Hfhjvhjjj by Primaveradeatres

9000

EST. 1920

B R I TA I N ’ S B E S T S E L L I N G H O M E S M AG A Z I N E

SWITCH IT UP Small changes to reinvent every room How to...

LIFT YOUR MOOD WITH COLOUR DRESS YOUR WINDOWS UPDATE YOUR OUTDOORS

HOME AWARDS

WIN £1K

Before & After

Kitchen, Bathroom & Garden projects

SPRING CLEANING TRICKS & STORAGE WINS

HOMES to INSPIRE ◆ LIVELY FAMILY HOME ◆ COOL CITY CENTRE APARTMENT ◆ 1930s TOTAL REFURB ◆ GROWN UP CONVERTED WAREHOUSE

ENTER OUR READER HOMES AWARDS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN £1,000! SEE PAGE 94

Welcome Heather Young, Editor

Someone recently pointed out in a Zoom meeting how most of the backdrops on show featured neutral walls. It gave me pause for thought when I spend so much time advocating the use of colour. So, while I write this at my desk at home, three of my office walls are white, while the fourth (built-in shelving and cupboards) boasts an array of graphite grey testers, inspired by one of the shades in our 15 Failsafe Colour Schemes supplement, sponsored by Crown, that you’ll find bagged with this issue. Colour has been very much on the agenda at Ideal Home, with an exciting new project in the works (I can’t wait to spill the beans!). I’m feeling ready to embrace more feel-good colour in my home and I hope you will be too. Happy colour, happy home, happy me!

STYLING SARITA SHARMA PHOTOGRAPH CAROLYN BARBER Zabiya vase, £35, Oka. Kasvi large pot, £23.75, Also Home. Wall painted in Kigali architects matt, £56 for 2.5ltr, Paper & Paint Library

P.S. Head to idealhome.co.uk to check out our brand new online TV show, Roost, for an extra hit of ideas and inspiration!

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

APRIL 2021

Real homes

What’s new 7 Set the scene for…

13 14 17 20 21

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Embellish plain curtains Sew on a stylish trim 82 The colour edit Sand shades 95 Upcycle your furniture Revamp a chest of drawers with wallpaper 96 Easy style updates Mini decor projects plus tricks and tips for a fresh start 107 Interior design advice How to make window dressings work for you

Style & decor

Before & after

116 ‘We followed the light’

ALL S T

key to the renovation of this eco-conscious family home 44 Downsizing in style This couple swapped a suburban family home for city living 69 Thoroughly modern mood An Edwardian semi showcases contemporary style 84 Warm & welcoming Soft colour creates a mellow vibe

SPOT THE LOGO FOR EASY SWAPS AND WAYS TO ENJOY A MORE SUSTAINABLE HOME AND LIFESTYLE

Welcoming spring The style editor News from our favourite shops Design edit High-end looks on a high street budget We keep seeing… working from home loveliness Indulge in office luxuries Wallpaper edit The best new trends The shortlist Natural rugs Ideal vs great deal Luxe bedroom style

22 Easy living Practicality was

How to add mood-lifting colour Surround yourself with feel-good shades Update your open shelving Use a dramatic paint shade to create a feature Clever ideas for small gardens Get creative with your outdoor space

Switching rooms gave this couple a bright family kitchen 124 ‘We’ve created a room we all want to spend time in’ An awkward bathroom is now elegant and sophisticated 129 Project news Kitchen and bathroom update

CONTENTS

43 130 ‘I love to entertain

outdoors’ A contemporary and sociable garden 135 ‘We’ve created a sociable family space’ A fabulous new kitchen-diner extension

Simple solutions 137 Best robot vacuum

cleaners Take the hard work out of cleaning floors 140 Best hi-tech desk lamps Reduce eyestrain and charge up your mobile all at once 142 Your utility room, sorted Get clever with storage 144 Genius problem solvers For a smooth-running life

Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk

146

Simple pleasures 146 An Easter celebration

Cook up a family feast 153 Weekend bake Easter cake 154 Escape to a beautiful British Isle… This year’s summer staycation sorted

Regulars 3 Editor’s letter 66 Subscribe to Ideal Home 94 Win £1,000 in our Reader

Home Awards Enter our fabulous competition 166 Brilliant or bonkers? Clashing patterns

See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk

Be inspired at pinterest.com/ idealhomemag

SUBSCRIBE!

A subscription makes a great gift or a lovely treat for yourself plus receive a free gift, worth £20. Visit idealhome.co.uk/APR21 COVER IMAGE: FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/SALLY DENNING (STYLING); POLLY WREFORD (PHOTOGRAPH)

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

WHAT’S NEW

Set the scene for…

WELCOMING SPRING

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

Things we love about the season: lighter evenings and dining alfresco (even if a cardi is still required). Bring an Easter lunch to life by filling clear glass vases with fresh spring blooms and create a simple centrepiece with mini egg decorations hung from a branch.

WHERE TO BUY Mini eggs, £15 set of 10; mini glass hearts, £15 set of six; wooden egg tray, £25; Milford carafe, £25; Milford wine glasses, £38 set of four; mini baskets, £15 set of three, all The White Company

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

WHAT’S NEW

ABIGAIL AHERN AT SECRET LINEN STORE

Henderson Butterscotch duvet cover, from £105; Oxford pillowcases, from £20 each; Walcott cushion cover, £21; throw, £105, all Secret Linen Store

The renowned interior designer, famous for her use of colour and texture, has teamed up with Secret Linen Store. The cotton linen mix and 100% linen bedding in rich shades of chocolate brown, ochre and spruce are combined with the lived-in patina of pre-washed linen and herringbone pattern to create a chic yet cosy haven.

The STYLE EDITOR

Bone toy, £11.99

Michela Colling, Ideal Home’s tastemaker-in-chief, shares her top news from the high street

Harlequin’s statement prints The Momentum range never fails to bring some power-glam energy to a room. For the latest launch, hard lines of the city versus organic forms inspired a collection of fabrics and wallpapers that have given classic prints an abstract spin. Stand-out designs include Diffuse, a soft, distorted floral, and Oscillation, a blurred ikat. But the oversized, off-beat geometric Transverse, with its energetic brush marks, is the perfect candidate for a brave dose of wall-to-wall pattern.

Floral print bed, £69.99

Enamel pet food bowl, from £15.99

Surprise in store

ZARA’S DECORFRIENDLY PET RANGE

Transverse wallpaper, £75 a roll, Harlequin

Let’s face it, pet paraphernalia can be a bit of an eye sore, but Zara’s ﬁrst pet-ware collection provides a country-inspired upgrade. Spoil your four-legged friend (and your home) to stylish seagrass baskets, beds with classic stripes or ﬂorals, smart brass or enamel bowls, toys without a hint of bright plastic and even a stylish poo bag cover! IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

WHAT’S NEW Pioneer fourseater sofa in Plain Sage, £1,499, Sofology

Buttercup small pendants, £102 each, Lam Lighting

Need to know

LAM LIGHTING ON

SM ALL S T

Feel-good factor sofa

There’s more than meets the eye with Sofology’s Pioneer sofa. The low-impact design considers everything from the sustainably sourced timber, to fully recyclable springs and fabric choices made from recycled yarns. The seat cushions are filled with Quallofil Blue, a fibre manufactured with recycled plastic materials, sourced from Plastic Bank. This is a social enterprise that works with coastal communities to help end plastic pollution in the ocean.

If The Great Pottery Throw Down has impressed you, then you’ll have even more appreciation for the newly launched Lam Lighting. Its delicate pendants are beautifully simple; they are made locally, by hand, using traditional techniques, complete with the small quirks that come with natural materials. The timeless designs are available with a choice of ﬁttings or cables and all are toxin-free and unglazed, which gives them a lush, matt ﬁnish. Delphinium 3 Light, £168, Lam Lighting

THROWING SHAPES NEAT STACK

We keep seeing...

Half moons

Ceramic candlestick, £12.99, H&M Home

These happy designs will add a satisfying sense of symmetry

BOLD CONTRAST Inky Blue 1, framed print, £30, John Lewis & Partners

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

GRAPHIC DESIGN Half moon rug, £50, Habitat

Sui cushion, £24; Chi Chi cushion, £10, both Vivense London

WHAT’S NEW

3 6 5

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

THE DESIGN EDIT Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend... WHERE TO BUY 1 Woven place mat, £4, Matalan 2 Fia lampshade, £65, Lights And Lamps 3 Elzora mug, £24 for four, Habitat 4 Solis stoneware bowl, £28, La Redoute 5 Dawn woven stool, £85, French Connection Home 6 Trestle four-seater round oak dining table, £499, John Lewis & Partners 7 Basket, £9.99, Homesense IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

We keep seeing…

WORKING FROM HOME LOVELINESS If working from home has gone from temporary to permanent, indulge in a few little luxuries that will not only make your routine easier but a bit more beautiful too

Marano desk, £899; Edit chair, £449; Pawn side table, £299; Grib toolbox, £59; Cobra vase, £50; Kyoto pendant, £249; Hanson jute rug, £189, all Heal’s

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

WHAT’S NEW Glide desk, £279; Kartell AI chair, £173; Anglepoise Original 1227 lamp, £250; Nero 3 print, £120, all John Lewis & Partners

2 3

6 4

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

5 9

1 Rattan screen, £120, Habitat 2 Snake plant and antiqued pot, £22, Leaf Envy 3 Klammemacka letter tray, £10, Ikea 4 Still carafe, £39, Ferm Living at Object Style 5 Sony WH H910 Wireless Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones, £199, Currys 6 Personalised leather mouse mat, £25, MW Makes 7 Anglepoise Type 80 desk lamp, £199, John Lewis & Partners 8 Electric oil diffuser, £45, Oliver Bonas 9 Hot Box 1, £30, Hot Box IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

WHAT’S NEW

The wallpaper edit

BEST NEW TRENDS

Don’t miss the latest wallpaper styles that will keep your room schemes looking fresh, from new takes on botanicals to updated geometric designs

METALLIC TEXTURES

HERITAGE FLORALS

NEW BOTANICALS

GLOBAL ARTISAN

MIDNIGHT SAFARI

Bring a touch of glamour while adding depth with a wallcovering in a subtle metallic foil finish. Milan metallic in Neutral/Gold, £22 a roll, I Love Wallpaper

Traditional tapestry-inspired floral repeats take on a new lease of life in modern colourways. Tudor Garden in Fuchsia/Cerulean Blue, £130 a roll, Cole & Son

Larger than life illustrations of exotic trees introduce a tropical feel. Paradiso Tropical Leaves in Green/ White, £13 a roll, Erismann at I Want Wallpaper

Be transported to the plains of Africa with this woven textile pattern in sunbleached tones of parchment and terracotta. Macrame in Colour 3, £125 a roll, Arte at Jane Clayton

Elephants, zebras and giraffes lie in wait among golden leaves for a subtle take on the maximalist trend. Jungle Trip in Orange/Navy, £32 a roll, Caselio at Wallpaperdirect

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

MODERN CHINTZ

ARCHITECTURAL ANGLES

COTTAGE GARDEN

DARK MEADOW

Bring in global influences with this small-scale Ikat design in dreamy blue, perfect for modern and trad interiors. Calanco in Colour 21, £125 a roll, Arte at Jane Clayton

Bold florals get a romantic makeover with ethereal blooms and leaves on a backdrop of plaster pink. Onism First in Light Pink, £85 a roll, Woodchip & Magnolia

Dynamic inky brush marks cast subtle shapes and shadows – also in statement Bronze and Marble. Transverse in Ink, £75 a roll, Harlequin at Sanderson Design Group

Invite in a modern country feel with silhouettes of dried flowers on a soothing washedmint background. Dried Florals in Mint, £64.96 a roll, Eijffinger at Wallpaperdirect

The devil is in the detail when it comes to this atmospheric floral. On-trend teal makes flowers and leaves pop. Kaline Fjord, £40 a roll, John Lewis & Partners

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

WHAT’S NEW

TACTILE WEAVES Arlette textured jute rug, £269, Made

SIMPLE NEUTRALS Blonde jute circle rug, from £35, Next

WOVEN BY HAND Gabrielle Paris rug, from £175, La Redoute

Tassel trim gives me a relaxed, bohemian feel

THE SHORTLIST

NATURAL RUGS

GLOBAL INSPIRATION Ikat jute Green rug, £240, John Lewis & Partners

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

SOUMAK STYLE Hooghly rug, £1,495, Oka

SUNSHINE TONES Bloomingville Yuri rug, £214, Sweetpea & Willow

COASTAL CALM Green woven jute and cotton rug, £110, Maisons du Monde

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

TASSEL DETAIL Braided flatweave rug, from £89, Dunelm

Make both a style and an eco statement with durable jute floor coverings

WHAT’S NEW

IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL

Refresh your bedroom for spring with a few key buys, from smart furniture and pretty bedding to luxe lighting and storage

STATEMENT PIECE Luna wall mirror, £231, Sweetpea & Willow

GLASS GLOBES Bombazine brass and opal glass pendant, £300, Dar Lighting

FINE FINISH Baldaz brushed brass effect ceiling light, £70, B&Q

COLOUR CRUSH Emerald velvet cushion, £12.99, M&Co

PLUSH FABRIC Green velvet cushion, £39, Cielshop

MODERN CLASSIC Bronte rug in Smoke, £169, Shimu

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

FADED GLORY Zuiver Marvel Persian style rug in Green, £299, Cuckooland

TACTILE TEXTURE Willow chest of drawers, £795, Loaf

EBONY & IVORY Black rattan kingsize bed frame, £699, John Lewis & Partners

CHIC STYLE Rhodes circle link square mirror, £91, Artisanti

BOTANICAL PRINT Apricity double bedspread, £180, The French Bedroom Company

SPRING FLORAL Wild Bloom double duvet set, £40, Christy

NEUTRAL DETAIL Solstice rattan chest of drawers, £270, Maisons Du Monde

IN CONTRAST Reema Black and cane kingsize bed frame, £549, Made

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Kitchen The island provides plenty of worksurface, with a concealed downdraught extractor that pops up when needed. Three pendant lights add a touch of shine against the matt finishes. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke kitchen units, around £25,000, PZ Refurbishment. Units spray-painted in Purbeck Stone modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Cooper lights, £70 each, Next Home

Love ALEX’S STYLE?

Turn to page 35 to shop the look

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Easy living A family-friendly layout, practical storage and renewable energy were all on the list when Alex and Gareth Dauley masterminded the renovation of their 1930s home

SLIDING GLASS DOORS The minimal frames ensure maximum views of the garden

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom detached 1930s house in Wallington, Surrey.

THE VALUE Bought for £650,000 in 2019, now worth around £900,000. Alex Dauley, an interior designer, lives here with her husband Gareth, a renewable energy consultant, and their daughters, Ava, 13 and Zara, ten.

F Take a quick tour...

KITCHEN

DINING AREA

BEDROOM

BEDROOM SNUG

LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM BEDROOM

GROUND FLOOR

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

FIRST FLOOR

I love sitting out on the terrace, just enjoying what we’ve created. It’s the icing on the cake

“

”

inding the perfect family home couldn’t have been easier for Alex and Gareth Dauley, as they only had to look next door. ‘We were renting, waiting for the right property to come up, and realised that we loved this area and wanted to stay,’ says Alex. ‘We’d become firm friends with our elderly neighbour, and when he decided to move, we agreed to buy his house. It was the mirror image of our rented one, so we knew what we were getting. The difference was that it needed complete modernisation. It hadn’t been touched in decades.’ Combining Alex’s professional interior design skills (dauleydesign.com) with Gareth’s expertise in renewable energy, the couple devised a whole-house refurbishment. ‘We went right back to the brickwork,’ says Alex. ‘The house was rewired, replumbed, insulated and fitted with eco-friendly heating, and we extended and re-configured the interior completely. Inside, I wanted muted colours and a smart, contemporary look, but it had to be comfy and super-practical too. I incorporated masses of electrical points and tailored storage for everything. All the surfaces are durable and easy-clean, so it’s relaxed, welcoming and definitely not precious. ‘I planned each room down to the last detail. That paid off, as it helped us to keep on schedule. It took eight months from the work starting to moving-in day. Overseeing the project took time and energy – it was stressful juggling a renovation with work and family. I was glad we’d firmed up so many decisions early on, and that we’d got a reliable builder. I’m thrilled with how the house turned out. It’s so light, modern and functional. Everyone knows where everything is and we’ve all got our own space. This is a very easy house to live in, and when life is busy, that’s really important.’

REAL HOME

Dining area

‘Simple MDF panelling has been used to create the feature wall, which adds texture and helps zone this area within our open-plan room. I chose deep, inky blue as a linking accent colour throughout the house.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Wall painted in Hicks’ Blue intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Attra dining table, £799; Lungo bench, £299; Svelte dining chair, £99, all Dwell

SKYLIGHTS Increase the sense of height and boost the natural light from above

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Kitchen

‘We chose sleek and simple handleless units for a streamlined look, while the storage is mainly deep drawers, which are really easy to use. The boiling water tap is a favourite gadget – it’s so practical. The

window above the sink gives us another glimpse of the garden.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Flex all-in-one tap, £1,150, Quooker. Minerva Silver Hazel worksurface, around £400sq m, PZ Refurbishment

house has changed how “weOur live and interact with each

other. Things are calmer because our home is organised and we’ve all got our own space

”

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Concealed office

‘The built-in joinery here is the same colour as the walls in the snug area, which creates a calming feel. The tucked-away office is great for the girls’ homework while we’re cooking. When the doors are shut you’d never know the desk was there.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke office joinery, around £2,500, PZ Refurbishment. Walls painted in All White modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr; joinery painted in All White modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball

Snug

‘With no window, the seating area in the open-plan space could have felt dark and enclosed, so we opened things up with a glass panel to steal light from the hall. The ground-floor doors are partially glazed too, which maximises light and gives a hint of what’s in the room beyond.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Embrace corner sofa, £2,199, DFS. Walls painted in All White modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

SIMPLE ARTWORK Pulls all the accent colours together

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Living room

‘As soon as I walk into what we refer to as our ‘adult’ space, I relax. It’s north-facing, but rather than fight the lack of natural light, I’ve embraced it with a warm, rich palette and plenty of texture on the walls, floor and furniture.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Arte Focus Trapezium wallpaper, £119 a roll, Wallpaper Direct. Regissor coffee table, £99, Ikea

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

BUILT-IN SHELVING A mix of materials and subtle colours adds interest

NEAT FLOORING The made-tomeasure rug works well with the underfloor heating

Living room

‘I designed the shelves myself. I like the subtle textures and contrast between the dark oak veneer and painted sections; it’s all about balance and understated interest.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke display units, £5,000, PZ Refurbishment, Spray-painted in Railings modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

Living room

‘We put in a false ceiling to reduce the height of this room, and make it feel cosier. To create a focal point I made my own artwork; it’s inexpensive and easily changed.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar sofa try Booth, from £899, John Lewis & Partners. Made-to-measure wool rug, £900, Crucial Trading

“

Overseeing the project myself took time and energy; it was stressful juggling a complicated renovation with work and family

”

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

OTTOMAN BED With storage beneath to keep the room clutter free

Ava’s bedroom

‘This room is dual-aspect and so lovely and bright, but it’s also quite an awkward shape. So I kept the scheme light and simple, with a small double bed, which fitted in nicely, and with space for a bedside table too.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls painted in Wimborne White modern emulsion, £49.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball, Penelope bedside table, £87, Maisons Du Monde. Clarissa ottoman bed, £254.99, Wayfair, is similar

Ava’s bedroom

‘Built-in furniture maximises the space in this room. Ava’s desk and wardrobe have a durable, spray-painted finish and the natural oak surface gives a nice, warm touch.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke desk and wardrobe, £7,500, PZ Refurbishments. Furniture painted in Plummett modern eggshell, £71 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. DSW Style Yellow chair, £39, Cult Furniture. Harmony Ribbon light, £85, John Lewis & Partners

REAL HOME

“

I wanted muted colours and a contemporary look but, as it’s a family home, it had to be comfy and super-practical too

”

FAUX-LEATHER HEADBOARD Soft, comfortable and easy to maintain

Main bedroom

‘Metallic touches feature thoughout the house and add a touch of glamour to this room. The wall treatment, which I designed, is a mix of antiqued mirror and brass strips.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Lucide Tycho wall lights, £58.99 each, Wayfair. Cushions in Tespi Square Indigo velvet, £163m, Zoffany. Bespoke headboard in Cordoba Pewter faux leather, around £22.50m, Clarke & Clarke

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Guest bedroom

‘The starting point for this soft-pink and blue palette was my treasured Welsh blanket, with the artwork pulling all the colours together. BUY THE KEY PIECES Scatter Box Veda Navy cushion, £39.95, Linens Limited, is similar. Jen Jones stocks a range of vintage Welsh blankets

‘For the walls, I lifted a couple of pastel tones from the blind fabric and painted a contrast stripe with masking tape. It’s a look that’s easy to change as Zara grows up.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Blind in Scion Concentric, £39m, Style Library

Bathroom

‘We knocked the old bathroom and loo together to create this space. With a made-tomeasure vanity unit and shower enclosure, I’ve fitted in everything we wanted.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Fossile Copper tiles, £42sq m, All Tile Ceramics and Bathrooms

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

It was tempting to leave the garden and office until another time, but I’m glad we pushed to finish the whole project while the equipment was on site

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

”

FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY

Zara’s bedroom

REAL HOME

Make it work for you ALEX’S STYLE: CALM AND COLLECTED MY GO-TO STORES

Sleek lines and muted colours provide a neutral backdrop for luxe accent pieces in glossy marble, steel and plush leather

WEST ELM Modern furniture, especially glass and metal designs with a glamorous, urban edge.

Moody blue contrasts perfectly with neutral tones

JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS Great for good-quality accessories and contemporary, statement lighting.

SIMPLE SHOWPIECE Stems vase, £30, LSA International

HOMESENSE An ever-changing selection for brilliant bargains and one-off ﬁnds.

RAW MATERIAL Granite pestle and mortar, £20, Garden Trading SHAPELY LINES Holstein fruit bowl, £25.99, Wayfair

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

MIX AND MATCH Lucia Grey brushed-metal dining chair, £198 for two, Danetti

“

STYLIST’S NOTE

Go for an island with plenty of storage. Cluttered worktops will spoil the smooth lines and surfaces of an open-plan space LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR

WARM TONES Quick-Step Compact II Himalayan Oak wood flooring, £56.99sq m, Carpetright

”

SHOT OF COLOUR Hicks’ Blue intelligent matt emulsion, £51.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

CROSS LEGGED Attra Gloss six-seater dining table, £699, Dwell

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

STYLE & DECOR Tea towel in Rosa, £18.99, LinenMe. Salt black and white cup and saucer, £15, Broste Copenhagen. Plate in Pink, £35, Silvia K Ceramics; Dapple Green bowl, £18; Porcelain Milk White dinner plate, £25; Rainforest Sunbird plate, £90, all Heal’s. Spotted Aqua plate (part of Blake 12-piece set), £35, Next Home. Round marble board, £25, Garden Trading. Pink bowl, £20, Sue Pryke. Tumbler, £3.50, Sainsbury’s Home

Mix soft colours

STYLE SECRETS

HOW TO ADD MOOD-LIFTING COLOUR An injection of colour has the power to make you feel better, so surround yourself with feel-good shades and textures to bring a touch of peace and harmony to your home

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Start with a palette of pale green, blue and coral. Pick one to be your lead colour; small touches of the other two will lift it as accents.

BLACK ACCENTS Stop pastel colours looking wishy washy

Walls in Ocean Silk X124, Valspar Premium Blend v700 Walls & Ceilings, £28 for 2.5ltr, B&Q. Chairs, £180 each; console table, £360, both French Connection. Table, £595, Habitat. On table: Toska vase, £36.95, Nkuku. Candle holder, £60 for three; carafe vase, £30; goblet, £12, all Caravane. On console: Toska vase, £26.95, Nkuku. Vase, £38, Garden Trading. Small pot, £12.99, H&M. Glass vase, £70, The White Company. Framed prints, £120 for four, Modern Country Style Interiors

Paint a band

You can keep the lightboosting properties of white walls, but still enjoy a shot of colour. Paint above the dado, or at dado height if your rooms don’t have them.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Mix textures, too

Forget flat finishes and mix velvet with linen and bouclé fabrics on soft furnishings to help your colour palette sing.

MATCHING CURTAIN Creates a seamless backdrop colour to add highlights to

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

STYLE & DECOR OPPOSITE PAGE Walls painted in Lagoon, £51 for 2.5ltr matt, Andrew Martin. Curtain panel, £71.99; Sea Foam terra fringe cushion, £17.99, LinenMe. Sofa in Salmon vintage velvet, £1,765, Graham and Green. Coffee table, £295, Barker & Stonehouse. Stool in Greeny Blue clever velvet, £195, Loaf. Armchair, £179, Made. Rug, £570; canvas, £200, both John Lewis & Partners. Scene Oasis cushion, £70, Villa Nova. On coffee table: cylinder vase, £75, Oka. For similar wire bowl, £16.50, Maisons du Monde. Faux coral, selection, Big Blue Company. On side table: lamp, £250, Oka. On console table: vase, £40; jug, £45, both Cox & Cox. Matt glass cylinder vase, £55, Oka THIS PAGE Walls in French Grey absolute matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Encaustic tiles, 20sq cm, £7 each, Bert & May. Stool in Carbon, £150, Garden Trading. Pendant, £60; jug, £70, both Sue Pryke. Krem White side plate, £12, Also Home. Linen tea towel in Aqua, £18.99, LinenMe. Puritan teapot in Aqua, £30; Puritan mugs in Aqua and Pink, £7 each, all John Lewis & Partners. Large smoke glass bottle, £40, The White Company

BRASS TAP Cooler colours need a touch of warmth

Try bold tiles

A row of mismatched decorative tiles is an inexpensive way to create a splashback that will lift a plain, neutral kitchen.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

STYLE & DECOR

Think pink

Tiles in Peppermint, £27sq m, Johnson Tiles. Mirror, £800, Balineum. Tube wall lights, £65 each, Dyke & Dean. Ninfa basin and console, £2,935, Salvatori. Linen waffle bath towel, £35, The Conran Shop. Bin, £85, Pentreath & Hall

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Let pink take the lead as your main colour, with green coming second as a cool contrast, for a warmer and prettier scheme.

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB/CAROLYN BARBER, POLLY WREFORD STYLING FUTURECONTENTHUB/SALLY DENNING, SARITA SHARMA

COLOUR PANEL Zones a bathroom feature, like this vanity

PLAIN BAND Paint above dado level to keep the room calm

Work in subtle pattern

This texture-effect stripe wallpaper adds depth and interest to a pastel room. Its coral colour is nearly neutral enough to take a stronger green on the bedhead.

Bed, £1,899, Pinch; linen throw in Mint, £119, both Heal’s. Manarola Stripe wallpaper in Blush, £65 a roll, Osborne & Little. Lamp, £255, Out There Interiors. Beige Striped Sateen duvet cover, from £129, Lexington. Light Pink blanket, £34.99, H&M IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

STYLE & DECOR Suffolk shelves, £195 each; painted in Ink eggshell, £54 for 2.5ltr, both Neptune

UPDATE YOUR...

OPEN SHELVING

Use paint to create statement storage

ON DISPLAY Arrange treasures in a range of sizes and shapes for added interest

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

Strong shade

Transform plain shelving with a dramatic colour choice. Painting the wall and shelving in the same colour will create a seamless finish, allowing the shelves to almost disappear, while the contrast to the surrounding wall colour creates an interesting feature. An inky-blue base will showcase vases and your favourite finds. Group similar items together to create vignettes.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Downsizing in style After their children grew up Caroline and Auke Thijssen swapped their suburban family home for this converted city warehouse, which they radically updated

SUPERSIZE RUG Matches the length of the sofa to zone the seating area

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Love CAROLINE’S STYLE? Turn to page 55 to shop the look

Living room This space is upstairs on the first floor. ‘I bought the sitting room rug and cushions from a Moroccan seller at Etsy. The bank of sofas is very grey, so the space needed colour.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar corner sofa, try the Denver in Jet cord, £2,099, Swoon. For similar rug, try the Katrina woven printed rug, £125, French Connection Home. The Cornelison arched floor lamp by Mercury Row, £112.99, Wayfair is a match

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom converted warehouse built in about 1890, in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

THE VALUE

Caroline Thijssen lives here with her husband Auke. They have two children in their twenties. Caroline is an interior designer and Auke is a managing director.

M Take a quick tour...

BEDROOM

GAMES ROOM

SECOND FLOOR

LIVING ROOM

FIRST FLOOR

BEDROOM

DINING ROOM KITCHEN

GROUND FLOOR

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Bought for €550,000 and renovated for around €200,000. It’s now worth more than €1million.

Before, we lived in a detached house, but now we prefer city life

“

”

oving to this converted warehouse signalled a life change for Caroline and Auke Thijssen, who were considering a move back into the centre of Arnhem after their children left home. ‘I had an appointment with the owners because they were selling up and wanted to hire me to design the interior of their new house,’ says Caroline. ‘When I saw this house, I decided to sell our current house, and renovate this one. It’s the best idea I’ve ever had. Our detached house with a garden was nice when the children were young, but we craved city life. ‘The building was old and lovely, but very dated and dark inside. I planned the renovation myself, including creating two rooftop gardens. The ceilings were so low, I decided to break open the ceiling in the kitchen with a 50sq m opening. We installed a glass railing around the upper level, which keeps the space feeling open and light. ‘The biggest project was knocking out the back wall to put in full-height glass and steel doors. We had to wait four months for the doors to arrive, and the delay meant that we had a big hole in the house for a month, during which it rained a lot! We used a blue plastic sheet to cover the hole, which made the interior of the house look blue.’ ‘When it came to decorating the interior, my style is to use new design and old pieces – and dare to mix them. Lots of built-in storage means the rooms can be kept uncluttered, and it helped that as we were downsizing, we gave a lot of our stuff to friends, family and our children!’ ‘The kitchen’s great for entertaining – we often have people there drinking a glass of wine – and in the winter we get together around the fire in the sitting room upstairs. Visitors to the house always say they want to buy it!’

WOVEN SHADE Adds wow but doesn’t block the view of the first floor

Open-plan space

The kitchen has been positioned under part of the original ceiling, to give it an enclosed feel, while the rest of this area feels light and spacious thanks to the opening that makes the central area double-height. BUY THE KEY PIECES Clear acrylic cookbook stand, £30, Taschen. Sanus speaker floor stand, £49.99; Sonos One SL speaker, £179, both Sonos

REAL HOME

Dining area

Huge, floor-to-ceiling steel and glass doors connect the kitchendiner to the terrace outside. Rustic support beams contrast the building’s heritage with Caroline’s contemporary decor. BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar, try the Primrose chairs, £119 each, Cult Furniture. For a similar dining table, try the Calia, £899, John Lewis & Partners. The Goodhew pendant, £126, Pooky, is a match

RECLAIMED TABLETOP The raw wood finish warms the white decor

“

When our children come home, they like to organise parties in the kitchen, or out on the rooftop garden in summer

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

”

Kitchen

‘Everything is built into the stainlesssteel kitchen island. It has a hot tap for making cups of tea and an extractor that rises up out of the counter instead of having one on the ceiling. We designed it ourselves around how we live, and we love it.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar basket, try the Azeema Nature basket by House Doctor, £129, Trouva. For similar Black pendants, try the Muuto Unfold pendants, £159 each, Made in Design

Dining area

The pink suede-upholstered dining chairs bring softness and warmth to what is quite a hard, industrial space. ‘I love pink,’ says Caroline. ‘The walls aren’t pink, so it’s easy to change, but I’ve loved it my whole life. Auke is colour-blind, so it’s not a problem! He loves the style of the decor.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar pink chairs, try the Primrose, £119, Cult Furniture. For a similar cabinet, try the Industriel, £549, Tikamoon IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

TALL BASKETS The woven texture adds warmth to the smooth flooring

Kitchen

Beautiful original support beams subtly divide up the open-plan space, separating the kitchen-diner from a ‘café corner’ with banquette seating tucked behind the staircase. BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar baskets, try the Azeema Nature basket by House Doctor, £129, Trouva

Kitchen

Dramatic black Zellige tiling helps this wall to frame and enclose the kitchen area of the open-plan space. It is flanked by a larder cupboard on one side and a professional restaurant fridge-freezer on the other. BUY THE KEY PIECES Zellige tiles, £125sq m, London Encaustic, are a match. For similar, try the Hoover H-Wine 700 wine cooler, £649, AO.com

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

The display cabinet houses a treasured collection

REAL HOME

Kitchen

‘This banquette in the bright corner of the kitchen is my favourite place,’ says Caroline. ‘I have a city view here, and always have a coffee, beer or wine to hand.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar banquette upholstery fabric, try Black/White BW1005 Ikat, £43m, Clarke & Clarke at Eden Fabrics & Interiors

“

My style is created by using new design and old pieces, and daring to mix them

”

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

ANTIQUE CHAIR Contrasts with the contemporary cupboards

Bathroom

“

The spaces can be kept uncluttered because we planned a lot of built-in storage into the design Main bedroom

The built-in bench in the main bedroom has plenty of storage space inside. ‘It’s large enough to hold all our underwear and socks,’ says Caroline.

”

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar zig-zag cushion, try the William by Missoni Home, £120, Amara. For a similar tropical print cushion, try the Oiseau de Bengale Marais by Christian Lacroix, £100, Designers Guild

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

FEATURE VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS WILMA CUSTERS/LUUK GEERTSEN PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY

‘The bathroom floor and walls are the same colour for a simple look. They are made from Cemcolori (a waterproof concrete stucco).’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar mirror, try the Hailie large illuminated LED mirror, £159.99, Bathroom Mountain. The Monza Matt Black heated towel rail, £179.95, Victorian Plumbing, would work here

Main bedroom

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Be prepared for the unexpected! We had to wait four months for the steel doors that lead from the kitchendiner to the terrace – it made the decorating stage challenging

In a simple space, you can mix-and-match cushions. Caroline’s advice? ‘Buy, buy, buy, whenever you find a nice one!’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar wall lights, try the Westport, £65 each, Graham and Green. For similar wild cat cushion, try the Cheetah cushion, £20, Barker and Stonehouse

”

WALL LIGHTS Provide task lighting for bedtime reading

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Make it work for you CAROLINE’S STYLE: EASY-GOING INDUSTRIAL MY GO-TO STORES

Tactile textures, faded brights, natural woods and weaves give a modern scheme a relaxed, lived-in vibe

HK LIVING This Dutch brand has great products inspired by the past but given a raw, edgy feel.

Modular seating can be easily arranged to suit the space

LA REDOUTE A great source for rugs, from shaggy Berbers and modern brights to gorgeous vintagestyle weaves.

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

STANDING ORDER Dar Infusion floor light, £120.90, Castlegate Light

MADE High-end original design at affordable prices, with a ﬂagship showroom in Amsterdam.

SIMPLE SHAPE Hay DLM side table in Grey, £145, Skandium

EASY CHAIR Radviken armchair, £129, Ikea

CORNER PLOT Karson corner sofa in Black, £1,599, DFS

SOFT ACCENT Geo throw in Blush Pink, £49, Sofology

“

STYLIST’S NOTE

Create smaller zones in an open-plan area. Use an oversized rug as an anchor point with corner seating around it LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR

”

FADED CHARM Distressed traditional rug, £129, La Redoute

GO WITH THE GRAIN Beistelltisch solid-wood table, £138.99, Wayfair IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Solo seat

A corner is all you need for a reading nook. A hanging bamboo chair keeps the floor and sightlines clear for a feeling of space. Highlight the area with clusters of pots that contain foliage at varying heights and scales.

CLEVER IDEAS FOR SMALL GARDENS Take your indoor ideas outside and turn your exterior space into a place to relax and entertain

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

GARDEN INSPIRATION

Bamboo cane makes a great utensils rail with S-hooks

Outdoor kitchen

Extend your kitchen capacity into the garden. Potting tables provide a slim, compact surface along one side of a patio for outside food prep.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

GARDEN INSPIRATION

An outdoor herb planter keeps them within easy reach for drinks and barbecues

Private bar

Create your own little entertaining zone with a clever pulldown bar made from a couple of pallets and lengths of chain.

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Grid-style mirrors mean birds are less likely to fly into them

Double your space

An outdoor mirror will make your garden look bigger than it really is. Create your own using an old gate or some painted trellis mounted onto a piece of mirrored board.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Kids’ corner

Sacrifice a raised bed to create a section of deck with a giant blackboard and a covered sandpit for sunny-day play.

Fix a peg rail to the underside of the lid for hanging toys

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

GARDEN INSPIRATION

Old loaf tins make great planters. Drill holes for drainage and a hook

Gallery wall

In the same way that you would hang pictures indoors, create a display of frames and wall-hung planters on an outside wall, fence or shed.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

GARDEN INSPIRATION

Where to buy

Rattan hanging chair, £375, Nordic House. Palma side table, £135, Design Vintage. (On chair) Mustard Yellow leaf seat pad, £16, Rockett St George. Round linen cushion, £38, Graham and Green. Mustard checked wool throw, £65, Rose & Grey. (On side table) Inle round rattan tray, £52, Kalinko. Natural linen napkin, £34 for four; Dillie champagne saucer, £38 for four, both Rowen & Wren. Broadwell bottle, £11; Sorrento vase, £9, both Garden Trading. (On floor) Zinc bucket with wooden handle, £15, Labour and Wait. Shelton planter, £36, Rowen & Wren. Fibreclay planter, £125 for set of two, Graham and Green

Outdoor kitchen Aldsworth potting table, £300; Aldsworth eight drawer unit, £350, both Garden Trading. (On rail) S hooks, £6 for six; cotton string bag, £9; bottle brushes, £15 for set of four, all Labour & Wait. Hanging wire ring decoration, £5.50, Rose & Grey. Seagrass place mat, £8.50 for two, Abode Living. Pack of everlasting steel pegs, £18; Japanese ladle, £29.50; Japanese pot stand, £16; hurricane lamp, £25, all Labour & Wait. Rounded enamel mug, £12, Garden Trading. Large hanging wire ring decoration, £3.50, Rose & Grey. Meraki dish brush, £10.50, Design Vintage. Salad spoon, £10, Garden Trading. (On units) Pizza slate board, £20; woven plant pots, £15 for set of three, all Garden Trading. Waist apron, £42; Tawashi brush, £3, both Labour & Wait. Dish cloth, £10.50, Design Vintage. Sten tapas jar, £19.95 for set of two, Nordic House. Pizza paddle board, £30, Garden Trading. Black oak chopping board, £90, An Artful Life. Maja stoneware dinner plates, £65 for six; Maja stoneware side plates, £34 for six; Maja

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

stoneware bowls, £45 for six, all Cox & Cox. Try a similar hanging basket, £30, Garden Trading. Stoneware jug, £19.50, AG Hendy & Co. Slate signs, £2.20 each, Hobbycraft. (On floor) Fluted zinc planter, £180 for set of three, Cox & Cox. Olli Ella mosey basket, £44.95, Folk Interiors

Private bar (On shelf) Hansa terracotta pinch pots, £4 each, Rowen & Wren. Ripple small glasses, £34.78 for four; Fein small spoon, £8, all Ferm Living. Sten tapas bowl, £19.95 for set of three, Nordic House. (On bar top) Wooden mini boards, £19 for set of four, Design Vintage. Abeeko tumblers, £31.80 for four, Nkuku. Maja stoneware side plate, £45 for six, Cox & Cox. Sten tapas jar, £19.95 for two, Nordic House. Handcrafted Black aluminium tray, £60, Design Vintage. Natural linen napkin, £34 for four, Rowen & Wren. Ripple champagne saucers, £34.80 for two, Ferm Living. Stand rattan ice bucket, £68, Kalinko

Double your space Burbage-Verona modern tall gate, £93, Paving Superstore. Acrylic mirrored board, from £6, Cut My Plastic. Ludlow garden table, £288; Ludlow garden chairs, £168 each; (on table) Plaster Pink linen tablecloth, £82, all Rowen & Wren. Woven plant pots, £15 for set of three, Garden Trading. Glass balloon vase, £29.95, Nordic House. Rose Pink and Gold water glasses, £32.50 for four, Rockett St George. Recycled glass jug, £32, Rowen & Wren. (On chair) Round linen cushion, £38, Graham and Green. Kolonia cotton throw, £53, Design Vintage. (On floor) Galvanised zinc bucket, £25, Nordic House

Kid’s corner Shaker peg rail, £41 for six pegs, Scumble Goosie. Cotton string bag, £9, Labour & Wait. Hanging wooden door sign, £3.50, Hobbycraft. Liewood Mustard bucket, £13, Molly Meg. Kent & Stowe stainless steel hand potting scoop, £12.99, Dobbies. Mache anchor, £2.50, Hobbycraft. Kids Fruiticana apron, £24.95, Scandiborn. (On floor) Velvet cushion with holder, £35, Graham and Green. Liewood Ulla step stool, £42, The Modern Nursery. Sun visor, £17, Folk Interiors. Vintage zinc holder, £15 for set of two, Nordic House. Wooden ice creams, £35.90 with rack, Folk Interiors. (For the sandpit) Kelkay soft play sand, £164.99, Dobbies. Liewood dante beach set, £37, Liewood Mellow Yellow spade, £8, all Molly Meg. Kent & Stowe kids rake, £19.99, Dobbies. (On grass) Toy wheelbarrow, £105, Nubie. Bigstuffed whale, £90, Molly Meg. OYOY Ms Ruth fish cushion, £45.95, Scandiborn. Cosy living sun mat, £69, Folk Interiors

G allery wall (On wall) Abari caged hanging planter, £49.95, Nkuku. Winslow wall planters, £18 each, Rowen & Wren. Taino bench, £545, Oka. (On bench) Velvet cushion with holder, £35, Graham and Green. Woven fringed throw, £95, Cox and Cox. Purbeck tray, £25, Garden Trading. Green enamel teapot, £25, AG Hendy & Co. Japanese stoneware cup, £10, Design Vintage. Libeco St Jacobs stripe linen tea towel, £17, Abode Living. (On floor) Shelton planter, £36, Rowen & Wren. Fibreclay planter, £125 for set of two, Graham and Green. Round galvanized planter, £65; garden hand forks, from £12, all AG Hendy & Co

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS STYLING CHARLIE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHS TIM YOUNG

Solo seat

STYLE & DECOR

EMBELLISH...

PLAIN CURTAINS Update tired drapes with beautiful trims

Easy revamp

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

NEEDLE & THREAD If you don’t have a sewing machine, simply hand sew

Give a pair of readymade curtains a personal touch by adding rows of pretty tassel trim. Remove the curtains from the pole and press flat. Mark where you’d like the tape of the trim to sit, measuring up from the bottom of the curtains at intervals. Pin in place, then sew close to the edges along both sides of the tape. Repeat to add rows.

Tufty Braid trimming in Birch, £14.75m, Villa Nova IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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REAL HOME

Thoroughly modern mood

Hard work and creativity have seen Emily and Kev Hadley turn a dilapidated house in South Devon into a fresh and inspiring home

Dining area

Soft blues, yellows and natural textures make the dining area inviting. Long panelling at one end of the room makes the low ceiling appear taller than it really is. BUY THE KEY PIECES Stay Safe Keep Your Distance print, £19, by Stephen Kenny, The Printer’s Devil IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Welcome to my home

Primary school teacher Emily Hadley lives here with her husband Kev, a design technology teacher, and their children, Finn, 14, and Florence, 12.

THE PROPERTY

A five-bed Edwardian semi-detached house in Torbay, Devon.

Take a quick tour...

VALUE

Bought in 2015 for £325k; current value £550,000.

BEDROOM

“

It’s been a real labour of love, but we now have a welcoming family home, and are proud that our vision has turned into a wonderful reality

”

BEDROOM

MAIN BEDROOM

GARAGE BEDROOM

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

BEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR

aving renovated their previous coastal home, Emily and Kev were looking for a new challenge when their dream property came on to the market. ‘I’d walked past this house for years on the school run and always admired it,’ says Emily. ‘It’s rare to find a place of this size in this area and we knew the minute we walked in that it had the potential to be a wonderful family home.’ Seeing through the ancient floral wallpaper and grubby carpets, the couple could imagine how the well-proportioned space might work for them. ‘It had three reception rooms, a guest bedroom and bathroom, and good-sized gardens. But it was run down, with crumbling walls and leaking loos, and after we moved in the enormity of the project made us question our decision,’ says Emily. ‘Kev and I are no strangers to hard work. The kids have spent their childhoods avoiding wet paint and stepping over power tools, but this was on another level. We worked every evening and weekend for four months,

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

LIVING ROOM

PLAYROOM

GROUND FLOOR

cleaning and fixing things up just to make the house bearable. Our reward was our first big family Christmas, with 20 of us around a makeshift table.’ Kev and Emily have updated every part of the house, researching and looking at different options before coming up with a way to do the work themselves within their tight budget. ‘There are plenty of ways you can get a high-end finish without spending lots of money, but that approach does take time and you have to have lots of patience,’ says Emily. ‘Kev has also been able to put his skills as a design & technology teacher into practice – he’s full of design ideas.’ Over the last five years the couple have renovated four bathrooms, converted an empty space into a pantry, created a utility room, stripped all the floors, added bifold doors and replastered and exposed original features throughout. ‘We spent a long time planning the kitchen,’ says Emily. ‘A major high was pulling out the fusty old cabinets and installing our dream kitchen. We still pinch ourselves that it’s ours!’

REAL HOME

Pantry OVERSIZED MIRROR Reflects light and gives the illusion of more space

‘Creating a pantry in the walkway between the kitchen and storeroom was a revelation! It’s now the perfect place for all our provisions and feels much more in keeping with the age of the property.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Reclaimed glass Supplies sign, £100, Noah Valentine Antiques

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

BACK REST BAR STOOLS A comfortable seating option at an island

Kitchen

‘We saved money by building a larger island with extra space for seating and a cupboard around an old Ikea freestanding kitchen unit.’ The trio of spherical glassand-brass pendant lights creates a striking focal point. BUY THE KEY PIECES Henriksdal bar stools in Light Grey, £70 each, Ikea. Boyd pendants, £60 each, Habitat. Deck-mounted Ionian taps, £350, Perrin & Rowe

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Kitchen

‘We felt the house deserved a “proper” good-quality kitchen – the units are bespoke CNC plywood carcasses with solid oak drawers and poplar frames. The quartz worktop combines practicality with a luxury feel.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke cabinetry, £7,000, Naked Kitchens. Cabinetry painted in Green Slate Dulux Heritage Trade diamond eggshell, £56 for 2.5ltr, B&Q

kitchen can be updated easily “The with different paint colours ”

Dining area

Clear lines of sight from the kitchen into the recently renovated dining area create a sense of space. BUY THE KEY PIECES Lundy Stone large double larder unit, £999, Cotswold Company, is similar

Dijon tumbled limestone floor tiles, £45.60sq m, Mandarin Stone

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

CHAISE SOFA Zones the seating area of the openplan space

“

Our home reflects our passion for art and contemporary furnishings

”

Warm greys and panelling enhance a cosy atmosphere

Dining room

The new floor-to-ceiling bifold doors open directly onto the decked area and connect with the rest of the garden, giving a seamless transition between the inside and outside. BUY THE KEY PIECES Luna corner sofa in Turmeric easy velvet, £1,699, Swoon, is similar. Jatani wire light shades in Oval Rust, £50 each, Nkuku. Bespoke Moroccan rug, made to order, £675; pouffe, £95, both Sunday and Story. Vintage stacking school chairs, £45 each, Relish

Living room

‘We removed the original fireplace to make way for a wood burner, but then adapted and reinstalled the original fire surround.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Taupe and Orange rug, £195, Habitat, is the same rug in a different colourway

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Living room

PAINTED PICTURE RAIL White above the picture rail gives a sense of extra height

‘The squishy sofas are perfect for relaxing in front of the fire with a glass of wine on a Saturday night.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls painted in Manor House Grey estate emulsion, £47.95 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Mirror, £86.95, Melody Maison, is similar. Dillon three-seater sofa in Slate, £1,995; Dillon two-seater sofa, £1,695, both Sofa Workshop

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Florence’s room PICTURE RAIL HOOK Hang framed art without making holes in the wall

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

‘This is the lightest, brightest room in the house with a huge bay window and a lovely original blue fireplace. The mural was hand-painted by our friend, artist Emily Powell.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Hemnes day bed frame with three drawers, £215, Ikea. Sloan rug, 160x230cm, £129, Asiatic, is similar

REAL HOME

HALF-HEIGHT PANELLING Bold blue gives the room a visual focal point

Main bedroom

‘We made the panelling in here using wooden beading to add traditional character and brought in some eclectic charity shop furniture.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Panelling painted in Air Force Blue intelligent emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Balestrand kingsize bed, £260, Ikea. Nautical wall lights, £90 each, Black Country Metal Works are similar. Appletree Dot White duvet set, £45, Dunelm, is a close match. Asatilda cushion covers, £2.75 each, Ikea

“

We wanted to create a luxe boutique hotel feel in our bedroom

”

‘We found the cork map for Finn’s room at Notonthehighstreet’

Landing

‘I nearly chickened out halfway through painting this wall yellow, but I’m so glad I held my nerve! It’s such a fun splash of colour.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls and radiator in Mister David intelligent emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Bantham South Hams fine art poster, £40, by Natalie Ryan Design at Notonthehighstreet is a similar style

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

LUGGAGE RACK Turns towel storage into a quirky feature

Bathroom

‘The copper bath is something we had wanted for a long time! We ordered it on eBay for a fraction of the price you would pay on the high street and had it shipped directly from India.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Copper and nickel freestanding bath, £1,600; traditional towel rail column radiator in White, £100, both eBay.

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

“

To trust our instincts and be braver with our decorating choices. Occasionally we went with the safe option instead of something more impactful, and these are the things that we look at now and want to change!

”

FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY

‘We had fun with this bathroom. We chose bold hexagonal floor tiles and upcycled a chest of drawers for the washbasin to rest on by painting it the same olive green as the walls.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Moroccan encaustic hexagonal lines tiles, £60sq m, Best Tile. Olive Colour absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Metro Black rectangular mirror, £80, eBay. Alma bathroom lights, £35 each, Willow & Stone

REAL HOME

Make it work for you EMILY’S STYLE: BOHEMIAN ADVENTURE Global influences team with design-led shapes and tactile pieces for an interior with cosmopolitan flair

IDEAL

ELEGANT FEATURE Dolomite Face planter, £27, Artisanti

ABSTRACT ACCESSORY Seb motif face vase, £9, Homebase

MODERN MESH Light and Living Nikki pendant light in Black, £127, Naken Interiors

FOCAL POINT Baya Nest ceiling light, £89.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

TOUCH OF GLAMOUR Bloomingville Joanne mirror, £194, Sweetpea & Willow

SPACE SAVING Hester stackable dining chairs, £140 for two, Habitat

SLEEK PROFILE Iggy three-seater sofa in Butterscotch cotton matt velvet, £2,150, Sofa.com

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

BOHO FEEL Quin pouffe, £103.99, Wayfair

BOTANICAL ADDITION Eden floral fiddle leaf faux plant, £30, Habitat

GREAT DEAL

BRUSHED BRASS Orman round metal wall mirror, £109, Cult Furniture

MADE TO ORDER Slim Jim medium sofa in Burnished Yellow clever velvet, £1,995, Loaf

RETRO DESIGN Clanfield chair in Lily White, £100, Garden Trading

SPARE SEAT Fes 100% wool tufted pouffe, £89, Made

GREEN PARTY Fiddle leaf fig faux plant, £17.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

Walls painted in Mushroom intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

THE COLOUR EDIT

SAND

This month, our colour consultants give their views on this delicious shade and how to use it for a beautiful home

STYLE & DECOR

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY…

Wall painted in Brave Ground, Paper Chain, Pressed Putty, Woven Nest mixing matt, all £29.16 for 2.5ltr, Dulux

Designers and stylists share their views ■ ‘Sand is a crucial element of any beach scene, so that’s an ideal starting point when looking for accent colours. From calm and serene hues to storm shades, blues and teals will add contrast,’ says Nelly Hall, brand director at M&L Paints. ■ ‘It’s wise to avoid sand colours with a yellow undertone in north-facing rooms as these can appear green in the winter,’ says Paula Taylor, colour and trends specialist at Graham & Brown. ■ ‘Use a soft sand hue to calm bold patterns. White and sand is a classic colour combination, transforming a room into an airy, welcoming space where the effect is polished, yet casual,’ says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands. ■ ‘An interiors trend gathering momentum right now is painted ceilings and sandy colours are the perfect palette to experiment with. The neutral hue won’t overpower the other elements of the room but has enough impact to draw the eyes up,’ says Paula Taylor. ■ ‘Sand tones on all four walls will create impact, especially if they’re contrasted with woodwork in a light tone. Alternatively, embrace uplifting sand on all elements for a striking, yet soothing, effect,’ says David Mottershead, MD at Little Greene. ■ ‘All tones of sand combine brilliantly with all sorts of woods, from bleached and rough-hewn to dark and polished. Being a colour of nature, it lends itself to the natural and the handmade,’ says Judy Smith, colour consultant at Crown. ■ ‘We recommend pairing sandy paint colours with raw materials, textured wallcoverings, luxurious fabrics and a Berber-style rug. The interior styling needs to be relaxed, with a touch of worldly glamour,’ says Cathryn Helsby, marketing manager and colour expert at Earthborn. ■ ‘The key to using it successfully is understanding what the main undertone is. For instance, a natural stone floor or natural wood in a kitchen will tend to have yellow or red undertones and you should choose a sand that has a complementary undertone,’ says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore UK.

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Sand shades range from earthy browns to those with more of an ochre inflection. The right tone in a dark room will bring sunshine to a space that otherwise lacks it MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

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FEATURE SOPHIE BAYLIS

THE EDIT: WARM SANDS

BEST FOR ADDING CALM Old Ochre chalk paint, from £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan

BEST FOR PAIRING WITH OFF-WHITES Sand interior chalky matt, £47.50 for 2.5ltr, M&L Paints

BEST WITH MID-TONE FLOORING Smock flat matt emulsion, £21.50 for 2.5ltr, Crown

BEST TO PAIR WITH RED UNDERTONES Cocoa Sand, £28 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore

BEST FOR ALL FOUR WALLS Crocky Road clay paint, £45 for 2.5ltr, Earthborn

BEST FOR ADDING WARMTH Brave Ground mixing matt, £29.16 for 2.5ltr, Dulux

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

JAPANESE REED BLINDS Filter the light without blocking the view

Dining area

‘I must admit the new earthy colour scheme makes me feel good every day,’ says Gertjan. ‘The apartment was completely white when I bought it.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar extendable dining table, try Eichholtz in Black, £1,650, Swanky Interiors. Hans J Wegner special edition Wishbone chairs in Black, £495 each, The Conran Shop. Large mobile rattan pendant, £499.49, Market Set at Trouva

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Warm & welcoming Gertjan Langeland swapped an all-white scheme for this mellow and relaxing look that’s full of soft colour and quirky character

Love

THIS INTERIOR STYLE? Turn to page 93 to shop the look

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Welcome to my home Gertjan Langeland lives here. He works for a global theatre production company.

Vondelpark in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

THE PROPERTY

Gerjan bought the property for €685,000 in May 2019; it is now worth €800,000.

A two-bedroom apartment in a 1906 building, near the

THE VALUE

The location of this place makes me happy every day. It’s so nice to sit on the balcony and read a book in the sun or drink cocktails there with friends

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F Take a quick tour...

GROUND FLOOR

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

”

or Gertjan Langeland the Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s main park, was a big draw when looking for a new home. ‘My former house was a few streets away, in the same neighbourhood, but closer to the city centre. I wanted something slightly bigger, and different; a change to avoid boredom!’ He was pleased to discover that this apartment has such large rooms: ‘They are so well proportioned, with high ceilings. I love how the windows let in so much light and the Vondelpark is so close. It’s like my back garden.’ When Gertjan bought the property in 2019, it was painted in white throughout. He knew that he wanted to replace the kitchen, but apart from that, he didn’t have the time to plan redecorating. ‘I have a busy schedule and, although I have a good eye and like interior design, I wanted to get it right in one go. I knew the work of interior designer Nicole Dohmen through friends (atelierndinterior.com) and when she heard that I’d moved, she dropped me a note. She invited me to see her own home, which is a magical place, filled with beautiful artefacts from her travels.’ Gertjan wanted his home to match his personality: cheerful, not too serious, yet masculine. ‘I wanted it to look warm and cosy, and not like a showroom,’ he says. ‘I gave Nicole carte blanche. That could have resulted in a place that didn’t feel like “me”, but I have all my quirky pieces that make it mine. We had good conversations before she showed me her moodboards. She understood what I wanted, perhaps even better than I knew myself. ‘The renovation was an easy journey,’ Gertjan continues. ‘Nicole arranged everything, which suited me and the result passed my expectations. I think if you interfere, there can be too many compromises and the result will never be as good. I love the colours, the cosy corners, all the little details, such as the fringes on the curtains. Everyone feels comfortable here.’

Dining area

A wide opening leads through to the galley kitchen, which is designed to blend in with the main central space, but is partially screened from view. BUY THE KEY PIECES Belux Twilight floor lamp, £1,726, Made in Design. For similar planter, try Rich Green glazed pot, £89, The Worm That Turned. For vintage kilims, try The Rug Shed. Large braided jute rug, £35.95, Namaste, is similar

BUILT-IN WINDOW SEAT Runs the full width of the open-plan space

Kitchen

‘The window seats are very comfortable spots for drinking tea or wine, reading a book, or just watching the world go by.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Cushions in Kuba Cay in Dalmation, £108m, Zinc Textile at Romo. For a similar side table, try Round Gold, £74.95, Melody Maison. Similar blind, Bodin Natural Daylight in faux jute, £38, Dunelm. Astier de Villatte Dragon vase, £375, Liberty of London

TRAVERTINE SURFACES Contrast with the dark cabinets and the flooring, and add texture

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

REAL HOME

Kitchen

‘This room feels very balanced,’ says Gertjan. ‘I wanted to have an island originally, but I’m glad I didn’t because the galley works so much better. I love its simplicity and drama.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar kitchen, try the Hockley Super Matt Charcoal Handleless, from Howdens. For similar brass tube pendants, try Pin, £79 each, House Doctor at Amara.

ROW OF PENDANTS For simple, but subtle, impact

“

I love how the windows let in so much light, that I live on a street with lots of activity, and that the Vondelpark is so close. It’s like my back garden

”

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

REAL HOME

Dining area

CEILING-MOUNTED TRACK Lets the curtains swish past the window seat for a neater look

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

The geometric black-and-white console balances out the soft terracotta and pink hues, giving the space a stylish edge. BUY THE KEY PIECES Symbol wallpaper in Colour 3, Focus by Arte, £122.57 a roll, Jane Clayton. Similar console, Bone Chevron, £675, Iris Furnishing. For similar lamp base, try Safavieh Gabriel in Marine Blue, £152.25, Only Home. Serax Organic stool in Green, £170.99, Trouva

TALL PLANTER This highlights the height of the ceilings

“

I wanted it to look warm and cosy, and not like a showroom

”

Seating area

This is part of the open-plan living space, which has multiple uses. ‘It works very well for me as I don’t need many areas just for myself, although I do have a small, separate TV room.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Long Island sofa and footstool in Deep Turquoise velvet, £4,270, Sofa.com. HK Living Mirror Block table, £175.48, Living and Co. Eileen Gray tube light, £600, Aram Store

REAL HOME

PLANK DOORS Give the modern decor a traditional character

‘This space feels like a boutique hotel room,’ says Gertjan. ‘I love the colour scheme and the storage (there’s plenty!). It’s at the back of the apartment, so it is calm and peaceful. When I wake up, the first thing I see are the trees in the park.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Deco Martini wallpaper in Teal, £140 a roll, Divine Savages

Main bedroom

‘I loved the wallpaper straight away,’ says Gertjan. ‘I only discovered later that the pattern is of Martini glasses. The paintings are by artist Masha Trebukova.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Saber cushions in Gold, £195 each, House of Hackney. For similar blanket, try Cotton Pompom, £145, Rockett St George

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

If I did it again, I would tackle the kitchen first before moving in. It took five weeks and was finished on Christmas Eve. There’s no need to say how stressful that was!

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”

FEATURE VANESSA RICHMOND AND NATASJA ADMIRAAL PHOTOGRAPHS THIJS DE LEEUW AND WILLEMIJN DE LEEUW / LIVING INSIDE PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY

Main bedroom

REAL HOME

Make it work for you GERTJAN’S STYLE: NATURAL MAXIMALIST Warm terracotta is complemented with rattan fibres, while deep-green accents and monochrome pattern add contrast MY GO-TO STORES PEOPLE OF THE SUN Works with artisans in Malawi making hand-woven pieces.

REFINED RATTAN Canopy ceiling light, £399, La Redoute

The geometric zigzag console balances the soft terracotta of the walls

MARKET SET Creative lighting ranges from chic industrial to natural materials like rattan.

GREEN GODDESS Frome lamp and shade, £245, Soho Home

DIVINE SAVAGES For wallpaper that’s like art on a roll, inspired by art deco and featuring bold tropical prints.

CERAMIC ART Sacha stool, £69, Made TEXTURAL ACCENT Kana wall art, £36.50, Maisons du Monde

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

ALL IN THE GRAIN Blonde Bulb coffee table, £350, La Redoute

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QUIRKY CHARACTER Ceramic figurine, £19.99, H&M Home

STYLIST’S NOTE

Amp up the warmth of the terracotta shade by using a wallpaper with a textural pattern MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

”

TOUGH WEAVE Sundial cushion, £32, French Connection

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

BEST HOMES 2021

WIN £1,000 IN OUR READER HOME AWARDS! We’re on the hunt for the UK’s best homes and gardens, and we want you to get involved! We know our readers have gorgeous homes, so if you think your home would inspire us, enter our Reader Homes Awards 2021. Not only will we feature the winning spaces in a future issue of Ideal Home, the winners will also bag themselves a cash prize of £1,000! THE CATEGORIES

♦ BEST HOME ♦ BEST GARDEN ♦ BEST ROOM MAKEOVER WE WANT TO SEE ■ Period homes to smart new-builds ■ Country houses to cosy cottages ■ Characterful conversions ■ Amazing before and afters ■ Gorgeous country gardens to modern outdoor living spaces THE PRIZES! ■ Our winners will be announced in the September 2021 issue ■ The winners of

each category will each win £1,000 ■ The runners-up in each category (one runner-up per category) will each win £500

ENTER ONLINE idealhome.co.uk/homeawardsentry You will need the following information ready to complete your application: SHORT INTRO Up to 300 words about the home, garden or room you’re entering. Tell us about your space, mentioning any key elements of the design, how you’ve transformed it, where you are located and if you worked with an interior designer. PHOTOS Minimum of 10 photos per entry. HOME Include photos of the key rooms: living room, kitchen, main bedroom, bathroom, guest room/study or children’s bedroom, exterior image. GARDEN Show the main layout/structure and any key features. ROOM MAKEOVER Show us the room from a variety of angles so we can get a really good sense of the space and include a before shot.

for ful l terms & con ditions pl ease see the w eb site

STYLE & DECOR

UPCYCLE YOUR...

FURNITURE Use wallpaper to revamp a plain chest of drawers

G et creative with découpage

NEAT FINISH Simplify the look by painting the top in matching paint

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Sand the furniture and wipe away the dust. Measure the drawers (including edges) and mark out corresponding measurements on the wallpaper. Cut out the sections using a craft knife. Lay the pieces out in the order of the design. Brush PVA glue onto the furniture and smooth on the pieces to re-create the design. Apply two coats of matt varnish to secure.

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

(From left) Yellow velvet cushion, £55, Loaf. The Felix cushion, £59, Clarissa Hulse is a match. Cushions in Botanic Trellis and Fenne, £49m, Sanderson. Kismet cushion, £59, Clarissa Hulse.

EASY STYLE From best buys and clever tricks to mini decor projects…this is our roundup of the simplest, quickest ways to make your home more beautiful now

PERK UP YOUR LIVING ROOM

Refresh a tired colour scheme for spring. Swap

plain cushions for cheery patterns in a mix of leafy greens and sunny yellows. Update a throw by sewing on bright pom-poms.

STYLE & DECOR

2 FILL AN EMPTY FIREPLACE While you’re not using it over summer, fill your fireplace with painted logs for a pretty focal point. Use simple white, then pick out a few logs to paint different shades.

3 MAKE A SPRING GARLAND Decorate a wicker garland with fresh ﬂowers – cover it completely or add just a couple of blooms and leave the rest of the wicker bare. Complete with favourite postcards. Find a similar garland from £4 at Hobbycraft

4 ADD AN EXTRA TIER OR TWO Give greenery displays extra height and fullness by arranging plants on a tiered stand. Opt for trailing plants that will spill out over the sides – try easy-care varieties such as spider plants or devil’s ivy. Agra double plant side table, £32, Habitat

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

STYLE & DECOR

6 LET MORE LIGHT INTO YOUR ROOMS Take down heavy winter curtains and swap for lighterweight fabrics that can be pulled back completely. Expose as much of the window as you can, to let in lots of natural light.

7 INVEST IN A CABINET Free up extra space in the kitchen by storing tableware in a dining room cabinet. Show oﬀ your best crockery behind glazed doors and hide random clutter in drawers. Frame sideboard, £799, John Lewis & Partners

Rise sofa in Saga Grey, £599; Hiko ceiling light, £175; Aztec rug, £150, all John Lewis & Partners

5 BUY A NEW LAMP (OR TWO) The best way to light a room is to use a mix of layered lighting. Supplement a ceiling light with several table lamps dotted around a room, with perhaps a ﬂoor lamp and wall lights too.

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Bamboo table lamp, £25, George Home

Cambridge boot room in Forest Green, from £1,700 for an eight-unit design, Benchmarx Kitchen and Joinery

GO FOR BUILTIN HALLWAY STORAGE Tackle an overcrowded hallway by fitting a bank of cupboards so heavy coats can be tidied away. Combine with cubbyhole storage for shoes and boots, and add a bench for changing shoes.

Avery double bed, from £525, Sofa.com

PANEL BEDROOM WALLS

Panelling is an easy way of covering uneven walls. Finish it off at the top with a narrow shelf for displaying favourite odds and ends.

STYLE & DECOR

10 SHOWCASE FAVOURITE THINGS Collections have more impact displayed en masse, so show oﬀ treasured vases or glassware rather than hiding them away. Group pieces with taller items at the back and smaller ones to ﬁll gaps.

11 SET UP AN INDOOR HERB GARDEN Grow herbs in the kitchen so you can snip oﬀ a sprig or two when you’re cooking. Choose a sunny spot near a window – this neat ladder plant stand can be propped against a wall and holds ﬁve pots. Rattan sideboard, £599; Scandi round oak mirror, £180, both John Lewis & Partners

Recipe tin, £8, Sainsbury’s

12 Satsumas plant stand with pots, £35, Ikea

TIDY KITCHEN CLUTTER Clear away all the random receipts, notes

and recipes that are cluttering up the fridge door. Bin paperwork that’s out of date or irrelevant and ﬁle and keep the useful numbers and important info.

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14 GET SET UP IN A SUNNY SPOT As spring draws near, rearrange furniture so you can enjoy the brighter days and warmer weather. Set up a table or position an easy chair in a spot leading out to the garden or beside a window with a view.

15 SQUEEZE IN EXTRA STORAGE Make space work harder in a small bathroom with multitasking storage so you can pack in all your essentials. This neat wall-hung caddy doubles up as a towel rail too. French cane shelf towel rail, £20, Dunelm

Portmeirion Water Garden dinner set, £59.99 for 12 pieces, Studio

13 SAY IT WITH FLOWERS Update dreary dinnerware by adding a

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pretty ﬂoral into the mix. Invest in a box set of patterned china or supplement a plain white set by adding in just a few key pieces to mix and match.

APRIL 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

STYLE & DECOR Dillon sectional sofa, from £3,190, Sofa Workshop. Mulholland Yellow regal select matte paint, £24 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore

ADD AN ACCENT COLOUR TO FRAME A DOOR Lift a plain scheme with an unexpected pop

of colour. Highlight a doorway or window by painting the recess in a contrasting colour – choose a shade that ties in with your colour scheme to provide a visual link.

SWAP LAMPS FOR BEDSIDE PENDANTS Free-up table space in a

bedroom by opting for hanging pendants in place of bedside lamps. Position at a height where you won’t knock your head and the bulb won’t dazzle you.

White cotton seersucker bedding, £146.50 for a double set; Saffron linen Marais throw, £140, both Loom & Last

STYLE & DECOR

Colourful Animal single duvet set, £32 for a pair, Next Home

PICK OUT FAVOURITE COLOURS Keep little ones sweet if they’re sharing a bedroom, by opting for mix and match bedding so they can personalise their space. Decorate walls and shelves with their favourite wall art.

19 GROUP PLANTS TOGETHER

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Instead of dotting a few plants here and there, arranging them in a group looks much more eye-catching. Display on staggered shelves, choosing plants in a mix of heights, varieties and leaf shapes.

20 Oak and cast iron shelves, from £25 each, Garden Trading

MAKE A GOOD ENTRANCE Tidy up outdoor areas that have been neglected over winter. Wipe down

the front door, polish brassware and sweep the front step. And if the door mat is looking tatty, upgrade with a new one. Retro rainbow doormat, £10, Next

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STYLE & DECOR

INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE

HOW TO DRESS YOUR WINDOWS

The right window dressing can make – or break – a room scheme, and ensure a house feels like a home. Let our experts’ advice help you get it right every time

SOFT LIGHT Fit out a bay window with natural wooden shutters – they’re warmer than white. Shutters from £299sq m, Shutterly Fabulous IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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he art of window dressing… so many things to think about and yet interior designers seem to effortlessly get it right. But where do you start? Whether you are looking at blinds, curtains or shutters, we asked three experts – an interior designer, a stylist and a designer – for their advice. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH DESIGN IS RIGHT? ‘Start by thinking about the style of your room and what feel you want to create: minimal, contemporary or a country vibe,’ says stylist Charlotte Boyd. ‘Then ask yourself practical questions: is the room overlooked? Is it north-facing and lacking light?’ Interior designer Helen Harry starts by looking at the shape and number of windows. ‘I also consider if the window is worth celebrating or disguising – some are way too beautiful to be completely covered. I also look at natural light, the view, insulation, the client’s budget and the amount of privacy they want.’ WHAT’S BEST FOR SMALL WINDOWS, OR HIGH OR LOW CEILINGS? ‘Keep it simple,’ says Charlotte, ‘and don’t drown the window in fussy layers of blinds and curtains. A roller or Roman blind fixed above the window (or against the ceiling) won’t block out too much light. Or if you want to make a smaller window appear bigger, hang curtains from a pole wider than the window so the fabric can be pulled right back. Blessed with lovely high ceilings? Make the most of it with gorgeous floor-length drapes. This may be pricey, but you can make even the cheapest fabric look luxurious with the right pole and heading.’ WHAT STYLE OF BLIND? Both Charlotte and Helen agree on Roman blinds. ‘I like nothing more than one well-made and suitably lined,’ says Helen. ‘I love colour and pattern as well as trims to make the blinds unique and detailed. I’m not a fan of roller or vertical blinds.’ Charlotte adds, ‘And because you need way less fabric than curtains for a blind, you can splash out. In our bedroom I used a Liberty print for Roman blinds which cost less

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COLOUR STORY ‘Choose a really wow fabric and it’s like hanging a piece of art,’ says stylist Charlotte Boyd. Blind in Botaniska in Teal, from £22m, Levande collection, ILIV

STYLE & DECOR

3 OF THE BEST ROLLER BLINDS

NATURAL STYLE A neutral pattern works well with full-length curtains. Buckland lined curtains in Natural, from £86.99, Terrys

INTO THE WILD Blackout roller blind in Wilderness in Topaz linen, from £35.45, Blinds 2go

“

A pet hate of mine is mid-length curtains – I think they look old-fashioned. If you can’t have floor-skimming curtains then just go for a blind

”

CHARLOTTE BOYD STYLIST than £500 made up – to have curtains would have been over £2,000 for just the fabric!’ PATTERNED OR PLAIN – WHICH HAS LONGEVITY? ‘I don’t think there are any rules other than if you love it, go for it,’ says Charlotte. ‘Bold patterns will draw your eye and make more of a feature of a window, but they will date more quickly – and you might tire of them sooner. A good-quality plain linen or sumptuous velvet will last and can easily be incorporated into a new colour scheme. If you want to add a bit of subtle pattern, choose a textured weave; these also have the advantage of being thicker, so are more insulating.’ Helen loves to see pattern. ‘People tend to be afraid of it, but if the colours are chosen carefully and complement the room in a classic

way, they can look stylish for many years to come. I think plains on large windows can tend to make blinds look like big sheets – however well made they are.’ CAN YOU MIX DRESSINGS AT THE SAME WINDOW? ‘Yes,’ says Helen, ‘but of course, it depends on your budget. I love a Roman blind finished by full-length dress curtains to frame it, with a beautiful pole that complements the fabric and wall colour.’ Charlotte, however, has a thing about ‘dress curtains’: ‘Only there for show – what’s the point? Just a waste of fabric in my opinion. It’s fine to combine curtains and blinds if there is a reason – for example a fine voile blind to give some privacy during the day, with thicker curtains to close at night. I don’t think shutters should ever be combined

SMART STATEMENT Luxury Organic textured roller blind, from £37.88, English Blinds

SUBTLE PATTERN Roller blind in Saplings in Silverleaf, from £58, MissPrint IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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DOUBLE UP This clever design has a blackout roller blind to the front for nights and a sunscreen to the rear for daytime privacy, on one set of brackets. Double Roller Ore blind in Grey, from £16.90, Blinds 2go

STYLE & DECOR

ELEGANT TOUCH ‘Pattern doesn’t have to be garish. Here, it’s subtle and textured,’ says Helen Harry. Clarissa Hulse curtains in Dill in Ochre, from £46.65, Curtains 2go

FRESH COUNTRY ‘Some windows are way too beautiful to be completely covered up,’ says interior designer Helen Harry. Curtains in Broderie in Spring, £37m, Villa Nova

with curtains – they are a feature in themselves, and you would just block out even more light.’ WHAT ABOUT FOR A TRICKY WINDOW? ‘Firstly, does the window actually need something to cover it?’ asks Charlotte. ‘Sometimes just leaving it undressed looks more striking. If you do need a solution, custommade blinds are often the answer. Or try bespoke shutters as they can look stunning on a curved or round window.’ If you are looking to dress bifolds or French doors, then Leah Brandwood, head of design at Blinds 2go, says to go for specialist blinds. ‘These fit onto the glass and don’t obstruct the doors or handles.’ SHOULD MY BLINDS OR CURTAINS BE LINED? ‘Lining gives a more of a luxurious feel as well as reducing the amount of light entering the room, but

unlined fabrics are also a very stylish option for allowing natural light in,’ says Leah. Helen adds, ‘Go for the right weight of lining, too.’ ARE SHUTTERS WORTH THE INVESTMENT? ‘I love period properties that have original shutters or when they are used in a house somewhere hot to keep it cool,’ says Charlotte. ‘But in this country they can make a room feel cold and a bit gloomy.’ Helen says they have to be ‘well-made and of exceptional quality’ in her book. Both would probably opt for fabric ‘to add texture, interest and softness,’ says Helen. ‘For the amount they cost, you could have stunning curtains,’ says Charlotte. WHAT STYLE OF SHUTTERS SHOULD I CHOOSE? ‘I’d go for white for longevity,’ says Helen. ‘And café style unless privacy is an issue – that way you

NEAT FINISH ‘Shutters suit period properties and offer privacy,’ says Charlotte Boyd. Café-style in White, from £168sq m, California Shutters

There are so many “ beautiful fabrics and blind

styles to choose from – there’s an option for every taste, style and situation LEAH BRANDWOOD BLINDS 2GO

”

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STYLE & DECOR have the best of both worlds in terms of the effect, plus the natural light.’ Charlotte adds, ‘I do think shutters can be really useful in a bathroom, as they do offer privacy.’ WHAT COMMON MISTAKES SHOULD I AVOID? ‘Having poles that aren’t strong enough to hold curtains up, so they sag,’ says Helen, ‘and curtains that are too long and just puddle on the floor.’ Charlotte adds, ‘Covering up too much of the windows – they are supposed to let light in!’ WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND HATE TO SEE? ‘Badly fitted blinds, or ones that slump in the middle,’ says Leah. ‘If you measure and fit your blinds well, keep them clean and dusted, they will give you years of service.’ Charlotte doesn’t really like sill-length curtains: ‘For me, they just don’t work in any room and make a space look dated. If I’m using curtains, I like the fabric to sit on the floor. If there is a radiator below the window, go for a blind instead, so you don’t block the heat.’ Helen hates matching duvet covers, curtains and tiebacks. ‘Well-made curtains and blinds are not cheap but done well they can make a room look really special.’

“

Roman blinds can be simply changed by keeping the tracks and mechanism and paying for new fabric

”

HELEN HARRY INTERIOR DESIGNER

TIMELESS APPEAL Unsure about pattern? A ticking stripe will always look classic. Blackout lined eyelet curtain in Aurea in Red, £27.50m, Loom & Last

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS… CHARLOTTE BOYD, FREELANCE STYLIST AND WRITER (CHARLOTTEBOYD.CO.UK)

Charlotte has over 15 years’ experience working for some of the UK’s leading interiors magazines and brands. She regularly styles for Ideal Home.

in South Wales, Helen has recently completed a stunning renovation of a Grade II listed property. She makes it her mission to replicate the look she’s after for less and with effortless style. EASY SOLUTION Keep it simple with roof blinds that fit snugly to your windows. Luna blackout roof blinds in Shadow Black with silver frame, from £19, Swift Direct Blinds

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LEAH BRANDWOOD, HEAD OF DESIGN, BLINDS 2GO (BLINDS-2GO.CO.UK)

Blinds 2go started out in 2000 as the first specialist online blinds retailer, helping customers shop from home, offering expert advice too. There’s the sister brand Curtains 2go, too.

FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN

HELEN HARRY, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND OWNER OF HELEN HARRY INTERIORS (HELENHARRYINTERIORS.COM) Based

‘We followed the light’ Switching rooms gave Maria and Fred Jude a light-filled, family-friendly kitchen with fabulous garden views

Love MARIA’S STYLE? Turn to page 121 to shop the look

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KITCHEN PROJECT

BEFORE PAINTED OVERMANTEL Adds classic style and a smart focal point

Welcome to my home Maria Jude lives with her husband Fred and their children Marcus, 20, Leanna, 17, and Miles, 14.

THE PROPERTY

A five-bedroom detached 1960s house in North London.

WHAT IT COST

‘Switching the kitchen to a lighter part of the house and building an extension has meant we can benefit from views of the garden,’ says Maria. ‘The large roof lantern adds to the light available too.’ Kitchen cabinets, £30,000, Davenport. Inari light fitting, from £3,000, Cameron Design House. Try Tetbury leather bar stools, £119.99 each, Atlantic Shopping

Kitchen..............£30,000 Worktop...............£9,950 Furniture..............£4,250 Flooring...............£4,500 Sinks and taps.....£1,550 Lighting...................£750 Fire.......................£4,500 TOTAL...............£55,500

“

It’s such a lovely light space – and great for entertaining friends and family dinners

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HOW MARIA AND JUDE DID IT… ‘Faced with a house that needed work in every room, we weren’t at all deterred when we bought it back in 2004. Not even the kitchen, which was filled with battered cabinetry, put us off. Instead, we relocated it to the back, and had an orangerystyle extension built, so that it’s part of an open-plan kitchendiner. The build wasn’t without its problems though, as the house has a history of heave (when excess water causes the

earth in the ground to expand and ‘heave’ the property upwards), so the builders had to use anti-heave foundations, which took a little longer. The new extension instantly made the house feel brighter, and we had a roof lantern installed to gain even more light in the kitchen. We chose cabinetry from Davenport which gave us plenty of storage. The whole project took nine months and the work cost around £75,000.’

LARGE ISLAND An extra large island gives more space for storage and appliances

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BELOW ‘I love the circular island unit as it adds curves to an otherwise square design. Plus, it incorporates so much – storage, an extra sink, and a breakfast bar. We chose a range cooker, rather than built-in ovens, for a modern Edwardian look.’ Natural stone tiles, from a selection, Beltrami. Try the Rangemaster Kitchener, £1,629, AO.com

WORDS AND STYLING LAURIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHS TONY TIMMINGTON

KITCHEN PROJECT

FEATURE WALL UNITS A contrasting dark shade adds impact

ABOVE ‘This large bank of cabinetry houses lots of kitchen paraphernalia, as well as the fridge-freezer, and we’ve gone for quite a dark paint colour as a contrast to the rest of the light kitchen cabinetry.’ For a similar paint colour, try Railings, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

RIGHT ‘The minute we saw this dining table and its tree root design we loved its connection with nature and knew that it was the one for us.’ Teak root glass dining table, from £1,712; tub chairs, from a selection, both Raft Furniture

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

If you’re not happy with the works, remind your builder you are the one that will be having to live with it – then get them to redo any parts that need it

”

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KITCHEN PROJECT

Make it work for you MARIA’S STYLE: COUNTRY GLAMOUR Glossy surfaces, sumptuous seating and dramatic lighting lend a luxe twist to classic country style

A pendant light in the roof lantern allows illumination from above both day and night

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IDEAL

GREAT DEAL

SIT IN STYLE WITH SMART AND SLEEK BAR STOOLS

7 FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

£294 WHERE TO BUY 1 Sola LED triple ring ceiling pendant in chrome, £180, BHS 2 Kitchener 90 dual fuel range cooker in Black, £1,599, Rangemaster 3 Sherrard tap in polished chrome effect, £78, Cooke & Lewis at B&Q 4 Belfast ceramic sink in White, £363, Shaws of Darwen 5 Angola Black granite, from £390sq m, Cullifords 6 Brixton Brule matt ceramic floor tiles, £10.95sq m, Walls & Floors 7 Tubby sofa in Soft Teal, £299, Made

£119

SILVER STUDS

SLEEK LEGS

Stone-wash bar stool, £294, Sweetpea & Willow

Portela bar stool in Grey, £119, Dwell

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‘We’ve created a room we all want to spend time in’ Gemma Bates used her savvy interior design knowledge to redesign her family bathroom. The result is a bright, modern and sophisticated space

BEFORE

Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY

A five-bedroom, Victorian semi-detached house in Nottingham, bought in 2014.

WHAT IT COST Gemma Bates, an interior designer, lives here with her husband James and their daughter Millie, five.

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Bath.................................£959 Shower enclosure..........£814 Vanity unit and sink....£1,395 Taps and shower fittings............................£560

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Floor and wall tiles....£645 Heating........................£471 Lighting......................£232 Accessories...............£800 TOTAL....................£5,876

“

Simple, minimal design still needs a sense of depth and character

”

BATHROOM PROJECT

BLACK TILE BORDER Creates the look of a dado and adds to the smart, linear feel

Love GEMMA’S STYLE? Turn to page 127 to ﬁnd out more

‘Being creative with the space meant we could have a large walk-in shower.’ Rivar Black enclosure, tray and panel, £814, Easy Bathrooms. Arezzo Matte Black showerhead, £199, Victorian Plumbing

HOW GEMMA DID IT

‘I made a conscious effort to pare back and simplify the design, avoiding any trend-led statements. The ceiling light mirrors the clean black lines of the scheme.’ Lene Bjerre Hokona ceiling lamp in Black, £247, Nordic Nest

‘The family bathroom was perfectly functional, but it was basic and lacked a design perspective – it wasn’t a room we felt compelled to spend any time in,’ says owner Gemma, who is an interior designer (gemmabatesinteriors.co.uk). She is a meticulous planner. ‘I started with a wish list: a simple, striking, black and white scheme with a large shower enclosure, floating vanity unit and a stylish freestanding bath. The dimensions of the room meant I had to be creative with the space; the bath is at an angle to allow room for the shower enclosure.’ Labour cost around £2,000 and the job was completed within two weeks – a testament to Gemma’s organisation and planning skills. ‘I love how well all the different elements work together. Creating a bathroom space that all the family want to relax and spend time in, was at the heart of all my decisions.’ IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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BATHROOM PROJECT

DISPLAY SHELF For a striking effect, choose smart white and jet black as a contrast

ABOVE ‘Black taps and accessories add a modern feel to the bathroom design.’ Orchard Eden floor-mounted bath tap in Black, £319, Victoria Plum

RIGHT ‘A narrow black frame ties in the mirror with the fittings; its shape echoes the curves in the room.’ White drawer unit with Black trim, £499; Black round basin mixer tap, £109, both Porcelanosa. Peek small wall mirror, £147, Made in Design

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Time taken in planning will be time well spent! Work alongside the trades to ensure you’re all on the same page. You can plan ahead but until the work begins, you can’t anticipate every single issue

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”

FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH

ABOVE ‘The clean lines and innovative technology of the bathroom fittings are the perfect blend of style and convenience.’ Lusso Senza back-to-wall rimless WC, £325, Lusso Stone. Dove Matte White floor tiles, £19sq m, Tile Giant

BATHROOM PROJECT

Make it work for you GEMMA’S CHOICE: AWKWARD SPACE SOLUTIONS A savvy approach to spatial planning can turn tricky architectural features into your bathroom’s best assets Sloped ceilings, uneven walls and alcoves are common in bathrooms, particularly in period houses or where space is tight. But it’s not all bad news; irregular architecture can result in a character-filled place to bathe and unwind.

enters the bathroom – the less distance waste needs to travel, the better the performance.

Can I improve the shape? Stealing space from a bedroom or relocating a water tank might provide extra inches but do get costings in advance. Moving a window is pricier than an internal doorway, for example.

How do I plan the layout? By prioritising. Compromise is inevitable so start by listing your must-haves and work out the impact that awkward features will have on their positions. Sloped walls may hinder where you can put a shower, for example. Could compact sanitaryware, such as a corner WC, allow a bigger tub?

Q FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON *ALL PRICES INCLUDE BASIN AND UNIT BUT NOT TAPS

What if I need to move the WC? Professional advice is critical. First find out where the soil pipe

Be creative with the position of your bathtub

How can I disguise unsightly angles? Experts use distraction techniques, known as ‘focal points’. This can be a vanity unit, a statement bath or patterned tiles and can help you overlook a multitude of sins. Consider commissioning fitted furniture and turn unused alcoves or corners into storage.

Which colours work best? Sticking to the same shade for the ceiling and walls is a great way to iron out any awkwardness. ‘Soothing pastel shades or off-whites will ensure the room feels relaxing and spacious,’ adds Helen Shaw, director, Benjamin Moore UK.

BEST FOR…

“

Wall-hung fittings, such as a vanity unit, will help maximise clear floor space and can distract attention away from wonky walls

”

IRENE GUNTER, DIRECTOR, GUNTER & CO

IDEAL HOME LOVES… WALL-MOUNTED BASIN UNITS *

SUSTAINABLE WOOD Solid teak and white terrazzo. Basic Teak washstand 95 and Orion terrazzo basin, £594, Tikamoon

BAMBOO TOP Drawers with high-gloss finish. Godmorgon/Tolken two-drawer washstand and Tornviken basin, £249, Ikea

COLOUR HIT Create a striking focal point. Plus vanity in Infinity Blue and Supersink basin in brass, £934, Superfront

VIRTUAL PLANNING Villeroy & Boch’s app lets you view fittings in your bathroom, virtually, before you buy. STRUCTURAL ADVICE The Institute of Structural Engineers (istructe.org) has a database which allows you to find structural engineers in your area. Also, homeowner advice. SPECIALIST SOLUTIONS Ideal Standard’s Concept Space range has tapered baths, corner basins and short-projection WCs, designed by Robin Levien.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE 3 OF THE BEST… CLEANING HEROES

SPRING CLEAN WITH A SMILE Trust Marigold to help you get every surface sparkling and hygienic

WIPE OUT For sparkling surfaces with less effort. Marigold Let It Shine! microﬁbre cloths, £2.99

HAND IN GLOVE Keep your sleeves dry! Marigold Longer Bathroom Gloves, £2.70

hether you’re a follower of Mrs Hinch or not, you’ll win at cleaning with a little help from Marigold. From daily chores to deeper cleans, Marigold has the product to make light work of housework. They call it the Marigold cleaning glow, so let’s get it on…

GLOVED UP Cleaning gloves are what Marigold is best known for – in fact, it’s the number one best-selling gloves brand in the UK*. Choose Extra-Life Kitchen Gloves to protect your hands and nails from hot water and detergents. They’re triple layered to last longer and have an anti-slip pattern for a great grip. Best of all, their cotton ﬂock lining, ﬁtted wrist and non-roll cuffs make them comfortable to wear. If you hate water running into your gloves when cleaning the bath, go for Marigold’s Longer Bathroom Gloves. They

also have a special coating to withstand harsh household cleaning ﬂuids. All Marigold gloves and their packaging can be recycled with TerraCycle®.

SCRUB IT OUT Marigold has powerful weapons for your cleaning armoury. For everyday tasks, rely on Let It Shine! microfibre cloths. They come in a pack of four happy colours, so you can assign one to each task or room. They’re extra-thick and can be used wet or dry without detergents (great if you’re allergic) and they remove over 99% of bacteria with just water**. Just wash and reuse them – they’re more eco than disposables. For tougher jobs, choose the Squeaky Clean microfibre cloth. The next generation of microfibre, it has a unique rubber-effect coating for thorough, effortless cleaning of surfaces and glass. Scrubbing off burnt-on food is a task

SPICK AND SPAN Safe for non-stick pans. Marigold Cleaning Me Softly non-scratch scourers, £1.19 for two

nobody relishes, especially if you have non-stick pans that are easily scratched. Marigold’s Cleaning Me Softly non-scratch scourer is foam-backed with a unique surface that breaks up and lifts away dirt. It’s approved by Teﬂon for non-stick coatings and long lasting, so you can simply rinse and repeat.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...

Visit marigold.co.uk to discover more about Marigold and its full range of gloves, cloths and scourers.

*Source: IRI, Total UK Market Value Sales for the Household Gloves category, for the period comprising 52 weeks ending 5 December 2020 **Removes E.coli and S.aureus from laminate countertops and ceramic tiles as tested at a third party lab

The right cleaning products make it easy to keep your kitchen beautiful

PROJECT NEWS

We’re in love

Ecru Zellige tiles, £154sq m; Pera encaustic cement tiles, £152sq m, both Otto Tiles

NATURAL BEAUTY Otto has quickly earned itself a reputation as the go-to for gorgeous handmade tiles with irregular finishes. The creamy Ecru Zellige design does not disappoint. Used along with the subtle Pera flooring tiles, they’re perfect for that lived-in look.

KITCHEN & BATHROOM UPDATE

FAN CLUB Looking for a new island hood and not keen on the usual stainless-steel options? Cast your eye over Caple’s smart Vela extractor, with powerful performance, halo LED lighting and great colour ﬁnishes. Vela extractor in Copper, £921, Caple

Our roundup of the most interesting new products and innovations

Colour wash Introduce a dash of sophisticated colour to your bathroom with BC Designs’ trend-focused countertop basins, now available in new ColourKast shades Vive basin comes in either shades. s h d s The he minimalist m nim l s V gloss white ﬁnish or a p choice ho o eight contemporary silky m tt hues, including Satin Rose, Powder Blue and R Khaki Green (left), all K for the same price.

FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS

Vive basin, £454, BC Designs

On our wish w list...

Bathrooms To Love has launched a new range of modular marble-effect bathroom furniture. From £85 for a Perla Marble laminated top.

IN THE DARK Made from natural timber, Neptune’s popular Suffolk kitchen collection now comes hand-painted in Ink, an enticing blue-black shade for instant sophistication. Apart from its standout appeal, it’s also the perfect backdrop for crockery and glassware. We’re ready to go to the dark side, are you? Suffolk kitchen in Ink, from £12,000, Neptune IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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‘I love to entertain outdoors’ Beth Davies made the most of her garden, creating a relaxed, sociable space that’s ideal for gatherings all year round

Seating area

‘I wanted to create an outside room, opening out from the kitchen, that was easy to look after. And I was fortunate to find a great company online, Taylored Gardens, which offers both design and build services – it’s a one stop shop!’ says Beth.

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GARDEN PROJECT

BEFORE

FENCING FINISH A darker shade of wood denotes the dining area at the front of the garden

Welcome to my garden Beth Davies lives here with her black labrador, Thomas

THE PLOT A good-sized rectangular 15x5m plot belonging to a 1950s three-bedroom house in Strawberry Hill, Middlesex.

THE CHALLENGE To make the existing space work harder by creating different areas for relaxing.

Love

BETH’S STYLE? Turn to page 134 to shop the look

I wanted the garden to be a sanctuary and a social space to entertain – extending the house out into the garden. I am delighted with the end results

“

”

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his renovation project has been a real labour of love. I’m passionate about gardening and entertaining so I couldn’t wait to get going on the garden,’ says Beth. ‘I hadn’t worked with a garden designer before but when I came across Taylored Gardens online I was really impressed with its previous projects. ‘As I needed the garden completely redesigned and landscaped it made sense to go for a company which offered both design and installation. Knowing that Matt Taylor’s team were taking care of everything from start to finish helped ease the pressure of the project. ‘Initially Matt came round to discuss my wish list for the space and then

offered some great solutions, some of which would never have occurred to me. It made sense to keep the existing built-in seating and fencing along one side, as it was in good condition. This saved money on budget, as well as time. ‘The design included existing features combined with new planting (we chose bold palms for structure) and a made-tomeasure pergola. Once the plans were agreed, the garden was cleared in January of last year. Matt then took care of the landscaping, the pergola, raised beds and planting. The work took two and a half months and cost £45,000 – I can’t believe it came together just before lockdown. I feel so blessed to have had such a sanctuary at such a difficult time.’

CLEVER PLANTING Structural evergreens mean the garden looks lush all year round

Soft furnishings

‘The flooring already gave the garden a monochrome feel, so it was a nice idea to carry that on with accessories, such as the striped cushions from Design Vintage. Other lovely finishing touches, like the basket, came from a local shop, Charcoal.’

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CLEVER STORAGE Concealed units to hold cushions and gardening equipment have been built into the new seating that was added at the rear of the garden

GARDEN PROJECT

‘I was really lucky with the barbecue, which my lovely neighbour Sheena gave me when she moved back to Australia. It is handy to have it near the kitchen but it’s also easy to manoeuvre around if necessary because the unit is so compact and on wheels.’

Pergola

‘The idea of having a pergola at the back really appealed to me,’ says Beth. ‘It gives the seating area a secluded, encompassing feel and the garden real focus.’ The pergola was made to measure by Taylored Gardens and cost around £2,500.

FEATURE AND STYLING DILLY ORME PHOTOGRAPHS CLAIRE LLOYD DAVIES GARDEN DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY THE TAYLORED GARDEN COMPANY, TAYLOREDGARDENS.CO.UK

Barbecue area

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

The storage in the seating has worked well. At the time I didn’t think that I would need any more – but you can never have enough. Especially as I have an ever-growing cushion collection!

”

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GARDEN PROJECT

Make it work for you BETH’S STYLE: ZONED CONTEMPORARY GARDEN White paving and rendered seating, raised beds and artificial grass combine with textured greenery for a fresh modern look Create a relaxed area for entertaining outdoors

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IDEAL HOME LOVES… STRUCTURAL PLANTS

WHERE TO BUY 1. OUTDOOR RUG Samode Graphite/Ivory indoor/outdoor rug, £59, Darlings of Chelsea 2. LANTERN Rattan solar-powered lantern in Black, from £45, John Lewis & Partners 3. COFFEE TABLE Domkapa Copacabana coffee table, £690, Sweetpea & Willow

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4. PLANT POT Hay flowerpot with saucer in Grey, from £11, Nest 5. CUSHION Harbour Stripe cushion in Graphite/Ecru, £70, Tori Murphy 6. L-SHAPED OUTDOOR SOFA Savannah modular corner bench seat, £1,169, Danetti

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Trachycarpus fortunei

Wood fern Dryopteris

Spineless Yucca elephantipes

This fabulous palm is very resilient and adaptable to all conditions.

Perfect for dry, shady areas, these ferns are easy to grow.

With its white flowers in summer, this is great for creating a focal point.

FEATURE DILLY ORME PHOTOGRAPHS DSGNSR;BLICKWINKEL; FIR MAMAT, ALL ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

BEFORE & AFTER

‘We’ve created a sociable, family space’ A stylish kitchen-diner extension transformed Quentin and Seija Keeble’s cramped Victorian property

The couple’s home occupies the ground and first floor of this terraced house

uilding an extension was always on the agenda for Quentin and Seija Keeble, who bought their north London home in 2010. ‘It was in need of modernisation,’ says Quentin, managing director of property development company, London Home Quarters (homequarters. com). ‘It had a poky kitchen with a corridor that ate up a lot of room.’ Creating more space was a top priority for Seija and Quentin. ‘We had an eight-year-old son and were expecting twins,’ he says. They hoped to add a rear extension with an open-plan kitchen-diner. ‘We wanted to have a more sociable space.’ OVERCOMING CHALLENGES The planning process was not straightforward. ‘We made three unsuccessful applications to the council over six years,’ says Quentin. ‘In the end, we appointed Whiteman Architects (whitemanarchitects.com) to handle the design and got support from a local ward councillor who helped push the plans through. It was a good day when we got the approval.’ TRANSFORMATION COMPLETE The couple has no regrets about tackling the build. ‘I love the fact that the kitchen-diner is so open,’ says Quentin. ‘We spend most of our time in there, as a family.’ The back garden was levelled off to create a seamless connection between inside and out. ‘It’s made a big change to how we live.’

Welcome to our home THE PROPERTY

A three-bedroom Victorian terraced maisonette, in Camden, north London.

VALUE Quentin Keeble, a property developer, and his wife Seija, an opera singer, live here with sons Aksel, 10, and two-year-old twins Magnus and Torsten.

Bought in 2010 for £420,000; now worth around £1,250,000.

WHAT IT COST

Contractor and materials........ £80,000

Professional fees...................£18,000 Kitchen.............£30,000 Mechanical and electrics...........£25,000 Glazing.............£25,000 Flooring...........£25,000 TOTAL...........£203,000

“

We’ve achieved our goal. Our kitchen-diner has become the heart of the home

”

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BEFORE & AFTER

Engineered oak flooring was laid throughout the kitchen-diner, with underfloor heating to create a warm feel

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Never give up at the planning stage – even when it’s challenging! It helps to engage the support of the local ward councillor to pave the way

”

The dark-blue splashback contrasts with a bronze tap in the elegant kitchen

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

Lee Whiteman, director of Whiteman Architects (whitemanarchitects.com) shares his top tips

THERE’S MORE TO CHOOSE FROM THAN JUST RED BRICK Units come in numerous colours and finishes. It’s even possible to specify your own RAL-coloured glazed brick.

CHOOSE A SHAPE THAT FITS Bricks come in a variety of sizes. Using a long-format brick completely changes the aesthetic.

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NEARLY 20% OF A WALL IS MORTAR Don’t ignore the

importance of the pointing type and mortar colours. It has a dramatic effect on the overall appearance.

4 5

BRICK CAN BE USED ON ANY SURFACE A brick finish can even be applied to soffits and lintels. BRICK CAN BE TACTILE Selecting a product that varies from one brick to the other will change how you view the wall. Consistency should not always be a requirement for bricks.

FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS WILL SCOTT

USING BRICKWORK TO CREATE A DESIGN STATEMENT

HOME TECH C lean and mop Roborock S5 Max, £599, Amazon With a 280ml water tank and microfibre cloth fitted to the base, this versatile cleaner will suck up dust and dander while also giving your floors a wipe, all in one pass. It’s designed for areas up to 200m sq and the smart sensors means it rarely ever gets stuck as it cleans. THE BEST BIT Using the app you can set it to clean certain areas, such as around the kitchen table after breakfast.

Perfect for pets

EXPERT TIP

‘If your floors aren’t clear the robot vacuums will get stuck, so before you leave the house make sure everything is tidied away.’ CHRIS HASLAM, TECHNOLOGY JOURNALIST

FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM

Great value Prosenic 850T, £229, Amazon Like the Roborock, this also mops floors using its built-in water tank and cleaning pad. It’s not designed for carpets but does a great job keeping on top of the dust balls and being Alexa and Google Assistant compatible means you just have to ask it to start cleaning. THE BEST BIT Given the low price, it comes loaded with extras like a spare mopping pad, filters and spare side brushes.

BEST ROBOT VACUUM CLEANERS

Robot vacuums are perfect for busy people, or those of us who hate chores – being able to clean while you’re doing something more enjoyable is a real treat. Technology has improved rapidly to help them into every nook and cranny.

iRobot Roomba S9+, £1,500, iRobot It is eye wateringly expensive, but if money is no object and you have a big open plan home, you’ll not find a better cleaner for hard floors or carpet. It is powerful, gets right into the corners and picks up a scary amount of dust and debris. Pet owners will love it. THE BEST BIT The CleanBase docking station not only charges it, but also empties the dustbin automatically.

Added security Trifo Max Pet Edition, £399, Amazon Think of Trifo as an undercover agent posing as a cleaner that happily removes piles of dust and dirt, but thanks to the built-in motion and sound sensitive camera on the top, also keeps an eye on your home – sending you updates via app – when you’re out. THE BEST BIT It’s great for pet hair and includes a brushless attachment that sucks up hair without getting tangled.

Works on carpets Dyson 360 Heurist, £799, Dyson As we’ve come to expect from Dyson, this robot has superb suction, easily matching the performance of a standard vacuum. It’s a triumph on carpets, thanks to the 212mm brush bar that stretches the width of the machine. THE BEST BIT By using the excellent app, you can set detailed cleaning schedules and assign no-go zones. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

ENJOY MUSIC AT HOME Stream great-sound quality music in any room with Deezer HiFi

ver the past year, our homes have become so much more than a roof over our heads. They’ve become our sanctuaries, our workspaces and our playgrounds. All this extra time at home has afforded many of us the chance to rediscover music again and there’s no better way to do this, than with the high fidelity sound you’ll experience with Deezer HiFi.

WHAT IS DEEZER HIFI? Deezer’s streaming service has just launched a new superior music experience that will give your sound devices – whether you tune in via

your smartphone, Sonos system, the kids’ Xbox or even a smart speaker – the ability to play an almost endless catalogue of music with ease, all with crystal-clear, CD-quality audio.

WHAT MAKES DEEZER HIFI DIFFERENT? Deezer HiFi learns as it plays, adapting and tailoring your options according to your listening habits. Select the Flow feature and you’ll receive a never-ending stream of personalised music, from your all-time favourites to tunes you’ve never heard before. Deezer HiFi is also extremely simple to use – even the most

ardent of technophobes will find the interface easy to navigate.

WHAT ELSE DOES DEEZER HIFI DO? So much more than just a music streaming service, Deezer HiFi offers a wide range of extras, too. The Lyrics feature provides you with the means to sing along on your smartphone or TV if you have a Chromecast. If you tend to play music more in the evenings, Dark Mode lets you adjust the brightness of the screen in the evenings to give your eyes a break from the glare. Don’t recognise a song? SongCatcher will tell

If you want to fill your house with “ music this year, you can’t go wrong with Deezer HiFi. With 56 million tracks that play completely ad-free with crystal-clear audio, you’ll never run out of good music at home

”

GINEVRA BENEDETTI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

EASY DOES IT Find new loves and old favourites with Deezer’s millions of tracks, via all your devices

you exactly what it is, saving you the hassle of launching a separate app on your phone to find out.

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

ANYTHING ELSE? Curated by Deezer’s own music editors, HiFi Room is ideal if you want to listen to something a little different. It offers a selection of handpicked tunes, playlists and albums across every genre, from pop to rock, reggae, hip hop and more. So if you’re after a hassle-free way to listen to music that doesn’t cut corners on functionality or superior audio quality, why not try Deezer HiFi for a threemonths free trial? You won’t regret it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION...

Discover more about Deezer HiFi and a plan to suit you at deezer.com

HOME TECH Multifunctional value Groov-e Apollo lamp, £30, Argos A discreet design in either black or white that won’t dominate your interior but does come absolutely loaded with features to help cut the clutter. These include a 5W wireless charging pad for your mobile, plus a small 3W Bluetooth speaker in the head for playing music. THE BEST BIT The LED lamp has three colours: bright, warm and cool, and it plugs into your computer via USB.

T he smartest light

‘Smart desk lamps that adjust brightness according to the time of day will reduce eye strain and help you concentrate.’ CHRIS HASLAM, TECHNOLOGY JOURNALIST

Easy reading BenQ WiT e-Reading lamp, £169, benq.eu A futuristic LED desk lamp specifically designed to make reading from screens more comfortable. The sweeping arc bathes you and your computer display in a vast 90cm-wide pool of light – 150% more than standard desk lamps – and adjusts brightness and colour (2700-5700K) to suit your task. THE BEST BIT Sensors create the ideal conditions for reading an e-book.

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With many of us working from home, a decent desktop setup is vital. And one of the easiest upgrades is a new lamp. Latest designs have features to reduce eyestrain, boost your energy levels and keep your tech charged

THE BEST BIT Brightness varies from barely visible to brilliant.

Designer choice Koble Polestar LED lamp, £80, Heal’s A minimalist design that’s ideal for home office or bedside, it has a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad on the base for clutter-free convenience. The 10W LED is adjustable (3000-6000K) and there’s even a sleep mode with a relaxing warmer glow. THE BEST BIT The touch-sensitive keypad adjusts the brightness and the bulb has a lifespan of 12-15 years.

Long-lasting option Hektar lamp, £50, Ikea This superb-value vintage-inspired option from Ikea doesn’t scrimp on design value or features. Made with robust powder-coated metal, it has a generous reach with the bonus of both wireless charging and a USB port in the base for juicing up gadgets. THE BEST BIT The E14 bulb (£2.50 for two) means the lamp lasts for decades.

FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM

EXPERT TIP

BEST HI-TECH DESK LAMPS

Dyson Lightcycle Morph, £499, Dyson It costs more than many laptops, but Dyson’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connected lamp offers task, ambient, and indirect light and actually tracks the sun’s position, adjusting the lamp’s colour, temperature and brightness. If a cloud covers the sun, the lamp cleverly compensates.

YOUR UTILITY, SORTED

Keep clutter at bay with these neat ideas, so this behindthe-scenes area doesn’t turn into a dumping ground

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

5 GAME-CHANGING BUYS The products you need to organise your back-room kit for a smooth-running and orderly utility space

WHAT THE PROS KNOW… Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn shares her utility-taming solutions…

PLAN YOUR SPACE Think about what needs storing before kitting out your utility area and ensure there’s a home for everything – remember to factor in space for cumbersome items like the vacuum cleaner, laundry basket and mop. MAKE IT EASY-ACCESS Open shelves let you see everything at a glance so you can grab what you need easily. Utilise wall space by fixing up sturdy hooks to hang the ironing board or clothes airer.

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

THE CLUTTER-CATCHING CADDIES Open shelves give easy access to laundry essentials but having everything out on show can look untidy. Corral smaller odds and ends like washing tablets and pegs into easy-to-grab baskets with cleaning kit in a caddy so it’s easy to tote around the house. Portland storage bucket, £20; utility basket, £12; wash-up tidy and utensil holder, £10 each, all Garden Trading

THE ADJUSTABLE SHELVING Stack shelves above appliances to make use of wasted wall

space. This customisable system consists of easy-fit shelves and drying racks that can be clicked into place at different heights. Boaxel one-section storage, £66, Ikea

THE FOLD-UP LAUNDRY BASKET Bulky laundry baskets can be tricky to find room for when space is limited. Go for this neat, collapsible basket that will hold a full load of washing, but folds flat so it can be tucked under a counter or in a gap next to the washing machine. Addis folding laundry basket, £14.99, Lakeland

BUY WHAT YOU NEED Store items neatly, in categories, so you can see what you have – and what you’re running low on. Don’t stockpile – it’s just more stuff to find storage space for.

THE APPLIANCE STACKER Utilise room-height by stacking your tumble dryer on top of the washer. This kit has a locking device that keeps the appliances stable and a slide-out shelf so clothes can be folded as they come out of the dryer. WPRO Stacking kit with shelf, £49.99, Currys

THE ‘SLOT-IN’ STORAGE Make use of narrow gaps in between appliances with this slimline trolley. Less than 15cm wide, its shelves are roomy enough to hold bulky detergent bottles and tubs. Space saver trolley, £14.99, Studio

INCLUDE AN AIRER Incorporate a drying rack so you’ve somewhere to air clothes when the weather’s bad. Try a space-saving retractable airer hung on the wall or ceiling. Slatted shelves are handy too for storing freshly-laundered towels and linens as slats allow air to circulate. Find out more at youneedavicky.com or on Instagram and Facebook @youneedavicky

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Genius problem solvers

FOR A SMOOTH-RUNNING LIFE Our pick of the latest home innovations, solutions and stuff you never knew you needed… Make the most of unused space Clever Closet allows you to use the empty area under the stairs to its full potential, with drawers and cupboards to suit your space. Stow everything within reach while keeping your hallway clutter-free. Perfect for shoes and bags, and even the ironing board. Single drawer unit, from £649 including installation, Clever Closet

Choose glass over plastic Store homemade cleaning solutions in these durable amber glass bottles. The UV protection helps liquids last longer. Glass amber bottles, from £8 for 300ml spray, Wearth London

Maintain your vacuum Pikk-it (£7.99, pikk-it.com) is a nifty tool that’ll free your vacuum of tangled hair without damaging the roller, or your fingers, thanks to its hook and teeth.

Power through bathroom grime This all-in-one cordless tool has a round and a pointed brush, as well as a microfibre pad for buffing. The extension pole reaches high places. AirCraft Power Scrub cordless cleaning kit, £119.99, Lakeland

COMPOSTABLE CLEANING CLOTHS UPCYCLED MATERIALS Made from coffee sacks, this will foam up when tackling stubborn dirt. Upcycled coffee sack Unsponge, £6.25, Kempii

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COLOUR CODE Plastic-free, washable and made from renewable sources. Eco Living Rainbow pack, £6.99 for six, Big Green Smile

SWEDISH DESIGN Super-absorbent and available in an array of gorgeous designs and colours. Dishcloths, £2.95 each, Jangneus

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS LAUNDRY ESSENTIALS

Deep-clean carpets Taking the effort out of cleaning carpets, the Platinum SmartWash automatically dispenses solution when you push forward, and dries as it moves back, using FlexForce brush bars to work into the pile. The Platinum Antibacterial Solution removes over 99% of bacteria, and it can get to work on stairs, upholstery, pet beds and the car. Platinum SmartWash, £299.99, Vax

Wipe down your home naturally

Love the cleaning power of vinegar, but hate the smell? Norfolk Natural Living scented vinegar leaves windows and mirrors sparkling, with a hint of rose or lavender. Scented Vinegar, £9 for 300ml, Norfolk Natural Living

3 1. REDUCE DRYING TIME Use in your dryer for a speedier, fluffier result. Wool dryer balls, £16 for four, Scooms 2. BRIGHTEN WHITES Tough on stains, gentle on the environment. Wilton London Oxy laundry bleach, £4.99 for 500g, Lakeland 3. HAND-WASH WITH CARE Plastic-free and perfect for hand-washing delicates. Flash! Laundry bar and stain stick, £5 for 100g, Ethique

Beat pet stains With its two-inone brush, Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain and Odour Remover, £3.59, cleans surfaces and carpet pile. Invest in your cleaning kit There’s something pleasing about the simplicity of the household tools from Objects of Use, not to mention that they’re long lasting and conscientiously sourced. Choose from a huge selection, including these Thai brooms. Sorghum brooms, from £13.50, Objects of Use

FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS

Corral your clutter

Store your stuff These soft cork storage cases will keep their contents protected from dust and moisture while hiding neatly away under the bed. Consider them as an alternative to plastic boxes that don’t let their contents breathe, or dust-gathering baskets. Cork underbed storage, £25, Dunelm

Baskets can be a saviour when it comes to containing all of those little bits and pieces. This fun rocket design might even be enough to encourage the kids to tidy up. Bloomingville Cosmina basket, £95, Sweetpea & Willow

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Stuffed lamb with oranges, olives and pine nuts See page 151 for recipe

TIME TO COOK

An Easter CELEBRATION Bring the festivities and the dinner table to life this Easter with our collection of delicious recipes

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

Asparagus pastry twirls See page 151 for recipe

IDEAL HOME TIP Fill with your favourite flavour of soft cheese IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

Roast side of salmon with blushing veg See page 151 for recipe

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IDEAL HOME TIP This salmon flakes beautifully into sandwiches for lunch the next day

Warm Mediterranean salad with grilled halloumi and mint SERVES 6 READY IN 45 mins INGREDIENTS ● 2 pitta breads ● 6tbsp olive oil ● 1tbsp dried oregano ● 2 red onions, cut into wedges ● 6 tomatoes, halved ● 200g mixed cherry tomatoes ● 100g pitted Kalamata olives ● 1 pack halloumi, thickly sliced FOR THE DRESSING ● 20g fresh mint leaves ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 1tbsp red wine vinegar

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/

Gas 6. Slice the pitta breads in half so that they are one layer, then cut into smaller wedges. Mix 2tbsp of the oil with the oregano and brush both sides of the pittas. Cook on a baking tray for 10 mins until crisp, then put on a wire rack to cool.

2 On the same baking tray,

add the onion wedges and

drizzle with ½tbsp of the oil. Cook for 10 mins, then add the tomatoes, olives and another ½tbsp oil. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 10 mins.

3 Make a mint dressing by

blitzing the mint, garlic and red wine vinegar with 2tbsp of the oil in a food processor until combined.

4 Brush both sides of the

halloumi with the remaining 1tbsp oil. Heat a frying pan and cook the halloumi for around 1 min on each side until golden.

5 Transfer the roasted

onion, tomatoes and olives to a serving platter. Scatter over the pitta chips and halloumi, and drizzle over the mint dressing.

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IDEAL HOME TIP Use your favourite selection of seasonal fruit

Fruity coconut pavlova See opposite page for recipe

INGREDIENTS WE’VE USED AND LOVED

Boursin garlic & herbs cheese, £1.50 for 150g, Waitrose & Partners

Co Yo natural coconut milk yogurt, £4.99 for 400g, Ocado

Belvoir natural orange cordial, £2.95 for 750ml, Sainsbury’s

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Stuffed lamb with Asparagus pastry oranges, olives twirls andNut, pineseed nutsand berry SERVES 6 (Makes 18)

READY IN 40 mins SERVES 8 winter crumbl READY IN 1 hr 45 mins (for See page 139 for recipe INGREDIENTS ● 75g pink meat), plus resting Boursin garlic and herb cheese ● 320g ready-rolled INGREDIENTS ● 2.5kg leg puff pastry ● 25g Parmesan, of lamb ● 6 garlic cloves, grated ● 2tsp smoked bashed ● 5 bay leaves ● 5 paprika ● 18 asparagus thyme sprigs, leaves picked spears ● 1 egg, beaten ● 5 rosemary sprigs, plus extra ● 4 anchovy fillets ● 50g breadcrumbs ● Juice of ½ lemon ● 40ml olive oil, plus extra to drizzle ● 50g pine nuts, toasted ● 110g jar stoned black olives, drained ● 2 oranges, pared and thickly sliced ● 300ml white wine ● 50ml orange cordial

1 Take the lamb out of the

FEATURE SAMUEL GOLDSMITH RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

fridge 1 hr before cooking. Heat the oven to 200C/ Gas 6.

2 Create a large pocket in the lamb and season. Make slits in the skin, stuff with garlic.

3 In a food processor, whizz

the rest of the garlic and herbs, add the anchovies, breadcrumbs and lemon juice. Slowly add the oil.

4 Fill the lamb with the nuts, olives and stuffing. Tie up with string. Put in a roasting tin, add rosemary and orange slices and drizzle with oil.

5 Roast for 1½ hrs, add the

wine after 30 mins and baste every 20 mins. After 1 hr, start basting with the cordial too.

6 For the last 10 mins, turn

the oven down to 110C/Gas ¼. Rest the lamb for 20 mins.

1 Heat the oven to 200C/

Gas 6. Place the Boursin in a microwaveable bowl and heat on high for 30 secs to soften. Unroll the pastry and spread the Boursin all over.

2 Scatter over half the

Parmesan and half the paprika. Cut the pastry into 18 long strips around 1cm in width.

3 Starting at the bottom of

an asparagus spear, twirl the pastry strip around it to create a spiral effect. Repeat with the remaining asparagus and pastry.

4 Glaze each spiral with the beaten egg and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and paprika over each one. Bake for 15-20 mins, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Roast side of salmon with blushing veg

Fruity coconut pavlova SERVES 10 READY IN 2 hrs, plus cooling

SERVES 8 READY IN 40 mins INGREDIENTS ● 450g mixed radishes ● 250g fine asparagus tips ● 300g baby leeks ● 3tbsp olive oil ● Zest of 1 lemon ● 1kg side salmon, skin on FOR THE DRESSING ● 1 banana shallot, finely chopped ● Large bunch of fresh herbs (we used parsley, dill and lemon thyme) ● 50g olive oil ● Juice of 1 lemon ● 1tsp cracked pink peppercorns, to garnish

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/

Gas 6. Place the radishes, asparagus and baby leeks on a large baking tray, drizzle with 2tbsp of the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together with the lemon zest to coat the veggies evenly.

2 On a separate baking tray

lined with parchment, place the salmon on top, skin-side down, and brush with the remaining oil. Season well.

3 Place both trays in the

oven for 25 mins, until the salmon is just cooked through and the vegetables are nicely roasted.

4 For the dressing, simply

blitz all the ingredients together, and drizzle over the salmon and vegetables. Serve hot or at room temperature.

INGREDIENTS ● 4 medium egg whites ● 225g caster sugar ● 2tbsp desiccated coconut ● 400ml can coconut milk (leave in the fridge overnight so the fat separates) ● 2tbsp maple syrup ● 100g plain coconut yogurt ● 2 mangoes, peeled and cubed ● 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced ● 2 passion fruit, seeds scooped out ● 90g toasted coconut shavings ● Dried mango (optional) YOU WILL NEED ● Baking tray lined with baking parchment

1 Heat the oven to 150C/Gas

2. Whisk the egg whites to soft peaks and keep whisking while adding the sugar, 1tbsp at a time, until the mixture forms peaks.

2 Fold in the desiccated

coconut then pile the meringue onto the baking tray. Using a palette knife, spread out to make a 25cm disc. Make a dip in the centre. Bake for 1 hr 30 mins and allow to cool before moving to a serving platter.

3 Drain the liquid from the

coconut milk and whisk the remainder until thick. Fold in the maple syrup and yogurt. Spoon the mixture onto the meringue then add the fruit, coconut shavings and dried mango (if using).

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

WEEKEND BAKE

Mad March hare cake

RECIPE AND STYLING SAMUEL GOLDSMITH PHOTOGRAPH VINNY WHITEMAN PROPS VICTORIA ELDRIDGE

Create this chocolate showstopper for Easter Sunday tea to delight all the family

SERVES 12 READY IN 1 HR 30 MINS, PLUS COOLING FOR THE CAKE ● 100g cocoa powder ● 240g self-raising flour ● 1½tsp baking powder ● ¼tsp bicarbonate of soda ● 240g butter, softened ● 400g caster sugar ● 1tsp vanilla extract ● 4 eggs at room temperature FOR THE BUTTERCREAM ● 200g white chocolate ● 250g butter, softened ● 500g icing sugar, sifted ● 2-3tbsp milk TO DECORATE ● 1 white chocolate egg, split in half, and smaller chocolate speckled eggs YOU WILL NEED ● 2 x 25cm round baking tins, greased and lined with baking paper

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4.

Mix the cocoa powder with 400ml boiling water and leave to cool.

2 Sift the flour, baking powder,

baking soda and ¼tsp salt into a bowl; set aside. Cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla. Mix in 1 egg and then a third of the flour mix. Repeat with the remaining eggs and flour. Fold in the cooled cocoa.

3 Divide the mixture into the tins

and bake for 30-40 mins or until a cocktail stick inserted into centre comes out clean. Loosen the edges

with a knife and leave to cool for 20 mins. Turn out onto a wire rack.

4 For the buttercream, melt the

chocolate in the microwave. Cream the butter, add the icing sugar gradually and beat until fluffy. Add the chocolate and beat until combined, adding milk to loosen the buttercream, if needed.

5 Spread buttercream on top of the bottom cake and place the other on top, then cover the entire cake. Put Easter egg halves on top (like ears) and scatter on chocolate eggs. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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ESCAPE TO A BEAUTIFUL British isle Think you know the UK? These islands should be on your staycation bucket list, so start planning your 2021 holiday with these ideas for getting away from it all without getting on a plane...

The harbour on Lundy Island

BEST FOR... WILDLIFE Lundy, Devon Cast adrift in protected coral waters in the Bristol Channel, Lundy is a blissful reef of granite and heathland. They don’t call it

‘Britain’s Galapagos’ for nothing: the wildlife here includes puffins, rabbits, seals, guillemots, deer, feral goats and basking sharks. As England’s first marine nature reserve, it boasts some of the best diving sites in the British isles, with all sorts of shipwrecks and sea creatures to marvel at beneath

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the clear waters. Fascinating walking routes abound; take all or part of the 12km circular walk around the island’s coast and you’ll stumble across burial chambers, former prisoner caves and the highest lighthouse in Britain, as well as some wonderful flora and fauna, including the incredibly rare Lundy Cabbage plant. HOW TO GET THERE... Ferries

depart from Bideford or Ilfracombe.

Look out for the local wild goats

SIMPLE PLEASURES Pastel-painted beach huts line the west Mersea shore

BEST FOR... FOODIES Mersea, Essex

Fresh fish and oysters are on the menu

HOW TO GET THERE...

By car. Bear in mind that Mersea becomes cut off when the high tide rises above the Strood, the causeway that links the island to the mainland.

BEST FOR... STEAM TRAINS Isle of Man Mountainous and cliff-fringed, the Isle of Man has a patchwork of delights including golden beaches, snow-capped peaks, wooded glens, rural villages and steam trains straight out of a 1950s picture book. This self-

Snaefell Mountain Railway summit station at 2,034ft offers a spectacular view to the Irish Sea

governing island, nestled between Ireland and England, offers rollicking rambles along windswept coastlines and rugged hills: try the summit of 620mhigh Snaefell mountain, the island’s highest peak, accessible via the mountain railway. Take a boat trip to the Calf of Man, a tiny islet set amid sensational scenery, half a mile off the southern tip of the island, to see amazing seabird colonies.

Panorama of Douglas, the isle’s capital

HOW TO GET THERE...

Ferries to the capital Douglas depart from Heysham, Liverpool Birkenhead or Belfast. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

PHOTOGRAPHS (LUNDY HARBOUR) JUNE MORRISSEY, (GOATS) SLAWEK STASZCZUK, (BEACH HUTS) RODGER TAMBLYN, (MENU) CHRISTOPHER MCGOWAN/ALL ALAMY STOCK PHOTO; (STEAM TRAIN) GETTY IMAGES, (DOUGLAS) GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

Across a narrow channel from Essex’s southern coast, Mersea offers a seaswept dose of nature and traditional beach life just a few miles from bustling Colchester. Here you’ll find Jurassic cliffs, sandy beaches, bleakly beautiful mudflats, pretty pastel beach huts and even a vineyard. You can walk around the whole island, a popular 20km challenge, to admire the views and wildlife: look out for marsh harriers, water voles, red squirrels and numerous migrating seabirds. Britain’s most easterly inhabited island is also a seafood haven: Mersea oysters make their way into the kitchens of everyone from Gordon Ramsay to The Ritz – but they taste best right here, in one of the oyster bars or beach shacks.

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

BEST FOR... BIRD LOVERS Rathlin, Northern Ireland World War One cruiser, now a national monument. The island’s terrain combines a dramatic patchwork of idyllic green fields, towering seacliffs and breathtaking coastline for walking. Take the hike from Rathlin harbour to the RSPB Roonivoolin Reserve to enjoy splendid vistas of the

coastline and wildlife such as seals, Irish hares and curlews. HOW TO GET THERE...

Ferries to Rathlin leave from Ballycastle.

Church Bay, the island’s main harbour

BEST FOR... FRANCOPHILES Guernsey, Channel Islands

Historical Tresco Abbey

Charming, vibrant and extremely pretty, Guernsey offers a heady mix of coastal and country vistas.

The island oozes contentedness – and part of its allure is its jumble of influences. It feels a bit French and a lot British, and relics from the German occupation during World War Two add to the quirkiness. Stroll around St Peter Port, where Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables, and head to the clifftops to admire the landscapes that inspired some of Renoir’s loveliest paintings. HOW TO GET THERE… By ferry

from Poole or Portsmouth. 800-year-old Castle Cornet at St Peter Port

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The renowned subtropical Abbey Garden

BEST FOR... GARDENS Tresco, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall Gloriously isolated and unspoiled, the Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of more than 200 stunning subtropical islands, islets and rocks, 50km off the tip of Cornwall. White sand beaches, tranquil coves and wildflower meadows provide a sanctuary for wildlife and migrating birds, as well as lovers of peace and nature. Tresco, a three-square-kilometre

gem, packs a lot between its shores. The rugged north, with its historic forts and spectacular views, is a treat for walkers and explorers, while in the west, the beautiful Abbey Garden threads through exquisite walled enclosures and terraces, displaying 20,000 exotic plants in a horticultural paradise. HOW TO GET THERE... Take the ferry from Penzance.

FEATURE KATY HOLLAND PHOTOGRAPHS (GUERNSEY) GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO; (RATHLIN) GERARD O’CONNOR, (TRESCO ABBEY) ROBERT HARDING, (GARDEN) ALEX RAMSAY/ALL ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Around 100 people live alongside a wonderful array of wildlife on Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island. Sitting just north of Ballycastle on the rugged North Antrim coast, the L-shaped isle is steeped in cultural heritage and awash with seafaring history: a number of shipwrecks here include a

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EDITORIAL

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Editorial Director, Future Homes Sarah Spiteri Editorial Director Vanessa Richmond Editor Heather Young Group Creative Director Georgia Hibberdine Group Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor Sarah Farley Editorial Director, Homes Content Rhoda Parry Associate Editor Ginevra Benedetti Decorating Editor Nicky Phillips Style Editor Michela Colling Houses Editor Ruth Corbett Senior Features Editor Stephanie Durrant Features Editor Holly Walsh Acting Features Editor Lisa Fazzani Food Editor Samuel Goldsmith Gardens Editor Teresa Conway Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke Chief Sub-Editor Amy Hodge Senior Sub-Editor Catherine Law Senior Sub-Editor Linda Blakemore Associate Art Hub Director Alison Walter Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson Freelance Designer Mel Algar

DIGITAL

Brand Development Director Laura Crombie Video Producer Matt Gibbs Editor in Chief – Homes Audience Amy Cutmore Editor in Chief – eCommerce Lindsey Davis Editor in Chief – News Rebecca Knight Digital Shopping Editor Tamara Kelly

See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk

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BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work very hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email the Editor at ideal_home@futurenet.com or write to The Editor, Ideal Home, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible. SUBSCRIPTIONS All prices are for 12 issues and include p&p. Delivery times for overseas services are shown in brackets. UK: £57. USA (direct entry, five to 12 days): $164.05. Europe (priority; three to five days): €180.25. Rest of the world (priority, five to seven days): £131.70. Order online at magazinesdirect.com. For enquiries please email help@magazinesdirect. com. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by Air Business Ltd; c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc; 156-15 146th Avenue, 2nd floor, Jamaica NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431.US Postmaster: send address changes to Ideal Home, Air Business Ltd; c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc; 156-15 146th Avenue, 2nd floor, Jamaica NY 11434, USA. Subscriptions records are maintained at Future Publishing Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill holds full FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and accreditation. All contents © 2021 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

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IDEALHOME.CO.UK | APRIL 2021

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BRILLIANT OR BONKERS?

Sofa in Marla, £59m; curtain in Vita, £65m; armchair in Iggy, £45m; cushions, from a selection, all Jane Churchill

BRILLIANT OR BONKERS? Pattern clashing patterns that inspire and bring you joy can never be a bad thing in my eyes. Tying designs together with a similar palette is the key to success – just have fun! It is important to create balance, so with patterns on upholstery and curtains, keep walls to a complementary block colour.

”

STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR

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I actually love a “good pattern clash

– but that’s the crucial word: good. Pulling it off is an art form and while a matchy-matchy finish isn’t my thing either, playing it safe with a cohesive theme, such as botanicals or geometrics, is the best way to avoid what could result in a headache every time you enter the room. MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

”

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

“Surrounding yourself with

Hfhjvhjjj

Articles inside

Easy style updates Mini decor projects plus tricks and tips for a fresh start

Escape to a beautiful British Isle… This year’s summer staycation sorted

Best hi-tech desk lamps Reduce eyestrain and charge up your mobile all at once

Project news Kitchen and bathroom update

Brilliant or bonkers? Clashing patterns

Ideal vs great deal Luxe bedroom style