EST. 1920
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Experts advise ◆ Ideal vs Great Deal design finds ◆ Kitchen & bathroom redos from 4k ◆ No-cost style secrets ◆ How designers use black
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STORAGE IDEAS FOR AWKWARD SPACES
Stunning real homes
◆ Tailored Mock Tudor House ◆ Elegant Victorian Villa ◆ Characterful Converted Barn ◆ Contemporary Seaside Semi
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IDEAS FOR ANY BUDGET
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THE HOME OF GOOD IDEAS FOR 100 YEARS
MARCH 2020
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54 What’s new
Real homes
11 Set the scene for…
24 The inside story
13 17 19 21 23
Brighter mornings The style editor News from our favourite shops The design edit High-end looks on a high-street budget Ideal vs Great Deal Iconic shapes and design classics The wallpaper edit Watercolour wash The shortlist Wow-factor wall clocks
A mock Tudor house with a moody modern interior 44 Tailor made Smart tech meant building work could be project-managed from afar 62 Trading places City glamour and country rustic, stylishly intertwined 77 Creative thinking Fashion designer owners have added a certain flair
Style & decor 38 Interior design advice
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SPOT THE LOGO FOR EASY SWAPS AND WAYS TO ENJOY A MORE SUSTAINABLE HOME AND LIFESTYLE
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How designers use black 54 Ideas for tricky spaces Make awkward corners work 72 How to style your shelves Get your shelfie game on 86 Easy style updates Smart tricks and clever buys
95 Spend or save?
When to splash the cash and when to hold back 112 Bespoke on a budget Start with an Ikea kitchen… 125 The bathroom trends to trust Timeless looks
Before & after 100 ‘Our DIY kitchen cost 106 116 120 131
less than £5K’ Plywood doors offered the solution ‘We mixed our different tastes for an eclectic look’ Co-owners merged their styles ‘I picked up amazing deals online’ A bold bathroom ‘Keeping things simple saves money’ And ensures a look you won’t tire of ‘We built a stylish but cost-savvy extension’ A modern alternative to a standard conservatory
CONTENTS
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142
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TO FIND ALL THE STOCKISTS IN THIS ISSUE TURN TO PAGE 156 Simple solutions
Regulars
134 Genius problem solvers
for a smooth-running life The latest home innovations 136 Your home working space, sorted Game-changing buys 139 Space-saving washer-dryers With improved performance 141 Clever vacuums For speedy clean-ups
Simple pleasures
7 Editor’s letter 8 100 years of Ideal Home
We’ve been delving into the archives to find out what we were looking at in the March issues of the last century 37 The big question Should you arrange your books by colour? 124 Subscribe to Ideal Home
130 Reader offer Free weekday ticket to the Ideal Home Show
142 Friday night fakeaway
Healthy, cheap and tasty 149 Somewhere for the weekend The Hoxton, London
Visit facebook. com/ideal home.co.uk
Follow us at twitter.com/ idealhome
158 Style throwback
See our latest snaps @idealhomeuk
Our contemporary spin on a living room look from 1993
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 £2.55 an issue! Call 0330 333 1113 and quote 53AW or visit idealhome. co.uk/IHMAR2020
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome Vanessa STYLING CHARLIE DAVIES PHOTOGRAPH TIM YOUNG
Vanessa Richmond, Editor
One of the most interesting things I’ve discovered from immersing myself in the Ideal Home archive, is that interiors used to be a lot simpler! Limited choice and narrower thinking about what homes should look like made doing one up relatively straightforward in the past, but now we’re literally spoilt for choice. How do we cope with the ‘style anarchy’? Luckily, interiors – like clothes – do get easier as you get older, though. You stop fretting about trends and start focusing on what suits you and makes you feel good. Not that trends are irrelevant, but spotting the ones that have meaning to you is the key to making a home that transcends budget, fads and fancies, and tells your story. It’s a pleasure being on the journey with you!
Muses Clio vase, €79, Ferm Living. For more product details, see page 54
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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100 YEARS OF MARCH ISSUES Editor Vanessa Richmond picks her highlights from Ideal Home through the decades…
In 1953 we were... GOING TO BUTLIN’S The 1950s were a time of full employment and we were busy shopping for houses, cars, the latest labour-saving appliances and holidays. It was the heyday for Butlin’s in a time just before Brits fell in love with package holidays abroad. Its famous founder, Billy Butlin, even opened two resorts in the Bahamas. Hi-de-hi, campers!
In 1939 we were... BUYING DESIGN CLASSICS Readers of this advert for Alvar Aalto’s functional pieces from Finland would never have guessed that the iconic Paimio armchair and Stool 60 would still be produced today.
In 1941 we were... DIGGING FOR VICTORY As part of the war effort, the Ministry of Agriculture encouraged us to grow our own food, so gardens and public parks were turned into allotments. Ideal Home did its bit with these handy planting plans for the beginner. In 1945 we were... COOKING WITH POWDERED EGGS A shortage of fresh eggs led the government to boost rations with dried egg powder from the USA. The Ministry of Food took out this ad in Ideal Home with a recipe to tempt the sceptical British public.…
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In 1958 we were... DECORATING IN FULL COLOUR With new technologies available, from plastics to paints in bright, true colours, as well as the invention of the paint roller, it became easy and affordable to give your home a bright new look. Of course, Ideal Home was on hand to make sure its readers didn’t put a foot wrong when pairing colours together…
THE HOME OF GOOD IDEAS
In 1963 we were... WASHING IN A ‘BINK’ IH reported on the latest innovations designed to fit a bathroom anywhere, including a portable bath, a dual bath-and-sink (‘the bink’) and a cube bath. In 1971 we were... BAKING WITH MARY BERRY Mary was the food editor at Housewife magazine when it merged with Ideal Home in 1968. Mary Berry’s Beginner’s Guide became a series, including this one for 1970s classic lemon meringue pie.
In 1979 we were... BEING THE PERFECT HOSTESSES In less emancipated times, one of life’s biggest problems was keeping hot the three-course meal you slaved over every day. ‘Most people use their Hostess for dinner parties,’ says this ad for the iconic heated trolley. ‘But the everyday uses are enormous. For your husband’s meal, when friends drop round, or when the family come in at different times. For the extra freedom the Hostess gives you, you’ll wonder how you managed without one!’
In 1968 we were... GETTING OUR HEADS AROUND FLATPACK Ikea didn’t reach the UK until 1987, but Ideal Home reported on an early pioneer of self-assembly furniture designed for the contract market direct to the public and challenged one of its journos to put it to the test.
In 1994 we were... LOVING A SWAG If the 1990s issues are anything to go by, it was the Age of the Curtain – flounces, frills and pelmets abounded. Basically, if it could gather dust, we were doing it! You have to admit, though, those humbug stripes are both fierce and fabulous.
In 1980 we were... AT HOME WITH JOAN COLLINS Ideal Home featured Joan’s Mayfair house the year before she accepted the part of the deliciously bitchy Alexis Carrington in a struggling US soap opera called Dynasty and made it a global smash hit. She is pictured here with her third husband, American businessman Ron Kass, and their daughter, Katyana. IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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Kitchen featured: Hockley Super Matt Grey
New Year New kitchens Our designers will work with you to realise your vision.
Visit howdens.com for a copy of our new brochure. Or, pop into one of our 700 depots and ask about our free design service. We won’t be beaten on price* *Trade only. For more information, visit howdens.com/promotions-terms-and-conditions
WHAT’S NEW
Set the scene for…
BRIGHTER MORNINGS Restyle your bedroom without redecorating by updating your bed linen to something that makes you smile. If your walls are plain, take the plunge and introduce a happy pattern for spring
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
WHERE TO BUY Mila double bed, £299; side table, £99; White thistle vase, £12.50; stripe bedding, from £29.50 for a double set; floral bedding, from £49.50 for a double set; waffle throw in Grey, £19.50, all M&S
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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Smart shades that simplify your life. PowerView® Motorisation from Luxaflex® Perfect lighting, energy efficiency, everyday convenience - it’s all delivered automatically with PowerView® Motorisation. Just program PowerView® to move your window coverings to the exact position you want and then control and schedule them using the intuitive PowerView® App on your smartphone or tablet.
Find out more at luxaflex.co.uk
The Art of Window Styling
WHAT’S NEW
The hero piece…
Beckett chair, £350; Scandi Black chair, £299; Yoko four- to sixseater dining table in dark oak, £699, all John Lewis & Partners
The LBC
John Lewis & Partners tells us the ‘Little Black Chair’ (or LBC) is set to be the next style icon of the dining room. The Beckett chair’s neat profile may be understated, but the lacquered beech finish, buttery beige leather seat and rattan back is a dreamy combo that means it can hold its own as a worthy investment.
The STYLE EDITOR Michela Colling, Ideal Home’s tastemaker-in-chief, shares her top news from the high street
CUT GLASS Eustace lamp base with shade, £335, Oka
HAND-SPLODGED Sicilia spotted ceramic dinner plate, £12; Sicilia spotted ceramic mug, £10, both Habitat DOT TO DOT Black & White spot vase, £20, Amara
Look out for us at Tile Giant
OVERSIZED SPOTS
We’re launching our first tile range, and our edited collection is all about investing in the styles we think will last. Think timeless pattern, classic marble and vintage-style pastel glazes alongside modern shapes and colours. ‘Every design is loved by us and rooted in trends that we trust,’ says Ideal Home ed Vanessa Richmond. ‘You’ll find something fab for every budget and taste.’
Move over small confetti spots, these big and beautifully irregular dots are here to make a statement
Somerset Green matt tiles, £40sq m, Ideal Home at Tile Giant
We keep seeing...
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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WHAT’S NEW
Finally! A solution for bifolds If you’ve joined the bifold brigade but you’re quietly pining for a curtain, Hillarys’ new pleated blinds can help. They clip inside the frame and the clever concertina action means they fold out of sight at the top and bottom of the window when not in use.
We’re in love!
Dunelm’s beautiful baskets
Intu Microhive White Nook blind, from £147 for 100x 100cm, Hillarys
SANDERSON EXPLORES THE SILK ROAD Sanderson’s Caspian collection of prints, weaves, embroideries and wallpaper is a heady mix of cultural styles that follows the historic trade route linking Asia with the Mediterranean Sea, from chintz and ikats to Indo-Persian and Ottoman designs. The result is a vibrant range of printed cottons, warp-printed silks and hand-painted papers that can be mixed up in almost any way, giving a clever shortcut to nailing the art of pattern and colour clashing. Daula fabric, £79m; Ishi wallpaper, £59 a roll; Pamir Garden wallpaper, £69 a roll, all Sanderson
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We’ve included a glorious mix of cultural styles, from chinoiserie to Uzbek and from Indian to English country house, fusing exotic influences with a fluid versatility
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REBECCA CRAIG, HEAD OF DESIGN, SANDERSON
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Perhaps only an interiors addict (aka the IH team) could fall for a basket, but this gorgeous array has already set our tidy-senses tingling. The natural finishes make a pleasing alternative to plastic boxes, so you can disguise the clutter while keeping storage on display. Rush natural storage basket, £18; wooden storage basket, £22; macramé basket in Cream, £12; belly basket in Natural, £10, all Dunelm Wallpaper from £56 a roll, fabrics from £39m, all Sanderson at Style Library
F A R RO W & B A L L C O L O U R C O N S U LTA N T S . G U A R A N T E E D TO M A K E YO U R F R I E N D S D U C K G R E E N W I T H E N V Y.
PINK GROUND No.202
DUCK GREEN No.W55
DIMITY No.2008
B O O K YO U R I N - H O M E C O L O U R C O N S U LTA N C Y TO DAY
Dimension Wallpaper www.prestigious.co.uk
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 seven of our latest discoveries that will make your home look expensive without the big spend… WHERE TO BUY 1 Malibu embroidered and fringed cushion, £55, Habitat 2 Retrospective No 2 A3 framed print, £59.67, Hotel Magique 3 Amber tumbler, £4, Dunelm 4 Leafy wall light, £19.99, Homesense 5 Hive marble side table in Olive, £125, Venoor 6 Iro storage trunk, £295, Oliver Bonas 7 Solid sculpted candle, from £12, Barker and Stonehouse IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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WHAT’S NEW
IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL Make a statement in your home by introducing iconic shapes and design classics
POLISHED BRASS Daro wall clock, £869, Nomon at Heal’s
MINIMAL STYLE Casino Gold metal clock, £88, Maisons du Monde
GOLD PLATED Dorsey suspension pendant, €7,630, Delightfull
GREY GLASS Wide Camino vase in Grey, £38, The Conran Shop
ABSTRACT SHAPES Niki Jones Wassily cushion in Multi, £110, Amara
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
LED BULBS Wanda chandelier pendant in antique brass, £169, Made
VINTAGE GLAMOUR Eichholtz Trapezium chair, £1,124, Sweetpea & Willow
HIGH SHINE Tom Dixon, bell table lamp, £455, Houseology
MID-CENTURY ICON AK 2730 sideboard in Corian and walnut, £5,256, The Conran Shop
SUBTLE SMOKE Deltona vase, £25, Habitat
GEO DESIGN Elements crewel cushion, £14, Dunelm
SOFT CURVES Flora scalloped velvet armchair in Dusty Pink, £395, Oliver Bonas
DECO REVIVAL Domed bonnet metal table lamp, £69, Cult Furniture
CLASSIC WALNUT Weaving sideboard, £699, Swoon
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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A-Z OF DECORATING from Anaglypta to Zoffany
For inspiration & the very best in free advice. DECORATING HOMES SINCE 1904
Over 170 stores nationwide Visit brewers.co.uk to find your local store
WHAT’S NEW
The wallpaper edit
WATERCOLOUR WASH
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
Update walls with artistic brushstrokes and painterly effects from inky landscapes to fluid floral prints
ARTIST’S VIEW
WEEPING WILLOWS
NATURAL MOTIFS
SERENE TROPICS
HAZY BLOOMS
Bring depth and dimension to a space with a painterly landscape in contemporary colours. Grandeco Watercolour Landscape in Aqua, £22 a roll, Homebase
Use watercolour brushstrokes showcasing beautiful British trees in a neutral scheme. Waterperry in Ink/ Grey, £61 a roll, Sanderson at Style Library
Perfect for a modern country setting, feathers are illustrated in a palette of mustard and grey. Feathers in Mustard, £55 a roll, Mini Moderns at Wallpaperdirect
Give your home a fresh botanical feel with tropical leaves in airy blue, white and grey on a textured background. GoodHome Jarava Blue Leaves, £16 a roll, B&Q
Create a soft, calming backdrop using blowsy full-bloom flowers in muted shades of dusky pink and grey. Surimono in Tuberose, £65 a roll, Designers Guild at Wallpaperdirect
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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COMING SOON
NEW ROMAN BLINDS COLLECTION MARCH 2020
CALL 0800 587 6480 OR VISIT HILLARYS.CO.UK
WHAT’S NEW
IN THE FOLD Karlsson origami wall clock, £47, Red Candy
I have a silent sweep movement
THE SHORTLIST
«
SUSTAINABLE STYLE Zuiver cork wall clock with moulded numbers, £49, Cuckooland
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
LIMITED EDITION New York clock, £100, Newgate World
DESIGNER PIECE Masked skull clock, £60, Rory Dobner range, Amara
TREMENDOUS TIMEPIECE Sputnik metal wall clock, £35, M&S
8 WOW FACTOR WALL CLOCKS Give your room a timely update and keep track of the minutes in style
SOFT TOUCH Lush Green velvet wall clock, £49, Audenza
SUPER SIZED Extra large salvage wall clock, £100, Next Home
MONOCHROME MODERN Contemporary train station style wall clock, £225, Rockett St George
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Living room The velvet corner sofa was made bespoke to fit this space, in a dark blue velvet that warms and softens the monochrome room. BUY THE KEY PIECES Scott velvet corner sofa in Navy, £1,799, Made, would also work. Try Tabak round coffee table, £199, Swoon. Blue vases, from £25 each, Oka
The inside story The Petersens’ mock Tudor house hides a surprise – a smart and contemporary interior that complements its characterful exterior without being a slave to it
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MARCH 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
REAL HOME
Love
SYLVIE’S STYLE? Turn to page 35 to shop the look
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Welcome to my home
Sylvie Petersen lives here with her husband Ed, who works in property development, and their children Adam, 21, Sarah, 18 and Zadie, 16.
THE PROPERTY A five-bed 1920s detached house in Cobham, Surrey.
Take a quick tour...
THE VALUE Bought for £1.65m in 2016; now worth around £2.2m.
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We wanted the house to feel contemporary, but homely and comfy, too
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H
KITCHEN/ DINER
LIVING ROOM
SEATING AREA
MARCH 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
MAIN BEDROOM
TV ROOM BEDROOM
GROUND FLOOR
aving relocated to the UK from South Africa five years ago, it took a couple of years of house-hunting before Sylvie and Ed Petersen found this large Tudor-style house in leafy Surrey. ‘We wanted a country location and a house with a comfortable, family friendly vibe,’ says Sylvie. ‘And with three teenagers, it needed to be big enough for us all to have bedrooms with en-suites, but without the house then feeling too big for Ed and I when the children head off to university.’ Set close to the centre of the village of Cobham in Surrey, the house had everything the family needed in terms of size and location, but the interior was more of a challenge. Tudor-style with timber panelling in many of the rooms, the decor was dilapidated and dated, with the house requiring all new plumbing and electrics and stripping back completely before they could start redecorating. ‘So much needed doing to it, we didn’t know where to begin,’ says Sylvie. ‘At one point we considered pulling the house down and
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STUDY
FIRST FLOOR
rebuilding it.’ The couple called on interior designer Kim Stephen (kimstephen.com) to oversee the renovation. One of the key structural changes – and the one that has made the biggest impact – was taking out a wall in the hallway and replacing it with a wall of Crittall windows and doors, which were positioned between the entrance hall and the main living room. ‘They help to demarcate the space and give privacy to the living room, while the glass allows a clear view through to the front door and helps fill the space with natural light.’ Upstairs, half-timbered walls and uneven ceilings posed another challenge. ‘The ceiling lines in the bedrooms were a struggle – with odd angles and walls meeting ceilings at different points. This meant that using wallpaper was ruled out.’ The work took eight months and the couple are thrilled with the results: ‘The house is spacious but never feels overly large,’ says Sylvie. ‘The main living areas are all in close proximity to one another, but with breakaway areas that are great for study or relaxation. It’s a lovely family-friendly space.’
REAL HOME DOUBLE PENDANTS Give a room symmetry and visual balance
Kitchen-diner A marble-topped island unit, with an overhanging section to turn it into a breakfast bar, is the hub of the kitchen-diner. BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke kitchen, from £18,000, Martin Moore. Hicks pendant lights, £610 each, LuxDeco. Try Lucia bar stools, £119 each, Cult Furniture
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REAL HOME
CONTEMPORARY CHANDELIER Gives this room a sense of grandeur
Living room ‘The Crittall windows and doors between this space and the hallway have opened up the ground floor. Light flows through it now, which makes such a difference.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Try Curvilinear mid-century chandelier, £349, West Elm
Hallway (below) The front door opens onto the elegant entrance hall with timber floor and dramatic charcoal grey wallpaper. A long-drop chandelier highlights the newly added sweeping staircase. BUY THE KEY PIECES Paige five-arm ceiling light, £150, John Lewis & Partners, would also work here
Home office The study has the same dark grey wallpaper as the rest of the ground floor for continuity. Floor-toceiling grey curtains in a plush fabric give this room a smarter look.
BUY THE KEY PIECES Curtains in Adige Java, £122m, Romo. Fenton brass ceiling lantern, £540, Vaughan Designs. Luce Gold glass and marble table lamp, £78, Oliver Bonas, is a similar style. Striped wastepaper bin, £30, Oka
main living areas are “allThe in close proximity to one another, but with breakaway areas that are great for study or relaxation. It’s a lovely, family friendly space
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SLIM CORNICE Gives the room a tailored finish
Guest bathroom This room is all about full-on glamour, with its sleek black and gold vanity and impactful monochrome colour scheme. BUY THE KEY PIECES Schumacher Deconstructed Stripe wallpaper, £271 a roll, TM Interiors. Single Thames vanity basin suite, from £3,950, Drummonds
Yellow, brass and foliage all come to life against the dark grey wallpaper
Seating area Linen-look wallpaper in charcoal grey brings warmth and texture. ‘The darker colours, textures and clever layering create a cocooning feeling of comfort in this space.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES Textures Vegetales wallpaper, £166.60 a roll, Élitis at Jane Clayton. Geotile cushion covers, £110 each, Niki Jones. Crescent light, from £485, Lee Broom. Merton brass table lamp, £375; Jet side table, £225, both Oka
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So much needed doing to it, we didn’t know where to start. At one point, we considered pulling the house down and rebuilding it
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REAL HOME
Dining area A rug beneath the table visually separates the space from the kitchen opposite. The bold velvet stripe on the upholstered chairs make them the hero of the room, breaking up the solid colour. BUY THE KEY PIECES Heather dining chairs, from ÂŁ99 each, Cult Furniture, are similar
MARBLE TOP Adds a smart accent to break up the black
WALL LIGHTS More focused task lighting than ceiling LEDs
Main en suite Classic dark-wood shutters give the pale bathroom scheme warmth and drama, and work with the traditional exterior of the property. BUY THE KEY PIECES Wooden shutters, from around £200 for a 90sq cm shutter, Plantation Shutters
The loft room is a teen den with a guest bedroom for sleepovers
A bespoke his-and-hers vanity unit runs the length of the room, providing plenty of storage to keep surfaces clutter-free. BUY THE KEY PIECES Hudson Reed wall-hung double vanity, £709, Victorian Plumbing,
is similar; painted in Light Blue modern emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Astro Riva wall lights, from £114.28 each, Ocean Lighting. Eichholtz Vivienne mirrors, £505 each, Houseology. Calacatta vein honed marble tiles, from £60sq m, Mandarin Stone
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
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Older houses can be a challenge to renovate, but often it’s those quirky details and little imperfections that give a property like this its unique character and style
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FEATURE LISA FAZZANI PHOTOGRAPHS MONICA MASCHERONI PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
Main en suite
REAL HOME
Main bedroom Upstairs, the mood is more tranquil thanks to softer shades. The wall colour was taken to just below ceiling height to create even lines and disguise wonky walls and ceilings. BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls in Light Blue modern emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Try Cedar Dark Blue rug, £322, Benuta
LARGE RUG Zones the bed area for a defined layout
REAL HOME
Make it work for you SYLVIE’S STYLE: SMART SOPHISTICATED
MY GO-TO STORES…
Black accents and accessories give this home a rich, dramatic feel, while pockets of pattern and brass touches keep it elegant
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OKA Beautifully made furniture that makes a stylish statement.
Dark features at every level of the room create drama
LUXE LAMP Churchill brass pendant, £132, Dar Lighting
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H&M HOME For accessories that look much more expensive than they are.
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HEAL’S This chic store’s amazing lighting collection never fails to impress. DELICATE DETAILING Martha geometric cushion, £25, Bombay Duck
FAKE IT Faux tropical plant, £39.99, TK Maxx
FLOOR FILLER Villa Nova Sami rug in Carbon, £725, Sweetpea & Willow
MODERN DESIGN Monterosso left-hand corner sofa in Sapphire Blue velvet, £1,499, Made
SPACE SAVER Ansell nesting coffee tables, £279 for set of two, Cult Furniture
FINISHING TOUCH Blue cylindrical stoneware vase, £39, Amara
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH
STYLIST’S NOTE
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Make sure you go for plenty of greenery and foliage if using lots of black in your scheme to keep it fresh and lively HOLLY WALSH, FEATURES EDITOR
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IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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THE BIG QUESTION
Should you arrange your books by colour? ‘Rainbowtising’ your books is increasing in popularity – but not everyone buys into the trend. Meet two book-lovers with very different opinions…
No
Yes “
FEATURE JANE MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHS ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
It’s a fun way to brighten your home
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Mel Carruthers, 46, lives in a four-bedroom, 18th-century farmhouse near Dumfries with her husband Chris and their eight-year-old son Finn. Mel is a professional organiser at More Organised (moreorganised.com). ‘One of my greatest joys is “rainbowtising” my books to give little pops of colour around the house. I first started doing it when I was at university nearly 30 years ago. Why? Because it looked nice. I’m not surprised the trend is finally catching on. Arranging books by colour is attractive, fun and a really simple way to brighten up an otherwise blank space. It’s something you can do with stuff you already have. Plus, it makes it easier to put things back in the right place, and teaches children to be tidy and respectful. Kids’ books are mainly brightly coloured, so it’s particularly easy to see where they should go. There is some logic to it. I don’t just put all the red books together. My bookshelves are themed by category and then arranged by colour within that genre. Chris isn’t so keen on the look. He arranges his books alphabetically by author, and I wouldn’t dream of touching them! I do recommend rainbowtising to my clients, and some are more keen than others. Obviously, I wouldn’t just start arranging their books by colour if they hadn’t agreed – but I’ve had quite a few converts. It can be addictive. Admittedly, I have bought a couple of books purely because of their colour. It’s very difficult to find green or turquoise recipe books for some reason, so I was really pleased when I stumbled across two in a charity shop. One was a book of cupcake recipes and the other was about cake-decorating. I wouldn’t have picked either of them up if they hadn’t been the colour I was after, but I have actually used them both.’
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It’s reducing books to mere props
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Esther Beadle, 30, lives in a two-bedroom 1920s flat in Newcastle. Esther is a freelance journalist and university tutor, and owns vintage clothing business Nana Sylvia’s Wardrobe, sold through Flea Circus (wearefleacircus.com). ‘The idea of arranging books according to the colour of their spine makes me shudder. My heart sinks every time I see it, and it’s so ubiquitous nowadays – in shops, bars, restaurants and on Instagram, as well as people’s homes. My dad was an English and drama teacher, so my childhood home was practically held up by books! I now have a massive, overflowing bookcase in my living room – and the books aren’t arranged in any particular order. I’ve also got books stacked in piles all over my flat. I want to be able to pick up a book and put it back wherever, not worry about whether it fits the colour scheme. Yes, it can make it difficult to find a particular title – but then again, I often stumble across something I’d completely forgotten about while I’m searching. It keeps books fun and helps me rediscover old favourites. I find it unbelievable that people buy books in a particular colour just to fit their decor. People have poured their hearts and souls into writing these books. You can’t just view them as a commodity. It’s reducing books to mere “Instagrammable” props. People should spend less time organising their books and more time reading them!’
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It’s crazy! People should spend less time organising their books and more time reading them
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Ceiling in Flat Light; main wall in Beyond Blue; stripe in Blue Vein, all £49.50 for 2.5ltr pure flat emulsion, Paint & Paper Library
STYLE SECRETS
HOW DESIGNERS USE BLACK It’s the interior designer’s secret weapon, whatever look they’re creating. A little (or a lot) of black will add drama, depth and definition to a room – if you know the right way to use it… Paint a feature wall ‘The delicious contrast between lighter objects against a dark background emphasises the unique qualities in the materials and the finer details you might have missed in a light-filled, colourful space’, says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux.
STYLE & DECOR Rosehip wallpaper, £62 a roll, Style Library
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For a softer version of monochrome, choose an ecru or off-white and charcoal or, for timeless, striking effect, a clean white and pure black NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR
”
Add a black pattern Choose a black-on-beige design to soften a monochrome scheme or blur hard lines in a kitchen or bathroom. ‘You can’t beat a good off-white against black – it looks so elegant,’ says interior designer Tamsin Leech-Griffiths.
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STYLE & DECOR
“
Black is a grounding colour. It pulls every scheme together and I never design a room without it, even if it’s just a picture frame or lamp
”
TAMSIN LEECH-GRIFFITHS, NO.8 PROJECT
Go immersive ‘Black is intimate, romantic and protective in a bedroom – so paint all the walls in a rich shade of grey-black or blue-black. Then balance it with a white ceiling and woodwork or bedlinen,’ suggests Claire Pascoe of Pascoe Interiors.
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Paisley double duvet cover set in Sage, £90; Paisley double fitted sheet in Sage, £40; Paisley pair of housewife pillowcases in Sage, £22; Willow cushion, £40; grain woven throw, £95, all Murmur range, Bedeck
Arundel three-seater bench in Oak, £635; Arundel six-seater table, £1,695; Dancer I and Dancer II sketch prints, £170 each; Isabelle cushions, from £31 each; Tussock sheepskin rug, £125, all Neptune
Define a space ‘Because black absorbs light, it won’t create a feeling of openness, but it does bring drama and strength, and adds character and style – either on part of a wall or all over,’ says Judy Smith, colour consultant at Crown.
STYLE & DECOR
Use it for structure ‘The touches of black here add focus and definition to an otherwise pale scheme,’ says Judy Smith. ‘I like the way that a crisp line of black gives the traditional features of this hallway a modern touch.’
THE BEST
Black paints
WARM & INTENSE Charbone emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library
SOFT & CHALKY Basically Black paint mixing matt, £29.16 for 2.5ltr, Dulux
INTIMATE RED TONES Paean Black estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY... Designers and colour professionals share their views ■ ‘It’s not true that small rooms must be painted white to look bigger,’ says paint expert Annie Sloan. ‘The same effect can be created with black. Pale colours emphasise the light,
but dark colours blur the corners and edges to give the illusion of space.’ ■ ‘I find black more rewarding on wood than walls because it can show up imperfections in plasterwork,’ says Tamsin Leech-Griffiths (number8project.co.uk; interiordesigncollective. co.uk). ‘On woodwork, I use an eggshell paint with the softest of sheens to help bounce light around a little.’ ■ ‘Black can look surprisingly good with
pastel tones,’ says Judy Smith. ‘Chalky pinks or greens with pencil lines of black at picture-rail height or as accessories is an interesting combination.’ ■ ‘Black works really well with strong, jewel colours,’ says Helen Harlow of design studio Paintbox. ‘Try orange, fuchsia, turquoise, lime – but it doesn’t always need to be paired with standout shades. It’s equally wonderful with soft neutrals, blush pinks and sage greens.’
TIMELESS FINISH Jet Black non drip satin, £16 for 750ml, Crown
■ ‘The greater the contrast between your black and any complementary colours, the more striking the finish,’ says Helen Shaw of Benjamin Moore. ‘For impact, choose a lighter tone or, for something more soothing, pair black with other mid and dark tones.’ ■ ‘Black has so many tones, it’s important to spend time finding your favourite,’ says Tamsin. ‘Railings has always been my go-to, but recently I have gravitated towards Off Black, which is so rich in tone.’
NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? HEAD TO OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC
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FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
Lower wall in Rebel easy clean, £25 for 2.5ltr; upper wall in Clay White matt emulsion, £14 for 2.5ltr; door in Crème De La Rose easy clean, £25 for 2.5ltr, all Crown
Green A new collection of authentic National Trust colours including original shades from the homes of Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Beatrix Potter. Available now. littlegreene.com 0161 230 0880
Order your free colourcard, or find your nearest stockist at littlegreene.com
Sitting area ‘This space was designed to extend into the garden, with a corner outlook over the terrace,’ says Ben. ‘The two tall windows give glimpses of the garden and mirror the shape of the woodburner.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Woodburner, £3,000, Aga Stoves. Rubens armchair, £399, Made.com. Jake corner sofa, from £2,550, Love Your Home. Orange drum shade, £45, Habitat
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CEILING SPOT Positioned to throw light onto favourite artwork
REAL HOME
Tailor made
Ben and Gaby Hillman updated a standard Thirties semi with a wraparound extension, clever design ideas and smart tech to make every space support their lifestyle and suit their contemporary tastes IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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Welcome to my home
THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom 1930s semi in Shoreham-bySea, Sussex.
THE VALUE Bought for £587,000 in July 2016; now worth £800,000. Ben Hillman (benhillman. co.uk) lives here with his wife, Gaby, and children, Hope, five and Honor, three. Ben is a presenter on A Place in the Sun and Gaby is a physiotherapist.
B Take a quick tour...
PLAYROOM
BATHROOM
KITCHENDINER
BEDROOM
GARAGE LIVING ROOM
GROUND FLOOR
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BEDROOM
BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
“
It’s great having smart-home functionality that’s so discreet, it doesn’t spoil the house’s character
”
en is often away, filming, so when he and Gaby decided to move, house-hunting took a certain amount of ingenuity. ‘I spotted this tiredlooking Thirties house online when I was working in Costa Rica,’ says Ben. ‘Looking at the floorplans, I could see the family house I could create. There were enough bedrooms for all of us, so my focus was on re-modelling the ground floor with a wraparound extension that wouldn’t impact too much on the garden.’ When the family moved in July 2016, Ben had already drawn up a design. Alongside the existing front living room, there was to be a combined kitchen-diner and living area, with an adjacent playroom. ‘A simple opening to the playroom connects it to the living space but the chaos doesn’t spill over,’ says Ben. ‘Hope worked out she could talk to me via the porch security camera while I was away,’ says Ben. ‘This got me thinking that I could also project-manage remotely. It also prompted me to look into a smart heating and lighting plan. We have Philips Hue downlights set to mimic daylight in the darkest part of the living space and we can vary the colour temperature using an app. We also have Wundatherm overfloor heating boards beneath the tiles, controlled via Nest –it’s great as the smart thermostat remembers the settings for each zone.’ A team from Urban Builders started work in May 2018 and the family moved into Ben’s parents’ rental flat nearby while he went abroad for work again. He set up Nest cameras on site so he could chat to the team – ‘I’m not sure what they thought of my Big Brother approach!’ he says. In September, Ben was free to fit the kitchen and built-in storage, and by November, the house had been decorated. ‘The space works even better for us than I thought it would when I first saw the floorplans.’
REAL HOME
Divide and conquer ‘I like the way the glass doors separate the front living room, zoning the space, but still keep it connected to the larger area,’ says Ben. ‘I picked out black details in the chairs and door handles to provide a visual link with the door frames.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Ercol Teramo table, £1,050, Barker and Stonehouse. Dining chairs, £139 each, Cult Furniture
Love
BEN’S STYLE? Turn to page 53 to shop the look
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The tongue-and-groove doors were a “ nod to the age of the house and the green was inspired by the seafront railings in Brighton, where we used to live
”
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REAL HOME
Kitchen
LED STRIP PENDANT Barely there, with its minimalist linear look
The kitchen is in the middle of the new extension. ‘I planned the design with the help of DIY Kitchens, moving things around until they fitted,’ says Ben. ‘The tricky bit was the right-hand corner, as I had to fit a pull-out pantry and utility door.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Carcasses, £4,740, DIY Kitchens. Calacatta quartz worktops, £510sq m, Margrasil
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PAINTED CIRCLE Creates the look of a contemporary ceiling rose
Bathroom
Living room
‘This room is on our “to-do” list and I plan to knock through to the separate shower room,’ says Ben. ‘I’d like a huge roof window in here, and lots of plants so it has the feel of a conservatory.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bijou square matt white mosaic tiles are similar, £31.71sq m, Walls and Floors
‘I wanted a change of pace in here, to make it a place where Gaby and I can relax. It’s south-facing, so the walls could take a dark colour. The painted ceiling rose and polished concrete shelf are a modern take on traditional living room features.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Secto Design Octo pendant, Nunido. Tan leather sofas, £1,199 each, Barker and Stonehouse
“
We’ve repeated certain design motifs, such as the painted ceiling roses in the bedroom and living room, and the tongue-and-groove doors in the kitchen and bedroom
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”
REAL HOME
Playroom ‘The play area to the side of the kitchen works so well. There’s no door, so it remains connected to the larger space. The kids don’t collide with us when we’re busy and we don’t feel as though we’ve shut them away. In the future, I could fit a door to make a den or office.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls in Valspar’s Ladylike, £38 for 5L, B&Q. The Crantor retro coffee table, £89, Wayfair, has a similar look
Main bedroom ‘I changed the layout to maximise space in here,’ says Ben. ‘The bed is now on the opposite wall and I built wall-to-wall storage that also acts as a headboard. The inset shelf means we don’t need bedside tables and the lighting is wired in.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Daisy large lampshade in walnut, £110, Random Lights. Elevation throw, £35, John Lewis & Partners
WALNUT ACCENT Adds warmth to a cool grey and white room
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Hope’s bedroom
PINK INTERIOR Turns a fireplace into a fun feature
Hope’s bedroom ‘It made sense to futureproof the room with a built-in wardrobe and cupboard in the alcoves,’ says Ben. ‘It will provide Hope with plenty of storage as she grows up.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bespoke blind in Linara Vermillion fabric, £700, Madden Handmade. Moth lampshade, £60, Studio Snowpuppe. Tirup grey chair, £100, Ikea
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WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
A bad experience with builders in my last project made me nervous about finding the right people. The trades I used this time obviously took pride in their work, as they’d post photos on Instagram. It’s a good place to find a recommendation
”
FEATURE JANE CRITTENDEN PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH STYLING MARISHA TAYLOR
‘I wanted the girls’ bedrooms to look fun, without being overly pink,’ says Ben. ‘Painting colourful graphic shapes on the walls is a really easy way to make a design impact with individual style.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Elona chest of drawers, £399, Made.com
REAL HOME
Make it work for you BEN’S STYLE: MODERN TAILORING
Clever design ideas, statement artwork and a playful use of colour create a welcoming space with a modern retro feel
IDEAL
MOODY ABSTRACT Urban City Skyline canvas, £189, Furniture Village
STORMY BLUES Abstract Skies canvas, £109.99, Graham & Brown range, Very
GREAT DEAL
DESIGNER STATEMENT Secto Design Octo 4241 pendant lamp, £519, Nunido
SIMPLE SCANDI Lemina wooden pendant light, £79, Beliani
RICH SHADE Velvet cushion in Mustard, £45, Rose & Grey
WARM HUE Large velour cushion in Yellow, £12, Matalan
MODERN CLASSIC West Elm Axel threeseater sofa, £2,399, John Lewis & Partners
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
LUXE APPEAL Fjord Baby Alpaca throw, £145, Loom & Last
BOLD ACCENT Sarah lamp base, £275; Jemima shade, £175, both KD Loves
MINIMALIST STYLE Rimo coffee table, £229, Swoon
RETRO COOL French Connection Marl four-seater sofa, £1,799, DFS
COSY COMFORT Marissa cotton blanket, £66, Maisons Du Monde
SLEEK LINES Ripple glass table, £189, Danetti
COLOUR CRUSH Keith lamp with Orange lampshade, £295, Laurie Lamps
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IDEAS FOR TRICKY SPACES Instead of working around the awkward corners of your home, make them work harder for youÉ
Use the angled end section as a built-in side table
The bay Make the most of the floor area in a bay window with a built-tofit seat. Drawers under the seat add storage (great for gaming kit) and are more practical than a lift-up lid.
STYLE & DECOR
The landing Turn this floor space into an overflow play area, with storage for kids’ toys. Choose a slim shelving unit with a combination of doors and open shelving so you can choose what stays out on show.
A fun rug makes the space feel more welcoming and will encourage play
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STYLE & DECOR
The boxroom If it’s too small to function as a bedroom, it’s an opportunity to create your dream dressing area and free up space in your own room. A wall-to-wall run of chests and ceilinghung rails will let you pack in a lot of stuff.
Paint Ikea basics to get the look of bespoke furniture
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A wallmounted light saves desk space
The understair A tall kitchen unit and a matching base unit slot in to create a ‘built in’ home office, with a length of plywood cut to fit as a desktop. Just add gorgeous cabinet handles for a smart finish.
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We added custom ply doors to standard Ikea kitchen base units
The third bedroom Get the most from limited floor space with a built-in high sleeper made from storage units for a child’s or guest bed. Hanging curtains will turn it into a cosy den for young children.
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STYLE & DECOR
A useful clutter buster in an office, utility room or small bedroom, too
The tiny bathroom If you’ve squeezed in the essentials but got no space for storage, this over-door shelf idea is a great solution to hold towels and toiletries.
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The bay
The boxroom
The third bedroom
Window seat upholstered in Nina Marika Fern Leaf Green velvet, £89m, Woodchip and Magnolia. Tokki coffee table, £595, Habitat. Isola armchair, £2,599, Heal’s. Ellie bamboo pendant, £110, Design Vintage. Adaliz rug, £475, Graham and Green. Arna wire wall art, £69.95, Nkuku. (On coffee table) Small vase, £19, Graham and Green. Spinning top bowl, £95, Kobi and Teal. Card and dice set, £36.95, Nkuku. (On window seat) Cushion with tassels, £49.99, Zara Home. Ruched cushion in Camel, £55, Rockett St George. Amnis Green tumblers, £9.50 each, Abode Living. Leather box, £29.99, Zara Home. Round tray, £37, Kreisdesign. Stanway Amber vase, £22, Garden Trading. Cushion cover (on armchair), £11.99, Zara Home
Malm units, £115 each, Ikea; painted in Smoked Trout, as before. Audrey stool, £195, Graham and Green. Ibsker rug, £229, Ikea. Iron rail, £135; basket, £45 for set of two, both Design Vintage. (On rail) Coat hangers, €39 for three, Ferm Living. BHOID scarf, £69.99, John Lewis & Partners. Y.A.S shirt, £28.50; Wiggle mini dress, £38; Cami slip dress, £40, all Asos. (On units) Boxes, from £17.99 each, Zara Home. Mellow leather loafers, £35; Liars & Lovers mock croc bag, £28, both Asos. Jewellery stand, £25.50, Design Vintage. Mustard Elspeth rope necklace, £25, Beth Pegler. Naapu necklace, £48, Bohemia. Bust, £120, Rockett St George. Hat, £18; marble tray, £28, both Design Vintage. Mustard Josephine rope bracelet, £20, Beth Pegler. Jar, £15.99, Zara Home. Faux coral, £98, Graham and Green. Mirror, £80, Oggetto. Muses Clio vase, €79, Ferm Living
Walls in Dimity, as before. Bed, made from Metod base units and Maximera drawers, as before. White oiled birch ply drawer fronts, from £100 each, Custom Fronts. Silver linen curtain, £99.99, Linen Me. Dolce pom-pom fringe in Banana Split, £52m, Samuel & Sons. Cloud lamp in oak, €65, Ferm Living. (On shelf, from left) Moulin Roty doll, £39.90, Maileg mini panda, £14.50, both Folk Interiors. Safari animals and trees, €45, Ferm Living. Mr Crocodile Gustav, €68, Oyoy Living Design. (On bed) Mustard yellow fitted sheet, £59; flat sheet, £60, both Secret Linen Store. Tree print duvet cover, £29.99 for a single; pillowcase, £9.99 each, all Zara Home. Natural Pierrot moon cushion, £24; Rose Dust velvet cushion, £59, both Ella James. Cactus cushion, €48; Kata cushion, €68, both Oyoy Living Design. White and Gold striped throw, £69, Collard Manson. Linen and velvet quilt, £159.99, Zara Home. (On floor) Cadby velvet button stool, £214, Rowen & Wren. Little architect stool, €95, Ferm Living. Corduroy beanbag in Coral, €123, Oyoy Living Design. Chesil peg rail, £90, Oggetto. (On rail) Fabelap apron in Evergreen, £17; wall hung basket, £30, both The Modern Nursery. Embroidered taupe scarf, £40, Bohemia
The landing Wall in Light Gray and Off White; architrave in Smoked Trout estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, all Farrow & Ball. Oeuf shelving system, £559, Nubie. Colourful Rainbow; Sleepy Animals; Oh Happy Day framed prints, £59.95 each, all Pretty in Print. Pear basket, £79, Nubie. Trinx throw (used as a rug), £60, Graham and Green. Picnic basket trolley, £49.99, Zara Home. (On shelving, from top left) Wooden family bricks, €40, Oyoy Living Design. Row of four, £49.95; wire ferris wheel, £79.95, both Nkuku. Hello word, £28, Heykiddostudio. Olli Ella see-ya suitcase, £65, Molly Meg. Crown, €28, Oyoy Living Design. Bunny toy, £17.99, Zara Home. Paper pulp box, €39 for set of two, Ferm Living. Catapult, £24, Kobi & Teal. Round basket, £9.99, Zara Home. Round Aubergine boxes, €18 each; wooden bear, €38, all Oyoy Living Design. Little house basket, £17.99; doll, £19.99, both Zara Home. Saxborga jar, £13 for set of three; Mala pencils, £3.50 for 10, all Ikea. Dominoes, £36.95, Nkuku. Sail boat, £35; octopus, £150, both Molly Meg. Skipping rope, £11.99, Zara Home. Cane vase, £45, French Connection Home. Tool set, £28, Ella James
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The understair Walls in Joa’s White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr; units in Calke Green estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Metod unit, £23; Maximera drawers, from £27 each; Metod high cabinet, £60; Haggeby door/ drawer fronts, from £5 each, all Ikea. Thor leather handles, £16.99 each; Rococo knob, £17.99, all Dowsing & Reynolds. Capri carver chair, £180, French Connection Home. Basket, £60 for three, Bohemia. Frama shelf, £160, An Artful Life. Oliver wall light, £40, John Lewis & Partners. (On desk) Desk tidy, £25; pen holder, £20, both Kreisdesign. Pencils, £2.75 each, Present & Correct. Ply boxes, from £20 each, Kobi & Teal. Concrete numbers, £4.50 each; ruler, £6, all An Artful Life. Scissors, £12.90, Folk Interiors. Mug, £58 for two, Rowen & Wren. Theo coffee maker, £70, Oggetto. (On shelf) Pencil sharpener, £6.50; clips, £4.50 each; eraser, £7.50, all Present & Correct. Jar, £5, John Lewis & Partners. Clipboard, €19, Ferm Living. Paperweight, £28, Kobi & Teal
The tiny bathroom Walls in Dimity; door and architrave in Joa’s White, as before. Mae bracket in Antique Black, £21.99 each, Dowsing & Reynolds. Small vase as before. (On shelf) Moroccan natural pot, £24, Bohemia. Rectangular basket, £15.99, Zara Home. Grey hand towel, £18.50, Abode Living. Glass & wooden jar, as before. Saxborga glass pot, as before. Body brush, £19.99; fringed border face towels, £4.99 each, all Zara Home. (On door) Linen waffle bath towel in Tea Rose, £34, Rowen and Wren
FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS STYLING CHARLIE DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHS TIM YOUNG
STYLE & DECOR
*Sale discount applies to orders placed between 23/12/19 and 24/2/20. Minimum order value £3,000 +VAT.
SALE
*
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nevillejohnson.co.uk | 0161 873 8333 STUDIES
BEDROOMS
LOUNGES
LIBRARIES
Living room ‘The full-height windows let in so much light and the green velvet sofas give a blast of colour and texture. They go really well with the vintage gold tables, which were a gift.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Scott three-seater sofas, £999 each, Made. Try Christie coffee table set, £369.99, Wayfair. Stockholm rug, from £129, Ikea
REAL HOME
Trading places The Stafford-Smiths swapped city living for a fresh start in the country and a poky terrace for a big converted barn… bringing urban glamour together with rustic character in the process
Love
KEELIE’S STYLE? Turn to page 71 to shop the look
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Welcome to my home
Keelie Stafford-Smith, an interior designer, lives here with her husband, Matthew, a sales director, and their children Herbie, eight, and Nellie, four.
THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom, Grade II-listed barn, converted 25 years ago, in Cheshire.
Take a quick tour...
THE VALUE Bought for £905,000 in May 2016; now worth around £1.3m.
FAMILY ROOM
“
We’ve got loads of room to entertain, enjoy quiet time and have friends stay over
”
KITCHEN
MEDIA ROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING/ DINING AREA
BEDROOM
DRESSING ROOM GARAGE
GROUND FLOOR
A
fter many years in London, the StaffordSmiths moved back to their old stomping ground of Cheshire. ‘With two young kids, we decided it was time to move back home and give them the sort of childhood we had, with family around. We wanted to be in a semi-rural area and identified villages near Knutsford as the best locations. There wasn’t a lot of choice, so we viewed around 10 properties.’ The barn stood out because of the space and possibilities it offered. ‘We wanted somewhere we could put our stamp on and some places had only recently been done up. It would have been criminal to rip out new kitchens and bathrooms.’ Keelie could see the potential behind the pine and thick carpets throughout. ‘It was unloved,’ she says, ‘but the basic structure was sound. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and was making signs to my husband
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EN SUITE
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
LANDING
BATHROOM BEDROOM BEROOM
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
over the estate agent’s head!’ With a budget of £60,000 for the renovations, Keelie, who had given up her job as a homeware buyer on leaving London and started her business, Vert Noir Interiors (@vertnoirinteriors), got to work. ‘I ripped up all the carpet downstairs and had a concrete floor poured and polished. It worked out at £3,000 – a fraction of the price of wood.’ Every bit of woodwork has been painted black: ‘I’m so fed up with seeing grey everywhere. I find it boring. Painting things black gives an instant industrial feel.’ Keelie planned every space to make sure the whole house was fully used. ‘You have to make sense of every room and not let any of them become dumping grounds,’ she says. ‘Identify your needs and how you use the space. We spend lots of time in the kitchen, but use the more formal living and dining area at other times, so this layout really works for us.’
REAL HOME
Dining room ‘A well-placed piece of vintage furniture can instantly lift a room. It gives a space individuality, plus I like the idea of something being reused.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar sideboard, £495, Vinterior. Banana Leaf wallpaper, £31.30 a roll, Etsy
POLISHED CONCRETE Works in both rustic and contemporary interiors
REAL HOME
BLACK FEATURE WALL Makes a big, bright room feel cosier
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Kitchen ‘As the kitchen was in good condition, we simply painted it and added new brass handles, a brick-tile splashback and gold bar stools to refresh the look.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Units in Off-Black estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Brass handles, £4.95 each, Etsy. Midas bar stools, £145 each, Rockett St George
“
I love black. It’s a great colour to team with green, pink and white
”
‘The sweeping staircase was just too much wood for me, so I painted it black’
Dining area ‘The cute chairs were a job lot from eBay at £180 for 10, so we snapped them up. The butterfly pictures make a real statement on the back wall and add a bit more colour to the space.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Butterfly prints, £75 each, Kitty McCall. Tram chairs, £69 each; Lyra metal pendant lights in Black, £39 each, all Cult Furniture, would work here
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WALLPAPER MURAL Adds interest in a monochrome scheme
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REAL HOME
Dining room ‘We bought the dining table from the previous owner for £100 as it was too big to move and the funky moulded chairs are reproductions of a design classic. The vintage drinks trolleys were found in charity shops,’ says Keelie. BUY THE KEY PIECES Panton chairs, £137 each, Pop Furniture. Round mirror, £100, Laura Ashley. Sloan rug, £359, Modern Rugs
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‘I’ve given the guest room a calming feel. The divan bed was re-covered with black fabric for a new look’
Landing ‘The big space at the top of the stairs was too nice to be ignored, so I’ve made it into a seating area with some lovely old wicker chairs that belonged to my parents,’ says Keelie. BUY THE KEY PIECES Afaw rug, £280, La Redoute
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
Be smart and realistic about what really needs redoing. If something’s good quality and can be upcycled, keep it. We kept the kitchen units, which were well made, but painted them, and one of the bathrooms was fairly new, so we revamped it instead of ripping it out
”
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FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
BLACK WOODWORK Gives a white room definition
REAL HOME
Make it work for you KEELIE’S STYLE: TROPICAL LUXE
Monochrome prints and opulent textures combine with deep greens and metallics for an exotic interior
IDEAL
RAINFOREST FEEL Bergspalm faux indoor plant, £39.99, Dowsing & Reynolds
FEMALE FORM Antibes art print, from £13.95 unframed, Desenio
MAGIC MONO Eichholtz abstract chevron cushion, £101 for two, Houseology
GREAT DEAL
PLANT LIFE Artificial bamboo plant, £25, George Home
CREWEL WORK Geo jewel Black and White cushion, £10, Dunelm
LUXE VELVET Scott three-seater sofa in Grass cotton velvet, £999, Made
BUTTON DETAIL Swoon Berlin threeseater sofa, £1,799, Very
FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT
ABSTRACT ART Female line drawing poster, from £6.95 unframed, Juniqe
TROPICAL PRINT Banana Leaves wallpaper, £150 a roll, The Gifted Few
LUSH LEAVES Baja Green wallpaper, £23.99 a roll, Albany at Wallpaper Direct
WIRE WORK Storage basket with handles, £22, Garden Trading
DESIGN CLASSIC Mid-century media console storage unit, £1,599, West Elm at John Lewis & Partners
MINIMAL METAL Restoration wire bin, £15, John Lewis & Partners
SOLID OAK Portobello vintage long sideboard, £865, Maisons du Monde
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NEUTRAL ACCENTS Add items in natural tones to keep the effect easy on the eye
STYLE SECRETS
HOW TO STYLE YOUR SHELVES Turn your shelving into more than just storage to create a ‘wow’ focal point. Here are some stylists’ tricks to steal...
Colour theme Sticking to a strict colour scheme works well for a cohesive look. Mix materials, though, adding glass and metallic objects for visual interest.
STYLE & DECOR
T he zigzag Create visual balance by zigzagging your hero pieces. Larger objects will ground the groupings, and give each one space to breathe.
BOOK STACK Cluster books both horizontally and vertically
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STYLE & DECOR
Simple stacks Neat piles of books or magazines can make real visual impact. Vary the heights for interest, but keep them perfectly straight or the finished look will be messy and less effective.
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FEATURE NICKY PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
BLENDED LOOK Painting shelves the same colour as your wall looks calm and seamless
ADD HEIGHT Elevate an item by positioning it on top of something else
T he threeheight rule A rule of thumb is that things look better grouped in odd numbers of three or five. Vary the heights – tall, medium and short – for each grouping.
Your bit on the side. Shop thousands of designs at swooneditions.com
Pearl side table
ÂŁ149
REAL HOME
Creative thinking Fashion designers Emma and Nick Rossi have mixed styles and colours to create a unique home
Living room The couple have chosen simple, classic furniture with opulent, ornate light fittings, mirrors and accessories to make a space that’s full of detail, but feels calm and luxurious. BUY THE KEY PIECES Estere gold and marble coffee tables, £475 each, Graham and Green. Raphael Champagne Chandelier, £879, Furniture Village IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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Welcome to my home
Emma Rossi lives here with her husband, Nick, and their children Minnie, eight, Alberta, three, and Federico, one. Emma and Nick are fashion designers.
THE PROPERTY A five-bed Victorian house (part of a manor house) in Watford, Hertfordshire.
Take a quick tour...
THE VALUE Now worth around £1.2m.
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BEDROOM
Doing the work ourselves gave us such a sense of achievement
KITCHEN
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DINING ROOM
GROUND FLOOR
ick and Emma had been living in a small Victorian terrace in Battersea, London, with their two girls, Minnie and Alberta. ‘We were working hard and saving up for a bigger property in a more family-friendly area,’ says Emma. ‘When I became pregnant with Federico, the need for extra space became an absolute priority, so we focussed on finding the right home. ‘We fell in love with this house the minute we saw it. In the leafy suburbs of Watford, it had once been part of a big manor house and its grounds. It had been divided into two properties in the 1930s. It’s a grand, elegant building covered in wisteria, with an incredible stained-glass window above the front door. The interior didn’t disappoint, either. It had such character and the feeling of space was wonderful. It had strikingly high ceilings, complete with “cake icing” coving, original fireplaces, beautiful double doors opening out to the garden from the living room and lots of other features. ‘We moved in early 2018 and Federico was born soon afterwards. Since then, we haven’t stopped,
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BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM MAIN BEDROOM
FIRST FLOOR
BEDROOM
BEDROOM
SECOND FLOOR
decorating the house around our jobs and looking after the children. The decor wasn’t to our taste, but the house had been well kept and, as we’d stretched ourselves financially to buy it, we couldn’t take on any structural work, so a bit of redecorating was all it needed to make it our own. Lack of budget meant we’ve worked with what we had. By complementing its traditional elements, an eclectic and colourful home has emerged. While I tend to have more ideas of how I’d like things to look, Nick is very practical, teaching himself the skills needed to bring our ideas to life. ‘Living in and getting the feel of a property before you make any big changes is a good thing to do. My kitchen ideas have completely changed since we moved in and will probably change again! We’d love to knock through from the dining room into the kitchen to open up that space. We spend so much time in both, it makes sense to combine them. That will come in time. Until then, we are perfectly content living here. Finding and creating a warm and spacious home for our family was important and now we’ve done it, this house is a joy to live in.’
REAL HOME
Living room Dark-painted panelling around the fireplace draws depth, drama and cosiness to the space. The deep grey is a versatile backdrop for hits of accent colour. BUY THE KEY PIECES Afaw Berber-style rug, £399, La Redoute. Burgundy pouffe, £49, Homesense. Large porthole mirror, £170, Graham and Green
bit of redecorating “Awas all the house needed to make it our own. Lack of budget meant we’ve worked with what we had
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Love
EMMA’S FIREPLACES? Turn to page 85 to find out more
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this house’s traditional elements, “Byancomplementing eclectic and colourful home has emerged ”
Kitchen
‘We created a stylish gallery with matching gold frames,’ says Emma
‘We breathed new life into this room by painting the existing cabinetry a beautiful dark blue and the walls in a pretty, contrasting pink,’ says Emma. BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls painted in Calamine estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr; cabinetry painted in Hague Blue estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball. Broadway plate rack is similar, from £265, The Plate Rack Co. Eneryda brass cup handles, £9 for two; Bergshult black wall shelf, £24; Granhult wall brackets, £12 for two, all Ikea
Open shelving is practical for accessing everyday items
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REAL HOME
Dining room The eight-seater table holds this large space. ‘We bought it from the previous owners and it’s become the hub of our home, from a place to do arts and crafts with the children to entertaining friends.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls painted in Cornforth White and Down Pipe estate emulsions, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, both Farrow & Ball DIY PENDANTS Made using components from Amazon for £50
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REAL HOME
Dining room ‘We made the office area feel like a stand-alone space by painting the wall a different colour to the rest of the room and putting picture ledges above the desk with interesting prints and curios.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Jackson desk, £495, Graham and Green is similar. Let’s Stay Home wall light, £345, Bag & Bones
FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH PLANS AGENCY SERVICE
FLOOR PLANTER Adds colour and character to an empty corner
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LARGE SCALE PATTERN Emphasises high ceilings
Family bathroom
Main bedroom
‘Repainting the panelling and bath transformed this beige room. And with the wallpaper, it’s unrecognisable!’ says Emma. BUY THE KEY PIECES Artemis wallpaper, £180 a roll, House of Hackney. Panelling painted in Railings estate eggshell, £62 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Bath painted in Candy Pink Painter’s Touch, £36 for 1ltr, Rust-Oleum. Leopard-print chair, £150, Homesense
An art deco-inspired wallpaper is the hero of this room, which blends traditional, contemporary, glam and rustic elements. BUY THE KEY PIECES Lotus wallpaper, £118 a roll, Farrow & Ball. Sienna super king bed, £3,395, Feather & Black, is similar. Little Trixie bedside table, £245, Loaf. Mulberry gold leaf lounger chair, £295, Graham and Green. Magnifique print, £24, Gayne Mansfield Design
WHAT I’VE LEARNT
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I didn’t realise the power of wallpaper until we used it in our home. It really adds personality and I’m a complete convert. An amazing feature wallpaper can change a space
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REAL HOME
Make it work for you EMMA’S CHOICE: A CHARACTER FIREPLACE
Loving the look of a classic fireplace? Here’s how to replace a damaged original or dream up a brand-new feature Reinstating a fireplace will restore character to a room. Whether you decide to go faux and fill it with candles or opt for the real thing, a fireplace makes a fabulous focal point.
Q
How do I begin? First, decide if you want a fireplace simply as a decorative feature or as a real fire, which will provide warmth as well as looks, in which case you will need to consider the fuel type. A fireplace is usually made of three components: the surround which holds everything together, the hearth on which it sits and the insert, which is the inner section and is usually decorative.
Q
What advice do I need? If you want to use your fire, buy your fireplace from a reputable supplier who can advise on safety and suitability for purpose. Seek advice regarding fitting, heat output and fuel types: most good fireplace showrooms will offer an installation service or be able to recommend registered (Gas Safe/HETAS) installers.
Q
What are the options? Reproduction fire surrounds come in a host of styles and are typically made of marble, stone, cast iron or wood, with wood or wood effect usually the most affordable and easy to install, but often specified as suitable for use with electric fires only. Marble and stone are durable, suitable for most fire types and can look impressive, while cast iron instantly creates period style.
The perfect focal point, a fireplace adds character to any room
Q
How do I know what size to choose? Generally, fireplaces are available in widths of 1520mm and 1370mm, but they do vary as there is no such thing as a standard size chimney breast. The aim is to choose a size that creates a sense of balance with the proportions of your room.
BEST FOR…
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There is no wrong pick when choosing a fire surround, other than to ensure it is an item of beauty and that it complements the rest of the decor in the room MIKE JOHNSON, ENGLISH FIREPLACES
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FEATURE AMELIA THORPE
IDEAL HOME LOVES… REPRO FIREPLACES
WARM WOOD The oak effect MDF surround is suitable for use with electric fires. Adam Airdrie surround, £400, B&Q
TIMELESS CHOICE An elegant cast stone fireplace. Classic fireplace, £1,349, Haddonstone
PERIOD PIECE A real marble retro design. The Flat Victorian fireplace, £954, The Old Cinema
FIRESIDE ACCESSORIES Jim Lawrence offers quality fire grates, backs and dogs, plus fireside tools and companion sets. FIREGUARDS A safety essential if you have children in your home. Garden Requisites offers traditional and modern options in four standard sizes, plus a made-tomeasure service. LOG BASKETS Garden Trading has a stylish selection of log and kindling holders, including rattan, wrought iron and felt designs.
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EASY STYLE UPDATES
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 MAKE A DISPLAY OF BASKETS If perfectly spacing frames on your wall feels like a bit of a faff, go freestyle with a group of woven platters and baskets that’ll give a white wall natural texture and warmth.
STYLE & DECOR
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Loft dining chairs, £149 for two, M&S
MIX AND MATCH YOUR DINING CHAIRS For an eclectic feel, play with shapes, sizes and materials, but if that’s a bit far out for your taste, choose one design, and combine different colours.
3 TRY A TERRAZZO WALL This trending surface is ideal for your next feature wall as its abstract pattern is super-easy on the eye and suits any modern room. Try terrazzo wallpaper, £60 a roll , Graham & Brown.
Columbus sofa, from £3,370; teak storage cubes, £396 each; Onyx candle holders, from £38 for set of two, all Raft
4 BACK YOUR SOFA WITH STORAGE
In an open-plan space, position storage cubes or shelving against the back of the sofa. The open shelves can be used for housing books and accessories, plus it creates a surface to rest your cuppa on.
Verso large sideboard, £2,395, Ercol
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5 BUILD A BESPOKE DRESSING TABLE If you can’t find the right desk or dressing table to fit your space, then make one yourself using a piece of reclaimed wood or a kitchen worktop offcut and some powdercoated hairpin legs.
6 GO FOR A GREEN SOFA Grey might be the modern go-to, but if you have neutral walls, anything goes! Green’s so hard to fall out of love with, though, with its natural vibes and calming effect. Perfect with wooden flooring and lots of real or faux house plants. Artwork, £25; Barton cupboard, £275, both Next Home
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CHANGE UP YOUR WALL ART
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Elodie click clack sofa, £299; cheese plant cushion, £22; Lari wicker weave pendant light, £29; faux pampas grass stem, from £5.50, all Dunelm
Rather than hang artwork and prints on the wall, only to change your mind or scheme down the line, instead simply lean them against the wall and style foliage and accessories around them.
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STYLE & DECOR Brush stroke floral bedding, £60 for a double set, FatFace
8 PAINT YOUR BEDROOM BLUE With Pantone dubbing Classic Blue as its Colour of the Year for
2020, it’s a shade that’s going nowhere, thanks to its versatility and warmth. Use on just one – or even all – of your bedroom walls to create a bold backdrop that transforms your space in an instant.
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STYLE & DECOR
9 ADD A BLACK ACCENT Working touches of black into your scheme will bring a modern
edge to your interior and give pale rooms more definition. Pick a couple of items, such as a coffee table and a few frames, then think about extending to lighting and woodwork.
Platform sofa in Hope Grey, from £1,699; Iona coffee table in Black, £350; Scandi rise and fall pendant light, £125; Henri Matisse print, £175 framed, all John Lewis & Partners
10 CREATE A GALLERY WALL Turn a blank wall into something special by using simple black frames, but mixing in a few colourful prints for an eclectic gallery wall arrangement. Hang a few low down on the wall, too.
11 SWITCH UP YOUR BEDDING As we head into spring, the supermarkets are bringing out some great bedding designs at purse-friendly prices. This design from Sainsbury’s Home will instantly refresh your scheme and has a subtle ditsy print on its reverse. Estuary watercolour painted bedding, from £21 for a double set, Sainsbury’s Home
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Novak cushion, £45, Habitat
RESTYLE YOUR SOFA WITH NEW CUSHIONS No matter what state your sofa is in after a long
winter of lounging, a few bright, bold and playful cushions will soon give it a new lease of life. Alternatively, use offcuts of fabric, old clothes or tablecloths to make your own simple covers.
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Wilderness dressing table, £130, Argos
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ADD STYLE WITH A STATEMENT DRESSING TABLE
Hudson round white extending dining table with four pendle chairs, £399, Furniture Choice
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Even the most bijou of spaces can play host to a gorgeous dressing table with a compact design. Choose a style with metal legs for a light and airy look, and consider a statement shade to add a splash of colour against white or grey walls.
Paint your dining table, chairs and floor white for a barelythere effect in a small space.
15 GIVE YOUR BATHROOM SOME PERSONALITY Make a style statement with a tub that doubles as a piece of art.
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Louise Dear Kiss Kiss Bam Bam traditional freestanding bath and tap pack, £999, VictoriaPlum.com
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FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
GO ALL WHITE IN A DINING ROOM
STYLE & DECOR
16 MAKE SOME SEASONAL SWAPS Pack away those heavy throws, plush velvet
cushions and cosy candlesticks, then restyle your space with a lighter touch. Be inspired by spring and add accents of daffodil yellow and leaf green to a neutral room scheme for a new-season lift.
IDEAL HOME PARTNERSHIP
‘OUR ART EXPLORES TRUTH AND FICTIONÕ
Check out The Connor Brothers’ compelling new artwork at Runway Gallery
CREATING PROVIDES US WITH A FORM OF THERAPY We both share troubled pasts; Mike has suffered from severe depression since childhood, while James has battled with anxiety and addiction. We moved in together in 2012 and began making collages out of counter-cultural comics from the 1970s and Mills & Boon covers. It was a distraction; we were making each other laugh. WE MIX UP DARK HUMOUR AND PHILOSOPHICAL INSIGHT We will talk about something and that distils into a single concept. Only then will we look for the image, it’s secondary to the words – witty texts that capture preoccupations of our millennial world. Our work explores boundaries between truth and fiction, and raises
Buy The Connor Brothers’ two new limited edition prints available exclusively at runway-gallery.com
questions about how we construct meaning from experience. COLLABORATING WITH TI MEDIA WAS FASCINATING We were invited to plunder the company’s archive. There are literally thousands of magazines. We focussed on illustrations that had been printed using lithography, working with one from a 1960 edition of Woman’s Realm; there’s something a bit more real, more visceral, maybe, about this style.
Mike Snelle (left) and James Golding, aka The Connor Brothers
HOW TO BUY The Connor Brothers’ exclusive new limited edition prints in collaboration with TI Media and Runway Gallery are available to buy now at runway-gallery.com. There are only 25 of each available so head online to secure yours now.
NEXT MONTH
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The best way to display art is not to imitate others. Stay true to your own personality and style, and arrange pieces in a way that appeals to you
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In a bid to satisfy his ‘inner Michelangelo’, Bruce Atherton left his job as an advertising art director to study life drawing in Italy. He has since received international acclaim for his contemporary oil paintings, including commissions from the Vatican.
FEATURE TARA KING ARTWORK, FROM TOP THERE’S NOTHING SO SEDUCTIVE AS A DANGEROUS IDEA,; ALL SHE WANTED WAS TO BE SOMEONE’S MOST PRECIOUS PERSON, BOTH BY THE CONNOR BROTHERS, AVAILABLE AT RUNWAY-GALLERY.COM
T
he Connor Brothers burst onto the art scene in 2013 under the guise of Franklyn and Brendan Connor, Missouri-born twins brought up within a cult. Two years later they revealed their true identities – childhood friends Mike Snelle and James Golding. Their latest pieces, shown here, were created in collaboration with Ideal Home’s parent company TI Media and Runway Gallery. Both are available to buy exclusively at runway-gallery.com.
STYLE & DECOR
INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE
SPEND or SAVE? THE EXPERTS ADVISEÉ It’s the wisdom that takes years of hard-learned lessons to gain: where should you put your money, and where can you afford to trade down? We asked eight experts for their views
SPEND ‘Cheap paints cover poorly in my experience, so it’s worth spending on good brands,’ says decorator Stuart Plant. Tuscan Red absolute matt emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Little Greene
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D
oes it pay to pay more? Knowing where you can get away with cutting costs – without compromising on the style or function of your space – is the Holy Grail of home design. Our experts share their savvy design secrets and tell us which false economies to avoid…
SPEND ‘Invest in overall quality rather than splashing out on one element to the detriment of another,’ says Simon. Meteor Nero kitchen, from £10,000, Crown Imperial
THE KITCHEN EXPERT Simon Nairn, design director at Kitchen Culture has this advice: n ‘Go for a cost-effective glass splashback behind the hob, with a worktop upstand and a quality durable paint on the rest of the walls, rather than tiling – easy to wipe clean and with the option of switching up the paint colour whenever you fancy a change.’ n ‘Buying a cheap sink is not the best choice for longevity. The short-term gain of saving money can bring unwanted issues and additional costs further down the line.’ n ‘Share your wish list with an independent specialist and tap into their expert knowledge.
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They have access to products across the price spectrum and even end-of-line promotions to help make savings.’ n ‘Do your research and ask for recommendations based on a designer’s experience. We make our product choices based on the quality, accreditations and guarantees offered.’ n ‘Two kitchen brands particularly stand out for me: Crown Imperial (crown-imperial. co.uk), a British kitchen manufacturer, and Minerva for solid-surface worktops (minervaworksurfaces.co.uk).’
SAVE ‘Measure, order and fit your own blind,’ says Vickie. ‘There are hundreds of colours and patterns to choose from.’ Choices Kentia Linen Leaf roller blind, from £30.35, Blinds 2go
STYLE & DECOR CURTAIN/BLIND EXPERT Vickie Nickolls, interior designer: n ‘Curtains and blinds that are professionally made are always a wise investment as they will fit correctly, hang beautifully and really make a room. It’s all about the fit. Curtains that are either too short or too long can ruin a scheme and blinds made from fabric that’s too thin or too thick just won’t hang properly.’ n ‘Curtains made up in a plain fabric will always cost less than patterned ones as there’s no pattern repeat to worry about. Work out how much you’ll need and source your own fabric from end-of-line sales or special offers, before getting them professionally made.’ n ‘Consider ordering a bespoke blind online – follow a step-bystep guide to measuring and fitting, and always order a sample of your fabric before you buy. Likewise, you can do the same for shutters. But you have
to make sure you get everything right as there are no returns.’ n ‘To save money, buy readymade curtains, increasing the width if needed with a second pair. A seamstress or dry cleaner should be able to join them for you. Avoid unlined curtains (except sheers) – they look cheap if you can see the light through them. You could add trims to ready-made curtains to give a bespoke look and cut down a curtain pole to length, adding a decorative finial, which would save on having one made to fit.’ n ‘Shutters are a good investment as they don’t date, are easy to maintain, work with most interiors and can add value to your home. However, badly fitted shutters or those made from cheaper materials that could discolour will cheapen a room, as do ones that don’t suit the style of the window or property.’
THE BATHROOM EXPERT Neil Curtis, senior designer at Ripples has this advice: n ‘I always think, “what would be my luxury?” That’s worth spending on. For me, for example, it’s having an elegant free-standing bathtub to soak away the day in.’ n ‘I’d save on the finish of the fixtures and finishes. If you go for a special finish like gold or brushed brass instead of standard chrome, it can really add to the cost. Good-quality brassware is everything, though! I’ve seen way too many people go for cheap brassware they’ve found online in a special finish only to find it lasts two minutes.’ n ‘If you skimp on a good installer, you’ll be in trouble further down the line, too.
Spending on installation should be a priority as the thing most likely to ruin a bathroom design is how it’s fitted.’ n ‘My advice would be to shop in the sales. At Ripples we have offers on complete bathrooms in January, April, August and October. During a sale, you can get high-quality products within a lower budget.’ n ‘It’s useful to understand what a product is made from and how it’s been made to help make a choice. For example, with ceramic products like basins, look carefully to see if there are any bumps or inconsistencies in the surface – if there are, then it’s not good quality.’
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Good-quality brassware is everything! I’ve seen way too many people go for cheap brassware they’ve found online in a special finish only to find it lasts two minutes NEIL CURTIS, RIPPLES
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THE FURNITURE EXPERT Dan Rawlings, senior designer at John Lewis & Partners n ‘It’s worth spending as much as possible on upholstered furniture. An expensive fabric can mask a poor-quality frame construction. I would shop for a timeless design that will outrun trends – read the manufacturer’s tags, looking out for hardwood frames and good-quality fillings.’ n ‘Mid-century cabinet furniture can be picked up cheaply. Furniture of this era was massproduced but built to last. Often people think of it as Scandinavian, but we had some great British manufacturers, too. Look out for Ercol and G Plan pieces, as well as designs by Gordon Russell, Ernest Race and Robin Day.’ n ‘Recycling and reusing vintage furniture is more sustainable
– you can’t argue with that. But, for me, I also like the nostalgia associated with vintage; the story it has to tell. Mixing it in with some new pieces adds depth and interest to an interior.’ n ‘Quality and style don’t always go hand in hand. When buying furniture, be sure to poke about a bit, opening drawers and looking underneath. Pick it up if you can – if it feels too light in relation to its appearance, then it will not last. I’m a buy-once, buy-well customer, and whether the style of the piece of furniture is traditional or contemporary, there are underlying considerations that you should look out for, such as materials, workmanship, surfaces and finish.’
SPEND ‘Upholstery is an investment – a great frame can be reupholstered over and over again,’ says Dan. Chester sofa in Lucca soft teal velvet, £1,299, John Lewis & Partners
SPEND Invest in 100% wool carpet for high-traffic spaces and save on quality in other areas. Auckland berber wool carpet, £12.99sq m, Carpetright
THE FLOORING EXPERTS n ‘Wool is more expensive than synthetic options, but it is worth the investment for high-traffic areas,’ says Jemma. n ‘Quality can vary by room. Hallway carpet must be extradurable; a twist or textured style is ideal for stairs. In living spaces, try a plain finish with a rug. Soft Saxony carpets offer warmth and luxury for bedrooms.’ n ‘Good quality underlay is important. It increases insulation, reduces wear and gives a softer overall feel. You’ll notice a big difference.’ n ‘Engineered wood is a clever alternative to solid wood,’ says David. ‘Look for “effect flooring” with a slightly worn look, which will make flaws less noticeable. Luxury vinyl is one of the most realistic and practical choices.’
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FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Jemma Dayman and David Snazel, buyers at Carpetright:
STYLE & DECOR THE DECORATING EXPERT Stuart Plant, set builder and decorator: n ‘Cheap paints cover poorly in my experience and will take a lot of hard work to achieve a good finish. It’s worth spending extra on good brands like Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Sanderson or – my current favourite – Mylands. Although you can’t go wrong with Dulux Trade, Leyland or Johnstone’s, at around half the price. Dulux Trade primer and diamond eggshell are go-tos.’ n ‘Even if you’re on a budget, it’s important to prioritise good brushes and rollers, as well as a nice stiff roller pole. I’d spend around £10 each on 2-3in brushes
as they will hold more paint and give you a more even line.’ n ‘Quality wallpapers expand and contract more evenly, so you’re less likely to get bubbles and mismatched joins. Buy a Stanley knife and spare blades for trimming – blunt knives snag damp paper, causing wastage.’ n ‘You can save money with good prep: measure up carefully, so you buy the correct amount of paper or paint; fill holes well (I like Red Devil ready-mixed filler); put floor coverings down and clear the room – it will make the job quicker, and the sofa will be safe!’
THE SLEEP EXPERT Dr Meg Arroll, psychologist specialising in sleep:
SAVE Vintage furniture that’s solidly built to last can be picked up for a good price
n ‘In terms of mattresses and pillows, you get what you pay for when it comes to quality of sleep. You really should spend the most you can afford.’ n ‘A cheap mattress is a false economy as you’ll need to buy another one after a couple of years and the effect it can have on your sleep often results in sleepiness, irritability and problems concentrating. Its lifespan should be about seven years.’ n ‘I personally love Tempur memory foam mattresses (tempur.com) – the Cloud mattress in particular. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but I would say that the extra cost has helped improve the way I sleep, so it has been worth it.’
SAVE By buying lower tog rated duvets and layering with blankets in winter
n ‘Personalise pillows to each family member – you may need anti-allergy for one and standard for another. Pay attention to firmness and tailor to suit.’ n ‘If you’re on a budget, shop lower tog ratings: look for a good-quality 10.5 tog duvet for all year round, but layer it up with blankets in winter. The Forty Winks range at Argos is excellent value for money.’
MEET THE PROFESSIONALS… SIMON NAIRN, DESIGN DIRECTOR AT KITCHEN CULTURE (KITCHENCULTURE CAMBRIDGESHIRE.CO.UK)
An independent kitchen business. NEIL CURTIS, SENIOR DESIGNER AT RIPPLES (RIPPLESBATHROOMS.COM)
Solutions that work with your budget. DAN RAWLINGS, SENIOR DESIGNER IN THE HOME DESIGN STUDIO AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS (JOHNLEWIS.COM)
A small team of talented designers. STUART PLANT, SET BUILDER AND DECORATOR (@STUARTPLANTSET BUILDING ON INSTAGRAM)
He’s also appeared as a builder/ carpenter on TV shows for the BBC. DR MEG ARROLL, HARLEY STREET PSYCHOLOGIST (DRMEGARROLL.COM)
Specialises in sleep behaviour. VICKIE NICKOLLS, INTERIOR DESIGNER (INTERIORTHERAPY.CO.UK)
Has a focus on colour and materials. JEMMA DAYMAN, CARPET BUYER, AND DAVID SNAZEL, HARD FLOORING BUYER AT CARPETRIGHT (CARPETRIGHT.CO.UK)
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‘Our DIY kitchen cost less than £5k’ By using Ikea carcasses and fitting the plywood fascias themselves, Suzanne Harmer and Danny Page created a designer look on a tight budget
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KITCHEN PROJECT
BEFORE
HARD-WORKING ISLAND Houses the dishwasher, freezer, oven and hob
Welcome to my home
Love
SUZANNE’S STYLE? Turn to page 105 to shop the look
Suzanne Harmer, owner of This Modern Life, lives here with her partner Danny Page and children Sammuel, eight, Dixie, seven, and Bibi, four.
THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom 1960s bungalow in Bedfordshire.
WHAT IT COST
‘A specialist company cut the ply sheets to size. Then we fitted, sanded and sealed them with Osmo oil,’ says Suzanne. ‘You can buy ply fronts, but it was cheaper to make them ourselves.’ Metod units, from £32 for a 600mm base unit, Ikea. Poplar pure glue ply, around £39 for a 240x122x1.8cm sheet, Hanson Plywood
Units.....................£1,000 Worktops and sink.......... ...............................£1,064 Appliances............£1,213 Flooring...................£440 Lighting and switches.................£568 TOTAL.................£4,285
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I love our rainbow display – although some people do put things back in the wrong place!
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Round cushions are attached to the built-in bench seating and wall with Velcro to add comfort and colour that echoes the rainbow display in the kitchen. Sitges cushions, £32 each; Bloomingville dining chair, £145, all This Modern Life
HOLES NOT HANDLES Give a contemporary, fuss-free look
‘I wanted the whole back wall to have floor-toceiling doors that you’d pull back to reveal the kitchen. However, the mechanism was going to cost around £3,000, so we went for base units and open shelving with folding doors instead.’ Bacana White Classic cork flooring, £44sq m, The Colour Flooring Company
FEATURE KAREN WILSON, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS FIONA WALKER-ARNOTT
HOW SUZANNE AND DANNY DID IT… ‘I hated everything about the small beige kitchen at the front of our bungalow. Due to the massive boiler, the fridge-freezer was stuck out in front of the fireplace, and you could only fit one person in the kitchen at a time. We lived with it for eight years while saving up to extend by 46sq m across the full width of the rear of the property, to create a bigger, open-plan kitchen-diner. The old kitchen will eventually become a snug and laundry room. The architect suggested having a utility room behind the shelving wall and, looking back, it would have been handy for storing food and small
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appliances, but we wanted a bigger kitchen. We were also after a lot of worktop space as our kids are constantly getting food out and making themselves drinks. An L-shaped layout with a large island was the best solution. The build took six months. The kitchen cost less than £5,000 and we saved even more by reusing some Ikea cabinets that had been in our old bedroom for the front of the island. I love how the kitchen connects to the other spaces and that the kids can all eat at the breakfast bar now. And before, one of us would have to be in the kitchen cooking alone, so it’s much more sociable.’
KITCHEN PROJECT
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
It would’ve been more practical to have just the middle section of the shelving as open display. In future, we might put doors on to hide the coffee machine and create a pantry
”
CAT NOOK Perfect as a hidey-hole and for storing cat food
ABOVE ‘I couldn’t find any double sinks I liked, so Danny fitted two side by side. It was complicated to do and the middle bit does get wet all the time!’ Sirius SID 110-50 Tectonite sinks, £336 each, Franke. Franke Neptune mixer tap in Matt Black, £193, Trading Depot
RIGHT ‘We put a half-wall between the kitchen and living area, which has a built-in planter. I hate ceiling spotlights, so we have wall lights over the worktop. It feels so cosy when they’re all on in the evening.’ Theo ceramic wall lights, £55 each, Enamel Shades IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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KITCHEN PROJECT
Make it work for you SUZANNE’S STYLE: RAINBOW BRIGHTS
Simple ply cabinets, neutral flooring and functional furniture make a great backdrop for a colourful kitchenware display
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3 4 Folding doors mean you can switch between open and hidden shelving
5 IDEAL
GREAT DEAL
PICK THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR AN ISLAND
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
6
7
£95
£18
SIMPLE BEAUTY
DESIGNER STYLE
Hector bar stool, Habitat
Maloux Black bar stool, B&Q
WHERE TO BUY 1 Askersund cabinet door, H100xW60cm, £18, Ikea 2 Sleek Edison wall light, £29, Industville 3 Fast boil kettle in Pink, £20, George Home 4 Kintampo kitchen tap in Black, £184.99, Dowsing & Reynolds 5 Mid leaf artificial fern plant, £27.99, Dowsing & Reynolds 6 Olivia oak dining table, £439, Cuckooland 7 Folding storage crates in Banana Yellow and Salmon Pink, £12.50 each, Bobby Rabbit
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Love
MEG’S WORKTOPS? Turn to page 111 to find out more
‘We mixed our different tastes for an eclectic look’ Meg Brackpool wanted clean, modern lines, while Natalie Tucker added character with her industrialinspired style to create a kitchen they both love
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KITCHEN PROJECT
BEFORE
As Meg and Natalie were on a tight budget, the layout was planned around the existing wiring and plumbing to reduce upheaval and expense. A door was blocked up in the end wall so that more units could be fitted and now a single door leads to the bathroom and utility. Clerkenwell Super Matt Grey units, from £105 for a 600mm base unit, Howdens. For similar floor tiles, try Phantom Grey, £19.96sq m, Tile Giant
INTEGRATED DOOR MAT For a flush, streamlined finish
Welcome to my home Meg Brackpool lives here with co-owner Natalie Tucker.
THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian mid-terrace in the town of Burnhamon-Sea, Somerset.
WHAT IT COST Cabinets..............£2,400 Worktops................£300 Appliances...........£1,600 Sink and tap............£450 Flooring..................£300 Wall tiles.................£450 Dining furniture......£570 Paint...........................£80 Accessories...............£50 TOTAL.................£6,200
“
We are thrilled that we’ve managed to blend our favourite looks in one space
”
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HOW MEG AND NATALIE DID IT ‘We bought this house together as a renovation project. It had a kitchen with black units and tatty lino, and a separate breakfast room with bright blue walls, pine cladding and green carpet. We decided to knock them together. As the bathroom is off the kitchen, we had to get the upstairs shower room sorted first.
We built Pinterest boards to bring our ideas together and work out how to blend them. The look started with the splashback, then led to neutral flooring and pale-grey units. Adding underfloor heating meant we couldn’t afford quartz worktops, but found a laminate instead. With our dads helping, the work took two months and cost £2,000.’
FADED FLORAL FABRICS Add vintage charm to a modern room
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‘We had furniture made by an online company as the space is too narrow for standard designs, and it was a very affordable solution. We’ve mixed in a couple of reclaimed chairs and are really happy with the result.’ Industrial Chic table, £330; bench, £150, both Rcc Furniture. Chairs, £90 for four, Wells Reclamation
KITCHEN PROJECT DARK GREY GROUT Gives the herringbone-tile pattern definition
ABOVE Meg and Natalie’s wish list included pendant overhead lighting to produce an intimate atmosphere in the dining area. These aged-brass lights with filament bulbs combine contemporary and classic styling. Searchlight 4-light bar pendant, £119, Lights 2Go, is similar
FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE
ABOVE ‘We knew the herringbone tiled splashback would be a key design element and were prepared to spend a bit to get it right. It’s the focal point of the kitchen.’ Artisau gloss pink wall tiles, £80sq m, Topps Tiles
RIGHT The flat-front cabinet doors are opened with a finger-rail at the top, giving the smooth and simple look Meg likes. Glass-effect laminate worktops, around £40m; Lamona brushed-steel Garda tap, £90, both Howdens
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
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Check out colour combinations suggested by paint suppliers. We saw our ideal shades of grey and pink on display together in a DIY store, which saved us money on tester pots
”
WOOD-EFFECT EDGE STRIP Contrasts with the gloss laminate worktop
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KITCHEN PROJECT
Make it work for you MEG’S CHOICE: LAMINATE WORKTOPS
Budget-friendly and with a new and improved design, here’s why this work surface deserves a place in your kitchen… Thanks to new technology and advanced manufacturing, it is definitely time to give laminate worktops a second chance.
Q
What is it exactly? High-pressure laminate (HPL) is made by soaking multiple layers of decorative paper in resins to form a single layer. This is then applied to a high-density core – usually chipboard or particleboard. It’s the cheapest worktop option, mainly because it’s inexpensive to produce. Allow a budget of between £40m and £100m for premium grade laminate.
Q
How can I spot quality? The thickness of the laminate layer and density of the core board are good indicators. Look for a laminate layer at least 0.5mm thick and of consistent thickness. The core material should be tightly compressed with no little holes.
Q
What should I avoid? Laminates that don’t wrap right around the front edge of the worktop (on the longest
sides) can suffer from water ingress and ‘blow’.
Q
Will it peel at the ends? Peeling edge strips used to be a massive problem in the 1980s. Thankfully, improved adhesives have largely eradicated the issue and it’s pretty easy to re-glue any lifting edges if required. One way to reduce the chances of peeling is to have the end edges postformed by a specialist worktop supplier (in the factory) but this will increase costs.
Q
What are the latest looks? Textured, natural-look surfaces are popular, but expect to pay more for the tactility. Square-edge profiles and high-gloss finishes also offer a crisper, more modern look.
A contrasting edge strip lifts the finish of the worktop
BEST FOR…
“
Laminate is the easiest and fastest work surface material to install – an average-sized kitchen can be completed in as little as a single day
DIY FITTING B&Q has all the kit required – edging strips, end caps, curved-edge cutting jigs and jointing tools – to achieve a professional finish.
RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR
ON-TREND OPTIONS Bushboard has been producing kitchen surfaces since 1935, with an extensive range that includes both budget and luxury laminate options.
”
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON, LISA FAZZANI
IDEAL HOME LOVES… GLASS-LOOK LAMINATE TOPS
ICE WHITE Chic in an all white kitchen. Berberis Gloss White laminate square edge 38mm worktop, £138 for a 3m length, B&Q
MINTY FRESH Pair with brushed steel edging. Mint Green glass-effect laminate 28mm worktop, £120 for a 3m length, Worktop Express
GLOSS GREY Can be ordered via your builder. Grey glass-effect square edge 38mm laminate worktop, from £120 for a 3m length, Howdens
TRUST IN BRITISH Axiom is the flagship brand of the world-renowned Formica Group. All its laminate worktops are made in Durham.
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MIX & MATCH Superfront has been designing alternative Ikea cupboard fronts for more than seven years. It offers heaps of handle choices, fronts and drawers in a variety of styles.
Combine two different fronts
«
BESPOKE ON A BUDGET
Whether you want to give your existing kitchen a facelift or you’re after a custom-made look for less, this is the latest way to get the kitchen you fancy at a more affordable price. Start by having your kitchen designed by Ikea, opting solely for its standard cupboard carcasses, then team them with made-to-order cupboard fronts by any of these brilliant design companies…
Doors in Parallels Ashton Grey and Plain Cloudy Grey, from £30 each, Superfront
KITCHEN PROJECT
NATURAL MATERIALS Hølte offers three different types of cupboard front – high-pressure laminate, matt-laminated MDF and elegant wood veneer. They can make fronts for Howdens and Benchmarx kitchen carcasses, too. Rough sawn European oak veneered cabinet fronts, from £125 each, Hølte
GORGEOUS GREEN Naked Doors will paint any of its doors and drawer fronts (which fit with Ikea Metod units) in a choice of 12 colours, including this stunning on-trend shade. Ladbroke fronts in Samphire, from £114 each, Naked Doors
TIMELESS WHITE If you’re looking for a more classic style, Noremax has plenty of options for you. Classic Style kitchen in Jotun Oxford River 9915, from £33 for a door front; Reflect handles, £21 each, all Noremax
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KITCHEN PROJECT
TWO-TONE NEUTRALS As the name suggests, Plykea specialises in plywood door and drawer fronts for Ikea Metod kitchens (and Howdens). It can also supply worktops, handles and high-end Bora hobs.
Rosso Jaipur kitchen door fronts, from £124 each; Ferm Living handles, £17 each, all Husk
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
Formica faced plywood door and drawer fronts in Formica Fossil with birch ply J profile handles, from £1,680 for a small kitchen, Plykea
BOLD COLOUR, MODERN STYLE Bristol-based company Husk makes door fronts for any high-street kitchen supplier, not just Ikea, in 20 colourways.
GO WITH THE GRAIN After an understated look? Custom Fronts offers a wide range of wooden door fronts, in a host of different timbers. White European oak slab fronts, from £2,274 for a small kitchen, Custom Fronts
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BOLD SHADES You don’t need to fork out for a super expensive, completely bespoke kitchen simply to find cupboards in a bright colour. As well as its standard range, Naked Doors will also custom-colour its door fronts to a shade of your choice. Ladbroke kitchen in Swallowtail, from £114 for a door front, Naked Doors
Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
“When moving home we were kept in the picture, not in the dark.” Moving home doesn’t have to be so stressful. Slater and Gordon let you know exactly where you are in the moving process, so you can be calm, in control and free to get on with your life.
For all life’s legal needs and with offices throughout the UK.
0330 107 2442 slatergordon.co.uk Family Law Employment Law Conveyancing Defence Wills Disputes Personal Injury Medical Negligence
‘I picked up amazing deals online’ Jo and Mark Fitzgerald blended bargain buys and bold style choices to create a bathroom that’s brimming with colour and character
Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom new build in a north Devon village.
WHAT IT COST
Jo Fitzgerald lives here with her husband Mark and their children Finley, 16, Leo, 14 and Eva, 13.
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Floor tiles........................£470 Wall tiles..........................£410 Paint..................................£50 Sanitaryware................£1,145 Vanity unit........................£70 Taps, shower and screen...................£1,360
MARCH 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Radiator.......................£110 TOTAL.....................£3,615
“
I’m proud of achieving such a stylish bathroom on a budget. Everyone comments on it – especially the floor tiles
”
BATHROOM PROJECT
BEFORE
BIG MIRROR Lightens the effect of the black bath and blue walls
HOW JO AND MARK DID IT
Love
JO’S STYLE? Turn to page 119 to shop the look
‘The bath normally costs around £4,000, but I found an ex-display one on eBay. I can clean it with an ordinary cleaner, but, being dark, it does need a daily dust!’ Walls in Deep Sea Dive kitchen and bath paint, £27 for 2.5ltr, Valspar at B&Q. Kaldewei Conoduo bath, £795, eBay
‘We built our own home, which was a chance to try out some different design ideas. I like to push the boundaries a little, so the bath caught my eye. It’s so comfortable, holds the heat well, and its simple design doesn’t overwhelm the room. The bath filler was hugely discounted because there’s a barely noticeable mark on it. I’m a fan of wallpaper and think patterned tiles can do a similar job, plus they don’t show the dirt, so it was an obvious choice! I knew it would be tricky to colourmatch a basin and loo to the bath, so went for white instead, and they tie in with the slim, textured subway tiles in the shower. The layout came together easily: the bath had to go across one end of the room as it was the only place we could put in the extra support joist it needed. The soil pipe dictated where the loo went, and the basin fitted well next to it. I found a shower to fit the remaining floor space. I didn’t worry about mixing modern and classic styles – there are no hard and fast rules!’ IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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SKINNY RAD Slots into a space between the shower and bath
ABOVE ‘The smooth, curved shower cubicle doesn’t stick out and makes great use of a tight space. We went for an upright radiator, which is both space-saving and stylish.’ Kudox Alulite flat radiator, £111, Screwfix, would work here
RIGHT ‘I customised a mid-century drinks cabinet by painting the outer cabinet, sealing it with yacht varnish and fitting a basin.’ Grosseto countertop basin, £99, Click Basin. Metro Subway Masia Blanco wall tiles, £31.68sq m, Best Tile
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
Be relaxed about buying online. I only saw photos of the bathroom fittings before I bought them, but if I made a mistake, I just worked around it
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FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE/GAP
ABOVE ‘The floor tiles tie all the colours together and add wow factor. They’re also practical and easy to clean.’ Moroccan encaustic cement pattern 29b floor tiles, £76.25sq m, Best Tile
BATHROOM PROJECT
Make it work for you JO’S STYLE: CLASSIC WITH A TWIST
This standout scheme sits bold colours and contemporary pieces alongside classical elements and ornate detailing
2
Choosing a bath in a dark colour creates a focal point
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4
5 IDEAL
GREAT DEAL
ADD PRETTY DETAIL WITH A LARGE MIRROR
£107
FEATURE LISA FAZZANI
£370
6
TIMELESS CHIC
ELEGANT GLAM
Louvel leaner mirror, H88xL177cm, John Lewis & Partners
Ornate silver full-length mirror, H54xL168cm, Melody Maison
WHERE TO BUY 1 Cube shower column, £495, Frontline Bathrooms 2 Deep Sea Dive kitchen and bathroom paint, from £27 for 2.5ltr, Valspar at B&Q 3 Faux plant in terrazzo cylinder pot, £26, Sainsbury’s Home 4 Victorian Centro Viena decor tiles, £23.99sq m, Tile Mountain 6 Stanford copper baskets, £45 for set of two, Habitat 6 Harbour Alchemy wall-hung vanity unit, £289.99, Drench
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‘Keeping things simple saves money’ Sina and Gavin Luck chose streamlined basics and a classic monochrome colour scheme for their new bathroom, but added design-led details to give the space standout style
BEFORE
Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A two-bedroom maisonette in South London.
WHAT IT COST
Sina Luck lives here with her husband, Gavin.
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Bath.................................£370 Vanity unit......................£595 Loo and flush plate.......£359 Taps and shower fittings............................£830 Bath screen....................£560 Floor tiles.......................£380
MARCH 2020 | IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Heated towel rail.......£180 Micro cement wall finish...........................£590 TOTAL....................£3,864
“
Starting the day in a warm, comfortable, tidy bathroom where everything works is so uplifting
”
BATHROOM PROJECT ‘Storage was a priority, but the slanted ceiling made this corner tricky – a made-to-measure, built-in cupboard meant no wasted space,’ says Sina
Love
SINA’S STYLE? Turn to page 123 to find out more
HOW SINA AND GAVIN DID IT
WALL-HUNG BASIN AND LOO Lets you see the floor so the room feels bigger
‘We were keen on a pareddown, hotel-inspired look with clean lines and no clutter,’ says Sina. Marble floor tiles in a herringbone pattern add texture and luxury. Veneto bathroom vanity unit, £595, Lusso Stone. East Haven marble tiles, £120sq m, Claybrook
‘The room was disproportionately big and sandwiched between the kitchen and the garden door. Walking through it to get outside didn’t feel right. My background is in interior design (s-i-l-u.com), and my solution was to take a slice off the bathroom with a stud wall, and create a passage directly from the kitchen to the garden door. Leaving the bath and basin where they were minimised plumbing costs, but I did shift the loo to make space for a built-in MDF cupboard to hold towels, toiletries and cleaning stuff. One of the biggest decisions was the wall treatment. Wall tiles were too busy, so instead I chose a waterproof micro-cement coating, which gives a smooth, seamless finish for a similar cost. Work took about three weeks and installation cost approximately £5,000. People usually want bigger rooms, but in this case, smaller works better.’ IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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WOOD RACK Adds a warmer touch to the monochrome scheme
ABOVE Sina replaced the old bath with a longer one that gives more from a smaller space. The no-frills design allows the blackframed screen and black brassware to be the standout features. Bisque Deline towel radiator, £180, Nationwide Bathrooms. Deco bath screen, £560, Drench Showers
RIGHT ‘Moving the loo was worth the expense. It fits nicely into the alcove, all the plumbing is boxed in and hidden. It’s much neater having all the sanitaryware on one wall. The wall lamp isn’t wired, so you can lift it off and move it around.’ Mode Tate wall-hung loo, £359, VictoriaPlum.com. Carrie lamp, £150, The Conran Shop
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
Build in extra time to ensure everything arrives ahead of starting work. We began in January, so I got it all delivered in December to allow for Christmas delays
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”
FEATURE ANNABELLE GRUNDY PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE
ABOVE ‘The matt black taps and fittings are chic and modern, and I could get everything to match, which was important for a sleek look. When we decide to sell the house, I think the contemporary feel will have wide appeal, too.’ Luxe wall-mounted basin mixer, £235, Lusso Stone
BATHROOM PROJECT
Make it work for you SINA’S CHOICE: SLIDING POCKET DOORS
Impressed by the space saving pocket door in Sina’s bathroom? Find out how to fit one with our need-to-know guide When space is tight or when an outward or inward-opening hinged door is inconvenient, a sliding pocket door makes a neat and sleek solution.
Q
What is a pocket door? The door slides into a cavity (or pocket) in the adjacent wall, disappearing from view when the entryway is open. The wall needs to be deep and wide enough to accommodate the width of the door. There are 10 standard sizes of door in the UK, with 762x1981mm a popular choice. Thicknesses vary between 35-44mm.
Q
How do I fit it? Typically, the door will slide along an upper track, available in kit form and built into the studwork wall. Alternatively, a door can slide into a steel-framed cassette, with plasterboard installed directly over its surface. Usually, the door and finger pull need to be purchased separately to the system. Make sure to buy a door style without projecting facings and be aware that
non-standard door sizes may require a custom-made solution.
Q
Are there any other options available? Solid and load-bearing walls may make installing a pocket door more difficult or in some cases, impossible. However, it is sometimes possible to build a false stud wall, alongside the original, to accommodate the door. Alternatively, a surfacemounted sliding door may be a solution, as long as there is sufficient wall space free of radiators, sockets, pictures and furniture. There are many different types of sliding track systems on the market, from those which require installation by a builder or carpenter to more affordable ‘barn door’ sliding systems, which may be suitable for fitting by DIY enthusiasts.
A pocket door creates a cabin-like feel
“
Buy a good-quality system which has been thoroughly impact tested, to ensure that the installed pocket door is strong and robust CAROLINE CLARKSON, ECLISSE
”
FEATURE AMELIA THORPE
DOUBLE DUTY Twin sliding pocket doors create a grand entrance. Sliding steel framed door system, from £143.40, Rocket Door Frames
GLASS DOOR SYSTEMS Eclisse has a good selection of glass pocket doors and sliding systems, with both single and double-door options. POCKET DOOR STEEL CASSETTE SYSTEMS Rocket Door Frames specialises in competitively priced pre-cut galvanised steel sliding door kits.
IDEAL HOME LOVES… SLIDING DOORS
LET IN THE LIGHT This powder coated steel frame door is a nod to factory windows. Industrial Black Glazed internal sliding door, £139, B&Q
BEST FOR…
FLUSH FIT This kit is suitable for flush doors with a thickness of 35mm to 44mm. Pocket door system kit, from £278, Todd Doors
HARDWARE PC Henderson is a well-established company offering a wide selection of sliding door systems, plus accessories and components.
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BATHROOM PROJECT Fish scale tiles Meet the Tile of the Year. Lay it in any orientation you like, add in contrasting grout and team with a plain neutral so it stands out instead of taking over. Inspired by art deco design, its authenticity makes it trendproof. Could it be the new metro? BUY THE KEY PIECES Syren tiles, £84.10sq m; Carrara polished marble tiles, from £89.09sq m; Carrara basketweave tiles, from £169.20sq m, all Topps Tiles
Add vintage style with brass
«
The BATHROOM TRENDS TO TRUST Updating a bathroom means navigating myriad choices and risking being seduced by design details that date quickly. We’ve sorted the wheat from the chaff to keep you on the right road for a bathroom you still love in 2025 IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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Bowl basins Bathrooms tend to have lots of square lines, but a curvaceous basin will soften the look for a sexier, less functional feel. Plus, round basins are easier to keep clean – there are no corners for toothpaste or washed-off make-up to get trapped in. BUY THE KEY PIECES Lunar round basin, £440; brushed brass single-lever wall-mounted tap, £319; Confiserie Blush triangle mosaic tiles, £79.88sq m; Cedar Point matt tiles, £49.95sq m, all Claybrook
Dark wood finishes If you’re committed to white and/or grey walls and floor, furniture in a rich walnut finish will give your bathroom warmth and definition for a classic hotel-luxe look. BUY THE KEY PIECES Smyle collection units, from £243.85 for a low cabinet; box shelf, £160.72; mirror cabinet, £648.39; washbasin, £172, all Geberit
Monochrome Dial up the black and white look with a mixture of tile styles and matt taps, or dial it down with simpler tiling and chrome. Just add towels in any accent colour you like, or work in some wooden elements for a warmer look. BUY THE KEY PIECES Austin Crosshead wall-mounted bath filler, £160; wall-mounted sink tap, £150; Ava slimline freestanding bathtub, £550, all Soak
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BATHROOM PROJECT Crittall-style shower screens The increasingly popular trend for monochrome bathrooms has seen our love for Crittall move from windows to shower screens. BUY THE KEY PIECES Black square framed walk-in shower, £3,010, Merlyn
Colourful baths It’s not just traditional roll-tops that can provide a pop of colour. If you prefer a more contemporary shape, go for a bespoke colour finish. BUY THE KEY PIECES Cove bath, from £1,695, Waters Baths of Ashbourne
Mid-century style If retro is your thing, continue the look into the bathroom with freestanding furniture that’s inspired by G Plan and Ercol pieces. BUY THE KEY PIECES Kompass wall-hung unit, £585; drawer unit, £395; tall unit, £285, all Frontline Bathrooms
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BATHROOM PROJECT
Panelling + wallpaper Paint the panelling in a colour you love and team it with a coordinating statement wallpaper (or vice versa!) BUY THE KEY PIECES Victoria Suite bath, £625; panels in Dove Grey, £420; loo and cistern, £425; basin, £445, all Heritage Bathrooms. Dark Floral wallpaper, from €85 a panel, Ellie Cashman Design.
Barely-there showers For a minimal, blink-and-you-miss-it wet-room style shower cubicle, choose one with as little framing as possible and add luxe touches with the latest gold-toned brassware and fittings. BUY THE KEY PIECES EauZone Plus Radius-20 shower with curved corner, from £3,100 for a full enclosure, Matki
Shallow floor and wall units give you streamlined, built-in storage without swallowing up much floor space. Plus, they’re perfect for hiding the plumbing, too. Go for mirrored doors up top to make it function as a vanity unit and to help a small bathroom feel lighter and more open. BUY THE KEY PIECES Fitted backto-wall loo cabinet, £399; semi-recessed basin cabinet, £279; 600mm mirrored wall cabinets, £255 each, all Britton
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FEATURE YSANNE BROOKS
Kitchen-style cabinetry
READER OFFER Find inspiration for your own projects as you browse the stalls
Eco-minded roomsets span indoor and outdoor living
Expect to see big names leading the live demos
FREE TICKET TO THE IDEAL HOME SHOW Step into a world of ideas and inspiration for all of your home projects – from extensions and eco builds to seasonal updates and upcycling
R
eturning to Olympia London from 27 March to 13 April, the Ideal Home Show, in partnership with ITV, sees two brands fuse together to offer an unrivalled interactive shopping and learning experience in the world of homes and interiors. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the experts behind popular TV programmes, such as Love Your Garden, as well as enjoy talks and demos from big names in food, drink, fashion and lifestyle. With more than 600 exhibitors, the Ideal Home Show is a hotbed of inspiration for all home improvement projects. And, this year, there will
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also be the chance to experience the ‘ITV Hub’ – an interactive point where you can discover popular ITV shows. Sustainability is at the forefront of this year’s show, with more green-living innovations being featured than ever before, as well as eco-minded talks, upcycling demonstrations and The Future Living Home, where you can explore how homes are evolving. If you’re looking for stylish ways to update your decor, the roomsets – themed around sustainability, hybrid living and the best of British – are for you. Your ticket also includes free entry to the brilliant Eat & Drink Festival.
HOW TO REDEEM Bring the enclosed complimentary weekday ticket to the show with you. You can buy additional tickets in advance from just £10*, using the code IHMAR when you check out at idealhomeshow.co.uk or quote the code when you call 0844 858 6763 TERMS AND CONDITIONS *Normal price on the door: £20 weekday/£22 weekend. Book additional tickets before 13 April 2020. Additional ticket offer price £10 weekday/ £12 weekend. £1.70 transaction fee applies. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your company’s access charge. Children aged 15 and under go free with an adult. Includes free entry to the Eat & Drink Festival.
BEFORE & AFTER
BEFORE
‘We built a stylish but cost-savvy extension’ Lewis and Preeya Bailie got rid of a hotin-summer, cold-inwinter conservatory to gain a more practical, functional and modern living-space expansion
An unused conservatory blocked light from the rest of the ground floor
AFTER
L
ewis and Preeya had lived in their modern, developerbuilt terrace since 2012, but found the conservatory a waste of space. ‘To replace it, I wanted something simple, but modern and eye-catching, too,’ says Lewis. DESIGN STAGE Lewis drew up plans for an extension that required no planning permission and used standard materials. However, he did add a beautiful Siberian larch roof to the design. ‘Our strategy was to focus our costs and efforts on the roof,’ says Lewis. To do this, the couple got hands-on: ‘We took down the conservatory and demolished the back wall,’ says Lewis. ‘I helped dig the new foundations, laid the sub floor and did some of the joinery.’ GOOD CONNECTIONS ‘There was a nice moment when we showed our neighbour and her family a model of the proposed scheme. They could see how we’d respectfully set back the roof on her side to make sure light would still reach her patio,’ says Lewis. The best part of the new space? ‘We get to enjoy the garden from inside on a cold winter’s day and can watch the stars come out.’
The conservatory has been replaced with a wood-roofed extension that’s open-plan to the existing living space
Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A modern three-bed end-of-terrace house in Rochester, Kent.
THE VALUE Bought for £190,000 in 2010; now worth £310,000.
Lewis Bailie lives here with his wife Preeya and their son Aaron, three. Lewis is an architect and Preeya is an NHS procurement manager.
Windows, roof light and doors.........£10,800 Stove..................£2,800 Electrics............£2,000 TOTAL.............£30,800
“
We designed the extension so WHAT IT COST we could do lots of Works and initial the work ourselves demolition..........£2,000 and use materials Ground floor and foundations.......£3,200 readily available from builders Exterior walls and roof....................£10,000 merchants
”
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BEFORE & AFTER
The extension walls are standard cavity wall brickwork, left exposed, and the floor is solid concrete, which the couple carpeted
WHAT I’VE LEARNED
“
We spent too long between stages of the work waiting for contractors to be free, so I’d be more organised now in lining them up
”
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...
A SIBERIAN LARCH ROOF Architect and homeowner Lewis Bailie has the lowdownÉ
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IT’S IDEAL IF YOU’RE ON A BUDGET Siberian larch is a fairly cost-effective timber and is durable. THE COLOUR CHANGES OVER TIME It usually starts out a pale yellow/ golden-brown colour, weathering to a silver-grey hue. IT NEEDS REGULAR MAINTENANCE It should be coated in an oil paint to prevent UV damage. This needs to be repeated annually.
2 A wood-burning stove connects the new space with the original part of the building
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3
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A PROFESSIONAL SHOULD FIT IT It’s advisable to leave gaps at the top and bottom of the boards to allow upward air flow underneath, so that trapped moisture evaporates. This forms an impermeable envelope. IT NEEDS TO ACCLIMATISE The timber should be left in a room for two weeks before being fitted internally, so its moisture content matches the room’s.
5
FEATURE IFEOLUWA ADEDEJI, VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS ADAM SCOTT
A long roof light between the existing and new structures, as well as rear sliding doors, ensures the whole space is brightly lit
Let’s design together
13 Showrooms Nationwide 0808 178 3211 www.sofasandstuff.com Haslemere Chair in House Textured Velvet Turmeric
From the makers oF Britain’s Bestselling homes magazine
visit us today!
● Style IdeaS & decoratIng tIpS ● gorgeouS real HomeS ● practIcal project advIce
Genius problem solvers FOR A SMOOTH-RUNNING LIFE Our pick of the latest home innovations, storage solutions and stuff you never knew you needed… Invest in naturally breathable bedding
COORDINATE YOUR COUNTERTOP
If you’re in the market for bedding that is hypoallergenic, washable and breathable to boot, Woolroom’s brilliant range of unbleached, woollen bedding essentials – including duvets, pillows, mattress protectors and toppers – could be for you. Deluxe all season bedding set (2-14 tog), from £339.97 for a duvet, mattress protector and wool pillow, Woolroom
WHITE IS RIGHT In any kitchen scheme. Breville toaster, £84; kettle, £89.99, both Amazon.co.uk
BLUSH BEAUTY Add a splash of colour. Toaster in Vintage Rose, £80; kettle, £65, both Cuisinart
Cafetière must-have
Stop kitchen fires in a flash According to the Fireservice.co.uk, the most common type of fire is from deep-fat frying. When you’re in a panic Firexo sachets are easy to use – throw one straight onto the fire and the packaging burns away to release the fire-quenching fluid within. Firexo sachet, £9.99, Maplin
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NORDIC INFLUENCE Stylish and affordable. Salter toaster, £29.99; kettle, £34.99, both Robert Dyas
Give your pet the cosiest bed Want to keep the cat off the sofa or your dog off your favourite armchair? You might just manage it with this cosy fleece lining. Silentnight Airmax pet bed, from £28 for a small, QVCUK.com
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
To maximise flavour, stir your coffee with a Scoof (£9.99, Amazon.co.uk) as you add hot water, then use it again to whip out the used grounds quickly and easily.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS SUPER HANDY MIRROR SHELVES
Get a space-saving headboard What’s not to love about the new Jakob bed frame from Argos. As well as featuring a soft, Nordic-style padded headboard, it opens to reveal hidden storage shelving – perfect for stashing favourite books, bedside must-haves and even extra bedding.
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Jakob Skandi storage bed frame, £359 for a double, Argos
Watch telly hands-free
3
2
With built-in Alexa, the Fire TV Cube allows you to watch live TV, stream your favourite shows and even adjust the volume, all by voice control. Fire TV Cube, £109.99, Amazon.co.uk
4 1. Edge mirror, £159, Amara 2. Hildia Gold mirror, £95, Rose & Grey 3. Mirror, £85, Cox & Cox 4. Portrait mirror, £125, The Farthing
Hang multipurpose wallpaper MagChalk wallpaper (£144 a roll, Magscapes) doubles up as a chalkboard. Whip up super healthy drinks Smoothies keep separating? Bosch’s clever VitaMaxx features a vacuum function that removes the pocket of air from your blended drink, preventing splitting. Bosch VitaMaxx vacuum blender, £300, Amazon.co.uk
Add a chic laundry aid Refresh your wardrobe If you spend a fortune on dry cleaning or simply can’t bear ironing shirts, then investing in the new LG Styler might be your saviour. Tall, slim and handsome, the Styler refreshes fabric, reduces up to 99.99% of allergens and bacteria, steams out wrinkles and dries delicate fabrics. It also has a built-in trouser press, and, if you leave the door open, acts as a dehumidifier, too. Genius. LG Styler in Black, £1,899, John Lewis & Partners
Whether you need extra clothes storage, a place to dry delicates or you’re looking for a more effective way to store the ironing pile, take a look at Brabantia’s super slick new clothes rack. Linn clothes rack, £144, Brabantia
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YOUR HOME WORKING SPACE, SORTED A disorganised workstation can slow you down and, if it’s integrated into a living space or bedroom, make every day feel more chaotic. Try these ways to get it all under control…
1
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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
5 GAME-CHANGING BUYS The products you need to store and order all your home office clutter to achieve a streamlined desk and a calming workstation
WHAT THE PROS KNOW Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn gives us her tried and tested solutionsÉ
2
3
4
5
KEEP IT SIMPLE A good paperwork system means filing works with you and not against you and, for me, that means one that isn’t too complex. Sub headings and colour coding isn’t a solution I’ve seen to work long term. HAVE A SYSTEM Keep a simple one-tier ‘action’ box for anything you need to get done, so you’re not wasting time finding a bill or a form that needs filling. Go for one with a lid that can be put away when not in use.
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
BUY THE RIGHT FURNITURE
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The modular solution This desk can be teamed with additional shelving, bookcases and consoles to create your perfect set up. With both open and closed shelving, you can hide away essentials, but keep prettier things on show. Industrial modular desk, from £999; industrial modular open/ closed shelving, from £699, both West Elm
2
The printer station Nothing kills a stylish decor quite like a big, ugly printer. By removing one of the drawers from this Ikea unit, it creates the perfect hidey-hole, with drawers
for ink cartridges and reams of paper. Swap the castors it comes with for smarter legs (try Pretty Pegs), for a less ‘officey’ look. Alex drawer unit, £99, Ikea
3
The desk with storage Put under desk space to good use by choosing a design that comes with pedestal units. This clever piece extends from a console into a desk, and also pivots to create a sectional workstation. Or, you can always rest a length of worktop on top of two identical units for a DIY captain’s desk. Bronx swivel desk in oak effect, £350, Next Home
Avoid big filing cabinets and instead go for a set of Bisley multi-drawers. These are my favourite and come in five, 10 and 15 drawers, so you can choose how many you need to suit your life and can be slid under a desk.
4
The secret filing system Conceal your paperwork inside this elegant ottoman and no one will know it’s there. There’s the option of having it covered in a fabric of your choice, plus it provides an extra seat, footstool or coffee table. Large filing ottoman, from £325, The Dormy House
5
The pull-out trolley If you literally work wherever your laptop will fit, keep all the other stuff you need to hand on a trolley you can park up wherever you are. Also perfect for creatives and crafters. Raskog trolley, £39, Ikea
INVEST IN SMALL STORAGE For paperwork that isn’t used daily, but still needs to be kept, I love the brand Really Useful, as the shutting mechanism on their boxes is very strong, plus they are stackable and robust, which means you can utilise shed or garage space to store it all. Find out more at youneedavicky.com or on Instagram and Facebook @youneedavicky
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Inspired by Ideal Home? Shop with Ownable. 12:08
Bloomingville Vase 109 - Brass
£19.00 Made from iron, this slim sculptural vase features unusual handles. Style with a few stems of flowers and sprigs of green to personalise, freshen and bring the look to life!
Buy
Fast Track
Ideal Home – Jan 2020 – Page 43
When inspiration strikes, Ownable is the quick, slick and simple new way to shop directly from the pages of Ideal Home – and a host of other titles. Look out for thumbprint icons at the top of the page and download the app. Whether you want to place an order or explore a product further, shopping this magazine is now as easy as flicking to the next page.
If it’s in a magazine, it’s Ownable.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Bubble actions Samsung ecobubble WD80M4B53IW, £529, AO.com The only thing worse than stains on washed laundry is finding them baked into freshly-dried clothes. Fortunately, this 8kg wash/6kg dryer uses a bubblefilled pre-soak to loosen muck. Plus there’s a 59-minute wash and dry for smaller loads. THE BEST BIT The inverter motor isn’t just reliable, it’s quieter, too, so is a great choice for an open-plan kitchen.
EXPERT TIP
‘A washerdryer usually washes more clothes than it can dry. If you have a big family and rely on the dryer a lot, check the drying capacity and buy bigger, such as a 10kg washerdryer that can dry 6kg of laundry.’
One-hour wonder WDA914401, £549, Beko Need gym kit cleaned but time’s not on your side? This A-rated 9kg/6kg model has a Wash&Wear programme that takes 1kg of laundry from soiled to sparkling in just 60 minutes. The 28-minute Daily Quick wash can handle a full load of washing, too. THE BEST BIT Aquafusion technology stops wasted detergent from going down the drain, reusing it for sparkling clean clothes.
Pause and add Smart Eco Hybrid F4J8FH2S in Shiny Steel, £599, LG Forgotten socks don’t have to wait for the next load – just press pause and pop them in to this 9kg/6kg A-rated model. Plus, it’s not just laundry you can add, it’s programmes, too – Wi-Fi connectivity means you can bolt on cycles, such as wool, baby care and cold wash.
ROS COLLINS, CATEGORY MANAGER LAUNDRY, BSH HOME APPLIANCES
FEATURE RACHEL OGDEN
Save space with a washerdryer Washer-dryers are thought of as being less reliable than having a separate washing machine and tumble dryer, but performance is improving. The latest models offer speedy cycles, smart features, greater eco-friendliness, and of course free up precious space in your kitchen or utility room
THE BEST BIT Save water with the Eco Dry option, which uses air by itself to dry the load.
Low noise 7000 Series Integrated, £749, AEG This 8kg/4kg machine generates 46dB as it washes, making it quiet enough to be built into an openplan kitchen. It also automatically adjusts temperature settings and drum movements to suit the load, so you will be saving energy and wear and tear on your clothes. THE BEST BIT Its steam function can either quickly refresh clothes without a full cycle or help smooth out creases for less ironing.
Smart options Serie 6 WDU28568GB washerdryer in Silver, £920, Bosch Whether you’re washing and drying to save time or energy, the VarioPerfect feature on this A-rated 10kg/6kg model can adapt with one tap to make your programme run faster or more efficiently. THE BEST BIT AutoDry removes as much moisture from your load as you want: choose iron dry, dry to away or extra dry.
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1. ONLINE Subscribe online at idealhome.co.uk/IHMAR2020 2. PHONE 0330 333 1113 QUOTE CODE 53AW 3. BY POST Fill in the FREEPOST coupon on p124 Offer closes Tuesday 31 March 2020. Offer open to new subscribers only. Direct Debit offer is available to UK subscribers only. *£30.49 every 12 months by UK Direct Debit. This price is guaranteed for the first 12 months and we will notify you in advance of any price changes. Please allow up to six weeks for delivery of your first subscription issue (up to eight weeks overseas). The full subscription rate is for 12 months (12 issues) and includes p&p. If the magazine ordered changes frequency per annum, we will honour the number of issues paid for, not the term of the subscription. For full terms and conditions, visit www.magazinesdirect.com/terms. For enquiries please call: +44 (0) 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday to Saturday 8am 6pm UK time or email help@magazinesdirect.com. Calls to 0330 numbers will be charged at no more than a national landline call, and may be included in your phone provider’s call bundle.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Does the job for you Neato D7 Botvac connected robot vacuum cleaner (H10xW33.5xD32.1cm), £699.99, Currys PC World Download the free app on your tablet or smartphone, power the Neato up and watch it map your room, cleaning as it goes, finally returning to its charging base when the job’s done. It’s both Alexa and Google Assistant compatible so you can literally order it to start vacuuming whenever you fancy. THE BEST BIT It runs at a hushed 70dB so you can schedule it to vacuum at night without waking up the whole house.
Pet owner’s friend TruePet AZ910UKT (H118xW30.5x D27cm), £349.99, Shark If your moggy or pooch moults hair all around the house, this is the vacuum for you. Not only does it boast super-powerful suction, it has a pet hair removal tool too.
Clean up quicker with a clever vacuum
THE BEST BIT The genius Anti-Hair Wrap design removes hair from the bar – so you don’t have to!
It’s usually the least popular chore but with the latest machines offering a wealth of new features, from extralong battery life to voice assistant connectivity, doing the vacuuming is the easiest it’s ever been Filter away impurities
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI
POWERstick Jet (H113.6xW25x D21.5cm), £549, Samsung With a five-layered HEPA filtration system that captures 99.999% of micro dust, mould and pollen, the POWERstick Jet is an excellent choice for homes with allergy sufferers. THE BEST BIT The telescopic wand that extends out by up to 21cm so you won’t have to bend and crouch while you’re using it.
Long battery life Blade 4 cordless vacuum (H115xW24xD18cm), £219.99, Vax Fully charged from flat in three hours, this vacuum features a 45 minute run time and if you buy direct from Vax, it comes with a free toolkit worth £50. THE BEST BIT The handy LED headlights brighten up dark corners and under the sofa so you see exactly what dust and dirt it needs to suck up.
Convenient & cordless Unlimited Serie 6 BCS612GB (H122x W20xD26.5cm), £329.99, Bosch Lasting up to 30 minutes on one charge, the battery can be used on any other Bosch Home & Garden products. It also comes with extras like an upholstery tool, mattress nozzle and flexible crevice tool. THE BEST BIT It comes with two lithium batteries so you’ll always have a back up if one runs out mid-clean.
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FOOD WITH FRIENDS
Friday night fakeaway If Friday nights often involve collapsing in front of the telly with a takeaway, switch to making your own, healthier versions of these quick and easy favourites
Vegetable tofu stir fry See page 147 for recipe
SIMPLE PLEASURES
Herby chicken skewers with tabbouleh See page 147 for recipe
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SIMPLE PLEASURES
IDEAL HOME TIP Try making your own tortillas from just flour, salt, olive oil and water Fresh fish tortillas See page 147 for recipe
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Chickpea, kale and coconut curry TAKES 30 mins SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● 2tbsp coconut oil or groundnut oil ● 1tsp black mustard seeds ● 8 curry leaves ● 100g fresh coconut, grated ● 2 green chillies, sliced ● 2cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated ● 1 onion, sliced ● ½tsp ground turmeric ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 300g curly kale, tough stalks removed, leaves roughly shredded ● 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed ● 400ml vegetable stock
1 Heat half the oil in a large
frying pan over a medium heat. Fry the mustard seeds and curry leaves until fragrant. Add the coconut, chillies and ginger, stir for a few seconds, then remove the mixture from the pan and set aside.
2 Add the remaining oil to the pan and fry the onion for 5 mins over a medium heat. Add the turmeric and garlic
and stir for 30 secs. Add the kale, chickpeas, stock and half the fried coconut mixture. Season to taste with salt.
3 Stir everything together, then simmer until the kale is tender and the stock has been absorbed.
4 Serve with steamed white rice and a sprinkling of the reserved coconut mixture.
Gluten-free pesto and prawn mini pizzas
IDEAL HOME TIP Turn your worktop into a pizzamaking station and let everyone top their own
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SIMPLE PLEASURES
Vegetable tofu stir fry TAKES 15 mins SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ● 200g dried wholewheat noodles ● 200g Tenderstem broccoli ● 300g stir-fry vegetables ● 200g smoked tofu, sliced ● 4tbsp chilli stir-fry sauce
TAKES 40 mins, plus marinating SERVES 4
and stir-fry the broccoli for 2 mins. Add the rest of the vegetables and cook for a further 2 mins. Add the tofu and sauce. Cook until the veg is just tender.
INGREDIENTS ● 4 skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3cm cubes FOR THE MARINADE: ● 300g natural yogurt ● Juice of ½ lemon ● ½ bunch fresh parsley ● ½ bunch fresh mint ● ½ bunch fresh basil FOR THE TABBOULEH: ● 80g bulgur wheat ● 1 large cucumber, finely diced ● 100g cherry tomatoes, quartered ● ½ bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped ● ½ bunch fresh mint, roughly chopped ● 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced ● Juice of 1 lemon ● 2tbsp olive oil
3 Drain the noodles and
1 In a food processor, blitz
1 Plunge the noodles into a
pan of boiling salted water, return to the boil and cook for 4 mins (or according to the instructions on the pack).
2 Heat a non-stick wok
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS TI-MEDIACONTENT.COM
Herby chicken skewers with tabbouleh
toss them through the tofu and veg mix.
the marinade ingredients to a paste. Reserve 75ml to use as a dipping sauce and put the rest in a dish with the chicken. Cover and refrigerate until the next day.
2 Cook the bulgur wheat to pack instructions.
3 Mix together the tabbouleh
ingredients. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle over the lemon juice and oil.
4 Thread the chicken on to
skewers and griddle over a high heat for 10-15 mins, turning regularly. Serve the chicken with the tabbouleh and dipping sauce.
Fresh fish tortillas TAKES 20 mins SERVES 4
Gluten-free pesto and prawn mini pizzas TAKES 45 mins SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS ● 3 palmsized pieces of meaty fish, such as swordfish or tuna ● 2tbsp olive oil ● Juice of ½ lemon ● 1tsp peri-peri salt ● 200g tomato salsa ● 150ml fat-free Greek yogurt ● 1 red onion, thinly sliced ● 2tbsp vinegar ● ½tsp caster sugar TO SERVE: ● 8 small corn tortillas ● Little Gem lettuce, shredded ● 1 red pepper, sliced ● Handful of fresh coriander, chopped
1 Put the fish in a shallow
dish, add the olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkle over the peri-peri salt. In a separate bowl, combine the tomato salsa and yogurt. Heat a griddle pan.
2 In another bowl, toss the red onion with the vinegar and sugar. Set aside.
3 Fry the fish on a griddle
pan for 3 mins each side, until tender. Gently break into chunks. Warm the tortillas in a separate dry pan (or in the microwave).
INGREDIENTS FOR THE DOUGH: ● 350g pack gluten-free pizza base mix (we used Doves Farm) ● 3tbsp olive oil FOR THE TOPPING: ● 2tbsp sundried tomato paste ● 200g frozen raw king prawns, defrosted ● 3tbsp fresh pesto ● 150g packet mini mozzarella balls, drained ● 8 sunblush tomatoes, drained
1 Make the dough using
the pizza mix, following the instructions on the packet.
2 Tip the dough into
a greased, 18cm round, heavy-based tin. Leave for 20 mins to rise before adding the toppings.
3 Preheat the oven to
220C/Gas 6. Spread the tomato paste over the bases, then top with the rest of the ingredients. Bake the pizzas for 15 mins.
4 To serve, spread each
tortilla with a little of the salsa yogurt and top with some fish, lettuce, red pepper, marinated onions and coriander. Roll up to eat.
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Up to €400 of on-board credit per cabin*
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Duration
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It’s all included in the price
Rhine Cruise to Switzerland
8 days
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● Exceptional cuisine with full board throughout
Vienna, Bohemia & Treasures of the Danube
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● Extensive and inclusive touring programmes
Cruise the Heart of Europe
15 days
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● Return flights from a choice of regional airports or standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras (supplements may apply)
Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence
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● Return rail connections on selected dates and cruises from over 50 regional stations (supplements may apply) ● The services of an experienced cruise director and concierge
Amsterdam, Kinderdijk & the Dutch Bulbfields
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Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields
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CALL 01283 744319 TO BOOK OR FOR A FREE BROCHURE, OR VISIT IDERIVIERA.CO.UK TERMS & CONDITIONS: *The €400 on board credit applies only to the departure dates specified and is based on two people sharing a cabin. Sole occupancy cabins will receive €100 on board credit. The on board credit can be redeemed against all on board purchases, including gratuities. Additional entrance costs may apply. Prices are per person, based on two sharing and subject to finite availability. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Offer operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of Ideal Home, published by TI Media Limited. Prices correct at time of going to print.
ABTA No. V4744
SIMPLE PLEASURES
CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT The luxe rooms are cosy yet stylish; the rooftop bar and bistro has stunning views of the city; the Seabird restaurant serves up delicious seafood; room perks include free calls and breakfast bags
Somewhere for the weekend THE HOXTON Southwark, London A buzzy, stylish and impossibly cool new address in the capital, ideal for a city shopping break
FEATURE PATRICK HAMILTON COURTNEY
M
oments from London’s South Bank you’ll find The Hoxton, a new super-stylish hotel that awaits your next city break. It’s right in the heart of SE1, just a short walk from Tate Modern, Borough Market, and a few tube stops from the best shopping in town. One of the most talked about openings of the past six months, it joins sister hotels in Shoreditch and Holborn that practically invented the hipster-luxe design look. Behind black Crittall-style windows on the ground floor you’ll find a lounge, bar and restaurant where you can sink into deep sage green armchairs.
The real magic happens upstairs though. Seabird, a shellfish bistro and bar, enjoys an enviable rooftop location looking over the city skyline. Come for the piled-high seafood platters and tapas-style small plates. Bedrooms, as all in Hoxton hotels, are small, but perfectly formed. Plus, they are kitted out with Roberts radios, industrial-style lighting, and upholstered beds that we are happy to confirm are the plushest in London. BOOK IT double rooms from £90 a night. The Hoxton, 32-40 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8PB, thehoxton.com
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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FREE £150 AXA ActivePlus voucher* when you join our award‑winning Personal Health plan.
Call 0800 5870 854 for more details axappphealthcare.co.uk/idealhome *The £150 AXA ActivePlus voucher is for new customers only. Full terms and conditions at axappphealthcare.co.uk/idealhome. TI Media is an introducer appointed representative of AXA PPP healthcare Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The Personal Health plan is underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited. Registered in England and Wales number 3148119. Registered office: AXA PPP healthcare, 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD. Write to us at: AXA PPP healthcare, Phillips House, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PL. Lines are open 9am to 7pm weekdays. We may record and/or monitor calls for quality assurance, training and as a record of our conversation. AXA ActivePlus is not regulated by either the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority. PB73329/10.19
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Marketplace oo g y some g r your home? You’ll find it in our easy-to-follow guide
MARKETPLACE CATEGORIES 155 Bathrooms
155 Home Interiors
155 Bedrooms
153 Sofas
154 Furniture
Why not visit our online interiors directory at idealhome. co.uk
To advertise here or on our online directory, please call the team on 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
Market SOFAS
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For a free colour brochure call 01495 244226 To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com 153
Market furniture
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The beautiful Langham 3 Seater Sofa in Varese Pale Moss. Handmade in the UK. 1500+ 5 star reviews
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designshackltd@gmail.com 07825 355307 | 07722 921615 www.designshackinteriors.co.uk 154
Call now for a brochure or visit
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To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com
Market bedrooms
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To advertise here or on our online directory, please call 020 3148 2261, or email homeinterestclassified@ti-media.com 155
Shopping directory A
Abode Living 01273 621116 abodeliving.co.uk AEG 0344 561 1611 aeg.co.uk Aga Stoves agastoves.co.uk Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk An Artful Life anartfullife.co.uk Annabel James 0345 548 0210 annabeljames.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 803168 anniesloan.com AO.com 0344 324 9222 Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Asos asos.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza. com Axiom 0800 376 2976 axiomworktops.com B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Bag & Bones bagandbones.co.uk Barker and Stonehouse 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bedeck 0333 200 7331 bedeckhome.com Beko 0345 600 4911 beko.co.uk Beliani 0870 495 2749 beliani.co.uk Benjamin Moore 01753 575756 benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk Benuta 020 3608 0595 benuta.co.uk Best Tile best-tile.co.uk Beth Pegler bethpegler.com Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Bobby Rabbit 01143 217000 bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bohemia 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000 bombayduck.com Bosch 0344 892 8979 bosch-home.co.uk Brabantia 0845 602 4877 brabantia.com Britton Bathrooms 01322 473222 brittonbathrooms.com Bushboard 01933 232272 bushboard.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Claybrook 0207 0521 555 claybrookstudio.co.uk Click Basin 01772 671354 clickbasin.co.uk Collard Manson collardmanson.co.uk Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Crown 0330 024 0281 crownpaints.co.uk Crown Imperial 01227 742424 crown-imperial.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 cuckooland.com Cuisinart 0870 240 6902 cuisinart.co.uk
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Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 cultfurniture.com Currys 0344 561 0000 currys.co.uk Custom Fronts 01273 809 492 customfronts.co.uk Danetti 020 3588 1380 danetti.com Dar Lighting 01295 672200 darlighting.co.uk Delightfull delightfull.eu/uk Desenio 020 3318 2047 desenio.co.uk Design Vintage 01243 573852 designvintage.co.uk DFS 0808 271 6297 dfs.co.uk DIY Kitchens 01977 608418 diy-kitchens.com Dowsing & Reynolds 0113 819 9985 dowsingandreynolds.com Drench 01202 612800 drench.co.uk Drench Showers drenchshowers.co.uk Drummonds 020 7376 4499 drummonds-uk.com Dulux 0333 222 7171 dulux.co.uk Dulux Trade 0333 222 7070 duluxtrade.co.uk Dunelm 0345 165 6565 dunelm.com eBay ebay.co.uk Eclisse 0333 577 0828 eclisse.co.uk Ella James ellajames.co.uk Ellie Cashman Design elliecashmandesign.com Enamel Shades enamelshades.co.uk Ercol 01844 271800 ercol.com Etsy etsy.com Farrow & Ball 01202 876141 farrow-ball.com FatFace 0330 124 0000 fatface. com Feather & Black 01243 380600 featherandblack.com Ferm Living fermliving.com Folk Interiors folkinteriors.co.uk Franke 0161 436 6280 franke.com French Connection Home 0333 400 3285 frenchconnection.com Frontline Bathrooms 0845 470 2424 frontlinebathrooms.co.uk Furniture Choice 0800 035 0070 furniturechoice.co.uk Furniture Village 0800 804 8879 furniturevillage.co.uk Garden Trading 01993 845559 gardentrading.co.uk Geberit 01926 516 800 geberit.co.uk George Home 0800 952 0101 george.com Graham & Brown 0800 168 3795 grahambrown.com Graham and Green 01225 418200 grahamandgreen.co.uk H&M Home 0344 736 9000 hm.com Habitat 0344 499 4686 habitat.co.uk Haddonstone 01604 770711 haddonstone.co.uk
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Hanson Plywood 01422 330444 hanson-plywood.co.uk Heal’s 0333 212 1915 heals.co.uk Heritage Bathrooms 0330 026 8501 heritagebathrooms.com Heykiddostudio heykiddostudio.co.uk Hillarys 0800 916 6524 hillarys.co.uk Hølte holte.studio Homebase 0345 077 8888 homebase.co.uk HomeSense 01923 473561 homesense.com Hotel Magique hotelmagique.com House of Hackney 020 7739 3273 houseofhackney.com Houseology 0330 363 0330 houseology.com Howdens howdens.com Husk madebyhusk.com Ikea 020 3645 0000 ikea.co.uk Industville 020 7971 7871 industville.co.uk Interior Design Collective interiordesigncollective.co.uk Jane Clayton 01761 412255 janeclayton.co.uk Jim Lawrence 01473 826685 jim-lawrence.co.uk John Lewis & Partners 0345 604 9049 johnlewis.com Johnstone’s 01924 354354 johnstonespaint.com Juniqe 033 0777 1297 juniqe.co.uk KD Loves 01328 830449 kdloves.com Kitchen Culture 01372 468469 kitchenculture.co.uk Kitty McCall 01303 242147 kittymccall.com Kobi & Teal kobiandteal.co.uk Kreisdesign 020 7837 0820 kreisdesign.com La Redoute 0800 096 6888 laredoute.co.uk Laura Ashley 0333 200 8009 lauraashley.com Lee Broom 020 7820 0742 leebroom.com Leyland 01924 354100 leyland-paints.co.uk LG 0844 847 5454 lg.com Lights 2Go lights2go.co.uk Linen Me linenme.com Little Greene 0845 880 5855 littlegreene.com Loaf 0345 468 0697 loaf.com Loom & Last loomandlast.com Love Your Home 01483 410007 love-your-home.co.uk Lusso Stone 020 3370 4057 lussostone.com LuxDeco 020 3322 8665 luxdeco.com
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Madden Handmade 07711 177111 Made.com 0344 257 1888 Magscapes 020 7336 8674 magscapes.com Maisons du Monde 0808 234 2172 maisonsdumonde.com Mandarin Stone 01600 715444 mandarinstone.com Mansfield Design mansfielddesign.com Maplin 0844 557 6000 maplin.co.uk Margrasil 01403 710485 margrasil.co.uk Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 marksandspencer.com Martin Moore 0845 180 0015 martinmoore.com Matalan matalan.co.uk Matki 01454 322888 matki.co.uk Melody Maison 01302 741000 melodymaison.co.uk Merlyn 0035 35677 910005 merlynbathrooms.com Minerva 01773 521300 minervaworksurfaces.co.uk Modern Rugs 01388 663738 modern-rugs.co.uk Molly Meg 020 7359 5655 mollymeg.com Mylands 020 8670 9161 mylands.co.uk Naked Doors 01328 854534 nakeddoors.com Nationwide Bathrooms 01226 779912 heritage.nationwidebathrooms.co.uk Neptune 01793 427300 neptune.com Newgate World 01691 679994 newgateworld.com Next Home 0333 777 8000 next.co.uk Niki Jones 0141 556 2462 niki-jones.co.uk Nkuku 0333 240 0155 nkuku.com No.8 Project number8project.co.uk Noremax noremax.com Nubie 01825 724160 nubie.co.uk Nunido nunido.co.uk Ocean Lighting 01642 044157 oceanlighting.co.uk Oggetto 01305 881010 oggetto.com Oka 03330 042 042 oka.com Oliver Bonas 020 8974 0110 oliverbonas.com Oyoy Living Design oyoylivingdesign.com Paint & Paper Library 0845 880 5844 paintandpaperlibrary.com Paintbox 020 8875 0748 paintbox.co.uk Pascoe Interiors 01243 781118 pascoeinteriors.com Philips 020 7949 0240 philips.co.uk Plantation Shutters 020 8871 9222 plantation-shutters.co.uk
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SUBSCRIPTIONS All prices are for 12 issues and include p&p. Delivery times for overseas services are shown in brackets. UK: £54. USA (direct entry, five to 12 days): $155.45. Europe (priority; three to five days): €170.80. Rest of the world (priority, five to seven days): £124.77. Credit card hotline: 0330 333 1113; or call from overseas on: +44 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8am 6pm; UK time. Make cheques payable to TI Media Limited. For enquiries and orders, please email: help@magazinesdirect.com. Alternatively, call from the UK on: 0330 333 1113; or call from overseas on: +44 330 333 1113. Lines are open Monday Saturday, 8am 6pm, UK time. Airfreight and mailing in the USA by Air Business Ltd; c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc; 156 15 146th Avenue, 2nd floor, Jamaica NY 11434, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Jamaica NY 11431. US Postmaster: send address changes to Ideal Home, Air Business Ltd; c/o Worldnet Shipping Inc; 156 15 146th Avenue, 2nd floor, Jamaica NY 11434, USA. Subscriptions records are maintained at TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Air Business Ltd is acting as our mailing agent. Ideal Home 0019 1361 is published monthly by TI Media Limited, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Distributed by MarketForce (UK) Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, London E14 9AP (020 3787 9001). TI Media Limited regrets that it cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any unsolicited material. By submitting any material to TI Media Limited, you consent to TI Media Limited and/or its associated companies reusing the submitted material in any format or medium throughout the world in perpetuity. TI Media Limited reserves the right to shorten or modify any submitted material at its own discretion. The contents of the magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without permission. Covers print at Walstead Peterborough and text at Walstead Bicester. Limited in the UK. Ideal Home is sold subject to these conditions: that it shall not, without the written consent of the publishers first give, be lent; resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the recommended selling price on the cover; selling price in EU and Eire subject to VAT; and that it shall not be lent, resold, hired out or disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever. All information and prices correct at time of going to press. While we try to answer any enquiries, we cannot guarantee a response. © TI Media Limited 2020
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STOCKISTS
EDITORIAL Plykea 020 8064 0780 plykea.com Pooky 020 7351 3003 pooky.com Pop Furniture popfurniture.com Present & Correct 020 7278 2460 presentandcorrect.com Pretty in Print prettyinprintart.com Qvcuk.com 0800 514131 Raft 0800 014 9860 raftfurniture.co.uk Random Lights 0047 4128 1748 randomlights.com Rcc Furniture 01142 423559 rcc-furniture.com Red Candy 0121 224 7728 redcandy.co.uk Ripples 0800 107 0700 ripplesbathrooms.com Robert Dyas 0800 707 6677 robertdyas.co.uk Rocket Door Frames 0330 998 0617 rocketdoorframes.co.uk Rockett St George 01444 253391 rockettstgeorge.co.uk Romo 01623 756699 romo.com Rose & Grey 0161 926 8763 roseandgrey.co.uk Rowen & Wren 01276 451077 rowenandwren.co.uk Rust-Oleum 0191 410 6611 rustoleumspraypaint.com Sainsbury’s Home 0800 636262 sainsburyshome.co.uk Samsung 0800 521652 samsung.co.uk Samuel & Sons 020 7351 5153 samuelandsons.com Sanderson 020 3457 5862 stylelibrary.com/sanderson Screwfix 0500 414141 screwfix.com Secret Linen Store 01243 822599 secretlinenstore.com Shark 0800 862 0453 sharkclean.eu/uk Soak 0333 004 6333 soak.com Studio Snowpuppe studiosnowpuppe.nl Superfront superfront.com Sweetpea & Willow 0345 257 2627 sweetpeaandwillow.com Swoon 020 3319 6332 swooneditions.com Tempur 0800 011 1083 tempur.co.uk The Colour Flooring Company 020 7254 3526 colourflooring.co.uk The Conran Shop 0344 848 4000 conranshop.co.uk The Dormy House 01264 365808 thedormyhouse.com The Farthing 0844 567 2400 thefarthing.co.uk The Gifted Few 01858 410643 thegiftedfew.com The Modern Nursery themodernnursery.com The Old Cinema Antiques 020 8995 4166 theoldcinema.co.uk The Plate Rack Co 01789 721360 theplaterackco.com This Modern Life 01582 937214 thismodernlife.co.uk Tile Giant 01782 597777 tilegiant.co.uk Tile Mountain 01782 223822 tilemountain.co.uk TM Interiors 01733 230499 tm-interiors.co.uk Todd Doors 0800 633 5050 todd-doors.co.uk
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Topps Tiles 0800 783 6262 toppstiles.co.uk Trading Depot tradingdepot.co.uk Urban Builders 01273 262417 urbanbuilders.co.uk Vaughan Designs vaughandesigns.com Vax 0330 026 8455 vax.co.uk Venoor venoor.com Very 0844 822 2321 very.co.uk Victorian Plumbing 0345 862 2878 victorianplumbing.co.uk VictoriaPlum.com 0344 804 4848 Vinterior 020 3393 0383 vinterior.co Wallpaper Direct 01323 430886 wallpaperdirect.com Waters Baths of Ashbourne 01332 824166 watersbaths.co.uk Wayfair 0800 169 0423 wayfair.co.uk Wells Reclamation 01749 677087 wellsreclamation.com West Elm 0800 404 9780 westelm.co.uk Wilsonart wilsonart.com Woodchip & Magnolia 01204 856887 woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk Woolroom 01780 461217 thewoolroom.com Worktop Express 0345 222 2644 worktop-express.co.uk Wundatherm 01291 634149 wundatrade.co.uk Zara Home 0800 026 0091 zarahome.com
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BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts l Keep candles out of reach of children and pets l Never leave a burning candle unattended l Keep candles away from hair and clothing l Always place candles upright in suitable holders that can’t easily fall over l Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished
EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work very hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at complaints@ti-media.com or write to Complaints Manager, TI Media Limited Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP, England. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within five working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.
Editorial Director Vanessa Richmond 020 3148 7335 Group Creative Director Georgia Hibberdine 020 3148 7342 Executive Editor Heather Young 020 3148 7326 Homes Content Team Editorial Director Rhoda Parry 020 3148 7180 Commercial Editorial Operations Director Jane Akers 020 3148 7313 Associate Editor Ginevra Benedetti 020 3148 7347 Group Chief Sub-Editor/Production Editor Sarah Farley 020 3148 7189 Decorating Editor Nicky Phillips 020 3148 7346 Style Editor Michela Colling 020 3148 7355 Houses Editor Ruth Corbett 020 3148 7330 Senior Features Editor Stephanie Durrant 020 3148 6218 Features Editor Holly Walsh 020 3148 7353 Travel & News Editor Patrick Hamilton Courtney Head of Subs Operations Maxine Clarke 020 3148 7136 Hub Chief Sub-Editor Amy Hodge 020 3148 7118 Deputy Chief Sub-Editor Jennie Filer Senior Sub-Editor Chloe Hay Senior Sub-Editor Linda Blakemore Head of Art Operations Alison Walter 020 3148 7113 Deputy Art Director Emma Jackson 020 3148 7338 Acting Art Editor Hannah Bennewitz 020 3148 7343 Senior Designer Christina McQuillan 020 3148 7899 Senior Designer Elizabeth Jones 020 3148 6536 Group Digital Director Sarah Rafati Digital Content Director Holly Boultwood Acting Digital Content Director Stephanie Wood Digital Editor – Homes Group Amy Cutmore Shopping Editor Tamara Kelly
ADVERTISING Publisher and Head of Homes Network Joanne O’Hara 020 3148 7642 Advertisement Manager Sharon Goode 020 3148 7631 International/Luxury Account Manager Carol Bunce 020 3148 7620 London Sales Manager Ruth Roscorla 020 3148 7639 Classified Senior Sales Executive Charlotte Beckett 020 3148 2511 Inserts Canopy Media Sales and Management 0845 544 1857 Regional Sales Director Katrina Hutchison 0161 601 3720 Regional Account Manager Kim Milroy 0161 601 3737 Homes Digital Director Ellie Naber 020 3148 4253
MARKETING Head of Marketing Sian Cupid 020 3148 6487 Deputy Head of Marketing Laura Timms 020 3148 6239
OFFERS Enquiries 020 3148 6340
CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Alan Edwards 020 3787 9161
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BACK ISSUES Senior Subscriptions Marketing Manager Anita Baghapour 020 3047 1985 Credit-card Hotline 0330 333 1113 For full details turn to page 139. For back issues visit mags-uk.com. You can order issues from as far back as 2003, subject to availability.
PRODUCTION Editorial Production Manager Nicola Tillman Deputy Editorial Production Manager Clare Willetts Art Production Designer Phil Dunk Advertisement Production Co-ordinator Nick Williams 020 3148 2676 Production Manager John Botten 020 3148 5431 Production Operations Director Richard Hill 020 3148 5424 Syndication Efi Mandrides 020 3148 5485 Head of Brand Partnerships David Abbott 020 3148 5474 Press Office 020 3148 7682
PUBLISHING Group Managing Director, Lifestyle Angela O’Farrell Executive Assistant to Group Managing Director Michelle Briant 020 3148 5571 Group Client Investment Director Rob Biagioni 01252 555371
IDEAL.HOME@TI-MEDIA.COM Ownable is a partnership between TI Media Ltd and Seen in Print Ltd
IDEALHOME.CO.UK | MARCH 2020
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STYLE THROWBACK
THEN… AND NOW
1993
Every issue in our centenary year, we’re dipping into our archive to find an inspiring image and put a modern spin on the look THE ORIGINAL The blue and yellow pairing along with the dado border screams 1990s, but it goes to show that a mix of printed cushions and a Persian rug continues to be a timeless design trick. THE UPDATE Proof that blue never goes out of style, we’ve picked a deep denim shade for the sofa, with texture coming from the brushed linen rather than jacquard weave. We’ve mirrored the mix of textiles, but gone for a softer wall colour.
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7 WHERE TO BUY 1 Lemur cup and saucer, £23.50, Sara Miller at Annabel James 2 Pudding sofa in Navy Blue brushed cotton, £1,825, Loaf 3 Bid antique style Persian rug in Old Green, £279, Cuckooland.com 4 Elephant’s Breath modern emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball 5 Patchwork cushion, £38, French Connection Home 6 Lolita table lamp in Emerald with 30cm straight empire shade in Marbled Paper, £174, Pooky 7 Nottingham parquet coffee table, £195, La Redoute
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FEATURE MICHELA COLLING
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