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SEPTEMBER 2019 Recall: 03/09/19
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Busy, beautiful FAMILY HOMES
◆ Grand townhouse ◆ Characterful old terrace ◆ Smart Fifties detached ◆ Rambling country house
TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING STAIRCASE WITH NO MESS, NO FUSS AND BEST OF ALL NO BUILDING WORK
Renovating your staircase into an exquisite feature is much easier and less costly than you’d imagine. In just 1-2 days and with no building work, we will transform the heart of your home, and add value to your property with a stunning, handcrafted staircase. All in a style to suit you and your budget. GLASS, STEEL & TIMBER DESIGNS NO STAIRCASE TOO LARGE OR SMALL BRITISH DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP NO BUILDING WORK TYPICALLY INSTALLED IN 1-2 DAYS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE BUY NOW PAY IN 12 MONTHS*
visit nevillejohnson.co.uk
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome Vanessa Vanessa Richmond, Editor
Chez Richmond is usually looking less than its best by the end of summer, once the littlest Richmonds have blazed a holiday trail through the place, leaving ice-lolly stains, deflated space hoppers and Lego bricks in their wake. The clean-up operation develops into an epic clear-out – a decluttering, organising and restocking binge that sees us moving into autumn calm and ahead of the game.
STYLING GEMMA GEAR PHOTOGRAPH TIM YOUNG
If you’re also feeling the ‘urge to purge’ (as Ma Richmond calls it), look out for our Store & Order logo throughout this issue – it highlights all the best ideas and solutions for a smooth-running home.
Alex drawer unit, £100, Ikea. Pilea Greysy plant in pot, £26; Chinese money plant, £18, both Bloombox Club. Grey planter on legs, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. Rustic Black and Brown vase, £25, John Lewis & Partners. Orion vase in Natural, £39 for three, Perch & Parrow
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
3
September 2019
40
146
51
70 What’s new 7 You deserve...
To get your glow on
for a manor house’ From Lyon to a country idyll
Simple solutions 124 Genius problem solvers
The latest home innovations
8 How to add wow!
Style & decor
Fabulous finishing touches
32 Global style Earthy tones
11 Need to know What’s hot!
51 Easy ideas for walls Add
127 Speakers just got super-
16 The shortlist Metallic
70 Yes, you can fit in a home
128 Keep your digital photos
17 Ideal Vs Great Deal The
92 40 easy style updates
129 How secure is your home?
Real homes
Before & after
20 ‘This house makes me
104 ‘This bright, modern
15 The shortlist Storage baskets accents for a glamorous finish latest stylish lighting choices
feel very calm’ Essential for a busy family life
interest to pale expanses
office... Even in a tiny space Smart tricks and clever buys
kitchen feels cosy, too’ It’s all about careful choices
40 ‘Knocking down walls
110 ‘Fitting a rooflight
57 ‘It was hard to see its
117 ‘We moved our living
made this house flow’ Getting it right took a while potential’ This house now suits its owners perfectly
4
78 ‘We swapped a small flat
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
transformed it’ A bright and relaxing bathroom space to the back’ Rejigging made this home more liveable
126 Tidy every space Stylish
storage for the whole house
smart Stream your fave tunes safe Protect your memories Clever cameras and alarms
DON’T MISS IT! Look for this logo to find genius storage solutions and top organising & tips to get your ORDER home looking super smart
Store
CONTENTS
20
132
57
32 To find all the stockists in this issue, turn to page 160 Simple pleasures
144 Great garden storage For an orderly outdoors
146 Treat them to a posh fish supper Dinner party ideas
153 Ideal Home travel Stockholm
Regulars
Summer living
39 The big question
3 Editor’s letter ‘Is it okay to have dinner in front of the TV?’
132 ‘We made it more
practical for family life’ A safe yet grown-up garden
138 Stay out after dark With stylish outdoor lighting
140 Clever ideas for small
gardens Enjoy your space!
102 Subscribe to Ideal Home
48%
‘Three generations live under our roof’
162 A space of my own
know about… Garden fireplaces
Follow us at twitter.com/ idealhome
UP TO
121 In my experience
143 Everything you need to
Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk
SAVE
See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk
‘My yoga studio is my happy place’
Be inspired at pinterest.com/ idealhomemag
Sign up to our newsletter at idealhome.co.uk
Subscribe! A subscription makes a great gift or a lovely treat for yourself from just £26.99, saving up to 48%! Call 0330 333 1113 and quote the code 43AF or visit idealhome.co.uk/43AF
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
5
Inspired by nature’s quirks. Designed for personal style.
We bring together nature’s influences and cutting edge design to create simply beautiful floors you’ll love for a lifetime.
Stand up to spills of all sizes and won’t swell, crack or warp when wet.
Featured floor:
Compatible with underfloor heating, for added warmth underfoot.
Grey Limed Oak KP138
For style choices and inspiration visit: karndean.com
WHAT’S NEW
IN SEPTEMBER
You deserve… to get your glow on
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
Stretch out summer evenings in the garden – and make it magical – with clusters of lovely lanterns surrounding your seating area. Choose a mix of shapes, but stick to natural materials for an eclectic but co-ordinated and cosy look
WHERE TO BUY Rope hurricanes, from £25 each; Sandstone hurricanes, from £60 each; Slotted wooden hurricanes, from £40 each; Turn bench, £429, all Amara
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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A LITTLE SHIMMER Palm tree cushion, £45, Laura Ashley
ON REPEAT Wood carving wall decor, £194.99, Wayfair
TROPICAL GLAM Aralia palm chandelier, £450, Graham and Green GOLD LEAF Fern photo frame, £15, Monsoon Home DELICATE STEM Artificial flower branch, £2.99, HomeSense
wow!
FABULOUS FRETWORK Gold large floor lantern, £50, River Island Home
INTRICATE DESIGN Mambok sideboard, £648.50; White carved wall art is similar, £110, both Maisons Du Monde
HOW TO ADD
Go on, pick something you love – because every room needs a magic ingredient that takes it from finished to fabulous
NATURAL CHARM Agate coasters, £40 for four, John Lewis & Partners
LAID-BACK STYLE Cowhide floor cushion, £150, Monsoon Home
8
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
SOFT SHINE Amzar table lamp, £149, Myakka
CHIC SHADE Liberace parasol, £399, East London Parasol Company
GLEAMING ACCENT Mirrored plant pot, £12.99, HomeSense
WHAT’S NEW
SOFT CURVES Alameda bevelled mirror, £265, The French Bedroom Company
LIGHT & AIRY Vineet Bahl Embroidered Romula double duvet cover, £228; woven Vaya rug, from £58, both Anthropologie
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
BOHO LUXE Palm leaf floor lamp, £365, Audenza
RELAXED REST Executive cowhide lounge chair, £495, French Connection Home
TASSELS & TEXTURE Beaver throw, £77, Maisons Du Monde
STATEMENT STORAGE Jute tassel basket, £30, Monsoon Home
STRIKING CENTREPIECE Ornate iron dish, £25, John Lewis & Partners
ADD POLISH Jaipur metalwork side table, £139.99, Studio
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
9
Wear your heart on your windows.
Don’t just like your shutters. Love them.
TO BOOK A FREE APPOINTMENT CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK
WHAT’S NEW
know NEED TO
We’ve been shamelessly snooping around the shops, so you don’t miss a single thing that matters...
WE KEEP SEEING...
VELVET LIGHTING Add a little extra zhuzh with this plush finish
ACE BASE Montana velvet table lamp, £69, Graham and Green
SURPRISE COMBO Velvet and rattan ceiling pendant, £185, Rockett St George
ALL THE FEELS Velvet fringed table lamp, £115, Rose & Grey
The ultimate sofa edit If you’ve had to hunt for a new sofa, you know the options can be endless. So DFS has cut to the chase with the So Simple collection. Visit its website and you’ll find a streamlined range of eight modern shapes. Even better, the range has been made with smaller proportions in mind for new builds, bijou spaces and renters. Prices start at £329 for a two-seater sofa.
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST…
JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS LAUNCHES 3D SHOPPING Yup, John Lewis & Partners has gone all futuristic on us, with its ‘Visualise Your Space’ 3D-shopping experience. Start by replicating your room via an in-store tablet, with dimensions, windows and flooring, along with a huge library of options to add similar furniture, wall colour and soft furnishings. Then you add your potential new purchases, put on the Virtual Reality goggles and step from the shop floor into your home. It’s the closest you’ll get to ‘try before you buy’, letting you re-arrange the furniture and check that the proportions work. Ideal for anything from art or rugs to sofas and coffee tables, it’s being trialled in the Kingston, Cambridge and Horsham stores.
Mya two-seater sofa in Indigo Blue velvet, £629, DFS
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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WHAT’S NEW Melsetter wallpaper, £295 for a 3m drop panel, Morris & Co range, Style Library
Brilliant OR bonkers?
Trending: May Morris patterns Think of the Arts & Crafts movement and of course, William Morris comes to mind. But the artistic legacy continued with his youngest daughter May. The new Melsetter wallpaper and fabric range pay homage to the unsung hero of the movement and her intricate embroideries displayed in the collection’s namesake, Melsetter House, Scotland. But you don’t need a country manor to embrace the re-imagined prints – the beautiful Melsetter wallpaper will bring drama to any bedroom.
IDEAL
GREAT DEAL
SCULPTURAL VASES ARE HAVING A MOMENT
£42
CURVE APPEAL Balloon vase, £42, Amara
12
£27.99
RIGHT ANGLE Rilla vase, £27.99, My Furniture
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Style over substance? Yeah, you can’t leave it out in a downpour, but it’s a helluva lot more pleasing to the eye (and sustainable to boot…) compared to the bright plastic versions. Oh, and it would be pretty cool indoors, too.
SURPRISE IN STORE
PLUG-IN WALL LIGHTS AT BHS There was a time when an uplighter was the go-to option for a budget friendly wall light, but statement alternatives are no longer the domain of designer brands. We wanted to shine a light on the mid-century inspired Double Cone wall light, £35, from BHS. Not only does it come with an integrated bracket, but it also has the added bonus of a plug fitting – no electrician required!
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
THE MADAM STOLTZ JUTE AND COTTON COVERED SWING, £67 FROM SMALLABLE
life, made simple
Roller Blind Dawn Chorus Slate blinds-2go.co.uk
Free 100 Page Brochure British Design & Craftsmanship Nationwide Design Service 10 Year Guarantee Buy Now Pay in 12 Months
*
furniture that’s uniquely yours...
When you choose Neville Johnson, you are investing in high quality bespoke furniture that’s designed and created for your unique requirements. However unusual the shape of your home, we will work with you to transform your interior with furniture in the style, colour and finishes of your choice.
visit nevillejohnson.co.uk for our latest brochure or call 0161 873 8333 *Buy now pay in 12 months finance offer is available on orders over £3,000 +VAT. Finance is subject to status, terms apply.
STUDIES
BEDROOMS
NEVILLEJOHNSON.CO.UK
LOUNGES
LIBRARIES
WHAT’S NEW
Store &
ORDER
ARTISAN OFFERING Rwenzori basket, £9.99, TK Maxx
WOVEN WONDER Mai basket, £179 for set of three, The Taylor
TEXTURED TOUCH Round basket, £49.99, Zara Home
8
THE SHORTLIST
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
Storage baskets
NEW HEIGHTS Basket on stand, £22.99, Very
TO COMBAT THE CLUTTER
SUSTAINABLE STYLE Bahia plant fibre basket, £44, Maisons du Monde
CARRY ALL Handmade tambourine basket, £68, Anthropologie
COTTON CUTIE Bola basket in Muted Clay, £30, Amara
ON YOUR FEET Biuma woven bamboo basket, £79 for set of two, La Redoute
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
THE SHORTLIST
9 metallic accents
16
ON THE SHELF Hexagonal shelf mirror, £149.99, Ideal Home range, Very
GOLDEN TOUCH Cutlery, £29.99 for a 16 piece set, Ideal Home range, Very
BLUSH APPEAL Allie glass pendant ceiling light, £69.99, Ideal Home range, Very
RAISE A GLASS Rose gold wine glasses, £34.99 for four, Ideal Home range, Very
DISPLAY PIECE Glam side table, £49, Ideal Home range, Very
THROW SOME SHADE Hammered effect table lamp, £39.99, Ideal Home range, Very
WILD THING Bronze elephant ornament, £14.99, Ideal Home range, Very
SILVER SHIMMER Marissa sequin cushion, £15, Ideal Home range, Very
MUTED METAL Scratch vases, £32.99 for set of two, Ideal Home range, Very
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
MAKE YOUR HOME SHINE WITH THESE GLAMOROUS PIECES FROM THE IDEAL HOME RANGE AT VERY.CO.UK
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Ideal Vs Great Deal Update your lighting for darker days with something stylish and unique, whatever your budget
HAND WOVEN Tutu medium pendant, £125, Nala Lighting
NATURAL FINISH Willow easy fit pendant, £69.99, Ideal Home range, Very
ETCHED DETAIL Nuella table lamp, £94, Dar Lighting SCALLOP DESIGN Catalina table lamp in Teal, £195, Soho Home
PEWTER PENDANT Sleek flat pendant, £69, Industville
COOL CONCRETE Hoxton table lamp, £32.99, Ideal Home range, Very
CASUAL COASTAL Fisherman ceiling pendant light, £34.99, Ideal Home range, Very
OPTICAL OPULENCE Ilaria table light, £59, Made.com
GEO SHAPES Aria table lamp, £39.99, Ideal Home range, Very
TOP TRIPOD Broderick table lamp, £89.99, Wayfair
ADJUSTABLE LEGS Loki wooden tripod table lamp, £49.99, Ideal Home range, Very
HEART OF GLASS Luton floor lamp, £69, Kaleidoscope FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
INKY HUE Chloe table lamp, £59.99, Ideal Home range, Very
MODERN COUNTRY Romance floor lamp, £49.99, Ideal Home range, Very
ANTIQUE BRASS Tierney floor lamp, £1,381, Arteriors
GRAND STAND Stormi champagne ball floor lamp, £129.99, Ideal Home range, Very
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
17
‘This house makes me feel very calm’
With a house full of children, a lively dog and busy jobs, Sophie and Jim planned spaces that work hard to give them a smooth-running life
REAL HOME
Kitchen-diner ‘It’s wonderful being able to open the doors to make the garden an extension of the ground floor,’ says Sophie. ‘The boys spend nearly all their free time outside now.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Losange chair, £1,098, Anthropologie. Antique Pewter task light is similar, £29, Beautiful Halo. Carlie light blue flatwoven rug, £39.99, Wayfair
METAL CURTAIN TRACK A simple, streamlined solution for wide bifolds
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Welcome to my home also has three older children, Hannah, 21, Louis, 18, and Alix, 14.
THE PROPERTY
Sophie Klatt, founder of Buzz Fitness, lives here with her partner, Jim Ryan, a strategist at a cable company, and their sons, Otto, our, and Kit, two. Jim
F Take a quick tour... BEDROOM
THIRD FLOOR
KITCHENDINING ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
SECOND FLOOR
RECEPTION
FAMILY ROOM
BEDROOM
STUDY
GROUND FLOOR
22
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
A seven-bedroom Victorian house in southwest London. THE VALUE Similar properties in the area cost around £3.7 million.
“
We have an amazing family and this house enables us all to be together
”
ive years ago, Sophie Klatt and Jim Ryan were renting a property in Parsons Green, west London, but they needed a larger house where they could put down roots, with enough space for Jim’s three teenage children to come and stay. ‘When I saw this house, I loved the fact that it was spacious and that the layout had much more potential than our previous home,’ says Sophie. ‘A lot of Victorian houses are very “up and down”, and often narrow and dark. But here, we would be able to create an open-plan living space and spend time together without feeling cramped. We wanted it to feel contemporary and homely.’ The pair bought the property and started planning a renovation, taking the practicalities of accommodating a large family as the starting point. The rear kitchendiner and separate family room were merged into one larger living space and a loft conversion carried out to create another bedroom with en suite. ‘It was a headache,’ says Sophie, ‘because the process was slow at times, but I’d always dreamed of creating my own home from scratch, so it was satisfying, too. The kitchen and my en-suite bathroom are my favourite parts of the house.’ A second round of improvements was required later: ‘We didn’t have the babies the first time around,’ says Sophie. ‘When they came along, we needed to rejig the bedrooms and rethink the living room.’ The work was finished a week before Kit was born. ‘This house is crazy at times!’ says Sophie. ‘We’ve got teenagers at one end of the scale and little ones at the other. There’s always something going on and, most weekends, we have the older kids’ friends staying, too. But, even though it might sound contradictory, this house makes me feel very calm. Jim and I don’t like mess, so this place is easy to keep clean and organised, to keep the chaos under control!’
REAL HOME
Dining area
“
The best thing about an open-plan space is having areas where you can all be together but still enjoy some privacy
”
Love SOPHIE’S STYLE?
Turn to page 31 to shop the look
The simple mix of smooth and rough surfaces, cool and warm colours, works beautifully in the high-traffic kitchen-diner. ‘I’m very proud of this space. It’s the hub of the house,’ says Sophie. BUY THE KEY PIECES Hudson dining table is similar, £1,290, Eat Sleep Live. Cohen chair is similar, £89, Cult Furniture
REAL HOME
Kitchen The combination of cool concrete, raw wood and marbleeffect tiling gives this pale space rough-luxe texture. BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar shelves, try the oak floating shelf, £20 for 300x200x30mm, Worktop Express. For similar tiles, try East the Hampton honed brick mosaic marble, £129.89sq m, Fired Earth
IDEAL HOME
loves
Marble-look tiles Better than plain white or grey for adding subtle texture and colour to simple kitchen cabinets
24
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Kitchen nook Seating built into the bay window creates a breakout space between the kitchen-diner and separate living room. ‘The best thing about open-plan living is having areas where you can be present, but still enjoy some privacy,’ says Sophie. BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar table, try the Tulip, £569, Fusion Living. Titus Utility shade is similar, £35, John Lewis & Partners
CAFÉ CURTAIN Lets light in without compromising on privacy
Living room ‘The first time we did the house up, we didn’t have small children and this space was too formal. Before Kit was born, we made it more relaxed, with a huge sofa big enough for all of us, so we were enticed to go in there.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Alto sofa, from €3,250, Caravane. Barrera bench is similar, £339.99, Wayfair. Italian Fifties mirror is similar, £1,575, Fiona McDonald
DOUBLE-DUTY BENCHES Work as tables or footstools; pulled apart or pushed together
REAL HOME
Study
Store &
Built-in storage and a desk was designed to use every inch of this ground-floor room, which doubles as a cloakroom with storage for coats and shoes, too. BUY THE KEY PIECES Down Pipe estate emulsion £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Bryggja storage unit in dark grey, £200, Ikea is similar
ORDER
VINTAGE CHAIR Adds character to the wealth of newly built furniture in here
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
27
REAL HOME
Master bedroom Layers of calm colours and soft textures make this room feel relaxed and restful. BUY THE KEY PIECES Billow bed, £995; Stowaway side table are similar, £195, both Loaf. Ned Twin lamp is similar, £148, The Home Lighting Centre
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
Kitchens and bathrooms were my priority – the kitchen is where we all spend time together and the bathroom is my own private retreat
FEATURE JENNY TUCKER, JANE CRITTENDEN, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
”
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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Main bathroom
GALLERY Mixes family photos, highstreet prints and an antique painting
‘It’s not only beautiful, but also the perfect sanctuary. After a long day with the children or working, a hot bath with Epsom salts is heaven,’ says Sophie. BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar bath, try the Picasso, £1,395, Lusso. Blanco Marble Hexagon mosaic tiles, £9.95 a sheet, Walls and Floors
REAL HOME
Make it work for you SOPHIE’S STYLE: DESIGNER NEUTRALS MY GO-TO STORES…
Comfy soft furnishings combined with design-led pieces create a relaxed and modern family space
● MADE.COM
A pared-back palette gives this room an elegant feel
For designer-look items at pursefriendly prices.
COOL CONES Spoked cones hanging lamp, £630, Out There Interiors
● HEAL’S Its
lighting and accessories never fail to impress me. ● MAISONS DU
MONDE I check out its ‘new’ section weekly! SMOOTH CURVES Katja square metal wall mirror in Matte Black, £79, Cult Furniture
MUSTARD MARVEL J by Jasper Conran Yellow chevron velvet cushion, £32, Debenhams
GOLD TOUCH Oval mirrored glass tray, £17.99, H&M Home RELAXED LINEN Petrol Blue washed linen cushion, £22, Maisons du Monde
STYLIST’S NOTE
“
Adding textured linen and velvet cushions in mustard and teal helps lift a neutral scheme
”
NATURAL SELECTION Erica rug, £300, Habitat
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR
ACCENT PIECE Jeanie table lamp with straight empire lampshade in Stone taj silk, £160, Pooky
SLEEK LINES Julianne ottoman in Concrete cotton velvet, £399, Made.com
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
31
THE NEW WAY TO DO
Global style
This look still has a relaxed attitude, but the busy pattern and intense colour have taken a back seat this season – it’s all about texture and a softer palette teamed with earthy tones
Dress up a neutral sofa Refined rattan side tables and embroidered cushions in rich brown and sandy tones give a simple space a global edge. WHERE TO BUY Bora coffee table, £498; side table, £278; rug, from £198; Bellissima chandelier, £548, all Anthropologie
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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
STYLE & DECOR
LAYER ON AN ACCENT PLATE Break up block colour with pattern. Multicoloured side plates, £10 for set of four, Debenhams
STYLIST’S NOTE
“
For a more polished finish, weave in a little shiny brass, plush velvet, marble and agate
PUT IT ON THE WALL Group a collection of printed baskets together as an alternative to wall hangings.
MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR
Baskets, from £25 each, all French Connection Home
”
ADD SCORCHEDEARTH ORANGE Dip into the terracotta trend with bedding in washed-out orange, layered with grey.
MIXED MATERIALS Coya floor lamp, £160, Nala Lighting
Diamond jacquard bedding set in Brick, £59 for a double; velvet cushion in Rust, £19.50, both Marks & Spencer DESERT SHADES Panaji rug, £149, La Redoute
CARVED TEXTURE Ellipse bowl, £35, French Connection Home
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
33
Use a rug as a wall hanging Who said rugs are just for floors? Give a neutral room a lift by using one over the back of a sofa or as oversized wall art. WHERE TO BUY Cronin cotton rug, from £25.99, Wayfair, would work here. Coco three-seater sofa, £749, Sofology
Build a collection of artisan ceramics Choose tactile finishes with hand-glazed and free-hand pattern and imperfect shapes, so they look like one of a kind pieces rather than high-street buys. WHERE TO BUY Feliz solid oak sideboard, £999; Vita vase, £40; Hambro vase, £30; Dali vase, £35; Aveline vase, £25; Iliana vase, £20; Elska vase, £25; Sumner vase, £24, all Habitat
34
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
STYLE & DECOR
Add a little luxe with velvet Put a glamorous, opulent twist on natural, global style by mixing wood, brick and metal with glossy velvetupholstered dining chairs. WHERE TO BUY Macramé shade, £70; Samira pendant, £75; Amsterdam dining table, £650, all Next Home
CLASH CUSHIONS Mix up geo designs, stripes, macramé and painterly styles – but keep to just three accent colours. Cushions, from £5 each; pink striped throw, £15, all George Home
STYLIST’S NOTE
“
Look out for pared-back prints in two tones – handblock or embroidered designs, mud cloth pattern, geometric ikat or textured weaves
”
MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR ETCH AWAY White squat textured vase, £6, M&Co
TUFTS AND TASSELS Mancora cushion, £39.99, Very
COOL CANES Coffee table, £295, French Connection Home
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
35
STYLE & DECOR
Take global style to the garden The black and grey finish on the rattan furniture brings a sleek twist to this relaxed, bohemian set-up. WHERE TO BUY Cabana four-seater garden lounging set in Black, £899; Maharani drum slatted side table, £250; Cabo occasional garden chair in Grey, £299; Maharani side table, £150; Prism pouffe in Grey, £80, is similar; Jute pouffe, £79; Fusion cushion, £20; Sol cushion, £25; Mora cushion, £45; Luce cushion in Paprika, £40, all John Lewis & Partners
Add a rattan headboard This simple but statement update will bring all the laid-back vibes of a boutique Balinese hotel to a bedroom. Make it ultra relaxed by pairing the pale rattan with soft pastel bedding. WHERE TO BUY Rattan headboard, £335, Out There Interiors IN BLOOM Almira platter, £12, Habitat
RAW HEM Vice Versa washed linen throw, £138, Smallable
MIXED MATERIALS Kerun pendant, £95, Nala Lighting
STYLIST’S NOTE
For a relaxed look, layer soft desert tones of clay, washed terracotta, shell pink and natural linen on seating. Punctuate with black accents for a more modern, industrial twist
”
MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR
36
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
SOFTEN FLOORS WITH RUGS Warm up concrete or tiled floors with large rugs in neutral shades. Priyah large rug, £345, Out There Interiors, is similar
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
“
cordless power. made by STihl.
—
READY FOR ANY CHALLENGE
COMPACT CORDLESS SYSTEM WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERY Spring time – the time when tasks are emerging everywhere in the garden. Be ready to take on the challenge with tools from the STIHL COMPACT Cordless Power System. All the tools in the system are designed to be easy to use, light-weight and also quiet. But they don’t compromise on performance. They are powered by a high-performance lithium-ion battery that can be used in all the tools in the system. That’s real cordless power. Made by STIHL.
AVAILABLE FROM APPROVED STIHL DEALERS AND SELECTED GARDEN CENTRES. STIHL.CO.UK/CORDLESS
*Buy any promotional set - which includes a tool, 2 x recommended batteries and a charger - and the price paid will include the second battery at half price. Offer ends 31st December 2019. Terms and conditions apply - visit stihl.co.uk/cordless for full details.
THE BIG QUESTION
Is it okay to have dinner in front of the TV? Tea on a tray while staring at the box or dinner with the whole family sat at the table? Two busy women have very different views…
No
Yes “
It’s important to have some downtime
”
Sarupa Shah, 46, lives with her partner Michael Robinson in a two-bedroom garden flat in northwest London. Sarupa is a personal development coach and mentor (thesoulagentblog.com). ‘During the week, our evening meals are always timed to coincide with EastEnders or a cookery programme, such as MasterChef, on Wednesdays. We spend all day speaking to clients, and it’s just nice to have some downtime when we can both stop talking and focus on something relatively mindless while we sit on the sofa and eat our dinner. Besides, neither of us were allowed to eat in front of the TV when we were growing up, so it does feel a bit rebellious! Sitting in front of unchallenging TV allows us to reflect on the day and process everything. We might watch something more “stretching”, like a documentary, after dinner. That’s when we’ll shout back at the TV and discuss things with each other. I also think it aids your digestion if you don’t talk while you eat. I know there’s a school of thought that says we tend to eat mindlessly in front of the TV, but I’m always fully aware of, and grateful for, what I’m eating. And we don’t overeat: the trick is simply to not put too much food on your plate. Eating on the sofa doesn’t mean the meal can’t be special. It’s about being relaxed and not needing to sit upright in a chair.’
FEATURE JANE MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
in front “of Sitting unchallenging TV allows us to reflect on the day and process everything that’s happened
”
“
Slumping on the sofa just isn’t good for you
”
Lucy May, 45, lives with her husband Dan and their two daughters, Emily, 13, and Constance, six, in a four-bed house in Chichester. Lucy founded the Organic Cookery School (organiccookeryschool.org). ‘Time spent eating together around a table is rarely wasted. It provides an opportunity for couples and families to connect and talk with one another away from screens. It enables parents to check in with their kids, particularly teenagers, and find out how their days have been. It also makes it easier to tackle fussy eating. Kids learn by example and if they see their parents eating healthy food, they’re more likely to do the same. And if the kids aren’t around, it gives busy couples a rare chance to just sit and have a chat. Both our kids have learned conversational skills and good table manners from our family dinners, and I’m very proud of that. It’s also taught them that they don’t need digital entertainment while they eat, so they’re impeccably behaved when we’re in restaurants, too. If the kids are hungry earlier than us, one or both of us will still sit and chat to them while they eat at the table – then Dan and I will also have our meal there later. Most of my friends without children say they prefer to sit at the table and lay things out properly, too. You’re also more likely to all eat a homecooked meal, rather than eating “on the hoof”. That said, we’d still eat a takeaway at the table. It’s not just about the food. It’s about spending quality time together as a family. If you’re talking while you eat, you eat more slowly and are more likely to notice when you’re full. Plus, slumping on the sofa just isn’t good for you. I honestly think you’re a better version of yourself if you’re sitting up properly at the dining table.’ IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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‘Knocking down walls made this house flow’ Nicole and Lester Leviton created big, open spaces connected with a cohesive palette of greys and white – with a few surprises thrown in…
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REAL HOME
Supersize sofa ‘I fell in love with this sofa after sitting on it at my interior designer friend’s house,’ says Nicole. ‘The wall painted in Farrow & Ball’s Off Black warms the room and the yellow gives it a bit of life. I have my eye on a neon light for the dark wall and an industrial-style drinks trolley. They’ll finish the room off.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Hay Mags sofa, £3,885 (for a similar combination); Hay Yellow ottoman, £495, both Clippings
Love NICOLE’S STYLE?
Turn to page 49 to shop the look
Stylist’s Note ‘Having one, big corner sofa instead of several smaller ones gives a contemporary, less cluttered look’ Nicky Phillips, Decorating Editor
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Welcome to my home
Nicole Leviton lives here with her husband, Lester, and their kids, Lili, 15, and Louie, 12. Nicole is a stay-at-home mum and Lester runs a property company.
THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Fifties detached house in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Take a quick tour...
THE VALUE Bought for £965,000 in September 2015; now worth £1,500,000.
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It’s taken two years to pull this house together, but it was worth the wait!
FAMILY ROOM
BEDROOM KITCHEN/ DINING ROOM BATH ROOM
ENSUITE BATHROOM
SITTING ROOM
”
N
STUDY
GROUND FLOOR
icole and Lester played the long game to buy their house, after earmarking just three roads where they wanted to live, in a conservation area. The couple, who were born and bred there, liked the wide, detached houses and leapt into action when, after years of waiting, one came up for sale. ‘Our existing home was further out and I was fed up with getting in the car to go everywhere,’ says Nicole. ‘This house is near a bus stop and local shops.’ They dismissed the Seventies decor, tiny kitchen and cluttered floorplan, and visualised open spaces. They didn’t rush in: ‘We had to live there for a while, to get an understanding of the space,’ says Nicole. Being in a conservation area meant navigating a rigorous planning procedure to get permission for a double-storey rear extension. ‘Our goal was to create more downstairs space and have a big kitchen-living space at the back. Upstairs, we wanted four double bedrooms – two with en suites – so my sister and her family, who live abroad, could stay with us comfortably.’ However, permission for a loft conversion was refused. ‘We were prepared to compromise as the extension was more important.’
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MASTER BEDROOM
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UTILITY ROOM
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
The extension was built with a 9m steel beam running across it, to give the family an open-plan space with no pillars obstructing it, and a contemporary concrete floor was poured throughout the entire ground floor. When the build was finished, Lester had a change of heart about the layout. ‘The architect’s drawings felt different when we stood in the physical space,’ says Nicole. ‘We ended up knocking down nearly all the internal walls and simplifying the layout to create a flow that worked better for us.’ The work took nine months – three months longer than anticipated – then Nicole got stuck into the interiors. ‘I like a modern look, but I’m not set on one style,’ she says. ‘We have touches of Scandi and industrial, and I’m obsessed with plants, so I have lots of greenery. The rooms are big and needed big furniture, and I liked the idea of decoration that added colour, pattern or texture. An interior designer friend, Nicola Harvey, was a great help. The house works so well for the whole family now. We’ve created all the space we needed and aren’t on top of each other anymore. Lester and I absolutely love coming home and can’t imagine living anywhere else.’
REAL HOME
Statement wall ‘The hallway was dark and cramped before. Now I love walking through the door,’ says Nicole. ‘The green tones came from the console and chair, then I found the wallpaper. It has a distressed finish with a 3D look.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Sampson Shagreen console, £1,795, Andrew Martin. Seattle armchair, £655, Graham and Green. Safari wallpaper by Kiki Slaughter, £129 a roll, Feathr. Cushion, £39, West Elm
Stylist’s Note ‘Pattern can be hard on the eye, but a faux surface effect like this creates a versatile, blurred backdrop’ Michela Colling, Style Editor
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Stylist’s Note ‘Nicole’s transparent acrylic furniture lets light flow, preserving this space’s airy feel’ Michela Colling, Style Editor
We wanted the whole “back of the house to be glass, opening out to the garden. The sliding doors separate off the TV den
”
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REAL HOME
Polished plaster wall ‘This wall looked so bare, but this has an amazing texture and colour.’ The feature wall zones this area as Nicole’s home office, with its modular String shelving system. BUY THE KEY PIECES Microcement polished plaster, £120sq m, Fabulous Finishes UK. String shelving system, from £44 per component, Utility Design
Professional design ‘I’m a trained chef and wanted a robust kitchen, with a clean and modern look. Stainless-steel surfaces and the concrete floor are both hygienic, easy-to-clean choices.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke Häcker Systemat/ART kitchen in Lava Grey, Neil Lerner. Stainless-steel worktops, £500sq m, Cavendish Equipment
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‘We entertain a lot, so a massive island unit was important to us,’ says Nicole
I like to buy good-quality furniture that lasts. I’ve had the Kartell dining chairs for years and still love them
”
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Store &
ORDER
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The ladder shelves aren’t conventional bedside tables, but they’re the right proportion for this big room
”
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REAL HOME Stylist’s Note ‘Plain white walls and streamlined, largeformat floor tiles make small bathrooms feel more spacious’ Nicky Phillips, Decorating Editor
‘We customised this unit with a slab of champagne granite from a stone yard’
Gallery corner ‘We have a big landing because the house is wide, so I wanted to do something with the corner here,’ says Nicole. ‘Picture ledges mean I can change the photos around easily.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar armchair, try the Seattle, £625, Graham and Green. Ingabritta Pale Pink throw, £19, Ikea
Touchable textures
Calm monochrome
‘Building a double-storey extension has increased the size of our bedroom and given it a nice open feel,’ says Nicole. She’s made it feel cosier with knitted textures and reclaimed-wood furniture. BUY THE KEY PIECES Industrialstyle ladder shelf with two drawers, £390, Rockett St George. Alphabet cushion, £20, Marks & Spencer. Geometric cushion, £18, HomeSense
White and grey with flashes of green foliage keeps Nicole’s en suite serene. ‘A freestanding bath was a must – it fits below the sloping roof and I can see the TV in the bedroom while I’m soaking! It’s a real treat.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Harrogate bath, £1,158, Claygate. The Kadirli Denim Blue hammam towel is similar, £19, Urbanara IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Rough-luxe mix A smart, tailored bed was the starting point for the look in Louie’s room. ‘The latest addition is the distressed iron desk,’ says Nicole. ‘We have plans to decorate one wall in a bold colour or polished plaster.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Baxter Industrial desk in iron, £395, Graham and Green
Mock-croc-effect wallpaper gives the en suite a decadent look, with pops of yellow for a colour lift
Creative space
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
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We had to lay the polished concrete floor twice because after about a year cracks began to appear. It took a while to sort the problem out. I’d use a recommended company next time and check the quality of their work first
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”
FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN, VANESSA RICHMOND STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
An Op Art design adds colour and energy in the home office. ‘I love the pinks in the geometric wallpaper,’ says Nicole. ‘Kept to one wall it looks like a huge piece of art. This is the first time we’ve had a study – the kids use it to do their homework.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Cole and Son’s Geometrics II Prism in 105/9040, £100 a roll, Designer Wallpapers. Micke desk, £60, Ikea is similar
REAL HOME
Make it work for you NICOLE’S CHOICE: CONCRETE FLOORING
Fallen hard for Nicole’s smooth-as-ice concrete flooring? Find out if it ticks every box with our need-to-know guide Hard wearing, easy to clean and dust-mite resistant, it’s little wonder polished concrete flooring is so popular.
Q
What is polished concrete? Flooring made from concrete, which has been sealed to create a non-porous surface. It is finished with diamondpolishing tools to a grit level of 800, 1500 or 3000 – the higher the grit, the shinier the floor. Costs vary from £80-£450sq m, depending if it’s levelled by machine or by hand, and any extra work for avoiding cracks.
Q
How is it installed? Most polished concrete floors are poured in a single 10cm-thick layer. The next day expansion cuts are sawn into the floor, encouraging shrinkage cracks to form. These are then filled with a colour-matched sealant, before the floor is cleaned, polished and sealed.
Q FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPH JAMES FRENCH
Does it take long? It depends on the size and temperature of the room, plus the installation methods used,
but allow seven to 10 days for a 10cm-thick floor. Reseal about once a year to keep it waterproof.
Q
Will it crack? There is always the chance that it will crack. Using shrinkreducing additives, anti-crack reinforcing and the expansioncut installation method, will all help minimise the risk. Sudden temperature changes are the main cause of cracks so it’s important to introduce heating, particularly underfloor, slowly.
Q
Can you retro fit it? It’s far easier to install in a new-build or extension, where it can go down before the doors and skirting boards are fitted. A modern micro-concrete floor, that provides the same look in a thinner 5-7mm layer, might prove easier.
BEST FOR...
“
Choose a specialist installer with a quality track record – the finished floor should offer good depth of tone and lustre, with a dense hard-wearing finish
”
JONATHAN REID, DIRECTOR, GREYMATTER CONCRETE
IDEAL HOME LOVES… CONCRETE-LOOK FLOORS
FOR WALLS OR FLOORS This robust porcelain tile comes in muted industrial colours. Tekno Bone porcelain tiles, £34.94sq m, Topps Tiles
SKIM THE SURFACE Can be applied in a much thinner layer and is less likely to crack. MicroCrete in Light Grey, from £120sq m, The Resin Floor Co
WARM UNDERFOOT A luxury slip and water resistent vinyl with a 15 year warranty. Tadao Ando concrete vinyl tiles, £42.95sq m, Harvey Maria
EXPERT ADVICE GreyMatter Concrete consults and advises on all things concrete, helping to ensure a really high quality finish. COLOUR CHOICE Steyson’s 40 years’ experience has made it the go-to for interior designers and architects. Coloured concrete, including colour-matching, is a speciality. ECO FRIENDLY Lazenby makes concrete using high proportions of recycled materials and sources materials from local suppliers to reduce its carbon footprint.
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Removing stains, spills and party mishaps is one thing. Removing them without ruining the colour and finish of your paint, that’s something else. View the range at crownpaints.co.uk
Available at
and Leading Independents. 200 times tougher than our standard matt emulsion
STYLE & DECOR
Easy ideas for walls You’re committed to white or grey walls, but how do you make them more interesting? Try these simple tricks for small area style-ups…
Wall in Rose Mallow matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5L, Fired Earth. Benji modular sideboard, £967.50, Morfus. Melody for the Muse print, £120 framed, King & McGaw. River oversized Blue glass vase, £50; Elodie Dusty Pink objet, £35, both Habitat. Wax string, £6, Hamerton Jones at Trouva
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THIS PAGE Wall in Panel White vinyl matt, £30 for 2.5L, Dulux Heritage at Designer Paint. Salone sofa, £1,545, Content by Terence Conran. Banswara coffee table, £375, French Connection Home. Wilderness canvas, £325, Nikki Saunders. Elm stool, £155, Oggetto. Nimbus rug, £550, Cox & Cox. Enzo rug, £99, Made.com. Kaleidoscope cushion cover, £100, Niki Jones. No 1 cushion, £64, Curious Egg. Linen silk blend cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners. Jute basket, £39, West Elm. Tall faux monstera plant, £225, Cox & Cox. Mug, £28, Oggetto. Yellow vase, £17.99, H&M Home. Buttons vase, £15, Habitat. Blue plant pot, £17, Hurn & Hurn
TALL PLANT Fills a dead corner – hide the plastic pot with a basket for easy moving
Blank space The bit of wall above the sofa is crying out for a mirror or picture. Go for one big piece rather than several small ones for a sense of simplicity and scale. You never know, a picture you love could inspire the colour scheme for the entire roomÉ
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STYLE & DECOR THIS PAGE Press 14 print, £60, Liam Roberts at Artfinder. Lagan print; Jetsam print; Flotsam print, all £60 each, Tom Pigeon at An Artful Life. Chesil bench, £595, Oggetto. Regency Pink cushion, £25, Habitat. Staggered steps cushion cover, £39, West Elm. Waffle linen throw, £165, Oggetto. Ochre suede trainers, £35, Next. Iringa basket, £30, Oggetto
Stylist’s Note The stairway is the ideal place for a gallery wall. Choose matching frames and pictures with a theme
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NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
”
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Storage… and more Turn functional storage into a display opportunity with propped artwork, a panel of painted colour and giant hooks for hanging plants or storage baskets
Store &
ORDER
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THIS PAGE Wall; sideboard, both as before. Bellini chairs in Blossom and Mellow Yellow, £545 each, Loaf. Alyasa coffee table, £409, La Redoute. Squares kelim rug, £225, An Artful Life. Muuto dots, from £15 each, Utility Design. Similar hanging planters, £16 each, Wanderlust Life. Concrete plant pot, £25, Rose & Grey. Utility vase in Amber, £25, John Lewis & Partners. Small pot, £3.99, Millbrook Garden Centre. Pink ceramic bowl, £30, Hend Krichen. Evening Song artwork, £110 unframed, Nadia Attura at Artfinder. Woman artwork, £56 framed, Design Vintage. Game table lamp, £18, An Artful Life. Bird ornament, £14.95, Hurn & Hurn. Pink wire basket, £39 for three, Rose & Grey. Gold basket, £36, Anthropologie. Glasses, £7.50 each, Design Vintage. Blush vase, £18.50, Cox & Cox
STYLE & DECOR THIS PAGE String shelving in Mustard, £126, Utility Design. Gunmetal console, £350, French Connection Home. Margo in Margate print, £45 unframed, Rose & Grey. Pink teapot, £130, Oggetto. Mugs, £25 each; bowl (as plant pot), £30, both Hend Krichen. Yellow plant pot, £16, Rose & Grey. Carafe, £36, Anthropologie. (On shelves) Quinn vases, £10 each, Anthropologie. Pink pot, £20, Hend Krichen. Small pots, £3.99 each, Millbrook Garden Centre. Bird objet, £20, Habitat. Yellow pot, £5, Rose & Grey. Pink sugar pot, £40, Hend Krichen. Blue vases, £3.75 for set of three, Ikea
FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS, VANESSA RICHMOND STYLING CHARLOTTE BOYD PHOTOGRAPHS JOANNA HENDERSON
YELLOW FINISH A simple colour accent against plain white walls
Stylist’s Note Shelving above a console or sideboard always makes an impact, especially if you have objects in matching colours on both surfaces
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NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
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THE A-Z OF DECORATING FROM
Anaglypta to Zoffany A N D E V E RY T H I N G I N B E T W E E N
DECORATING HOMES since 1904 Visit brewers.co.uk to find your local store
REAL HOME
‘It was hard to see its potential’ Pebble dash, flearidden carpets and thick layers of old paint and wallpaper were just a few of the challenges Kate and Tom Sessions faced in this houseÉ
Love
KATE’S STYLE? Turn to page 67 to shop the look
Living room Full, floor-length curtains make the pretty bay window the focal point and the warm grey tone from the fabric has been used to highlight the lovely deep skirting boards and ornate door frames. BUY THE KEY PIECES Curtains made in Bosco, £105m; Bosco floor cushions, from £55 each, all Mark Hearld range, Sessions and Co
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Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Victorian terrace in East London.
THE VALUE Bought in 2016 for £860,000; now worth about £1.1million.
Kate Sessions, an interiors lifestyle brand owner, lives here with her husband Tom, a global partnerships lead at an NGO, and their children, Gabriel, four and Bo, two.
T Take a quick tour...
BEDROOM KITCHEN-DINER
DRESSING ROOM/ STUDY
RECEPTION ROOM
RECEPTION ROOM
GROUND FLOOR
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BEDROOM
BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
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MAIN BEDROOM
SECOND FLOOR
“
When we first walked in, we could see original features, covered with years of paint layers, waiting to be revealed
”
om and Kate were living in a small cottage in a busy part of London, but with job changes and a second child on the way, they wanted to be in a calmer location. The house they found needed a complete overhaul. With its pebbledashed exterior and flea-infested carpets, it was hard to see the upside. ‘Luckily, we saw the house on a lovely day and the sun was flooding in,’ says Kate. ‘Even though it was in a complete state, the rooms were lovely and bright.’ They planned a top-to-bottom renovation, including a ground-floor extension at the back and side, to give them a bigger kitchen and a separate storage space downstairs. They also created a laundry room in the basement. ‘Getting the washing out of the kitchen meant shutting away all that mess and noise,’ says Kate. Her office is also on this floor, where she runs her lifestyle brand, Sessions & Co (sessionsandco.com). Upstairs, they wanted to reconfigure the top two floors to give them three bedrooms on one and a master suite in the loft on the other. ‘Up at the top, it feels like a separate apartment we can escape to at the end of the day. By creating a dressing area on the landing between our bedroom and bathroom, it made the bedroom feel spacious and grown-up.’ Tom’s desk is also on the landing, with views over gardens to a church tower. The work didn’t go smoothly: ‘The builders underestimated the work, so under-quoted. They only realised this after they’d gutted the house and taken down the back wall!’ The couple negotiated a resolution and the work went on. ‘There are still snags to fix – light switches in peculiar places – but we can sort those in the future. This house suits us perfectly now, so we’d only leave it if we wanted a change of lifestyle.’
REAL HOME
Living room Instead of fitting a Victorianstyle mantel, the couple painted the fireplace black and installed a woodburner and granite hearth for a simpler look. BUY THE KEY PIECES Pudding armchair, £795, Loaf. Brass lamp, £280, Day Birger et Mikkelsen Home. ABC print by Emily Sutton, £250, Sessions & Co
REAL HOME
MATCHING PAINTWORK Makes shelving blend in for a calmer look
Store &
ORDER
Living room Built-in alcove shelving hides away the children’s toys. ‘We have made storage a priority, which really helps to keep the house feeling as light as possible.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES The Angle lampshade, £110, Tamasyn Gambell is a match. The Blue poppy rug, £90, French Connection Home is similar
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Living room Block-print cushions in bold, busy patterns stop the neutral room looking bland. The wall art above the sofa is actually a quilt that can be used as a hanging. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bird Tree wall hanging by Mark Hearld, £325; Woodpecker and Hoopoe cushions, £75 each; Collagraph collage cushion £66, by Laura Slater, all Sessions & Co. Egg table, £500, Non Standard Furniture. Anglepoise Original 1227 wall light, £270, Utility Design
VINTAGE TRUNK Storage and side table in one
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REAL HOME
Kitchen-diner
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We compromised on the size of the kitchen to gain a separate space for boots, coats and buggies, which keeps the main rooms clutter-free
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‘We were set on the idea of a round dining table, as they’re much more sociable,’ says Kate. ‘People tried to put us off using marble as a worksurface but we don’t mind the marks it picks up – they just tell the story of happy times we’ve spent cooking!’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Copenhague linoleum-top table, £1,259, Hay. Oregan chairs, £160 each, Habitat
INSET HANDLES Give a streamlined, contemporary look
Kitchen-diner Glass-fronted wall units keep the kitchen feeling light and airy. A custom-made plate rack combines storage and display: ‘It gives a more open and decorative feel, rather than having everything hidden away.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Single Shaker cabinet from £265, Naked Kitchens. Upper unit is No.59 medium glazed double unit, £965, British Standard
Kitchen seating area The skylights and Crittall windows in the extension have made it such a bright space, Kate has broken away from her signature calm neutrals to give this space a splash of colour. ‘The sofa is a lovely corner to relax in while someone else cooks the dinner!’ says Kate. BUY THE KEY PIECES Berlin sofa, £995, Loaf. For a similar light, try Mantis BS2, £776, Twentytwentyone. Artworks from £60, Studio Voltaire and Emily Sutton
WINDOWSIDE MIRROR A great trick for reflecting light into a gloomy room
Main bedroom The bedside table is a vintage dough bin. Spare bedding is stored inside. BUY THE KEY PIECES Anglepoise lamp, £160, Margaret Howell, Utility Design
Tom’s office
Main bedroom
This is on the landing between the couple’s bedroom and bathroom. ‘We had the chest already, but got a carpenter to knock up a birch ply top for it to make a desk,’ says Kate. BUY THE KEY PIECES Artemide desk lamp, £206, Utility Design. Walls in Cornforth White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
‘We deliberately kept this room quite minimal, so that it felt simple and light,’ says Kate. There are no wardrobes in here – the couple store their clothes in fitted cupboards on the landing outside. BUY THE KEY PIECES Dazzler bed, £995, Loaf. Bosco cushions, £70 each, Sessions and Co
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We want to turn the extension’s flat roof into a planted, living green roof, so the view from the upstairs back rooms isn’t so ugly
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REAL HOME
Tom and Kate’s bathroom ‘We decided not to use wall tiles around the bath as we were already using them on the floor, and we didn’t want the room to feel hard and echoey,’ says Kate. BUY THE KEY PIECES: Freestanding La Rochelle bath, £2,295, Cast Iron Bath Company. Monochrome Decor porcelain floor tiles, £38.61sq m, Mandarin Stone
COPPER PIPE TOWEL RAIL A touch of industrial-style Victoriana
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Children’s bathroom ‘We wanted it to look old fashioned, so got an old basin and taps from eBay.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Rubber floor, £58sq m, The Colour Flooring Company
The fireplace was painted in St Giles Blue by Farrow & Ball to create a focal point. BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar bed, try the Stamford, £295, The White Company
Guest bedroom The walls are softened by using a wallhanging instead of framed artwork. Using dining chairs as bedside tables is a good way to store spare seating. BUY THE KEY PIECES Tend the Land hanging, £295, Sessions & Co
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
If we did it all again, we would reconfigure the kitchen worksurfaces so that the sink overlooks the garden, as we seem to spend an inordinate amount of time standing there!
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FEATURE ALEX LEWIS, VANESSA RICHMOND STYLING ALEX LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHS PENNY WINCER PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
Gabriel and Bo’s bedroom
REAL HOME
Make it work for you KATE’S STYLE: SCANDI SOPHISTICATION MY GO-TO STORES… ● BAILEYS HOME
is best for well designed, minimal homeware.
Neutral, calming colours, pops of mustard yellow and touches of black and brass bring a smart, Nordic feel to this home Intricate motifs in the curtains and art add interest in here
● CLOTH HOUSE
sells unusual textiles, particularly Japanese prints.
DIRECT LIGHT Type 75 Anglepoise desk lamp, £165, Nest
● MONTES &
CLARK is great for Mexican textiles repurposed into modern products.
HEAR THIS Roberts Revival mini DAB radio, £149.99, John Lewis & Partners
SOFT TOUCH Owl cushion by Mark Hearld, £75, Sessions & Co
IN THE THROWS Lambswool parquet Grey throw, £89.95, Bronte by Moon
UNDER FOOT Maestro Grey rug, from £29.99, Carpetright
STORAGE SAVIOUR Large oval wicker basket, £41.95, Melody Maison
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
TOP TABLE Industrial oval coffee table, £99, The Farthing
STYLIST’S NOTE
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Go for directional lighting around your home to create cosy corners and zone open-plan spaces HOLLY WALSH, FEATURES EDITOR
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TAKE A SEAT Bluebell two and a half seater sofa in Lychee, £1,940, Sofa.com
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE NATURAL NOD Drift off in a haven of soothing hues. Aubrey bed, from £825; Camille 100% linen bed linen in White, from £22; Tenby chair, £425; Navajo cushion, £35, all Feather & Black
SWEET DREAMS
Feather & Black has everything you need to make your bedroom a beautiful and comfortable place to escape to and relax in
Y
our bedroom should be a peaceful and inviting sanctuary where you can relax and recharge. If yours is looking less than dreamy, and is in need of either a refresh or a redesign, be inspired by Feather & Black’s wide selection of quality beds and furniture, blissfully comfortable mattresses and luxury accessories that provide that final flourish.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM LOOK? If you love a boutique boudoir, recreate the look with the Antoinette upholstered bed, boasting feminine scrolls and a luxurious button-back headboard. Pick a soft, neutral fabric for classic elegance, or go for a plush-coloured velvet for a bolder twist, and evoke vintage glam with the antiqued mirrored Gatsby drawers and a Deco-style Greta cocktail chair. If
a serene, neutral look is more your style, go for texture, subtle pattern and rustic finishes such as the weathered oak Aubrey bedstead, Priya embroidered or Faye linen cushions, and 100% linen bedding.
CREATE A STYLISH RETREAT Feather & Black is passionate about creating beautiful, luxurious and stylish products that have been expertly crafted and built to last. In store or online, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and expert advice on selecting the best bedding, frames and mattresses – from choosing the right firmness to which filling you should go for. Or try the Made For You service, which lets you tailor everything to your needs and taste. Go for a bespoke mattress with different tensions to suit you and your partner, mix and match different
headboards and bases or choose from a wealth of upholstery fabrics to transform chairs, beds and blanket boxes.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS Clearing your bedroom of clutter is key to a restorative night’s sleep, so it’s vital to invest in quality storage furniture, too. Feather & Black’s thoughtfully crafted range includes everything from discreet chests and blanket boxes to upholstered ottoman beds, providing easy-access storage solutions that keep your bedroom clear and calm without compromising on style. From beautiful beds and bespoke mattresses, to clever furniture and luxury bedding, the timeless pieces at Feather & Black will make your bedroom a dream to escape to night after night.
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE IN A BLUE MOON A bed in a strong shade will make a showstopping statement in your bedroom. Oliver bed in Ocean Blue, from £370; Faye cushion in Ocean Blue, £34; Camille 100% linen bed linen in Dove Grey, from £22; Beehive Light Grey throw, £75, all Feather & Black
“
Whether you prefer a metal, upholstered or wooden bed frame, Feather & Black has a wonderfully diverse range of quality designs
”
PHILLIPA MACDERMOTT, HEAD OF BUYING
COLOUR CRUSH Get hotel chic in your bedroom with plush fabrics and metallic touches. Antoinette bedstead in Rose vintage velvet, £1,600; Gatsby bedside table, £465; Luca bed linen in Airforce Blue, from £25, all Feather & Black
TUCK IT ALL AWAY Minimise clutter and chaos as you unwind. Sienna Natural fivedrawer chest, £945, Feather & Black
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
FOR MORE INFORMATION... Find your nearest store and be inspired by Feather & Black’s beautiful range of beds, mattresses, furniture and accessories at featherandblack.com or call 01243 380600
Yes, you can fit in a home officeÉ Every home needs a place for work, homework and admin, so here are six ways to integrate one stylishly
Store &
ORDER
Hide paperwork in smart black box files
Floating shelf A stack of floating shelves creates a wall of storage and display in a living space – just add chairs for the perfect laptop landing spot
STYLE & DECOR
Bedroom niche Plan a break at the end of a run of built-in wardrobes to fit a compact desk and chair. A pegboard, painted to blend in, will stop your stationery spreading
Fit a wall lamp inside the niche for focused task lighting
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STYLE & DECOR
Use Ikea’s cut-to-fit curtain wires to hold papers, business cards and memos
Printing station If you work at your kitchen table, all you need is somewhere to hide the printer. We removed a drawer from this chest to fit one in and changed its legs for a less ‘officey’ look.
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A trio of box shelves above turn a workspace into a feature
Spare-room alcove A narrow, floating desk won’t protrude into the room. When guests come to stay, prop a mirror on it to make it their dressing table.
A lamp with a downlighter shade creates a pool of task light
Bedside cabinet A wall-mounted unit with a flip-down surface does double duty as a side table and pop-up workspace.
STYLE & DECOR
Behind closed doors If your job involves stuff, give it a dedicated cupboard with a trolley you can wheel deskside and lots of boxes, files and jars to keep it all under control.
Fix spice racks to the doors for the things you need to grab easily
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STYLE & DECOR
Where to buy
Floating shelf
Printing station
Bedside cabinet
Brunel corner chaise in Estelle Blue, £1,599; Brunel armchair in Murcia Grey, £699, both Heal’s. Wishbone style Y chairs, £138 each, Only Home. By Your Side tray table, £255, Amara. Lack shelves, £19 each, Ikea. Garda rug, £495, John Lewis & Partners. Wassily cushion, £110, Amara. Chinese money plant in pot, £32, Bloombox Club. (On shelves, from top left) Monstera plant in pot, £35, Bloombox Club. Vita Black and White vase, £40, Habitat. Magazine files, £7.50 each, Paperchase. Balance No.2 poster, £13.95; frame, £12.95, both Desenio. Small marble disc on stand, £59, West Elm. A4 boxes, £7, Paperchase. Wire globe, £25, Marks & Spencer. Wire basket, £8.99, H&M Home. Hourglass, £19.99, Zara Home. Lush velvet wall clock, £42; Monograph pencil sharpener, £16.50, both Hurn & Hurn. Canon camera, £519, Curry’s. Blue totem 36cm vase, £44, West Elm. Dimple vase, £35, Heal’s. Puritan Black vase, £30, John Lewis & Partners. Blue totem 25cm vase, £34, West Elm. Strom bowl, £46, Heal’s. Olmo mug, £8, Habitat. Asus Chromebook laptop, £599, AO.com. Brush Lines No.2 poster, £7.95; frame, £8.95, both Desenio. Hex pen pot, £21, Hurn & Hurn. Sentiments pens, £1.50 for three, Wilko. Scissors, £9; bulldog clip, £1.75, both Kikki K. Black tray, £17.99, Zara Home. Metal tablet holder, £10, John Lewis & Partners. Mesh table lamp, £70, HouseOf.
Alex drawer unit, £100; Dignitet curtain wire set, £12, both Ikea. Canon Pixma MG5750 All in One wireless inkjet printer, £99.99, Curry’s. Retro fridge freezer, £499, Swan. Dagmar 120mm Black wooden furniture legs, €47 for four, Pretty Pegs. Grey shade bin, £35, Hay. Wrapping paper, from £2 a roll; rubber band ball, £1.50; aluminium ruler, £2.25, all Wilko. White double magazine file, £12.45, The Holding Company. Grey planter on legs, £19.50, Marks & Spencer. Anything scissors; stapler; tape dispenser, all £13 each, Hay. A4 cutting mat, £6; White envelope pack, £4, both Hobbycraft.
Walls painted in Gauze Mid absolute matt emulsion paint, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Paris wall desk in Pink, £499, Urbansize. Rebecca oak double bed frame, £630; Hampstead double mattress £610, both Perch & Parrow. Grey sheepskin stool, £120, Amara. For a similar rug, try Mosserud stripe rug, from £150, John Lewis & Partners. Peony framed art print by Clare Owen, £120, King & McGaw. (On desk) Paris Navy table lamp, £169, Urbansize. Chinese money plant in pot, as before. Blue Maggy box, £45, Nisi Living. Banni bell, £24.95; Hansa wooden tape dispenser, £19.95; Hansa wooden scissors, £12.95; Brass keyrings, from £6.95 each, all Nkuku. Katie Leamon notebook, £21.95, Anthropologie. Mini wooden pegs in pot, £6, Kikki K. House Doctor storage box, £32; Indigo notebook, £14.50, both Design Vintage. (On bed) French Blue linen king size duvet cover, £159; linen pillowcases, £20 each, all Secret Linen Store. Delia Pink throw, £29, Perch & Parrow.
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Behind closed doors Demeyere Lol three door cupboard, £247.99, Wayfair. Tray table, as before. Rustic Black and Brown vase, £25, John Lewis & Partners. (On cupboard) Frank ash natural 80mm wooden handles, €8 each, Pretty Pegs. Check print square boxes, from £11.99 each, Zara Home. Pilea Greysy plant in pot, £26, Bloombox Club. (In cupboard) House Doctor storage boxes, as before; Inka storage boxes, £23 for two, all Design Vintage. Black metal tablet holder, as before. Canvas Navy magazine file, £16.95; file storage box, £22.95; Oskar A4 Grey storage box, £14.45, all The Holding Company. Black A4 stationery box, £7; Kraft expanding case file, £12; A4 Kraft padfolio, £8; leather clipboard, £12; notebooks, from £4, all Paperchase. Kvissle letter tray, £19; Bekvam spice racks, £3 each; Variera bag dispenser, £1.50, all Ikea. Paint tester pots, £4.60 each, Little Greene. Paper clips and pegs, £6, all Kikki K. Wouf Tramonto laptop case, £59.99; Rainbow pom-pom garland, £18.99; Panda pencil case, £6.99, all Flamingo Gifts. Wrapping papers, from £2 a roll; stationery set, £4; blackboard lid jars, from £2.25 each; cables, from £2.50; batteries, £1, all Wilko. Matt Black storage trolley, £25; 25 piece paintbrush pack, £5; paper packs, from £4; envelope pack, £4; Ultimate 20 piece paint set, £12, all Hobbycraft.
FEATURE VANESSA RICHMOND, NICKY PHILLIPS STYLING GEMMA GEAR PHOTOGRAPHS TIM YOUNG
Bedroom niche Walls in Celestial Blue absolute matt emulsion paint, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Metod/Maximera Hi cabinet with Veddinge doors, £273; Metod wall cabinet, £86; Skadis pegboard combination, £38; Hektar wall spotlight, £15, all Ikea. Pegboard painted in Blue Verditer tester pot, £4.60, Little Greene. Frank Black wooden handles, €13 each, Pretty Pegs. Cato oak desk, £175, Habitat. Finn chair, £55, Danetti. Rainbow cushion, £28, Sophie Home. Safi Ash rug, £299, Modern Rugs. Adam Takara pouffe, £253.99, Wayfair. (On pegboard) Desk calendar, £8; washi tape, £3 for four, all Neon Sheep. Postcards, 80p each, all Paperchase. Wooden hand, £19, Hay. (On desk) Charm pens, from £3 each; pencil pack, £5, all Neon Sheep. Lenova IdeaPad 320S laptop, £349, AO.com. Steepletone Heartbeat radio, £34.99, Robert Dyas. Colloquial padfolio, £24, Anthropologie. Pleja letter tray, £8, Ikea. Stapler, £15; pencil cup, £12, both Kikki K. Scissors, £22, Hay. Gel pens pack, £2.50, Hobbycraft.
Spare-room alcove Pearl Colour Pale absolute matt emulsion paint, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Floating oak two drawer 90cm desk, £300; large oak box shelves, £38 each,; small oak box shelf, £32, all Urbansize. Moda White CD2 chair, £89, Cult Furniture. (On shelves) Orla Kiely Pink stem vase, £14, John Lewis & Partners. One line a day journal, £14.99, Anthropologie. Chunky cube alarm clock, £24.95, Hurn & Hurn. Hanging hearts plant with pot, £25, Bloombox Club. Green sand timer, £16, Hay. (On desk) Concrete ribbed table lamp in Grey, £40, HouseOf. Concrete desk accessory set, £57.50, Amara. Orla Kiely pencil set, £15.95, Hurn & Hurn. Scissors, £13, Hay. Katie Leamon notebook, £21.95, Anthropologie. House Doctor Dusky Green storage boxes, from £32, Design Vintage. (On mantel) Orion vase in Natural, £39 for set of three, Perch & Parrow. Painted monstera poster, 50x70cm, £21.95; oak frame, £22.95, both Desenio. Steepletone Brighton radio in Sage Green, £34.99, Robert Dyas. (On bed) King size Olive Green linen duvet cover, £159, Secret Linen Store. Overscale check throw, £29.50, Marks & Spencer.
GET t at C f Ee
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‘We swapped a small f lat for a manor house’ Lysiane and Laurent Marcel went for a complete change of lifestyle, moving their family from the city to a rambling 18thcentury wreck deep in the countryside
CANDLE CLUSTER Visual impact by day; magical mood-setter by night
REAL HOME
Living room ‘The natural tones, soft fabrics and Berber rug make the living room feel extra cosy. We love spending family time here, all huddled up in front of the fire,’ says Lysiane. BUY THE KEY PIECES Fatouh Berber-style rug, from £99; Paduka teepee, £175, both La Redoute. Oxford club armchair, £648.50, Maisons du Monde, is similar
Love
LYSIANE’S STYLE? Turn to page 88 to shop the look
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Welcome to my home
Lysiane Marcel, a notary clerk and her husband Laurent, owner of several hair salons, live here with their children, Léonce, seven, Bertil, four and Colette, 18 months.
Take a quick tour...
THE PROPERTY A nine-bed house, built in 1768, near Villefranche-surSaône, France.
LIVING ROOM
“
It had been a holiday let for years and needed a lot of TLC to become a home
BEDROOM
PLAYROOM
BATHROOM
STUDY
KITCHEN
DINING ROOM
”
W
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
TV ROOM
GROUND FLOOR
ith two young children and a baby on the way, Lysiane and Laurent had outgrown their flat in Lyon and were keen to upsize and move somewhere more rural. ‘We visited about 30 houses before finding this one,’ says Lysiane. ‘Laurent initially went to see it on his own, as I was very pregnant. He came home, saying, “I’ve found our dream home, but it’s much too big for us!” So we carried on hunting. But we couldn’t get this place out of our minds, so returned to visit it together and that was that, we had to give in! Now that we’re living here, we’ve got used to having so much space. ‘The house is 400sq m and set in an idyllic spot, near Villefranche-sur-Saône in the Rhône region. We live on the ground and first floor, which consists of a hallway, two living rooms, the kitchen and dining room, plus four bedrooms, a playroom and a study. The second floor has five bedrooms and a bathroom, but is reserved for when family and friends visit. It had been a holiday home for a number of years and was in desperate need of restoration. We’d already done up four flats in Lyon and completely restored a country house, so we weren’t
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MAIN BEDROOM
BATHROOM
BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
daunted. We adore renovating houses. Although we called in professionals to do some of the work, Laurent did a lot of it himself. It was tough, as we were living in the house at the same time. The boys’ bedrooms were the only ones that were ready before we moved in, as we really wanted them to feel at home. We camped, moving around the house as the work progressed. ‘We’re passionate about old stone and have preserved all the original stone fireplaces, steps and the beautiful cement floor tiles in the hallway. We also restored the original wooden beams, panelling and parquet floor. We left the existing layout pretty much untouched, too, apart from the kitchen and dining area, which was added onto what was once a library. I get my style inspiration from everywhere. The different rooms and their character inspire me more and more the longer I live here. I don’t have a set style at all, I tend to just go with what feels right. I like contemporary and Art Deco just as much as I like kitsch knick-knacks. The house is a real melting pot of different ideas and personal favourites.’ If you love Lysiane’s style, follow her on Instagram to see more @une_idee_entete.
REAL HOME
Living room ‘The room is so big, I was able to have a black wall, which I think modernises the space. It’s the perfect backdrop for pictures. We used the colour on the panelling and doorway, too, for impact.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Lamp Black intelligent matt emulsion, £50 for 2.5L, Little Greene, would work. Try gold mirror, £34.99, H&M Home
MONOCHROME ARTWORK A strict colour scheme has more impact
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Living room
I like “ contemporary and Art Deco things as much as I like kitsch knick-knacks. The house is a real melting pot of different ideas and favourites
”
A grand, gilt-framed mirror and mirrored side tables add a touch of glam to the simple, rustic style here. ‘We made the coffee table from a few lengths of timber with simple black metal clamp legs I found online.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Try oak Mill coffee table, £299, Roseland Furniture. Altesse mirror, £154, Maisons du Monde, would work
REAL HOME
WIRE CUBES Contemporary and compact shoe storage
Store &
ORDER
Hallway ‘The entrance hall still has its original cement tiles. I wanted to break from its classical style by bringing in an industrial touch, so I added these vintage theatre seats I found online.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Navaro tiles, £12.30sq m, Victorian Plumbing, have this look. Mish-mesh storage, £395, Loaf, is similar. Vintage cinema seats, £495 for two, Peppermill Interiors, would have this effect
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REAL HOME
Dining room ‘We’ve gone for black doors, panelling and painted woodwork throughout to link the different spaces on the ground floor and create a sense of flow.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Crafter mango wood dining table, £648.50, Maisons du Monde, is similar. Windsor dining chairs, £165 for two, La Redoute, are a match
MISMATCHED CHAIRS Essential for a relaxed-looking dining space
WHITE-PAINTED BEAMS Help brighten up an enclosed space
Kitchen ‘We designed this room around the central island. We love to entertain and an island makes it a more sociable place,’ says Lysiane. BUY THE KEY PIECES Lerhyttan black-stained kitchen, from £40 for a 40x80 door; Sinnerlig pendant shades, £40 each; Rimforsa stainless-steel work bench, £350, all Ikea. For a similar stove, try the Richmond dual fuel, £1,999, Stoves
Dining room ‘We added this workshop-style metal window that we found online to work as a divider between the dining area and the hallway. It lets more light flow between the two spaces.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES Vintage multi-panel clear-glass window, £200, English Salvage, is an alternative. Triangles rug, £89, La Redoute, would work here. Suspension Mila lights, €125 each, Lovmint
“
The dining room adjoins the kitchen on the other side of the fireplace with its stone mantel. These areas are very much the heart of our home
”
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EST. 1920
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NEW RANGE OF FURNITURE, LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES now available at
V E R Y. C O . U K
REAL HOME Peg rails are great for kids’ bits and pieces
DIY SHADE Made from chicken wire, fake foliage and clip-on birds
Colette’s nursery
FEATURE AMANDINE BERTHON, LISA FAZZANI, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS JULIEN FERNANDEZ PRODUCTION AMANDINEJULES.COM PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
The couple kept this room simple, with soft, chalky-white walls contrasting with the original parquet floor. ‘The cot is a family heirloom.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Sundvik white cot, £125, Ikea, is similar. Naco round rugs, £58 each, Smallable. Try oak peg rail, £16, Willow & Stone
Bertil’s bedroom ‘The boys each chose the colours for their bedrooms themselves. Bertil went for this soft aqua green that gives just a hint of colour.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES Aftas round jute rug, £59; Katsuki rattan bed, £305, both La Redoute, are similar. Try wooden house shelves, £24 for three, Vertbaudet
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
To be realistic about what you can and can’t do yourself. I compile a list of what needs to be done and Laurent decides what is feasible and what we need help with
”
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Make it work for you LYSIANE’S STYLE: REFINED RUSTIC
Layered neutrals are given a lift with tactile finishes – think warm wood and lots of texture, and finish with bold accents
GREAT DEAL
IDEAL
VINTAGE STUNNER Celeste mirror, £187, Maisons Du Monde
A BIT OF BLUSH Varese cushion, £55, John Lewis & Partners
TOUGH & STURDY Mish Mesh wire shelves, £395, Loaf
POWDER SOFT Soft velour cushion, £8, Next Home FADED BEAUTY Soft Pink hydrangea stem, £19, Neptune
PASTEL TINT Lavender hydrangea stem, £8, Hudson Home
FLORIST’S FAVOURITE Medium apothecary vase, £35, Flowerbx
VINTAGE JEWEL Archie armchair in Emerald Green Velvet, £399, Atkin & Thyme
LEATHER WEAVE Moroccan stool, £60, Oggetto
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WHITE HOT Cotton pendant light, £39.99, H&M Home
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TALL BLOOMS Broadwell large glass vase, £16, Garden Trading
SIMPLY RUSTIC Short Moroccan stool, £40, Design Vintage
REFINED INDUSTRIAL Grid Nine shelf storage unit, £265, Oliver Bonas
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
COOL SHADE Z1 Pendant light, £438, Holloways of Ludlow
GILDED CLASSIC Overmantel mirror, £359.99, Yearn Mirrors range, Wayfair
RETRO LINES Vivienne armchair in Bottle Green, £169.99, My Furniture
REAL HOME Pick up a bottle or two of wine from a local vineyard
Take time to explore the local villages
Love the location BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE
FEATURE RUTH CORBETT PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
The Marcel family home is surrounded by verdant hills, elegant and historic chateaux and some of the most exciting world-famous vineyards in France HOW TO GET THERE From major UK airports fly British Airways or Easyjet to Lyon from £50. Or take the train from London St Pancras from £160 and hire a car. THE LOCAL AREA Stretching from Mâcon in the north to Lyon in the south, Beaujolais overlaps Burgundy and the RhÔne and is peppered with vineyards running along the SaÔne River. WHAT TO SEE AND DO Head into the hills in Monts du Beaujolais for the views or visit a working vineyard for a wine tasting.
The village of Ternand is perched on the hillside
WHERE TO STAY Château de Tanay (chateau-tanay.com) A B&B in a fairy tale castle, set in classical gardens, complete with swimming pool. From €120 per night. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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The best seat in the house. Shotgun. Shop now at swooneditions.com
Ziggy cabinet
£579
Fitz chair from £329
Duke from £349
Karlsson £649
Porto from £1249
Aravali £199
Kasper £349
Penfold from £199
Duke sofa from £749
40 Easy style updates
From best buys and clever hacks to builtin solutions… here’s our roundup of the best storage ideas to make every part of your home more organised now
Store &
ORDER
1
Choose glazed cabinets
Show off your smarter collection of glassware, crockery and table linens by displaying them in a glass-fronted cabinet. Don’t worry too much about making everything perfectly in-line, create a more relaxed feel instead by stacking and layering things in baskets and jars.
White glass display cabinet, £995, The White Company
STYLE & DECOR
2
Use baskets for quick clear-ups
Labelled baskets are a practical way to separate everyone’s shoes and outdoor gear, so line up several on shelving at different heights in the hallway or utility room. Colour-coded labels help non-readers stow their stuff, too.
3
ORGANISE BILLS AND PAPERWORK
Keep a mini set of drawers in your home office or kitchendiner to keep on top of paperwork so it doesn't take over your space. Label each drawer by family member or type of bill and keep envelopes and stamps nearby.
Storage drawers, £22, Argos
5
PUT EMPTY JARS TO GOOD USE When your fancy jar candle has burnt out, remove any leftover wax, give it a wash out and use it to keep your make-up brushes together on your dressing table. Or simply tie a pretty ribbon around a jam jar instead.
4
6
CREATE AN UNDERSTAIRS UTILITY
Take an orderly approach to your understairs space by adding clips, hooks and a well-stocked trolley so that all your tools and cleaning kit are easy to find.
Pear braided storage basket, £79, Rose & Grey
MAKE TIDYING UP MORE FUN FOR KIDS
Keeping kids’ rooms tidy and encouraging them to clean up after themselves can often be a challenge, so go for storage that will pique their interest and is easy to spot. This pear storage basket will hold a few soft toys and games, plus looks super cute, too. Simply open the lid and chuck the toys in for instant clutter-free calm. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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7
TACKLE CLUTTERED DRAWERS Use kitchen utensil drawer organisers and dividers to keep your craft supplies, stationery or make-up in order.
8
MAKE STORAGE DECORATIVE
Practical can still be whimsical! Go for shelving with a bit of shape or character. These house shelves would look fab hung in a row on the wall. House shelves, £16 for set of three, Sainsbury’s Home
10
Build in shallow cabinets
If your tableware collection is a combination of hand-me-downs, charity shop finds and new buys, it might look a little messy out on display. Instead, store it in a tall cupboard with solid-fronted doors. Dedicate a shelf to each type of item to ensure order.
9
Try an Ikea hack in a hall
Mount a row of four Trones shoe cabinets (£22 for two, Ikea) and top them with a length of oak, to create a hallway shelf and storage system that will keep the floor space nice and tidy.
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Esperanto hanging wall storage, £12, Habitat
CATEGORISE ACCESSORIES Belts, bags and scarves are notoriously hard to keep in order, but hanging wall pocket systems like this one inside the wardrobe will help curb clutter.
STYLE & DECOR
12
HIDE AWAY THE HAIRDRYER
This handy stool is the perfect seating solution for a dressing table as not only does it look super smart, but it provides storage space for your hairdryer or straighteners, too. The lid also flips over so you can use it as a side table as well.
13
Make a headboard work hard
Danish storage stool, £29.99, Studio
Create hidden storage and remove the need for a bulky bedside table with a bespoke headboard. Cover an MDF board with black gloss Fablon, then screw picture ledges to the back.
14
SCREEN GLASS DOORS WITH WALLPAPER If your display cabinet is looking a trifle full and a bit unsightly, stick wallpaper offcuts to the inside of glass doors to make them opaque.
String panel side racks, £210 for two; shelves, £103 for three, both John Lewis & Partners
15
Go for a wall-towall system
A run of open shelving across a living room wall gives you plenty of space to display favourite finds. Pair with low-level cupboards or drawers for easy access to everyday items that aren’t so easy on the eye.
16
Choose a storage bed
Where space in a teen’s bedroom is tight, a storage bed is a great idea for keeping magazines, records and clothing neatly organised. This clever bed from Argos has open shelving along each side, drawers for shoes and trainers, and even a rail behind the headboard for hanging clothes.
Pico storage bed, £222, Argos
17
MAKE USE OF UNDERBED SPACE Perfect for keeping spare linen, towels or off-season clothes in, this lined fabric trunk can easily be slid under the bed and kept out of sight until you need to access it.
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Ponting fabric underbed storage trunk, £15, Made.com
STYLE & DECOR
18
Declutter the kitchen
Turn cube shelving into the family’s control centre, with compartments for tableware, school letters and other daily reminders. Cover one side with a cut-to-fit vinyl chalkboard sticker for writing shopping lists and happy messages.
19
DECLUTTER BEDROOM DRAWERS
A paper towel holder is great for keeping bracelets in order, or belts wrapped and stacked, while clear box files can house clutch bags stored on their sides. Hang necklaces on a jewellery stand.
20
ADD A RAIL IN A KITCHEN
Drawers might seem like a great place to store kitchen utensils, but it can be hard to find what you need in them. Instead, hang a slim rail along the wall above the hob or by the sink, and use S-hooks to hang utensils.
Storage baskets, £8 for two; bath towels, £10 each, both M&Co
21
TURN BASKETS INTO SHELVES
Turn a few wire storage baskets on their side and attach the bases to the wall to create deep storage shelves to house towels and toiletries.
22
TRY A HANDY TROLLEY An inexpensive trolley has a million uses throughout the home. And because it’s on wheels, you can manoeuvre it so it’s always out of the way, however small your space is. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Canterbury hallway storage, £649.99, Oak Furnitureland
23
TAKE JARS INTO THE BATHROOM
Storage jars are just as handy in the bathroom as they are in the kitchen. Cotton wool balls, contact lenses and spare razor blades can all be hidden away in stylish jars to match your scheme. Or use in kids’ rooms to keep hair ties and bobby pins in.
Store shoes neatly
Jars, from £6 each, Next Home
Keep the whole family’s shoes in this hallway storage unit, which also features a bench seat, coat and hat hooks, and a shelf for storing bags out of the way.
25
UTILISE THE SPACE UNDER WINDOWS Place a storage bench under a hallway window for taking shoes on or off, as well as to stow away everyone’s bags and g ym kits.
26
Use the walls
Make the most of every last bit of space in your home and build floor-to-ceiling shelving and cupboard space. If you have lots of books or records, it’s a great solution for storing them, while at the same time creating a striking wall of colour.
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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
STYLE & DECOR
29
CLEAR YOUR HALLWAY FLOOR
Keep this compact shoe cabinet close to the front door to not only keep your shoes neatly stored away, but also to give you a place to sit and put your shoes on before heading out for the day.
Two tier grey shoe cabinet, £60, Dunelm
30
KEEP CHARGERS ON HAND
Clip charger cables to the edge of your desk or bedside table using metallic bulldog clips. You’ll be able to quickly plug your laptop or phone in as soon as it runs out of juice without having to root around in a mess of wires. Russell bar cabinet, £349, Swoon
27
Create order in a utility
Choose fitted units with plenty of space for cupboards, drawers and compartments for stashing clutter and storing detergents out of reach from little ones. Mount brushes and dusters on the wall for easy access.
28
HIDE AN UGLY PRINTER Sit that unsightly, bulky printer on top of a vintage wooden crate when it’s in use, then hide it away inside the crate when it’s not. Keep a supply of A4 paper in there, too.
31
Invest in a cocktail cabinet
Where a bar cart might not provide enough space for all your favourite tipples, a drinks cabinet has room for all your bottles plus the glasses and accoutrements, too.
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
99
32
Stash books in baskets
Stop your shelving from looking too chaotic by using baskets to group books together. Put similar colours and sizes side by side for an ordered feel, or arrange by topic or author.
33
MAKE STORAGE AN ACCENT
Stack these colourful trunks on top of each other and give them pride of place in your living room to add a pop of colour to the scheme. Store board games or toys inside them.
Carter small bookcase, £1,085; Carter fitted shelves, £780; Ashcroft baskets, from £27 each, all Neptune
Jordan storage trunks, £100 for two, Habitat
34
GATHER RECEIPTS IN ONE PLACE Attach a square of corkboard to the inside of a kitchen cupboard to pin receipts, vouchers or tickets out of sight, rather than cluttering up the fridge door.
35
Portland kitchen island, £169.99, Studio
100
ADD PORTABLE KITCHEN STORAGE
Providing an additional prep surface in your kitchen, as well as space to store baking essentials, cookbooks or pots and pans, this kitchen island is also on wheels, so it can easily be moved around the room (or out to the garden) for more flexible usage.
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
36
USE SPACE AROUND A DOOR
Build deep shelves in the wasted space around a doorway to store books, plants and any other knickknacks in need of a home.
STYLE & DECOR
37
Do more with an alcove
39
MAKE A DISPLAY OF JARS
Free up cupboard space at the same time as making a stylish countertop display by popping dried food into glass storage jars. Arrange in height and size order.
Lay a narrow bookcase on its side to create an alcove bench for seating and storage. Pop a basket or storage box into each section of the shelving, filling the space entirely. Cover the top with cushions and throws.
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Litcham bed, £1,379, DFS
40
Customise your own sideboard
38
P A C K AWAY OUT-OF-SEASON CLOTHING
The base of this bed hides away ample storage space. An ottoman bed is also ideal in a snug guest room where there might not be enough space for a wardrobe.
Pushing together a bank of Ivar units (£45 each, Ikea) creates an unobtrusive, inexpensive storage and display space for all your living room clutter, books and games. Paint white for a simple finish.
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
101
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Love
MARIAM’S STORAGE? Turn to page 109 to shop the look
ADD-ON SURFACE Creates a mini breakfast bar or serving area
‘This bright, modern kitchen feels cosy, too’
The drawback of glass-wall extensions is that they can look cold and clinical, but the Boutorabi-Cookes made clever choices to keep theirs feeling homely and welcoming
104
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
KITCHEN PROJECT
BEFORE
Welcome to my home Mariam BoutorabiCooke lives here with her husband Matt and their daughter Ara, five.
THE PROPERTY A four-bed flat in a Victorian terrace in southwest London.
WHAT IT COST
‘The existing kitchen needed to be larger, which meant extending 3m to the rear and 7m to the side. Creating a space filled with natural light was one of our priorities, but it also had to be a layout that lent itself to socialising,’ says Mariam. Rotpunkt Ergo units, from £432 for a 60cm base unit, Kitchen Revolutions; painted in Prague flat eggshell, £87.50 for 2.5L, Ican at Ray Munn
Kitchen units......£11,500 Appliances..........£6,500 Taps......................£1,600 Worktops.............£1,000 Splashback.............£400 Island and sinks..£4,500 Flooring...............£4,200 Lighting...................£650 TOTAL..............£30,350
“
It has a warm, homely feel, which is down to both the layout and the natural materials we’ve used
”
HOW MARIAM AND MATT DID IT ‘This room was a dark space running along the back of the house, with the sink at the rear wall and a small window above it overlooking the garden, so the amount of natural light was limited. We planned a new layout and had an architect draw up our ideas. Our main aim was to open up the whole space and bring in more light, so we included a long skylight down the side, where we built into the side return, and
IDEAL HOME
loves
Banquette seating ‘We had it made bespoke – it makes such a difference when friends and family are here’
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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
sliding glass rear doors. We allowed £80,000 for the work, which was done by Waltons Construction, and the doors cost £4,500. When it came to the interior, we got help from Miriam Prada at Tenorite Interiors. We love having friends and family over, so we wanted to create a sociable seating space with a homeand-hearth feeling. I love the room because it suits us, as well as being so practical.’
BELOW ‘We loved the idea of having a wall of glass, so we had sliding 2.6m-high doors fitted, which open onto the garden. It’s almost like not having doors, just a gap that’s open to the elements,’ says Mariam. Erling Torvits dining chairs, £282 each, Pamono. Bespoke banquette, price on request, Lotus Craft Upholstery
FEATURE SEAN O’CONNELL PHOTOGRAPHS VERONICA RODRIGUEZ
KITCHEN PROJECT
ABOVE ‘We love the shape of the tap, which is the first thing you see as you walk in. It’s like a piece of art!’ says Mariam. The marble-look surfaces are actually Neolith. ‘It has all the pluses of marble but none of the minuses.’ Lefroy Brooks Ten Ten tap, £625, Original Bathrooms
BRASS HANDLES Upgrade simple Shaker cabinets
ABOVE ‘Matt loves the warmth that natural materials bring, so we have leather furniture, wooden flooring, marble and brass fittings – all tactile finishes that knit well together.’ Hay bar stools, £195 each, Amara. Brass handles, from £35 each, Buster + Punch
RIGHT Glazed doors and open racks for cookbooks and spices break up the heavy run of wall units and give the couple a chance to display favourite items. Custom brass splashback, price on request, Metalworx. Smeg Opera range cooker, £3,149, John Lewis & Partners
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
Be patient! There are bound to be small frustrations and compromises along the way on a project like this. And you can always tweak things at a later date
”
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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A D V E RT I S E M E N T F E AT U R E
ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLER GETS COVERED AFTER CANCER
55-year-old Catherine Byrne enjoys a bit of adventure, as she did on her recent holiday “
T
he trip was ideal, exhilarating without being too adventurous. I like to see the world, but I’m actually a bit of a worrier, and so was pleased it was a well-organised trip where we used professional equipment. There was a guide to help us navigate the crevices, so all in all it felt safe, yet breathtakingly extraordinary.”
AllClear provided Catherine with annual worldwide cover that includes the USA, renowned as the most expensive country to receive medical care and therefore the hardest to get cover for. It was important to Catherine as she has been to Hawaii before to hike and kayak around its waterfalls and would not want similar trips to be out of bounds.
Catherine Byrne, glacier-walking in Icleand
As a self-confessed, risk-averse worrier, travel insurance for this recent trip was a key priority. Catherine is in remission from Hodgkin Lymphoma, which means many insurance providers won’t cover her even for more straightforward trips. Since recovering from Hodgkin Lymphoma, she has also been diagnosed with heart issues. Catherine therefore researched insurers that specialised in people with heart issues. She was recommended to try AllClear by a friend.
“My medical history does not stop me travelling the way I want to travel, and in reality there is only a slim chance of something happening meaning I need medical attention. However, that slim chance could result in my footing the bill for tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. “That’s not a risk I am willing to take, and am very pleased that I’ve been next adventure.”
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KITCHEN PROJECT
Make it work for you
MARIAM’S CHOICE: FITTED KITCHEN STORAGE
Clever storage will make every inch count, whether it’s an ingenious interior fitting or a clever decorative feature
Store &
ORDER
CORNER LARDER Access hard to reach corners with this larder unit, which has carousel style rotating shelves. Heritage Sage corner larder unit, from £89, Wickes
BUILT-IN PLATE RACK Stack dishes in an over sink draining cupboard with the base removed. Shaker kitchen, from £20,000, Harvey Jones
HIDDEN SHELVING These clever sliding shelves work by motor and can be raised and lowered at the press of a button. Cabinet Plus unit, from £644, Magnet
“
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
ALCOVE STORAGE Squeeze in a shelf or two at the end of a run of units or the reverse of an island. Gresham kitchen in Powder and Mink, from £12,000, Burbidge
HIDDEN DRAWER Maximise space inside deeper drawers with a shallow hidden inner drawer, great for cutlery and smaller items. Henley kitchen, from £14,000, Neptune
Strategic storage will make your kitchen stand out and ensure you’ll enjoy using it every day, while keeping it clean and clutter free
”
BEN BURBIDGE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, KITCHEN MAKERS
SLOT-IN TRAY SPACE Find use for wasted inches between units with a slot in holder for trays and boards. Harptree kitchen in Coal and Grave, from £31,500, Caple
SLIMLINE DRAWERS Utilise wasted space at the end of a run of units with a set of narrow drawers. Alderley kitchen in Bone, from £15,000, Kitchen Makers
PULL-DOWN SHELF Spring action shelves can be lowered to a more reachable height if you have tall units. Kessebohmer single tier internal pull-down shelf, £113, B&Q
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
109
‘Fitting a roof light transformed it’ Claire Fox and Michael McDarby made an illuminating decision when it came to updating their dark bathroom
110
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
BATHROOM PROJECT
BEFORE
BULKHEAD LAMP Adds a unique industrial vibe
Love
CLAIRE’S STYLE? Turn to page 115 to shop the look
Welcome to my home Claire Fox lives here with her husband Michael McDarby, and their children Mollie, six, Florence, three and Frank, two.
THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian end of terrace in Hackney, London.
WHAT IT COST
‘Natural light streams in now,’ says Claire. ‘It meant that we could go dark with the colour scheme, which was built around the charcoal floor tiles.’ Wicker Charcoal floor tiles, £30sq m, Laura Ashley range, Homebase. Mode Harrison freestanding bath, £639, Victoria Plum.
Shower..................£1,049 Sanitaryware........£1,255 Brassware...............£678 Radiator.....................£50 Paint.........................£120 Tiles.........................£390 TOTAL.................£3,542
“
The details like the taps, plants and wall lights have really brought the room to life
”
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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HOW CLAIRE AND MICHAEL DID IT ‘The house was a probate property needing a complete renovation, and the bathroom hadn’t been touched for a good 30 years! It was so gloomy and didn’t work for young children. The bath was much too small, for example, so we wanted to go as big as the space would allow with the new one. Choosing where to put the bath dictated the layout, but we kept the existing plumbing in place to keep costs down. We worked
with an architect to add a roof light, and the build went really smoothly because we agreed the scope of work at the start and hashed out all the costs and timings. The building work came in at around £3,500, and the project took six to eight weeks as part of the whole house renovation (I documented every step at @houseoffox_). I finished it off with plants, and it’s now my favourite room in the house!
BELOW ‘This room is all about the dark floor tiles, which look so much better in the flesh. They work really well with the matt black taps, and the Farrow & Ball Down Pipe emulsion on the walls sets them off nicely.’ GSI Sand 80 wall hung wash basin, £239.20, Sanctuary Bathrooms. Belle de Louvain Castello threehole basin mixer, £179, Victoria Plum. Door painted in Plummett Estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball
LIGHTER SHADE Makes the traditional bevelled door a focal point
IDEAL HOME
loves
Grey grout Making plain white tiles more interesting, it doesn’t discolour like white grout
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FEATURE DILLY ORME, VANESSA RICHMOND STYLING DILLY ORME PHOTOGRAPHS VERONICA RODRIGUEZ
BATHROOM PROJECT
RIGHT ‘I was on the lookout for black taps and a shower but didn’t want ultra-modern or high prices,’ says Claire. ‘Luckily, Victoria Plum had just what I was looking for.’ Belle de Louvain Castello freestanding bath filler tap, £479.20, Victoria Plum.
FRAMELESS SCREEN For a barely there effect in a small bathroom
ABOVE ‘I didn’t spend too much time on choosing sanitaryware as I was restricted by the very specific sizes of the bath, basin and shower tray.’ Crosswater Simpsons Design frameless shower panels, £520, Sanctuary Bathrooms. Simpsons shower tray, £127, UK Bathroom Store
RIGHT Shutters are the perfect choice for a clean and simple look while working with the period character of the house. Full-height pure white shutters, £350, ShuttersUp. Emme wall-hung loo, £260, Sanctuary Bathrooms. Metro brick white gloss tiles, £9.50sq m, Tiles Direct
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
The key to getting our bathroom right was being clever with how we laid it out and not being afraid to use dark colour once we realised how light and bright the room was going to be
”
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
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Inspired by Ideal Home? Shop with Ownable. 12:08
French Connection Capri Carver Chair
£180.00 The Capri Chair is a sleek, pared-back piece that will fit perfectly into any room. The leather seat and back sit within a sleek iron frame
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Ideal Home August 2019 – Page 55
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REAL HOME
Make it work for you
CLAIRE’S CHOICE: A WALL-HUNG LOO
Give your loo a lift with modern, wall-hung installation that will instantly give your bathroom the illusion of space ‘Floating’ off the floor, a wall-hung loo looks modern and sleek and makes cleaning the pan and floor easier. It also gives a feeling of added space.
Q
How is it installed? It can be a DIY job, but using a plumber is advisable. The pan must be securely bolted to a steel frame, usually sold separately, with a concealed cistern inside. The frame and cistern are covered, so only the pan and flush buttons are visible. The frame can be hidden in a stud partition wall or in bathroom furniture.
Q
Does it take up space? If the frame is fitted inside a wall, the pan will jut out less than a standard toilet. If you build a new stud wall to hide the cistern, take the added wall depth into account. In a small bathroom, look for a concealed cistern – 7.5cm deep designs will slot in the cavity of a stud partition wall.
Q
What size frame do I buy? That depends where it’s sited. If it’s beneath a window or towel rail, it may need a shorter
frame. ‘Adjustable-height frames can make toilets more accessible and easier to use for elderly or less able people,’ says Sanjeev Delipkumar, DIY account manager at Grohe.
See more of the floor with a wall-hung loo
Q
Will it hold my weight? Proper installation is key but all WC frames must comply with British/European safety standards and take up to 400kg (just under 63 stone).
Q
What if the cistern breaks? You can install a screw-off panel to ensure quick and easy access but the best solution is to fit a flush panel that pops off. Choose a pneumatic-operated concealed cistern (with pushbutton flush) if possible, as they are lower maintenance than traditional cable-operated cisterns (with lever flush).
BEST FOR…
“
I’d always recommend choosing a rimless design to eliminate the spaces inside the bowl where germs can be harboured
”
MARGARET TALBOT, MARKETING MANAGER, VITRA UK
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON
THREE OF THE BEST… FLUSH PLATES
MODERN EDGE Kohler 8844K-CP flush plate in matt chrome, H15x W24cm, from £48.76, Banyo
DARK ART Vitra Loop O panel flush plate in matt black, H16.5xW24.5cm, £22.09, Bathroom Supplies Online
CUSTOM COVER Sigma21 flush plate with customisable cover, H16.4xW24.6cm, £224.28, Geberit
LIGHTING UP Grohe’s Nova flush plates boast LED lighting – blue, red, yellow or green – perfect for late-night loo trips without waking anyone. HI-TECH DESIGN Geberit’s new AquaClean Sela shower toilet has WhirlSpray technology, which works like an ultra-effective bidet. DESIGNER STYLE CP Hart proves that the humble loo can be a thing of beauty. There are 50 pans, from all the main brands, including Alessi’s iconic egg-shape model for Laufen.
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
115
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Did you know there is a whole range of bathroom products out there created to make life easier? With the right designs, you can achieve the perfect balance of safety and style to create a bathroom that aids independent living.
Q
Where do I begin? Whether you or someone in your family lack mobility, there are plenty of ways to create an accessible bathroom. If you’re ready for a drastic change, swap your bath for a level-access wet room, which allows you to take a wheelchair into the shower area. With a foldaway seat, such as the AKW Onyx fold-up seat (below), those who need to use it can, and it won’t be in the way for the rest of the family. Or, if you don’t want to bid goodbye to baths, consider the Kineduo easy-access bath with a panel that opens to let you walk in. A toilet that sits higher than conventional designs will also make it easier to sit down and get up.
Create a space that’s accessible for everyone, regardless of age or ability, without compromising on style
Q
How about quick updates? Position basins, mirrors and towel rails at a more accessible height. See the Mode Foster semi-recessed countertop basin by VictoriaPlum.com – no pedestal means you can fit it at the perfect height for a chair or wheelchair to access it. If you have a wet room, fit a glass dividing panel to prevent water getting splashed over the room.
A safety rail and seat blend subtly into this sleek shower
Q
Is there high-tech help? These days there are plenty of options – how about a smart toilet with a built-in bidet? VictoriaPlum.com also sells SmarTap – electric shower fittings that allow you to pre set maximum temperatures, to avoid accidental scalding.
Q
Can I start futureproofing now? Absolutely. Think grab rails in various styles, including sleek stainless steel, and angled bars for support and stability when climbing in and out of the bath.
“
A bathroom that works for all generations living under one roof can be just as stylish, with subtle additions that make life easier
CHOOSE THE BEST... SAFETY-FIRST BUYS
TAKE A SEAT Folds away when not in use. AKW Onyx fold-up shower seat in White, £249, VictoriaPlum.com
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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
HOT TECH Turn on your shower via Alexa or smartphone. SmarTap smart shower system with dual control, £699, Victoria Plum.com
”
NICKY TAHA, VISUAL STYLIST, VICTORIAPLUM.COM
STAND FIRM Stay secure while soaping up. Ideal Standard grab rail and soap basket, £89.99, VictoriaPlum.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION… Find everything you need at online bathroom specialist victoriaplum.com, call 0344 804 4848 or follow on social media @victoriaplumuk
FEATURE THEA BABINGTON-STITT
A pedestalfree sink suits wheelchair users
HOW TO... DESIGN AN EASYUSE BATHROOM
BEFORE & AFTER
BE FOR E
‘We moved our living space to the back’ To avoid the busy road at the front, the Holmans extended to bring the action to the rear of the house
‘The back of the house was dark, with small windows’
AFTER
T
he couple wanted to remodel their Victorian house to replace the dingy, east-facing rear kitchen with a light and open kitchen, dining and living area.
PLANNING SPACE The ground-
floor layout was an L-shape – the result of three rooms having been knocked through. They decided to separate off a room at the front to use as a playroom and TV room. ‘As our family grows older, it’s good to have separate spaces, as we’re not always going to want to be in the same room at the same time,’ says Lindsay. The rest of the space would be extended, with a slice in the middle split off to create a utility.
A single-storey extension with lots of glass has given them a big, bright kitchen-diner
BATTLING SETBACKS The house is
in a conservation area, so the couple had to apply for planning permission and deal with an objection from a neighbour. Then, the builders had to dig deeper than expected for the foundations and put in a lot of steel joists. ‘It took eight months, which was frustrating as we were living here. We were worried about having a standard box extension, but this design works well with the garden. The London bricks used are sympathetic to the exterior, which was very handsome and we’d felt guilty about changing it.’
Welcome to our home and Lindsay are both solicitors.
THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom Victorian house in south London.
THE VALUE Bought Lindsay Holman lives here with her husband Nick and their children, Ben, nine, Alex, seven and Iris, three. Nick
for £1,685,000 in 2018; now worth £2million.
Extra materials..£2,000 Kitchen refit....£18,000 Bathrooms.......£10,000 Windows and doors...............£40,000 TOTAL..........£220,000
we can “allNow, congregate in
the kitchen and there’s space for WHAT IT COST Builders’ fees..£150,000 everyone
”
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
117
BEFORE & AFTER
‘The cantilevered design has enhanced the beautiful garden’
The original kitchen and part of the knock-through living room have been merged and extended to create this kitchen-diner
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT…
Cantilevered walls Architect Ruth Campbell from Campbell Cadey (campbell cadey.com) tells us moreÉ
1
THEY CREATE SHADE Use a cantilevered structure to create shade, both indoors and outside. This window seat manages it so effectively that the Holmans can enjoy the space even at the height of summer, as well as on rainy days.
The idea for a window seat came from the Holmans’ desire for a living space at the back of the house
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
It would have been great to have had a project manager. We did it ourselves, but we are not naturals! It was hard work keeping everything going, getting things on site on time, etc
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SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
”
3
THEY CONNECT THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR This means that you can enjoy the design year-round.
4
THEY CREATE VISUAL DRAMA A cantilevered structure can offer up a contemporary twist on a traditional property.
5
THEY REQUIRE AN ENGINEER Using one will ensure that the construction is stable and can be enjoyed for years to come.
FEATURE IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD CHIVERS
2
THEY OPEN UP DARK CORNERS Cantilevered structures with glazing can visually or physically open up a corner of a building. The Holmans have used theirs to separate their dining space from the living area.
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8 DAYS FROM ONLY £999pp DEPARTURES UP TO OCTOBER 2019 & APRIL TO OCTOBER 2020
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PRICE INCLUDES ● Explore Lisbon on a guided tour ● Visit the hillside town of Sintra and its National Palace ● Enjoy a guided tour of Porto, centre of the port wine trade, including a visit and tasting at Taylor’s port lodge ● Discover the Douro, one of Europe’s most beautiful river valleys ● See the holy shrine of Fátima and visit Coimbra University ● Experience the charm of 13th century Óbidos ● Stay in the chic coastal resort of Cascais in a historic Pousada hotel ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in four star and five star accommodation, with breakfast and three dinners* ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICES INCLUDE ● Explore Dubrovnik, Byron’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ ● Marvel at the waters of the Krka National Park’s interlocking waterfalls ● Cross the Stari Most bridge, now returned to its former glory in Mostar ● Immerse yourself in the history of Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace in Split, brought to life by the intimate knowledge of a local guide ● Discover the delights of medieval Trogir ● 2019 departures visit Montenegro, Kotor and Perast ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights’ four star hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
CLASSICAL SPAIN – SEVILLE, CÓRDOBA & GRANADA
POMPEII, CAPRI & THE BAY OF NAPLES
7 DAYS FROM ONLY £499PP DEPARTURES UP TO NOVEMBER 2019 & MARCH TO NOVEMBER 2020
8 DAYS HALF-BOARD FROM ONLY £729PP DEPARTURES NOVEMBER 2019 & APRIL TO NOVEMBER 2020
PRICES INCLUDE ● Experience the iconic cathedral, vibrant streets and tranquil parks of beautiful Seville on a tour led by a local guide ● Enjoy tapas on an evening introduction to these delicious Spanish appetisers in Seville ● Explore the city of Granada and visit the outstanding Alhambra Palace ● Visit historic Córdoba and take a guided tour of the Mezquita ● Marvel at the natural drama of Ronda, situated across a plunging gorge ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Six nights in three star superior and four star accommodation, with breakfast ● The services of an experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICES INCLUDE ● Explore the amazingly preserved Roman town of Herculaneum ● Take a boat trip to the stunning island of Capri, with the opportunity to visit the Blue Grotto ● Discover the mysteries of Pompeii on a guided tour and visit the Naples Archaeological Museum ● Full day touring the Amalfi coast, with a visit to charming hilltop Ravello ● Stay in elegant Sorrento and enjoy a walking tour of this stylish resort ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three to four star superior, plus breakfast and dinner** ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager
CALL 01283 744319 TO BOOK OR FOR A FREE BROCHURE, OR VISIT IDERIVIERA.CO.UK TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Ideal Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of print. *Stays at the Royal Bridges Hotel include breakfast and one dinner. **Stays at the Hotel Mediterraneo are on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
FIVE-STAR RIVER CRUISES On the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Douro, Seine, Saône or Dutch waterways THE BLUE DANUBE – VIENNA, BUDAPEST & SALZBURG 8 DAYS FROM ONLY £1,099pp DEPARTURES UP TO OCTOBER 2019 & APRIL TO OCTOBER 2020 Unwind on our magical river cruise and enjoy an escorted tour to imperial Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube. See Bratislava, Esztergom, Melk, Salzburg and unforgettable Vienna along the course of Eastern Europe’s mightiest river. PRICE INCLUDES ● Guided tour of Vienna, city of Strauss and home of the Habsburgs ● Live classical quartet recital on board ● Visit to Baroque Bratislava, capital of Slovakia ● Cruise through the scenic Wachau, Austria’s premier wine region ● Visit to Melk Abbey, central Europe’s most spectacular Baroque monastery, and one of its premier academic institutions ● Visit to medieval Dürnstein where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned whilst returning from the Crusades ● Tour of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and one of Austria’s most beautiful cities ● Explore the amazing basilica at Esztergom, Hungary’s oldest cathedral ● Tour of Budapest, Pearl of the Danube ● All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your day of departure, including welcome cocktails and dinner, plus the Captain’s Dinner ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports ● Seven nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite ● The services of our experienced cruise director and concierge
UPGRADE YOUR CABIN FROM
£100pp*
BUDAPEST TO THE BLACK SEA – GEMS OF EASTERN EUROPE 15 DAYS FROM ONLY £2,299pp DEPARTURES UP TO SEPTEMBER 2019 & APRIL TO OCTOBER 2020 On this incredible journey through the Balkans, discover extraordinary scenery, and explore the architectural and cultural heritage of towns and cities that are steeped in history and tradition, once beyond the Iron Curtain.
DRINKS PACKAGE & GRATUITIES INCLUDED†
PRICE INCLUDES ● See Kalocsa cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and Paprika Museum ● Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Pecs ● Take a scenic drive to the spectacular rock formations at Belogradchik and into the ‘Puszta’ ● Tour the historic city of Belgrade seeing the Kalemegdan Fortress ● Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge and pass through the Djerdap locks ● Visit Pleven, the scene of a major battle during the Russo Turkish War and the Pleven Panorama depicting these historic events ● Guided tour of Bucharest, seeing the main sights of this beautiful city ● Experience the vast nature of the Danube Delta ● Visit the ancient Romanian port of Constanta on the Black Sea ● Visit the fascinating Veliko Tarnovo, the village of Arbanassi and its ancient Church of the Nativity, plus the magnificent Churches of Ivanovo ● Visit Lepenski Vir, one of the most important Mesolithic archaeological sites in Serbia ● Enjoy a guided tour of cosmopolitan Novi Sad, with its historic Old Town ● Visit Budapest and enjoy a guided tour ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports ● 14 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite ● All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your day of departure (except one lunch), including welcome cocktails and dinner, plus the Captain’s Dinner ● The services of our experienced cruise director and concierge
CALL 01283 744319 TO BOOK OR FOR A FREE BROCHURE, OR VISIT IDERIVIERA.CO.UK TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Ideal Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of print. *Available on selected departures in October 2019. †Included on selected departures in September 2019.
IN MY EXPERIENCE
‘Three generations live under our roof ’ Mars Webb and her family moved from London to Belfast to be near her ageing parents. But when her mother became unwell, Mars made a decision that would change their lives forever...
M
ars Webb, 51, lives with her husband, Patrick, 54, their son, Tom, 19, and daughter, Poppy, 15. Their other daughter, Tess, 20, is at university but comes home in the holidays. Ten years ago, they relocated from London to Belfast, buying a property with outbuildings and converting it into a seven-bedroom home to accommodate Mars’s parents. According to a survey by eBay, nearly a fifth of UK households now consist of three or more generations, like the Webbs’s. ‘Mum was diagnosed with dementia 12 years ago. At the time, Patrick and I were living with the kids in south London, which is where I grew up – Mum and Dad had settled back in Northern Ireland. I was very distressed at the news – plus, being an only child, I felt a huge sense of responsibility. They’d always been such amazing parents, and now, they needed my support. For the next year or so, I went back and forth to Belfast, keeping an eye on them both. But it was exhausting – and still not enough. It took a couple of years to occur to me that we could move over to Belfast to be closer to them. It’s a lovely city and a great place to bring up children. It feels very quiet and safe. Patrick agreed straight away, even though it would mean giving up his job as a model. We found good schools and a house to rent nearby, then rented out our London home. Leaving was tough
Enough space to seat each member of the household was a must!
for the kids, though. Tess was 11 and about to start secondary school, so everything was changing for her anyway. But Tom was reluctant to leave his best friend behind. Still, they’re very resilient and they soon settled down in their new home. Mum’s dementia grew steadily worse and her physical needs increased over time. Even though carers were visiting four times a day, it was still very difficult for Dad. And then, Mum fell over and broke her hip. She was no longer able to get upstairs to the bathroom, so their home just wasn’t suitable for them any more. At one point, Mum went into a nursing home to be looked after while their house was fitted with specialist equipment. I hated seeing her there and couldn’t
The Webbs’s sprawling family home
The cottages were combined into one large dwelling
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Mars and Patrick have brought their family together by relocating to Belfast
The renovations took nine months to complete
The open-plan kitchen links to Mars’s parents’ bungalow
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We all have the lives we want. There’s a lot of juggling and it can be a little chaotic at times, but the kids love being so close to their grandparents
stand the thought of her being somewhere like that long term. I do realise I’m very lucky to have had the choice, but I vowed to find another way to make it work for all of us. And then, one day, I had an epiphany. We were now renting a lovely big cottage on the outskirts of Belfast, with beautiful views across the Mourne Mountains. There were a couple of outbuildings that could potentially be converted into a bungalow for Mum and Dad. I knew the owners were looking to sell, so I asked if we could buy it. They agreed, so then we just had to find someone who could turn some old cow sheds into a two-bedroom property attached to the rest of the house! We got a couple of architects in, but nobody quite understood our complex needs. Eventually we found one architect, Marc Ballard of Reality Architects, who really
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listened. He understood that we needed the house to “flow”. It had to work so that we were all close by and could step in to look after Mum. It needed wheelchair access and room for hoists. But the kids needed to study, I needed to run my business and we all needed our own space. Marc came up with the idea of having a curved corridor to connect our open-plan kitchen to Mum and Dad’s new bungalow. We had to sell our house in London to fund the project. It pretty much broke us, but we knew it would be worth every penny. The build took about nine months, and we had to get used to living with the dirt in the meantime. At one stage, all of us – including the dog – were living in one room. Poor Tess was studying for her exams. And all the time, it was a race against time as Mum’s condition deteriorated.
When the bungalow was first built, I walked in and had a real panic. It was all grey brick and seemed so small. I couldn’t visualise how it would look when it was finished. But, once it was decorated and furnished, it immediately became a proper home for Mum and Dad. There’s even a little room in it where Dad can keep his fishing equipment. Patrick has been working hard to decorate the entire house, room by room. It’s nearly finished – and then we just want to spend time enjoying it. This is such a beautiful place to live. So how have we all coped with living together? It just works on so many levels. We make sure we have the lives we want, although there’s a lot of juggling! And yes, it can be a little chaotic at times – especially with the carers coming and going throughout the day. My job running my own PR company means I still have to fly over to London and back – sometimes three times in one week, although I do try to keep it to once a fortnight. But Patrick is very laid back and gets on well with Dad, the kids love being close to their grandparents, and everyone rallies round to look after Mum. Poppy isn’t able to remember what her granny was like when she was well, but Tess and Tom can. I think our situation has taught the kids to be kind and considerate towards other people, as well as to value the family. Dementia is a long goodbye. Mum is non-verbal now, and can’t get out of bed very much, but we’re still able to have very special times together. On Mothers Day this year, I walked into her bedroom and there was a little moment of recognition when her face lit up at the sight of me. I’m so lucky to have been able to do this, and to have a wonderful husband and family that have supported my decision. I know it won’t be forever, though. Tom is going to university in September this year. Poppy is planning to do the same in a few years’ time. And then they will all be gone and this household will evolve once again.
FEATURE JANE MURPHY
IN MY EXPERIENCE
Original Art & Limited Edition Prints
RUNWAY GALLERY w w w . r u n w a y - g a l l e r y. c o m in association with
Genius problem solvers FOR A SMOOTH RUNNING LIFE Our pick of the latest home innovations, solutions and stuff you never knew you neededÉ
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ORDER SIDE TABLES WITH STORAGE
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Cut back on kitchen waste If you’ve already made the switch to reusable water bottles and coffee cups to help the environment, why stop there? Amara has introduced a brilliant new range of eco kitchen products to its website – from reusable food wrap and recycled foil to unbleached baking paper and paper sandwich bags.
COUNTRY COOL A relaxed-look side table with a handy rack below.
Bee’s wraps in Honeycomb, from £19 for three, Amara
Vintage retro magazine rack table, £23.95, Melody Maison
SLEEK STYLE Gold gives it a luxe edge. Amado side table, £59.99, Maisons du Monde
Patch up your patio Fix up any splits or cracks, indoors and out, with Gorilla’s brilliant All-conditions waterproof, mould-resistant and shrink-proof clear sealant, £8 for 295ml, Wilko.
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RETRO STYLE Sit your cuppa on top, while you read. Soren magazine rack, £150, John Lewis & Partners
Revamp your sofa
Film bad driving
Has your sofa seen better days? Task Plumbs with upholstering and repairing it for you in time for Christmas. Sofa in Cardinal Petrol Velvet, around £1,800 including home visit and delivery, Plumbs
No, it wasn’t on our wish list either, but with built-in Alexa, automatic recording and the ability to call 999 if you crash – it’s a winner. 522GW dash cam, £149, Nextbase
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS 3 HIGH-RISE PLANTERS
Keep your floors clean for longer
1 Save money on workday lunches
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Traditional rough coir doormats are certainly effective when to comes to wiping the underside of footwear clean of excess moisture and dirt, but over time, the pile always flattens and the mat stops doing its job. That’s why you should upgrade to a Turtlemat. Made from highly absorbent cotton, Turtlemats brilliant at trapping dirt, are conveniently machine washable and come with a five-year guarantee. Emily Bond Dachshund in Neutral, £49.95, Turtlemat
Sick of sandwiches every day? If you want a proper feed at lunchtime (and don’t want to spend a fortune buying it), then say hello to S’well’s latest range of neat, triple-walled food flasks. S’well Eats food bowl, from £40, S’well
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1 Green glass planter with stand, £8, George Home 2 Deep Blue planter on legs, £29.99, Very 3 Cement-style tall planter, £55, Next Home
Scrub with minimum effort Get a helping hand scrubbing dishes and surfaces with the Black + Decker Power Brush Plus, £39.99, Lakeland. Put a stop to night sweats If you have a habit of overheating at night, then it may be time for a duvet and pillow upgrade. Using space-inspired technology that responds to your temperature and remains consistently cool, Simba’s Hybrid bedding helps ensure a comfortable night’s rest.
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
Hybrid bedding, from £95 for a pillow, Simba
Squeeze in a workspace with a flat-back screen If you work from home and don’t have the luxury of a separate office, you’ll know that every little bit of space counts. That’s why Samsung’s genius new Space Monitor is a must-have. Available in 27 or 32 inches, the monitor can be pushed back flush against the wall, leaving you more room on your desk or table. Space monitor, from £359, Samsung
Try super-easy smart lighting Easy to install and program, Lightwave’s range of lighting and power kits can help transform your home into a space that works more in tandem with you and your family’s needs. You can personalise lighting depending on the time of day, set schedules to turn the TV or lights on and even control lights and power sockets by voice. Lighting and power starter kit, £239, Lightwave
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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Tidy every space WITH STYLISH STORAGE
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ORDER
No more cluttered surfaces! These good-looking hideaways will keep every area feeling calm
JEWELLERY HOLDER Hang a mirror with a handy trinket tray in a bedroom or bathroom.
KITCHEN SHELF Store tea, coffee and sugar in something beautiful enough to show off.
HIGH RISE Hide toys in a living space (doubles as a side table) or shoes in a bedroom.
Nordal square mirror with shelf, £50, Amara
Hexagon concrete storage jar, £26, Cult Furniture
Gunner storage trunks, £139 for set of three, Made.com
Ideal Home Tip
COAT CHECK An open hanging rail will work in a guest room, hallway or utility. Turbo clothes rack, £35, Ikea
Agra chest, £699, Next Home
RENTER FRIENDLY There are no fixings required with this chic leaning ladder shelf.
BIN IT Not just for dirty laundry, this could hold sports kit or soft toys, instead.
SOFA-SIDE STASH Hide away remotes, coasters and chargers in the hidden compartment.
Clockhouse shelf ladder in Carbon, £280, Garden Trading
Artisanne round laundry basket, £110, Cotswold Trading
Marseille storage footstool in Grey fabric, £499, Dwell
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FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
BEDROOM BEAUTIFIER The mix of drawer sizes is ideal for small accessories as well as clothes.
Make like Marie Kondo and organise drawers using pull out trays divided into handy compartments – try the Komplement range, from £10, Ikea
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Multifunctional style Citation One smart speaker (H19xDia14cm) in Grey or Black, £179.99, Harman Kardon Google Assistant allows you to listen to music and manage your day, all via the power of your voice. Multi-room capability allows you to play the same (or different) music in different rooms. THE BEST BIT The built-in microphone allows hands-free help.
Smart wireless speakers make for easy listening
EXPERT TIP
‘Voice assistants need wi-fi to work, so don’t expect to voice control your speaker when listening to music in the park.’ GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
Timeless looks R5 High fidelity music system (H14xW52xD30cm) in Rich Walnut or Soft Grey, £999, Ruark This all-in-one system has wi-fi streaming, USB playback, DAB/FM radio, a turntable input for vinyl lovers and even a built-in CD player, so don’t throw away your old CDs just yet! THE BEST BIT RotoDial remote is radio-controlled, so there’s no need to point it directly at the unit.
Voice control
Speakers just got supersmart A good Bluetooth speaker is all you need these days to connect to your mobile device and stream radio, music and podcasts. The latest designs have lush sound quality, voice control and multi-room capability. Plus, they look good, too…
Libratone ZIPP 2 (H26xDia12cm) in Pine Green, Cranberry Red, Stormy Black or Frosty Grey, £279, Amazon Boasting ‘360˚ full room technology’, an acoustic reflector sends full, rich sound in all directions. Tell it what to play via the built-in Amazon Alexa and pair it with up to 10 speakers for multi-room functionality. THE BEST BIT Simply tap to play your top five playlists or radio stations.
Loud and proud Pure StreamR DAB speaker (H10.5 xDia10.5cm) in Charcoal or Stone Grey, £169.99, John Lewis & Partners With a surprising 30W audio output, this has a neat pop-up display and intuitive controls. One touch Amazon Alexa and 15 hours of battery life. THE BEST BIT A multi-coloured light ring activates whenever you reach for the controls.
Tiny but mighty Beoplay A1 (H5xDia13cm), available in seven shades, £230, Bang & Olufsen Small enough to hold in the palm of your hand, yet there’s no compromise on sound quality or volume. Use Bluetooth or connect via the mini jack, while a built-in microphone allows you to access smart features. THE BEST BIT Up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge.
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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS control. What happens if you stop paying the subscription fee or the company goes bust? We recommend using both cloud and back-up drives.
Get a simple system in place and you’re done
What cloud services are available? Microsoft (OneDrive), Amazon, Google and Apple (iCloud) all offer online storage subscriptions and a limited amount of free storage. Flickr offers a terabyte of free photo storage space, Microsoft gives a terabyte to anyone paying for their Office 365 services while Amazon offers unlimited photo storage if you pay £79 a year for Prime membership.
Even in the hi-tech smartphone era, few things last forever and in the case of digital images, thousands can be deleted in the blink of an eye. So protect your most precious memories… I back up all of my pictures to my computer’s hard drive. What else can I do? It’s a great start, but in the event of a theft or disaster such as fire or flood we’d highly recommend you use at least one separate hard drive.
Which back-up drive should I buy? There are two types – solid state drives (SSDs) or traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs have no moving parts so they’re less likely to break down, but HDDs have a larger capacity and cost less. LaCie, Western Digital and Toshiba have a great selection.
And what size should I go for? 1GB can hold 500 smartphone photos, but we suggest you buy the
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largest size you can. The 4TB (4000GB) Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro (wd.com) is compact, fast and costs £139.99.
Surely online ‘cloud’ storage is the answer? Cloud storage effectively means you’re using someone else’s hard drives, with the convenience of instant uploading, but remember your data isn’t totally under your
Which features should I look for? Multi-device access is a must, enabling you (and your family) to upload wirelessly from a variety of devices. File sharing is also useful, allowing you to send albums.
Is online cloud storage really safe? Very! Commercial cloud storage firms will encode its user’s data with an individual encryption key. If the files are accessed without the use of this key, they are just a random mass of numbers and letters.
Can’t I just print out my pictures? Yes, absolutely! Try Shutterfly, Snapfish, Bobs Books, Lalalabs and PhotoBox – they allow you to make beautiful albums and photo books that you can flick through, as well as photo prints and calendars.
“
Sadly, all tech does fail from time to time, so if your photos are the one thing that you can’t bear losing, it’s worth replacing your hard drive after five years, just in case GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
”
FEATURE CHRIS HASLAM=PHOTOGRAPH ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Keep your digital photos safe
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Inside view Indoor security camera, £139, Somfy The Somfy indoor security camera (W4.3xDia9cm) is motion activated so it records as soon as it senses someone in a room, sending it all to your phone. As well as streaming live video, you can also talk to people via your phone thanks to the two-way microphone.
See who’s in your home with an indoor camera
THE BEST BIT Once paired with your smartphone, you can set a shutter to close automatically over the lens when you enter the room so it doesn’t record.
Doorbell spy
EXPERT TIP
‘Cameras placed in visible positions around your home’s exterior should deter unwelcome visitors.’
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
JIMMY LIN, DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT, ARLO
How secure is your home?
Nest Hello, £329 including installation (£229 without), Nest Nest Hello (H11.7xW4.3xD2.6cm) has a 2K HD camera that you can access on your phone when someone rings the bell. You can also talk to visitors. THE BEST BIT Motion sensors alert you (and show you live video) if someone is at your home, even if they haven’t rung the doorbell.
If you worry about your house every time you leave it empty, smart security will give you peace of mind. The latest kit is now so affordable, it can bring hi-tech functionality to any home and is easy to use via your smartphone
W hole home security Yale Sync Smart Home Alarm Family Kit, £269.99, Amazon This all-in-one, wire-free package features a siren, two motion detectors, a door or window sensor, keypad and hub to control it all. THE BEST BIT It’ll automatically remind you on your smartphone to turn the alarm on if you’ve left the house without doing so.
Candid camera
Motion-sensitive lighting
Arlo Ultra 4K wire-free security camera system, from £449.99, Amazon The Arlo Ultra security camera has crystal clear 4K HDR video quality, a motion-activated spotlight and 180-degree field of view. It’s available in one- to four-camera packages. THE BEST BIT The built-in siren can be triggered by motion or audio detection or you can activate it remotely via the app.
Philips Hue outdoor sensor, £49.99, Amazon. Fix this wireless sensor (H7.6xW7.6x D5.6cm) to an exterior wall or fence and link it to an existing Hue system (from £49.95) – if it detects movement, a light will go on inside your home. THE BEST BIT The integrated dawn-to-dusk sensor ensures the light only goes on when it’s dark outside.
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IDEAL HOME PARTNERSHIP
‘I LIKE TO REINVENT ICONIC IMAGERYÕ New Zealand-born GrAzie’s love of colourful street art is reflected in her impactful pieces, available at Runway Gallery
I’ve been passionate about art for as long as I can remember. When I was eight years old, I won an oil painting competition at school with a traditional landscape of yellow flowers – pretty different to what I do today! I’d always been drawn to bright colours and, as I got older, I became more confident in my use of them. By the time I went to the Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, I’d begun to develop more of a Pop art style, which is far more in line with my personality. I’m at my happiest when I’m painting. I’ll start the day with (several) coffees and a walk on Hampstead Heath, before setting up in my studio, a lovely little summerhouse at the end of my garden. I paint standing up while listening to my favourite musicians, such as Prince or David Bowie. I work with a mix of materials, including spray paint, acrylics and diamond dust, building up layer upon layer of colour and texture before
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adding in finer details – I don’t like working on a white canvas! I look to fashion, music and pop culture for inspiration. I’ll take popular imagery and icons, from people and slogans to famous campaigns and photo shoots, and reinvent them with a modern twist, using intense colour and my trademark ‘faceless painting’ style. I like the idea that what I depict can be recognised regardless of the fact there’s no personality on show. In reality, we don’t know these people, iconic as they are. When it comes to choosing art for your home, I don’t believe people should be
When grouping artworks on a wall, mix and match traditional and modern pieces for an eclectic look.
”
NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR, IDEAL HOME
too fussy about sticking to a theme. Mixing styles, eras and genres shows more of your personality. I love the idea of pulling favourite colours from the painting and using them in your decor – I have an electric blue sofa at home that complements my pieces perfectly.
BECOME A COLLECTOR Looking for a statement piece to give your walls the wow factor? Runway Gallery is an online venture showcasing contemporary and affordable art from GrAzie and other artists. Visit runway-gallery. com to browse and buy.
NEXT MONTH Wildlife photographer Jake Mosher’s Metamorphosis artwork at Runway Gallery is inspired by the patterns on butterfly wings.
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT CHANEL IS KARL; GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS; AFTER MARILYN, ALL £2,950 EACH, BY GRAZIE EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE THROUGH RUNWAY-GALLERY.COM
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rAzie moved to the UK from her native New Zealand 14 years ago and is now based in north London. One of a number of artists featured at the online Runway Gallery, her stand-out pieces combine elements of Pop, street and abstract art with a bold colour palette.
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SUMMER LIVING
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Easy ideas to help you enjoy your garden more
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special 132 ‘We made it more
practical for family life’ A space for all
137 Make it work
for you Simple, contemporary style
138 Stay out after dark
The most stylish outdoor lighting ideas
140 Clever ideas for
small gardens Impressive, spacesaving solutions
143 Everything you
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need to know about... Garden fireplaces
144 Great garden
storage Create some order outdoors
IDEAL HOME
loves
Artificial grass Great for busy families who don’t have time to mow, feed or water a lawn, but need a soft surface for play
‘We made it more practical for family life’ Anne and Nick Osborne got rid of a working fountain and 6ft-wide shrubberies to create a safe space for playing and eating outdoors
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GARDEN PROJECT
Welcome to my garden Anne Osborne lives here with her husband, Nick and their children Archie, 11, Chloe, nine, and Henry, six.
THE GARDEN An 18x12m plot belonging to a six-bedroom Victorian house in southwest London.
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It looks smart, but has a relaxed, family feel. It’s so lovely to come out with a coffee and catch the morning sun, and the kids are out here all the time
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View from the house The kitchen doors at the rear look down towards the property’s annexe at the end of the garden. A permanent space for dining and relaxing takes centre stage, with the adjoining kids’ play area screened off by olive trees: ‘We didn’t want a climbing frame or trampoline stuck in the middle of the lawn,’ says Nick.
Climbing roses soften the bare brick walls
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W
hen Anne and Nick first saw this property, they thought the formal rear garden was breathtaking, but utterly unsuitable for their young family. ‘It had a big fountain in the middle of box hedges and 6ft wide beds,’ says Nick. The couple flattened the entire plot to give their three children somewhere to play, and got on with renovating and extending the house. A year or so later, they hired Chris Harrington of Harrington Porter to redesign it. ‘We enjoy entertaining, so we needed a good-sized dining and sitting area,’ says Nick. Lighting was also a priority: ‘We wanted to enjoy looking out at the garden after dark, including in the winter, when we get home after work,’ says Nick. Chris fitted floor lights in the
dining area and fairy lights in the trees. The couple had to be realistic about the lawn. ‘We spent half the year trying to keep it looking nice at our old house,’ says Anne. This time, they went for a fake lawn. For the planting, low-maintenance foliage softens the hard landscaping and gives year-round greenery. ‘Neither Anne nor I have green fingers,’ admits Nick. But they still knew they wanted particular plants. ‘Olive trees bring back memories of holidays,’ he says. Anne adds, ‘I asked for peonies, as they’re so delicate and pretty.’ The beds are fed by hidden hoses and sprinklers. The couple agree the project was £40,000 well spent and wouldn’t change a thing. ‘Archie and Henry would like cricket and football nets, and Chloe a gymnastics bar, though!’ admits Nick.
Lush border Shrubs in a mixture of green shades give the garden’s borders a simple but layered look. Trimming some into balls adds structure and shape.
Dining area This zone was created with grey floor tiles and low, blockwork walls forming built-in bench seating to which Anne added showerproof cushions. ‘We wanted it to be an extension of the house, so the greys match our interior decor.’
Love
ANNE’S STYLE? Turn to page 137 to shop the look
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GARDEN PROJECT
Suntrap seating A pair of clipped bay trees flank a seating area at the bottom of the garden. The symmetrical arrangement makes the garden look tidy and manicured.
Outdoor kitchen
FEATURE SHARON SMITH, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS JO KOSSACK
The barbecue is across the lawn from the dining area to prevent the family and their guests being smoked out while eating. ‘It is also handy for the indoor kitchen,’ says Nick. ‘We can pass things out through the window.’
WHAT I’VE LEARNT SUBTLE COLOUR The fencing is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hardwick White
“
We originally planted lavender, but it attracted the bees a little too much for comfort. When we were eating, the children were always edging away for fear of being stung
”
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FULLY ESCORTED TOURS Experience some of the world’s best destinations with these amazing tours
BERLIN, DRESDEN, MEISSEN & COLDITZ
BRUGES
5 DAYS FROM ONLY £499pp DEPARTURES UP TO NOVEMBER 2019 & APRIL TO OCTOBER 2020
4 DAYS FROM ONLY £229PP DEPARTURES UP TO DECEMBER 2019 & MARCH TO DECEMBER 2020
PRICE INCLUDES ● Tour of Berlin, seeing the iconic Brandenburg Gate, Norman Foster’s Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and more ● Walking tour of Dresden, ‘Florence of the Elbe’, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, formerly capital of the Kings of Saxony ● Visit Meissen and take a guided tour of the world famous porcelain studio ● Guided tour of Colditz Castle of Second World War prisoner of war fame with entrance included ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Four nights in conveniently located accommodation rated four star superior, with breakfast ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICES INCLUDE ● Guided walking tour of historic Bruges, arguably Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval town ● Visit to Ypres including the thought provoking First World War battlefields ● Visit to a traditional chocolatier creating exquisite Belgian chocolates, probably the world’s finest ● Return rail connections available on selected dates from over 50 regional stations (supplements may apply) ● Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International, plus all hotel transfers ● Three nights in a choice of three star to four star superior accommodation, plus breakfast ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PARIS
KRAKOW
4 DAYS FROM £199PP DEPARTURES UP TO NOVEMBER 2019 & MARCH TO DECEMBER 2020
4 DAYS FROM ONLY £429PP DEPARTURES UP TO DECEMBER 2019 & MARCH TO DECEMBER 2020
PRICES INCLUDE ● Comprehensive sightseeing tour of Paris ● Paris ‘By Night’ tour seeing some of the worlds most tastefully illuminated buildings ● Visit to Versailles, with its astonishing château ● Visit Montmartre, home of the artists’ quarter and the Sacré Coeur ● Return rail connections available on selected dates from over 50 regional stations (supplements may apply) ● Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International, plus all hotel transfers ● Three nights in three star or four star hotels, plus breakfast ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
PRICES INCLUDE ● Guided walking tour of the medieval city and Poland’s former capital ● Visit to Wawel, the castle district, one of Europe’s most striking royal residences ● Visit to Auschwitz Birkenau (included but optional) ● Optional tour of the cathedral like Salt Mines, the source of Krakow’s wealth ● Return flights from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers ● Three nights in excellent quality, centrally located four star accommodation, with breakfast ● The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
CALL 01283 744319 TO BOOK OR FOR A FREE BROCHURE, OR VISIT IDERIVIERA.CO.UK TERMS & CONDITIONS: Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Ideal Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of print.
SUMMER LIVING
Make it work for you
ANNE’S STYLE: SIMPLE, CONTEMPORARY STYLE Artificial grass, modern furniture and easy-to-tend greenery, create a family-friendly but grown-up outdoor space
1
Add plenty of smart seating for a sociable garden
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3
4
5
IDEAL HOME LOVES… COTTAGE BLOOMS
6
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
WHERE TO BUY 1. CUSHION Grey wave cushion, £10, M&Co
4. CHAIR Kennington garden chair, £329, Swoon
2. PLANTER Grey concrete planter, £45, Mink Interiors
5. TRAY White wooden tray, £8, Primark
3. BAY TREE Artificial bay tree, £50, Wyevale Garden Centres
6. FAUX FLOWERS Faux hydrangeas in glass vase, £55, Kelly Hoppen
Paeonia lactiflora Herbaceous perennial peonies provide bursts of colour to borders and flower fully in late spring and early summer. Plant in autumn.
Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’
Rosa ‘Climbing iceberg’
A compact, bushy perennial with narrowly ovate leaves and deep violet blue flowers from early summer to autumn.
This shrub has virtually thornless stems and produces fragrant double white flowers from early summer to autumn.
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Stay out after dark
WITH STYLISH OUTDOOR LIGHTING As the evenings come earlier, stretch out the last days of summer with some seriously good-looking garden lighting The festoon canopy Create an outdoor living room, zoned with a canopy or border of statement string lights.
Festoon outdoor line lights, £65 for 9.5m, John Lewis & Partners
The ground stake
The 2-in-1 speaker This rechargeable USB lantern plays music via Bluetooth from a phone or tablet. The wooden handle makes it easy to carry around the garden.
These directional lights are ideal around decking areas or to light up pathways.
Blooma Candiac spike light, £22, B&Q
Outdoor speaker light, £95, Cox & Cox
The chic indoor-outdoor The twinkly border Nestle these solar- and battery-powered lights among plants or in large pots.
Outdoor dandelion lights, from £26.95, Graham and Green
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This portable USB-charged lamp is available in a choice of colours, and the soft or bright setting will create mood lighting.
Mooon! table lamp by Fermob, £109, Houseology
SUMMER LIVING
The fairy lights Drape on a fence or wall, or create a canopy by stringing back and forth. Comes in various lengths, plus optional timer plug, bulb and cable colour.
100 warm white LED connectable fairy lights on clear cable, £25 for 10m, Lights4Fun
The outdoor chandelier Hang this instant ceiling light above a dining space, pergola or from a tree for an atmospheric festival vibe.
Festoon cluster light, £35, Garden Trading
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
The floor standing design
The ornamental lamp
Bring all the comforts of your living room to the garden. The LED lamp has been made to withstand any weather, so there’s no need to store it away at the end of the evening.
Wearing a decorative disguise, these solar lamps will create a warm glow on a decking.
Mullbacka floor lamp, £90, Ikea
Concrete-effect solar ball, from £30, Next Home
The smart strip Controlled by an app on your phone, the flexible and extendable strip is ideal for under fascias, down winding pathways and borders or at the edge of patios and decking.
Outdoor light strip, £79.99 for 2m, Philips
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Clever ideas FOR SMALL GARDENS Get the most from your plot, patio or balcony with these smart solutions for making the most of a limited space
Zone your layout Put down an outdoor rug to define seating and dining areas – it will act as an anchor point so you can arrange furniture sociably around it. WHERE TO BUY Plaza outdoor rug in Ivory, from £29, The Rug Seller
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SUMMER LIVING USE THE WALLS If growing space is limited, use walls to add extra greenery with pocket containers or vertical planters.
Squeeze in a dining table This half-sized table slots neatly against a wall and can be folded flat when not in use – ideal for tight spots. WHERE TO BUY Panama two-seat half table dining set, £69, Dunelm
Sola brass wall planters, from £48 each, Rowen & Wren
STYLIST’S NOTE
“
Give a cramped plot the illusion of space by hanging a mirror from a wall or fence to reflect the natural light
”
GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
OFF LIMITS Blooma Neva panel, £165, B&Q
MINI GARDEN Rubra metal planter stand in Cool Green, £119, Made.com
PAINT A BACKDROP Give panels a two-tone treatment to jazz up expanses of fencing. Five-year Ducksback weather protection paint in Silver Copse and Black, both £17.83 for 5L, Cuprinol
COVER UP Julma parasol base cover, £109, La Redoute
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SUMMER LIVING
GRAB AN EXTRA SEAT Invest in a couple of oversized floor cushions for when you have guests.
Use the corners Make full use of patio space with a compact L-shaped, corner or modular sofa. WHERE TO BUY St Ives Rope garden corner seating combination, £815, John Lewis & Partners
Global monochrome floor cushions in water-repellant cotton, £35 each, Argos
STYLIST’S NOTE
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Invest in outdoor furniture with built-in storage to save you having to buy a separate shed MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR STACK ‘EM UP Bamboo chair, £47.95, Homebase
”
BLUR THE LINES Bring in greenery to soften hard lines and edges for a cocooning effect. Lemon leaf expanding trellis, £29.99, Wyevale Garden Centres
FIND MORE IDEAS… Inspired to have a go at making the most of your small outdoor space? Take a look at this new book for even more solutions and tips for transforming petite balconies and awkwardly shaped gardens. Urban Garden Design by Kate Gould (£20, Kyle Books)
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FEATURE LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPH TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
IN ITS PLACE Welly store, £180, Garden Trading
SUMMER LIVING
Everything you need to know about…
GARDEN FIREPLACES There’s nothing better than gathering round a glowing fire on evenings outdoors and a fire feature makes a fabulous focal point for any outdoor space While a purpose-built fireplace or firepit offers the ultimate in outdoor heating, buying off-the-peg is a great alternative.
Q
What are the easiest outdoor options? A basic wood-burning fire basket or brazier requires little set-up and is contained in an open basket, so air circulates freely and the fire burns more efficiently. Firepits contain the heat source in a raised bowl, with designs ranging from simple portable metal bowls, to larger firepits with add-on grills or tiled surrounds.
Q
Which material should I go for? Stainless steel is easy to clean and rain and rust-resistant, but can be pricey. Steel is less expensive but more prone to rusting, unless it’s powdercoated. Stone and cast iron are robust but hefty to move, so it’s worth investing in a protective cover if you leave it out all year.
Q
Is wood-burning the only option? Most firepits burn solid fuel – wood with a lower moisture content such as kiln-dried logs or wood briquettes gives off less smoke, while charcoal gives a longer burn time so is cost-effective. Clean-burning bio-ethanol or gel firepits are another option. If you live in a smokeless zone, you must use smokeless fuel. For a list of what you can burn, visit smokecontrol. defra.gov.uk/fuels.
La Hacienda Kala oxidised firepit, £59.99, Very
Q
What about an outdoor fireplace? Freestanding wood-burners feature a flue that directs smoke up and away from guests, with heat radiating in one direction. Styles vary from modern metal or cast-iron designs to Mexican-style clay chimeneas.
Q
What extra features should I look for? Useful accessories include a mesh screen to keep embers from flying, a wood grate to
BEST FOR… allow better air flow and grills or hotplates for cooking on. Fire tables with built-in surrounds, either tiled or stone, give a handy resting surface for drinks if you’re entertaining.
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
IDEAL HOME LOVES… QUICK-FIT FIRES
BARGAIN BUY With mesh spark guard and handy storage in the base. Blooma Ulong cast iron and steel firepit, £65, B&Q
TABLE CENTREPIECE Gas powered for instant heat at the flick of a switch. Foremost gas garden firepit table, £489.97, Furniture 123
PATIO FEATURE This modern chimenea style fireplace comes in rust or black. Ivyline Henley outdoor fireplace, £500, Houseology
CHOICE Dobbies stocks a variety of styles at a range of price points, from basic portable fire bowls to top-of-the-range freestanding fireplaces. ACCESSORIES Firepits UK’s range includes ovens and firepits, plus all the essentials, from tools and utensils, to cooking racks, covers and kindling. MODERN STYLE Paloform’s handcrafted contemporary firepits are fabulous statement pieces in architectural concrete and weathered steel.
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Great garden storage FOR AN ORDERLY OUTDOORS Get your outdoor space organised with these clever garden storage heroes that suit every plot
Store &
ORDER
The everything shelving Made in cream-coloured powder-coated steel, the Kolbjorn outdoor storage furniture range from Ikea – a two-door cabinet, shelving unit and tall cabinet – can be combined to give you as much storage as you need.
Kolbjorn range, from £45, Ikea
The skinny store Perk up your patio with this bright blue beauty of a shed, measuring a compact W77xD54.2cm.
Vintage Boulevard wooden apex tool shed in Blue, £159.99, Wayfair
The bin camouflage While wheelie bins are a necessary evil, that doesn’t mean they have to ruin your garden view all summer long. This bin store hides them out of sight, with a bifold roof so you can access the lid easily, plus front doors.
Forest bin hide, £199.99, Very
The stasher planter
The sturdiest shed
This planter and outdoor storage cabinet combo is ideal for adding an extra space to stash garden tools. Try lining up three or four in a row together to act as a divider.
Is your garden groaning under all the outdoor furniture you’ve accumulated over the summer? This roomy, weather-resistant shed (H242xW229xD223.5cm) features double doors for easy access, paintable walls and both a window and skylight.
Consuela outdoor metal planter console, £305, La Redoute
Keter Oakland 757 shed, £729.99, Keen Gardener
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SUMMER LIVING
The multifunctional, stylish shed Made in Norfolk from FSC-certified redwood, this gorgeous, traditionalstyle shed can be ordered in a choice of six muted shades. The handy log store on the side is a big bonus for those with woodburning stoves, and, even better, delivery and installation are included in the price.
National Trust by Crane Blickling garden shed in Disraeli Green, £2,799, John Lewis & Partners
The patio system Outdoor kitchen? Potting table? This versatile unit can be used in a variety of ways. The two crate-style drawers below the trellis-topped table can be clipped onto the sides, while the front-opening cabinet is great for storage.
Wassif acacia garden cabinet with lattice wall, £405, La Redoute
The bike box Need somewhere to store your bike? This springassisted, easy-open garden store will fit a bicycle and plenty of other stuff out of sight. At H113xW139xD90cm, it’s relatively compact, it so won’t take up too much space in your garden either.
Trimetals stowaway garden store, £369, Robert Dyas
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
The back-door boot rack
The roomy log holder Need somewhere to store your logs for winter? This super stylish store will house loads of different-sized logs plus kindling outdoors and as it’s just 40cm in depth, it sits comfortably against an exterior wall or fence without taking up too much space.
A dedicated but discreet boot store placed beside the back door will encourage your family to leave all that troddenaround mud and dirt outside where it belongs.
Gothic boot store, £300, The Posh Shed Company
Moreton cross log store, £280, Garden Trading
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FOOD WITH FRIENDS
Treat them to a posh fish supper Ditch the meat and try something light but flavourful from Tom Kitchin’s book, Fish & Shellfish, for a special lunch or dinner this weekend
Halibut, red peppers & chorizo See page 151 for recipe
SIMPLE PLEASURES
Lobster burgers TAKES 30min SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS ● 1 x 700g lobster ● 1 avocado, peeled ● ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped ● Juice of ½ lime ● 1tsp chopped coriander leaves ● 1tsp soured cream ● 2 brioche burger buns, split ● Sunflower oil, to fry ● 100g fine polenta ● Mayonnaise, cos lettuce and tomato slices to serve
1 Buy the lobster on the day
you intend to cook it. It needs to be halved lengthways with the tail and claws removed (have a fishmonger do it).
2 Bring a large pan of water to
the boil with 1tbsp salt per litre,
and place a large bowl of iced water in the sink. Reduce the pan to a simmer, add the lobster tail and claws and poach for 4min or until the meat becomes white. Transfer to the iced water.
3 When cool enough to handle,
use scissors to cut along the back of the tail and remove the meat. Remove the small part of the claw and then, using the back of a big knife, crack open the claws, remove the meat and set aside.
4 In a bowl coarsely mash the
avocado. Add the chilli, lime juice, coriander and soured
cream, season with salt and pepper, then mix together. Lightly toast the burger buns.
5 When ready to cook, preheat
enough sunflower oil for deep frying to 180°C. Pat the lobster meat dry, then roll in the polenta. Fry the pieces for 1½min, until crispy. Drain on kitchen paper.
6 Spread the buns with mayo,
add the lettuce and top each with a tomato slice and lobster tail. Add a dollop of avocado mix, then skewer the top half of the bun in place, adding a piece of the claw meat to each.
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SIMPLE PLEASURES
Clam & miso broth TAKES 15min SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● 1.4kg live clams, cleaned and rinsed ● 100g red miso paste ● 4tsp caster sugar ● Olive oil ● 2 spring onions, trimmed and chopped ● 2 garlic cloves, chopped ● 1 shallot, chopped ● 1½tbsp peeled and chopped root ginger ● 1 diced red chilli and coriander sprigs, to garnish
1 Discard any clams that do not snap shut when tapped.
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2 Combine 400ml water, red
miso paste and sugar in a bowl, stirring to dissolve the miso paste and sugar, and set aside.
3 Heat a large frying pan
with a tight-fitting lid over a medium-high heat, then add a splash of olive oil. When it’s hot, add the spring onions, garlic, shallot and ginger, and sauté for 2min. Add the clams and miso mixture, then cover and leave
the clams to steam for 2min, shaking the pan occasionally, or until all the clams open.
4 Discard any clams that
have not opened. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, although you are unlikely to need any salt, as the miso has a salty flavour.
5 Garnish the clams with the
chilli and coriander and serve.
IDEAL HOME TIP The tartare sauce should be made at least 8hr before – leave to chill in the fridge
The Scran & Scallie battered fish with tartare sauce See page 151 for recipe
Thai monkfish curry TAKES 30min SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● 800g monkfish fillet, skinned and cut into chunks ● 2tsp turmeric ● Olive oil ● 2 onions, sliced ● 4 garlic cloves, chopped ● 2 lemongrass stalks, outer layers removed and stalks bashed ● 8 kaffir lime leaves ● 2 red chillies, deseeded and sliced ● 2tbsp peeled and diced root ginger ● 1tsp ground cumin ● 400ml coconut milk ● 100g baby corn cobs ● ¼tsp tamarind paste, mixed in 2tbsp water ● 100g mangetout ● 50g baby pak choi, halved ● Juice of 1 lime ● Coriander leaves, to garnish
1 Put the monkfish in a bowl, add the
turmeric and 2tbsp olive oil and rub the mixture into the pieces so they are well coated, then set aside for 5min.
2 Meanwhile, heat a good splash
of oil in a large pan over a mediumhigh heat. Add the onions, garlic and lemongrass, and sauté for 2min. Add the kaffir lime leaves, chillies, ginger and cumin, and sauté for 2min, or until the onions are softened.
3 Add the coconut milk, corn cobs
and tamarind liquid, and simmer for 5min for the flavours to blend.
4 Add the monkfish, mangetout
and pak choi, and season with salt. Simmer for 10min, or until the fish flakes easily and the vegetables are tender. Add lime juice to taste, adjust the seasoning, if necessary, and garnish with coriander leaves.
SIMPLE PLEASURES basil. Remove the bouquet garni, set the peppers aside and keep hot while you cook the halibut.
5 Pat the halibut dry and season.
Heat a splash of oil in a well-seasoned frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the steaks and fry for 3min before carefully turning over. Add the butter to the pan and continue frying for a further 3min, basting with the butter, or until the flesh flakes easily.
6 Remove the fish from the pan and
Halibut, red peppers & chorizo TAKES 1hr SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● Olive oil ● 5 red peppers ● 150g chorizo, chopped ● 1 onion, chopped ● 1 garlic clove, chopped ● 1 bouquet garni ● 150ml chicken stock ● Handful basil leaves ● 4 x 130g halibut steaks, skinned ● 20g butter ● 16 Padron peppers
leave to rest, covered with kitchen foil, for 2min. Meanwhile, add a splash of oil to the pan. When hot, add the Padron peppers and sauté for 3min, or until tender. Serve the halibut on the pepper mixture with the Padron peppers.
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI RECIPES ADAPTED FROM FISH & SHELLFISH BY TOM KITCHIN PHOTOGRAPHS MARC MILLAR
2 Place the peppers into a bowl, cover tightly with clingfilm and set aside for 10min — this makes the peppers sweat so you can remove the skins easily. Rinse off the skins under cold running water. Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds, then slice into strips and set aside.
1 To make the tartare sauce, mix the
gherkins, capers, shallots, mayonnaise and parsley together, then add a squeeze of lemon juice and salt and pepper. Cover and chill until required.
2 Make the batter 8hrs before you plan
to use it. Put the flour in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the milk and water, slowly whisking in the flour. Crumble over the yeast and beat well to combine, then beat in the salt. Cover with clingfilm and place in a warm place for 8hrs, whisking occasionally.
3 When you are ready to cook, heat
enough sunflower or vegetable oil for deep-frying to 185°C. Place a little extra flour in a flat bowl for dusting.
1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/
Gas 7. Heat a large well-seasoned ovenproof frying pan over a mediumhigh heat, then add a splash of oil. When it’s hot, add the peppers, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 2min on each side. Transfer the pan into the oven and roast the peppers, uncovered, for 10min, or until softened.
TARTARE ● 60g gherkins, chopped ● 30g capers in brine, rinsed and chopped ● 1tbsp chopped shallots ● 3tbsp mayonnaise ● 1½tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley ● Juice of ½ lemon FOR THE BATTER ● 250g plain flour ● 125ml whole milk, warmed ● 125ml sparkling mineral water ● 3g fresh yeast ● Pinch of salt
4 Pat the haddock dry and season all
The Scran & Scallie battered fish with tartare sauce TAKES 25min, plus chilling SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS ● Sunflower oil ● 2 x 150g haddock fillets, skinned ● 1 lemon, quartered, to serve ● 1 Little Gem lettuce, halved, to serve FOR THE
over with salt and pepper. Very lightly dredge the fillets with flour, tapping off the excess. Give the batter a good stir, then dip the fillets in the batter, letting the excess drip back into the bowl.
5 Add the fillets to the oil and fry for
4min, or until golden. If you’re using a basket, shake it gently so the fillets don’t stick to it. Remove the fillets with a slotted spoon and drain well on kitchen paper. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then serve with the tartare sauce, a lemon wedge and the lettuce.
3 Heat the wiped-out pan over a
medium-high heat, then add a splash of oil. When it’s hot, add the chorizo and sauté for 2min, or until oils are released. Now add the onion, garlic and bouquet garni, cover the pan, lower the heat and cook for 2min. Add the pepper strips and cook for a further 3min.
4 Pour in the stock, turn the heat to
medium-high and leave to simmer, uncovered, stirring frequently, for 20min, or until the peppers have a jam-like consistency. Stir in the
READER OFFER With five restaurants in Scotland, one of which – The Kitchin – has a Michelin star, Tom Kitchin is one of Britain’s best chefs. His TV appearances include Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen and he has written four recipe books. Ideal Home readers can get 20% off his latest book, Fish & Shellfish (normally £26) at bloomsbury.com/uk using code SHELL19X at checkout (UK only, P&P not included). Offer valid until 3 September 2019.
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FROM YOGA MOVES TO FINDING YOUR GROOVE... On our new ship Iona, so many surprises lie in store. Some you might not have ever considered. How about practising some yoga in a spectacularly serene setting, followed by a chance to let loose on the dance floor back on board? That’s the beauty of travelling with us.
HOLIDAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE
7 NIGHT NORWEGIAN FJORD HOLIDAY FROM £749PP†
POCRUISES.COM | 03453 566 699
†Early Saver price of £749 per person is based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of Inside cabin available on Iona cruise G015. Prices are subject to availability and may go up or down. Bookings are made at the relevant cabin grade and a cabin number is allocated by P&O Cruises prior to departure. Dining preferences are not guaranteed. Shuttle buses in ports are an additional cost. Early Saver prices apply to new bookings only. These terms and conditions vary, where relevant, the applicable booking conditions which are otherwise unchanged. For up-to-date prices and full P&O Cruises terms and conditions which you must read before booking please visit www.pocruises.com. P&O Cruises is a trading name of Carnival plc, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04039524. Feefo rating 4.2 out of 5 based on 16,910 reviews as of June 2019.
Customers rate P&O Cruises Powered by Rating as of June 2019
SIMPLE PLEASURES
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Ett Hem’s lounge is as cool as they come; the red-brick building oozes character; its mezzanine suite is suitably cosy for couples; a king-size bed and Fifties corner stove grace the elegant suite
Scandi retreat ETT HEM Stockholm, Sweden With its Ilse Crawford-designed interior, this Arts and Crafts hotel is a chic home from home in the Swedish capital
E
tt Hem translates as ‘a home’ and the interior of this 12-room boutique hotel feels just that, albeit at the uber-beautiful end of the hotel spectrum. It’s located in a 100-year-old townhouse in the city’s embassy district and no detail has been overlooked by owner Jeanette Mix. She enlisted the expert eye of design powerhouse Ilse Crawford to create the hotel’s interiors and quintessential to the schemes are combos of modern pieces married with antiques, including real-candle chandeliers and vintage stoves. And the charm doesn’t end at furniture
and accessories, Ett Hem has a ‘help yourself’ policy – pour a drink from the honesty bar or wander into the kitchen, where the chef will likely rustle up something for you. Free of the intimidation of big, glitzy restaurants or attention-grabbing bars, this high-design but low-key spot is as perfect for the solo traveller as it is for the loved-up couple looking to escape for the weekend to an on-trend Scandi hotspot.
BOOK IT Double rooms from £415 per night. To book, visit etthem.se
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Just for You
An advertisement feature bringing you the best value for those special purchases around your home.
To advertise, please call 0207 611 1061 or email sales@canopymedia.co.uk
GIVE YOUR LAWN THE EDGE WITH EVEREDGE
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HAUS AND HOME
T EA E! GR ALU V
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EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER SOFA SET - £200 OFF!
The Murcia is a chic mocha shade lounge set made from high quality artificial resin which makes it virtually maintenance free. Comfortable and stylish made easy, the Murcia includes a 3-seater sofa, two armchairs all with seat and back cushions and a coffee table made from clear tempered glass creating a functional centre piece, perfect for drinks and snacks in the garden. Includes a 12 month warranty. Normally £699, this modern set is now available at an incredible £499. To receive your £200 discount please quote code JFU31JUL at checkout before 31.08.19 To order, visit www.outandout.com or call 02037 728 752.
DON’T MOVE... JUST IMPROVE Conservatory Roofing UK Ltd convert existing glass or polycarbonate roofs using a highly insulated lightweight system, enabling full use of your conservatory all year round. Cooler in Summer and warmer in Winter. Specialists in tiled conservatory roof systems for all conservatory styles, shapes and sizes.
Enjoy al fresco living this summer with a Haus awning from Appeal. �e Haus awning combines the very latest design and technology with precision German engineering.
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Innovative features include automatic weather sensors that extend the awning to give shade when the sun’s out. An awning will provide welcome shade from the hot Summer sun and protect furnishings. Dimmable LED lighting and radio controlled infrared heating will allow you to spend more time relaxing and entertaining into the evening. Quartzize are currently offering free fitting exclusively to all Just For You readers, a saving of up to £250. Call 0800 802 1792 now for a FREE quotation or visit www.quartzize.com
To obtain your free brochure and details of the 10% o�f Special O�fer, simply go to www.appealshading.com/justforyouo�fer or call 0800 975 5757 making sure that you quote ‘Just For You O�fer’. O�fer ends 31st August 2019.
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All companies listed are wholly independent. We recommend that you carry out your own checks before entering into any agreement. When making any purchases we would recommend that you use a credit card providing protection in the unlikely event of any issues. No part of this page maybe reproduced without the permission of Canopy Media.
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Made to Measure PE RABOO Blenheim’s RF DI ST OR AT S bespoke-made MA OR cabinets are the elegant NC and heat efficient way to hide E ugly radiators in your home.
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SUBSCRIPTIONS All prices are for 12 issues and include p&p. Delivery times for overseas services are shown in brackets. UK: £52.80. USA (direct entry, five to 12 days): $152. Europe (priority; three to five days): €167. Rest of the world (priority, five to seven days): £122. Credit card hotline: 0330 333 1113; or call from overseas on: +44 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday Saturday, 8am 6pm; UK time. Make cheques payable to TI Media Limited. For enquiries and orders, please email: help@magazinesdirect.com. Alternatively, call from the UK on: 0330 333 1113; or call from overseas on: +44 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday Saturday, 8am 6pm, UK time. 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 TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. Ideal Home 0019 1361 is published monthly by TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Distributed by MarketForce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, London E14 9AP (020 3787 9001). TI Media Limited regrets that it cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any unsolicited material. By submitting any material to TI Media Limited, you consent to TI Media Limited and/or its associated companies reusing the submitted material in any format or medium throughout the world in perpetuity. TI Media Limited reserves the right to shorten or modify any submitted material at its own discretion. The contents of the magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without permission. Printed by Walstead UK Limited in the UK. Repro by Rhapsody Media. Cover printed by Walstead UK Limited in the UK. Ideal Home is sold subject to these conditions: that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first give, be lent; resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price on the cover; selling price in EU and Eire subject to VAT; and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. All information and prices correct at time of going to press. While we try to answer any enquiries, we cannot guarantee a response.
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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 us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. 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.
Editorial Director Vanessa Richmond 020 3148 7335 Group Creative Director Georgia Hibberdine 020 3148 7342 Executive Editor Heather Young 020 3148 7326 Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry 020 3148 7180 Commercial Editorial Operations director Jane Akers 020 3148 7313 Associate Editor Ginevra Benedetti 020 3148 7347 Group Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor Sarah Farley 020 3148 7189 Decorating Editor Nicky Phillips 020 3148 7346 Style Editor Michela Colling 020 3148 7355 Houses Editor Ruth Corbett 020 3148 7330 Senior Features Editor Stephanie Durrant 020 3148 6218 Features Editor Holly Walsh 020 3148 7353 Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke 020 3148 7136 Hub Chief Sub-Editor Amy Hodge 020 3148 7118 Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Jennie Filer Sub-Editor Chloe Hay Head of Art Operations Alison Walter 020 3148 7113 Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson 020 3148 7338 Acting Art Editor Hannah Bennewitz 020 3148 7343 Art Editor Paula Jardine 020 3148 7156 Art Editor Melanie Brown 020 3148 7160 Senior Designer Christina McQuillan 020 3148 7899 Designer Charlotte Holland Group Digital Director Sarah Rafati Digital Content Director Holly Boultwood Acting Digital Content Director Stephanie Wood Digital Editor – Homes Group Amy Cutmore Shopping Editor Tamara Kelly
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IDEALHOME.CO.UK | SEPTEMBER 2019
161
A SPACE OF MY OWN
‘My yoga studio is my happy place’ Laura Colucci is so serious about yoga, she’s got a purpose-built studio in her garden where she can practice it in peace, all year round
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The bright, simple space is free from distraction – except the sound of the sea
“
The moment I step inside, I can feel myself beginning to unwind, as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders
”
After having The Nook to myself for a year, I decided to start sharing it with other yoga-lovers who live locally or are visiting the area. In August 2017, I started teaching slow-flow Hatha yoga sessions and power yoga. Once a month, I hold candlelit Yin yoga sessions, which are really relaxing and atmospheric. To be mindful and help others feel happy, rested and more connected with their lives is just amazing. I love the sense of community and the
SEPTEMBER 2019 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Laura has used calm, coastal colours
friendships that I’ve forged along the way. It has been an amazing journey. But, even though I love to share it, The Nook is primarily my personal space for relaxing. It’s where I feel most grounded – my escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.’
FEATURE JANET MCMEEKIN PHOTOGRAPHS HELEN CAWTE
aura, 42, lives in a five-bedroom detached house in Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex, with her husband Paul, co-founder of a private equity firm, and their sons, Luca, 11, and Connor, eight. ‘I’ve been practising yoga for ages. It's become my passion and is now something I can’t live without. I'd been talking for many years about my dream of creating my own designated yoga space, then in 2016 I did it! We built a separate yoga studio right next to the house. We live by the sea, so the building has been specifically designed to blend seamlessly with our timberframed house. The exterior is clad with cedar, which has weathered beautifully. One of my favourite things is hearing the waves crashing against the stones on the beach when I open the studio doors on a sunny day. It has a rustic, laid-back vibe, large glazed doors and a neat little woodburning stove that I use in the colder months. When it’s cold and raining outside, I light the stove and place candles around the space to make it really welcoming, cosy and inviting. I decorated it in calm, neutral tones to make it feel tranquil and filled it with accessories in subtle hues to reflect our coastal surroundings. I call it The Nook and it’s my sanctuary, my soulful retreat that I can escape to and reconnect with mind, body and spirit. The moment I step inside, I can feel myself beginning to unwind. It’s as though a weight has been lifted off my shoulders; everyday concerns just disappear from my mind.
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