SUMMER BEDROOM

STYLE UPGRADES

From decadent dressing tables to lush linens and accessories, breathe new life into your sleep sanctuary with these top finds, says Sam Wylie-Harris...

Longing to escape to a restful retreat right now? With far-flung hotels and holidays out of the equation for most of us, giving your own bedroom a fresh face for summer might be the next best thing.

In fact, this could be just the staycation solution you need, as a few simple styling tweaks and updates really can go a long way.

Whether you want to unwind your mind with sun-bleached bed linen, pimp up your boudoir with some Hollywood-esque glamour, or introduce some natural timber and exotic foliage into your own private sanctuary, the options are endless.

Need some inspiration? Check out these top picks...

MM LINEN ARLETTE DUVET COVER SET - MUL TI, FROM JOHN LEWIS

Statement florals and big blousy prints always look inviting and fresh - and don't feel like you have to curb your fondness for big bouquets if your flower bed is a single plot.

Whatever size space you're working with, bold blooms can create spectacular impact, especially if you scatter inviting cushions in solid pastels among the flora. Bethan Harwood, home design stylist for John Lewis, suggests pairing floral bedding with real and faux plants, to bring the outside in and create a an ultracalming sanctuary .

"Start by making sure the room is cool enough to sleep in," Harwood adds. "You can use temperature controlling sheets, pillows and mattresses to make sure your sleep is uninterrupted. Try our specialist temperature-balancing 400 thread count cotton sheet, made from 100% cotton; the natural construction helps to wick away moisture lost during sleep to keep you cool. If needed, fans are also a great way to circulate air into the room.

"You can also use a lavender sleep spray to send you off to sleep and make sure your bedding is smelling fresh. Finally, add candles, soft lighting and a blackout blind so no matter the weather, you can drift off to sleep."

ANTONIA GREY MOTHER OF PEARL CHEST OF DRA WERS, GRAHAM & GREEN

If you really want to make those blooms best in show, this handcrafted Indian chest is studded with carved mother of pearl in a pretty floral design. Proving furniture can be far more than just functional, this striking piece will easily transform a bedroom wall - especially if you hang a mirror above to create the illusion of more space and light.

HARLOW DUVET COVER SET, BY CAPRICE HOME

Hello Hollywood! If you fancy treating yourself to a little decor decadence, this geometric jacquard design, with subtle metallic yarn, shimmers when it catches the light. It could even be dressed with coordinating diamante cushions, sequins and sparkly trimmings from Caprice's range of accessories inspired by other glamorous leading ladies, such Hepburn, Loren and A va.

ROCHELLE STORAGE DRESSING TABLE, NEXT

Super swish, this mirrored dressing table evokes art-deco elegance; think feather -trimmed satin robes and vintage star power. Opulent and yet practical, you can maximise your dressing table space with beauty bits and bobs in the drawers, and style up the vanity table with fresh flowers and scented candles. A satin or velvet footstool completes the look.

MIRADOR BED LINEN COLLECTION - DUVET COVER, FLAT SHEET AND OXFORD PILLOWCASE WITH BORDER, FROM THE WHITE COMPANY

Inspired by five-star luxury and a romantic escape, The White Company is a one-stop shop for bedroom bliss and their new Mirador collection ticks all the right boutique hotel boxes with its cool, silky feel. "Crafted from exquisite Egyptian cotton sateen and finished with a neutral, stylish linen border , it makes for the perfect summer update for any bedroom," says Chrissie Rucker OBE, founder of The White Company. "Cotton sateen has a smooth delicate finish coupled with a slight sheen and drapes beautifully." Styled with an Indian jute rug and natural seagrass baskets, you'll be a tip-toe away from a sultry, Mediterranean breeze.

WHITE COMPANY SLEEP COLLECTION

With the promise of a good night's sleep and sense of wellbeing, bedtime rituals - such as spritzing the bed linen with soothing essential oils infused with lavender and chamomile - call to mind a relaxing spa treatment. White Company's Sleep Collection includes a Sleep Soothing Pillow Mist, Sleep Diffuser and Sleep Candle - you'll be out for the count come nightfall.

BALI WOODEN BED FRAME, CARPETRIGHT

As the focal point of the room, a new headboard or bedstead can be a game-changer - and as Damian T opping, head of beds buying at Carpetright, points out, updating the frame allows you to effortlessly rejuvenate a space and instantly set the tone of the room. "Understated wooden frames give a light, natural feel," says Topping. "Consider a neutral painted style if you're looking for a harmonious space that allows other elements, such as bedding and accessories, to make a statement and can be changed to suit the season and your mood. "Hanging a lightweight canopy above the bed creates a cosy sanctuary, whilst adding elegance that won't overwhelm the space. Ideal for those looking for staycation-style decor, this is perfectly suited to a laid-back coastal scheme. Particularly when combined with pared-back flooring in muted colours and simple accessories that give a nod to the seaside," suggests Topping.

If you're looking for inspiration, Amazon have a mosquito net bed canopy that looks the part, and a new bed could even improve your sleep too.

Topping says to look for a design and mattress that balances practicality and indulgence; functionality and style is important

but comfort is king here.

ORIGINAL HOME GRADIENT TASSEL-TRIMMED RECY CLED COTTON THROW, SELFRIDGES

Blue cotton throws echo coastal colours and add a calming touch. Lightweight enough to be draped on the end of the bed in summer , a cotton throw won't slide off or pack in too much heat.

GREY TIGER BEDSPREAD, GRAHAM & GREEN

If you want to ditch the duvet and introduce some nomadic flair and eclectic finds, we love this cotton bedspread with its little grey tiger print and decorative top stitching. Mix and match with pom-pom cushions, a cotton tribal rug or kilim and antique cotton pillowcases, for a feminine, boho chic vibe.

GOLDEN PALM LEAF ORNAMENT, AUDENZA

Some say the brighter the better, and with a generous coating of glitz, this timeless sunburst mirror , paired with a plush palm leaf deco, is bound to bring a ray of sunshine to your space.

A Home wi Love and Harmony

BY KATYA PASTORINI, PAINTED BEAUTIFUL

Who does not like the tangibility or structure of an art as guidance? When we began to consider the concept of bringing romance into the home, we came across some ‘interesting’ interior decorating images that were reminiscent of a Barbara Cartland novel, however after filtering out the pink frills and chintz (there is nothing wrong with a little bit of chintz!) we found that we were drawn in by the art of Feng Shui to provide depth to the concept. Feng Shui can guide us on where to place household items to get the best energetic result. Good Feng Shui creates harmony, happiness, good health and wealth. Chinese beliefs are; if you ignore Feng Shui, you may be inviting the opposite of harmony –disharmony! According to the principles of Feng Shui, all things have energy, even furniture and walls. We do not want disharmony and conflict, do we? Feng Shui shows us how, and it is not at all complicated. Whether you believe or not, why not give it a try? What have you got to lose, suspend your skepticism and get out your compass.

FENG SHUI REMEDIES: MORE LOVE AND HARMONY THE BEDROOM

A bed with a solid headboard against a wall (not a window) will support those sleeping in it. If you do not currently have a headboard, why not think about adding one? Make it soft and

upholstered or solid wood, but make sure it supports you while you are sleeping or getting served breakfast in bed! The ideal is facing any door or entrance, as this also promotes security. You always want to be able to see who is coming through the door. The balance of a pair of bedsides with lamps on either side of the bed is important, even if you are currently sleeping in it alone. This sends out the energetic message that there’s room for a potential partner. Pairs of anything signal couples are welcome here!

For the same reason, keep personal items such as stuffed animals or excess pillows off your bed. Your bed needs to have room.

Any artwork in your bedroom should also reflect love. So, take those pictures of you by yourself (or you with a child or friend) and move them out of your bedroom to another room. Put up art or photos of twosomes or lovers as a way to attract that same energy. If you have a mirror in the bedroom make sure it is not facing the bed. Mirrors bounce energy around and create a feeling of restlessness. The only use for a mirror in the bedroom would be to “see” your doorway if you are not able to have your bed facing the door.

Consider adding touches of soft colors to the bedroom or bathroom walls. Colour dictates a room’s vibe, more than any other element. Avoid strong energetic colors. Take out any elements that bring the outside world into your sanctuary. Your bedroom should be a place for relaxation. Anything else brings disharmony and distraction. Unplug your phone and iPad; banish the TV and any desktop computer. In fact, don’t even consider having a work desk in your bedroom; a work vibe will interfere with romance and sleep. Declutter your bedroom. You do not want any laundry, past mementos or items that do not support a love vibe, even if something is hidden it still represents energy. Clear clutter from under the bed and cupboards too. If you have to store bedding under the bed, use soft bags to store it in. Definitely do not store anything that will create sharp, hard energy. Sports equipment, weapons and files under the bed will not only disrupt your love life but your sleep too. If you’re in a relationship, place photos of the two of you where you can see them, to boost your sense of being in love. This is especially true if you may not feel in the mood right now! Keep lighting soft and dimmable.

RELATIONSHIP AREAS IN YOUR HOME NEED LOVE TOO

Make sure you pay attention to the other relationship areas in your home. According to F eng Shui, the southwest corner is energetically the relationship area. This applies to each example if you walk in your front door and your living room is in southwest corner, that is your homes’ relationship area. Any cures or tips for adding love to the bedroom are good to use here too. Obviously, you do not have a bed in the living room, but you can still use pairs of things to decorate that corner of the house with.

another room and keep the kitchen just for pairs or two of anything. As the southwest corner of your home is also the relationship zone, the same applies to the southwest corner of each room.

If your kitchen is in the northwest corner of your home, work out where the southwest corner of the kitchen is and decorate it to support love and harmony. All it takes is a compass and a bit of imagination! Think of increasing your love energy throughout the house with Feng Shui. Your home’s relationship areas aka love zones are just waiting for your energetic touches to attract romantic happy times!

For further information on any of the above pop into Painted Beautiful in the Central Market or contact Carrie or Katya on e-mail: paintedbeautifuljersey@gmail.com www.paintedbeautiful.com Facebook: Painted Beautiful Phone: 07797 816443

HOW WILL THE PANDEMIC IMPACT Future Home design trends

Lockdown has forced us all to spend more time indoors - so will it alter what we want from our spaces in the future? Sam Wylie-Harris finds out...

How we use our homes - and how we feel about them - has changed dramatically for many people over recent months. So, as the world adapts to the 'new normal', it stands to reason that the pandemic and the impact of lockdown is set to have a big influence on future trends.

With increased awareness of social distancing and the functionality of our homes being questioned like never before, Houzz (houzz.co.uk) - the leading platform for home renovation and design - analysed search data and spoke with professionals from their community to predict how life after coronavirus may translate into the design of our future homes...

MORE MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES

Lockdown meant far more of our daily activities took place in our homes, with many quickly adapting them to double up as an office and exercise space too.

Professionals on Houzz expect future homes will be designed with this in mind, utilising clever joinery to create rooms that are reconfigurable depending on the time of day .

"One of the most effective and flexible design solutions for making your home work harder is found with bespoke joinery," says designer Samantha Watkins McRae. "Smart, well-considered bespoke furniture will always improve living and aesthetics, but now more than ever this can be used to transform a room into different functions."

Top tip: A spare bedroom can incorporate a bed that folds seamlessly away to become a desk/study when guests are not there. A children's bedroom can have a play aspect with a fun, considered storage and sleeping solution that moves overspill from other rooms. A poorly used living or dining room can be given new life with a different configuration and flexible desk space, which can be tidied away when not in use.

MUDROOMS AND PORCHES WILL HAVE GREA TER APPEAL

As awareness for how we bring germs into our homes rises, designers may rethink entryways, with mudrooms and larger porches becoming the norm. Closed off from the rest of the house, these transitionary spaces will allow us to remove and store outerwear , leaving germs at the door.

"Buffer zones have become even more important. These allow the outside to be tempered - viruses, as well as mud, coats and mess, can be contained and not walked through the house," says Rebecca Jones from PWJ Architects, who suggests putting a sink in this space. "Not just for muddy football boots, but for essential hand-washing before you get into the house."

To incorporate a mudroom into your home, Jones says: "Consider converting a garage for this, or you could add a porch. The beauty of this approach is that in most cases this can be done without extensive remodelling or even the requirement for planning permission (although this does not apply to listed buildings).

"Porches can be put on, or spaces converted without planning permission provided certain criteria are met - position, distances to boundaries, height restrictions and materials. This can be explored in more detail with a design professional or online on the Planning Portal website."

SMART TECHNOLOGY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW

Technology has been a growing priority for homeowners over recent years, with 13% of renovators now incorporating smart technology , according to Houzz. As tech continues to become more and more innovative, and more household items have the ability to be controlled remotely, we may begin to see voice recognition technology more commonly used in the home, reducing the need to touch switches, household appliances and remote controls - all common germ hotspots.

No-touch technology is likely to become more popular in the bathroom too, with professionals on Houzz reporting sensorcontrolled taps and lights rising in popularity.

Matt Paine from smart home specialists Wave Controls, says: "There are lots of entry-level smart home products which can control lighting, heating and audio, available on the market.

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"Look for those that are Alexa or Google Assistant enabled. These products are fairly easy to set up and can often be done by the homeowner. For a larger system, Control 4 will allow you to control almost any element of your home, speak to a smart home specialist who could advise you on the possibilities."

ANTIMICROBIAL MATERIALS WILL FEATURE MORE

As we become more aware of how germs live on the objects we regularly touch, a trend towards more materials with natural antimicrobial properties it also predicted. In the kitchen and bathroom, breeding grounds for germs, professionals on Houzz expect that we could begin to see copper , brass or bronze fixtures replacing stainless steel counterparts.

Floors are another area prone to harbouring germs and as a result, materials such as cork may become more prevalent, utilising its handy antimicrobial, sound-insulating and waterresistant properties too.

CONNECTING TO THE OUTDOORS WILL BE IN HIGH DEMAND

Access and connection to outdoor space has become far more valuable. As a result, the Houzz pros expect homeowners to place greater importance on having outdoor space of their own, increasing the demand for homes with balconies and gardens.

Connecting kitchens to the outdoors has been a popular trend on Houzz for the last few years, with 52% of kitchen renovators opting for designs that open up to their garden or patio area. Richard Hobden from RHJB Architects expects to see this continue: "The intrinsic links we seek to create between home and garden have become invaluable. Although somewhat cliched, the merging of internal and external environments provides the impression of greater space and significantly reduces the feeling of confinement."

Hobden says improving the connection between your kitchen and garden can be achieved in several ways, suiting both how you live and your budget.

Simply enlarging a traditional small window , dropping the sill to the floor and opening it up will create an impact. Equally, adding a projecting window with a reading seat can provide an attractive light-filled feature. Extending your kitchen and introducing large format glazed pivot or sliding doors will add swathes of light to both your new and existing spaces.

Where possible, RHJB always detail a level sill between the inside and outside, making the garden feel like an extension of the room, and improving access for all.