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EST. 1920

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

Live life outdoors Turn your home into a stylish summer haven

Get inspired!

IDYLLIC REAL HOMES & GARDENS

STORAGE GOALS

Your kitchen cupboards, sorted!

THE NEW WAY TO DO monochrome 26-PAGE SPECIAL

GARDEN IDEAS

◆ EASY STYLE UPDATES ◆ BEST BBQS & SMART GADGETS ◆ OUTDOOR ROOMS ◆ ALFRESCO FOOD ◆ PAINT PROJECTS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome Heather Young, Editor

As for many of us, my family’s summer holiday is set to be a staycation this year. It will be our first summer in our new home, so I’m banking on the novelty factor to make it special, but I’ve also been busy readying the house and garden to create as much holiday magic as possible.

Our new outdoor sofa set (I plumped for the Havsten from Ikea) has to be my top purchase of 2021 so far – so comfy! I spraypainted an old coffee table black, invested in an outdoor rug, and voila, we have a living area that I suspect we’ll spend most of our time at home in, over the next few months.

PHOTOGRAPH MARTINA GEMMOLA/LIVING INSIDE

If you’re keen to follow suit, hotfoot it to our Summer Living section from page 125, which is packed with ideas to make the most of your garden. Our design experts share their advice on everything you need to know when it comes to moving your living space outdoors (see page 134). Plus, we’ve got easy project ideas, genius buys and plenty of inspiration to get you in the alfresco mood. Enjoy!

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July 2021

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56 Real homes

What’s new

18 Marrying old and new An

7 Set the scene for...

Australian bungalow gets a contemporary update

Lawn lounging

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The style editor News from our favourite shops

42 Closer to nature A clever

extension makes the most of this country location

11 The design edit

High-end looks on a high street budget

65 Feel the love This Victorian

villa, previously 1970s bedsits, is now a beautiful home

13 The shortlist Hero cushions

82 Barefoot luxe Comfort and

15 Ideal vs great deal

calm flow throughout this new build by the coast

Laid-back seasonal buys

16 Wallpaper edit

Summer meadow designs

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JULY 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

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ALL S T

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Style & decor SM

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

ON

34 The new monochrome

Timeless black and white gets a fresh modern twist

41 Create a storage wall Keep clutter at bay

58 56 Garden wall storage

Transform a pallet into shelves

58 Ways with wallpaper Add a

hit of pattern around the home

80 The colour edit Powder blue 96 20 easy style updates

Before & after 108 ‘The wait was well worth it’ A smart kitchen extension

116 ‘We’ve finally got our dream sanctuary’ This loft en suite exudes boutique-hotel chic

123 Project news Kitchen and bathroom update

125 ‘We lowered the floor

to link to the garden’ A sleek extension seamlessly connects to the outdoors

CONTENTS

82 134

150

Outdoor living

Simple solutions

128 ‘Our parched lawn is now a

114 Your food storage, sorted

133 Working with a garden

Simple pleasures

lush haven’ Clever planting in a smart contemporary scheme designer Get expert help

134 Interior design advice How to take your living space outside

Great ways to get organised

150 Celebrate summer berries 157 Weekend bake

140 Garden paint ideas Give your

158 Ideal Home travel An idyllic

144 Genius problem solvers

Regulars

retreat in North Norfolk

outdoor space a colour boost

Innovations for outdoor living

146 Portable barbecues for home or away

149 Make your garden smart The latest outdoor tech

Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk

Follow us at twitter.com/ idealhome

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3 Editor’s letter 94 Subscribe to Ideal Home 166 Brilliant or bonkers?

See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk

Fringing

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 £19.49 for six months. Visit magazinesdirect.com/IHJUL21

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WHAT’S NEW

Set the scene for…

LAWN LOUNGING

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING STYLING CHARLIE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPH TIM YOUNG/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

On a hazy summer’s day, stock up on drinks and snacks and pile the grass with cushions, throws and lighting – that way morning can drift into afternoon, or the post-work chillout roll on until dusk, without you having to move a muscle.

WHERE TO BUY Denim hammock, £160; Curry light linen cushion, £42, both Folk Interiors. Embroidered Ikat cushion, £50, Cox & Cox. Linen throw with fringes, £94.99, LinenMe. (On grass) Gothenburg bamboo lantern, £69, Rose & Grey. Black/Natural jute pouffe, £85, Next Home, is similar. Woven fringed throw in Mustard, £95, Cox & Cox. Charcoal stripe bed roll, £125; Sage tassel cushion, £45, both Graham and Green. Lush round velvet cushion, £39, West Elm, is similar. Amnis Amber carafe, £36; tumblers, £11 each, both Abode Living. Barni terracotta honey pot, £6, Rowen & Wren.

Striped linen napkin, £16 for two, Nordic House. Maia chambray throw in Bronze, £68, Amara, is similar. Bembridge forage basket, £50, Garden Trading

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WHAT’S NEW

SOFA.COM MEETS JACK WILLS This four-piece collaboration combines preppy casual style with double duty design and storage solutions. The Harry is a modular sofa made for building, mixing and matching – create a chaise, lounger or modular sofa, all with a nifty stash space beneath – while the clever Woody coffee table comes with nesting stools that tuck neatly under it.

The STYLE EDITOR Harry Modular unit from £680, Sofa.com X Jack Wills

Voxlov bamboo dining chair, £75

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

Need to know

Mango homeware We know fashion brands turning to homeware is a winning formula; H&M and French Connection case in point.

Mango’s first collection focuses on textiles for living, bedroom and bathroom. Think laid-back Mallorcan vibes, rustic waffle Cushion cover, and linen textures in a palette £12.99, Mango of warm neutrals and a striking cobalt accent. ‘Our customers have been asking for products for their homes. They want the same comfort and style they look for in clothes to decorate the rooms of their homes,’ says Toni Ruiz, Mango CEO.

Organic cotton bath mat, £19.99, Mango

Surprise in store

Ikea chairs

Waffle cotton bedspread, from £79.99, Mango

Don’t be fooled by the modest price tag – plenty of thought and clever design has gone into creating this light yet supportive seat. The frame is made from sustainable, renewable bamboo, which after growing for three to six years becomes as hard as wood, but more flexible. The tilted frame is paired with handwoven paper cord on the seat and back rest for built-in elasticity.

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WHAT’S NEW ARTY FLORALS Agapanthus woven throw, £139, Liv Lee Textiles at Fy!

MODERN COUNTRY COLOURS Fresh, cocooning and restful perfectly describe all 12 colours in the new paint collection from Country Homes & Interiors magazine and Earthborn. The chalky tones in the claypaint and emulsion are easy to pair in varied combinations and the paint is virtually VOC free. It’s also available as eggshell for woodwork and eco chic furniture paint.

TRAILING BEAUTY Eastern Delight woven throw, £119, Rachel Parker Textiles at Fy!

We’re in love...

Arty woven throws at Fy! Drape over a sofa or hang these decorative designs as wall art ABSTRACT HORIZON Sunset 2 throw, £139, Jan Skacelik Textiles at Fy!

Walls painted in Faerie with Baked Tile stripe, both £47 for 2.5ltr of claypaint, Modern Country Colours collection at Earthborn

STILL LIFE Pots And Cheese woven throw, £139, Eva Halfers Textiles at Fy!

Outdoor lighting from Houseof The outdoor living room has never been such a hot topic and Houseof are getting in on the action with their chic yet practical garden lights. Create a cosy atmosphere outside just as you would indoors by hanging a globe pendant paired with a table lamp, and enjoy those summer nights for longer (even if they are blanket-assisted).

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Hanging lamp, £79, Houseof Floor lamp, £179, Houseof

Tripod floor lamp, £199, Houseof

Lantern speaker, £79, Houseof

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WHAT’S NEW

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FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

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THE DESIGN EDIT Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend…

WHERE TO BUY 1 Lemon (shown) and Orange Trees framed prints, £60 set of two, John Lewis & Partners 2 Castle Green Tartan cushion, £59, Antipodream 3 Volute candle, £18 for two, Maison Balzac at Liberty 4 Zig Zag stool, £210, Pols Potten at Harvey Nichols 5 Minimal Spatter terracotta plate, £26, Notonthehighstreet.com 6 Gingham Watercolour napkin, £15.95 for four, Joules 7 Orange ceramic jug, £59.50, Oliver Bonas IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

FRINGE DETAIL Face cushion, £8, George Home

GLOBAL PATTERN Bloomingville Black tassel cushion, £25, Nordic Nest

TROPICAL FANTASY Kruger II cushion, £95, Emma J Shipley

THE SHORTLIST

HERO CUSHIONS Give your sofa, bed or favourite armchair a boost with a statement scatter, or three!

DECO DESIGN Leveque cushion in Blush and Navy, £20, Harvey Norman

ABSTRACT SHAPES Blume cushion in Ochre, £12.99, Dobbies

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

«

I come in different colourways

SCANDI FLORALS Kalina cushion in Yellow, £45, John Lewis & Partners

GEOMETRIC NEUTRALS Bloomingville Kelsie cushion, £32, Sweetpea & Willow

JAPANESE SERENITY Zen Onsen cushion, £55, Postcards Home IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL

Create a relaxed, laid-back vibe indoors and out with comfy seating, cosy textiles and soft lighting TACTILE TOUCH Textured batik damask outdoor cushion, £19.99, Beanbag Bazaar

MONOCHROME HIT Outdoor reversible cushion, £10, Matalan

WALL FEATURE Copper colour outdoor mirror, £35, National Trust Shop

AGED EFFECT Weathered effect garden mirror, £20, Wilko

ADD WARMTH Tall iron firepit with handles, £250, Ella James

SOLAR LIGHT Woven wooden lantern with Truglow candle, £25.99, Lights4fun

LOW BURNER Classic Collection 50cm firepit, £155, Firepits UK

QUICK CHANGE Geo pattern reversible rug, £38, Rockett St George

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

MOORISH WEAVE Kasbah Nimbus outdoor rug, £138, Weaver Green

EASY CHAIR Indoor/outdoor slim hanging chair, £399, Cox & Cox

RUSTIC LOOK Willow braided extra small lantern, £15.95, The Grey Works

CUSHY SEAT Chilton floor cushion, £275, Soho Home

CHIC MACRAME Marvellous macramé pouffe, £80, Joe Browns

MODERN CLASSIC Alps single egg chair, £279, Dobbies IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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WHAT’S NEW

The Wallpaper Edit

SUMMER MEADOW

Create a restful ambience with wallcoverings depicting colourful wildflowers, swaying grasses and delicate cow parsley

ON

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SM

EP

FIELDS OF GOLD

SCANDI FLORA

BRUSH STROKES

PAINTERLY STEMS

This large-scale border print in muted green conjures the feeling of tall grasses swaying in the summer breeze.

Feather Grass in 5101, £131 a roll, Farrow & Ball

Bring a rural charm to your interiors with this delicate cow parsley print on a textured yellow background.

Superfresco Easy Aura in Ochre, £16.95 a roll, Homebase

Stylised meadow flowers from Sweden are depicted in lively shades for a versatile and uplifting wallpaper.

Simons Ang in White, £86.90 a roll, Sandberg at Jane Clayton & Company

Inspired by the Wicken Fen nature reserve, painterly grasses and flowers dance on woven jacquard.

Violet Grasses in Cobalt, £49 a roll, Sanderson at Wallpaper Direct

A repeat of poppy seed heads, daisies and pussywillows in black and white make this design perfect for neutral schemes.

Meadow in Black, £29 a roll, Albany at Wallpaper Direct

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FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT

ALL S T

COUNTRY CALM

HANGING STORAGE Attach hooks above for shopping bags and other kitchen bits and bobs

Wall painted in Blackboard Black, £18.29 for 1ltr, Rustins. Wall above painted in Raw Chalk pure flat emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Sarson blackened hat and coat hooks, £14 each; Bruna serving board (right), £26, both Rowen & Wren. Blockprinted Floret bag, £48, Louisa Loakes. Yumi oak cutting board, £50, Oyoy. Vintage apple crate, £12, Etsy. For similar box of chalks, try Present & Correct. Jute twine ball, £2.45, Nutscene. Wooden plate in ash with Yakisugi finish, £140 set of four, Bird & Branch Turnery Co. Everyday mug in Slate, £38, Emma Lacey. Lohals flatwoven rug, £30, Ikea

Take note

Keep organised and tick the style box at the same time with a wall of blackboard paint. Use it like an oversized notepad for shopping lists, reminders or fun messages

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REAL HOME

Love

SASHA & JULIA’S STYLE? Turn to page 30 to shop the look

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Welcome to my home

Julia Treuel lives here with her partner Sasha Wright-Neville. Julia is an interiors stylist and writer; Sasha is a senior software sales executive.

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Edwardian detached bungalow, built around 1905, in the Elsternwick suburb of Melbourne, Australia.

We love how close the house is to the beach and we’ve reflected that in the decor.

It suits our quiet, relaxed lifestyle

Take a quick tour...

“

”

W

GROUND FLOOR

hen Sasha Wright-Neville first saw this house, its historic appeal was hard to resist: ‘The Edwardian facade was beautiful, the 12-foot-high ceilings made the rooms feel larger than they were and the intricate detailing of the cornice in the bedroom was breathtaking. The location was also fabulous, close to the city centre, local shops and transport,’ she says.

‘Sasha bought the house in 2004 and lived in it for some time before we made the decision to renovate,’ says Julia. ‘Originally, it was part of the Rippon Lea estate [a local historic mansion]. The back of the house had seen better days. We wanted to maintain the heritage of the house while adding the latest mod cons.

‘We designed the space ourselves and had an architect draw up the plans. At the top of our wish list was a big, bright space, flooded with natural light. We kept the original 12 foot ceilings, installing feature windows for added impact. Conservation rules meant we had to retain the facade. With that in mind, we kept the front

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bedroom and knocked down the rest of the house. The only other section that remained was the original bay window in the open-plan area. The renovations took six months, to the day, finishing bang on time and budget.’

‘We both love to decorate, but Julia does it for a living and takes responsibility for the overall look and feel,’ says Sasha. ‘We’re minimalists at heart and prefer clean lines with contemporary accents. There’s a lot of white in the house, as we love the sense of space white gives.

It creates a neutral base to work with. You can pretty much throw anything at it and come up trumps! We decorated this property room by room as it was our first project together and we were trying to find our style.’

‘The light in the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room is incredible and it feels so open and spacious. We spend the majority of our time in the open-plan area with the doors flung wide open. There’s nothing better than the sea breeze wafting through. When we’re not cooking in the kitchen, you’ll find us relaxing in the bay window or enjoying the tranquility of the seating area.’

REAL HOME

Servery

‘Sitting at the servery is one of our favourite things to do. The backyard isn’t huge, but it still feels like a Zen oasis. We layered different plants to create the illusion of fullness and used tropical species to give a relaxed vibe. We feel like we’re on holiday every time we come outside.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try the Lix bar stools, £52.95 each, Sklum

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WOVEN PENDANTS Create a statement but don’t block sight lines

Dining area

‘In this garden room we eat together, we work, we have good conversations and like to give dinners – especially our annual New Year’s Eve party. This is where everything comes together – it’s really fantastic!’

BUY THE KEY PIECES CPH Deux 210 dining table, from £555; AAC 123 Soft Duo chairs, from £579 each, all Hay. Random Light II, from £534.52 each, Moooi

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REAL HOME A graphic print is a contemporary contrast to the vintage sideboard

Kitchen-diner

‘We’ve had the beautiful Pastoe sideboard and bureau for a long time. I found them on the resale website Marketplaats. It’s important to give a house a soul and that never works with things that come in one style.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Custom framed map poster, from £35, Mapiful.com

Kitchen-diner

‘Plants add colour and warmth to this house. I love looking after them – I couldn’t live without them.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar chair, try the CH30 dining chair in oiled walnut, £980, Carl Hansen & Son at Nest. For a similar stool, try the Cedak rattan cane stool, £99, La Redoute

Our style is a mix of “ new and old. It’s Scandinavian, complemented with unique second-hand finds and family heirlooms

”

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Outdoor deck

‘Friends gather on the deck for drinks and nibbles. We fire up the barbecue and dine alfresco. If it’s a warm evening, we stay outdoors but, when the temperature drops, we while away the hours indoors by the fireplace.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar furniture, try the Borello five-seater garden sofa set, £1,299, Beliani

BLACK-PAINTED FENCING Works with the interior colour scheme

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REAL HOME

“

We spend the majority of our time in the open-plan area with the doors flung wide open

”

UPCYCLED POTS Terracotta basics given a paint-over

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“

There’s a softness in the decor because we used natural materials throughout. It’s airy, and the cool colours make it feel so tranquil

”

SUPERSIZE PICTURE Less clutteredlooking than a gallery wall in a small space

Work space

This corner of the seating area functions as a study. The mirrored finish of the desk makes it less obtrusive in this multifunctional, open-plan space. A round mirror helps to soften all the strong, straight lines.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar desk, try the Islington chrome and glass console table, £523, Shropshire Design.

Try the Meagan metal armless stacking chair, £551 for four, Wayfair

Dining area

‘I like to use big, bold pieces of art to finish the decor,’ says Julia. ‘The gorgeous piece in our dining area is based on a Google Earth image of Bay of Fires, a coastal region in Tasmania.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Artwork by Megan Weston. For a similar dining table, try the Atlanta White high gloss, £579, Oak Furniture Superstore. For similar chairs, try the Wishbone-style in Black, £195 each, Rockett St George

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REAL HOME

Seating area

‘The seating area is quite narrow, so we chose a “floating” sofa that helps give the illusion of space as it’s clear of the floor.

The coffee table is simple but striking – we love its marble top.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar coffee table, try the Cassius, £399, Swoon. For similar sofa, try the Osaka, £1,349, BoConcept

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Master bedroom BLACK FRAME Gives the room a bolder accent

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‘Our room is a little more traditional than the rest of the house as it’s the only space we preserved entirely. The ornate skirting was too beautiful to lose, so we restored it.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar headboard, try the Smith, from £315 for a double, Loaf. The Pop 47cm desk lamp, £54.99, Nordlux at Wayfair, is a match. The Shreyas tray table, £28.99, Hashtag Home at Wayfair, would work here

REAL HOME

OAK STOOL Adds warmth and natural texture to a sleek bathroom

Master bedroom

FEATURE LIVING INSIDE/VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS MARTINA GEMMOLA/LIVING INSIDE PLAN RICHARD HOOKWAY

Julia used this corner to create a quiet spot for reading away from the busy living area. The upcycled chair was a vintage find, reupholstered in a contemporary print.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar side table, try the Birch plywood stool, £129, Soap Designs at Notonthehigh street.com. Try the Zig Zag Scenario quilted cushion cover, £15, La Redoute

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

“

Prioritise the things you really want and know what you’d be prepared to compromise on. We renovated on a pretty tight budget and couldn’t experiment with the bathroom as much as we’d have liked. We wanted marble tiles, but they were out of our reach

”

Bathroom

‘The bathroom is lovely and functional, with a soft grey-andwhite palette. If we did it again, we’d choose different tiles as the natural stone marks easily.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar table, try the Skioa oak circular lamp table, £74, Lifestyle Furniture. Artwork by Julia’s mum, Helen Treuel

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REAL HOME

Make it work for you JULIA’S STYLE: LIGHT AND BRIGHT MY GO-TO STORES…

Calm colours, clean lines and sleek styling create a relaxed feel and effortlessly cool vibe

SWOON For sleek, modern furniture with a glamorous edge.

O

Throw open doors and bring the outside in

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Great for black accent pieces and quirky accessories.

O

ACCENT LIGHT Pantone Castor ceiling pendant, £89.99, Moonbeam Lighting

NORDIC NEST For simple oak basics and soft sheepskin furnishings.

O

MATT FINISH Orman round metal mirror, £99, Cult Furniture

FAUX FLORAL Pink gladioli stem, £9.99, Gisela Graham

STYLIST’S NOTE

“

CROSS-LEGGED Kelso side table, £99, Dunelm

Balance a cool, contemporary scheme with soft curves, plush textures and dusky tones on furniture and furnishings LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR

MINT CONDITION Hay Dot Steelcut Trio cushion, £69, Nest

”

TOUCH OF BLUSH Fantastic faux sheepskin rug, £30, Joe Browns

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FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

RELAXED CURVES Mimi three-seater sofa in Toronto Chocolate, £929, Sofology

STYLE SECRETS

THE NEW MONOCHROME The timeless combination of black and white remains a classic – and is inherently chic – but for a softer, more casual take on the palette, mix it up with natural materials and raw textures

THIS PAGE Hella sideboard, £825, Cox & Cox. Vases (from left) Pit Fired vase 02, £45, Elliott Ceramics at Artists & Objects.

Dark Grey bottle with handle, £30, Rockett St George. Extra tall bottle in hornbeam, £250; small bottle in ash with Yakisugi finish, £120, both Bird & Branch Turnery Co. Porcelain dish in Eggshell by Lina Wil, £30; Washed Stripes giclée framed print by Adam Watts, £260, both at Artists & Objects

Well turned out Grouping tactile objects in pale-to-dark tones on a black sideboard creates a simple, striking display

OPPOSITE PAGE Walls painted in White Ribbon matt emulsion, £23.40 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home at Albany. Window frame (insets) painted in Off-Black estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Isaac three-seat sofa in Alabaster brushed linen cotton, £1,640, Sofa.com. Cushions (from left) Chindi Patchwork Kantha (reverse shown), £110, Stitch by Stitch. Textured cotton in Dark Navy and Birch, £80, The Conran Shop.

Block + Stitch rectangular, from £80, Stitch by Stitch. Floret hand block-printed and painted, £180, Louisa Loakes. Brera Lino in Cameo and Parchment, £60, Designers Guild. Bayleaf coffee table (shown without drawer), £3,144, Sebastian Cox. (On table) Koben bowl in ash with Yakisugi finish, £195, Bird & Branch Turnery Co. Cinetico vase, £179, Britta Herrmann at The Conran Shop. Anais carafe, £39; Manon wine glass, £11; Halfa handwoven tall basket, £64, all Rowen & Wren. Manhattan floor lamp, £499; Hansen jute rug in Black, £189, both Heal’s

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REAL HOME

Feel the love

Trish Thomas and Dan Ellitts have breathed new life into a run-down Victorian villa, turning a warren of bedsits into a characterful home full of light

Living room

The reinstated fireplace was an eBay find, revived with a coat of mustard yellow paint. ‘I love the way you see it reflected in the hallway mirror through the double doors,’ says Trish.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Fireplace painted in Tilton, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Lancelot solid elm and metal coffee table, £665, Tikamoon

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Walls painted in Shaded White estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.

Eugene dining table, price on request, Pinch. Dining chairs, from £519.60 each, Hans J Wegner at Carl Hansen & Søn.

Noko pendants, £195 each, Nkuku, are similar. Curtain panels in (central) Melani Weave, £38m; (left and right) Open Space Wrap Weave, £38m, both Studio 23 Textile.

Edged in Brera Alta, £156m, Designers Guild. Kanca glass planter in Smoke Grey, £395, The Sofa & Chair Company.

Barbry glass carafes, from £35 each, Georg Jensen at Wheelers Luxury Gifts. Mali side plate, £12.95, Nkuku.

Patina candlesticks in Pale Pink and Pale Jade, £190 each, Lola Lely Studio.

Olea faux olive tree in rattan pot, £220, Maisons du Monde, is similar. Pantry cupboard, £3,200, Sebastian Cox at DeVOL. Manilla drinks trolley with rattan, £273, Shropshire Design, is similar. Masai flatweave rug in Tobacco, £1,510, Roger Oates Design

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Relaxed dining

Create a space to host laid-back summer mealtimes with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

Large, open-weave pendants create impact, while the black chairs keep the look fresh and modern

STYLE & DECOR

PHOTOGRAPH DAMIAN RUSSELL STYLING ALI BROWN

LIGHTEN UP Too much black can be overwhelming so offset with white walls for freshness

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STYLE & DECOR Trestle dining table in oak, £499, John Lewis & Partners. (Clockwise from top) Inka jug, £30, Oyoy. Pit Fired vase 02, £45, Elliott Ceramics at Artists & Objects. Everyday jug, £36, Emma Lacey. Koben bowls in ash with Yakisugi finish, £275; (inside) £140, both Bird & Branch Turnery Co. Artisan Earthy plate, £18, Rockett St George. Handmade stoneware plate, £29, Rowen & Wren.

Porcelain dish by Lina Wil, £30; Conical bud vase by Studio Brae, £20, both at Artists & Objects. Yumi cutting board, £50, Oyoy. Spoon, stylist’s own. Wooden plate in ash, £140 set of four, Bird & Branch Turnery Co. Ceramic bowl, from £30, Kerry Hastings

Opt for artisan

SUBTLE SHEEN Incorporate pieces that catch the light to lift the look

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FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS MARK SCOTT STYLING LORRAINE DAWKINS STYLING ASSISTANT BECKY WILKINSON

Calming warm neutrals, grounded by black accents, allow the beauty of these handcrafted pieces to shine through

HANGING STORAGE Attach hooks above for shopping bags and other kitchen bits and bobs

Wall painted in Blackboard Black, £18.29 for 1ltr, Rustins. Wall above painted in Raw Chalk pure flat emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Sarson blackened hat and coat hooks, £14 each; Bruna serving board (right), £26, both Rowen & Wren. Blockprinted Floret bag, £48, Louisa Loakes. Yumi oak cutting board, £50, Oyoy. Vintage apple crate, £12, Etsy. For similar box of chalks, try Present & Correct. Jute twine ball, £2.45, Nutscene. Wooden plate in ash with Yakisugi finish, £140 set of four, Bird & Branch Turnery Co. Everyday mug in Slate, £38, Emma Lacey. Lohals flatwoven rug, £30, Ikea

Take note

Keep organised and tick the style box at the same time with a wall of blackboard paint. Use it like an oversized notepad for shopping lists, reminders or fun messages

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STYLE & DECOR

CREATE A…

STORAGE WALL

Bring some order to a family space

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING STYLIST SARITA SHARMA PHOTOGRAPH JOANNA HENDERSON

Hook it up

If storage space is at a premium or you want to avoid boxes lined up in the living room, look to the wall to help clear the clutter.

Hang wall baskets for quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, tablets and other stuff that tends to lie about. Tech can be stored out of reach in the higher baskets.

HANG ON Use sturdy, decorative metal hooks that can take plenty of weight

Holkham utility baskets, £30 each, Garden Trading. Sarson blackened forge hooks, £9 each, Rowen & Wren

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REAL HOME Many of the schemes focus on shades of grey and white

Guest bedroom

In the largest room at the top of the house, the original fireplace and alcove cupboard with lovely curved edges were retained. This striking yellow-painted piece and framed artwork pop against the grey walls.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cupboard painted in Muga architects’ eggshell, £29.50 for 750ml, Paint & Paper Library.

Kawa lounge chair, £195, An Artful Life

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Stairs

Trish’s home acts as a showcase for her extensive collection of artwork. Here, a pair of big, bold painted canvases creates a dynamic focal point.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For abstract artwork like this, try East End Prints.

For a similar ceiling light, try Rosella two-arm contemporary ceiling light, £210, La Redoute

REAL HOME

Living room

‘Our style is a mix of new and old stuff. It has a Scandinavian base, with unique finds from auction sites, junk shops and markets, as well as family heirlooms,’ says Marjolijn.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Mags Soft three-seater sofa, from £2,693; tray tables, from £159 each, all Hay. The Arbor club chair, £435, Barker and Stonehouse, is a match.

The Beru Berber-style rug, from £99, La Redoute, is similar

PROPPED PICTURES Easy to move or change on a whim

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Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom detached house built in 2000 in Vinkeveen, in the Netherlands.

THE VALUE

Marjolijn Lievers lives here with her husband Misja and their sons Simon, 10, and Thomas, seven.

Marjolijn owns an online stationery store and Misja is an entrepreneur.

M Take a quick tour...

FIRST FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR

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Bought for €825,000 in 2011; now worth €1.4million.

Every time I drive up the path, I sigh with relief – it’s so nice to be home!

“

”

arjolijn and Misja loved their old house, but hated its location near the motorway. ‘It made selling it difficult,’ says Marjolijn, ‘but that gave us lots of time to look for another place.’

The couple set their sights on Vinkeveen. Marjolijn says, ‘It’s a village, but we can also be in Amsterdam or Utrecht within 15 minutes. We looked at more than 30 houses – everything from new-builds to 1930s houses and even farmhouses – and, after no less than four years, finally ended up here! We wanted a detached house that had a soul and a big garden, but that would be low maintenance.

‘I was heavily pregnant with Thomas when we got the keys, but we started tackling the biggest issues immediately. We cleared the garden of debris and found another piece of land behind dense blackberry bushes!

We had the whole house painted, inside and out, and replaced the flooring downstairs. We also had a chimney removed in the living room and replaced it with a modern fireplace. Shutters were fitted, too, to give the house character. The biggest project was in 2016, when we extended to create a “garden room” kitchen-diner. We refitted the kitchen and laid a larger terrace. The new room completes the circular layout of the house, with all rooms arranged around the stairs.

‘Creating a cosy atmosphere at home was my priority – making it a great place to invite friends to for dinner, having a drink and playing music. Nothing stays in the same place for long – I always move and change things in the house. I’m influenced by travelling but also by my work for my store, houseofproducts.com. I read a lot and follow lifestyle trends, but I’m also very sensitive to colour. Creativity is what I do! We are so happy and grateful that we live here and can enjoy nature to the full.’

REAL HOME

Living room

‘The gallery wall continues to expand – we started with three pictures! I have added new photos after every holiday, as well as masks from Africa.

They are different sizes and orientations, but it works because the colours are just black, white and taupe.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar picture frames, try the Lomviken range, from £8, Ikea

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WOVEN PENDANTS Create a statement but don’t block sight lines

Dining area

‘In this garden room we eat together, we work, we have good conversations and like to give dinners – especially our annual New Year’s Eve party. This is where everything comes together – it’s really fantastic!’

BUY THE KEY PIECES CPH Deux 210 dining table, from £555; AAC 123 Soft Duo chairs, from £579 each, all Hay. Random Light II, from £534.52 each, Moooi

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REAL HOME A graphic print is a contemporary contrast to the vintage sideboard

Kitchen-diner

‘We’ve had the beautiful Pastoe sideboard and bureau for a long time. I found them on the resale website Marketplaats. It’s important to give a house a soul and that never works with things that come in one style.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Custom framed map poster, from £35, Mapiful.com

Kitchen-diner

‘Plants add colour and warmth to this house. I love looking after them – I couldn’t live without them.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar chair, try the CH30 dining chair in oiled walnut, £980, Carl Hansen & Son at Nest. For a similar stool, try the Cedak rattan cane stool, £99, La Redoute

Our style is a mix of “ new and old. It’s Scandinavian, complemented with unique second-hand finds and family heirlooms

”

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REAL HOME

BLACK WALL Adds depth to the white gloss kitchen

A wood frame mirror adds a natural accent in the black-painted hallway

Kitchen

‘We opted for white cabinets and this requires a contrast.

To match the black oven and hob, we painted a black wall that extends from here to the entrance hall.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try the J Pull kitchen in White Gloss, £1,308, Wren Kitchens. Lamp Black Absolute matt emulsion, £48.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene, is a match

Kitchen

‘This is one of the darkest places in the house. For that reason it was necessary to choose white cabinets and worktops. We decided not to have wall units to keep the room feeling light and airy.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Photograph by Jasper Suyk Photography. Concrete Grey matt floor tiles, £37.99sq m, Tile Mountain

“

Being surrounded by nature has changed our lifestyle. We have more peace and quiet, and space

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”

Outdoor dining area

‘The location of this house puts you in touch with nature and the seasons. In May the blossom comes. You can spot ducks, buzzards, swans and pheasants.

And in September all the trees turn to beautiful warm colours.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Try the Breeze dining armchair, £375 each, The Worm That Turned. The Kettler rectangular hip table, £212.50, Gardenfurnitureworld, is a match

ROOF OVERHANG Keeps the glazed kitchen-diner cool on sunny days

Main bedroom

‘The petrol shade on the back wall works really well with all colours. I don’t know of any other that mixes as well with so many different materials and colours like this shade does.’

BUY THE KEY PIECES Hicks’ Blue Absolute matt emulsion, £48.50, Little Greene, is a match.

Club wall lamps, £145 each, House Doctor at Nordic Nest. The Jasper bedspread, £75, Dunelm, is similar BUILT-IN LEDGE The perfect place to gather pictures and knick-knacks

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REAL HOME A wall-hung double vanity unit helps this space to feel more open.

TOWEL LADDER Lots of storage that uses little floor space

Main bedroom

A corner of the room has been turned into a dedicated dressing area with accessories storage and a big mirror.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For similar mirror, try the Skylar standing mirror in Black, £170, Perch & Parrow. Try Hicks’ Blue Absolute matt emulsion, £48.50, Little Greene.

Club wall lamp, £145, House Doctor range, Nordic Nest

Bathroom

Large-format grey floor tiles have been continued up the sides of the bath for a streamlined effect.

BUY THE KEY PIECES The Leit bamboo ladder, £34.99, Sklum, would work here. For similar hammam towel, try the striped 100% cotton hammam beach towel, £9.95, The Turkish Emporium

“

Nothing stays in the same place for long – I always move and change things around in the house

”

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REAL HOME

MY GO-TO STORES…

Make it work for you

WEST ELM Find striking midcentury modern chandeliers and retro-inspired furniture.

TERESA’S STYLE: MATERIAL MINIMALIST

O

MAISONS DU MONDE From contemporary to boho, industrial and country, it’s got all bases covered.

Lush green and polished brass accents contrast raw yet sleek formations of wood and concrete

O

LIGHT BURST Satin Gold Kalmanovitz Sputnik chandelier, £219.99, Wayfair

Wood tones add warmth to this minimalist scheme

HABITAT Unique yet approachable design-led furniture and a great range of accent pieces.

O

EYE CATCHING STEMS Alocasia Zebrina, from £16, Leaf Envy

POT SWAP Fusion seagrass basket, £20, John Lewis & Partners

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

WILD SIDE Cheetah and palms cushion, £28, French Bedroom Company

SIMPLE SILHOUETTE Kent velvet four-seater sofa, £1,299, DFS

STYLIST’S NOTE

“

Incorporate display shelving into an integrated storage design, just keep it uncluttered if your style is minimal MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

”

ORGANIC WOBBLE Wells bubble wide vase, £40, Garden Trading

MINIMAL BERBER Oliban rug, £90, La Redoute IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 6 MONTHS * FOR £19.49 SAVE 30%

REAL HOME

Make it work for you MARJOLIJN’S STYLE: COSY SCANDI

A mix of old and new styles with Nordic-inspired design at its heart creates a distinctive and welcoming scheme

GREAT DEAL

FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPH LOUIS LEMAIRE

IDEAL

BAMBOO POSTS Simplicity bookcase in White, £159.99, Wayfair SLEEK SIMPLICITY Compo shelf unit, £325, La Redoute

CAGE DESIGN Damon globe pendant, £83.99, Wayfair

PURE WOOL Casbah rug, £275, Loaf

BOLD PATTERN Lanua embroidered cushion, £35, Made

NATURAL FIBRES Dacite Black pendant ceiling light, £25, B&Q

ABSTRACT SHAPES Interplay cushion, £24.95, Juniqe

FINE LINES Berber rug, from £30, George Home

MID-CENTURY ELEGANCE Relaxed lounge chair in Tan leather, £675, Cox & Cox

SOLID ASH FRAME Brad leather armchair in Vintage Brown, £790, Perch & Parrow

REACTIVE GLAZE Lirio ceramic vase, £22.50, Oliver Bonas

UNIQUE FINISH Alis vase in Reactive Blue, £15, John Lewis & Partners IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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STYLE & DECOR CREATE…

GARDEN WALL STORAGE Transform a wooden pallet into a rustic display

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS AND STEPHANIE DURRANT STYLING SARITA SHARMA PHOTOGRAPH DOMINIC BLACKMORE

LIGHT IT UP Hang solar lights to illuminate your display so it looks just as appealing after dark

Pallet shelving

An old pallet makes the perfect wall display and storage combo – simply remove sections of the panels to create handy shelves. Use it to hang small tools, organise gardening essentials such as twine, and keep seedling pots close to hand. Cup hooks and S hooks make ideal fixed and movable holders.

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Large chrome effect S hook, £2; garden solar retro light bulb, £4, both Wilko. Chinese money plant in pot, £8, B&Q

9

PAINT A FEATURE ARCH If you’ve a room that lacks architectural details, fake it by painting your own.

Use a dark, contrast colour and at a quick glance it looks like a niche or alcove.

Arch painted in Ink Well Simply Refresh Feature Wall matt emulsion, £25.35 for 1.25ltr, Dulux

STYLE & DECOR

A dark patterned paper in a light dresser will make white china pop

Dress to impress

Blur the lines between indoors and out in a dining space and give a dresser an update with natureinspired paper. Use a subtle pattern with a light background on the wall behind – try a trellis design for a modern country style.

(On wall) Veranda Trellis wallpaper, £76 a roll, Zoffany.

Suffolk dresser in Snow, from £2,260, Neptune. (On dresser) Fern wallpaper, £61.95 a roll, Wallpaper Direct, would work here. China from a selection at Denby, Portmeirion and Notonthehighstreet.com

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16

Evie bedframe in Plush Pink velvet, £999, Furniture Village

HANG ARCHIVE WALLPAPER Create a cosy, country bedroom by papering

one wall in a leafy arts and crafts print. Team with plain furniture and bedding to balance out the ornate pattern, using calm shades of sage, cream and blush to add warmth.

17

BUILD A SHADED NOOK Extend your outdoor space by installing a wooden pergola on

Pergola treated in Wood Stain and Protect in Ebony, £9.99 for 1ltr, Protek

a patio or deck. Paint the timber black for a striking look and train climbers up it to provide extra shade.

Festoon with lights to make the space look magical after dark.

STYLE & DECOR

18 DOUBLE UP WITH TWIN BASINS Channel hotel chic with a twin vanity unit in a bathroom or en suite. Ensure symmetry with identical basins and fittings, and add statement mirrors for a luxe look.

19 ROLL OUT THE DRINKS Set up a mobile drinks station outdoors so you’ve everything to hand when friends drop by. Stock lower shelves with bottles and heavier items, with lighter-weight glasses on top.

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, JUSTIN COAKLEY DESIGN_AT_NINETEEN

Alfriston Clergy Shallow Water tiles, £78sq m, National Trust collection, Ca’ Pietra

Asta Barrington Mojito tray, £20, Daisy Park

20 Drinks trolley, £450, The White Company

STOCK UP ON ESSENTIALS Stash outdoor dining kit in a basket so you

can grab everything at once when you’re heading out into the garden. Include shatterproof glasses, melamine plates, cutlery, trays and serving dishes.

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STYLE & DECOR

FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Choose the same design for all three boards, or go for the same design in three toning colours

Walls painted in Turkish blue matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Fired Earth. For similar magnetic boards, try Ikea. Industrial desk, £340, Sevon Magok at Etsy, is a match. Isaac gunmetal armchair, £120, Graham and Green. Hector table lamp, £215, Original BTC

Get organised

Swap a scruffy looking pinboard for one covered in a hero wallpaper. It’s a great way to add interest to a neutral wall or to relieve an expanse of block colour.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

REVIVE YOUR ROOMS WITH PAINT Keep your walls looking fresh for longer with hard-working, wipeable emulsion from Crown Paints

MODERN LOOK Wall in Light Breeze flat matt emulsion, £37.99 for 2.5ltr; Mustard Jar matt emulsion, £18 for 2.5ltr

ON-TREND COLOURS Wall in Satin Lining flat matt emulsion, £37.99 for 2.5ltr; English Fire matt emulsion, £18 for 2.5ltr

GREAT COLOUR RANGE You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting colours. This multi-surface paint comes in more than 50 shades, which can be applied to walls and ceilings, as well as metal and wood,

saving you the need to buy more than one product – and saving you money.

VERY VERSATILE New formulas make easyclean® ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, too. Kitchen matt emulsion, with Greaseguard+ technology for extra grease resistance, kills 99 per cent of household germs on painted surfaces, while the Bathroom mid sheen emulsion boasts Mouldguard+ to resist mould, steam and condensation.

What’s more, the full range is low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), 99 per cent solventfree, and asthma and allergy friendly. So you can relax knowing that wherever you use it, you’re creating a happier, healthier home.

WHERE TO BUY Crown Paints easyclean® range is available to buy from Crownpaints.co.uk, Homebase and leading independents

FEATURE LIZZIE HUDSON

A

knock from the vacuum, a chair scrape, a handbag scuff, or even a spaghetti-hoops toss… the walls in a busy family home have to take a lot. But if you choose the right paint they’ll stay looking great for longer.

Crown Paints easyclean® is an innovative matt emulsion that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Independently tested for stain and scrub resistance, this paint is 200 times tougher and more washable than a standard matt emulsion.

So when your walls take a hit, you can just wipe them down – again and again, without deteriorating the paintwork.

REAL HOME

Feel the love

Trish Thomas and Dan Ellitts have breathed new life into a run-down Victorian villa, turning a warren of bedsits into a characterful home full of light

Living room

The reinstated fireplace was an eBay find, revived with a coat of mustard yellow paint. ‘I love the way you see it reflected in the hallway mirror through the double doors,’ says Trish.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Fireplace painted in Tilton, £21.95 for 1ltr, Annie Sloan. Lancelot solid elm and metal coffee table, £665, Tikamoon

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HOW JENNY AND STEVE DID IT… ‘We bought our home on impulse. Steve saw it for sale at 9pm one night and had an offer accepted the next day. It was in a perfect location and had the potential for an extension. We then had to wait a couple of years for planning permission, as it’s in a conservation area.

We wanted to create a large space with character that would complement the existing building. So, although we love clean lines, the design and the

CEILING SHADE Painting the ceiling to match the walls creates an immersive feel

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materials are more organic than contemporary. The whole build cost £110,000 and took a year. Steve fitted the kitchen and laid the flooring himself.

We bought oak carcasses and added bespoke cabinet doors.

His DIY skills extend to every detail: he made the beautiful lighting by rolling metal into simple sculptural forms. We’ve since set up a website to sell his lighting online, called Arcform (studioarcform.com).’

BELOW ‘We saw a charcoal kitchen in a magazine and used it as a starting point.

We love being creative. It would have felt like cheating simply to buy a kitchen!’

Similar kitchen, £12,000, Naked Kitchens. Dining chairs, £60 each, Mmilo.

Sheepskins, £14.95 each, Wayfair

“

I was sold on the generous hallway space the minute I walked inside

”

Kitchen-diner

Knocking through the rooms, restoring the ceiling to its full height and fitting floor-to-ceiling sliding doors made the most of the space and light. ‘I used large Moroccanstyle tiles on the floor and continued them onto the terrace to make it feel like one space,’ Trish says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Docks fir and metal industrial dining table, from £161.50, Maisons du Monde. Spaces Bruges Petal Black tiles, £22.30 each, Topps Tiles. Skurup wall lamp, £25, Ikea

Hallway

‘We restored a sense of grandeur by relocating and widening the doorway out to the entrance hall,’ says Trish, who sourced a set of beautiful reclaimed pitch pine doors for the new opening.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar bust sculpture, try The Ancient Home. For reclaimed doors, try eBay

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REAL HOME

MATT BLACK CABINETS Ground the space and bring a sense of drama

Kitchen

Trish chose matt black cabinets and a large island with white quartz tops to create this modern monochrome scheme. Oversized pendants help to delineate the kitchen from the dining area.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cabinets in Anthracite, from £750; Kasker White quartz worktop, from £300sq m, both Ikea. Nordlux Belly 38 Black pendants, £115.82 each, UK Electrical.

Tolix-style metal bar stool in Gunmetal, £49, Cult Furniture, is similar

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DARKER CEILING Creates a cosier feel in a high space like this drawing room

Drawing room

This is the grandest room in the house. ‘The previous owners used it as the master bedroom, but it is so lovely we wanted to make use of it during the day,’ says Trish.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Wrought Studio Astra coffee table in White, £399.99, Wayfair, is similar. For mid-century armchairs, try eBay

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REAL HOME

Drawing room

‘This room is so large, it took me three attempts at arranging the furniture before I got the zoning right. We have a seating area, a work area and extensive shelving for our large record collection,’ says Trish.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Eket shelf/cabinet combinations with legs in White, £100 each, Ikea. For mid-century leather swivel chairs, try eBay

“

The natural light in the spacious drawing room is amazing

”

Top landing

The shower was removed and the space on the landing restored, with practical storage and open shelves for a carefully curated display.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Siliguri vase (on cabinets, far right), £20, Design Vintage. Där Sebastian semi flush ceiling light, £106, John Lewis & Partners, is similar. Jouko set of two fibre cement planters on wood legs (on floor, far right), £69, Made, are similar

Large foliage plants feature prominently throughout

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REAL HOME Many of the schemes focus on shades of grey and white

Guest bedroom

In the largest room at the top of the house, the original fireplace and alcove cupboard with lovely curved edges were retained. This striking yellow-painted piece and framed artwork pop against the grey walls.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cupboard painted in Muga architects’ eggshell, £29.50 for 750ml, Paint & Paper Library.

Kawa lounge chair, £195, An Artful Life

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Stairs

Trish’s home acts as a showcase for her extensive collection of artwork. Here, a pair of big, bold painted canvases creates a dynamic focal point.

BUY THE KEY PIECES For abstract artwork like this, try East End Prints.

For a similar ceiling light, try Rosella two-arm contemporary ceiling light, £210, La Redoute

Master bedroom

Trish painted both the ceiling and woodwork in a dark, leadtoned grey for a sophisticated feel. Black bedlinen brings further depth to the scheme.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Ceiling painted in Down Pipe estate emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr; woodwork in Down Pipe estate eggshell, £67 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Ogilvy wall light in Matt Black and Antique Brass, £59, Made

SIMPLE SHADE Allows the statement print and wall light to stand out

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REAL HOME

Bathroom

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

The guest room features bright tones and quirky touches

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Take your time with decision-making. We found that some ideas we had at the beginning of the project about how we might use the space had changed by the time we were into the second year of the renovation

”

FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH PLAN RICHARD HOOKWAY

Trish has created stylish wet rooms in both the bathrooms, with a glass screen separating the overhead shower and freestanding bath from the rest of the space.

BUY THE KEY PIECES BC Designs double-skinned acrylic 1,700mm boat bath, £1,129.99; Burlington roll-top basin with stainless steel stand, £479, both Drench. Saint Rafael floor tiles, £35sq m, Your Tiles, are similar

FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS SNOOK

BATHROOM PROJECT

WALL LIGHTS A simple and elegant way to illuminate each basin

ABOVE Grey-white marble tiles reflect light in the enclosed WC and walk-in shower. Low-level lighting in the alcove, controlled from the bedroom, is handy for night-time use.

Alsace honed marble wall tiles, from £89.60sq m, Mandarin Stone S

ABOVE Samantha made the bespoke washstand by customising an Ikea frame with joinery, brass legs and knobs, a Carrara marble top and a painted finish.

Washstand painted in Hague Blue modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Flos Mini Glo-Ball wall lights, £99.90 each, Made in Design

RIGHT ‘We can control the overhead lighting in the shower from a master switch beside the bed.

The cement floor tiles have been sealed, making them water-resistant and suitable for a wet room.’

Thermostatic brushed gold shower with hand-held shower, £595, Lusso

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

I was surprised at how long some of the processes took. It was three months to design, template and install the bespoke steel and glass screen – there was a lot of work in getting it right

”

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REAL HOME

Make it work for you TRISH’S STYLE: CURATED COOL MY GO-TO STORES… ABIGAIL AHERN I love her lighting and accessories – her style is a huge influence on me.

O

White walls and open shelves create a blank canvas for a considered collection of artwork, furniture and finds SHAPE SHIFT Black and white composition art print, from £15, Abstract House

Subtly toned patterned cushions soften the scheme

DESIGN VINTAGE This has beautifully curated pieces. I’ve picked up great pots and vases from here.

O

EBAY You can’t beat it for vintage and it’s a great place to source new products too.

O

RUSTIC POTTERY Brown Oumd vase, £63, The Find Store FRESH GREENERY ZZ plant and Helena Rose pot, £66, Soho Home

STYLIST’S NOTE

“

Fill an empty corner with greenery – floorstanding plants will add height to a display

SLEEK LINES Grasshopper floor lamp, £109, Cult Furniture

”

LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

ZIGZAG WEAVE Freja recycled cushion with tassels, £28, Beaumonde

AGED LOOK Round mango wood and iron coffee table, £199, La Redoute

TAN LEATHER Harlow large two-seater sofa in Denver Tan, £1,299, Made

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THE COLOUR EDIT

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

Walls painted in Flax emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr; Clemmie king size headboard in Lara Burnt Sienna with Harry Rust piping, £630; Larsson bedside table in Navy, £465; cushions from £50, all Neptune

STYLE & DECOR

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

Walls painted in Walpole marble matt emulsion, £51 for 2.5ltr; woodwork and ceiling painted in Long Acre wood & metal eggshell, £69 for 2.5ltr, Mylands

Designers and stylists share their views ■ ‘If you’re looking for a colour to use with powder blue, then a fresh white will never go out of style,’ says Abby Hesketh, paint specialist at Graham & Brown. ‘I’d add in muted blush tones for a soft feminine touch or peach for some vibrancy.’

■ ‘Powder blue works best in an east-facing room where the morning light (which is cooler) would flatter the colour,’ says Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. ‘This shade would also work brilliantly in a south-facing room, where the nuanced undertones will become more pronounced as the sun streams in.’

■ ‘Try pairing powder blue shades with a deep, dark smoky blue for a dramatic scheme,’ says Clare Tilbrook, joint founder and colour consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook. ‘This would look particularly good in a kitchen, where the depth of the darker shade could be used to ground the lower cabinets with the lighter blue used on the wall units.’

■ ‘Chalky whites, sandy tones and soft terracottas blend and harmonise with powder blue tones – they give it additional warmth while maintaining its restful character,’ says Judy Smith, Crown colour consultant.

■ ‘Powder blue has a great versatility, so you could keep it relaxed, as a backdrop to a deep slouchy Chesterfield sofa in inky blue velvet,’ says Patrick O’Donnell at Farrow & Ball.

■ ‘Metallic fixtures bring out the silvery undertones in powder blue to create a glamorous and subtle finish, especially in bedrooms,’ says Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. ‘For a higher contrast, gold and brass furniture and fixtures transform this barely-there neutral shade into a real statement colour.’

■ ‘It can be a bold decision to choose to paint a ceiling in any other colour than white,’ says Jason Hines, director of decorative at Homebase.

‘However, we naturally respond to a blue ceiling because the sky is blue. Reducing the saturation to a powdery blue hue will add an element of sophistication to the space.’

“

You can bring the scheme into focus and give it an edgy, unexpected element by adding touches of charcoal for definition

”

JUDY SMITH, CROWN COLOUR CONSULTANT

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

THE EDIT: SOFT BLUES

BEST FOR NORTH-FACING ROOMS Temple Linen Pure matt, from £25 for 1ltr, Fenwick & Tilbrook

BEST FOR BEST FOR A MODERN CREATING A SCHEME SENSE OF CALM Hazy estate emulsion, Powder Blue matt £49.50 for 2.5ltr, emulsion, £16 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball Crown Paints, Homebase

BEST FOR A GREY ALTERNATIVE Novel matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Graham & Brown

BEST FOR MAXIMISING LIGHT Borrowed Blue paint mixing matt, £30 for 2.5ltr, Dulux

BEST FOR VERSATILITY Morning’s Promise vinyl matt, £23.40 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home at Brewers

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? HEAD TO OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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Barefoot luxe Teresa and Anthony Ralph transformed an overgrown plot into a magical coastal haven for their beach-loving family

Love TERESA’S STYLE?

Turn to page 93 to shop the look

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REAL HOME

Sitting area

Built-in cabinetry with sliding doors hides the TV and provides a neat, spacious storage zone.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Scott sofas, £999 each, Made.

Sputnik chandelier, £499, West Elm

SUPERSIZE IT A large coffee table serves as a footstool or extra seating when the house is full of people

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Welcome to my home

Teresa Ralph and her husband, Anthony, who are both property developers, have two children, Zachary, 15, and Scarlet, 14.

Take a quick tour...

THE PROPERTY

A detached singlestorey three-bedroom new build in Kent.

THE VALUE

The plot was bought for £200,000 and the house cost £600,000 to build.

Now worth £1,275,000.

GROUND FLOOR

“

We wanted a serene interior, but it had to withstand wet towels and sandy feet

F

”

inding a rare parcel of land for sale on the Kent coastline was a dream for Teresa and Anthony Ralph. ‘Many individual plots had been carved up on the North Foreland Estate and people clamour to buy these uncomplicated lots, but we were drawn to an unloved piece of land which was the only one with views of the beautiful lighthouse,’ says Teresa.

The land included a tiny gardener’s cottage and once the overgrown plants had been cleared, the couple were excited by the true size of the space. ‘We rethought our initial plans about just renovating the tumbledown cottage, and put in planning permission for a second, contemporary single-storey dwelling on the site, oriented towards the lighthouse. At first, this was refused, but permission was granted on appeal.’

Inspiration for the contemporary design came from a mix of shared memories and the family’s love of the beach lifestyle. ‘Holidays spent in funky, low-lying

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properties that evoke calm were at the forefront of our design. Privacy and personal spaces are super important to us, so the design had to reflect that,’ Teresa says.

Their plans to keep both properties changed when Covid struck and they needed the funds to complete the new build. ‘We’d hoped to be able to rent out the cottage and live in the new house, but lockdown forced us to sell the cottage to allow us to finish the second property.

The family moved into their new home just in time to enjoy the long, hot summer of 2020. ‘It was amazing.

The proximity to the beach, plus the evenings in the garden lit up by the lighthouse made our home feel like a secret hideaway,’ says Teresa. ‘However, as Covid escalated again in the winter, we had to make the tough decision to sell our home in order to regroup.’

Teresa remains positive about their experience.

‘Anthony and I will definitely seek another special plot to recreate all of these magical things again.’

REAL HOME

Sitting area

Keeping the colour scheme simple gives the room a clean, contemporary look. ‘Adding green tones in the form of furniture and accessories echoes the greenery of the garden and is such a calming colour,’ Teresa says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Jangala leaf motif cushion, £24, Made, is similar

LOW PENDANT Swap a table lamp for a stylish long drop pendant light

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REAL HOME

Kitchen

The polished concrete floor unifies the large kitchen, dining and sitting room space.

‘The oak cabinetry acts as a softening contrast and adds an organic feel,’ Teresa says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Flooring, price on request, Contemporary Concrete Floors

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ZONING TIP Pendant lights create definition between spaces within an open-plan room

Kitchen

Combining a storage bench with the island created the space for a large dining table.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Kitchen cabinetry, from £34,500 for a similar design, 3 Planks. Woven pendant light, £274, Nkuku

Hallway

The chic low corner bench in the hall doubles as a place to change out of wet shoes and a quiet reading nook.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Designed by 3 Planks, price on request.

Similar metal frame wall mirrors, £60 each, John Lewis & Partners

This house is the ultimate “place to hunker down to

recharge from the chaos of the outside world and is a stepping stone to exploring this beautiful part of the coast

”

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WINDOW TREATMENT Hanging the curtains to one side gives them a modern twist

Main bedroom

‘We built a bench seat in the window – it’s a peaceful place to sit and read with the window open,’ Teresa says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Besley kingsize bed, £349; Genka rug, 249, both Made. Magnolia pink velvet quilted bedspread, £80, Dunelm, is similar

Bathroom

An oversized cabinet with practical mirror doors maximises the space and keeps surfaces clutter free.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Cabinetry, price on request, Creative Carpentry. Tirol tiles (in shower), £126sq m; Triangolo tiles in Glossy White (bath panel and under sink), £129.60sq m, both Rovic Tiles.

Aura stone resin wall-hung basin, from £390, Lusso, is similar

“

Our inspiration came from holiday memories of light, low-lying properties that evoke calm with private areas for adults and children alike

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”

REAL HOME

Main bedroom

A freestanding bath is a luxurious addition to this tranquil room. ‘We built a neat recess in the wall for candles and toiletries and lined it with oak to match the window seat,’ Teresa says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Affine Roubaix freestanding bath, £599, Plumbworld, is similar. Bath taps with hose and head, £535, Smallbone Interiors OAK FRAME Wood adds warmth and creates a feature window in the bedroom

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REAL HOME

COLOUR POPS Green surfaces and bright accessories lift the scheme

An independent home office includes a kitchenette, WC and shower. ‘A long wall of seamless desk space is made from ply with green laminate to add a vibrant touch. Lots of storage and the polished concrete floor keep the office functional and robust,’ Teresa says.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Office chairs, £150 each, Ikea. Anglepoise Type 75 mini table lamps, £99 each, John Lewis & Partners

Study entrance

The Ralphs chose a large glazed statement door to make the most of the natural light and stimulate creativity in the office.

‘The pivot design allows the door to swing open naturally, bringing in positive energy from the garden,’ says Teresa.

BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke door, £5,000, Rhino Aluminium.

White glazed exterior bricks, price on request, MKM Building Supplies

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

“

Lockdown restrictions made us seek out local craftsmen and suppliers, which turned out to be a bonus. It was easier and felt good to support local businesses

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”

FEATURE CAROLINE FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS SNOOK FLOOR PLAN RJH SURVEYING

Study

REAL HOME

MY GO-TO STORES…

Make it work for you

WEST ELM Find striking midcentury modern chandeliers and retro-inspired furniture.

TERESA’S STYLE: MATERIAL MINIMALIST

O

MAISONS DU MONDE From contemporary to boho, industrial and country, it’s got all bases covered.

Lush green and polished brass accents contrast raw yet sleek formations of wood and concrete

O

LIGHT BURST Satin Gold Kalmanovitz Sputnik chandelier, £219.99, Wayfair

Wood tones add warmth to this minimalist scheme

HABITAT Unique yet approachable design-led furniture and a great range of accent pieces.

O

EYE CATCHING STEMS Alocasia Zebrina, from £16, Leaf Envy

POT SWAP Fusion seagrass basket, £20, John Lewis & Partners

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

WILD SIDE Cheetah and palms cushion, £28, French Bedroom Company

SIMPLE SILHOUETTE Kent velvet four-seater sofa, £1,299, DFS

STYLIST’S NOTE

“

Incorporate display shelving into an integrated storage design, just keep it uncluttered if your style is minimal MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR

”

ORGANIC WOBBLE Wells bubble wide vase, £40, Garden Trading

MINIMAL BERBER Oliban rug, £90, La Redoute IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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

1

DECORATE WITH WARMER WHITE Bright white paintwork can feel harsh in a living room or northfacing space.

Choosing a warm white with yellow undertones in a soft, matt finish will help it feel cosier. Add rustic weaves and natural textures for extra warmth.

Walls painted in Romney Wool velvet matt, £40.64 for 2.5ltr, Dulux Heritage

STYLE & DECOR

2

Bamboo four-seat table and chairs set, £325, Habitat

GROW A LIVING WALL Connect indoor and outdoor spaces with a vertical backdrop of greenery on a wall or fence. Pick a sunny spot, close to doors or windows so you can enjoy the view whatever the weather.

3 GIVE BLOOMS SOME HEIGHT Group patio pots and planters together to give displays more impact, rather than just the odd pot here and there. Position taller plants at the back or use tiered planters and stands to add height.

Square rattan planters, £125 for two, Cox & Cox

4 CREATE A QUIET AREA Set aside a space at the end of the garden where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the house. Choose a comfy chair and put it in a semi-secluded spot so you can relax and take in a lovely view.

Alps standing egg chair, £349, Dobbies

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STYLE & DECOR Satsumas plant stand, £40, Ikea

5 SLOT IN EXTRA SURFACES Work in additional resting spots and display space around a seating area. This slimline plant stand has a tray top for holding plants (or cuppas) and a slatted shelf for stowing books and magazines.

6 BUILD YOUR OWN BAR Create a drop-down bar for the garden using a couple of wooden pallets and lengths of chain. Top with a built-in herb planter so garnishes are within easy reach for drinks and barbecues.

7 SHAKE OFF SHOWERS

Indoor/outdoor recycled cushions, £20 each, Next

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Invest in outdoor cushions that won’t get ruined in a downpour. These tufted woven cushions are made from recycled plastic bottles and are water and fade resistant.

JULY 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

8

ZONE YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE Divide a large garden into smaller break-out zones for lounging, cooking and dining. Use corner seating to create a natural divide with tubs and plants providing a screen of foliage.

Hosta corner living/dining set, £699, Next

9

PAINT A FEATURE ARCH If you’ve a room that lacks architectural details, fake it by painting your own.

Use a dark, contrast colour and at a quick glance it looks like a niche or alcove.

Arch painted in Ink Well Simply Refresh Feature Wall matt emulsion, £25.35 for 1.25ltr, Dulux

STYLE & DECOR

10 SUPERSIZE A HEADBOARD Turn a drab bed into a focal point by building a false wall behind it. Use wood for the frame and ply to clad it, then paint to tone in with the wall colour or choose a contrast shade to make it stand out.

11 COMBINE EARTHY HUES Instead of using one colour on a wall, try a mix of earthy tones.

Shades that sit side by side naturally outdoors – like green, grey and brown – will work in harmony indoors, too.

Sanctuary Large Geometric double duvet cover and pillowcase set, £30; Global tufted throw, £40, both Next

12 ADD AN EXTRA TIER OR TWO

Mint Sauce, Leather Boots and Wet Stone matt emulsion, £23.40 for 2.5ltr, Ideal Home at Albany

Avoid an overcrowded dinner table with a tiered serving stand to elevate the food selection. With two wooden platters and an easy-carry handle, it will come in handy for tapas or afternoon tea indoors or out.

Industrial two-tier serving platter, £15, Habitat

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STYLE & DECOR

13 SHAPE UP THE HALLWAY Make sure there is plenty of storage so the hallway doesn’t become a dumping ground. A narrow console provides a spot for keys and post, while a couple of small baskets are ideal for odds and ends.

14 PLAY WITH WALL STORAGE Build a bespoke set of shelves with modular wall-mounted cubbies. Vary shapes, sizes and colours to create an attractive arrangement and finish with doors and drawers as required.

Eket shelving units, from £25; Notviken door, £20, all Ikea

Notgrove console table, £360, Garden Trading

15 POP IN SOME EXOTIC PRINTS

Truly Tropical rattan lamp, £99, Joe Browns

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Lift a neutral scheme by introducing a few perkier patterns.

Leafy prints and tropical blooms will add a summery vibe – start small with lampshades or accent cushions.

JULY 2021 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK

16

Evie bedframe in Plush Pink velvet, £999, Furniture Village

HANG ARCHIVE WALLPAPER Create a cosy, country bedroom by papering

one wall in a leafy arts and crafts print. Team with plain furniture and bedding to balance out the ornate pattern, using calm shades of sage, cream and blush to add warmth.

17

BUILD A SHADED NOOK Extend your outdoor space by installing a wooden pergola on

Pergola treated in Wood Stain and Protect in Ebony, £9.99 for 1ltr, Protek

a patio or deck. Paint the timber black for a striking look and train climbers up it to provide extra shade.

Festoon with lights to make the space look magical after dark.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Harrow Charcoal roller blind, Hillarys

WINDOW DRESSINGS THAT COME TO YOU Make the most of a Hillarys advisor in your area and find a style that’s right for you and your home

W

hether you’re dressing new windows or refreshing old, opting for beautiful shutters, luxurious curtains or on-trend blinds, it goes without saying that you’ll want a company guaranteed to do an exceptional job when it comes to the measuring and fitting. Not only that, but we all want the process of choosing and buying our window dressings to be a fun and stress-free experience, don’t we?

Step in Hillarys, with its team of skilled advisors based all over the country, quality materials and trend-led designs

– ensuring you can shop local and enjoy the very best service at a time that’s convenient for you.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS Yes, that’s right – Hillarys have been making made-to-measure window dressings for 50 years, so you can be reassured you’re in the best hands possible. This means that you’ll be privy to generations of experience and hundreds of window dressing designs – so whatever your window shape or requirement, you’ll get

a great fit and finish. And we always work to your budget.

TAILORED TO YOUR TASTE Looking for the latest design to make your window stand out? Maybe you need a window dressing that helps reduce noise if you’re working from home, or blackout blinds to help you get a better sleep? Hillarys have some great-value options and the best part is that you can make your decisions from the comfort of your own home, simply by arranging a visit with an advisor in your local area.

Pure white shutters, Hillarys

For its 50th year, architect and TV presenter George Clarke was invited to Hillarys’ Nottingham factory

Marble Aquamarine roller blind, Hillarys

Visit hillarys.co.uk/50th-birthday to find out how Hillarys can help you and what the company has been getting up to, to celebrate its 50th birthday

WORDS LAURIE DAVIDSON

READY TO SHOP LOCAL?

‘The wait was well worth it’

Jenny and Steve Hughes have extended their unique cottage with a generous kitchen/living/dining space

KITCHEN PROJECT

BEFORE

WALL LIGHTS An alternative to pendants above the island

Welcome to our home Jenny and Steve Hughes live here with their two children, Elora, seven, and Felix, six.

THE PROPERTY

A four-bedroom extended cottage on the outskirts of Leamington Spa, originally built in 1897.

WHAT IT COST

‘Steve bought the oak breakfast bar from a sawmill in Hampshire, he wanted a single piece of wood from one tree. Grey floor tiles are practical for the kitchen area and contrast with the wide, limed-oak floorboards.’

Similar piece of timber, £250 for 4m, English Woodlands Timber. Grey ceramic floor tiles, £35sq m, Al-Murad

Cabinetry..............£8,100 Appliances...........£1,900 Sink and tap............£420 Worktop................£3,100 Breakfast bar..........£250 Floor tiles.................£120 TOTAL................£13,890

“

We are both very particular and find it hard to buy exactly what we want off the shelf!

”

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HOW JENNY AND STEVE DID IT… ‘We bought our home on impulse. Steve saw it for sale at 9pm one night and had an offer accepted the next day. It was in a perfect location and had the potential for an extension. We then had to wait a couple of years for planning permission, as it’s in a conservation area.

We wanted to create a large space with character that would complement the existing building. So, although we love clean lines, the design and the

CEILING SHADE Painting the ceiling to match the walls creates an immersive feel

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materials are more organic than contemporary. The whole build cost £110,000 and took a year. Steve fitted the kitchen and laid the flooring himself.

We bought oak carcasses and added bespoke cabinet doors.

His DIY skills extend to every detail: he made the beautiful lighting by rolling metal into simple sculptural forms. We’ve since set up a website to sell his lighting online, called Arcform (studioarcform.com).’

BELOW ‘We saw a charcoal kitchen in a magazine and used it as a starting point.

We love being creative. It would have felt like cheating simply to buy a kitchen!’

Similar kitchen, £12,000, Naked Kitchens. Dining chairs, £60 each, Mmilo.

Sheepskins, £14.95 each, Wayfair

KITCHEN PROJECT

FEATURE CAMILLA SHARMAN PHOTOGRAPHS RACHEL REEVE

NARROW SHELVES Provide handy storage, but don’t encroach on the space

ABOVE ‘The lighting hanging over the dining table, created by Steve, is a take on the classic cylinder pendant. Each one is rolled from a single sheet of brass and designed with a gentle spiral, giving it a unique look.’

Cylinder pendant lights in brass, £125 each, Arcform

Love

JENNY AND STEVE’S STYLE? Turn to page 113 to shop the look

ABOVE ‘The sink area includes an integrated dishwasher and a hidden waste and recycling system.’

One-and-a-half bowl sink, £299, Franke. Industrial kitchen spray tap, £230, Paini. Integrated Hotpoint LTF 11M121 C dishwasher, £430, Appliances Direct

RIGHT ‘A gas hob was a must-have as we are both keen cooks. The black worktop is a quartz composite called Cinza Letano by Unistone.’

Series 6 PPQ7A6B90 gas hob, £450, Bosch.

Cinza Letano worktop, £550 linear m, Unistone

WHAT WE’VE LEARNED

That we could create our dream kitchen on a budget by going to different suppliers for different parts. It’s been timeconsuming and hard work, but the end results are worth it!

“

”

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KITCHEN PROJECT

Make it work for you JENNY & STEVE’S STYLE: MODERN SCANDI Combine chic greys with rustic oak and plenty of texture for a cool twist on classic Scandi

1

Sleek detailing and natural materials create a modern yet homely feel

2

3

4

5

IDEAL

6

GREAT DEAL

REAL OR REPLICA, A SHEEPSKIN ADDS SCANDI CHARM

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

7 WHERE TO BUY 1 Ennis pendant light by Mullan Lighting, £190, Lime Lace 2 Wide white speckled light oak flooring, from £75.76sq m, Naked Floors 3 Cooke & Lewis Flinter mixer tap, £134, B&Q 4 Zuiver Highland desk lamp, £89, Cuckooland 5 Charlie faux leather dining chair in Grey, £60, Argos 6 Salon Porcelain Graphite anti slip 60x60cm tiles, £28.95sq m, Walls & Floors 7 Fejka artificial potted plant, £29, Ikea

£80

£45

100% SHEEPSKIN

GO FAUX

Sheepskin rug in Silver, £80, Baa Stool

Grey snug rug, £45, Mint & May IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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YOUR FOOD STORAGE, SORTED While an organised larder might be the dream, over-crammed kitchen cupboards are often the reality. Get yours in shape with these neat space-saving ideas

1

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

5 GAME-CHANGING BUYS The products you need to bring order to your kitchen cupboards… so you can keep stock of supplies and have ingredients to hand

WHAT THE PROS KNOW… Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn shares her cupboard organising solutions…

2

3

4

5

KEEP IT SIMPLE An ‘over-organised’ food cupboard can be a faff to maintain. Only bring in extra storage if necessary – baskets and carousels can be real space stealers.

Tins and cartons line up neatly on a shelf – no storage needed!

HAVE A SYSTEM Arrange food in your cupboards in categories as in a supermarket, so you can see exactly what you have. When you buy more, slot it in at the back so use-by dates are in order.

1

FEATURE LISA FAZZANI

THE CLEAR CANISTERS Open shelves mean supplies that are easily accessible, but you need to be super-organised to keep them tidy. Clear containers are visually pleasing arranged and filled with decanted dry goods – and you can easily see when stocks are running low.

Elements glass canisters, from £7 each, Dunelm

2

THE SHELF FILLERS Space is often wasted in cupboards with gaps between shelves. Double up with clever inserts that give another layer of storage for jars and packets.

Variera shelf inserts, from £2 each, Ikea

3

THE GRAB-AND-GO CADDIES Organise the contents of a fridge or cupboard with these stackable containers. Great for storing loose items like fruit and vegetables, see-through plastic lets you identify what’s inside and handles make caddies easy to grab when you’re in a hurry.

Stacking lidded fridge storage boxes, from £7 each, Store

4

THE UNDER-SHELF STORAGE These slide-out containers are another option for utilising wasted space between shelves.

Mounted underneath a shelf (or under a cupboard), the airtight

DON’T OVER-BUY Bulk buying can make sense financially, but if you have nowhere to store it, it’s not the best idea.

Either make space for bulk buys, or buy only what you have room for. containers have easy-open lids and are ideal for storing dry goods like rice, pulses or pasta.

CupboardStore undershelf storage 1.3ltr container set, £30, JosephJoseph

5

THE STACKING TUBS Opened bags and half-empty packets look messy and are a waste of space. Keep track of ingredients by storing them in stackable, clear containers.

Airtight designs ensure supplies stay fresh and a labelling system means everything is easy to find.

Buy in an assortment of sizes to make full use of cupboard space.

OXO POP airtight containers, from £10 each, John Lewis & Partners

DO A STOCKTAKE Go through cupboards once a month. It’s easy to buy things out of habit when those items might be lurking at the back of a cupboard. Label food containers for items you always have in. Cut out the best-before date from packaging and slot it into the container as a reminder.

Find out more at youneedavicky.com or on Instagram and Facebook @youneedavicky

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BATHROOM PROJECT

BEFORE

Welcome to my home Jessica Davies lives here with her husband Christopher and their children, Olivia, ten, and Tom, eight.

THE PROPERTY A detached, fourbedroom Victorian house in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

WHAT IT COST

Washstand...........£2,395 Bath and basin taps........................£1,145 Shower kit...............£595 Floor tiles.............£2,495 Wall tiles...............£1,800 Crittall-style glass screen..................£9,000 TOTAL................£17,430

“

The bathroom’s so cosy. It’s got a chic, boutiquehotel vibe – I totally love it

”

‘We kept the bathroom’s basic structure, but moved the bath from the middle to one side, so the space flows better and the patterned floor really stands out.’

Kimono cement floor tiles in Laurel + Pure White, £155sq m, Mink Interiors.

Wall and ceiling painted in Inchyra Blue modern emulsion, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Picasso freestanding bath, £1,295, Lusso, is similar

‘We’ve finally got our dream sanctuary’ It was second time lucky for Jessica and Christopher Davies when it came to turning their awkward loft bathroom into a comfortable and inviting en suite

SMART WASHSTAND The legs show more of the floor, maximising the sense of space

Love

JESSICA’S STYLE? Turn to page 121 to shop the look

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HOW JESSICA AND CHRISTOPHER DID IT ‘We converted the loft into a master suite about nine years ago, but our idea of a stylish, adult haven never quite worked. It has a steep sloping ceiling and tricky angles, and white walls made it feel too bright and uninviting.

‘We asked Samantha Saunders at Mink Interiors to redesign the space. I wanted the bathroom to feel cosy and comfortable. Budget-wise it made sense to reuse the

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bath, basins, WC and existing plumbing where possible, and we were happy with the layout of the separate wet room.

Samantha suggested a glass wall to divide the bathroom from the bedroom. She also guided us towards the floor tiles, which are the standout feature. Installation cost around £5,000 as part of the overall redesign, which took about four months. The building work came to around £10,000.’

BELOW A half-wall was built behind the bed, and Samantha designed the steel and glass screen to fit around it. Shaping the steel frame to the ceiling contours was one of the most difficult elements, as was positioning the door with enough height for it to open easily.

Bespoke steel-framed glass screen, £9,000, Fabco

FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS SNOOK

BATHROOM PROJECT

WALL LIGHTS A simple and elegant way to illuminate each basin

ABOVE Grey-white marble tiles reflect light in the enclosed WC and walk-in shower. Low-level lighting in the alcove, controlled from the bedroom, is handy for night-time use.

Alsace honed marble wall tiles, from £89.60sq m, Mandarin Stone S

ABOVE Samantha made the bespoke washstand by customising an Ikea frame with joinery, brass legs and knobs, a Carrara marble top and a painted finish.

Washstand painted in Hague Blue modern eggshell, £73 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Flos Mini Glo-Ball wall lights, £99.90 each, Made in Design

RIGHT ‘We can control the overhead lighting in the shower from a master switch beside the bed.

The cement floor tiles have been sealed, making them water-resistant and suitable for a wet room.’

Thermostatic brushed gold shower with hand-held shower, £595, Lusso

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

I was surprised at how long some of the processes took. It was three months to design, template and install the bespoke steel and glass screen – there was a lot of work in getting it right

”

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BATHROOM PROJECT

Make it work for you JESSICA’S CHOICE: GLASS SCREENING Cleverly positioned internal glazing can improve views, brighten dark corners and help zone living spaces As Jessica’s bathroom shows, glass ‘walls’ are perfect for en suite bathrooms, helping to keep steam enclosed without losing the feeling of space and light in the bedroom. Swapping solid internal walls for seethrough can work wonders in the rest of your home, too.

Q

Where should I use it?

To brighten an inner room – hallways are prime candidates – add glazing in the wall of the sunniest adjacent room. New internal glass beneath a skylight will also help spread light. Glass partitions can also be used to create quieter areas within an open-plan space. Use frosted or fluted glass for extra privacy.

Q

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHS CHRIS SNOOK

What are the options?

The simplest solution is to replace existing solid internal doors with glazed. A cleverly placed picture window (nonopening) can also transform inner light levels without serious disruption. Windows installed at high level, usually above internal doors, bring in ‘borrowed light’ without impacting privacy.

Q

Can I replace an entire wall?

Yes, but you’ll make life easier (and cheaper) if you target stud walls rather than load-bearing. The latter will require steel supporting frames to carry the weight from above.

Adjacent rooms may also need redecorating where the steels cut through. You can also install structural glass in floors and ceilings to spread the light vertically. Always consult a structural engineer.

Q

Do I need planning permission?

No, but if your property is Listed you may need Listed Consent.

To comply with building regulations, and for your own peace of mind, the glass used should always be specialist toughened or safety glass so that it won’t splinter into lethal shards if it gets broken.

Create a smart divide with internal glazing

“

With the rise of open-plan living, internal glazing caters to a growing need to divide larger rooms while maintaining a sense of openness.

”

ADRIAN BERGMAN, BRITISH STANDARD BY PLAIN ENGLISH

IDEAL HOME LOVES… FRAMED INTERNAL GLAZING SLIDING DOORS Sliding screens allow flexible open/ shut living, without encroaching into the room.

Sliding screens, from £800 sq m, IQ Glass

GLASS HALF FULL Choose from toughened clear or reeded glass top panels.

Modular glazed screens, from £900, British Standard by Plain English

SHOWER POWER These industrialstyle shower panels can also be used as room dividers.

Grid panels, from £1,350, Aston Matthews

BEST FOR… FLEXIBLE SCREENS In Out Solutions has a solid reputation for internal glass partitions. Made from aluminium frames, they’re quick to install and can be relocated if required.

OPENING OPTIONS Mondrian Glazing has developed an internal version of its quality steel framed glazing. Fixed panels can be combined with various door options.

WALK ON GLASS Glass + Stainless is experienced in making and installing structural glass floors for internal use.

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PROJECT NEWS

We’re in love

SO NATURAL

Calacatta Maximus, from £550sq m, Caesarstone

Caesarstone’s new Calacatta Maximus quartz surface cleverly captures a natural form, with striking grey veining on a white backdrop and details in subtle copper and gold. It’s low-maintenance, durable and – red wine lovers will be thrilled to know – stain-resistant.

SHAPE UP

With most choices straddling between round and square, the bathroom basin is long overdue a style shake-up. So we’re delighted that Ca’ Pietra has teamed up with designers Elle + James to create a collection of shape-shifting concrete sinks. Styles range from round scalloped and shallow rectangular basins to fan-shaped and striking hexagonal designs in a host of colourful shades.

KITCHEN & BATHROOM UPDATE

Ferla basins, from £694.80, Ca’ Pietra

Stellar Green hexagon tiles, from £94.73sq m; Carnaby Mint wall tiles, from £46.80sq m, Mandarin Stone

Our round-up of the most interesting new products and innovations

FEATURE BUSOLA EVANS AND STEPHANIE DURRANT

In the mix

An easy update for any kitchen scheme, this chic black tap has a 360-degree swivel spout, flexible hose and removable handset, plus variable flow options from a gentle stream to a powerful jet spray.

Catris-S Flexo tap, from £448, Blanco

On our wish list...

Hurrah! deVOL has finally launched an online store for all its sublime kitchenware, from elegant crockery to gorgeous marble sinks

TILE STYLE Mandarin Stone has unveiled some exciting new additions to its already extensive range of tiles. The large-format Stellar hexagon porcelain tile has a matt finish and comes in eight shades, while the Carnaby range is a textured and decorative ceramic tile with a slight retro twist.

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BEFORE & AFTER

‘We lowered the floor to link to the garden’ A desire to make the most of their garden prompted James Whyte and Tina Reiss to build this sleek extension

When they bought the house, the back garden was half a storey lower than the main living area

T

hough James Whyte and Tina Reiss had always loved the innate historic charm of their Victorian home, it needed work.

‘We knew when we bought the house that it needed a massive overhaul,’ says James. ‘It was delightful in its bones with lovely big rooms, but it was a bit old and ramshackle.’

The house provided plenty of space for the family of four but was disconnected from the garden, which was positioned half a storey lower than the main living area.

ALL CHANGE ‘We wanted to create a large, open-plan kitchen with a spacious workbench the family could congregate around,’ says James. A seamless connection with the garden was also at the top of the wish list. The couple appointed Spencer Guy from Levitate Architects to handle the design.

‘Spencer had renovated a house for one of our friends,’ says James. ‘He quickly proposed an idea we liked, so it was a case of fine tuning that until we pinned down all the details.’

FULL STEAM AHEAD Spencer’s plan involved removing the floor of a living room at the back of the house and lowering it to garden level. This zone was converted into a double-height kitchen-diner, which was then extended out into the garden to provide the allimportant outdoor connection. ‘We were able to live in the house while

Removing the floor of a rear living room has made way for a doubleheight kitchen-diner, which links to the garden

Welcome to our home THE PROPERTY

A five-bedroom Victorian linked terrace house in North London

THE VALUE James Whyte, a barrister, lives here with his partner Tina Reiss, a legal professional, and their two sons, Max, 12, and Joel, 10

Bought in 2011 for £850,000; now worth around £2million

WHAT IT COST

Professional fees....................£92,175 Contractors and materials.........£712,045

Kitchen/joinery...£81,235 Plumbing...........£25,185 Glazing and accessories......£52,900 Flooring.............£18,760 TOTAL...........£982,300

“

The light is fantastic. Even when the glass doors are closed, we feel like the garden is part of the house

”

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Vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of space and light, while underfloor heating warms the space

the work was being carried out, so our lives weren’t disrupted too much,’ says James. ‘It also meant we could see the day-to-day progress.’

NEW HEART OF THE HOME Now the transformation is complete, James and Tina are ecstatic with the results. ‘It’s perfect, we spend all our time downstairs. We eat there together and the kids do their homework in the lovely winter garden – the glazed area where the house meets the garden,’ says James. The sunshine that pours into the kitchen-diner is James’s favourite feature. ‘Because of the floor-to-ceiling glass, you get the view of as much of the outside as it’s possible to get,’ he says. ‘I also like the dimensions of the room and all the angles that have been incorporated. They’re very satisfying to look at.’ Now their vision has been realised, the couple has no plans to move anytime soon.

‘We’re very happy here and we plan to stay for quite some time.’

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Polished concrete floors have been paired with handless units and Dekton worktops for a streamlined, modern aesthetic

BEFORE & AFTER The frameless corner of the extension helps to blur the boundary between inside and out and allows a lovely view of James and Tina’s treasured maple tree

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Even if your architect is project managing for you, you still need to allocate plenty of time to the build and the various decisions that need to be made

”

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

FEATURE REBECCA FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID BUTLER

CONNECTING INSIDE & OUT

1

Spencer Guy, director at Levitate Architects (levitate.uk.com) gives us his top tips

A FLUSH THRESHOLD ISN’T EASY TO ACHIEVE Ensure the junction doesn’t allow rain to blow in under the door. You’ll also need to check the glazing frame drains properly, normally out via small weep holes. Large patio areas near the doors need to be well-drained and often the falls need to be steeper than you’d think, for periods of heavy rain.

2

ONE CORNER OPENED UP CONNECTS TO THE GARDEN

This takes away the normal indicator of the structure of a ‘room’ and enables the internal space to flow out to the garden more freely.

3

FLOOR TILES PROVIDE THE BEST FLOOR FINISH Most internal tiles aren’t suitable for external use – they get too slippery and potentially crack in frosts. It’s better to go for a slightly different colour in a grippy tile if the internal finish you like is not available in external grade.

4

LOTS OF GLAZING ISN’T ESSENTIAL A continuation of surfaces, floor, walls and roof, or even an outdoor space designed like another room, can work just as well instead of a full wall of glass.

5

CLEVER PLANTING MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE Try to get plants and trees close to the building, while being mindful of the tree roots and foundations. When the doors are open it helps the inside feel closer to outdoors.

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Love

PAULINE’S STYLE? Turn to page 132 to shop the look

SANDSTONE PAVING The light colour and smooth finish provides the clean, unfussy look Pauline was after

‘Our parched lawn is now a lush haven’ Using clever design and planting Pauline Hamilton has transformed a featureless space into an elegant, contemporary garden, complete with cutting patch, pond and tranquil areas to sit and relax

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GARDEN PROJECT

BEFORE

Welcome to my garden Pauline Hamilton lives here with her son, Jamie Waterlow.

THE PLOT

Raised beds

The deep raised beds have been a revelation for Pauline. ‘After so many years of digging in London clay, these are more like a sandpit,’ she laughs. The plants enjoy them too, including bulbs, colourful perennials and grasses.

A rectangular 20x6m garden behind a redeveloped 1930s four-bedroom terrace in north London.

“

I love how the garden can always surprise me. When I’m busy or rushing around, I’ll look up and it stops me in my tracks

”

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W

hen Pauline Hamilton was looking for a new home six years ago, some things were non-negotiable. ‘The house had to be a renovation project and the garden a blank canvas, facing south,’ she says.

‘I wanted a place that got the sun.’ She found it in north London, and set about the work. ‘The garden was just a stretch of lawn with an old apple tree in the middle,’ says Pauline, who had her heart set on a contemporary design where she could indulge her love of plants.

Having studied garden design a few years earlier, Pauline drew up a plan that the contractors built within a couple of weeks – then she planted. A wide,

angular path leads through the space with deep beds, while tall plants veil parts of the garden beyond. Sandstone paving and rendered walls create a sleek look, enhanced by a restrained colour palette.

‘The builders were horrified by the black fences,’ says Pauline, ‘but once they were finished, they loved them – they’re such a contrast to the plants.’ These include glossy evergreens, airy grasses and lots of flowers, especially dahlias, to which she’s devoted an entire bed in a cutting patch. ‘I love having flowers in the house,’ she says. Dahlias are at their best in late summer and this year Pauline will open her garden, under the National Garden Scheme, on Sunday 5 September.

Instagram @paulinesplantsandposies

RAISED BEDS Simple angular shapes contrast with the planting

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Water feature

Pauline included a pond more for its aesthetic appeal than for its wildlifeattracting properties, although she’s thrilled that dragonflies regularly drop by. ‘It’s lovely to sit and watch the reflections on the water,’ she says.

FEATURE NATASHA GOODFELLOW PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE

GARDEN PROJECT

Social space

‘I inherited the teak garden furniture from my parents years ago when they moved into a flat,’ says Pauline.

‘I repaint it every year to keep it looking fresh.’

A private spot

This little seating area by the house gets full sun all day and is not overlooked.

‘It’s a great place for a morning coffee with the newspaper or to sit in the evening with a gin and tonic,’ says Pauline.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED

“

Don’t be afraid to dig up plants and move them – or even to replace them if you don’t get it right first time. It’s better to act quickly than to wait and see

”

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GARDEN PROJECT

Make it work for you PAULINE’S STYLE: CLASSIC MEETS MODERN

Pops of colour from bright blooms and bold cushions blend with sleek furniture for a fresh, contemporary look

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3

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5 Black and white create a crisp backdrop for rich planting

6

IDEAL HOME LOVES… FLOWERS FOR CUTTING

1. PARASOL Square cantilever parasol in Soft Grey, £450, Cox & Cox

4. SIDE TABLE Rive Droite bistro tray table in Ink Steel, £25, Garden Trading

2. DARK FURNITURE Eos lounge armchair in Black, £240, Case

5. OUTDOOR LIGHTING Bondi garden lantern with TruGlow candle, £29.99, Lights4fun

3. COLOUR POP CUSHION Sötholmen cushion cover, £12, Ikea

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6. SLEEK POT Ida black round pot, £24.99, Gardenesque

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Penstemon ‘Garnet’

Astrantia

One of Pauline’s favourite plants for its long flowering season from May to December.

This self-seeding flower appears in several places throughout Pauline’s garden.

Dahlia ‘Schipper’s Bronze’ For hits of bold colour in late summer – grows well in pots and borders.

FEATURE TERESA CONWAY

WHERE TO BUY

GARDEN ADVICE Be open to new ideas that will improve your outdoor space

A good designer will draw up a scheme that suits your lifestyle

WORKING WITH A GARDEN DESIGNER

FEATURE TERESA CONWAY PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Thinking about getting a professional to take a look at your garden? We’ve got everything you need to know Like ‘civil engineers’ with a love of plants, garden designers cover the technical side of garden design – walls, steps, terraces as well as bringing in mature trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. A good garden designer will bring creativity and imagination, plus ingenuity to solve the problems of the site and the practical experience to implement the plans cost-effectively.

Q

How do I choose the right garden designer?

Acting on a recommendation can be useful but ultimately you must choose a designer whose taste and style is aligned with your own. Arrange a consultation and allow them time to look at the garden and to listen to your brief. You want to enjoy the process of commissioning a new garden so it’s important to choose someone who you like and get on with.

Q

How much will it cost?

The cost will vary depending on the scale of the project but costing is

calculated around the same set of principles. Make sure your designer lays out all the costs associated with the design right at the start. The build cost is based on a detailed set of design plans, construction drawings and from these you’ll be quoted at a fixed price.

Ask your garden designer to approach a couple of different contractors to enable cross-referencing of costings. You may be asked for a deposit upfront and some designers will invoice after the completion of each stage.

Q

Is there anything I can do to ensure the best outcome?

Being clear about your needs and budget from the offset is best policy. This allows your designer to give you a planting scheme that suits your lifestyle, and the time and skills that you have to look after it. If you underestimate your budget you could restrict the initial creative concept; if you overestimate you could be disappointed if the design has to be scaled down or re-worked.

NEED TO KNOW PUSH BOUNDARIES Allow your garden designer to take you on a journey that may nudge you out of your comfort zone – remember, nothing is set in stone until it is set in stone!

BRING INSPIRATION Create a mood board or gather images of gardens you like to act as a visual aid for your garden designer to work with. They may also take a look at your interiors to give an idea of your tastes.

THINK LONG-TERM How will you be using your garden in the future? Perhaps you have to factor children into your plans or maybe you will be planning to move away in a few years’ time and will need something with more universal appeal.

GO FOR A PRO The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) is a great place to start to find a professional. Their website (sgd.org.uk) has a ‘find a designer’ facility where you can search by name or location.

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LIGHT UP AFTER DARK 15 drop bulb solar festoon lights, £29.99, Lights4fun

INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE

HOW TO TAKE YOUR LIVING SPACE OUTSIDE

Any change to your garden, however big or small, can be transformative. We asked the experts to share their insider tips

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STYLE & DECOR SIT COMFORTABLY Go for focal point furniture to lead your eye down a garden.

Double indoor/outdoor hanging chair, £675, Cox & Cox

PAVE THE WAY ‘Consider a planted gravel pathway, stepping stones or a floating timber boardwalk,’ says Tom

O

ver the past year, our gardens have become invaluable outdoor rooms, but it takes a little planning and design know-how to make yours really deliver. If you’re planning a garden makeover, where do you start? We asked our favourite experts…

HOW DO I CREATE THE PERFECT OUTDOOR ROOM? ‘I’m not a huge fan of the term “outdoor room”,’ says Tom Massey, director of Tom Massey Studio. ‘A garden is an outside space and should focus on planting. Gardens need to perform a range of functions for humans, but also cater for local wildlife.’ Stylist and author Selina Lake says: ‘Start big with furniture.

Then add accessories, and a few pots with flowering plants that grow quite tall, like floxgloves, delphiniums or Verbena bonariensis.’ For Dani

Taylor, product and creative director at Cox & Cox, it’s about shelter and heat. ‘If you are going to spend money on an outdoor room, then it’s about using it as much as possible. You don’t need to add a permanent structure – pergolas or a sail shade look fantastic, and for evenings, consider a firepit.’

WHAT IS ZONING AND WHY IS IT A GOOD IDEA? ‘Zoning is a design trick,’ says Selina.

‘It divides a space into different areas: for example in a garden you’d have somewhere to eat, relax, entertain or sunbathe. Zones work particularly well for families as you can create a hang-out area for teenagers, a stylish sofa space for coffee mornings and a family table that’s perfect for alfresco dining.’

Tom adds: ‘All too often I see gardens that have a large paved terrace outside the house, a huge lawn and tiny borders with a few

IN PROPORTION ‘Think about the balance between hard and soft landscaping; too much hard and it can feel cold and sterile,’ says Tom

I love to see a garden “ full of plants – a cottagestyle garden just makes my heart sing

”

SELINA LAKE STYLIST AND AUTHOR IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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drab shrubs. This doesn’t offer any excitement as the whole space is revealed immediately.’ Dani loves using lighting and rugs to define a space, ‘with a few strategically placed plants,’ she says. ‘You can also use festoon lights or solar path lighters in planters to create pathways.’

HOW DO I CONNECT THE DIFFERENT AREAS? ‘Hard landscaping is a good idea for connecting areas,’ says Tom, ‘but this can be loose and informal, such as a planted gravel pathway, stepping stones or floating timber boardwalk. Linking the different spaces enhances the sense of flow.

Try using a limited palette of hard materials, or drifting key plants between different areas.’ Selina adds, ‘I’m not sure they always need to connect visually – you could decide on a different planting scheme for each zone – think scented herbs for somewhere to sit and relax; wildflowers for a charming dining space or a Scandi-style seating area with all-white flowers.’

SHOULD I BREAK UP THE SPACE WITH LEVELS? ‘If you have existing level changes, it’s best to work with these rather than fight them,’ says Tom. ‘If you were going to excavate a pond, then you could use the soil to create a mound. Thinking creatively and limiting material taken off site is a good way to save money and lower the environmental impact of the build.’

WHAT’S A GOOD CHOICE FOR BOUNDARIES? ‘A mixed boundary with some planting, some screening and perhaps some features like integrated sculptural elements can add interest,’ says Tom. HOW CAN I USE PAINT CLEVERLY OUTSIDE? ‘Painting an existing fence black makes it recede and can make the space feel bigger,’ says Tom. ‘Planting is also offset by the dark backdrop.’ Selina loves using paint outside for a mini makeover: ‘Exterior paints and wood stains are great for revamping tired furniture – try painting it black for a Scandi feel. Painting a wall white is a great way of reflecting light, but I’d never paint an old, weathered wall – that would be a shame.’

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3 OF THE BEST OUTDOOR LIGHTS WITH INDOOR STYLE

COOL METAL AYTM Luceo LED portable table lamp, £149, Nest

WALNUT STYLE ONE cordless LED table lamp, £129, Lime Lace

GO NATURAL Helsinki solar floor lamp, £99, Next Home

STYLE & DECOR BE SEATED ‘Think about the bigger items of furniture first, like you would with indoor spaces,’ says Selina.

Lounge set, £799; chair and footstool, £249, all John Lewis & Partners

MIX UP MATERIALS Use different flooring to create zones. ‘Think beyond paving – it’s not always the best solution,’ says Tom

garden should be an extension of “yourYourhome and style. Don’t compromise on garden furniture or accessories that you would never have inside

”

DANI TAYLOR, PRODUCT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT COX & COX PERGOLAS ARE HAVING A MOMENT… SHOULD I INCORPORATE ONE? ‘Always ask “do I need it”,’ says Tom. ‘In a shady garden, one will just add more shade, but on a sunny terrace, a pergola can make the space usable.’

WHAT ABOUT CREATING AN OUTDOOR DINING AREA? ‘Start with location,’ says Tom. ‘Ask yourself if you want morning or evening sun? What about proximity to the house?’ Selina says, ‘The very nature of eating alfresco evokes an informal mood – I’d always choose a lovely spot over a practical decision. I have a mini meadow area near the bottom of my garden, and I happily carry all the tableware as it’s such a charming spot.’

CREATE INTEREST ‘If you can, give each zone a little mystery – we all love the charm of a secret garden,’ says Selina

ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE GARDEN LOOK GOOD AFTER DARK? ‘Festoon lights provide an easy and inexpensive way of adding magic to any outdoor space,’ says Dani,

‘while solar stake lights or path markers will light your garden without plugs or wires.’ Tom adds, ‘The most simple and effective thing to do is to uplight trees – this looks dramatic and gives an ambient level of light. Too much lighting, though, and your garden can feel tacky and overblown.’

WHAT’S ON TREND WHEN IT COMES TO FURNITURE? ‘I think furniture that creates a comfy setting will be our go-to,’ says Selina, who’s drawn to natural materials, such as wood, bamboo and rattan. ‘All-in-one solutions, like a corner set with a built-in firepit, provide a real luxe feel and are super practical,’ says Dani.

WHAT FURNITURE MATERIALS ARE BEST? ‘If you are looking for wood, then acacia is hard wearing,’ says Dani.

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“

If you want low maintenance, choose timber that will fade naturally to a nice silver or corten steel that rusts to a deep dark brown

”

TOM MASSEY, DIRECTOR OF TOM MASSEY STUDIO

ALL-SEASON SPACE Plan in shade by adding a sunshade, wooden pergola or umbrella, as well as a heat source if you’re intending to stay out after dark

STYLE & DECOR – but bring them in over the wetter months and cover furniture with a breathable outdoor cover.’

HOW DO I MAKE AN OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM FEEL COSY AND INVITING? ‘It’s about layering and coordinating,’ says Dani. ‘Keep furniture neutral and add colour and personality with things that are easily changeable, such as paint, textiles and lighting.

Think about where you’ll store everything when the weather turns, with sheepskins and cushions that work inside as well as out.’

HOW DO I GIVE MY GARDEN A FOCAL POINT? ‘Use a side table to add interest and create displays with planters,’ says Selina. ‘I love a vintage metal folding table, which can be moved to a different spot each season.’

Tom loves a tree; ‘Look for one with multi-stem form and seasonality, such as hawthorn or crab apple.’

ARE THERE ANY OTHER INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS I CAN USE OUTSIDE TOO? ‘As a flower fan, I love to see vases and buckets filled with freshly-cut flowers,’ says Selina. ‘They instantly jolly up a space.’ Dani suggests a statement piece of furniture, ‘like a hanging chair positioned at the end of the garden to give you something to draw the eye.’

DESIGN CLASSIC Use modular furniture to zone a large garden, just as you would in an open-plan interior space. Ava sectional sofa set, £999, Dobbies

FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

3 OF THE BEST PATIO PLANTERS

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS… TOM MASSEY, DIRECTOR OF TOM MASSEY STUDIO (TOMMASSEY.CO.UK). London-based

landscape and garden designer Tom has created award-winning gardens for private and commercial clients as well as international festivals and shows. Tom is also a designer on BBC2’s Your Garden Made Perfect.

DOUBLE UP Planter box bench, £99, Dobbies

SELINA LAKE, STYLIST AND AUTHOR (SELINALAKE. CO.UK). Selina is the author of 10 books; her

latest is Shed Style (£19.99, Ryland Peters & Small). Selina worked with Alitex at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 to design a gorgeous greenhouse that celebrities and the public loved.

HIGHER LEVEL Latchmere raised planter, £120, Garden Trading

DANI TAYLOR, PRODUCT & CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT COX & COX (COXANDCOX.CO.UK) Dani has WOVEN FINISH Rattan planter, £120, Cox & Cox

worked as product developer with factories in China, India and Europe, and across every category from Christmas baubles to furniture.

Dani joined Cox & Cox in 2012, becoming buying director in October 2019, before her most current role in October 2020.

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GARDEN PAINT IDEAS Give your outdoor area a facelift to make it as visually appealing as your interior, with these inspiring yet simple tricks

Not ready for a full paint job? A few painted plant pots with matching accessories such as cushions will give a quick colour lift

IDEAL HOME LOVES... OUTDOOR PAINT

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REVIVE HARD LANDSCAPING SUCH AS WALLS, FENCES AND DECKING These elements are the backbone of a garden scheme, so give them a fresh coat of paint in a vibrant shade to take your outdoor space up a level and inject new life into tired surfaces.

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CREATE INTEREST IN SMALL WAYS If you’d like to use a bold shade, but are nervous about using it on a large area like a fence, restrict it to smaller surfaces, such as furniture, planters and garden accessories. This way you can enjoy your chosen colour on a scale that suits you.

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STICK TO A CO-ORDINATED THEME Pick out an accent colour, such as a pretty pink, from your favourite flower in the garden, and use it as a starting point for the painting scheme. But avoid using too many paint colours as this can look chaotic and won’t create a restful space.

Add a signature wall to create an alfresco lounge – this rich mustard tone works in sun or shade.

Yellow Pink 46, £71 for 5ltr masonry paint, Little Greene

OUTDOOR LIVING

HOW TO...

FIND THE RIGHT TYPE OF PAINT Choosing the best paint for the look you want is an art LIMEWASH One of the most beautiful finishes for external walls is limewash, which is made from lime and water, and comes in a range of pastel shades. It’s ideal for porous surfaces such as brick, stone, plaster or roughcast, and needs renewing about every five years.

MASONRY PAINT Great for refreshing render, this comes in a good range of colours. Opt for a textured finish if you need to disguise surface cracks. The downside is that this paint is not breathable in the way that limewash is, although manufacturers are working to make it a more environmentally friendly option.

EXTERIOR WOODWORK There is a wide range of paint available, with most manufacturers producing a wood gloss or eggshell suitable for exterior use.

Make sure you prep the wood properly first with an appropriate primer to ensure a professional-looking result.

METAL PAINT This is a hard-wearing product as it’s used to protect railings, gates, guttering and furniture. Exterior eggshells are often suitable, but the sheen of a gloss finish can look smarter.

Metal usually requires priming first, but some brands, such as Hammerite, can be applied directly to the surface.

CHALK PAINT Using Annie Sloan’s chalk paint is an easy way to freshen up tired garden furniture, brickwork or window boxes. Just remember to apply a coat of water-resistant UV protective chalk paint lacquer to finish the job.

3 OF THE BEST... TREND SHADES

SCANDINAVIAN PINK Contrasts beautifully with green plants. Chalk paint, from £5.95 for 120ml, Annie Sloan

HOT BRICK This vibrant red is ideal for a Moroccanstyle space. From £20 for 2.5ltr, Sandtex at Homebase

FRESH PEACH Natural pinks make a great accent in a grey scheme. Price depends on finish, Benjamin Moore

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Easy container update

Raised planter project

Perk up a chair

Pallet revival

Just one piece of colourful furniture can enliven your space – this wicker armchair was transformed with a vibrant orange hue. Make sure you use an appropriate sealant on furniture that will be left outdoors to help it withstand the elements.

Burnt Orange exterior eggshell, £25 for 1ltr, M&L Paints

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We love this herb garden with a difference. It’s made from an old table transformed with a coat of paint – be sure to prep the surface by sanding well first. Fill it with the herbs you use most often – try parsley, thyme, coriander and oregano.

Table in Mid Green Superdec, £53.94 for 2.5ltr, Sadolin

This old pallet has been turned into a low table and given a fresh feel with yellow paint. A great example of using an accent colour in the garden, this one really helps lift the mood.

Use a specialist exterior wood paint for weather resistance.

Cuprinol Garden Shades in Dazzling Yellow, £11 for 1ltr, B&Q

FEATURE SARAH WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Use contemporary shades of grey, such as charcoal, slate and graphite, to give simple wooden furniture and plain planters the standout factor in your garden. They also make the perfect background to contrast with colourful flowers.

Planter in Natural Slate garden paint, £13 for 2.5ltr, Wickes

Genius problem solvers

FOR A SMOOTH-RUNNING LIFE

Our pick of the latest outdoor innovations, garden care solutions and alfresco stuff you never knew you needed…

Invest in some flexi-furniture This summer, we’re all going to be spending more time outdoors than in, so garden furniture that adapts to a variety of uses is a must. This smart Cornbury corner garden sofa set, £1,500, from Homebase includes two stools and an ingenious coffee table that rises up to become a dining table for alfresco meals.

Cook on the balcony If you’d like to make the most of your balcony, take a look at this sleek new electric barbecue. With an aluminium cabinet and cast iron grilling grid, it can sit on a table top or be mounted to a rail (mounting set, £59), and the weatherproof cover is just £39.

Balcone electric barbecue, £349, Morsø

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Try an eco fertiliser in your garden Want a plant-based, non-chemical fertiliser that is sustainable and peat-free? Pop to Waitrose & Partners for PlantGrow liquid natural fertiliser, £7 for 1ltr.

Reel it in No need or space for a big, bulky hose to water your plants? Hozelock’s Micro Reel, £32.99, is super compact and weighs roughly the same as a bag of flour. It rolls out and retracts easily, and comes with a 10m hose and nozzle.

Available from Amazon, Toolstation and ManoMano

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Eva Solo SunLight Bell solar LED outdoor light, from £95, John Lewis & Partners

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COLOUR POP In a choice of six colours, this USB-C chargeable table lamp features a handy four-step dimming function.

LIGHT FANTASTIC A charge of this stylish dimmable metal table lamp provides 12 hours’ battery life.

Available in three finishes.

Flos Bellhop table lamp in Indian Yellow, £175, Heal’s

Ferm Living Meridian portable lamp in Brass, £159, Utility

EP

HANDY HANDLE Each full charge of this solar-powered lamp gives 20 hours of light.

ALL S T

CLEVER RECHARGEABLE, PORTABLE & WIRELESS TABLE LIGHTS

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS OUTDOOR MIRRORS FOR THE ILLUSION OF MORE SPACE

1

Bring your blender outside

You don’t have be tethered to your kitchen countertop when making a smoothie or a cool summer cocktail. Cuisinart’s new lightweight blender will make light work of fresh ingredients, whizzing them into a delicious drink quickly and easily. And as it’s cordless, powered by a USB-rechargeable battery, you can blitz your beverage anywhere you choose.

On The Go cordless blender, £100, Cuisinart

Pick a stable table

3

1. SQUARE DEAL Fulbrook square mirror, £150, Garden Trading 2. MOROCCAN MOOD Souk indoor-outdoor mirror, £75, Cox & Cox 3. STYLISH SCROLLS Villandry mirror, £165, The French Bedroom Company

Snow Peak collapsible bamboo table, £124, Selfridges

Tackle germs Clean your patios, drains, driveways and planters with Jeyes Fluid, now in a recyclable plastic bottle. £4 for 300ml, Sainsbury’s.

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Throw some shade With outdoor socialising the best and safest option currently, it’s worth being prepared for whatever the British summer can chuck at you. Coleman shelters can be assembled in just five minutes and will keep you dry from the rain or shaded from the sun, providing 99.9 per cent UV protection. There are add-on sunwalls, too.

Coleman FastPitch XL event shelter, £249.99, Garden4Less

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Decking looking worse for wear? Seal it with two coats of protective decking oil from Ronseal. Suitable for use on hard and softwood, and on smooth or ridged surfaces, it will help prevent wood from greying and splitting and is rainproof within 90 minutes. Available in six wood shades.

Ultimate Protection decking oil, £36 for 2.5ltr, Ronseal

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Planning on picnicking in the park? Avoid wobbly glasses on the grass or bugs crawling into your pasta salad by placing everything on this neat and handy portable table.

Ditch matches What’s the most eco-friendly and stylish way to light a fire in the summertime?

For candles, barbecues and even firepits, our vote goes to this range of

By Candlelight and Lumière refillable lighters, in six elegant colours, £2.99 each.

Available from Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose & Partners

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HOME TECH Compact grill Cobb premier charcoal barbecue grill, £136.50, Lakeland Super lightweight at just 3.8kg, this stainless steel barbecue features a stay-cool base so you can use it on any surface. The domed lid allows you to slow roast, and all the fat drips down into a handy easy-to-clean moat.

What’s more, it comes with a compact carry bag for easy transportation.

THE BEST BIT The bowl, dome and non-stick grill are all dishwasher safe.

Telescopic design

‘Not all barbecues billed as “portable” are easy to move. Always check the weight and if it comes with a carry bag.’

GINEVRA BENEDETTI, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Tabletop cooking Attitude 2go CV, £199, Campingaz Relatively lightweight at 13kg, this runs off CV470 Plus cartridges (the ones that look like mini barrels). Cook on high heat with the top open or low and slow with it closed – the built-in thermometer lets you keep an eye on the temperature without lifting the lid.

THE BEST BIT The front-loading grease drip tray slides out so you can empty and clean it quickly and easily.

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With a staycation on the cards for most of us this summer, these brilliant and versatile grills are great for cooking on your patio, as well as at a campsite or in the garden of a holiday home

THE BEST BIT Fold-out racks around the top rim are ideal for drying clothes.

Fold and roll Traveller, £439.95, Weber The gas-powered Traveller folds down to look like a trolley, making it super easy to move. Once open, it’s deceptively big for a portable barbecue, with a porcelain enamelled grill surface large enough to cook up to 15 burgers.

THE BEST BIT There’s a worksurface on one side – handy if you’re at a campsite or grilling on the go.

Doubles as a firepit BioLite Firepit+, £279.99, Dobbies Fuelled by wood or charcoal, this portable barbecue/firepit has a builtin fan that reduces smoke, controlled via the integrated rechargeable powerpack or free phone app. The unit weighs in at just under 9kg.

THE BEST BIT The legs fold inwards for easy storage and you can buy a carry bag (£39.99) to make it super portable.

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

EXPERT TIP

PORTABLE BARBECUES FOR HOME OR AWAY

Aquaforno II, £395, Aquaforno At 18kg, this isn’t too light, but oh does it pack in a lot. Opening up to almost a metre in height, it comprises a grill top, a roomy oven and a 1.5ltr kettle – powered by wood, charcoal or gas. You can cook pizza, slow-roast meat, make tea, toast marshmallows… it’s the ultimate cooking-away-from-home kit.

HOME TECH

Automatic lighting

No-worry watering

Hue Appear outdoor wall light, £129.99 (£179.98 with Bridge), Philips Directing fully adjustable beams both upwards and downwards, the new Appear wall light gives you full control of your outdoor illumination, keeping your garden lit when day turns to night. If you’re not already familiar with Hue, it requires a separate device called a Bridge to connect to your Wi-Fi, but once paired you can link up to 50 Hue lights to it and control them all via your smartphone.

Bluetooth Water Control timer, £69.99, Gardena Connect this gadget to your sprinkler or irrigation system via the outdoor tap and it will water your garden for you. Through a smartphone app, it will suggest the ideal watering cycles for your plants, or you can set up to three different schedules of your choice.

THE BEST BIT Link the light to a motion sensor and it will automatically flick on if anyone is on your property.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN SMART

Enjoy your outdoor space 24/7 by adding some clever tech, from devices that entertain you whatever the weather to gadgets that keep your garden looking its best.

All that’s left to do is kick back and relax…

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Hassle-free grilling Traeger Pro D2 575 wood pellet grill, £899, Dobbies This wood-pellet fuelled grill is part barbecue, part oven, part cook for hire.

Once it’s lit – by pressing one button – you can sit back, adjusting the heat and adding fuel, if needed, via your phone.

Two roomy internal racks provide lots of space to cook meat, fish and veg, while the app offers recipes and ideas to keep you grilling all year round.

THE BEST BIT The angled base sends grease run-off into a small side bucket that can be easily washed out.

THE BEST BIT You can add a break to ensure plants aren’t watered in the rain.

Hand-held tunes Roam portable speaker, £159, Sonos This speaker has exceptional sound quality, with up to 10 hours’ play on one charge. It’s drop-resistant, impervious to sand and waterproof (up to three feet for 30 minutes), so if it takes a dunk in the kids’ paddling pool, all is not lost.

THE BEST BIT Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connected, it will link to your Wi-Fi at home and pair automatically with your phone if you go out of range.

All-weather viewing The Terrace QLED 4K HDR 2000 outdoor TV, from £3,999 for 55in, Samsung Now you can head outside to watch a football game or enjoy movie night with friends. This TV is weather- and dust-resistant, features bright and clear picture quality, and comes in three screen sizes – 55, 65 and 75in.

THE BEST BIT The anti-reflection screen means the sun won’t ruin viewing.

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TIME TO COOK

Celebrate SUMMER BERRIES Make the warmer months even sweeter with the best of British fruits

Honey cake with strawberries and elderflower cream See page 155 for recipe

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

Baked blueberry doughnuts

IDEAL HOME TIP If you just have one doughnut tray, cook one batch at a time, wipe and re-grease between baking

See page 155 for recipe

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

Tropical coconut custard tart See page 155 for recipe

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Summer berry rosé jelly SERVES 10 READY IN 20 mins, plus overnight setting INGREDIENTS ● 4 x 11g sachets gelatine powder ● 300ml rosé wine or sparkling wine ● 300ml cherry juice ● 100g caster sugar ● 1tbsp fresh lime juice ● 500g mixed berries – we used strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

edible flowers YOU WILL NEED ● 18cm bundt tin

●

1 Put the gelatine in a

small bowl and pour over 50ml wine and leave for 5 mins. Heat the remaining wine, cherry juice, sugar and 300ml water in a pan,

bring to a boil, then remove from the heat. Add in the lime juice and gelatine, and stir to dissolve.

2 Add a layer of berries

and a few edible flowers to the base of the bundt tin and pour over some of the jelly. Carry on adding

berries, flowers and jelly until the tin is full. Set in the fridge overnight.

3 To unmould, place the

bundt tin briefly into some hot water to release from the sides, cover the base with a plate or cake stand and turn over to release.

IDEAL HOME TIP Use a wine that you enjoy drinking because the flavour will really shine through

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INGREDIENTS WE’VE USED AND LOVED

BerryWorld raspberries, £3 for 150g, Ocado

Cherry vanilla galette See opposite for recipe

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Clipper Snore & Peace teabags, £2.05 for 20, Waitrose & Partners

FEATURE SAMUEL GOLDSMITH RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

Nielsen Massey almond extract, £4 for 60ml, Tesco

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Honey cake with strawberries and elderflower cream SERVES 12 READY IN 1 hr 10 mins, plus cooling

Baked blueberry doughnuts

Tropical coconut custard tart

Cherry vanilla galette

MAKES 12 READY IN 45 mins

SERVES 12 READY IN 1 hr 30 mins, plus chilling and cooling

SERVES 10-12 READY IN 1 hr, plus chilling

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE ● 150g organic runny honey ● 5 medium eggs ● 250g plain flour ● 40g butter, melted FOR THE CREAM ● 3 egg whites ● 200g sugar ● 350g soft unsalted butter ● 2tbsp elderflower cordial ● 300g strawberries, sliced (save a few for the top) ● edible flowers, to garnish YOU WILL NEED ● 2 deep, 18cm cake tins, lined

INGREDIENTS FOR THE DOUGHNUTS ● 30g butter, melted ● 150ml buttermilk ● 3 camomile and lavender teabags ● 150g self-raising flour ● 75g caster sugar ● 1 medium organic egg ● 100g blueberries FOR THE GLAZE ● 30g fresh blueberries ● 2tbsp lemon juice ● 130g fondant icing sugar ● 1tsp edible shimmer YOU WILL NEED ● 2 x 6-hole doughnut trays, greased ● piping bags

INGREDIENTS ● 320g pack ready-rolled shortcrust pastry ● 400ml double cream ● 2 x 160ml cans coconut cream ● 3 eggs and 2 egg yolks ● 1 vanilla pod or 1tsp extract ● 75g caster sugar ● ½ fresh nutmeg, grated ● ¼ punnet each raspberries, blueberries and strawberries ● 1 mango, sliced ● 1 can squirty cream or 300ml fresh cream, whipped YOU WILL NEED ● 23cm tart case, greased ● baking beans

1 Heat the oven to 170C/

1 Heat the oven to 200C/

1 Heat the oven to 180C/

Gas 3. For the cake, heat the honey in a pan and boil for 1 min. In a mixer, whisk the eggs on high until fluffy.

Lower the speed then slowly add the honey. Back on high, whisk for another 2-3 mins.

2 Sieve the flour and fold in,

then add the butter. Pour into the tins and bake for 35-40 mins. When cool, slice each cake in half horizontally.

3 For the buttercream,

whisk the egg whites and sugar in a bowl over a pan of boiling water, until the mix reaches 71C. Take off the heat and whisk until cool. Slowly add the butter, then cordial.

4 On a plate, layer the slices

with cream and strawberries.

Decorate with cream, the reserved berries and flowers.

Gas 6. In a pan, melt the butter, then add the milk and 2 teabags and heat until steaming. Infuse for 5 mins.

2 Meanwhile, sift the flour

and sugar into a bowl.

Remove the teabags from the milk mix and beat in the egg. Pour into the flour mix and whisk until smooth.

Stir in 100g blueberries.

3 Pipe the batter into the

moulds, leaving a 5mm gap at the top of each. Bake for 20 mins. Leave to cool.

4 For the glaze, heat the

blueberries, juice and icing sugar with 1tsp water. Blitz, strain and stir in the edible shimmer. Allow to cool.

5 Dip the doughnuts into

the glaze and sprinkle with flowers from the last teabag.

Gas 4. Line the tart tin with the pastry, pressing into the sides. Chill for 20 mins.

2 Trim the pastry edges.

Line with baking parchment and baking beans. Bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans, then bake for 5 mins more.

3 Lower oven to 140C/Gas 1.

Gently heat the cream and coconut cream in a pan.

Whisk the eggs, vanilla and sugar together. Pour the hot cream over the eggs, whisking until the sugar dissolves. Sieve into a jug.

4 Put the tart case back in

the oven. Pour in the custard and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake for 50-55 mins, until it’s set but still wobbles.

Cool then refrigerate for 1 hr.

Top with fruit and cream.

INGREDIENTS ● 175g plain flour ● 15g caster sugar ● ½tsp salt ● 140g cold unsalted butter, diced FOR THE FILLING ● 500g fresh cherries, pitted and halved ● 60g caster sugar ● 2tbsp cornflour ● 1tbsp lemon juice ● 1tsp vanilla extract ● ¼tsp almond extract ● 1 egg, beaten ● 50g demerara sugar

1 Heat the oven to 200C/

Gas 6. Sift the flour, sugar and salt together into a bowl, and add the cold butter. Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add 45ml cold water and bring together into a dough. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 30 mins.

2 For the filling, place the

cherry halves into a bowl and sprinkle over the caster sugar and cornflour, the lemon juice and vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well.

3 On a floured surface, roll

the pastry into a 30cm round and top with fruit, leaving a 3-4cm border. Fold over the edges to encase the fruit. Brush the pastry with the egg and scatter over the demerara. Bake for 35-40 mins, until the pastry is golden brown and the fruit has cooked down. Cool slightly before serving.

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

WEEKEND BAKE

Caramelised red onion quiche Impress the family with a dish that is surprisingly easy to make SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR 25 MINS, PLUS COOLING FOR THE PASTRY ● 75g butter, cold, cut into cubes ● 150g wholemeal flour FOR THE FILLING ● 30g butter ● 1tbsp light olive oil ● 500g red onions, sliced ● 1tsp caster sugar ● 1tbsp freshly chopped thyme ● 2 eggs ● 170ml double cream ● 1tbsp Dijon mustard YOU WILL NEED ● 6 x 12cm tart tins; baking parchment; baking beans

1 Make the pastry by rubbing the butter into the flour and bring together using 2tbsp cold water. Chill, then divide into 4. Chill again.

2 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6, and

put in a baking tray. Roll out the pastry and use to line the tart cases. Prick the bases with a fork, then line with baking parchment and baking beans. Bake blind for 15 mins, removing the paper and beans after 10 mins.

3 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large

FEATURE SAMUEL GOLDSMITH RECIPE AND PHOTO FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM

pan and add the oil. Stir in the onion and sprinkle over the sugar. Cook for about 20-30 mins, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and caramelises.

Remove the pan from the hob and leave the onion to cool slightly.

4 Divide the onion mixture between

the cases. Sprinkle over the thyme and season. Beat the eggs with the cream and mustard, then pour over the filling.

5 Put the tarts on the hot baking

tray and cook for 35 mins, or until the filling is set. Transfer to a wire rack, leave to cool for a few mins, then remove from the tins and cool completely. Serve at room temperature.

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SIMPLE PLEASURES

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT Enjoy a relaxing aperitif in The Yard; original artwork adds character to restful spaces; the individually designed rooms offer a feel of understated luxury

Somewhere for the weekend…

THE HARPER A unique rural retreat in North Norfolk

B

ig skies, lovely landscapes, sweeping sandy beaches…

North Norfolk is a peachy spot for a break. And the new Harper hotel in Langham offers one more reason to go.

It’s a family affair, with elements nodding to founder Sam CutmoreScott’s grandfather (his middle name was Harper) alongside a sense of rich history. Light-filled interiors lined with natural materials – oak, iron, copper and, of course, glass – evoke the past, while the 32 rooms feature contemporary four-poster beds and colourful rugs on wood floors.

Named after Sam’s grandfather, Stanley’s dining room is all brick

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walls, exposed beams and scruffy oak tables. The menu offers seasonal East Anglian ingredients with a twist, from foraged black scallops with artichoke and mustard seed to Norfolk pig cheek and samphire.

The charms of The Harper are abundant but it’s worth exploring Langham itself. The village lies within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the self-styled Harper Hikes offers favoured walks in the area.

BOOK IT Rooms start at £175 a night. The Harper, North Street, Langham, Norfolk NR25 7DH, theharper.co.uk

FEATURE JO FERNANDEZ, JACKY PARKER

This former glass-blowing factory turned boutique hotel is a blissful place for a getaway

ESSENTIAL CONTACTS

Find us online at idealhome.co.uk or

ISSN 0019-1361 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP To get in touch, our email format is firstname.lastname@futurenet.com

EDITORIAL

Visit facebook.com/ideal home.co.uk

Follow us at flipboard.com/@IdealHome

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

DIGITAL

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

See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk

Be inspired at pinterest.com/ idealhomemag

BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work very hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email the Editor at ideal_home@futurenet.com or write to The Editor, Ideal Home, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code.

We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.

SUBSCRIPTIONS All prices are for 12 issues and include p&p. Delivery times for overseas services are shown in brackets. UK: £57. USA (direct entry, five to 12 days): $164.05. Europe (priority; three to five days): €180.25. Rest of the world (priority, five to seven days): £131.70.

Order online at magazinesdirect.com. For enquiries please email help@magazinesdirect. com. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by Air Business Ltd; c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc; 156-15 146th Avenue, 2nd floor, Jamaica NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431.US Postmaster: send address changes to Ideal Home, Air Business Ltd; c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc; 156-15 146th Avenue, 2nd floor, Jamaica NY 11434, USA. Subscriptions records are maintained at Future Publishing Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent.

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The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill holds full FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification and accreditation. All contents © 2021 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to us, you warrant that you own the material and/or have the necessary rights/permissions to supply the material and you automatically grant Future and its licensees a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in any/all issues and/or editions of publications, in any format published worldwide and on associated websites, social media channels and associated products. Any material you submit is sent at your own risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents, subcontractors or licensees shall be liable for loss or damage. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication unless otherwise stated, and reserve the right to edit, amend, adapt all submissions.

PRODUCTION

Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman Art Production Designer Phil Dunk Advertising Production Manager Nick Williams 0330 390 6381 Senior Production Manager Matt Eglinton Production Manager John Botten 0330 390 7509

MARKETING

Head of Marketing Sian Cupid Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms

CIRCULATION

Circulation Manager Katie Greenan

ADVERTISING

Commercial Director Rob Biagioni Print & Digital Sales Manager Kelly James 0330 390 6543 International/Luxury Account Director Carol Bunce Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Classified senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett Insert Sales Canopy Media 0845 544 1857

SYNDICATION

Head of Brand Partnerships David Abbott

INTERNATIONAL LICENSING

Ideal Home is available for licensing and syndication.

To find out more contact us at licensing@futurenet.com or view our available content at futurecontenthub.com Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw 01225 442244

MANAGEMENT

Chief Content Officer Angie O’Farrell Managing Director of Homes Jason Orme Managing Director of eCommerce Aaron Asadi Finance Director Magazines & Subscriptions Dan Jotcham SVP Global Operations & Marketforce Adrian Hughes

SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES Senior Subscriptions Marketing Manager Anita Baghapour Credit-card Hotline 0330 333 1113 For full details turn to page 94.

For back issues visit mags-uk.com. You can order issues from as far back as 2003, subject to availability.

IDEAL_HOME@FUTURENET.COM Press Office 01225 442244 Printed by Walstead Peterborough Ltd (UK) Distributed by MarketForce (UK) Ltd, 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP (020 3787 9101)

IDEALHOME.CO.UK | JULY 2021

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BRILLIANT OR BONKERS? Priory sofa in Oak Leaf, £3,000, Kelling Designs

BRILLIANT OR BONKERS? Fringing give me a tassel, a fringed trim… any kind of embellishment. It’s the cherry on top that takes something from ordinary to extraordinary.

And don’t get me started on a fringed lampshade – I love them in all their flapper glory! A fringe takes a piece from basic to beautiful.

”

STEPHANIE DURRANT, FEATURES EDITOR

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with many “retroAlong trends, fringing

has made its way back round, but I think this one will fade out of favour again. I appreciate it can look chic when paired with the right piece, but equally it can bring a dated, dare I say fusty, finish to a room, calling to mind all that was wrong with ’80s decor!

”

LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR

FEATURE MICHELA COLLING PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/OLIVER PERROTT

I like my interiors “a little bit ‘extra’, so