Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i Ideal Home

This is the month for plans and dreams for the year ahead – where to go on holiday and how to improve the house and garden in 2018. Or maybe you’re even planning to put your home on the market and move this year? At Richmond Towers (which Ma, Pa and I co-own) we did stuff to the house non-stop last year and yet never got around to The Big One – the loft conversion we’ve been talking about since we put in an offer. What seemed urgent then has become less so as we’ve come to enjoy sharing space. I think my dream of a big loft bedroom, office and an en suite with gold taps might stay a dream for another year… but do let this ideas-packed issue…

MY GO-TO STORES… • ABIGAIL AHERN ‘Her daring look and innovative approach to colour is inspiring. I like to pick out elements that work for me.’ • GRAHAM AND GREEN ‘Quirky accessories and a fantastic selection of mirrors.’ • SOFA.COM ‘I love the strong furniture shapes and the vast choice of fabrics.’ STYLIST’S NOTE “An enveloping dark colour on the walls can zone an open-plan area and will bring warmth to a large space ” MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR…

WHERE TO BUY 1. HEART DECORATION Extra large wicker heart, £58, Melody Maison 2. WALL ART Blossom canvas, £225, Cox & Cox 3. CHAIR Houseology Collection Oyster velvet dining chair, £259, Houseology 4. SHEEPSKIN Mink sheepskin rug, £59, Modern Rugs 5. MUG La Cafetière Core textured geo mug, £5, Creative Tops 6. FOOTSTOOL Arthur stool, from £405, Neptune 7. STORAGE Braided paper baskets, from £26 each, Zara Home 8. STRIPED RUG Dutchbone Arizona rug in grey (240x 170cm), £429, Cuckooland…

1 Supersize your wall tiles Oversized wall tiles are a great way to make a statement. Choose a plain design or go for texture rather than pattern (like this ceramic option with a shimmering, high-gloss finish) then arrange in a striking herringbone formation. 2 Add a peg rail Boost your storage levels with peg rails for hanging utensils, open baskets and wire racks that won’t have you scrabbling around at the back of dark and deep cupboards to find what you need. 3 PUT BEAUTIFUL BASICS OUT ON DISPLAY Everyday items can be beautiful, too, so choose kitchen must-haves that you love to look at and you’ll be happy to leave them out on your worktop, freeing up cupboard and larder space for less-pretty stuff. 4 PRETTY UP THE PRACTICALS…

IDEAL GREAT DEAL…

WHERE TO BUY 1. LIGHT Holden three-light cascade pendant, £120, Wayfair 2. CLOCK Flap red analogue wall clock, £75, Habitat 3. TINS Orla Kiely cake tins, £37 for five, Amara 4. SCALES Red kitchen scales, £20, Dotcomgiftshop 5. STOOL Croft collection Kyla bar stool, £99, John Lewis 6. PLANT POT Terracotta plant pot, £9, Idyll Home 7. COOKWARE Cast iron casserole dish, £35, Sainsbury’s 8. BOOKCASE Billy bookcase in oak veneer, £45, Ikea…

“The new bathroom is an oasis of calm and I love the sophisticated grey colour palette ” Welcome to my home Rachel Watkinson lives here with her children, Lisa, 15, and Emily, 14. THE PROPERTY A six-bedroom detached Thirties house in Brighton, West Sussex. WHAT IT COST Bath and taps.......£1,056 Shower.................£2,204 Basin, vanity unit and mixer...............£1,519 Loo...........................£994 Towel radiators....£1,224 Wall tiles.................£1,149 Floor tiles.................£374 Lighting.................£1,081 TOTAL..................£9,601 HOW RACHEL DID IT ‘When we moved in, I replaced the disgusting carpet with cheap lino as a temporary fix, but it was still a room we didn’t like to use, as it always felt grubby, with its old white tiles, dirty grouting and mildew. When my daughter got an electric shock from the towel rail that fused the whole house and we discovered…

WHERE TO BUY 1. SHOWERHEAD Belmont 8in showerhead, £60, Victorian Plumbing 2. FAUX PLANT String of pearls artificial hanging plant, £34, The Contemporary Home 3. CHAIR Acapulco chair, £250, Lagoon 4. VASE Aurora teal vase, £49, Dartington Crystal 5. TOWELS Deco towels in teal, from £15, Genevieve Bennett range, John Lewis 6. TILES Optiks tiles, £67.56sq m, Topps Tiles 7. BATH MAT Duckboard, £69, Lime Lace 8. STORAGE Duffield basket, £40, Habitat…

1 IT CAN BLEND IN Select dark grey overlapping tiles if you would like to reflect and complement the slate roof of an existing house in the design. 2 IT IS VERY ROBUST Zinc can withstand the occasionally rough weather conditions and salty air of exposed coastal locations like this. 3 DETAILING CAN BE WORKED THROUGH Liaise with a specialist installer to ensure that the configuration of the tiles is consistent and the ‘capping’ to the tops of the walls minimised, achieving a simple yet elegant appearance. 4 THE TILES CAN OVERLAP AND INTERLOCK Zinc tiles are easy to install and fit, plus an internal waterproof layer can be added below the zinc to provide a watertight barrier between the zinc and the interior. 5 IT CAN ALSO BE LAID…

THE SMALL SPACE CABINET Narrow hall? At just 30cm deep, these cabinets sit flush against the wall and feature two compartments that fit up to 12 pairs of shoes each, plus a drawer at the top for odds and sods. Hemnes shoe cabinets in white, £89 each, Ikea THE COAT RACK The hooks on this cool Promenade coat rack rotate so there’s plenty of space for bulky coats. £180, Umbra range, Amara THE STAIR BASKET Make those regular hallway clear ups a whole lot easier by popping anything that belongs upstairs in this classic wicker stair basket, ready for collection. £30, Dorma range, Dunelm THE EVERYTHING BASKET This bright and jolly rattan storage basket provides a handy home for a whole host of hallway clutter. £38, Bobby Rabbit THE DOG-STUFF…

THE MODULAR SYSTEM Free up your basin from soap dishes, toothbrushes and toothpaste with these stylish shelves and matching storage boxes from John Lewis, in a range of muted tones. Ratio double shelf, £25; Ratio single shelf, £15; bathroom storage boxes in Blue Grey and Grey, from £7 each, all House by John Lewis THE TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER Ensure the kids can easily reach their toothbrushes with fun lizard holders. £9 each, Store THE TOILETRIES TOWER Is your shower overflowing with bottles of shampoo, conditioner and all the rest? This three-drawer unit takes up very little floor space but will store a lot of stuff. £75, Soak & Sleep THE INSTANT TOWEL RACK The Ragrund towel rack is a handy bathroom chair with space to hang your towels, too… what’s not…

Looking to give your home a style boost in the New Year? Head online to BHS.com for a great range of British-designed accessories and soft furnishings, from 100% cotton bedlinen to wall art. Continuing its reputation for beautiful lighting, the company also boasts an impressive collection of ceiling lights, floor lamps, chandeliers and more. Helen White, head of buying at BHS.com, says, ‘Our lighting collection encompasses glamour and pared-back sophistication, all with a luxurious edge.’ So whether you’re a magpie for sparkling crystal or have a penchant for contemporary polished copper, you’re bound to find the perfect light for you. From regular new arrivals on the site to excellent customer service and next-day delivery to CollectPlus stores, filling your home with on-trend pieces really couldn’t be easier. This month, Ideal…

WHERE TO BUY 1. LANTERN Wire and canvas lantern, £17.50, Shimu 2. PESTLE & MORTAR Craft mortar and pestle, £78, Naken 3. NOODLE BOWL Small Oriental bowl, £3, Sainsbury’s 4. TRAY Black tray, £30, Orchid 5. PLACEMAT Bamboo placemat in Natural, £8, Zara Home 6. SPOONS Nippon black spoons, £15 for six, Tokyo Design Studio range, Amara 7. STEAMER School of Wok two-tier bamboo steamer, £25, Lakeland 8. SERVEBOARD Bamboo serveboard, £10, Sainsbury’s 9. TEAPOT Tokyo Design Arare cast-iron teapot, £28, Bell & Blue…

Not so long ago, most of our purchases were made with cash. Now, we tend to use contactless cards most of the time and bank online or on the phone. So thieves have changed their tactics, too, and are using sophisticated scams to target our hard-earned money, with financial fraud costing the UK more than £2 million every day.* Unsuspecting people from every walk of life are being robbed of savings, nest eggs for their children, or house-buying deposits. The Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign wants to help us protect ourselves from these unscrupulous scammers, so we don’t end up losing money like Alex Finch. Here’s her story...…

A Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Andy Thornton 01422 376000 andythornton.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com Apple 0800 048 0408 apple.com/uk Appliances Direct 0871 984 4416 appliancesdirect.co.uk Architecturall 020 8244 1673 architecturall.co.uk Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Arlo & Jacob 0333 222 1643 arloandjacob.com Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Aston Matthews 020 7226 7220 astonmatthews.co.uk Atkin & Thyme 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk Att Pynta attpynta.com Audenza 01162 986393 audenza.com B B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9321 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com Beko 0345 600 4911 beko.co.uk Bell & Blue 01455 558677 bellandblue.com Bert & May 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com Black by Design 01889 502716 black-by-design.co.uk Blanc Cerise 09 7080…

“ Try combining warm and cool metallic accents if you want to create a modern, glamorous, well-balanced space ” PHIL ALLEN, PRODUCT DESIGNER, BATHSTORE “ An intentionally antiqued aesthetic is coming back into fashion, manifesting itself in patinated hues of copper, rose gold and brass ” ROBIN LEVIEN, DESIGNER, IDEAL STANDARD “ Brushed finishes are a little more understated, but still carry all the necessary visual detail and impact ” DAN COOK , PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENT DESIGNER, CP HART Chrome has been king of the bathroom for some time but, as with kitchens, this is all changing. Though we’re not advocating the return of gaudy, swan-shaped brassware or wall-to-wall copper tiles, there is definitely a trend for modern metallic finishes, and it’s worth tapping…

Select a colour palette that reflects the mood you want to create in the room. Softer blues and greens will create a relaxed and soothing space, reds and oranges will invigorate, while dark blues and blacks add drama. Visit your local DIY store for paint charts and brochures, as they will often be helpful in selecting accent colours. Add bold modernist artwork or select word prints in accent colours.Notonthehighstreet.com has lots of customisable posters and artworks. Frame them well to avoid moisture getting to them. Buy some new fluffy towels and a bath mat to match, as a cost-effective way of introducing an enlivening flash of colour. Are you opting for coloured furniture and sanitaryware? Keep your walls and floors fairly neutral to stop them overpowering the space. Invest in…

“ Introducing textured finishes will provide added interest, while using gloss finishes and designs without handles will further enhance the sense of space ” KAREN BARCOO, UK MARKETING SUPERVISOR, CATALANO “The recent emergence of boutique hotel chic in the home has helped to break down barriers – figuratively and literally – between the bedroom and the bathroom ” ROBIN LEVIEN , DESIGNER, IDEAL STANDARD “ The  demand for hotel-style suites is driving the latest bathroom trends, such as stylish shower enclosures ” KAREN SPERRIN , COMMERCIAL MANAGER, PURE BATHROOM COLLECTION While many of us dream of a day at a luxury spa to pamper ourselves and take a break from the stresses of daily life, it’s not always possible to spare the time. However,…

Supersoft faux-fur cushion in Silver Rabbit (left), £50; velvet and linen cushion in Blush (centre), £20, both Cox & Cox. Pom-pom cushion, £29.50, Marks & Spencer. Holkham waffle throw in grey, £180, Tori Murphy. Moss knit blanket in grey, £40; stoneware bowl, £6.99, both H&M Home. Cream wooden lap tray, £40, Laura Ashley. Oak wood toast rack, £25 (with two egg cups); mug, £8 for four, all John Lewis. White vintage napkin, £13.50 for two, Bohzaar. Pink teapot, £120, Oggetto. Mini porcelain vase, £14 for four; birch wood brunch board, £8; egg cup and spoon set, £11, all Nordic House. Grey Geo side plate, £45 for a 12-piece set; copper teaspoon, £38 for a 16-piece set, both Next. Leghorn white eggs, from £2.40, Clarence Court…

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here. This house is unique and we absolutely love it!” Rebecca Brough lives here with her husband, Jonny, and their 14-year-old son, Oscar. Rebecca and Jonny are both psychologists. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Twenties house in Margate, Kent. VALUE A similar property in the area would be valued at around £575,000. HOW TO DO The bright boho look 1 MIX BOLD COLOURS Be fearless! Make jewel tones pop against deep hues of charcoal, indigo or forest green on the walls. 2 BALANCE THEM OUT Calm down the overall effect of using multiple contrasting colours with large areas of natural wood. 3 BE ECLECTIC If you love everything from country and glam to trad and industrial, this look is perfect for you as you…

You’ve got… a day RE-COLOUR YOUR DOOR External doors require a hard-wearing gloss, eggshell or weather-resistant paint. Gloss in rich colours may complement period properties, but an eggshell gives a softer sheen and works well in lighter shades. Classic white, black or grey are perfect for new builds but a bright colour gives a simple façade personality. You’ve got… an afternoon PAINT A PANEL Measure and mark a space with decorator’s tape. Paint with a pastel emulsion for contrast. You’ve got… an hour MAKE A PINBOARD Incorporate a work space into a room by giving a basic pinboard a makeover. Cover the cork with wallpaper, fabric or a thick piece of wrapping paper, using a spray adhesive to stick it down. Paint the trim with a contrasting colour. You’ve got……

MY GO-TO STORES… • ENDLINGS HASTINGS ‘An amazing treasure trove of antique or collectable pieces.’ • LABOUR AND WAIT ‘Supplies practical basics in appealing and timeless designs.’ • ARDINGLY ANTIQUES FAIR AND KEMPTON MARKET ‘Unbeatable for bargains, quality and choice.’ STYLIST’S NOTE “Contrast white walls with plenty of texture - natural wood flooring and furniture and tactile, woven textiles all add warmth ” MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR…

Dare to go dark ‘We painted the fireplace and shelving unit in the snug in Valspar’s Charcoal Sketch for a refined, library-inspired look and we love the impact it now has when you walk into the room,’ says Lauren. BUY THE KEY PIECES Gold edge shield shaped wall mirror, £171, Woodpecker Interiors. Gold desk lamp, £20, TK Maxx Create your own standout pieces This chest of drawers in the dining room originally had a pine finish, but Lauren painted it in Farrow & Ball’s Railings eggshell to give it a more industrial vibe. Teaming it with a shutter mirror creates a sideboard or dresser effect. BUY THE KEY PIECES Floor lamp, £65, HomeSense. Shutter mirror, £85, Hilary & Flo “We haven’t lived here long enough to get the layered look…

“A wall clock is a great way to create a focal point in a room, adding style to your interior as well as being a practical addition ”JIM READ, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NEWGATE METALLIC ACCENTS This numberless clock’s simple black face, copper hands and frame are perfect for a minimal, contemporary kitchen. Harlow in black/copper (Dia30cm), £25, Argos TRAD TIMEPIECE Work in a country touch with a design in soothing duck egg, finished off with ornate hands that echo classic country furniture. Jones Darwin in duck egg (Dia30cm), £14, Wilko SCULPTURAL STYLE This unusual, elegant clock made from bent-formed natural beech would sit beautifully in a Scandi-style space. Ribbonwood in beech (Dia30.5cm), £50, Umbra TIME’S UP Your mid-century kitchen needs this retro, teardrop-shaped clock in glossy black enamel. It’s…

Layout is key to getting your kitchen right. It can look fantastic but it needs to function, too. Before you start, look at everything from where to put your recycling to how close your oven is to your food store. After all, you don’t want to end up walking the length of the kitchen every time you need something. A good kitchen designer will be able to advise on a layout that looks good and works. But before thinking about designs, it helps to have an idea of the five basic room formations. MAKE IMPROVEMENTS Write a comprehensive list of what you love and what you don’t about the existing kitchen space. This will help you to concentrate on your must-haves and your don’t wants. ENSURE IT WORKS FOR YOU…

 As the name suggests, wall-mounted taps fit flush to the wall above your bath. Compared to deck-mounted taps, they require a little more effort at the planning and installation stage, but the style benefits are well worth it. “As well as looking super stylish, wall-mounted taps are really easy to clean and will keep the rim of your bath clutter-free, too ”IAN PATTISON, ABACUS BATHROOMS Q How are they fitted? Wall-mounted taps feature a concealed body, so only the handle(s) and spout are exposed. The pipework and tap body will need to be installed before tiling. The easiest option is to build a full- or half-stud wall, into which the taps are fitted. Consider cutting niches for storage to make the most of the stud section. A solid wall installation…

While it might seem daunting, getting your bathroom layout right from the start will make the difference between an adequate design and one that ticks all the boxes. First up, make sure your measurements are correct and then you can begin to experiment. IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS Start by thinking about who will be using the room, as this will have a big bearing on the scheme you finally choose. Is it to be an en-suite shower room for two or a family bathroom that will require a bath and plenty of storage for toys? PLAN YOUR LAYOUT A scale plan of your space is a good place to start. Measure carefully as accurate dimensions are key and include features that are likely to affect the design, including windows, chimney breasts…

THE HIDE & DISPLAY SHELVING Mix and match these brilliant open and closed drawer shelving options to create the ideal display storage – they’re available in oak, too. Stacking shelves in Walnut, from £149 for a narrow two-shelf unit; £70 for a two-drawer set, all Muji THE PRETTY STORAGE BOX This velour-covered box is perfect for tidying away your glasses, keys and random other things that easily clutter a space. £12.99, H&M Home THE SMART SHELF BASKET Super sturdy and with loads of space to stash your stuff, this basket looks great on open shelves. £95, Lombok THE STORAGE COFFEE TABLE Love to read your Ideal Home on the sofa, but don’t want the kids chopping it up for their latest art project? Keep it safely tucked away. £450, Menu…

THE MULTITASKING HANGER Need somewhere to sling your growing collection of scarves and handbags? This handy accessory hanger will handle them all. £7, Primark THE JEWELLERY POT If you’re a creature of habit and usually wear the same jewellery day in, day out, this cute marble trinket box is the perfect place to store it. £6, Wilko THE WARDROBE ORGANISER With 12 vertical pockets and two horizontal mesh ones, you’ll be able to cram a whole load of stuff into the brilliant Esperanto wardrobe tidy. £35, Habitat THE HANDY LAUNDRY BIN You need access to yours round the clock, so an ugly laundry basket just won’t do. This Mai basket set is definitely easy on the eye. £210 for two, Sweetpea & Willow THE DRESSING TABLE TIDY Make-up or jewellery...…

1 WEAR IT WELL The most attractive smartwatch available, Apple’s latest model has a soft nylon sports strap, a heart rate monitor, GPS step tracking and a built-in 4G SIM card, meaning you can go for a run without your phone and still be able to make calls and stream Apple Music via Bluetooth headphones. Apple Watch Series 3, from £399 (+£19.60 per month), Apple 2 POSTURE PERFECTOR It’s easy to slump when you’re tired or stressed, but poor posture is one of the leading causes of back pain. Worn just below your collarbone and secured by a mini magnet, this tiny 14g Bluetooth-connected device will gently vibrate to let you know when you’re slouching, so you can adjust your posture. The Lumo Lift app (iOS and Android) tracks steps…

TAKES 1hr 5min SERVES 18 INGREDIENTS • 250g potatoes, peeled and chopped • 1tbsp milk • 250g butter, at room temperature • 250g golden caster sugar • 3 eggs • 1tbsp vanilla extract • 250g gluten-free self-raising flour• 6tbsp strawberry jam • 2tbsp desiccated coconut 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°Cfan/Gas 4. Boil the potatoes in a pan until tender. Drain them, add the milk and mash until smooth. 2 Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Fold in the flour and mashed potato. Spoon into a greased and lined 18x28cm baking tin and bake for 45min, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 3 Spread the jam over the top of the warm sponge and sprinkle with coconut. Leave the sponge to cool,…

“I’ve always thought I’m pretty savvy, but looking back, I feel a complete fool. It was December 2016 and we were going away to Paris for Christmas. I was trying to finish work and pack, the kids were finishing school, our dog was sick. All these were things that were on my mind that morning when the landline rang. The woman claimed to be from BT – I’d been talking to them a lot about WiFi problems. She explained there had been a security issue with their customers’ bank accounts and named the bank I hold my business account with, so I was immediately worried. She transferred me to a “senior fraud investigator”. I could hear other agents in the background calling other customers – I now know they can…

Get organised Keep a mess-free desk with handy wall storage. Give a corkboard and a spice rack an overhaul with a simple lick of paint that tones with your colour scheme. The spice rack transforms into a shelf, while bathroom holders become storage for bits and pieces that can clutter up a drawer; simply tap a nail in the wall to hang them up. BUY THE KEY PIECES Vaggis noticeboard, £4.50; Bekvam spice rack, £3; Stugvik baskets, from £4 each, all Ikea. Noticeboard painted in Tallanstown Grey flat emulsion, £5 for 125ml sample pot, Paint & Paper Library. Spice rack painted in Broken White chalky finish, £5 for 250ml, Hobbycraft. Charlie alarm clock, £26; Indigo Nights letter rack is similar, £9, both Paperchase. For a similar light, try the Lapo…

“Statement baths are meant for long, luxurious soaks, so it’s important to ensure the one you buy is comfortable ” TINA ROBINSON, PRODUCT MANAGER, HERITAGE BATHROOMS “Introducing furniture with timeless styling in neutral painted finishes will help to create a country house atmosphere in any bathroom ” HELEN SHAW, MARKETING MANAGER, LAURA ASHLEY BATHROOM COLLECTION “ A calming, sophisticated palette will help to create a relaxing atmosphere – think natural tones and textures ” FAYE FROYE , BRAND MANAGER, BURLINGTON BATHROOMS Packed with character, period-style bathrooms continue to be in vogue, and work just as well in a modern new-build as in a Victorian or Edwardian home. Looking to history will provide you with endless inspiration – there’s beautifully sculpted sanitaryware, elegant ironwork and…

SOMETHING NEW TO SWOON OVER… We’ve found two more reasons to peruse the website of the ever-evolving furniture emporium, Swoon Editions. Now expanding its accessories range into lighting and tableware, the new collections follow the brand’s artisan-made ethos by working with family-run specialist companies in Portugal. Handblown, tinted glass pendants, from £45, are beautifully simple, while the maker’s mark is visible with the unique, reactive glazes on dinnerware, £122 for a 12-piece set. Velvet goldmine You’ve probably noticed, but velvet is officially A Thing. It’s literally everywhere, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. It’s easy to work into a glam or retro look, but what if country style’s your thing? Vanessa Arbuthnott, the fabric designer known for modern-country prints, has come up trumps with a range of…

We moved here from Whitstable when we needed more space. House prices there had rocketed, but Margate had a feeling of regeneration – it was an exciting time to move. The painter thought I was mad when he saw the shades I’d chosen! I went for strong darks because I think they transform a bare space into a warm, comforting cocoon. The effect changes with the light through the day, and I love the drama and contrast of dark against bright. I like having lots to look at and wanted plenty of interest throughout the house. People notice something new each time they come. My taste covers vibrant blues, colour clashes, contemporary, vintage, mid-century and easygoing boho elements. You have to tie it all together with themes, though. With all…

Oliver Tress opened his first shop in Fulham in 1993. He now has 60 and a thriving online business. He lives in south London with his wife Gina, and their children, Talia, eight, Bruno, seven, and Laila, four. I couldn’t live in a completely neutral house. It would make me so unhappy. Our home reflects our family and it’s a house of fun for all of us. My wife Gina is keen to have disco lights fitted in the playroom! I can’t tell you what our style is – it’s such a mix. I hesitate to say ‘eclectic’ because it’s such an overused word. It’s quite neutral, but with pops of colour, although I’m sure under the right circumstances, I could be persuaded to go for a more maximalist look,…

PURE WHITE TRIM Team warm truffle tones with crisp white details Stylist’s note “Truffle lends itself to a glamorous or luxe-country look, with touches of matt or rose gold to make it modern ” NICKY PHILLIPS , DECORATING EDITOR Opulent living Truffle is the perfect, mellow backdrop for a space dedicated to lounging, blended with similar neutrals for a restful look. Upholstery in plush velvet underlines the decadent mood BLACK ACCENT Adds a harder edge to a scheme of blended neutrals Stylist’s note “To stop mid-brown tones like this looking murky, you need pops of fresh white and layer upon layer of texture ” NICKY PHILLIPS , DECORATING EDITOR MINK GREY Warm greys mix in beautifully for a soft contrast Relaxed luxe Truffle is soft and subtle…

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom detached house, built in 1882, in Christchurch, Dorset. VALUE Bought in 2015 for £300,000; now worth £650,000. When a family member offered Charlotte and Joe Valentine the chance to buy this house, they jumped at it. ‘We fell for its classic Victorian charm instantly and loved its large, open-plan space,’ says Charlotte. ‘It was in great condition, but not really decorated to our tastes. We wanted to put our own stamp on it as soon as possible, and so we worked tirelessly to redecorate virtually every room in the house.’ The open-plan kitchen-diner quickly became the family’s main living zone, but they found they hardly used the conservatory at the back of the property. So the couple decided to replace it with an extension to stretch…

 Lauren Coleman, editor of a lifestyle website, lives here with her husband James, a senior client relations manager. “A home should be a reflection of you and your life, so we’ve filled ours with things that have meaning and make us happy ” THE PROPERTY A four-bed Victorian semi in Northamptonshire. VALUE Bought in 2015 for £425,000; now valued at £468,000. Lauren and James Coleman’s house was ready for an update when they purchased the property back in 2015. They instantly fell in love with its period charm and the good size of both the property and garden. Having moved from a small three-bedroom terraced cottage, the versatile layout downstairs appealed to the couple, and the large kitchen in the centre of the house works as…

“It’s not hard to see why black appliances are making a comeback – sultry and sophisticated, they won’t show every mark and fingerprint ”AMY CUTMORE, DIGITAL EDITOR AND TECH EXPERT, IDEALHOME.CO.UK OVEN READY This black steel A+ rated oven with a pyrolytic self-cleaning feature and a 73ltr capacity is striking and efficient Twelix oven, £1,900, KitchenAid MIX IT UP A limited edition stand mixer with a super-glossy 4.8ltr black bowl Artisan Black Tie stand mixer, £849, KitchenAid DISH OF THE DAY With a half-load programme plus a 30˚C one that does a full load in 30 minutes, this energy-efficient dishwasher is impressive DFC04210 dishwasher, £249, Beko LUXE LOOK Get into worktop bling with a stunning wide-slot toaster that boasts a ‘high-lift’ for small slices, plus re-heat and cancel options…

1 THEY CAN BE MADE IN DIFFERENT TIMBERS A practical timber for windows is engineered softwood. For houses in exposed sites, such as coastal areas, consider modified timber like Accoya. 2 THERE IS A CHOICE OF PAINT FINISHES Lighter paint colours reflect UV rays that can break down the surface of the paint, meaning they won’t require repainting as regularly as darker colours. 3 THEY’RE DURABLE Factory-finished timber windows are given a specialist spray-coated paint finish for an even and durable coverage. 4 THEY’LL LAST Provided they’re maintained, the lifespan of softwood frames is about 60 years, and modified wood is around 80 years. 5 THEY’LL ADD VALUE Replacing dated uPVC windows with classic timber designs in keeping with the style of your house can be very appealing to potential…

THE OVER-DOOR SHELVING Whether on display or hidden in a cupboard, this ingenious rack ekes out oodles more storage for dried goods or cleaning products. Four-tier over-door storage rack, £25.99, Lakeland THE HANDY TROLLEY Thanks to its cool industrial look, this brilliant Be Pure drinks trolley will sit happily in the kitchen as extra storage, and can double up as a bar cart whenever you have guests over. £199, Next THE CUP HOLDER Make use of wasted space and keep cups in easy reach with this useful under-shelf mug holder. £10, John Lewis THE FRUIT & VEG BASKET Most fresh fruit and vegetables last longer if they have air circulating around them. This wire tiered Annelle stand works a treat. £25, PIB THE KNIFE & UTENSIL BLOCK Room for your…

THE OPEN STORAGE Perfect for filing or crafting, these open baskets keep stuff off your desk (or floor), while giving you easy and instant access to the things you need more often. Ladder with five wire baskets, £250, Graham and Green THE ESSENTIAL PINBOARD This handy cork memo board comes with eight push pins to help clear your desk of all those bits of paper, reminders and important numbers. £13, The Contemporary Home THE PAPER STORE Don’t want your home office to look like a real one? Then hide away your reams of printer paper in this roomy zinc box. £19.95, Muji THE MUST-HAVE DRAWER UNIT Available in White, Black or a jolly Green shade, the Helmer filing cabinet features six drawers for storing your files, bank statements, bills or…

Special egg fried rice Takes 10min Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS • 2tbsp vegetable oil • 4 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped • 350g cooked rice • 4 spring onions, sliced • 100g mange tout or sugar snap peas, finely shredded • 1tbsp sesame oil • 2 eggs 1 Heat the oil in a large wok. Add the bacon and cook until it starts to crisp. Add the rice and heat it through thoroughly, then add the spring onion and mange tout or sugar snap peas. Cook for 1-2min. Stir in the sesame oil. 2 Mix up the eggs with a fork, then use a spatula to move the rice to the edges of the pan and pour the egg into the centre. Gently fold it into the rice as it cooks, so there are some…

TAKES 1hr 40min SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 50g red split lentils • 600g potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1tsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 200g lean bacon, chopped • 2 large carrots, diced • 2 large parsnips, diced • 3 sticks celery, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, sliced • 1ltr vegetable stock • 2tbsp sun-dried tomato paste • 4tbsp skimmed milk • 2tbsp olive oil 1 Put the lentils into a pan and cover with boiling salted water. Simmer for 20min until tender. 2 Meanwhile, put the potatoes into another pan of salted water, bring to the boil, then simmer for 15min until potatoes are tender. 3 Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan180°C/Gas 6. Heat oil in a pan, add the onion and bacon and cook for 5min until the bacon is browned. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery and garlic,…

1 ALWAYS QUESTION UNEXPECTED CALLS , unsolicited texts or emails and never give out personal or financial details. If you do respond to an approach, contact the company separately, using a known email or phone number. 2 IF A SITUATION IS UNUSUAL or unexpected, or you feel uncomfortable, it’s likely something is wrong. Take five to say, ‘My money? My Info? I don’t think so!’ and don’t be rushed into following instructions or making a decision. 3 CRIMINALS CAN MAKE ANY PHONE NUMBER APPEAR on your phone handset, or make messages appear on a preexisting thread from a trusted provider. Don’t use this as verification they are genuine. 4 NEVER CLICK ON A LINK IN an unsolicited email or text or agree to tap your card pin number or bank…

Traditionally the smallest room in the house, the bathroom still packs a big punch in terms of design, and is especially important when it comes to resale. Far from being the functional space of old, it’s also now a room in which we can recharge our batteries after the rigours of the day. Whatever your style – whether you’re after a sleek, clutter-free family space or a splash of glamorous, hotel-style chic – if you’re planning to refresh your bathroom, we’ve got it covered. From ultra-thin statement baths to space-saving storage, we’ve selected the most inspiring bathroom trends for 2018, so read on and enjoy. FIND INSPIRATION ON OUR WEBSITE Visit idealhome.co.uk to discover more brilliant bathroom ideas, looks and advice, whatever your style!…

“What’s really exciting is that the idea of ‘pops’ of colour is moving to a new level, making it more full-blown, particularly with bathroom furniture ” DAN COOK, PRINCIPAL DEVELOPMENT DESIGNER, CP HART “Introducing plant life into the bathroom helps to connect it with the outside, turning it from a cold, clinical room into a living space in which you want to spend time ” JO CRANE , DESIGNER AND SHOWROOM MANAGER, RIPPLES “ Indigo is the new black with hints of rich turquoise and texture delivering a sophisticated combination ” RICH SHORE , HEAD OF DESIGN, UTOPIA BATHROOMS White is still by far the most popular choice for bathroom suites, but that doesn’t mean you must completely forgo colour. Coloured baths and basins…

Play with contrasts by mixing and matching old and new pieces to create an eclectic look. Take care of the finer details, opting for efficient modern taps and fittings that recreate the designs of the past. A freestanding tub will transform your room. Create a striking focal point with a roll-top, bâteau or slipper bath and place it centre stage for maximum impact. Install modern underfloor heating for a toasty room at all times, but include traditional-style radiators with ball-end joints for warming towels. Invest in quality and buy the best taps your budget will allow for a designer style, whichever look you’ve chosen to go for. A wall-mounted version of a standard fitted bath tap will give a modern scheme a classic edge. High-gloss brick-shaped tiles, like those seen…

“We’re seeing less restrictive, free-flowing products becoming more of a design feature within the bathroom, such as washbasins on the surface of consoles ” ADAM TEAL, HEAD OF SALES UK, KALDEWEI “Modern modular furniture is the perfect choice if you are looking for different products that you can arrange to create a more individual finish in the bathroom ” HELEN SHAW , MARKETING MANAGER, LAURA ASHLEY BATHROOM COLLECTION “ Look for stylish wall units with lots of clever internal storage to create a sleek and clutter-free family bathroom ” YSANNE BROOKS, EDITOR, BEST NEW LOOKS FOR BATHROOMS While we can all dream of huge bathrooms with enough space to luxuriate in peace, often the reality is a smaller room that needs to cater for…

A  Alternative Bathrooms 020 3375 9002; alternativebathrooms.com Annie Sloan 01865 803168; anniesloan.com B  Bagnodesign 01924 233977; bagnodesign london.com Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200; bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323; bathstore.com Bette 0844 800 0547; bette.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com British Ceramic Tile 0845 618 7144; britishceramictile.com Burlington Bathrooms 01322 473222; burlingtonbathrooms.com Burgbad 01235 750990; burgbad.com C  California Shutters 0800 195 0196; californiashutters.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444; carpetright.co.uk Catalano 020 8685 6815; catalano.co.uk CP Hart 0845 873 1121; cphart.co.uk D  Dulux 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk F  Farrow & Ball 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com Fired Earth 0845 366 0400; firedearth.com Frontline 0845 470 2424; frontline bathrooms.co.uk G  Gerberit 0800 077 8365; gerberit.co.uk H  Hansgrohe 01372 465655; hansgrohe. co.uk Harvey Maria 0845 680 1231; harveymaria.co.uk Heritage Bathrooms 0330 026 8503; heritagebathrooms.com I  Ideal Standard 01482 346461;…