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EASY MAKES FOR A CRAFTERNOON
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HOW TO USE CORAL PINK THE NEW SHABBY CHIC SMOOTH SCANDI STYLE
STEPH SAYS: ‘My place is a little quirky, with lots of handmade things’
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Get set, DECORATE!
JUNE 2017 £1.99
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Recall date 07/06/2017
The Style Book
TWO MAGAZINES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
SMART STORAGE
BIFOLD DOORS
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS
REAL MAKEOVERS & EXPERT ADVICE
YUMMY CURRIES
DIY TRICKS
ONE-BED FLAT
Love it
COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Steph Durrant, 30, a magazine journalist, and I live with my ragdoll cat, Cece. MY HOME I live in a one-bedroom flat in Chelmsford, Essex, which I bought in February 2014. WHEN I BOUGHT IT It’s a groundfloor flat in a converted 1930s semidetached house. It was just renovated when I moved in and I was the first to live there, so needed to select flooring and put my stamp on the place.
IDEA TO STEAL
‘Hang a brightly coloured macrame pot holder to brighten up French doors’
AND NOW I didn’t need to do any decorating, but I’ve brightened the place with plenty of colour, using art, furniture, and handmade accessories.
STYLE TIP I prefer to keep walls and furniture white, then introduce vibrant pieces that can be swapped about when I get the itch for change.
YELLOW FEVER ‘The yellow chest of drawers is my most colourful piece’
HANDSOME PRINTS ‘I love clashing prints and patterns – Liberty London fabrics are my favourite’
‘Handmade touches
MAKE IT MINE’
Steph filled her renovated flat with handcrafted pieces and vintage finds to create a feminine sanctuary that’s full of personality <#A#> | JUNE 2017
I
chose to live in Chelmsford as it’s an up-and-coming town that lots of my friends have gradually gravitated to, due to the excellent shops and a good main line to London,’ says Steph. ‘My flat is in a perfect position, as it’s within walking distance of the town and the station. It was newly renovated, which appealed to me as I wasn’t in a position to take on a project. It had fresh white walls, ready for me to unleash my passion for colour, plus fitted white goods, so I didn’t have to fork out to buy my own. The bathroom was brand new, too, with a Jacuzzi bath (a big selling point for me!). I liked that it was on the ground floor with its own
JUNE 2017 | <#B#>
ONE-BED FLAT
Love it
SOCIABLE SPOT
3 of the best
‘As the kitchen and living room are open plan, it’s a perfect space for entertaining’
TEAPOTS
Invite your pals for afternoon tea
PiP Studio floral teapot in pink, £40, Amara
Buy it
Shop our pick of vintage brights on PAGE 30
Abstract teapot, £25, Oliver Bonas
SNAZZY SHADE ‘My lampshade is wacky, but I love it! I used the original shade to carefully make the pattern pieces, then used remnants of quilt fabric to create the patchwork’
Ashdown Rose teapot, £28, Cath Kidston
TRINKET TROVE ‘I got my craft shelf for £30, painted it, and put wrapping paper on the back’
front door off the street, so it didn’t feel like a flat. It also has a quiet, southfacing shared garden and I have my own patio to put a table and chairs and pot plants on. The garden is scarcely used, so it often feels like it’s just mine. When I moved in, the first thing I had to do was pick flooring, which was fine as I knew a little independent shop that had fitted the flooring in my previous house. I chose a cream carpet for the bedroom and the same laminate flooring that was in my old property for the rest of the house, as I liked its rustic look and it was great value. The service was so much more helpful than in bigger chain stores.
Style inspiration
I’ve always had a strong idea of what I wanted my home to look like. I used to have an inspiration folder where I stuck magazine clippings of décor I loved and made notes of shops I liked. Nowadays,
<#A#> | JUNE 2017
Stylist
at Home ANDREA SAYS
‘Why not try making a pom pom garland like the one hanging over Steph’s patio doors? You can buy an easy-to-use pom pom maker from Hobbycraft.’
IDEA TO STEAL
‘Pair a curvy antique chest of drawers with linear kitchen units to create a freestanding look’
JUNE 2017 | <#B#>
ONE-BED FLAT
Stylist
at Home ANNE SAYS
Love it
CUTE POTS ‘I like collecting succulents and planting them in unusual containers like a golden syrup tin’
‘Vintage finds and handmade items work so well together. It’s a great idea to keep the walls and large pieces of furniture neutral, so the pops of colour stand out.’
‘PAINT UP AND MOUNT A SHELF TO KEEP TINY COLLECTABLES AND HOBBY ITEMS IN ONE PLACE’ PERSONAL TOUCH ‘The kitchen is the standard design put into all the flats, so I used some colourful canisters and crockery to put my own stamp on it’
Make it!
DECOUPAGE MONOGRAM
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WINGING IT ‘There’s a bit of a bird theme in my flat, representing freedom and independence’
<#A#> | JUNE 2017
Buy an MDF letter, from £1, Hobbycraft. Use acrylic paint to colour the edges, and leave to dry. Spread a little PVA onto the letter front and stick on a piece of printed wrapping paper. Smooth and leave face down to dry. With paper face down, cut round the letter with a craft knife. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the back. Cut out smaller motifs from the wrapping paper and glue onto the front. Finish with layers of PVA.
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I like using Pinterest to gather ideas and working on interiors magazines, I get the serious ‘I-want’s’ every time a company brings out a new collection. The open-plan kitchen/living space is ideal for when I have friends over and the big patio doors are a treat to have open in summer. It’s such a light space and a cheerful place to be. My first house was styled a little like this one, but now I live alone, I have ramped up the girliness. It’s a little quirky, with plenty of handmade features and my friends say there’s always something new to see each time they come over. It’s often described as ‘very Steph’, but I’m still never sure if that’s meant to be a compliment or not!
Handmade home
Most of my accessories are from boot sales or vintage fairs. My mum is a
boot-sale sleuth and always finds a bargain. There is something handmade everywhere you look in my house, from my oven gloves and bedroom bunting to decoupage picture frames and the macrame plant hanger. I’m particularly proud of my quilts stitched in Liberty fabric and my rather jazzy handmade lampshade. The embroidered hoops featuring sassy song lyrics by Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are a new little business venture (@spinsterandspool) and a great pick-me-up to have on the wall. The dream catchers in the living room and bedroom are handmade by my mum. I was also really pleased with the stacking tables I revamped in the living room. They belonged to an ex-boyfriend’s grandparents, who were going to throw them away. I rescued them, painted them up and added PiP Studio wrapping
KITCHEN KITSCH ‘I’m a big fan of bright kitchenalia, especially from Rice DK, PiP Studio and Cath Kidston’
Love it
Love it
ONE-BED FLAT
Do it!
EASY WAYS TO ADD SOME COLOUR
1
Jazz up a beige sofa with printed cushions and throws. They can easily be swapped about or moved from room to room if you get bored of the look. Artificial flowers will never wilt or fade, and they require zero maintenance – apart from an occasional dusting. Pop individual stems into jugs, bottles or jars for a country feel. A vibrant rug adds instant impact, breaking up floor space and helping to zone areas. Give drab walls a boost with fun artwork. If a big print is too much of a commitment, try hanging smaller plaques and frames using Command strips so they can be moved around without peeling off the paint. If coloured curtains are too heavy for your space, brighten windows with bunting or a fun garland. Steph has strung felt balls on fishing wire to adorn her patio doorway.
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GLASS HOUSE
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‘The grey tiled panel adds texture and the green bottles are part of the vintage theme’
BEAUTY SPOT
STYLING LAURIE DAVIDSON FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPHS LIZZIE ORME
‘I was lucky enough to inherit the gorgeous 1950s dressing table that’s in my bedroom’
Where to buy her style
LIGHT ‘IF YOU HAVE A TIRED -LOOKING CHANDELIER-STYLE FITTING THAT NEEDS UPDATING, ADD SOME COLOURFUL GLASS DROPLETS IN YOUR CHOSEN COLOURS FOR A PRETTY NEW LOOK’
BERRY RED When it comes to eclectic homewares, you never know what you’ll find here. From bright textiles to quirky accessories, there’s a wealth of choice that will give your abode an artisan feel.
Stylist
at Home HAYLEY SAYS
BOMBAY DUCK For lovers of kitchenalia, online boutique Bombay Duck is a mustvisit. Beautiful china tea sets in candy colours are impossible to resist, alongside darling cake stands and kitsch melamine designs from Rice DK. DEBENHAMS Matthew Williamson is known for his bold use of colour and eclectic designs, and his new Butterfly Home range for Debenhams doesn’t disappoint. Take a look at his tropical motifs and intricate patterns in holiday hues both in the shop and online.
<#A#> | JUNE 2017
PEACEFUL SLEEP ‘Pretty pastel shades and ornate French furniture make this the ultimate girlie boudoir’
‘I like the mix of vintage and eclectic styles in this modern interior. The airy rooms and bright accessories create a really welcoming atmosphere.’
paper to the centres. Years later, I found the matching coffee table at an antiques centre and gave it the same treatment to make a complete set.
shelves – although Command picture strips come in pretty handy, too!
Troubleshooting
I think my main decorating advice is not to be afraid to express yourself. You don’t have to follow a trend to the letter – take inspiration from magazines, Pinterest and the high street, then surround yourself with pieces you love. Stick to a few key colours per space, then experiment with objects, textures, print and pattern. If you bring together the things you love, they will all work somehow. I think your home should be an exhibition that celebrates you and your story.’
Storage can be a bit of a bugbear in this apartment. I only have a small understairs cupboard to store away all those occasional things like the vacuum cleaner and the Christmas tree (I’d like to point out, the vacuum does come out more than once a year, though!). I’ve inserted drawers and cabinets into every available nook – I think it’s just an occupational hazard of being an avid crafter! Since I’ve been living alone, I grew tired of trying to find someone to do my DIY and, considering it’s called ‘do it yourself’, I thought it was about time I learned to do just that. I invested in an electric drill, watched a few YouTube videos, and now I put up all my own pictures and
Follow your heart
Find more tips on creating a vintagelook bedroom at idealhome.co.uk
JUNE 2017 | <#B#>
n e ws | 25bh
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AUGUST
T R E N D S | W H AT ’ S N E W | M U S T- H AV E B U Y S
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r ay o f s u n s h i n e Take your style cues from the bright days of summer with eye-catching indoor and outdoor accessories in happy yellow hues
1 CITRUS BURST Kate Spade set of three Lemon Tidbit plates, £27, Amara 2 FLAMES OF DESIRE Park BBQ, £70, Jamie Oliver
3 CHILD’S PLAY Indoor/outdoor swing, £139, Bobby Rabbit 4 BRIGHT IDEA Mew lantern, £30, Habitat 5 SITTING PRETTY
Scandinave cotton vintage armchair, £140, Maisons du Monde 6 PACK UP A PICNIC Olli Ella Piki basket, £25, Sisters Guild
7 TOP TABLE Stockholm bedside table, £70, Ikea 8 FLOWER POWER Orla Kiely small fabric plant bag, £22, Cuckooland.com
2 5 B H AU G US T 2017 | <#R#>
DESIGN SECRETS
The country decorator
DECORATING WITH SUPERSIZED FLORALS FROM BLOWSY BLOOMS TO MODERN GRAPHICS, LARGE-SCALE BOTANICAL WALLPAPERS ARE THIS SEASON’S GO-TO LOOK FOR COUNTRY INTERIORS
Cinda’s Roses wallpaper, col Sunshine, £63.60 m, Lewis & Wood.
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2 For a modern take on supersized florals, look
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F O L KSY F E E L
to patterns with folkloric influences. Cinda’s Roses features naive botanical motifs and meandering branches, bringing a natural charm. Magdalen Jebb, Creative Director at Lewis & Wood, says, ‘Looking at it, you feel you’ve joined a powerful fairy story – not too soft, not too sweet. It offers a modern version of nature, a popular theme in country homes.’
Plumes 2 wallpaper, £118.79 sq m, Francesca Greco for Devon & Devon.
3 Make a grand statement in the bathroom with BAT H RO O M S P L E N D OU R
1 Ensure your interior looks light and fresh by C R E AT E BA L A NC E
Rinjani wall art, col Autumn, £29 m, Voyage Decoration.
selecting a paper that teams a neutral background with modern brights – we love how the lively leaf colours are picked up by the accessories in this room, while the cream stops the space from becoming too dramatic. ‘If you’re using a statement paper for a country home, try choosing a matte variety,’ says Ian Dykes, Founder and Director at Voyage Decoration. ‘It will instantly soften brighter shades, giving them a chalky finish, which will always complement rural interiors.’
an ornate repeat, such as these clusters of majestic feathers in a moody palette. ‘This eclectic design boasts classic representations of botanical life,’ says Teresa Tanini, Marketing Manager at Devon & Devon. A dark background colour will make the pattern pop, while accessorising with ornate pieces will mirror the opulence of the print.
4 For subtle elegance that lends itself to any SCANDI SIMPLICITY
setting, choose a print featuring pigments close to nature’s own palette. ‘Zinnia is both current and classic, perfect for those living in the countryside or for those who yearn to,’ says Fredrik Nilsson, Managing Director at Sandberg Wallpaper. ‘I believe that designs with their origins in nature always work beautifully in rural homes.’
»
Zinnia Blue wallpaper, £76 a roll, Sandberg Wallpaper.
Country Homes & Interiors
<#R#>
Dinner At Eight wallpaper, col Spring, £80 a roll, Fired Earth.
Laurel wallpaper, £78 sq m, WallPepper.
Tours wallpaper, col Stone, £88 a roll, Zoffany.
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5 A contemporary, engaging feel can be achieved
DESIGN SECRETS
G O G RA P H I C
using extra-large-scale graphic florals overlaid on a simple background repeat. A single illustrated design draws the eye, blending with real foliage and printed fabric, adding a sense of fun to the walls. ‘Floral decorations with fine and romantic colours work best when trying to achieve elegant style,’ advises Diego Locatelli, Director at WallPepper.
6 Take inspiration from vintage horticulture books M I X A N D M AT C H
and choose a repeat of floral and fern motifs. ‘With its soft finish and sophisticated tonal variation, Dinner at Eight has a subtlety that makes it perfect for country homes,’ says Sarah Foster, Category Manager, Paint and Wallpaper at Fired Earth. Papering door panels adds interest to a space, while painting the frames creates the illusion of depth.
DA M A S K U P DAT E
Transform your hallway into a prestigious passage using an ever-popular damask design. Inspired by a brightly coloured, woven silk from the mid-19th century, this heritage pattern has been translated into modern colourways. ‘Elevated by the subtle use of metallic inks, this updated classic lends itself to restful and elegant surrounds,’ says Peter Gomez, Head of Zoffany Studio.
<#L#>
Country Homes & Interiors
TAC T I L E C H O I C E
NEXT MONTH DECORATING WITH MARBLE
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
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8 Traditional trough- and block-printing
methods give an exquisite tactile feel and a seamless look that creates a restful bedroom aesthetic. A textural paper is an easy way to add dimension, while a simple yet stylised pattern creates a calming but still contemporary backdrop that will soothe the senses. ‘Hegemone is a wonderfully optimistic print and looks almost as if it has been cut from paper,’ says Charlotte Cosby, Head of Creative at Farrow & Ball. ‘Its design is less rigid and defined than a classic floral pattern, as each colourful petal blooms freely in all directions.’
Hegemone wallpaper, BP 5702, £97 a roll, Farrow & Ball.
Home notes JOIE DE VIVRE
Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside!
Take inspiration from the elegant simplicity and unrivalled sense of style found in rural France in the pages of Perfect French Country (£30, Ryland Peters & Small). Author Ros Byam Shaw explores the beguiling beauty of Gallic homes, showcasing stonework, ancient beams and panelled walls.
O U R FAV O U R I T E D E S I G N E R M A K E R
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Helen Baker
Blakeney Point Oystercatchers cushion, £35; Ringstead Shoreline Stripe cushions, £30 each, all National Trust.
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
Cornish textile designer Helen’s debut collection is influenced by her native county. With a fun take on coastal living and an ecofriendly ethos, her pieces are perfectly suited to modern country living. What inspired your range? While renovating our home in 2015, I was frustrated that I couldn’t find the soft furnishings to suit our family. My range ‘You can take the girl out of Cornwall…’ is my take on contemporary coastal designs – a far cry from nautical knots and anchors. What materials do you use? I create my designs on the computer, then send them to a fabric printers in London. They use ecofriendly inks to print my designs onto 100% cotton. I wanted the manufacturing to be done in the UK with as little impact on the environment as possible. What do you love about designing fabric? It is a lovely material to work with and adds such warmth to a
The art of the landscape space. You can use it to show your personality and I love that it is such an easy, cost-effective way to change a room. Do you have a favourite design in the range? I especially like the Cornish Clouds print, as I wanted to create an updated version of a seaside stripe design. I was inspired by Breton stripes and I love clouds, so it seemed an ideal combination. Describe your creative style? I am constantly inspired by the natural world – I think using these shapes within my designs means everyone can relate to them. Fabric from £58 m, cushions from £50 each and lampshades from £60, all helen baker.com.
Whether you’re heading out for a country picnic or planning an alfresco supper, you’ll love the National Trust’s new summer accessories range. Inspired by the salt marshes of Blakeney Point, Norfolk and East Head, West Sussex, the Estuary collection features inky prints of dramatic skies and wading birds. Melamine plates are just the thing for outdoor dining, plus there are cushions and a throw to keep you cosy. Even better, 100% of the profits go towards the conservation charity’s important work.
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Summer colour
There’s nothing like a fresh lick of paint to update your space and the new Colours of England paint chart by Little Greene has plenty of shades to inspire. Priced from £42 for 2.5L, there are 184 archive colours spanning 300 years of interior design to choose from. Our pick? The summer-fresh tones of Aquamarine. Country Homes & Interiors
<#R#>
WE LOVE
HÔTEL LES ROCHES ROUGES Reflecting the light and beauty of Provence, this coastal escape is the epitome of elegant simplicity
P
erched on the water’s edge near the town of Saint-Raphaël, Hôtel Les Roches Rouge is the first coastal property to be added to Les Hôtels d’en Haut’s portfolio. Embodying the relaxed spirit of the Riviera, the hotel has a modernist design with simple yet luxurious rooms featuring colours inspired by the sea and the red rocks of the nearby Esterel. Guests can enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean by taking a walk through the gardens planted with tamarisk, ferns and lavender, while two bodycare cabins and a relaxation room o≠er further opportunity for rejuvenation.
NEED TO KNOW ■ Located on the Cote d’Azur opposite the Île d’Or, the hotel has 50 rooms including two suites, from €355 a night. ■ There are two restaurants, one on the roof terrace the other on the beach, serving Provençal food. ■ The hotel has wellness facilities and an open-air cinema, with activities including diving and fishing. ■ 90 Boulevard de la 36e Division du Texas, 83530 Saint-Raphaël, France, 0033 4 79 33 01 04, hotellesrochesrouges.com.
Waffle hand towel, 40x65cm, £18, Khadi and Co at The Conran Shop, 0844 848 4000, conranshop.co.uk.
Colchester desk, H78xW185x D75cm, €2,100, Flamant, 020 7935 7632, flamantshop.com.
AA Butterfly chair in Yellow, H90xW70xD70cm, £470, AA New Design at Made In Design, madeindesign.co.uk.
<#L#> | H&G | AUGUST 2017
Pierre colourcontrast pot in Cobalt, H28.5x diam20.5cm, £58, Anthropologie, 00800 0026 8476, anthropologie.com.
Etawah cushion cover in Cream and Navy, 65cm sq, £49.95, Nkuku, 0333 240 0155, nkuku.com.
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT AND LAURA VINDEN PHOTOGRAPH BENOÎT LINERO
TAKE IT HOME Recreate the relaxed contemporary look of this stylish suite
OUT AND ABOUT With plenty of seating, natural light and leafy plants, Richard Booth’s Bookshop is a haven for lovers of literature.
Hay-on-Wye’s Festival of Literature & Arts runs from 25 May to 4 June. Young and old welcome!
O U R FAV O U R I T E W R I T T E N - W O R D S H O P
Richard Booth’s Bookshop
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT PHOTOGRAPHS MARY PEREZ, TOM PILSTON
BROWSE THE COLLECTIONS AT HAY-ON-WYE’S ORIGINAL BOOKSTORE-TURNED-CULTURAL HUB Founded in 1962 by Richard Booth in a former fire station on Castle Street, Richard Booth’s Bookshop moved to its present location two decades later. Elizabeth Haycox and her husband Paul Greatbatch bought the business in 2007 and it remains the oldest – and largest – bookshop in the town. Owner Elizabeth shares their story… WHERE ARE YOU? The bookshop is located in a former agricultural merchant’s, Robert Williams and Sons Ltd. After acquiring the shop, Paul and I began restoring and repurposing the listed building, which has an elegant facade leading into a vast, three-storey emporium. It
has a history of being used for community dances and other celebrations, and now plays host to classical music concerts, literary gatherings, artists’ workshops and the occasional wedding. I’ve also added a popular café and state-of-the-art cinema in previously under-used spaces, transforming the shop into a cultural hub.
or a well-loved edition of Jane Eyre lost during a move, and shelving old and new together gives options. WHO VISITS THE SHOP? Our customers are of all ages and can be a collector on any number of subjects. We have hundreds of thousands of volumes, ranging from natural history and fiction to transportation and art and design.
WHAT MAKES THE SHOP UNIQUE?
HOW WILL YOU BE INVOLVED WITH THE HAY FESTIVAL’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY THIS SUMMER?
Paul and I travel all over the country buying collections and we think of ourselves as ‘re-homers’ of books, facilitating their journey from one generation to the next. What differentiates us from other bookshops is that we house new and secondhand titles together. A customer may be looking for the latest book from Robert Macfarlane
We’ll host the opening Friends reception, which is a highlight of our year. We love welcoming back those who find the May migration to Hay an intellectual necessity. Richard Booth’s Bookshop, 44 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AA, 01497 820322, boothbooks.co.uk. Country Homes & Interiors
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STYLE AND DÉCOR
‘I love old Hollywood and glamorous things’ Julien Macdonald OBE has dressed divas including Kylie and Beyoncé in his signature glitz and glamour. And, yes, his taste in interiors is just as fabulous as you’d imagine…
Julien Macdonald
Bring femininity to your bedroom with luxe textiles Arienne double duvet cover, £57; two pillowcases, £26; faux fur throw, £120; round silver cushion, £26; metallic beaded cushion, £35; all Star by Julien Macdonald range, Debenhams
J
ulien studied at the Royal College of Art in London, before being recruited by Karl Lagerfeld to work for Chanel, becoming creative director at Givenchy, then, in 2013, starring in Strictly. He still designs for the catwalk as well as the high street – his Designers at Debenhams homeware collection is in its eighth year. He lives in London’s Notting Hill. My style is quite flamboyant, yet chic. It certainly has the wow factor! I love old Hollywood and glamorous things. I like to entertain, so I have a great bronze Art Deco drinks trolley for serving cocktails in my living room. It’s my favourite room. There are two gorgeous original marble fireplaces, plus lots of textures and metallics on the wall. It’s very grand and quite masculine in a way. The colour scheme is chocolate and deep plum. One end of the room is silver with an Art Deco feel, while the other is in shades of bronze, featuring figurines of various birds. I also have a taxidermy bird of paradise that’s
Embrace the glitz of old Hollywood Silver glitter frame, £14; pearlised glass vase, £30; lustre glasses from £8 each, Debenhams
Take a leaf out of Julien’s book and sip from glam glasses Lustre effect martini glass, £8, Debenhams
Movie star glamour Dressing table mirror, £40, Debenhams
AUGUST 2017
<#R#>
STYLE AND DÉCOR
Julien has also designed a stunning range of wallpapers for Graham & Brown Gilded Feather wallpaper in White Silver, £23 per roll
In the bling Beaded cushion, £35, Star by Julien Macdonald range, Debenhams
Julien has Philippe Starck-designed bar stools in his kitchen Charles Ghost Stool in Rose, £183, Amara
Get the Art Deco look with a brass drinks trolley Stirling bar trolley, £299, Atkin and Thyme
Julien’s kitchen features Tom Dixon’s iconic pendant lights Beat light Wide in White, £325, Tom Dixon range, Nest
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
Don’t impulse buy! Think how “much you want to spend, so you
don’t go over budget, then collect images of styles you like before buying pieces you need. If in doubt, leave it out!
<#L#> AUGUST 2017
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more than 100 years old and has fabulous feather wings. I rarely buy anything new for my home. I have lots of old or vintage things and love finding little treasures. I did commission a huge round mirror for my hallway, though. It’s the first thing people see when they walk in, so I wanted it to be really bold and dramatic. It’s by an artist in Cornwall and covered in driftwood, coral and shells. It’s enormous and took about eight men to put it up! I collect Baccarat and Venetian glass, too, including paperweights from all over the world. My favourite is by Lalique and features a tropical scene. I bought my Georgian townhouse five years ago. It was previously owned by an elderly lady, and was very shabby chic with textured walls and William Morris wallpaper. She’d stuck shells all over the bathroom walls, and even though I love shells, it was a bit like living in a Victorian grotto by the sea! Decorating is surprisingly hard. Because I’m a designer, I thought it’d be quite easy, but I struggled to understand proportions. I’ve always designed clothes around the body, so when I had a space to fill, I discovered it was quite difficult. My friend, the interior designer Kelly Hoppen, advised me not to try to do everything in one go; to stick to a neutral palette and buy key pieces like a sofa or coffee table, then add items as I lived in the space. I made moodboards for each room then drew the furniture where it’d be placed in the room. I love the houses of the rich and famous! We went to Tommy Hilfiger’s beach house for dinner and it was amazing. I’ve always been inspired by the places I travel to. The hotel I always revisit is The Tides in Miami, which is decorated in a late Seventies Deco style. All my work is influenced by old Hollywood and I like Marilyn Monroe and old movies. I reference the past, but I present the future in a glamorous, glitzy way.
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT, GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPHS ELAN FLEISHER/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
The Tides hotel, Miami, is a favourite for Julien, with its glam Seventies Deco style
OFF SALE 11/11/2016
ISSUE 07 £5.99
pattern
VIEW A
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Pattern (CNS04
)
The Olivia car CNS04 SIZES
Sold for individual
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Your Free Sewing
(UK) Ltd. 2016
sewing
ISSUE 06 £5.99
and not for commercial
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Easy ideas to sew your own style new techniques to try today! SIMPLE
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gorgeous projects to make
FIVE IDEAS WITH… a checked blanket
FREE FOR YOU!
Make our Olivia Cardi in two styles & sizes XS-XL
SASHIKO QUILT
Beautiful hand stitching
EASY HOW-TO TUTORIALS
Follow our expert guides to improve your skills patchwork denim
top to stitch
DRESS UP FUN!
Easy kids’ costumes
quick felt dog brooch
SLUG HERE…
pleated POUCH
print love!
Use your favourite prints and trims to make a pretty and practical zip-up purse
i
f you’re fanatical about fabrics and find it tricky picking only a few for a project, you'll love this handy little bag as it sneakily hides an extra print in its clever inverted pleats. Simply choose three contrasting cottons and get pleating, then indulge a love of trims by combining bobbles and ribbon. It stitches up in a jiffy, too, making it an ideal gift for storing make-up, stationery, or even stitchy notions.
pleated make-up bag
a
YOU WILL NEED Notes (1); Midnight (2); * Sweet Barefoot in the Park (3), all
* * * * *
Cotton Candy fabric, £3 per fat quarter, purple-stitches.com Mini pom pom trim Pink grosgrain ribbon, 5mm wide 8in navy zip Zipper foot Basic sewing kit (see page 66)
Cut eight 7 x 18cm rectangles from fabric 2 and six from 3. Pin a light piece to a dark piece (a), right sides together. Sew a 1cm seam on one long edge and press open. Alternate three more dark and two light (b). Repeat to make a second patchwork piece.
1
Lay one right side up and mark the centre of each light panel at the top and bottom with a chalk pencil. Fold the right-hand edge of the first dark panel to the mark on the first light piece and pin. Repeat on the left-hand side to create an inverted pleat. Do the same across both pieces, top and bottom (c) and hand sew to secure.
PROJECT & STEP PHOTOS STEPH DURRANT PHOTO CLAIRE LLOYD-DAVIES
2
Cut two 6 x 24cm pieces from fabric 1. Tack pom pom trim, bobbles pointing down, along the top of one pleated piece. Pin a fabric 1
3
rectangle right side down on top. Sew with a 1cm seam, then press open. Pin pink grosgrain ribbon along the join (d) and stitch down both long edges. Repeat for the other patchwork panel. For the lining, cut two 22 x 24cm rectangles from fabric 3. Lay one right side up with the zip on top, teeth side up, aligning the top edges. Place a patchwork outer right side down on top and pin. Stitch close to the teeth using a zipper foot. Press the fabrics away from the zip. Repeat to attach the other piece. Topstitch 3mm from the seam in coordinating thread.
4
b
c
Open the zip slightly, then fold the fabrics so the lining and the outer panels are right sides together and pin. Sew a 1cm seam around the outside, leaving a 5cm gap in the lining.
5
Tweak one corner of the lining so the seams are on top of one another. Stitch across 3cm from the point then snip 1cm from the stitches. Repeat for the other corners. Turn the bag out through the gap in the lining. Press the opening seam and slipstitch closed. Push the lining inside the bag. Make a ribbon bow and sew in place.
6
d
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LONDON s
Sew Over It WHERE? Clapham and Islington WHY VISIT? Beautiful decor According to the letters on one wall of Sew Over It s Clapham shop, Sewing soothes the soul , and we couldn t agree more. Opened by sewing mini celeb Lisa Comfort in 2011, the sewing caf is a vibrant sanctuary for crafting enthusiasts. Shelves are lined with cheerful fabrics and trimmings, along with Lisa s own beautifully packaged patterns and kits. For those visiting North London, be sure to pop in to Sew Over It s sister store in Angel, with the same stitchy delights, plus dressmaking classes. Find out more at sewoverit.co.uk
Heading to the capital? We ve mapped out our favourite stitchy stores, workshops and events
o you ve been up the Shard, taken a trip on a red bus and ridden the Eye? But if you haven t taken time out to explore London s fabric laden gems, we re here to show you what you ve been missing. Rich in fashion and textile history, there s plenty to discover for the haberdashery hungry. However long you ve got to spare, here are our highlights for stitching in the city...
Liberty WHERE? Regent Street WHY VISIT? Lovely fabrics
oner or a whether you re a Lond plenty of stitchy day tripper, you ll nd l pleasures in the capita
This iconic department store is rich in history and was founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, who had a vision of setting up an Eastern bazaar to bring London society exotic wares. Today, Liberty fabrics have an identity all of their own, with classic floral designs in a rainbow of colourways sitting prettily next to brand new seasonal ranges, depicting everything from zoo animals to storybook prints. Head inside the stunning mock Tudor building just off Regent Street to marvel at the floor to ceiling rolls of Tana Lawn soft cotton, along with Liberty print haberdashery and gifts. You can also shop Liberty s fabric range online at liberty.co.uk
Savile Row WHERE? Mayfair WHY VISIT? A piece of history
Goldhawk Road Berwick Street WHERE? Soho WHY VISIT? Endless choice To Londoners and those in the textile industry, Berwick Street is synonymous with fine fabrics. In the early 20th century, it was popular with young working women looking for affordable fashion, but now the street retains its identity as a destination for seamstresses on the look out for
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colourful textiles and haberdashery in the many specialised stores. Borovick Fabrics, for example, has been famous since the Seventies for being the place to go for exotic fabrics, such as furs and sequins. Cloth House, meanwhile, offers splendid natural fibres and is a wonderful resource for beautiful sewing accessories and vintage haberdashery in an inspiring setting with timeless appeal. Other shops to visit include Misan Fabrics, The Silk Society and The Berwick Street Cloth Shop.
WHERE? Shepherd s Bush WHY VISIT? Bargain buys Situated in West London, Goldhawk Road is home to over a dozen fabulous textile shops now that s a whole lot of yardage to peruse. If you can t find what you re after here, it probably doesn t exist! It s a great place for grabbing a deal, too, so don t forget to hunt around in the bargain bins for some leftover remnants for just a few pounds each.
Just off Regent Street in the well to do Mayfair area lies the home of bespoke tailoring, Savile Row. It s known around the world as the most prestigious place to have a suit handmade, but even without a few thou to spare, the historical street is still worth a meander. It was built in 1731, and the oldest surviving tailors is Henry Poole & Co, whose clients included Queen Victoria and Edward VII. These days, though, you re more likely to spot Sewing Bee judge, and owner of Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons, Patrick Grant, making his way to work. Look out for events such as London Craft Week, where stores open their workshops to give the public a chance to watch these skilled craftsmen and women, such as Savile Row s first female tailor, Kathryn Sargent (left), at work. sewing THE CRAFT NETWORK <#B#>
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Kleins Opened in 1936 by Mary Kleins, this Aladdin s cave of sewing wonders is now run by Mary s grandson, Raymond. In this Soho store, you ll find everything from pins and needles to an array of unusual zip fastenings and specialist interfacings. Plus, if you re not sure what you need or how to use a product, all staff have a background in fashion or sewing, so will be able to assist. See kleins.co.uk
se or go shopping, do a cour you ll take in an exhibition be spoilt for choice
John Lewis This quintessential British department store, located on Oxford Street, is well known for its sizeable haberdashery department. Ride the lift past womenswear and lingerie, and you ll step into a haven of contemporary fabrics, own branded sewing machines in candy colours (for less than ÂŁ100!) and whimsical accessories fox pincushion? Yes, please! It s also home to The Makery s workspace collaboration, running all kinds of exciting sewing courses for beginners. Visit johnlewis.com
The Cloth Shop
The Village Haberdashery If you re fanatical about fabric, then The Village Haberdashery on Mill Lane is a must visit. With wall to wall rolls of quilting cottons in dazzling designs, quilters and dressmakers alike will be satisfied by the extensive selection. Putting a modern spin on traditional craft , the Sublime Stitching embroidery patterns include robots and unicorns (essential motifs, we re sure you ll agree!). For more info, go to thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk <#A#> THE CRAFT NETWORK sewing
Well known for its antiques market, Portobello Road is also home to The Cloth Shop. Prepare to be amazed by linens in more than 50 shades, hand block printed textiles and colourful woven trims. What s more, the rustic homewares, including blankets and pottery, are beautifully displayed on vintage wooden shelves and crates, as well as a large farm table in the centre of the shop. See theclothshop.net
Take a trip down the Essex Road to Ray Stitch, a one stop shop for modern fabrics, indie sewing patterns plus trims and fastenings galore. Have a rummage through patterns by lots of independent brands including Papercut and Grainline Studio, and if getting the perfect fit is a constant headache, take one of owner Rachel s pattern cutting classes. You ll learn how to create a block to your measurements, which will ensure a great fit each and every time you sew. Visit raystitch.co.uk
3 MUST VISIT PLACES
FASHION & TEXTILE MUSEUM Founded by iconic fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey showcases a programme of changing exhibitions as well as creative courses. Find out more at ftmlondon.org ANGELS COSTUMES Take a tour behind the seams of the world s largest costume house, Angels Costumes. With over eight miles of rails, you ll explore clothes from TV, stage and cinema, including Game Of Thrones and Downton Abbey. See angels.uk.com
NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS THE HANDMADE FAIR 16 18 September Hampton Court Palace LONDON FASHION WEEKEND 16 20 September Saatchi Gallery, King s Road MADE LONDON 20 23 October One Marylebone THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFTS SHOW 17 19 November ExCel
ROYAL SCHOOL OF NEEDLEWORK Based at Hampton Court Palace, once the residence of Henry VIII, the Royal School of Needlework holds an equal level of prestige. An international centre of excellence for hand embroidery, there are over 160 short courses, along with bespoke services. Head to royal needlework.org.uk
For a comprehensive guide to London s best sewing and knitting shops, pick up a copy of London Stitch And Knit by Leigh Metcalf (Black Dog, ÂŁ16.95).
WORDS STEPH DURRANT PHOTOS LEIGH METCALF, CLOTH HOUSE, REUBEN PARIS
MORE PLACES TO SHOP
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victory patterns
# sewingtricksand tips
pattern picks This month’s party dress patterns are perfect for a festive fiesta
Trina, $14, victorypatterns.com Hot off the drafting table at Victory Patterns is this classic wrap dress with a Japanese flavour in its kimono-style sleeves. The cross-over bodice creates a flattering V-neckline with gathers above the bust line. There is also a second option in the form of a versatile wrap tunic. For a slinky show-stopper, make up the dress in silk charmeuse in a striking plain or bold print. Newbies might want to opt for a more stable fabric, such as voile or double gauze. The pattern is available as a pdf in sizes US 2-16.
colour block
‘Feeling brave? Take on this chic wrap dress in a luxe silk’ ESME CLEMO, CONTENT PRODUCER
seamwork Catarina, $12, seamwork.com
sew over it Rosie, from £8.50, sewoverit.co.uk
Vogue 8944, £12, sewdirect.com From well-renowned brand Vogue Patterns, style 8944 is a true classic. The colour block panels create an ultra-flattering style and are easy to personalise – why not create an on-trend ombre effect? The dress is lined, with a yoke front and back zipper, and has a neat narrow hem. It can be made up in sizes US 6-22, making it great for all figure types. For winter outings, try the sleeved option or stitch in ponte knits for a casual finish. If you’ve a more glam do in mind, try a printed crêpe instead.
vintage vibe
Learn this...
TOPSTITCHING This literally involves stitching on top of the seam, either for decoration or to add strength. Use contrasting topstitching thread or an all-purpose variety. You can also buy specific needles for the job – twin needles create a lovely hem detail. Avoid backstitching to keep the front of your project neat and keep stitching parallel to the seam – an edgestitch foot will help with this.
Learn this...
2-hour make
V
ROULEAU CORD Rouleau straps or loops are very fine tubes of fabric that create a length of cord. They are often used with buttons instead of buttonholes but also make delicate straps. Start by cutting fabric on the bias and fold in half lengthways, right sides together. Stitch close to the fold. Trim close to the seam and turn out using a loop turner or bodkin. Press flat, or steam to keep the loop rounded.
WORDS STEPH DURRANT
Learn this...
SIZES/T
The latest pattern from sewing goddess, Lisa Comfort, the Rosie dress has everything we’ve come to expect from Sew Over It patterns. Flirty, feminine and with a vintage feel, Rosie is the ultimate party dress, complete with a fitted bodice and full skirt. There are three versions to choose from, too: the first has a retro collar and wide straps, while the second has a pretty sweetheart neckline and dainty rouleau straps. Option three is a versatile skirt taking you through all the seasons – stitch it in printed cotton for summer or cosy wool crêpe for winter. The pattern is available as a printed or pdf version in UK sizes 8-20.
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Only got a few hours to stitch your dream party dress? Enter Catarina. It takes just two hours to construct this midi-length marvel, which features a gathered skirt and elasticated waist, combined with a figure-skimming top. The pattern is pdf only and can be made in US sizes 0-26. Catarina is stunning in silk charmeuse, or try rayon for a more dressed down look.
vogue patterns
V8944 SIZE / TAILLE
VERY EASY VOGUE
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GATHERING This is a simple way to make a circle skirt fit a bodice. Divide the skirt top into sections and machine two or three rows of long tacking stitches. Leave the thread tails long and pull up the bobbin thread to gather, making sure they’re even before pinning and sewing.
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Prep your sofa for the season with this pretty appliqué cushion, £12.99, Argos
The wish list... All the latest arrivals, top trends and must-visits for May
Blogger of the month
What’s new?
We were very excited to hear Lorraine Kelly has expanded her collaboration with JD Williams into her first range of homeware. Comprising pieces across two key trends, Coast to Glen and Coastal Mist, her tactile accessories and signature prints are perfect for spring
Written in both French and English, Karine Candice Kong’s interiors blog Bodie and Fou is ‘your perfect little black book of style.’ Bringing readers regular inspiration for creating effortlessly chic interiors, Karine’s approach to design is ‘mixing vintage treasure with designer pieces and high street bargains.’ Follow her at karinecandicekong.com.
hello, Birdie! Spring is the perfect time to put up a nesting box for small birds. Not only will you be helping out our feathery friends, but
you’ll have the joy of watching little bird families hop in and out. You don’t need a large outdoor space, either.
Paula bird house, £26, Amara
Yellow texture cushion, £22; Blue herringbone cushion, £18; Blue star cushion, £22; Set of three vases, £25; White wooden lantern, £29, all Lorraine at Home by JD Williams
Prettifying your space with home grown, hand-picked flowers
Creator of successful blog Petite Kitchen, Eleanor Ozich is back with more than 100 of her most loved, health-driven dishes. My Family Table (Murdoch Books, £16.99) is brimming with simple wholefood recipes that the entire family will be abandoning iPads and Xboxes for. Perfect for lunchboxes, you’ll find a how-to for these simple savoury muffins on our website.
Orla Kiely bird house, £23.95, Cuckooland.com
You don’t have to be living in a Jane Austin novel to collect wild flowers. Beautiful blooms are a quick and simple way of rejuvenating a room, as Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring show in Decorate With Flowers (Jacqui Small, £20). If you don’t have a garden, pop down to your local florist or market (bonnet and wicker basket optional) and select buds in your fave colours to display in creative ways, such as this floating centrepiece.
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May 2016 11
spend vs save
Golden Dot wallpaper, Rice
Allow your fruit to ripen in style with an ultra-trendy wire fruit bowl
£42
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Menu Norm wire fruit bowl, Black by Design
£4
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Wire basket, Tiger
colour crush Combine on-trend exotic leaf prints with shade of the moment, mint green, and Pantone’s colour of the year, powder pink. Adorn your dining table with new for spring ceramics by Sooji Kim for Bloomingville, pieces from £5.95.
shhhh...
new strokes Be washed away by spring fresh watercolour prints and accessories
Well, the creative minds at Rice have been busy. Our kitchen cupboards are stacked with the brand’s cheerfully printed melamine cups, and picnics wouldn’t be the same without a plate or two, but now you can even have its eclectic designs on your walls! Rice has teamed up with wallpaper experts Eijffinger and there are 50 designs to choose from, including birds, butterflies and florals. Visit rice.dk to shop the range.
Poligon bowl, £21.40, DaWanda
Be the designer
Fearne Cotton bird cushion, £15, Very
Melamine platter, £15, Bhs
Crystal bed, £169; Jacquard brush strokes cushion, £8; Watercolour floral cushion, £12; Floral duvet set, £12; Birds in bell jar, £12, all George Home
The Spoonflower Handbook (Stewart Tabori & Chang, £16.99) helps you get to grips with creating your own prints, plus handy projects for making unique home décor. It’s super simple and all you need to start is a computer. May 2016 13
spring blooms Full of the joys of the season, no matter what the weather’s doing this May time, you’ll have a smile on your face serving tea with the bright and cheerful Flower Patch collection from Collier Campbell. New pieces have been added and, if you fancy dining alfresco, there’s a whole range of melamine ware starting from £5, including picnic perfect cups, bowls and plates.
bUY or DiY? Update your child’s room with this timeless new star wallpaper from Hibou Home at £70 per roll. Alternatively, make your own enchanting backdrop with Patternology metallic wall stickers from Mamas & Papas, £19 per pack, which contains 31 silver stars in various sizes.
GOOD IDEA
Make your own stamps to dip in white emulsion and make your own printed paper
Expert advice A sofa is a key piece of furniture and often an investment, therefore picking the right one is essential. To ensure you choose a settee the family will love and that will last, we’ve enlisted the help of Kate Tansley, the lovely Creative Director at Multiyork
Kate’s golden rules
1 Size matters First consider the size of the room and where you want to place your sofa. A large one in a tight space will make the room appear smaller. Likewise, if the sofa isn’t big enough, it can look a little lost. 2 Function first Ensure the style matches the function and décor of the room. Models with a fixed back and curved arms will look beautiful when combined with a traditional interior, while cushioned backs and straight arms will be better suited to a contemporary and/or family home. 3 Fab fabrics Patterned sofas are a great way to inject colour and playfulness into a room, but if you’re after a subtle look, a plain fabric decorated with scatter cushions in complementary hues will create a style that’s simple and sleek. 14 homestylemag.co.uk
she says...
‘Choosing the right sofa is vital – consider how many seats you need vs the space available, plus ensure the style works with the décor.’
Expert advice
Wrecking ball
Conventional wisdom says that if you tap a wall and it sounds hollow, it’s only a dividing stud wall. In fact, some stud walls are load bearing and internal masonry walls aren’t always structural. If you’re thinking of removing or altering internal walls, you’ll need to make a Building Regulations application. They will inspect the work on site and issue a certificate upon completion.
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Thinking of relocating? First check our ideas for straightforward renovations and easy revamps
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ccording to home insurance provider homeprotect.co.uk, 49% of us are unhappy with our home, while 62% are delaying renovation projects. So is the solution packing up and shipping out? It could be. But, and we’re sure we’re not alone here, the endless chasing of solicitors, infinite form filling and frustration of being caught up in a never-ending
Double up If you’re not able to conjure up an extra room (or more to the point, the budget for one) then think about how you can make your existing space work harder. Multitasking furniture is your saving grace, so ditch the double bed from the spare room and swap it for a stylish sofa bed. You might then have room for a desk and book shelf so the area can double as a home office.
Folding chair, £10, Habitat 60 homestylemag.co.uk
vortex, sorry, chain, fills us with dread. Which is why we’ve collated a generous helping of ideas and expert advice for improving your existing property. Think of it as marriage counselling for your home, as we help you fall back in love with the house you have, while saving time, effort and a whole lot of cash. In fact, it could even increase your home’s value for when you eventually do move.
Be prepared for extra overnight guests with this compact corner sofa bed, £999, M&S
Add a sophisticated touch with the Living collection by Christiane Lemieux for House of Fraser
Divide & conquer
Don’t be constrained by the four – or however many – walls you’ve got. Start thinking outside the box. Literally. Opening up or dividing spaces you already have to suit your needs could be a much cheaper solution than packing up home, you just need to think creatively, but realistically. If you have the budget to expand, think about a side or rear extension, or adding an extra storey. Have a chat with a specialist like Simply Extend to find out your options and to chat costs. Alternatively, adding glass panelled doors will blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
In a large, open-plan space, room dividers could be the answer to sectioning off a room so it has a clear, separate function. Spaceslide’s dividers are made-to-measure and are straightforward to fit yourself. No need to consult Building Regulations! Available in a translucent glass finish, they’ll still let plenty of light through. So that dream dressing area may not be beyond reality.
Velux sun tunnel, from £259.99, Screwfix
Flood dingy spaces such as halls with daylight by installing a Velux sun tunnel. As long as there’s 6m or less between your roof and ceiling, you can funnel light into any room, and with easy assembly, you don’t even need attic access. July 2016 61
Expert advice
Have it both ways with an over bath shower and contemporary click double bath screen, £255, Simpsons
Bathroom boost
GOOD IDEA
A double bath screen is extra protection against shower spray soaking the floor
There are plenty of bathroom updates that can be achieved on a budget, so we’ve enlisted the experts at Bella Bathrooms to give us some quick-fix tips. REPLACE TILES If your walls are in need of a touch up, then replacing tiles can give your bathroom a facelift without ripping out the whole suite. ADD ACCESSORIES Updating bathroom accessories can go a long way in making a space look brand new. A new vanity unit will allow you to store your toiletries stylishly, while adding new towels will brighten up the room. SPACE SAVERS If your bathroom is on the small side, the easiest solution may be to make it into a wet room. Corner showers and sliding doors can also help you to maximise an en-suite if space is tight. CLEAR THE CLUTTER If you’re struggling to fit a vanity unit in, then store bathroom items in a dedicated unit in the shower to keep the space clutter-free. STAY ON BUDGET Try out Bella Bathroom’s interactive bathroom calculator, allowing you to select your budget, requirements and priority rating for each element to create a bespoke suite you’ll love.
Cupboard love
Not all of us have an outdoor area suitable for a washing line and we’ve all wrestled with a clothes airer in a limited space – not fun! If getting your clothes dry is a frequent frustration, take a peek in your boiler cupboard to see if there’s enough room for a few shelves to create a makeshift drying zone. Just be aware of any pipes or electrics.
Budget, better, best Frustrated by low water pressure? Fit a high powered thermostatic shower instead
£198 Square off Mind thermostatic twin head shower, £99.97, Bathroom Takeaway
.£99.97
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Rain down
Cooke & Lewis Sillaro thermostatic mixer shower, £198, B&Q
£645
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Right angle
Modo thermostatic shower, £645, Frontline Bathrooms
In small bathrooms and en-suites, mirrored tiles will reflect light and look ultra glamorous – think boutique Art Deco hotel. These antique mirror tiles from originalstyle.co.uk have a vintage-looking bevelled edge. Extend your splash back and use them instead of a separate mirror above the basin.
Expert advice GOOD IDEA
Extend worktops and add stools to create a mini breakfast bar area
Hayley Simmons, Magnet’s Head of Marketing, offers her savvy advice on creating a beautiful yet functional kitchen design. THE WORKING TRIANGLE The working triangle is the foundation of any kitchen design. This concept refers to the primary tasks carried out between the sink, fridge and oven, forming an imaginary triangle. Avoid exceeding 2.7 metres between any point to maintain maximum efficiency while preparing food. SPACE EFFICIENT DINING If you don’t have space for a static table, chose one that folds out from the wall when needed, but otherwise serves as a stylish cabinet. GET THE GRANITE LOOK FOR LESS High definition laminate worktops are a great way of achieving a premium look, but without the price tag of real granite.
Astral White kitchen, £506 per 600mm base unit, Magnet
Kitchen cures The size and style of a kitchen can have an enormous influence on whether we sign on the dotted line when buying a property, but what if you’ve now outgrown the space or can no longer stomach the dated marble-effect counters or lack of usable cupboard space (where is that slow cooker/food processor/coffee machine meant to fit?). A functional kitchen is about logistics as well as aesthetics, so how can you improve meal prep in the home you have? If you want to rip the whole thing out and start again, a kitchen designer will be able to advise on practicalities within your budget.
Avoid jumping out of your skin every time someone shuts a cupboard door with soft close clip-on hinges, £4.99, Screwfix
Light it up
Insufficient lighting can be a big frustration in a dingy kitchen. Aim for a number of sources, including under cabinet spots for prepping, a cooker hood lamp for lighting up the hob and pendants make stylish overhead lighting for dining.
Updating tired kitchen worktops can really boost the aesthetics of the whole area. Ikea’s wood-effect laminate worktops start at just £40.
Warehouse pendant lamp, £70, Loaf
Look for space-saving dining sets with seating that tucks under, like this Habitat bench for £150, or two-person tables that extend when you have guests over. July 2016 63
Expert advice
And so to bed
If sleep space is at a premium, and unlike the Dursleys in the Harry Potter books, you don’t consider under the stairs a viable bedroom option, you may want to look into expanding upwards into the loft. Planning permission isn’t normally required, as long as specified limits and conditions aren’t exceeded, however you’ll need Building Regulations approval. A few factors will affect the cost, including whether the roof will need to be raised or ceiling below lowered, where the staircase is positioned and what windows are installed. Worst case scenario, you’re looking at around a £40,000 investment,
which sadly not all of us have tucked away under the mattress. Storage is often a conundrum, especially where the roof space inclines. Instead of searching for a property with an extra room just for your shoe collection, à la Carrie Bradshaw, fitted wardrobes may be the solution. Sliding doors mean easy access whatever space you have, and custom storage ensures you get the shelf and drawer space (not forgetting, shoe racks) you really need. Consider getting these bespoke-made as it can be a lot cheaper than buying from a fitted bedroom company.
A fully fitted Sharps bedroom starts from £2,000
A solid, scoop-roofed porch makes a practical yet attractive entrance. This one is priced from £1,595 by Garden Requisites
Outside in
If inside your front door is starting to look like a shoe shop, building a porch could be the answer to the muddy shoe/wet coat fandango that occurs when your entrance opens into a living area. For outside, consider an Isabelle door canopy kit from Mud Putty. Handmade to order, the British timber canopy is designed to be easily installed, regardless of your DIY skills. Prices start from £261.97. 64 homestylemag.co.uk
When the sun comes out to play, being able to extend your living space into the garden is invaluable, especially if you have little ones. Even a small area can be transformed into a functional outdoor room with some inexpensive or upcycled furniture, waterproof cushions and a few lanterns for added atmosphere.
Make your patio the place to be with accessories from Sainsbury’s
Fill your conservatory with pot plants – Ikea has a great selection
If there’s space at the back of your property, a conservatory or orangery will add space and light to your home, as well as extra value. If you’re worried about it being too tropical to bear in summer and penguins marching through in winter, most manufacturers now use energy efficient glazing to keep a constant temperature.
Expert advice If rendering or replacing a pebbledashed exterior is too costly, painting it is the next best thing. Jamie Taylor from Johnstone’s Paint gives this advice
Repair patchy or broken render with U-Can Render Repair Mortar, £7.85 per 5kg from B&Q
Look forward to returning home to a front door painted in Johnstone’s exterior gloss paint
PREP IS KEY Use a stiff brush to remove all loose chippings, dust and dirt, and use a scraper to get rid of any existing flaked coating. Fix all damaged pebbles using a filler and leave to dry. REMOVE ALGAE Apply a sterilisation wash to treat algae and mould, leave this to work for 24 hours. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. START PAINTING Dilute the first coat of masonry paint with water by 10% and apply to the entire surface area. Follow this with a further two coats of undiluted paint.
MAKE POUNDS FROM YOUR PROPERTY Drum up some extra cash by pimping out your property, selling space and trading your tomatoes CASH IN THE ATTIC
If put on the spot, could you recall everything hoarded in your loft? Nope, us neither! Yet, according to EssexRooms.com, among the spiders and Christmas decs, the average UK home has an estimated £1,992 worth of goods stashed away just gathering dust. If you think of that in terms of a new bathroom or kitchen, that’s serious cash. So next weekend, take some time
MONEYSAVING IDEAS
Luck of the draw
Did you know you could win cash based on your postcode? See freepostcodelottery.com and sign up for free. There’s a draw every day with £200 up for grabs, paid for by advertising on the site.
to search under the eaves, blitz the basement and raid the garage to see what treasures might be lurking. Then, once you’ve cleared some clutter, log on to storemates.co.uk and earn some extra pennies by renting out your storage space. It’s the perfect solution for people looking for local, affordable self storage, and you could bag yourself upwards of £10 per week for no real extra effort.
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POWER UP
When it comes to storage, HomeSense has it covered
In February of this year, a new scheme opened in the UK with different tariff rates and rules for receiving payments for generating your own electricity for new applicants. The Export Tariff allows you to sell extra units back to your energy supplier for 4.77p per unit of electricity. Check gov.uk for the full regulations. Steve Munday, MD of Clean Energy Installations gives this advice, ‘Solar PV remains the most affordable “renewable” investment, despite recent cuts to the Feed-in-Tariff scheme. The FIT is a bonus, however much it is when you choose to invest: it ultimately gives you a token tax-free income for 20 years. But the big benefit is the saving on your electricity bills. It is a sound investment to install solar PV as the savings alone can amount to more than 10% of the investment cost. Also, consider combining with an Air Source Heat Pump, which in itself can save you hundreds of pounds from your heating costs. PV and heat pumps together can save up to 80% on your total energy bills.’ May 2016 21
MONEYSAVING IDEAS LOVE TO LEND
If you don’t want to get rid of occasional-use items like a lawn mower, sewing machine or camping equipment, why not rent them out to those who also only have the need for them every so often? Sign up to rentmyitems.com to flog your stuff on a part-time basis. Once you’ve listed
GOING GREEN
If you’re fortunate enough to have a corner of land to spare, there are plenty of green-fingered growers that’d be happy to take their trowel to it. Look out for local garden share schemes that connect people with a passion for gardening to
whatever you’re offering, however big or small, prospective renters will be able to contact you through the site to arrange pick up or delivery, and you can also request a deposit for items of higher value. A borrowing time period will be agreed and the renter will pay a daily rate for using your goods.
those who have land for cultivating. Make sure there are written ground rules, such as what access the user will have, insurance responsibilities and what produce the land owner will be entitled to, to ensure an evergreen relationship for all.
PERMIT TO PARK
The streets may not be paved with gold, but that unused car parking space could be. Online parking marketplaces let you rent out your spaces for up to £200 per month, depending on your area. If you live near an airport or railway station,
or even a football ground, it’s worth checking out what you might be able to make. Get a quick online estimate with Park Let’s price guide tool for longterm stays, or try Just Park for short-term visits. However, this is strictly for off-street parking on your own property.
CARRY ON CAMPING Another option for those with outdoor space is renting your garden to campers. It might seem a little strange to open your curtains in the morning to a family sitting round a camp fire cooking sausages, so possibly not for those with only a square foot of
grass, but still a viable money earner for many. Look at campinmygarden.com to get involved and advertise your garden for free. The website suggests letting your facilities for no more than 28 days a year and for a maximum of two weeks in one go.
Pink watering can, £14.99; Pink secateurs, £17.95, both Dobbies
Bell tent, from £609, Boutique Camping 22 homestylemag.co.uk
MONEYSAVING IDEAS GOOD IDEA
Light and airy spaces are always appealing to photographers
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The glamour of Hollywood may seem like a million miles away, but what if it came direct to your door? Film and photography locations can be a fantastic earner, with prices varying from £500 per day for an editorial shoot and £1,000 per day for an advertorial shoot, with a 20% commission taken by the booking agent. Sophie Hitchens, owner of Light Locations, has the inside info on what makes a desirable shoot location... The property must have at least three suitable rooms and the larger and lighter the room, the more versatile it is.
Image Homewood House, Somerset, lightlocations.com
There has to be an inspirational feel to the space. Neutral paint colours on the wall are preferred so they can be repainted, and stylish furniture and props always make locations more appealing. Floorboards are the most popular feature, especially in the main rooms, as are period assets, like fireplaces, in Victorian and Georgian houses. The property must have good natural light, so big windows are a huge plus. Finally, be prepared for disruption. The client will be contracted to leave your home as they found it, but people will be coming in and out, and most likely moving things around. You will also need to check your insurer will cover any incidental damage and you’ll need to pay tax on any income you receive.
YOUR AD HERE
You could earn more than £2,000 a year by driving around in a branded vehicle. Services like Comm-motion and Money4space cover your car in adverts (known as ‘wraps’) and some will require you to drive a minimum amount of miles to ensure the ads are seen. Wraps are made from special vinyl which can easily be removed without damaging the car’s paintwork, and transparent ones can even be placed on the rear and side windows so visibility won’t be affected. Part of the deal is likely to include keeping your car clean, but it’s a good return for getting out a bucket and sponge every Saturday. Cyclists should check out Lacuna Digital. A carbon neutral advertising platform, riders are paid per mile for travelling green with an eBoard attached to their bike which streams targeted ads in real time, depending on their location. May 2016 23
MONEYSAVING IDEAS THE HOLIDAY Most of us hadn’t even heard of house swapping until rom-com The Holiday, and while many of us don’t have an idyllic country house in Sussex that just happens to be in walking distance of a station, or an LA pad with electric blinds and a swimming pool, it definitely is a real thing. There are lots of websites which offer to link you with home owners across the globe looking for an easy getaway – get online and look at homelink.org.uk, homeexchange.com
and lovehomeswap.com, to name a few. And who knows, Jude Law may just turn up on the doorstep – we can but hope. Alternatively, sites such as Airbnb are proving ever popular. It doesn’t matter how big or small your space is, it’s free to list and you’ll have the option to ask guests to send a reservation request or you can allow them to book instantly. Your property will also be covered up to £600,000 and there’s lots of help on how to prepare for your guests’ arrival.
Missed an issue? Becca’s lovely home featured in our November 2015 issue. To get your hands on a copy, see homestylemag.co.uk/ back-issues, where you can download full digital versions of HomeStyle.
Home owner and Airbnb host, Becca Allen, shares her wisdom on how to make your property a holiday home success Make sure you have good photos and a detailed description of yourself and your home – you will then attract the guests that are most compatible with you. The aim is to make people feel really comfortable in your home and go out of your way to do little things, i.e. check dietary requirements. We have lots of little quirks around the house and kit out our guest rooms with books, magazines, a little welcome pack with bus time table, local restaurants and cafés. Try statement prints, plants and rugs to brighten a white space but keep it minimal so the guests still feel like they’re in a guest bedroom, and not just your cluttered spare room. The whole idea of Airbnb is to engage with your guests and tell them about all the best places to visit and eat at, and give them local info they wouldn’t receive at a hotel. Most of the time our visitors arrive as guests but leave as friends, and we have been invited to stay with so many people.
GROW YOUR OWN If you’re a keen grower of greens, selling your surplus is a savvy way of making some extra pocket money. Initiatives such as BigBarn’s Crop for the Shop helps stores source local, fresh produce, with more than 500 retailers signed up. Other places to sell produce include local and farmers’ markets, car boot sales, fêtes and festivals. Try to think beyond tomatoes and carrots, too. Expensive crops like asparagus and chillies are actually pretty easy to grow and are always in demand, especially in restaurants. Alternatively, try mixing up a batch of chutneys, pickles or jams to sell at local fairs and also make great gifts. Sterilise old jam jars and bottles or bulk buy, and prettify with fabric lids, twine, ribbon and handwritten labels for a touch of nostalgic charm. 24 homestylemag.co.uk
RULES OF SELLING FOOD
1
If you’re an occasional seller, you won’t need a food hygiene certificate, but if you’re selling to a business you will need to register with the Food Standard Agency. The same applies to HMRC, as you’ll be required to pay tax if you’re trading regularly. Check hmrc.gov.uk if you’re unsure. Trading allotment-grown produce is generally prohibited, however some do have allotment shops for selling surplus crops.
2
3 For a quick and easy way to grow healthy fruit and veg, Rocket Gardens provides ‘instant gardens’ which include a selection of potted plants, plus tasty recipes
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AT AN EXCLUSIVE VISIT TO HER PENTHOUSE, THE ICONIC FASHION DESIGNER SHARES THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HER NEW FABRIC COLLECTION, LACE MOUNTAIN
Finding time The Lace Mountain
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Our top picks
5, Midnight
3, Tribal
4, Midnight
To inspire, and be inspired
2, Solar
1, Solar
We took a sneak peak around the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s London apartment, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we found...
©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett/REX
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WITH DISNEY’S CINDERELLA CAPTURING OUR IMAGINATIONS, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE CORSET
©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett/REX LILY JAMES’ CORSET IS BREATHTAKING
Corsets or ‘stays’ become popular as an undergarment in Europe.
The use of metal eyelets means that tighter lacing is possible.
The sewing machine is invented, resulting in the mass production of corsets. 1851
1828
1600s
1693+
Occasional periodicals are printed aimed at women containing corset patterns and fashion advice.
1830s
Steel split-metal busk fastenings are invented.
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Burda 7088
Simplicity 1183
Butterick 5935
ʦ www.simplicitynewlook.com, 0161 480 8734ʧ ʦ www.sewdirect.com, 0844 880 1263ʧ ʦ www.bra maker.co.uk ʦ ȩȸʧȲȶ Ȱȯ ʦ www.bra maker.co.uk
ǧ ʦ ȩȲʧȸȸ ȴ ʦ www.myfabric house.co.uk
Ȱȱ ʦ ȵȯ ʦ www.abakhan.co.uk ✔ ʧ ʧ ʦ ʧ ʧ ✔ ʦ ʭ ʧ ʧ ✔ ʦ your seams aft ʧ ʦ Ǥ ʧ Ǥ ʧ
✔ ʧ ʦ ʦ ʧ Ǥ ʧ ʦ ʧ ✔ ʤ ʧ ʵ ʧ ʦ ʦ ʥ ʤ ʦ ʤ ʤʧ ʦ www.sewcurvy.com www.schoolofcorsetry.com
If you are making a corset with a lace-up fastening, you will need to create eyelets in the fabric. 1 ʧ ʧ ʦ ʧ 2 Ǥ ʧ ʧ 3 Ǥ ʯ ʰʧ Complete Dressmaking Skills ʯȩȰȳʧȸȸʦ ʰ ʧ www.searchpress.com
The Rational Dress Society is formed in London, promoting less restrictive corsetry for women.
Whale boning became less plentiful and better quality steel is available.
Dior’s small-waisted ‘New Style’ sees the return of less extreme corsetry.
The corset challenge in the GBSB series three and the release of Disney’s Cinderella sees corset sales rise by 55%*
1881
1900s
1950s
2015
1860s
More emphasis on decoration including fine fabrics and embroidery.
1890s
Tight lacing becomes fashionable again and physicians release a warning about the harmful effects.
1920s
1980s
The boyish, waist-less fashion means corsetry is swapped for girdles and bras.
Madonna and fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier bring corsets back in fashion.
ʷ ʨ ʧ ʧ ʧ Corsets Historical Patterns and Techniques ʯȩȱȯʦ ʰʧ