Innholdsfortegnelse for 10/01/2015 i Ideal Home

…discover how to update a country new-vintage scheme with the look (page 22); use bold digital prints for statement feature a (page 104) and create a laid-back space with the latest way to decorate with soothing lilac (page 108). Don’t miss our inspirational real homes this month – these homeowners have all faithfully committed to one signature style throughout their property for a timeless look (page 28). Plus, check out our round-up of the decorating perma-trends that never go out of style – see our lesson notes on how to make them your own (page 92). What’s your forever style? READ THIS ON YOUR TABLET Download your digital edition at housetohome.co.uk/idealhome magazine…

FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN, TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY Clock it A chic way to tell the time Cullen copper and marble wall clock, £49, Made.com Pretty pot Ideal for succulents Marble-print ceramic plant pot, £9.99, H&M Finer details Get a luxe feel with a few key marble pieces Liliana marble table lamp, £150; marble and copper candle holders, from £25 each; all Casa Couture range, House of Fraser Switch on Place on a console or hallway table Marble table lamp, £65, Next We’re hooked A simple design that’s too stylish to hide under coats Marble and mango wood coat hooks, £30, John Lewis Perfect pair Copper and marble are a winning combination Muse nesting tables, £195 for two, Oliver Bonas Fake it It looks hard, but it’s…

VERSATILE LIGHT This graphic design can be used for a wall or ceiling Astrid molecular six-bulb light in white, £70, Habitat TACTILE TREAT An ethnic-inspired pattern with crewelwork blocks Torn multicoloured embroidered cushion, £35, Habitat STAR BAKER Natural variations in the marble make each cake stand unique Agra white marble cake stand, £35, Habitat PRIMARY FOCUS  Bold colours and busy patterns create a focal point Pindus blue and green rug, £450, Habitat TALL ORDER Handy storage in a practical, streamlined design Tatsuma six-drawer tall chest, £295, Habitat…

Create a cosy country scheme with ditsy patterns and folksy motifs in a soft palette. TRY IT ON THE WALLS Liven up a grey bedroom with a busy wallpaper in inky blue and pink from Cole & Son. …OR IN SOFT FURNISHINGS From retro illustrations at St Jude’s Fabrics & Papers to Cath Kidston’s classic cushions, add a vintage vibe with woodland-inspired fabrics and accessories. …OR WITH TABLEWARE Renowned for its extensive range of floral prints, Liberty is full of bloom-adorned crockery for a delicate take on the trend. Wonder wall Team a busy wallpaper with unfussy furniture Plumbago wallpaper, £82 per roll, Cole & Son. Poppy king-size bedstead, £820, Button & Sprung. Bed linen, from a selection, Secret Linen Store. Mughal Star rug, from £285, Mahout Lifestyle Prints charming…

BOUGHT FOR £130,000 SPENT £51,000 NOW WORTH £220,000 THE PROPERTY A 19th-century, three-bedroom, semi-detached house in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire. The owner bought it in 2013. WHAT IT COST Building work.........................£30,000 Windows and doors..............£10,000 External work...........................£3,500 Kitchen.......................................£2,500 Decorating................................£2,000 Carpets.......................................£3,000 TOTAL.......................£51,000 WHO LIVES HERE Vanessa Seddon, who runs a vintage-interiors business. THE LOOK Relaxed country, with upcycled designs and distressed surfaces, plus a mix of French-inspired and industrial-style accessories. LESSONS LEARNED You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, but be prepared for the low points. You’ve just got to stay focussed and work through them.…

BOUGHT FOR £850,000 SPENT £340,000 NOW WORTH £1.8 million THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, Victorian terraced house in West Hampstead, northwest London, bought in 2011. WHAT IT COST Building work......................£250,000Kitchen.....................................£35,000Bathrooms..............................£20,000Flooring.....................................£15,000Decorating and furniture....£20,000 TOTAL...................£340,000 WHO LIVES HERE Timiko and Mark Cranwell, with their sons, Milo, three, and Walt, 11 months. Timiko is a lawyer and Mark is a digital-media executive. THE LOOK Glamorous and fun, with an eclectic combination of vintage and contemporary designs. LESSONS LEARNED “With two kids, our Ikea sofa is great – I can remove its covers and wash them.”…

If you love the stylish schemes in Ideal Home, but aren’t sure how to transform your own rooms, we’re here to help. All great looks start with inspiring images, so indulge in a research session with our decorating section, then build a moodboard for your project. We’ll show you how on page 87. For all the inspiration you need, turn the page... FIND INSPIRING MOODBOARDS ONLINE AT housetohome.co.uk/moodboards…

Fall for digital-print designs 3 places to buy DIGITAL PRINTS Fabrics & Papers Search ‘digital’ on the company’s website to view digital prints from Designers Guild and Zoffany, as well as Sanderson. Homebase can create personalised digital wallpaper using your favourite photos. Just upload your image to its website or select one from its library, from £23.99 per sq m. Pandora’s Upholstery has a wide range of digitally printed cotton fabrics at affordable prices, starting from £13.99 per m. WHY WE LOVE THEM High-quality digital images can now be printed onto fabric and wallpaper, opening the door to endless possibilities for soft furnishings and wallcoverings. Some companies will allow you to upload your own photo or design in order to create a unique feature wall. WHERE TO USE THEM…

As summer comes to an end, the lure of curling up in a cosy armchair or relaxing on a sumptuous sofa is too tempting to resist. With that in mind, Next Home is full of inspiration to reinvent your living room. Because no two homes are the same, you can customise your sofa to create a piece that’s perfect for you. Choose from an extensive variety of sizes, fabrics and colours to personalise your suite, safe in the knowledge that Next Home makes comfort and design its priorities. You can then complete your room with other furniture and accessories from the latest collection. So whether you’re designing a luxurious living room, an urban retreat or an open-plan space for the whole family, breathe new life into your scheme with the…

Need to know more? Try these top-five companies: ALUMINIUM WINDOWS 0808 168 6717; aluminium  windowsltd.co.uk It supplies Smart Systems’ bifold doors, and offers a free design consultation and survey. Priced from £750 for a door leaf or £850 including installation. BIFOLD DIRECT 01344 878944; bifolddirect.co.uk An online retailer that offers doors from two different manufacturers, an express seven-day delivery service and a 20-year guarantee. Priced from £900 for a door leaf, excluding installation. IQ GLASS 01494 722880; iqglassuk.com A specialist glazing company that works with leading architects – both commercial and residential – and is good at tackling complex projects. Priced from £1,200 for a door leaf, including installation. ORIGIN FRAMES 0808 168 5816; origin-global.com If you want UK-made,…

Jordan and Stacie incorporated several curved-glass features into their home, including a dining area, a balcony in the main bedroom and a mezzanine level on the staircase. These striking features flood the interior with natural light. Curved glass may be used for windows, balustrades and shower screens. Heat softens the glass, which is then moulded into a curved form. Curved glass is usually either annealed (slowly cooled), toughened or laminated. Toughened curves can be laminated together, and any combination of bent glass can be sealed into a double-glazed unit. As with most glass pieces there will be certain restrictions on size and shape, including the thickness of glass and the angle of the curve. Costs will vary considerably depending on the size, type of glass and difficulty of installation. The…

THE PROPERTY A Victorian, four-bedroom end-of-terrace in York, north Yorkshire. WHO LIVES HERE Emma and Alex Main, with their daughters, Olivia, five, and Martha, three. WHAT THEY DID The couple reworked the room's layout, bringing the dining area closer and moving the fridge-freezer so that it sits between the two spaces. New units were made to measure and the old floor was covered with wooden floorboards. THE LOOK Relaxed, eclectic country, with a touch of Victorian style. LESSONS LEARNED “Using stainless steel for the food preparation area was an excellent decision – it provides relief from the predominance of wooden worktops.”…

THE PROPERTY A two-bedroom, converted warehouse flat in east London, bought two years ago. WHO LIVES HERE Jo and John Maruri, with their daughter Sara, 17 months. WHAT THEY DID The couple removed an internal wall to create an open-plan kitchen and dining space. They installed new sleek units and a central island. THE LOOK Light and bright, with a bold red splashback contrasting with sleek white units and steel appliances. LESSONS LEARNED “ For a room with a high ceiling, choose large, chunky appliances, as standard sizes can look out of proportion. We also went for a tall, professional-style tap.”…

THE PROPERTY A terraced, five-bedroom, Victorian house in north London, bought in April 2012. WHO LIVES HERE Meghan and Oliver Cooper, with their children, Jack, three, and Lottie, nine months. WHAT THEY DID The couple reorganised the layout of their lower-ground floor to create a more open-plan feel, moving the kitchen from the middle to the front of the house, and kitting it out with sleek units and Corian worktops. THE LOOK Modern yet characterful, with contemporary handleless units in gunmetal grey offset by antique terracotta French floor tiles and exposed brickwork. LESSONS LEARNED “Make the time to manage a project closely Ð often decisions need to be made at short notice.”…

THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom farmhouse near Frome, north Somerset, dating from the 15th century. WHO LIVES HERE Emma and David Horler, with their children, Ed, 19, and Hettie, 17. WHAT THEY DID The couple swapped around the positions of the bath and shower, replaced the old fixtures, and installed a wide vanity unit and a wall of made-to-measure storage. THE LOOK Clean and contemporary, with metro-style tiles and painted cabinetry in an elegant palette of warm greys and creams. LESSONS LEARNED “ Take your time. Our space was very awkward, but I spent ages measuring products and thinking about where things would work best, and it really paid off.”…

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, Edwardian terrace in southwest London, bought in 2012. WHO LIVES HERE Yvette Enright with her son, Alistair, six. WHAT SHE DID Yvette converted a spare room into a bathroom to create an en suite to the main bedroom. THE LOOK Boutique-spa style, with bespoke cabinetry, a serene colour palette and sophisticated marble and glass finishes to create a luxury feel. LESSONS LEARNED “Employing a project manager will save time and can help you avoid making expensive mistakes.”…

1 START WITH THE EXTERIOR Have lighting installed around your home, as it can deter burglars. Choose lights with passive infrared motion sensors, which come on when movement is detected, or go for solar or low-pressure sodium lights that stay on from dawn to dusk. Gravel on a driveway will make a quiet approach impossible, while visible alarm systems and prickly shrubs at access points are also off-putting. 2 GET RID OF BLIND SPOTS Eliminate anything that enables concealment. Dense shrubs, high hedges, fences or walls provide an opportunity for burglars. Opt for open-style boundaries, such as picket fencing, or add trellis across the top of slatted wood panels. Install gates made from sturdy see-through ironwork rather than solid wood. 3 ASSESS YOUR DOORS Replace tired or rotting doors with…

Federation of Astronomical Societies website ( fedastro.org.uk/ fas/members ) Here, you can find your own local society, which can give you advice on stargazing trips. National Trust website ( nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ activities/stargazing ) Visit this site for tips on organising stargazing trips, plus fun facts for kids. Royal Observatory website ( rmg.co.uk/contact/astronomy ) Find links to the Royal Observatory’s blog and Facebook, or plan a visit – entrance to the Astronomy Centre is free, but shows are ticketed. SkyView app Simply point this free app for Apple products at the sky and it will identify everything – particularly interesting in the day, when you can’t see what’s up there. Star Chart app This free app for Android and Apple products shows…

ESSENTIAL KIT Have these at home to keep paintwork clean Feather duster Vacuum cleaner Sugar soap or painted-wood cleaner Rubber gloves Sponge Microfibre cloths 1 REMOVE THE DUST Start by getting rid of any cobwebs and dust, using a feather duster to remove as much as you can. To suck up small pieces of debris and loose dirt and dust, use a hand-held vacuum cleaner or one with a hose attachment. 2 MIX YOUR CLEANER Next, fill a bucket with warm water and add sugar soap or a detergent suitable for painted wood, then mix well. Put on rubber gloves before you get to work, and avoid getting cleaning products in contact with your eyes, as they can be irritants. 3 CLEAN AND SCRUB Wet a sponge and squeeze it…

Since 1886, Whittard of Chelsea has been carefully sourcing the best single-origin teas and creating unique blends. This year sees the relaunch of a range of teas that are inspired by the company’s history, reworking classic blends that were first created by founder Walter Whittard in the 19th century. Get creative As delicious as all Whittard teas are as a beverage, you don’t have to just drink them – the fragrant infusions are also perfect for using in baking. You could try topping little sponge cakes with white icing, then use the delicate dried blooms found in Rosebuds tea as a delightful, romantic decoration, or mix an infusion of Earl Grey into chocolate ganache – the bergamot and orange peel will give it a subtle citrus kick. Alternatively, for the…

With thousands of designs available from more than 100 brands, including Brewers, Harlequin and Sanderson, Wallpaperdirect is an online one-stop shop for on-trend wallcoverings. The Layla Faye range of wallpapers takes its inspiration from the meadows and flowers seen around the British countryside. The designs have a retro feel, while still being fresh and contemporary. Printed in England on high-quality paper, the range includes 15 striking designs featuring colourful asymmetrical patterns, which are perfect for adding a subtle, playful mid-century look to your home. Wallpaperdirect also has online tools to help with your decorating decisions, from design inspiration on its blog to video tutorials giving tips on achieving the perfect finish, plus a wallpaper estimator to help you buy the right number of rolls for your project. Ideal Home has…

Shorter, chillier days mean that autumn is on its way, so it’s likely you’ll soon be spending more time indoors. To give your home a thorough clean as the seasons change, British brand Beldray is offering Ideal Home readers an exclusive 20% off its extensive range of homeware products. With five categories to choose from – steam, vacuum, heating, cooling and laundry – there’s a host of brilliant buys to help you look after your home. In particular, Beldray’s steam cleaners are a popular option, with machines for tackling fabrics, windows and floors. A highly effective way of breaking down built-up grime and eliminating bad bacteria, steam is also an environmentally friendly option. The range features hand-held machines, as well as a steam mop that’s perfect for blitzing floors. USE…

Pick a palette Pantone A4 photo book , Photobox Match your albums to your décor. There are five permanent colours, plus limited shades for each season Frame it Vintage travel poster print , The Drifting Bear Co Celebrate a memory by turning it into an A2, A3 or A4 poster Stick ’em up Personalised ‘Stick ’Em’ photo sticker book , Instajunction Create a book of 40 stickers of your fave pics, then pop them onto cards, gift tags or scrapbooks Bring photos to life Photo book , Cewe Photoworld Add video clips to photos in this special book. A unique QR code can be scanned with a smartphone to show the footage on the screen…

Easy to organise GB6140PZQV fridge-freezer (H185cm x W70cm x D73cm) , LG GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘There’s a second door within the right-hand door of the fridge to separate daily essentials from other groceries’ Height of cool NSF9152OX fridge-freezer (H201cm x W59cm x D65cm) , Whirlpool GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘If you can’t go wider than 60cm, go taller. This 2m-high design provides 346ltr of net storage’ More storage CBNesf5133 fridge-freezer (H202cm x W75cm x D63cm) , Liebherr GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘You might struggle to fill the 421ltr net capacity of this W75cm model. Its BioFresh drawers keep everything from fish to fruit in tiptop shape’…

Hear this KDL-32W700C 32in Full HD TV, Sony GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘The sound is great – Live Football Mode even re-creates a stadium atmosphere. Photo Share lets you send snaps from your phone to the screen, so friends can drag any they love onto their devices’ Future perfect 40UB800V 40in 4K Ultra HD TV, LG GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Buy this set and you’ll be ready when 4K Ultra HD channels eventually appear. However, even standard HD pictures look amazing, and you’ll get easy access to BBC iPlayer, Netflix and more’ Nice price 42FME249S 42in Full HD TV, Finlux GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘It has a decent picture, built-in Freeview HD and access to on-demand services. It’s for sale online only, but Finlux has a reassuring no-quibble returns policy’…

Control more Hive Active Heating 2 , British Gas GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Wi-Fi plug sockets will let you control appliances – as well as your heating – with the Hive app’ No need to set it Learning thermostat , Nest GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Hate fiddling with settings? This learns the temperatures you like and creates a schedule’ Knows where you are Smart thermostat , Tado° GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Uses your phone’s location to see if you’re at home, and lowers the heating if your house is empty’ Individual heating Evohome thermostat , Honeywell GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Lets you control individual thermostatic radiator valves, available separately, so you only heat the rooms you’re using’…

During summer, it’s more likely that children will stay well hydrated. When there’s hot weather and lots of running around outdoors, parents hand out water frequently and kids are more likely to ask for it as they notice how thirsty they are. But as the weather turns cooler, the days get shorter and we move into autumn, it’s easy to forget how important it is to drink plenty of water. Children love to learn and be rewarded, and they’re more likely to absorb information if it’s delivered in a fun way. So Nestlé, manufacturer of Nestlé Pure Life® still bottled water, has a few suggestions how to teach them why they need to drink water regularly and why it doesn’t have to be a battle to get kids to choose…

THE OFFBEAT SITCOM Boy Meets Girl , BBC Two Young Geordie lad Leo (Harry Hepple) falls for older woman Judy (Rebecca Root), but when his loving mum Pam (former Corrie star Denise Welch) hears of her son’s latest catch, she’s unhappy about the age gap. However, what Leo hasn’t told her yet is that Judy used to be a man. There are touching and hilarious moments throughout, especially when Leo’s and Judy’s families finally meet. THE UNLIKELY HIT You, Me and The Apocalypse , Sky 1 Birds Of A Feather actress Pauline Quirke appears alongside Hollywood star Rob Lowe in this unusual comedy drama. The series follows characters from around the world as they face the prospect of an asteroid destroying Earth in 34 days. Pauline plays Paula,…

Autumn has brought with it new trends, lots of fresh ideas and inspiration… not to mention a rather large credit-card bill. HIDING THE RECEIPTS My hunter-gatherer instincts go ballistic at this time of year. New stock has been coming into the shops for a few weeks now, but I’ve been planning my new-season shopping campaign since way back in May when the autumn/winter 2015 press previews started. Twice a year, high-street retailers stage events to showcase their take on interior trends. When I’m running around them snapping photos on my phone, I’m doing it not only with ideas for Ideal Home in mind, but also for my own place. By the time the designs hit the shelves, I’ve got my wish list ready. HAVING A STYLE CRISIS One thing that…

THE STORY SO FAR This lightweight, engineered wood has influenced furniture design from the Eames DCM to the Cherner chair. However, it’s the pale, untreated finish that’s a recent highlight in furniture, lighting and interior design, with plywood being used for everything from wall cladding to kitchen units. WHERE WE’VE SEEN IT East London workshop Unto This Last creates its distinctive designs for furniture and lighting in plain, laminated or wood-veneer-finished plywood. ByAlex’s simply framed ‘A’ range features laminated pieces with visible layers of plywood edges and Very Good & Proper’s Canteen Utility chair is based on the design of school chairs but has been updated with a coloured frame. LATEST RELEASES Interior and furniture designer Baines & Fricker uses plywood in its SB01 range, accenting the furniture with primary-coloured…

GET TO KNOW HER SIGNATURE STYLE With a career that has included working at Liberty, The Conran Shop and Anthropologie, as well as Habitat, Polly’s style has always been based on good-quality, functional design. ‘A big part of my early working life was spent at The Conran Shop, so inevitably its designed-for-purpose philosophy rubbed off on me and I like things that function really well,’ she says. ‘I also love clean design and strong sculptural shapes, and I’m very fond of using black and white as a base and layering colour with pattern on top of that. My natural comfort zone is definitely more clean and contemporary.’ With a love of travelling for both work and pleasure, Polly’s inspiration comes from a range of places, including Thailand, Vietnam, India, Japan…

After years spent living in Germany, Belgium and Sweden, Kiki and Claus Agergaard Winberg were keen to return to their native Denmark when their sons, Johan and Gustav, reached their teens. ‘We lived abroad because of Claus’s job in the oil industry,’ explains Kiki. ‘We wanted our boys to grow up and go to school in our home country, and we particularly wanted to live in Charlottenlund, just outside Copenhagen, because it’s in such a beautiful location, close to a forest and the beach.’ ‘I’ve been very inspired by our years living in Antwerp – the calm and classicism of Belgian design’ The family also needed a house big enough for them all not to get on top of each other. ‘As long as we found a property that met…

Ideal ON REFLECTION Cast a cosy glow with this golden-lined light Peggy wall light in antique brass and black, Holloways of Ludlow Great deal DOWN LIGHTER Or keep it simple with this smart style New York black and white wall light, Bodie and Fou Ideal INSPIRED BY NATURE Choose furniture upholstered in muted forest tones Mistral large sofa in Olive boucle wool (H82cm x W208cm x D94cm), HealÕs Great deal PALER OPTION A shade or two lighter, but just as low slung Kotka three-seater sofa in Vintage Grass (H87cm x W218cm x D93cm), Made.com Great deal GO DOTTY Bag a bargain with this polka-dot cushion Polka cushion in Duck Egg, Heart of House range, Argos Ideal SPOT ON  Get extra cosy with a lamb’s wool cushion Melin Tregwynt…

SIMPLE COUNTRY Put a Scandi spin on a traditional rustic look Sisal Herringbone Hambledon flooring, £41.15 per sq m, Alternative Flooring. Cushion covers made in (from top): Asuri Natural 7726/02, £47.50 per m, Romo; Ashfield Beach Hut LF1630C/2, £49.90 per m, Linwood; piping in Asuri Natural 7726/02, as before; Ashfield Harbour Blue LF1630C/6, £49.90 per m, Linwood. Ceramic spheres, £11.99 for three, Dunelm. For a similar vase, try the small round pleated, £23, Graham and Green. Winter Owl lino print, £20, Cally Conway range, Madebyhandonline.com. White Nordic mug, £5, Marks & Spencer. Cat’s Cradle eggshell, £90.56 for 2.5ltr, Earthborn range, Designerpaint FIND MORE MOODBOARDS ONLINE AT houseto  home.co.uk/ moodboards NEW TRADITIONAL Create a timeless feel with a classic palette Trowbridge Mead carpet, £40 per sq m, Avebury range, Cormar…

Create a talking point with an unusual design 1 Stitch in time A modern twist on a traditional craft Tapestry Rose wallpaper, £20 per roll, Caroline Davidson range, Graham & Brown 2 Harlequin brights These clashing colours will lift any space Multicoloured Triangles Geometric wallpaper, from £23.50 per sq m, Murals Wallpaper 3 Floral burst The digital printing process helps these colours pop Jayin Iridescence Silver wallpaper, £24.50 per m, Voyage Decoration 4 Eastern delights Get the look of ceramic tiles without the hassle Lisbon Tile wallpaper panel (62.5cm x 300cm), £40, Digetex Home 5 Wood work Create the illusion of antique oak panelling Jacobean wallpaper in oak, £69.90 per roll, Andrew Martin ‘It’s important to choose a design that works with the style and period of your home’Karen Bray,…

Try it with… PEACOCK BLUE Go for glamour by teaming lilac walls with sumptuous, deep-blue velvet seating. Balance the blocks of colour with geometric pattern Super stars Add intricate pattern Ice tiles, £59.95 per sq m, Henley range, Topps Tiles Go-to hue A contemporary take on lavender Brassica Estate Emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball Rich blue Ideal for bold upholstery Venetian blue velvet, £57 per m, Forenza collection, Romo Try it with... OYSTER WHITE Use lilac as an accent against an oyster-white backdrop for an elegant look. Team a patterned wallpaper and French-style furniture painted in shimmering silver for a luxury feel, then layer up fabrics in a mix of soft lilac hues to add soothing colour Cool it Paint walls in an easy-going cream Old…

1 Find a solution for every space with Next Home’s vast selection of sizes, ranging from stylish armchairs to sweeping corner sofas. 2 Select a fabric that fits in with your lifestyle, from a beautiful array of great-value weaves, exclusive yarns and durable leathers. 3 Personalise your pick from a spectrum of colours, leg styles and patterns; from vintage-inspired stripes to pretty plains and subtle blends, it’s the ultimate way to make it your own. 4 Once your dream sofa has been made to order and delivered to your door, share it online using #whatsmysofa. Take advantage of Next Home’s next-day delivery service, available for most furnishings and accessories. Simply order by 11pm today from the Next Directory by calling 0333 777 8000, or online at next.co.uk…

Many alterations can be made under Permitted Development, meaning you don’t need to get planning permission. For more information on planning and building regulations, visit planningportal.gov.uk and always check with your local authority before making any major changes. Keep your neighbours informed at all stages and you might need to obtain party-wall agreements, too. Check the advice given at planningportal.gov.uk. For extensions and major remodelling, it’s usually advisable to employ an architect to draw up accurate plans: the Royal Institute of British Architects (architecture.com) holds a directory of approved architects. Get at least three quotes for all major purchases, including when you’re hiring tradesmen and, whenever possible, negotiate fixed prices for each job rather than paying a daily rate. It’s not usually advisable to undertake major roofing work on a…

CONTROL-PAD OPERATION The VELUX INTEGRA® roof windows range comes with a touchscreen control pad as standard. Its swipe functions allow you to open and close out-of-reach windows at the touch of a button. AUTOMATIC RAIN SENSOR All VELUX INTEGRA® roof windows come fitted with a rain sensor that will automatically close the window when it rains. SOLAR-POWERED OPTION Choose between mains or solar-powered windows depending on your needs. Solar-powered roof windows offer the same features as mains-powered roof windows, but without the need for an internal power supply. EASY PRESETS The control pad (right) allows you to programme roof windows to open and close at specific times of day. For more information… FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VELUX RANGE OF PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS VALUABLE ADVICE AND STOCKIST INFORMATION, ONLINE…

Units, from £750 for a W600mm base unit; reclaimed oak worktop and shelves, £350 per linear m; stainless-steel worktop, £300 per linear m; Belfast stainless sink, £525, Astracast range; Provence tap, £550, Perrin & Rowe range; SCT81900S0 fridge-freezer, £550, AEG range; dining table, £760; low boot cupboard, £425; flooring, £2,200; all The Main Furniture & Kitchen Company. 110 Elan range cooker, £1,979, Rangemaster range, Currys. For similar tiles, try the Metro white, £19.50 per sq m, Topps Tiles. For similar dining chairs, try the Cottage oak, £400 for four, The Cotswold Company. For similar curtains, try the Wakefield, £78 each, Anthropologie. For a similar clothes airer, try the Victorian-style pulley, £59.95, The Holding Company. Tri Ply copper saucepans, from £110 for a 25cm skillet, KitchenAid range, Mulberry Hall. For a…

Futura Gloss Pergamon units, from £312 for a W600mm base unit, Cucina Colore range; Labrador Black 20mm granite worktop, from £420 per sq m; back-painted, toughened-glass splashback, £1,743; Atlantic Quad double-bowl sink, £300, Rangemaster range; Culina-S single-lever monobloc chrome mixer tap with rinse spray, £499, Blanco range; Delphi 90cm stainless-steel range cooker, £2,977, Britannia range; Free Spot island cooker hood, £1,078, Elica range; IQ 500 built-in microwave, £477; IQ 700 American-style fridge-freezer, £3,408; both Siemens range; W60cm wine cooler, £705, Caple range; all Jones Britain. For similar pendant lights, try the Stanley, from £366 each, Original BTC range, Heal’s. For similar bar stools, try the Black Glimmer, £47.50 each, Atlantic Shopping FOR DETAILS TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY…

Lacquered units, from £290 for a W600mm base unit; Corian Bisque worktop, £250 per sq m; BM5300CH mixer tap, £293, Blanco range; 1.5-bowl sink, £599, Reginox range; Stella W900mm extractor hood, £1,646, Falmec range; IQ700 gas hob, £864, Siemens range; oak shelves, £280 for six; all Amberth. For a similar steam oven, try the C17FS32N0B, £1,060; for a similar oven, try the B47CR32N0B, £683; both Neff range, Appliances Direct. Carreaux Hexagones 06666GM antique terracotta floor tiles, £72 per sq m, BCA Materiaux Anciens. Blackboard film, from £30.03 per sq m, Purlfrost. For a similar table, try the marble 120cm tulip, £400, Vertigo Interiors. For similar chairs, try the Chiltern, from £199 each, Ercol range, John Lewis. For similar stools, try the Windsor, £150 each, Ercol range, The White Company. For…

Carronite bath, £535; Venice Block basins, £345 each; Life basin mixer taps, £179 each; Life deck-mounted bath/shower mixer tap with mini-shower kit, £338; Life shower kit and valve, £529; all Vado range; 10 Series sliding shower door and tray, £1,506, Merlyn range; Sonic Square back-to-wall loo, £345, Heritage range; all Tipadel. Retro Metro wall tiles in Holland Park, South Kensington and Marble Arch, £74.98 per sq m; trim in Holland Park, £1.96 per tile; walls painted in Oak Apple matt emulsion, £35.50 for 2.5ltr; all Fired Earth. For similar flooring try the saw-cut grey oak laminate IM1858, £19.99 per sq m, Impressive collection, Quick-Step. Bespoke vanity unit with Corian worktop, £2,250; bespoke wall unit, £2,725; both Workshop Interiors; painted in Matchstick Estate Eggshell, £53 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. For…

Natural stone Spoon freestanding bath, £2,900; Luna basins, £260 each; all Homeetc Bathroom. Design basin mixers, £219 each; bath mixer, £749, Mike Pro range; Stream II loo, £375, Bauhaus range; all Crosswater. Rapid SL frame with Cosmopolitan Starlight flush plate, £478, Grohe range, Bathroom Discount Centre. Bespoke vanity unit, £2,352, Cato Creative. For similar towel radiators, try the RH1000450, £74.69 each, BathEmpire. Docks Warm tiles (60cm x 30cm), £39 per sq m, European Heritage. Walls painted in Slate III Household emulsion, £41 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. Glass panel and worktop, from £900 per sq m, Deco Glaze. 2cm Calacatta Oro marble panels, from £450 per sq m, Stone World. For similar flooring, try the walnut 5G, £72 per sq m, The Natural Wood Floor Company. ART 307 chair,…

• TALK to neighbours and gauge local interest. Tenants and homeowners are all eligible to join a group. • CONTACT your local Neighbourhood Policing Team to inform them of your newly formed group. It will be able to give advice and notify you of any relevant events or developments in your area. • APPOINT a co-ordinator to promote the group locally, organise meetings and set down the agendas. • IDENTIFY issues of concern, such as a spate of garden thefts, and work out how to solve problems. • DRAW up a plan with timings and a deadline. For more information, go to ourwatch.org.uk.…

According to a survey by online retailer Appliances Direct, more than 65% of the population throw away food because they’re unsure whether it can be frozen or not. Follow our simple guide and you could save up to £1,080 each year: YES, YOU CAN FREEZE… Eggs Crack them, whisk them, then pop them in a freezer bag (but never freeze them in their shells). You can also freeze leftover whites or yolks in ice-cube trays. Cheese In chunks or grated into freezer bags. Milk In plastic bottles, but not glass. Thaw in the fridge and shake well before use. Bread Freeze it sliced, so you can prise apart the amount you need and toast it immediately. Flour In a tightly sealed plastic bag (paper ones will absorb moisture.) Nuts Freeze…

Earl Grey A blend of Indian and Chinese black tea with bergamot, cornflowers and orange peel Earl Grey No33, £10 for a caddy, Whittard Toffee Apple An exclusive blend of apple, pineapple and caramelised macadamia nuts Toffee Apple No43, £7 for a jar, Whittard Rosebuds A simple infusion of whole rosebuds for a tea that is caffeine free Rosebuds No119, £11 for a caddy, Whittard For more information… FOR DETAILS OF THE LATEST TEA RANGES AND YOUR NEAREST STORE, VISIT WHITTARD.CO.UK…

To-do list for OCTOBER PICK apples when they’re ripe by removing them from the tree with a gentle tug and twist action. Harvest to eat now, for cooking or to store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Autumn is the ideal time to plant fruit trees, while the soil is still warm. PLANT clematis in sun or part shade in moisture-retentive, but free-draining, soil. Position so that they can clamber over a wall or pergola, across a trellis or twine through a tree. SOW sweet peas in pots and overwinter them in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse before planting out next March or April. Grow something beautiful… DAHLIAS Currently enjoying a revival, these fabulous flamboyant show stoppers flower until summer’s last gasp. There are hundreds to…

Meet Amy, our expert blogger: she’ll keep you one step ahead in the ever-changing world of tech GIRL ABOUT TECH’SMANIFESTO I believe thattech should... • Make your life easier• Be super-simpleto use• Stand the test of time• Look good andwork brilliantly WHERE WE HAVE SEEN THEM… Black appliances are nothing new but, like fellow Nineties fixture the crop top, they’re making a comeback. Perhaps it’s because they look great alongside equally on-trend black and dark-blue-painted cabinets, or maybe it’s the fancy matt finishes. Either way, the tide is definitely turning, as Bosch notes, ‘There’s a growing preference for models with less stainless steel’. WHY WE LOVE THEM… Goody-two-shoes white may look bright, but it’s unforgiving when it comes to showing up dirt. Besides, it doesn’t have the sultry glamour of…

Let’s be frank, we’d all love an American-style fridge-freezer – and in my case, preferably one stocked with white wine, cream slices and pork pies. But if space is an issue, this 70cm-wide model is a sound compromise, offering nearly as much storage, equally clever features and plenty of style cred. The fridge has an area to chill drinks in less than 30min, while the easy-access freezer drawers include a tray that can hold a 12in pizza and a spot for those smaller items that usually get lost. GIRL ABOUT TECH, TECHNOLOGY EDITOR AND BLOGGER…

WHAT IS IT? A new generation of gas and electricity meters is about to bring energy billing out of the Dark Ages. Rather than having analogue counters that need to be read by an engineer, smart meters are able to send automatic meter readings to your energy supplier using wireless technology. It’s part of a government initiative called Smart Energy GB and will spell the end of dreaded ‘estimates’. HOW DO I GET ONE? Every UK household will be offered smart meters – to be supplied and fitted for free – by 2020. The initiative is already being trialled in some homes, but as the nationwide roll-out begins in earnest, your energy supplier will get in touch to arrange a time to fit your meters. You’ll need to be at…

1 Water makes up more than half of a child’s body weight and they need to drink more water in relation to their body size than adults do. 2 Research suggests that mild dehydration (1% body weight loss) can lead to reductions in concentration and mental performance*. Water will hydrate without providing calories and risking harm to teeth. 3 Children should have six to eight drinks per day, which should be water, milk or fruit/ vegetable juices. 4 After playing sports or hanging out in hot weather, children must replenish the fluids lost by sweating, on top of their usual daily allowance.…

A Ada & Ina 0843 886 5003; linenfabrics.co.uk After Noah 020 7359 4281; afternoah.com Alessi 020 7518 9091; alessi.com Alexander & Pearl 020 8508 0411; alexanderandpearl.co.uk Alternative Flooring 01264 335111; alternativeflooring.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amazon.co.uk amazon.co.uk Amberth 020 7354 8958; amberth.co.uk Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100; andrewmartin.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 247296; anniesloan.com Anthropologie 00 800 0026 8476; anthropologie.eu Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416; appliancesdirect.co.uk Aram 020 7557 7557; aram.co.uk Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Art.co.uk 020 8435 6556; art.co.uk Artnet 020 7729 0824; artnet.com Aspace 0845 872 2500; aspace.co.uk Aston Matthews 020 7226 7220; astonmatthews.co.uk Atkin and Thyme 0844 409 9834; atkinandthyme.co.uk Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644; atlanticshopping.co.uk Ayers & Graces 01582 536760; ayersandgraces.com B B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9046; barkerandstonehouse.co.uk BathEmpire 02476 389052; bathempire.com Bathroom Discount Centre 020 7385 2330; bathdisc.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323; bathstore.com Batsford batsford.com BCA Materiaux Anciens 00 33 607 019 026; bca-antiquematerials.com Bedeck…

FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN, TURN TO OUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY IDEAL HOME Shopping Spy See Acting Style Editor Michela’s edit of what’s in the shops this month Lovely light Group a few for an ambient glow Sittning candlestick (left), £6; Sittning block candle holder, £15; both Ikea Hang out Add an edgy feel with this concrete shade Geometry pendant, £249, BoConcept Stacks of style Display favourite ornaments on this lacquered ladder Jessie black wide leaning bookcase, £95, Habitat On point Keep it cool with a chevron design Cushion, £35, Betty Jackson.Black range, Debenhams Think pink Add comfort with velvet Dust Rose cushion cover, £33, Tine K Home Fine lines Storage that’s sturdy yet lightweight String storage basket, £49, BoConcept Bowled over We love the bubbly effect Tweed vase, £60,…

THE PROPERTY A detached, three-bedroom house, built in 1903 in Charlottenlund, north of Copenhagen, Denmark. The owners bought it in 2005. WHO LIVES HERE Kiki and Claus Agergaard Winberg, and their sons, Johan, 24, and Gustav, 20. Kiki is a nurse and Claus is the chief executive officer of an oil company. THE LOOK Smart country, with neutral colours, woven furniture and collections of crockery and glassware that add warmth and personality. LESSONS LEARNED We consulted interior designer Lisbeth Olsen halfway through renovating the house. She came up with some good ideas, especially regarding colour, and I now wonder why we didn’t use her earlier.…

…November 2013 EASTERN SPICE For a warm, exotic feel, paint walls in a paprika orange. Balance out the bold colour with rich, dark-wood furniture and off-white seating. Raspberry accents will add a refreshing hit of vivid colour. …August 2012 OCEAN COLOUR SCHEME Capture the spirit of a Greek island in a dining room with a tie-dye-effect wallpaper and a palette of ocean blues. Smarten up the look with walnut furniture and crisp white accessories. THE PALETTE Use fresh blues for a revitalising look DEEP WATER Go for high impact with a deep hue BLUE STEEL Anchor the look with a mid-range shade SKY BLUE Pair with crisp white DECORATION AND FURNITURE Patagonia wallpaper, £22 per roll; Flores tray-top side table in grey, £225; both John Lewis. Skirting painted in Feather…

FACT FILE HOTEL Artist Residence ADDRESS 52 Cambridge Street, London SW1V 4QQ PRICE From £179 for a small double, plus £10 per person for breakfast CONTACT 020 7931 8946, artistresidencelondon.co.uk LOCATION Just a five-minute walk from London’s Victoria station, this hotel is in Pimlico. Formerly The Clarendon pub, the 19th-century, white-stucco building by Thomas Cubitt was lovingly restored by co-founders Justin Salisbury and Charlotte Newey, and opened its doors to guests in September 2014. ROOMS The eight double rooms and two suites are furnished in rustic-luxe style. With antique tea chests repurposed as bedside tables, metal lockers serving as wardrobes and vintage-leather club chairs, it offers a hipper alternative to some of the capital’s larger, more impersonal hotels. Each room has a king or super-king-size bed with a…

Stunning views across rural Worcestershire were enough to convince Steve and Jules Dodd to buy Holywell Chapel in the Malvern Hills. Even though it was a derelict shell, Steve, who runs a design and build company, had some great ideas for turning it into a family retreat. The couple stripped out the interior, renewed damaged timbers and replaced the old corrugated roof. Conservation roof lights now ensure the two bedrooms feel bright, but it’s the walls that have seen the biggest change – they are now finished in timber cladding and on one side have a 7m run of bifold doors to make the most of the fabulous views. ‘The building has been brought up to modern standards, with insulation, underfloor heating and double glazing,’ says Steve. ‘It has been…

THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, Sixties detached house in a village near Bath, Somerset. WHO LIVES HERE Jordan and Stacie Franklin, with their 18-month-old son, Cameron. WHAT THEY DID The couple converted the garage into a cinema room and added a bedroom above it. A curved-glass extension was built at the side of the house, with a balcony above. An en-suite bathroom was fitted in an existing dormer and a spare bedroom was turned into a walk-in wardrobe. WHAT IT COST The couple paid £395,000 for the house in 2012 and spent £1,471 per sq m redesigning and extending the property. It’s now worth more than £1 million.…

Enjoy a new way to shop at HomeSense, where you’ll find unique homeware to create a huge range of looks for less. HomeSense offers savings of up to 60% on branded gifts and homeware every day, and with each store offering a different selection of products from around the globe, you’ll discover exciting new finds with every visit. BEAUTILITY KITCHEN With such a wide selection of utility-style designs at HomeSense, it’s easy to bring this relaxed look into your home. Anchor the scheme with a key piece, such as a kitchen console with open shelves, then add classic linens, enamel tableware and vintage-look apple crates for a nod to timeless style. A few hints of copper will bring a modern spin to the country mood. ‘It was exciting to explore…

Q WHERE SHOULD I GO? Check the weather forecast to be sure of a clear night and visit darkskydiscovery.org.uk for a list of the darkest and, therefore, best places to stargaze in the UK. If you don’t live near one, find a spot away from any light pollution and without any tall structures to impede your view. Q WHAT DO I NEED? Wrap up warm, as you’ll be outside for a while. A hot-drinks flask is a good idea, as is a picnic blanket if you’d rather lie down to watch the sky. You’ll also need a torch with a red light (a white light will reduce your eyes’ ability to see in the dark). To turn a white light red, fix a red cellophane sweet wrapper over the end…

Freeze bananas in their skins. To use, microwave for five seconds, chop off an end and squeeze into a blender for smoothies Use ice-cube trays to freeze fresh herbs in olive oil, home-made pesto or fresh stock, so you’ve always got them to hand Preserve fresh fruit, such as raspberries and lemon slices, intact by freezing it flat on a baking tray, then tipping it into a freezer bag Freeze fresh tomatoes to make peeling them easy for sauces – once thawed, the skins will come off easily Try frozen grapes as a clever alternative to ice cubes that won’t dilute your wine when they melt…

Plum Linzer torte SERVES 6 TAKES 55MIN PLUS 1HR CHILLING FOR THE PASTRY 225g self-raising flour 75g hazelnuts 125g caster sugar 125g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 3 egg yolks Few drops of vanilla extract FOR THE FILLING 700g plums, quartered and pitted 4tbsp honey Grated zest of 1 orange Icing sugar 1 Whizz half the flour and all the nuts in a food processor, until ground. Add the remaining flour, the sugar and butter, whizz to combine, then add the egg yolks and vanilla. Pulse until it forms a ball, then knead lightly. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 1hr. 2 Meanwhile, grease a 20.5cm loose-base fluted tart tin. Put the plums in a pan with the honey and orange zest. Cook on a low heat for around…

To-do list for OCTOBER EAT Tiptree Banoffee Spread – spoon it over warmed gingerbread for a delicious sticky pudding, £3.49 for a 320g jar, independent shops and Wilkin & Sons. DRINK Chaplin & Cork’s Somerset Gold cider. This elegant medium cider goes perfectly with roast pork, from £2 for a 500ml bottle, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. TREAT yourself to a sizzling sausage extravaganza at Suffolk’s Framlingham SausageFest on 10 October. Visit framsausagefest.co.uk. Try a new taste... QUAIL Tired of chicken? Quail are plump and meaty, and milder in flavour than other game birds. They’re perfect for a quick roast, taking just 25 minutes to cook. The flesh is lean, so cover the breast with pancetta or bacon to stop it drying out. Depending on people’s appetites, serve one…

Give your lawn some TLC this month, so it’s in good condition to withstand the worst of the winter weather, and look lush and green come spring. Rake up and gather any fallen leaves, as they can create bald patches on your lawn. Redefine the edges using a half-moon edging iron to cut the turf, making sure that there’s a clear distinction between border and lawn. You can also encourage grass to green up with a special lawn feed. This will give it a boost and promote strong root growth to keep it looking great all year. David Domoney is a gardener and TV presenter, and has joined forces with Dobbies Garden Centres to present advice at dobbies.  com/ideas-advice/ how-tos…

FEATURES WE LOVE 1 Room-filling sound Designed to sit in the middle of a room, it uses ‘Ring Radiator’ technology to deliver spectacular sound in all directions. 2 Statement design The fabulously futuristic egg-shaped form comes in black or white, and looks even more amazing when hanging from its optional ceiling mount or tripod floor stand. 3 Multiroom music Just by pressing a few buttons, you can link the speaker to other Samsung soundbars, speakers and even TVs, and send different songs to each room or play the same song everywhere via the Multiroom 2.0 app. 4 Battery-powered option With a squatter design and lower price tag, the £400 R6 is also more portable – it sits on a charging base and has a carry handle and a battery life…