Innholdsfortegnelse for Nov-2018 i Ideal Home

Looking around the sitting room on Saturday night, I realised that the Richmond family have raised lounging to an art form. Watching Strictly and eating home-made pizza, I was in my M&S cashmere joggers (elasticated waist, obvs), with my feet on a pouffe and the cat on my lap. Ma Richmond was swaddled in my new faux-fur throw from Cox & Cox with a glass of red and the littlest Richmonds were lined up on the big sofa, looking adorable in their panda onesies. Utter contentment all round. This issue is dedicated to all things warm and cosy, to help you hit peak snuggle this winter, too. If you spot something you love, just grab your phone and find it with the Ownable app – it’s the quickest and easiest…

FAUX PLANTS FROM MARKS & SPENCER “There was a time when artificial plants were either affordable but naff-looking, or realistic but crazy-expensive. M&S has put a stop to all that nonsense with this collection of super-real, great-value plants (and even a tiny tree) that require nowt but a bit of dusting now and then. Hurrah!” SPOTTED BY… STYLE EDITOR MICHELA COLLING…

STYLIST’S NOTE “Soften a Scandi-style scheme by painting walls in the palest green ” HEATHER YOUNG, DEPUTY EDITOR MY GO-TO STORES… • SISSY-BOY A fashion and lifestyle brand from the Netherlands • HEMA Great for colourful office kit and kitchenware • H&M HOME For all the latest interiors trends at a great price • AMARA A luxe online store that also sells some designer pieces…

Choose muted hues The whole house is decorated in a palette of mixed neutrals. ‘I wanted the colours to flow easily from room to room, so you don’t open a door and get a shock,’ says Anna. ‘It just works together naturally.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Ektorp three-seater sofa, from £350, Ikea. For similar black tables, try the Essentials side tables, £39 each, Made.com. “Greenery brings a splash of colour and energy into a space that no piece of furniture or ornament can ” Be a shape shifter A round table helps the flow of foot traffic around the kitchen-diner and out to the patio beyond the bifolds. ‘The pale oak flooring inside blends into the wooden decking, blurring the two spaces,’ says Anna. BUY THE KEY PIECES Ingatorp…

WHERE TO BUY 1. LAMP Truman table lamp in Memphis Blue, £35, Made.com 2. FOOTSTOOL Sofia footstool in blue linen, £495, Soho Home 3. THROW Anya reversible throw, £50, National Trust 4. CUPBOARD Westcote Blue cupboard, £199, The Cotswold Company 5. JEWELLERY BOX Gold and glass trinket box, £39.50, Oliver Bonas 6. MUG Olmo dark blue mug, £8, Habitat 7. CHAIR Karla armchair in Midnight, £599, Swoon 8. RUG Pappelina mono rug in Denim, from £70, Printer + Tailor Buy now with Ownable…

1 COSY FAMILY SNUG HOW TO… Put together a room that’s dedicated to family snuggling, where comfy seating is the focus and clever storage means you can hide away all the ugly-but-necessary stuff. 2 SIMPLY CHIC DINING AREA HOW TO… Squeeze in a dining area at one end of a room in a way that doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered, with versatile colours and simple furniture that can be repurposed in the future. 3 MODERN SCANDI BEDROOM HOW TO… Turn your bedroom into a relaxed retreat that feels cosy at night but light and uplifting by day, with a mixed palette of neutrals and touches of pretty colour. COSY FAMILY SNUG The hero piece of this room has to be a super-squashy sofa in a versatile colour. Put a warmer…

“A sprinkle of talcum powder worked between the floorboards is a quick fix if they’re squeaky” RUTH CORBETT, HOUSES EDITOR Lift your carpets and you might be pleasantly surprised by original wooden floorboards. If they’re not in great condition, read on to find out how to restore them to their former glory. Q How do I eliminate gaps between boards? Floorboards were made to be covered with underlay and carpet, so draughty gaps are common. To fix these, you can use papiermâché mixed with colour-matched woodstain, pushed into the gaps, or use a shop-bought flooring filler. For bigger spaces, fill with a piece of new wood, cut to fit and applied with wood glue. Once dried, plane so it’s flush with the board, before sanding and treating with…

“I can’t say the room will ever be 100% finished, but I’m so happy with the result and my friends love it, too!” Stephanie Savvides-Howell lives here with her husband, Simon. THE PROPERTY A five-bed Edwardian house in North London, bought in May 2017. WHAT IT COST Paint.........................£100 Flooring...............£2,000 Furniture..............£2,656 Floor lamp.................£59 Rug.............................£89 Mirror.........................£50 Cushions and soft furnishings..............£290 TOTAL.................£5,244…

1 RENDER IS SIMPLEST… The simplest option is to chip off the pebbledash and replace with a two-part render: a sand and cement ‘scratch coat’ followed by a finer topcoat. Then paint it. 2 …BUT IT DEPENDS ON THE PEBBLEDASH Caramel’s house had strong ‘roughcast’ rather than weaker pebbledash, so it could simply be rendered over without fear that it would fall apart in years to come. 3 BRICK MAY NOT BE BEST Removing pebbledash and restoring the brickwork will add value, but you won’t know the state of the bricks until work starts, so have a contingency fund. 4 INSULATION BOARDS ARE AN OPTION If you have solid brick walls, you can use mechanical fixings to add insulation boards, then render over the top. The money you save not…

THE STORAGE BENCH A slimline bench like this will slot into the narrowest hall, giving you a seat while you take off your shoes, plus space beneath for four or five pairs. £165, Garden Trading Buy now with Ownable THE HANDY HOOK Squeeze a compact coat hook into the tiniest of tight corners – there’s space to hang six coats or jackets on this Scandistyle set of wood and metal hooks. £8, Sainsbury’s Buy now with Ownable THE UMBRELLA HOLDER Avoid soggy brollies and puddles on the floor with the stylish Holdit umbrella stand, providing space for four brollies with a weighted tray base to catch drips and keep them upright. £30, John Lewis Buy now with Ownable THE CUBBYHOLE SHELVES Set up a hall hub with this 12-section pigeonhole…

A  Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Abstract House abstracthouse.com Alexander and Pearl 020 8508 0411 alexanderandpearl.co.uk Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Andshine 01736 366568 andshine.co.uk A New Tribe 07815 534545 anewtribe.co.uk Antiques Atlas 0161 613 5714 antiques-atlas.com Ao.com 0344 324 9222 Arbol House 01244 329643 ovohome.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644 atlanticshopping.co.uk Att Pynta attpynta.com Audenza 0116 298 6393 audenza.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathroom Eleven 020 8398 8863 bathroomeleven.co.uk Bathroom Takeaway 0333 305 8200 bathroomtakeaway.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323 bathstore.com Beko 0333 207 9710 beko.co.uk Bensons for Beds 0330 124 1100 bensonsforbeds.co.uk Bertazzoni 0330 053 9185 uk.bertazzoni.com Beut.co.uk 01225 292088 Bisque 020 7328 2225 bisque.co.uk Black by Design 01889 502716 black-by-design.co.uk Blake & Bull 01225 309347 blakeandbull.co.uk Blanc Cerise blanc-cerise.com Bloc Blinds 0800 107 5535 blocblinds.co.uk Blue Sun Tree 0116 267 0267…

ASARO MINK This subtle design comes to life in a luxe textured velvet fabric. HARKNESS GASOLINE Geo-inspired diamond pattern that’s finished in a dark, tactile velvet. LUCIEN DUST Channel a glam look with a shimmery fabric reminiscent of pearls. CLEY MOLE A blind in graduated graphite grey looks striking with colourful fringing. WOLFE SMOULDER Embrace an unstructured print for the ultimate laid-back look. CLEY DONKEY If neutrals are your go-to choice, you’ll love this versatile shade. JAGO TABAC Ripples add depth to the velvety texture of this taupe fabric. BEATS HAZE Inspired by hand-printed patterns, this modern print has an on-trend artisan look. CADILLAC NOIR Add visual movement to windows with this eye-catching wave design.…

MODERN GEOMETRICS A bold signature print is ideal for a lounge – make it feel luxe with generous fringing. Harkness Gasoline Roman blind with Colette Celeste fringing INKY ELEGANCE Contemporary abstract patterns add interest – pick out one shade as a matching trim. Cley Mole curtains and Beats Haze Roman blind with Colette Soleil fringing MONOCHROME WITH A TWIST Give simple black and white more impact. Wolfe Smoulder Roman blinds with Colette Vixen fringing…

Jennifer Howard lives here with her husband Paul, and their daughter Riley, three. THE PROPERTY A three-bed semi, bought off-plan in 2014, in Caterham, Surrey. WHAT IT COST Paint..........................£110 Wallpaper.................£414 Curtains and blinds (including making)....£783 Furniture..............£6,363 Lighting...................£224 Bedlinen and throws......................£440 TOTAL.................£8,334 “Adding colour has made it feel like home now, rather than a boring box ”…

START WITH A NEUTRAL BASE You’ll need a simple backdrop to successfully layer on plenty of bold colour, so choose a bed frame in a neutral shade and add plain carpet or oak wooden flooring. GO BOLD (OR GO HOME) This look is all about a rich, sumptuous combination of colour and texture. Start with deeper shades of pinky terracotta on the walls and furniture, working your way back to pale-rose hues on tactile velvet furnishings. USE OMBRE PRINTS Unite all the layers of colour – and add a dreamy quality to your room – by introducing a graduated ombre design on either your bedlinen or wallpaper. KEEP IT CLASSIC Choose warm wooden furniture, steering clear of anything white to stop the look becoming too contemporary. MODERN BOUDOIR Splash out…

BALANCE OUT YOUR COLOURS Mix subtle blush hues with soft whites, and finish with hints of warmer neutrals, such as linen, stone and sand, for a harmonious look. ADD INTEREST WITH PATTERN Introduce one or two printed motifs to break up the swathes of plain colour. Go for small-scale, delicate florals for a feminine feel or stick to graphic geometrics to keep the look cool and contemporary. CHOOSE WOODEN FURNITURE Pick out designs made from oak to bring both depth and warmth to the scheme. Pieces with black metal legs and handles will stop the look becoming too girly. CREATE A BACKDROP Paint wooden floors and walls in off white or soft pink to emphasise the natural light in the room. ALL SQUARE Frame a favourite piece of furniture with…

SURPRISE IN STORE! DESIGNER STYLE AT HOMEBASE It might be time to visit the DIY store for a decorating refresh, but don’t leave without first browsing the homeware aisle. The Velvet Taper light shades will give a bohemian-luxe look for just £15 each and you can warm up bare floors with a collection of Scandi-style rugs, from £25. New colours from F&B! Just when we thought they’d nailed their colour chart, the paint experts at Farrow & Ball have found space for nine new colours. Totally gorgeous grey-green Treron and the velvety denim blue De Nimes are a bit of us, olive Bancha will please retro lovers and the sweet but not sickly Sulking Room Pink is the grown up way to embrace the colour. OMG, it’s gorgeous… Sofa.com’s Mabel…

“Mix cool, classic greys with smart monochrome and warm, brick tones for a chic but relaxed feel ” VANESSA RICHMOND, EDITOR IDEAL HOME loves Accent armchairs The faded print is subtle, but adds so much character THROW SOME SHAPES Square-lined armchairs and round side tables give a chic, graphic look. Folding side table, £39; Isla fabric armchair, £229; Aztec tassel cushion, £17.99; Freydis floor lamp, £49.99; macramé hanging, £16.99; Calandre fringed rug, from £59.99; Parquet television cabinet, £269; Pentagon bean drum (on right, just seen), £44.99, all Ideal Home range, Very Buy now with Ownable Shop now with the Ownable app…

EASTERN INFLUENCE Encapsulating hand-finished patterns and motifs that draw on a blending of classic decorative designs from Japan and India with simple geometrics. Create a zen-like finish by mixing restful colour combinations with clean-lined, Scandi-style furniture. MODERN RUSTIC This relaxed theme has been smartened up with tweed and wool in bold colours, and playful, illustrated prints of woodland animals and forest foliage. Wallpapers featuring abstract patterns, silhouettes and soft metallic sheens complete the look with a country-luxe edge. NEW RETRO Uniform geometrics – such as chevron, honeycomb and zigzag – are key to this boutique trend. Fabrics feature plush relief patterns on textured ground and silky jacquards in hits of retro teal, orange and mustard. Style up with Fifties-inspired furniture. ROUGH LUXE SURFACES The natural textures of stone, cracked earth,…

Every month the Ideal Home team does its very best to bring you the most inspiring, creative and generally gorgeous ideas for your home. But we know that inspiration is only the start. Translating these ideas into your home takes effort. You need more than a keen eye for detail – you need time. Searching for products online isn’t always as straightforward as it should be, and every in-store experience requires a significant investment of time. MEET OWNABLE – A NEW SERVICE FOR OUR READERS Ideal Home has teamed up with Ownable to bring you a new service that connects you directly to the sources of the ideas and products that we show you in our features. This means you can buy directly off the page and get straight back…

COSY FAMILY SNUG WALLS painted in London Stone No 6 matt estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball. Portland Stone carpet, £39.99sq m, Brintons. Rug Guru Union Ivory rug, from £469, Modern Rugs. Blind in Vine Arborio, £92.50m, Romo. Dillon sofabed in Casual Linen, £1,449, Sofa Workshop. Caspar leather armchair, £1,610, Neptune. Slim oak coffee table, £345, Lombok. Besta TV unit (adapted), £70; with Lappviken doors, £15 each; and Osternas leather handles, £10 for two; Lack shelves from £10 each, all Ikea. Hula round mirror, £135, Loaf. ON COFFEE TABLE Corin Mellor handmade walnut tray, £79, David Mellor. Recycled glass jug, £15, Croft Collection at John Lewis. LSA utility blown glass tumblers, £24 for two, Amara. Leaf tea light holder, £3, Dunelm. Alderney small conical vase, £20, Neptune. ON…

1 Smarten up your table Update your dinnerware with a cool new colourway. Combine patterned plates with plain, so you can layer up the place settings for a casually co-ordinated look – meaning there’ll be plenty of extra pieces. Urban Escape 12-piece dinner set, £38; Wave pendant, £12; Beni grey chairs, £140 for two; Alston table, £399.99, all Argos Use the Ownable App to buy now 2 LAY OUT AN EASY TABLE RUNNER Rustle up a runner with fancy giftwrap - buy it by the roll, then just throw it away when you’re finished with it. 3 LUXE UP YOUR PLACE SETTINGS Take your table up a notch when you’re entertaining and invest in a set of beaten copper place mats. Pop one under each place setting to give plain…

WHERE TO BUY 1. MIRROR Gold round mirror, £70, The Farthing 2. PLANT Large faux plant in marble-look pot, £12, Primark 3. FLOOR LAMP White metal floor lamp, £49.99, HomeSense 4. CABINET Ziggy brass cabinet, £549, Swoon Buy now with Ownable 5. COFFEE TABLE Low Jinks coffee table, £375, Loaf 6. CUSHION Pom-pom cushion, £14, Next Home 7. CANDLESTICK Flamingo candlestick, £25, Biba range, House of Fraser 8. ARMCHAIR Frame armchair in blush cotton velvet, £599, Made.com…

“I love seeing the Aga when I walk in. It’s such a great focal point and I feel warm just looking at it!” Kerry Warren lives here with her husband, Andy, and their two sons, Paddy, 14, and Toby, 12. THE PROPERTY A five-bed Victorian semi in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. WHAT IT COST Cupboards...........£7,032 Worktop...............£4,000 Appliances...........£1,547 Sink...........................£348 Tap.............................£120 Tiles..........................£240 Paint.........................£320 Total...................£13,607…

“I love cooking and wanted this room to be a highly functional cook’s kitchen. Now, I think it’s the best on our street ” Rhona Millar lives here with her husband, Michael, and their son, Ross, 20. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom modern townhouse in Edinburgh. WHAT IT COST Cabinetry............£10,000 Hob........................£1,649 Fridge.....................£2,157 Boiling water tap...£1,271 Sink...........................£438 Worktop................£4,500 Furniture................£4,532 Lighting....................£568 Total....................£25,114…

“I’ve always wanted to have an en suite that was big enough to fit a freestanding bath tub in ” Rachel Collis lives here with her husband, Jason, and their sons, James, 14 and Sam, 12. THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom modern detached house in Cheltenham, built seven years ago. WHAT IT COST Shower....................£854 Loo and cistern.......£289 Concealed cistern....£50 Bath.........................£400 Basin..........................£75 Towel radiator..........£169 Taps.........................£670 Tiles..........................£870 TOTAL..................£3,377…

“I love the spa-like feel the room now has, plus its calm colours – they’re so fresh and light ” Karen Urwin lives here with her husband, Richard. THE PROPERTY A four-bed Twenties detached house in Surrey. WHAT IT COST Bath.......................£594 Shower................£2,179 Furniture...............£642 Tiles...................£3,056 Towel rail...............£704 Lights and electrics..............£1,373 Underfloor heating...................£411 TOTAL...............£8,959…

Apple & cinnamon crumble with home-made custard Takes 1hr Serves 8 INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUMBLE • 800g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and chopped • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 cinnamon stick • 1tbsp caster sugar • 90g plain flour• 25g ground almonds • 90g salted butter, plus a little extra • 90g rolled oats • Pinch of ground cinnamon FOR THE CUSTARD • 600ml milk • 55ml single cream• 1tsp vanilla extract • 4 egg yolks • 30g caster sugar • 2tsp cornflour 1 To make the crumble, put the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon stick and sugar in a deep pan. Cover and cook over a gentle heat for 8-10min until the apples begin to soften. 2 Put the flour, ground almonds and butter into a food processor and whizz until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir through the oats and cinnamon. 3 Preheat the…

Wheely useful… Bins are never the most attractive part of the house, but here’s how to add a little salvage style to your recycling. Track down an old crate and simply screw castors to the base, to make it easy to wheel over to the main outdoor bin. If you like, decorate it with old printer’s blocks, small wooden letters or even stencilled letters, to spell out the word ‘Recycle’.…

“Plants and foliage are my obsession. They make you feel as if you’re living in an A-list pad ” ABIGAIL AHERN , DESIGNER Since arriving on the design scene a decade ago, Abigail Ahern has earned her stripes as a nonconformist. While many of us were embracing minimalism, Abigail was daubing walls in inky shades and layering textures. Fortunately, while the world has caught up with her style, her interiors still retain an edge that sets her apart. CURTAIN CALL After launching her own brand a few years ago, it comes as no surprise that Abigail’s latest project is every bit as exciting as you’d expect it to be. Her collaboration with Hillarys comprises statement curtains, blinds and even cushions with embellishments, vibrant linings and fabric to make…

Doesn’t it feel like we’re constantly being bombarded with stories on how much sleep we need to live longer? A good bed frame or mattress is a plus, but it’s the overall condition of your bedroom that will ultimately help you unwind and catch those precious z’s. From relaxing colour schemes and must-have storage to hero beds and the beautiful bedding you dress them with, this little booklet contains everything you need to create your dream bedroom...…

‘Riley was born within a week of moving in, so it took us a while to get around to this room, although we did buy the bed straight away. The room was just lacking in style. The walls were already painted white and after living with them for a few months, it took courage to add colour. We spent ages looking at wallpapers, so when I found this one from Sandberg, we knew it was the one. It was expensive, so I found a decorator to hang it properly. It gave us a colour palette to work with and I kept finding grey and blush accessories everywhere! It’s taken a couple of months to finish, although I’m still looking for bits and bobs.’…

UPHOLSTERED MODERN LUXE Available in four sophisticated colourways, this velvet bed offers a hotel-chic vibe. Sullivan double bed in Mulberry, £400, Furnish Your Home SUBTLE STATEMENT Bring a touch of drama to your scheme with this shapely headboard in the softest of greys. Condor double bed in grey, £249, Argos SOPHISTICATED SHAPE With its curving headboard, this bed has an elegant silhouette and is available in a wide range of fabrics. Thea double bed in Coral brushed linen cotton, £1,100, Sofa.com TOTAL GLAMOUR Sumptuous button-back detailing on this Regency-style bed brings serious luxury to your space. Eleanor double bed in Chatsworth Blue, £810, Living It Up METAL FRAME BEST OF BOTH A metal bed doesn’t always mean hard lines – the gentle shape of this design adds contrasting…

ADD GRADUATED SHADES Blue is traditionally the ideal colour for decorating a bedroom as it is naturally restful. Introduce a variety of denim hues, from chambray to indigo, alongside soft greys to evoke a relaxed atmosphere in your space. PICK SUBTLE PRINTS Work muted checks and stripes – on bedlinen, rugs and cushions – into your scheme, avoiding anything too dramatic or contrasting. ANCHOR THE LOOK Wooden furniture, both natural and painted white, adds a relaxed and classic base for the look. TAILOR TO YOUR TASTE Go for an industrial edge by introducing metal light fittings and wall brackets for shelving or add a country feel by introducing natural wicker accessories and subtle floral prints. POP ART Use smaller accessories, like this jug, to add bolder accent tones of blue.…

MIDNIGHT SKY THE BEDLINEN Blue Ombre double bedding set, £20.99, Argos THE HERO CUSHION Constellation velvet cushion, £30, Oliver Bonas THE BASE CUSHION Geometric print cushion in Grey, £7, George Home THE THROW J by Jasper Conran throw, £125, Debenhams SCANDI GEO THE BEDLINEN Geometric print double duvet set, £12, George Home THE HERO CUSHION Hygge Me cushion, £15, Ellie Ellie at Notonthehighstreet.com THE BASE CUSHION Hayden Geometric quilted cushion in Soft Pink, £25, Made.com THE THROW Jacquard-weave blanket in Light Grey/ White, £34.99, H&M Home GLAM LUXE THE BEDLINEN Pure French linen in Charcoal Grey, from £28 for a pillowcase, Soak & Sleep THE HERO CUSHION Statement floral cushion in Berry, £22.50, Marks & Spencer THE BASE CUSHION Fonda Fringes velvet cushion cover in Pink, £54, Out There Interiors…

BEST FOR… AN UNDISTURBED NIGHT If you spend your nights next to a restless sleeper, the Eve memory foam mattress is probably for you. Made up of several layers, including a breathable air-flow layer, comfort layer, supportive foam base and a non-slip outer, the mattress has medium-firm support and prevents any movement travelling from one side of the bed to the other. It all adds up to the comfort and softness you’d expect from a memory foam mattress, with the level of support you’d find in a more traditional design. What’s more, it doesn’t need turning. Eve offers free delivery, a 100-night sleep trial and free returns, and the mattresses are also available at Dreams stores nationwide. BEST FOR… THOSE ON A BUDGET Wrapped in a vacuum-packed roll, the Hovag…

NEW TRADITIONAL THE SOFA Orson three-seater sofa in graphite grey, £699, Made.com Buy now with Ownable THE THROW Two-tone chunky woven throw in grey pink, £18, George Home Buy now with Ownable THE COFFEE TABLE Blonde parquet coffee table, £385, French Connection Home Buy now with Ownable THE CUSHION Camilla cushion in Rebecca Ash and Chloe Ash, £79, Neptune Buy now with Ownable POLISHED GLAMOUR THE SOFA Halston velvet two-seater sofa in pink, £499, Dunelm Buy now with Ownable THE THROW Chunky-knit throw, £90, National Trust Shop Buy now with Ownable THE COFFEE TABLE Canterbury coffee table, £189, Very Buy now with Ownable THE CUSHION Cut & sew cushion, £8, Matalan Buy now with Ownable MODERN RETRO THE SOFA Dallas three-seater sofa in Outback Tan premium leather, £1,399, Made.com Buy…

Take a quick tour... Bibi and Martijn Boogers weren’t planning to move house. Having spent a stressful six months extending their old property, the plan was to stay put and make the most of the extra space they’d created. ‘As we were in such a lovely area with lots of young families, we decided to renovate rather than move, to gain the extra space,’ says Bibi. However, with the work just complete and the paint barely dry, a friend told Bibi about a detached house with five bedrooms and a bigger garden for sale just around the corner. ‘We viewed the house the next day and within a week we had signed!’ says Bibi. ‘The house was in a quieter spot, with much more space and a sunny south-facing garden,…

Lisa has worked for Harveys for seven years, most recently with Louise Redknapp to create a new furniture collection, Bold, that launches this season. She lives with her husband, David, in Essex. Colour, style and texture connect spaces. Even though each room has its individual purpose and variations, there should be a flow of colour and texture. I used to plan interiors room by room, but now I like to plan the whole overall feel of a home. You can go too far with colour! I once thought it was a good idea to paint a wall in the bathroom of my first flat bubblegum pink – it wasn’t my finest moment, but at least it brought a pop of colour and fun to the windowless room! Since buying our…

Stylist’s Note “As with any dark colour, it’s important to balance it with large areas of neutral – we’ve used white and pale greys, as well as lighter blues, for a gentle, natural combination ” SOPHIE MARTELL , ACTING DECORATING EDITOR Cosy or cool This deep blue creates a comforting, cocooning feel in winter or a cool and shady mood in summer. Just switch light cottons for velvets and faux furs when temperatures drop Wind down This light-absorbing shade is ideal for a bedroom, providing a mellow pre-sleep mood and easy-on-the-eye awakenings. If you use it on all four walls, keep the floor and ceiling white Stylist’s Note “With so much colour going on, don’t complicate matters with bold or busy patterns. A touch of stripe or a…

“I love the different textures in this look, which layer up beautifully to create a cosy festive home ” JANE AKERS , EXECUTIVE EDITOR When it comes to Christmas, one of the most exciting things is dressing our homes. And top of our wishlist this festive season is Matalan’s fabulous Snö collection, which is full of frosted, fairytale glamour. LET IT SNÖ Its colours, textures and fabric designs are inspired by icy landscapes, with rustic natural features, such as faux furs and antlers, sitting alongside light-reflecting trinkets. Look out for snow-flecked, hand-blown glass baubles in ombré shades, metallic droplets, silvered mercury glassware, enchanting feathered snow geese and white pine trees. SPARKLE AND SHINE Light adds instant warmth to icy whites and greys, and this collection has subtle touches…

Focus on features ‘You’ll never regret restoring a house to its former beauty,’ says Clare. ‘We started by repairing or replacing the cornices, ceiling roses and fireplaces, as well as restoring the original sash windows.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bluebell sofa, £2,040; Valentin footstool, £590, both Sofa.com. Adum rug, £120, Ikea. Ilttala Aalto vase, £89, John Lewis Let in the light ‘We wanted each room to be as light-filled as possible,’ says Clare. Having taken down walls, the couple painted every room white. For contrast, the original flooring was restored and stained a rich tone. ‘We really wanted to keep it – most of the boards run from front to back and must have come from enormous trees.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Sussex large painted sideboard is similar, £399, Cotswold…

WHERE TO BUY 1. EGG BASKET Brompton egg basket, £15, Garden Trading 2. TILES Marrakech Ourika tiles, £690.06sq m, Fired Earth 3. TABLE Homer table, £745, Loaf 4. CUPBOARD Chester Grey small cupboard, £225, The Cotswold Company Buy now with Ownable 5. PITCHER Large white jug, £8, Wilko 6. KETTLE Classic stovetop kettle, £40, John Lewis 7. RANGE Two-oven range, from £8,785, Aga Living 8. SINK Villeroy & Boch ceramic sink, £325, Neptune…

“If you pick a model with a water dispenser, check if it needs to be plumbed in, as this will affect where you position it RUTH CORBETT HOUSES EDITOR CUSTOM LOOK Choose handles from three different designs to co-ordinate with your existing kitchen units. French door refrigerator REF90X, £2,199, Bertazzoni Buy now with Ownable COLOUR CHOICES Add character with a design that comes in a range of finishes to suit any style. Victoria aesthetic four-door fridge freezer FQ960PB in pastel blue, £3,099, Smeg Buy now with Ownable RACK THEM UP This dedicated wine cooler compartment means you can showcase up to 28 bottles. Wine cooler fridge freezer GQN21220WX, £1,499, Grundig Buy now with Ownable DRINKS ON TAP Pick a design with an integrated water and ice dispenser for…

WHERE TO BUY 1. WALL MIRROR Oval black Paris mirror, £159, Ayers & Graces 2. HANGING POT House Doctor hanging planter, £80, Amara 3. WALLPAPER Jungle Glam wallpaper, £20 a roll, Wilko 4. WALL LIGHTS Brass bulkhead light, £165, Original BTC 5. TROLLEY Vintage metal trolley, £175, The Farthing 6. FAUX CACTUS Artificial cactus in pot, £50, Debenhams 7. FLOOR TILES Endless tiles, £27sq m, Porcelain Superstore 8. PAINT Cook’s Blue estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball 9. BATH Alison Cork double-ended bath, £649, Victorian Plumbing Buy now with Ownable…

“Be sure to calculate the correct size of towel radiator and heat output you’ll need to warm the room rather than just your towels ” CHRIS HARVEY, HEAD OF MARKETING, STELRAD RADIATORS ROUND & ROUND A narrow circular design is a practical choice if you don’t have room for a wide fixture Revolve circular designer towel radiator in chrome, 1200x300mm, £150, Wickes Buy now with Ownable ALMOST ART Make a style statement with an unusual design to act as a feature Wedge towel warmer in metallic Black matte, 1096x500mm, £289, Crosswater Buy now with Ownable PERIOD CHARM A combination towel rail and radiator for a high heat output in older properties Salzburg Victorian chrome and white rail, 940x659mm, £159.97, Bathroom Takeaway Buy now with Ownable CORNER SOLUTION Avoid wasted…

“ It’s good knowing the children will have loads of space as they grow up ” Caramel Quin lives here with her two children Magnolia, 11, and Wilder, nine. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Thirties end-of-terrace house in east London. THE VALUE Bought in 2016 for £585,000; now worth around £775,000. WHAT IT COST Building work including materials.........£48,000 Glazing...............£7,000 Flooring.............£6,000 Kitchen............£23,000 Storage...........£20,000 Appliances........£6,800 TOTAL............£110,800…

THE HEARTH BRUSH & PAN Keep this neat set handy for speedy sweep-ups. The pan is made of sturdy galvanised steel with a coarse-bristled wooden brush. £8, Garden Trading Buy now with Ownable THE SOOT STOPPER Prevent soot and creosote build-up and improve flue efficiency with these mess-free sachets for open fires, stoves and solid fuel fires. £2.50 for 10, Wilko Buy now with Ownable THE FIRESIDE MUST-HAVE This long-handled companion set has all you need for quick tidy-ups – brush, dustpan, log grabber and poker – in a smart antique pewter finish. £85, Cuckooland Buy now with Ownable THE GRATE BLACKENER Just a dab of this trad tried-and-tested black polish gets rid of rust and scratches and revitalises cast-iron grates and stoves. £4.49 for a 75ml tube, The Range…

WHERE TO BUY 1. CHOPPING BOARD Wooden board, £17.99, H&M Home 2. DINNER SET Gray & Willow Alta dinnerware, from £9, House of Fraser 3. WINE GLASS Wine glass, £4, Sainsbury’s Home 4. CUTLERY SET Dark wood handle 16-piece cutlery set, £15, Dunelm 5. COFFEE POT Enamel coffee pot, £26, Garden Trading 6. JUG Murmur creamer in grey, £15, Amara 7. TOAST RACK Toast rack, £9.50, Garden Trading 8. NAPKINS Lucien linen napkins £32 for six, Neptune 9. PEPPER MILL Mill, £18, Habitat Buy now with Ownable…

Give your windows the star treatment! “Pattern is like a herb or a spice, it adds pizzazz – and you can never overdose on texture ” ABIGAIL AHERN , DESIGNER Let’s face it, most of us are pretty risk-averse when it comes to curtains and blinds. They’re an investment buy we’ll live with for a long time – but that doesn’t mean they have to be a boring backdrop! Interior designer Abigail Ahern’s collection for Hillarys is a cleverly curated selection of easy-on-the-eye patterns and colours that are timeless and versatile, so you can evolve your decor around them over the years, while still adding style – and even drama – to a room. I particularly love the cheeky fringed trimmings! Enjoy browsing… EDITOR, IDEAL HOME…

One of the pleasures of darker, shorter days is spending more time at home. And this means it’s the perfect time of year to rethink our interiors to create that warm, welcoming feel. Whether you’re looking to revamp your living space or simply use accessories to cosy up your home, be inspired by Abigail Ahern’s new range of curtains, blinds and cushions at Hillarys. ADD WARMTH WITH COLOUR Rich shades instantly create a cocooning interior, so if you’re feeling confident, try graphite, charcoal, an inky blue or a spice shade on your walls and woodwork, then add soft furnishings in neutrals and muted patterns. Metallic touches, like the silver cushions above from Abigail’s range, will reflect light on even the dullest day. If you’re not quite ready for the maximalist…

WHERE TO BUY 1. BEDSIDE LAMP Helsinki lamp, £119, Oak Furniture Land 2. ARTWORK Mystras Giclee print, from £20, Clarissa Hulse 3. PENDANT Vita Copenhagen Silvia pendant in Copper, from £39, Black by Design 4. CHAIR Moda rocking chair, £109, Cult Furniture 5. VASE Pink hammered-top vase, £20, John Lewis 6. ROOM SCENT Nature’s Gift reed diffuser, Pink Pepper Flowers, £30, Amara 7. CUSHION Lene Bjerre Fabianne cushion in Blush, £55, Sweetpea & Willow 8. THROW Stonewash quilted throw in Grey, £30, JD Williams 9. BEDSIDE TABLE Rinery bedside table in walnut, £129, Made.com…

START ON THE VERTICAL Soft yellow works wonders on walls, wrapping your space in sunny colour. Begin by anchoring your scheme with paint or wallpaper (or both) in a mellow-citrus shade. Add contrast by painting above the picture rail, as well as the skirting, in a crisp fresh white. MIX YOUR PATTERNS Floral prints are key to this look, so choose several similarly styled motifs to bring in character. Don’t be tempted to overdo it though – choose plain blinds, lamp shades and throws, for example. BALANCE THE SCHEME Stick to neutrals for the rest of the room, including the floor, to allow the yellow colour to shine through. Experiment with small touches of another pastel shade, such as blue or green, to ensure the look doesn’t feel too samey.…

EXOTIC INFLUENCE Carved-fretwork detailing gives an artisan feel Jaina round mirror, £79, Myakka TALL ORDER Lean this narrow oak mirror against the wall in your dressing area Roffe standing mirror, £290, Perch and Parrow ON THE TOP Transform your chest of drawers into a chic vanity station Provencale Dove Grey dressing table mirror, £225, Laura Ashley SIMPLE SCANDI Slot the mirror either vertically or horizontally into the oak base Menu Gridy Me mirror in Natural Oak, £85, Nest.co.uk SEEING DOUBLE Understated glamour in the shape of two interlocking mirrors Oval layer mirror, £195, House of Fraser STOW AWAY Clean geometric lines with a handy drawer for jewellery or make-up Mint storage mirror, £15, Sainsbury’s INDUSTRIAL FEEL Go for a smart designer look with this dark metal surround Metal…

BEGIN WITH A NEUTRAL BASE Key to this look is plenty of pattern, so choose a super-simple, all-white backdrop for walls and flooring to allow the florals to shine. MIX YOUR MOTIFS Choose mid- to small-scale prints of traditional blooms (avoiding anything tropical) on bedlinen, curtains and wallpaper. And finish with a scattering of foliage and butterfly designs. UPCYCLE WOODEN FURNITURE Add a refreshing hit of bold colour to your room by painting a small piece of furniture, such as a bedside table or chair, in a highlight shade of yellow, pink or verdigris. CHANNEL NOSTALGIC CHARM Pick out narrow-framed, junk-shop style pieces of furniture in painted wood and metal to keep the scheme light and airy. THE REAL THING Echo the floral motifs with a display of pots and…

It’s a routine played out in bedrooms across the country: you brush your teeth, get into your pjs, set the alarm, read a little… and then stare at the ceiling for hours while your partner snores away. But technology may be able to help, with a host of new smart gadgets that scientifically monitor your slumber and suggest ways you can get to sleep quicker and stay asleep for longer. DID YOU KNOW? SLEEP TRACKING CAN BE USEFUL to find out how long it takes to fall asleep, how many hours you sleep and how restless you are. Smartphone apps record the data and suggest ways you can improve. WE GENERALLY SLEEP IN CYCLES OF 90 MINUTES , moving from light to deep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. Sleep…

A Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Amode 020 3397 7323 amode.co.uk Amtico 0121 745 0800 amtico.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk B Bella Art 07919 103496 bellaart.co.uk Benson for Beds 0330 124 1100 bensonsforbeds.co.uk Black by Design 01889 502716 black-by-design.co.uk Bluebell Gray 0808 164 0130 bluebellgray.com Bronte by Moon brontebymoon.co.uk C California Shutters 0800 195 0196 californiashutters.co.uk Carpetright 0330 333 3444 carpetright.co.uk Celtic & Co 0844 557 8877 celticandco.com Chaplins 020 8421 1779 chaplins.co.uk Clarissa Hulse 020 7226 7055 clarissahulse.com Cloudberry Living 0330 123 3301 cloudberryliving.co.uk Cox & Cox 0330 333 2123 coxandcox.co.uk Cuckooland 01305 231231 cuckooland.com Cult Furniture 020 8185 6960 cultfurniture.com D Debenhams 0344 800 8877 debenhams.com Designer Paint 01323 430886 designerpaint.com Direct Blinds 0333 331 0959 directblinds.co.uk Dulux…