garden furniture (on patio), try Homebase
1 FAV VOURITE PERCH ‘The e pink chair, for a pop p of colour. I got it fo or £80 off Ebay.’
2 Pink chair, £149.99, Homesense
BEST B AID FOR KIT TCHEN PARTIES ‘Sonos Sonos speaker. We always have music on and dance around the kitchen.’
3 BEST ROOM ACCESSORY ‘Candles. I love different fragrances throughout the year. The smell can really lift your mood.’
4 Artisan tilt-head stand mixer in Medallion Silver, £599, KitchenAid
MOST USEFUL APPLIANCE ‘A KitchenAid mixer. Baking is something we love to do as a family. This was my Christmas present last year.’
Arte orange & amber scented candle, £25, Oliver Bonas
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Step five
Hiring trades
A family space
‘Our plumber, Russell, the father of a former student, recommended Mitch, our builder. We had lots of snow during the build and were constantly battling the weather, so things ran over. It could get quite overwhelming, but he put my mind at ease. I found Jeff Spencer, who handmade our kitchen with his son, through his Ebay site. I wanted a country style with dark blue units, but he said it would show every mark, especially with a young child, and suggested light units and to change the colour of the island. ‘We had the worktops fitted on 22 December, making Christmas by the skin of our teeth. We had a long table right down the middle of the kitchen for our first full family Christmas together.’
‘The extension has massively changed how we live in the house. The garden was at different levels, so when he did the extension, Mitch took out lots of soil to lay a patio. It’s lovely to sit there with friends with children running about. ‘One of my favourite things is to sit round the island, talking with friends, or making Sunday lunch while Adam and Darcey do Lego or crafts. Before, we were in separate rooms when I was cooking and they were at the front of the house. Now we can be together, it’s much more pleasant for us as a family. ‘You hear horror stories of builds, and it was stressful. I was very hands on, making sure things ran smoothly. But it was worth it – it’s the hub of our home.’
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Costs & contacts Builder Mitchell Winwood, Ashwood Constructions, 07515 697197 Plumber Russell Pinfield, 07976 375607 Kitchen maker Jeff Spencer, 07815 511626 Rooflights Velux, velux.co.uk Quartz worktop GoForGranite, 01684 592777, goforgranite.co.uk Building works £35,000 Kitchen £5,000 Range £2,300 Flooring £1,500 (fitted, sanded and varnished by the couple) Quartz worktop £1,000 Painting and decorating £200
REALHOMES.COM
Step four
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN ‘I love greenery in the kitchen. String of hearts are easy to look after and remind me of my grandpa.’
SPOTLIGHT ON
BOLD BOTANICAL Bring the healing power of nature into your bathroom with a larger-thanlife leaf print. Whether it’s a wallpaper, a wall panel or even tiles, choose patterns of fauna and flora to transport yourself to your happy place every day. Wisp shower valve, £465; Mpro showerhead, £205, Crosswater
MUTED PALETTE When it comes to colour, soft greens and blues can make you feel calmer, so painting your bathroom walls is an easy route to tranquillity. Here a jute rug and exposed parquet flooring enhance the spa-like feel. The Bath Co Camberley freestanding bath suite with oak-effect seat, £859, Victoria Plum
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
Five things...
HEXAGON HAVEN Mix and match stone effect tiles for a fun yet calming patchwork look. This muted grey palette is soothing and simple, while the hexagon feature wall makes a playful yet subtle statement. Valesso vanity unit, £305; WC & unit, £464; Amyris basin, £110; Essence bath & panel, £415, Bathrooms to Love
you need to know about nature-inspired bathrooms for a soothing space that beckons relaxation
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Studies have shown that wooden interiors can make us feel relaxed. However, exposed wood can warp and change shape when wet. Either coat with a waterproof sealant, or go faux. New technology means wood-effect looks more realistic than ever, and needs less maintenance than the real deal.
Stone tiles are the obvious choice for spa-style bathrooms, but it’s worth considering their upkeep. Marble and limestone are porous, so they will need regular sealing to protect from splashes. They’re also cold to the touch, so a stone-effect design may be easier, warmer and less expensive, too.
Lighting can make a huge difference to how your space feels. At the start of your design process, plan in at least two levels of lighting: bright light for getting ready and an ambient light for relaxing in the tub. A dimmer switch could prove invaluable, and flickering candles are the perfect finishing touch.
A natural, soft and earthy colour palette is the way to go here, but a neutral bathroom needn’t be boring. For an inviting space, mix and match materials, from different stone types to varying wood grains and differing tile shapes and sizes. For an injection of colour, stick to greens and blues.
A spa is all about how your body feels, making the finishing touches of your bathroom scheme of the utmost importance. Invest in high-quality soft towels, choose a chunky rug and treat yourself to a waterproof speaker so you can blast those calming sounds and truly escape.
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#SOREALHOMES
Make wellness a priority and take your cue from nature for a spa-like sanctuary at home. Here’s how to optimise calm
FOR MORE STYLISH IDEAS, GO TO REALHOMES.COM/BATHROOM
spa-style bathrooms
FINAL FLOURISHES You don’t need to spend a fortune to create that relaxing vibe. Add soft towels, thick patterned rugs and metallic accessories for a space that feels as good as it looks. Steam-loving houseplants bring an organic touch. Evolve freestanding bath, £2,395, Waters Baths of Ashbourne
STONE THERAPY Go floor to ceiling with large format stone-effect tiles for a cocooning, spalike feel in a bathroom. Embed additional lighting, such as around the mirror here, to adjust the ambience. Nexa by Merlyn sliding shower door, £400; Tallinn Halifax vanity unit, £225; Roca Aris basin, £140, and WC, £240, Wickes
WOOD IS GOOD Choose wooden furniture for natural warmth in your bathroom. Wall-hung designs can make a smaller room feel bigger and more breathable. These large round mirrors bring a natural balance. Shoreditch wall-hung caramel units with basin, £800; tall Caramel cabinet, £380, Britton Bathrooms
TACTILE TEXTURES Combine different natural materials to provide depth and interest while optimising calm. Here, grey stone-effect tiles combine with raw stone walls, a marbled basin and wooden shelving for a space where texture is all around. Quartzite grey matt wall tiles, £16.99 per m2, Tile Mountain
Southbourne tall floorstanding cabinet, £500, Garden Trading
Palm leaf print, £16, Mint & May
Did you know? Ruvido Eclipse stone-effect tile, £29.95 per m2, Walls & Floors
We’ve got so much more bathroom inspiration over on realhomes.com, so you can create a haven that’s perfect for you
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Kacee set of two bath sheets, £39, Made
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ST EPS TO R E NOVATION SUCCESS Planning big changes to your home? Covering everything from budgeting to working with contractors, our top tips will make sure your project is a triumph
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ESTABLISH A CLEAR VISION
Before you can get started on a renovation you need to have an idea of what you might be looking to achieve. The clearer this vision, the better. If you’re stuck for inspiration, spend time looking at other people’s houses, magazines, architecture websites and design books to create a mood board. Keep it as a ‘bible’ for your design vision and share what you’ve found with a designer once you’re ready – but this being said, try not to be too rigid and remain open to new suggestions, too.
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FIND OUT WHAT IS FEASIBLE
Once you’ve got wellrounded ideas for the design, you need to know what you can actually do to your property, legally (and financially) speaking. This includes finding out if you’ll need planning permission or whether you can achieve the new look under permitted development (see page 77 for tips). You’ll also need to ensure your ideas will meet with building regulations.
WORDS ANNA COTTRELL
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CALL IN THE EXPERTS
For large-scale projects, you might benefit from the design and planning know-how of an architect or architectural designer. If your vision for a renovation isn’t possible, they’ll be able to talk you through the alternatives. For smaller projects or internal reconfigurations, ask a trusted builder to offer guidance, plus consult a structural engineer to ensure any wall movements are safe.
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SET A REALISTIC BUDGET (PLUS A LITTLE EXTRA)
Working out how much you can afford to spend and what you can realistically achieve within that budget is key to any successful project. Discuss this with your designer or builder, as they may be able to advise on where savings can be made. Decide early on how much you’ll spend on the fixtures, fittings and finishing touches and try to stick to your allocated amounts, as changes to a design later on can be costly. It’s always wise to have a contingency budget, too. A 10 per cent buffer should be sufficient, but work out if you can afford more than that.
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EMPLOY THE RIGHT TEAM
Successful renovators know that having the best team on board is key. You should start by putting together a tender document outlining exactly what work needs to be done and which trades are needed. Then, search locally for the people you need; ask friends and family for recommendations; look out for reviews online and search via trade associations, such as RIBA, The Federation of Master Builders, Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) or The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installers (BiKBBI). Get at least three quotes and compare, taking into consideration previous work, reviews and responsiveness, plus whether you get on, before making a decision on which to hire.
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SET A REALISTIC TIME FRAME
Always keep in mind that a good quality renovation takes time. Do plenty of research, finalise the design, gain the correct permissions and find the right trades. Always ask the professionals for an as-close-toaccurate timescale as possible. Keep a calendar to mark key stages in the project and keep track of who’s doing what each week. Don’t be surprised if there are some unforeseen occurrences that delay proceedings. When this happens, work out the best plan to move forward. Rushing a renovation could result in sub-standard finishes,
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while dragging it out could incur more expense. Work with your team and be honest about your expectations.
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DECIDE ON YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
If living on a building site is your idea of hell, look around at local rental properties, so you can be close by to keep an eye on proceedings, or ask nearby family or friends if they can put you up. Make sure they have enough room, though. You don’t want the stress of two families crammed in one house on top of that of managing a project.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE BUILDERS
Once the project is up and running, set up a weekly meeting with your main contractor or project manager to find out what’s been done and what’s planned for the coming week. This will not only mean your trades are meeting deadlines for tasks to be completed on time and within budget, but you’ll also feel fully informed and in the loop.
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ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS
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WATCH IT ALL COME TOGETHER WITH PRIDE
Although it pays to have a basic understanding of the modes and materials used so you know exactly how a space is designed, there are bound to be technical terms, jargon and practices you don’t understand – this is why you hire the experts, after all. Take every opportunity to ask questions – no matter how ‘stupid’ you think they are.
After months of planning, making decisions, debating design choices, weighing up costs, possibly moving out of your home, and keeping track of progress, you’ll soon realise all the effort and time spent was worth it as your dream home or room begins to take shape. Remember, if it seems like those last stages take an age (mostly because you’re dying to move in and use the new space), think about how great it’ll feel when you can finally put your feet up and relax when it all comes together.
REALHOMES.COM
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tanding at the starting line of a new project, the path that lies ahead can feel a little like mission impossible. You know what you want to do, but there are always a fair few stumbling blocks to overcome before your dream becomes reality, from planning constraints to pulling a team together. Sound like you? Whether you’re planning a light-filled, family-friendly kitchen extension or a fancy master suite in the loft, these tips will help you manage your new renovator role with panache – and make sure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
@MANWITHAHAMMER I’m not sure if it’s Greg in his dapper suit, the stunning Georgian pad or the mention of gin in every other post that’s got me so hooked on this amazing account. Then again, what’s not to love about watching someone painstakingly sand a window for days just so it will close after years of neglect? The love and care that he’s putting into this renovation is going to create one amazing forever home. Emily Smith, senior art editor and gin drinker
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Accounts to follow on Instagram With @real_homes now inspiring 100k followers, Team Real Homes reveals who’s motiva ome makeovers
@RENOVATING_ LOVE_LANE While all renovation projects can be emotional, as the name suggests, this is one with a lot of heart. Ben and Becky are transforming Becky’s nan’s old house, and it’s been a pleasure watching it evolve into a modern, stylish home. From the bright open-plan space to the creative paint ideas, it’s one to watch for serious home goals. Amelia Smith, deputy style editor
2 34 5 @THE_RISE_RENOVATIONS Following the Bull family’s journey turning a 1920s semi with an interior untouched for 60 years into their home is inspiring. lt’s been done while lovingly retaining original features, and a three-storey extension, Crittall windows, lust-worthy tiles, a concrete floor and marble worktop are just a few of its high points. Love it. Anna Morley, style editor
@RENOVATING_ BELMOREHOUSE If the über-cool plywood kitchen and gorgeous turquoise herringbone splashback are anything to go by, I’ll be getting a lot of inspiration from Lee and Sarah’s fabulous renovation. With the shell of their extension completed and new kitchen fitted, I can’t wait to see where they go next. Ellen Finch, deputy editor
@SHOD.ATHOME I’m in the throes of a renovation that feels overwhelming, so when I’m wobbling, Maria offers some comfort about what can be done when gutting a property on a budget. She is turning an auctionbought house into two flats, and being brave and a bit daring in her design decisions. It’s about the small wins, like leaping for joy over freshly plastered walls. I can relate. Alison Jones, assistant editor
COMING NEXT MONTH
PHOTOGRAPH CHRIS SNOOK
in your new
Stunning home transformations packed with ideas to steal Our expert guide to rear extensions, plus inspiring real-life case studies How to cut the cost of your bathroom project Plus! Style advice, latest trends and best buys
On sale 28 JANUARY
A GUIDE TO
Laminate and vinyl flooring Considering laying laminate or vinyl flooring in your home? Discover what you need to know about both of these easy care, versatile and attractive choices
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here’s a huge range of options on offer when you’re choosing flooring for your home, but both laminate and vinyl should be on your list of possibles. They’re practical and offer an array of colours and looks to suit all sorts of rooms and decorating schemes. They both also have the advantage of being able to replicate the look of other floors you might choose, such as wood or stone. They won’t have the same maintenance requirements as some natural options, though, which could prove a big plus point. They could also bring you savings compared to the materials they resemble. Whether you’re interested in vinyl, laminate or both, we’ve got the lowdown, and the latest designs, so you can pick the right floor for your room.
WORDS SARAH WARWICK
WHAT IS LAMINATE FLOORING?
Laminate flooring is made with high density fibreboard (HDF), manufactured by compressing wood fibre. The board is dense and durable. The floor’s appearance is created by what’s called the décor layer. This is a high resolution photograph – often of wood, but it can be of stone or concrete. Above this is a transparent layer that protects the floor from wear and tear. The lowest layer of a laminate floor is a backing to create stability.
WHY CHOOSE LAMINATE?
Laminate is often selected as an alternative to wood flooring, creating
Love Aqua water resistant laminate, £26.95 per m2, Lifestyle Floors
Left True Colours UNI vinyl in 512, £22.99 per m2, Carpetright
the look without the same price tag or care requirements as a timber floor. Simply mopping and vacuuming will keep a laminate floor looking its best. Of course, as with all types of flooring, door mats at the entrances to your home should be used to avoid tracking dirt and grit onto a laminate floor. A good quality laminate is hardwearing enough to stay looking good in a household with kids and pets, and can withstand items being dropped onto it. The sun shouldn’t cause it to discolour, which makes rearranging furniture no problem. Spills should always be wiped up rather than left, so they don’t penetrate the planks. Unlike wood, laminate can’t be refinished if damage occurs.
Below Loft light grey laminate, £14.99 per m2, Flooring Superstore
WHERE CAN LAMINATE BE LAID?
Laminate can be a handsome flooring choice for living spaces, bedrooms – including those for kids – hallways and landings. It can also be a top option for kitchens and even bathrooms – but for these rooms, select a waterproof version.
Northmore Pembroke Slate LVT, £49.99 per m2, Design Series, Harvey Maria
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Cleveland Oak LVT, £19.99 per m2, Tile Mountain
Steel Rock 46940 LVT, £29.99 per m2 for tile, or £37.99 per m2 for click tile, Transform collection, Moduleo
IS IT COMPATIBLE WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
You can team the gentle warmth of both wet or electric underfloor heating and laminate flooring. You’ll need to check that the laminate you’re planning to buy is compatible with underfloor heating first, but most should be suitable. REALHOMES.COM
WHAT DOES LAMINATE COST?
Laminate flooring starts from as little as around £12 per square metre going up to around £50 per square metre.
HOW TO LAY LAMINATE FLOORING
You can call a professional in but there’s no reason you can’t install laminate flooring yourself if you have DIY skills. Click systems make it a straightforward job, but manufacturers’ systems vary so you’ll need to check the method for the
Silt LVT in herringbone pattern, from £55 per m2, Form collection, Amtico
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Left Brecon Vintage Oak herringbone Stratex vinyl, £45 per m2, Woodpecker Flooring
floor you’ve chosen. Most suppliers recommend an underlay is used for soundproofing, as well as comfort and insulation. The type that’s best will be determined by the subfloor.
WHAT IS VINYL FLOORING?
Vinyl flooring comes in sheet, tile or plank format. Also available are luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which come as planks or tiles. LVT has rapidly grown in popularity because of its excellent durability and resistance to wear, plus its ability to replicate the look of wood or stone without the same cost. Vinyl is also available in appealing colours and patterns. Unlike other flooring types you might be considering, vinyl flooring is entirely synthetic; some luxury vinyl flooring is made with recycled material. Below Egger Home Triestino terrazzo laminate, £18 per m2, Homebase
WHY CHOOSE VINYL?
WHERE CAN VINYL BE LAID?
Vinyl flooring can be used in any room, making it a really flexible option. For high traffic areas, look for thicker vinyls.
IS IT COMPATIBLE WITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING?
Vinyl flooring can generally be combined with warm water and electric underfloor heating, but check the manufacturer’s guidance for a particular vinyl to be sure. It’s also vital that the surface temperature doesn’t go above a certain level – usually 27ºC . You will need a professional to make a heat loss calculation to ensure this provides a sufficient amount of heat for the room.
Below Patina Classic Oak Light laminate, £33.99 per m2, Impressive collection, Quick-Step
REALHOMES.COM
The water resistance of vinyl is often a reason it’s a preferred choice, but it has a number of other benefits. Vinyl is very quiet, so it can dampen the sound of footsteps and play. It also feels warm underfoot. It’s more forgiving than tiles if you happen to drop something on it. On the downside, a knife dropped blade first could damage it, and it can be gouged. Once damaged, it can’t be repaired. As with laminate, the fact that it can look like natural materials without having the same care and maintenance needs is another reason it’s often picked as an alternative. Cleaning is easy because it can be swept, vacuumed, and mopped.
&A YOU ASK, WE ANSWER
Marilyn vinyl, from £19 per m2, the Luxury Trends collection, Leoline
WHAT DOES VINYL COST? Expect to pay from around £8 per square metre for sheet vinyl, or vinyl tiles; from around £12 per square metre for planks; and around £22 per square metre to £80 per square metre for LVT.
HOW TO LAY VINYL FLOORING Laying some vinyls could be a job to take on yourself. Sheet vinyl is the quickest, and can usually be laid seamlessly in one piece. Some tiles can be fixed with adhesive, and others are self-adhesive. Click fit planks are available to put down yourself, too. There are LVT manufacturers who recommend professional fitting only; be aware that it may affect the warranty if you choose to do otherwise.
Left Van Gogh Salvaged Barnwood LVT, £49.99 per m2 for glue down, or £59.99 per m2 for rigid core, Karndean
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How to lay laminate flooring yourself in any room
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How do I make sure my laminate or vinyl floor lasts? ‘Hard flooring styles, such as vinyl and laminate, are a durable and cost-effective solution for homes, each with their own specific features and benefits,’ says David Snazel, hard flooring buyer at Carpetright. ‘Before selecting a type, first take the time to consider the space you are looking to update to help determine suitability and style. ‘Vinyl flooring laid in a sheet is an inexpensive way to add colour, pattern and personality to a room without compromising on safety or quality. It’s a great choice for busy families with children as it is highly durable, moistureproof and slip-resistant while being softer underfoot than laminate. Resistant to heat and moisture, it is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. ‘Luxury vinyl is a highquality option that effectively emulates expensive flooring materials using a plank or tile installation technique. This offers durability and low maintenance. Although typically easy to care for, consider the products you use carefully as not all chemicals are suitable and may cause discolouration. ‘Laminate flooring is also exceptionally durable, low maintenance and easy to clean, making it a popular choice. Laminate planks are thicker than vinyl sheets, but bear in mind that not all laminates are suitable for use in the bathroom and kitchens as moisture can cause them to warp. ‘You should also be aware that hard flooring should be laid on a clean flat surface, so you may need to allow for subfloor preparation. The subfloor must be properly prepared as any issues will affect the way your flooring lies and its overall durability and finish. Cutting corners in preparation will impact the look and longevity of the flooring.’
FOCUS ON
Built-in storage
If you’re certain you need storage, built-in units provide plenty. We look at how you can turn every nook, alcove and wall into usable space BEST FOR HOME WORK
BEST FOR MASTERING STAIRS The space under the stairs is the unsung hero when it comes to storage. Well-planned and sloped built-in units can turn it into everything from a cloakroom to an office or laundry room. This stunning solution is a useful extension to the kitchen, storing mugs, plates and wine. Handleless doors give it seamless style. Classic Metro handpainted matt lacquer understair storage in Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite, designed for a project by Simon Whitehead Architects. Bespoke kitchens start at £35,000, Roundhouse
Finding WFH space became a pressing challenge in 2020, and it now seems set to become the norm. Built-in shelves and a desk make this an entire office in an alcove. Floating shelves and drawers provide space for files, pens and pads. The raised desk keeps the screen at a comfortable eye height. This bespoke setup by Kelling Designs would cost from £800 plus VAT for a similar design
FEATURE ALISON JONES PHOTOGRAPH BILLY BOLTON (SIMON WHITEHEAD ARCHITECTS)
BEST FOR TIDY LIVING A built-in display unit can keep the living room clutter free, but without it feeling bare and unwelcoming. Favourite books, ornaments and prints are shown off on shelves while cupboards hold everything from liquor to paperwork. The display frames the TV rather than letting it dominate the room. Oak doors are a soft contrast to graphite-coloured shelving. The Manhattan costs from £1,500 as part of the Home Living Range, Sharps
Three TOP TIPS CONSIDER THE SPACE Built-in furniture can make the most of the available space, often occupying a wall up to the ceiling while taking up less of the floor than separate pieces. Take into account how it will affect the room. Will it upset the balance of your scheme? Does such a statement piece suit your interior? Be sure before you commit as once it’s built, it can’t be easily moved.
If you’re investing in built-in, be certain about sizes and style
LOOK BEHIND Are there wall lights, electrical sockets or radiators where you want your built-in furniture to go, and can they be moved? Factor in any fixed details that protrude, such as skirting boards or coving, so your built-in will fit flush. Consider integrated lighting on shelving to highlight unique pieces, or in a wardrobe to reveal clothes hiding at the back of the rail.
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OPEN WIDE To make optimum use of the extra inches built-ins give, look at alternative ways to access them in narrow spaces; sliding doors or bi-folds may be better than ones that swing open. Mirrored doors can make a space seem larger and brighter. Don’t forget to include steps to reach top cupboards or shelves – library-style steps can be a feature of built-in bookshelves.
BEST FOR NEAT BEDROOMS Heaps of clothes discarded on chairs or the floordrobe can be stressful – a creased reminder of jobs not finished. Built-in wardrobes are an inducement to keep things tidy. They can create three times more space than regular wardrobes, which means you can rotate your wardrobe by season and leave lots of room to hang up the clothes you’re currently wearing. This Langton wardrobe even comes in a calming shade of Pebble Grey. Bedroom ranges start at £2,500, Hammonds
Finishing touches Balance a built-in with shelving on stylish brackets on other walls
BEST FOR BUSY BREAKFASTS ART DECO INSPIRED There’s beauty in the chic steel bars of these brackets. The Ingrid comes in antique, antique black and dull nickel finishes. With shelf, they cost from £61.99, Dowsing & Reynolds
In the bleary-eyed morning rush, it helps to have all the breakfast things ready. Preparation stations like this keep everything to hand to make meals or drinks quickly. Coffee, cereal and toast are sorted as you get everyone ready for school or work. And if you don’t have time to clean up until later, you can close the doors and keep the crumbs out of sight. Part of the Mowlem & Co Flourish Shaker-style kitchen. Prices for a kitchen start from around £30,000
BEST FOR THE SMALLEST ROOM
ON THE RAILS Inspired by the wooden shelves and luggage racks on trains in the 1960s, the Parade Shelf is made from powder-coated metal and oozes contemporary style. It costs £192, Nest
BEST FOR HOMING PETS Every dog must have a spot to call their own. Pet baskets or mattresses can be a trip hazard for their humans, so nooks for animals, be they dog, cat or rabbit, are being incorporated into larger units to give them a comfortable place to nap in. Perfect for the utility or boot room, this built-in unit with bench seat also has space to keep coats and shoes tucked away. The Cambridge Forest Green range starts from £1,700 for an eight-unit set up, Benchmarx
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HELP FOR LEATHER Get some Scandi-style support with the Cove Natural Paulownia wood hanging shelf, 60cm, with natural leather straps, £45, Venoor
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Bathooms are often the most compact space, but there’s an awful lot to squeeze in there. If your shower and bath edges are lined with toiletries, or you never have a fresh towel/toilet roll when you need it, built-in bathroom furniture provides a place for everything. Drawers and cupboards can hide away cleaning products (for you and the room), and conceal cisterns and sink pipes. Java fitted bathroom furniture in Willow Oak, from £3,586, Mereway
HOT METAL Tough yet elegant, the Ruben shelf is made of black iron supported by aluminium brackets. It’ll look the business in your home office... or your open-plan kitchen. It is £95, Mink Interiors
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Kitchen larders Live the dream and cook, season, spice and store with traditional-style freestanding organisation that’s a joy to use
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1 Bromley grey larder cupboard with mint green interior, £299, Made 2 Rhubarb cupboard, £845, Loaf 3 Modular larder, from £400, The Dormy House 4 Shaker pantry larder, from £4,000, Harvey Jones 5 Roseland small oak larder unit, £819.95, Roseland Furniture 6 Industrial mesh cupboard, £825, Vincent & Barn 7 Ardingly larder in Burnham Red, £1,775, Neptune 8 Westcote Inky Blue double larder, £999, The Cotswold Co
FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
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FOR MORE KITCHEN IDEAS, VISIT REALHOMES.COM/KITCHENS
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Traditional hardware Choose warm metallic finishes and elegant period styles for a quintessential bathroom that oozes charm
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1 Deva traditional shower kit, £178.03, Victorian Plumbing 2 Milano Elizabeth twin shower valve in brushed gold, £149.99, Big Bathroom Shop 3 The Bath Co Dalston antique bronze wall-mounted mixer, £99.99, Victoria Plum 4 Bristan basin mixer, £125, UK Bathrooms 5 Butler & Rose Beatrice brushed brass bath shower mixer kit, £400, Drench 6 Milano Elizabeth traditional freestanding bath tap and shower, £369.99, Mano Mano 7 Tre Mercati Florence bath taps, £126 for two, Tap Warehouse 8 Traditional deluxe shower handset in gold, £69.95, Bristan
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FEATURE AMELIA SMITH
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sunda y project Stuck for ideas this weekend? Get your DIY fix and delve right in with our quick and easy ways to update your home for less
For similar tape, try black washi masking tape, £2.50, Amazon
As we’ve learnt to spend more time indoors, ensuring everyone has space to do what they need has become a priority, and that goes for the kids, too. We’re not all lucky enough to have a designated playroom, but you can create a play zone that works just as well. This genius design by @rosemounthouse grabbed our attention for its simplicity. Find an empty corner in your home and pencil in the outline of a house. When you’ve got the perfect shape, stick on decorative tape, keeping the lines as straight as possible. Decorate as you please; add stickers, create a window or door, or mark out different rooms. While they play house, you can put your feet up. And when the kids grow out of it, peel off the tape and your walls are restored.
FIND PLENTY MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WEEKEND DECORATING PROJECTS AT REALHOMES.COM/DESIGN
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WORDS AMELIA SMITH PHOTOGRAPH EMMA CARR
LET’S PLAY HOUSE