Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Ideal Home

Much as I love wallowing among home comforts all winter, it does turn me into a bit of a sluggard. It’s almost a relief when Ma Richmond presents me with the List of Spring Jobs – a baton passed to me from Pa Richmond (along with his well-worn boiler suits, which I’ve taken to wearing turned up at the ankle, teamed with a headscarf to guard against paint spatter, much to the amusement of the bloke in Jewsons whenever I pop in for a tube of sealant). However hands-on or -off you are, this issue is packed with ideas for refreshing your home, from solutions for the dull-but-essential stuff to the sexier style projects to keep your home looking and functioning at its best. PS Please take a few moments…

PHOTO FINISH Autumn allium poster, from £7.95 unframed, Desenio FIGURATIVE FACE Serious Dreamer print, £45 unframed, Urban Coo FRENCH MASTER The Plain Tree 1951 by Henri Matisse framed print, £200, John Lewis & Partners MONOCHROME MINIMALISM Into The Light by Michelle Collins framed print, £120, King & McGaw at Heal’s PRETTY PAPERS Framed artwork, £23.99, Homesense FIELDS OF GOLD Calm field print, from £11.95 unframed, Desenio FLORA AND FAUNA The Botanist No.2 watercolour print, from £245 unframed, The Shop Floor Project DANISH DESIGN Paper Collective Layers 01, from £44 unframed, Nest BACK TO NATURE Cocoon framed art print, £24, Littlewoods…

Yes “It makes a bold and beautiful statement” Tanya Taylor, 49, lives with her husband Phil in a five-bedroom Victorian semi-detached house in south London. Tanya and Phil are founders of personalised gift company Harrow & Green (harrowandgreen.com). ‘What I love most about an upholstered bed is the fact that it’s so luxurious. It’s very “boutique hotel”. When I see a plush, padded headboard, I instantly look forward to climbing between the sheets. It might look high-end, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s a good way to update your room. You can add buttons in a different colour to the fabric, for example. And it’s so versatile: if you get bored you can easily redress the headboard without having to splash out on a completely new bed.…

Simple Shaker Ideal for small rooms, this classic, unfussy design will subtly smarten up any space. It’s great for making white rooms look less bland and won’t steal the limelight away from any statement furniture. Jacobean style This large-scale grid adds impact and grandeur when used over the full height of a wall. It’s a historic style, but simple enough for modern spaces, too. Paint it in a flat eggshell, continued onto the skirting, and match it to your flooring for an immersive effect. Structural feature Clad an unused chimney breast by building out a frame, and covering it in two styles of panelling. Dividing the panels at dado height will provide a small ledge for display. Dado height This style is practical in hallways, where the walls can get…

BURNISHED GLOW Long-arm dome wall light in copper, £169, Industville DEVIL IN THE DETAIL Quadruple toggle switch, £35.99, Dowsing & Reynolds VINTAGE BEAUTY Fringed flower footstool, £695, Soho Home WEAVE IN NATURALS Detsi market basket, £55, The Basket Room PLUS POINT Cross blanket, £65, Pia Wallén at Nordic Nest MINIMAL FLAIR Zuiver glazed side table, £149, Cuckooland CONTRASTING CURVES Antoinette chest of drawers, £449.99, My Furniture STYLIST’S NOTE…

The best blinds should offer privacy, practicality and personal style. They are particularly effective where you’d like to keep the sills or space either side of the window clear – such as a kitchen or bathroom window. Q What are the main types of blinds? Rollers are usually the least expensive and, because they roll tight to the top of the window, afford the best views outside. Romans offer a more upmarket look, and as you see more of the fabric, they are more decorative. Venetian blinds are affordable and can be wiped clean. They are designed to be left down, and the slats are twisted via a cord to adjust light levels and privacy. Q Should I get them made-to-measure? If your window isn’t a standard size a custom…

If you’re after more than a quick-fix window dressing solution, classic window shutters are durable and offer privacy, security and style. Q Are shutters practical in a bathroom? Unlike fabric blinds, which can get damp in steamy bathrooms, shutters allow extra ventilation with their louvred slats, so they’ll dry quicker. They’re also easier to wipe down and keep clean. QWon’t moisture in the air damage the shutters? While painted wood or MDF shutters will be all right in well-ventilated bathrooms, in high humidity, moisture-resistant shutters are more practical. Made of ABS plastic, polymer or polyvinyl, they look like regular wooden shutters but are waterproof, so slats won’t rot or warp, and shutters will keep their shape and work smoothly. Q What about privacy and light levels? One of the benefits…

“What I’ve achieved here is a light-filled space with minimal heating loss” THE PROPERTY A two-bed Victorian terrace in east London. THE VALUE Bought for £700,000 in 2013; now worth £1.2m. WHAT IT COST Heat pump and solar heating.............£21,400 Underfloor heating and cooling................£6,525 Plumbing and electrics...........£22,000 External wall and foundations....£20,900 Decorating.........£9,370 Kitchen.............£17,000 Flooring and insulation.........£12,950 Windows and doors.................£15,700 Zinc roof ............£9,400 TOTAL...........£135,245…

Bring elegance to every room with beautiful bespoke furniture and soft furnishings from The Dormy House, thanks to a special Ideal Home reader discount of 20% off your next order. The family-run business, launched in 1983, custom-makes every design offering you greater flexibility when you shop. Choose the perfect upholstery from an extensive range of the leading fabric houses, pick the ideal paint colours for your scheme and specify finishing touches such as handles and legs for a truly unique piece of furniture at an affordable price. From stylish yet clever storage options to comfortable and chic furniture choices, The Dormy House has something for every room. With elegant pieces that are made to last, enjoy the flexibility of a custom design for a new look that’s personal to you.…

Attempting to satisfy his ‘inner Michelangelo’, Runway Gallery artist Bruce Atherton left his job as an advertising art director in his 20s to study advanced life painting in Italy. He has since received international acclaim – including commissions from the Vatican – for his contemporary approach to the traditional art of oil painting. “I’m proud to be part of Runway Gallery and have my work sit alongside that of other talented artists. Buyers are guaranteed the highest-quality art” IF I DON’T PAINT EVERY DAY, NOTHING MAKES SENSE It’s a form of meditation for me. I’ll spend at least half my day in my studio in Woolwich, London, listening to music while I work – anything from alternative punk to Buddhist chants. I’ve worked across a range of mediums including paint,…

Criss-cross aubergines with nut cream TAKES 55 mins SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS • 3 small aubergines (not miniature), rinsed and halved lengthways • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • ½tsp mild chilli powder • 3tsp olive oil • 50g shelled pistachios • 1tsp ground cumin • 100g fresh mint • 400g thick natural yogurt • 100g rocket leaves • 4 baby radishes, washed and thinly sliced • 150g flat-leaf parsley • 1tsp ground cinnamon • Juice of ½ lemon • Edible flowers, to garnish 1 Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 8 and put a baking tray on the top shelf. Make diagonal cuts in the aubergine slices, spacing them 2cm apart. Repeat in the opposite direction until you have a grid pattern – but don’t cut the slices all the way through. Rub the garlic, chilli powder and 2tsp of the oil into the cuts.…

THE ORIGINAL We never cease to be amazed by the timeless cycle of some interior styles. This grand space has been brought to life with rich colours, while an eclectic collection of hand-painted ceramics and the decorative woven rug all nod towards a well-travelled owner with artistic flair. THE UPDATE We’ve kept the classic armchair and found colourful ceramics that only require a trip down the high street. While floor to ceiling windows aren’t the norm, the window pane mirror will reflect both the original style and the light, and a bold Ikat rug adds a vibrant finishing touch.…

SET THE MOOD Sitting between blue and green on the spectrum, teal has the strength and quietness of both. Calming and restorative, it’s ideal for spaces where you want to unwind. KNOW YOUR LIGHT Teal shifts between warm and cocooning to invigorating and bright depending on the light. In sunny rooms, teal will balance sunlight without losing its freshness, or in rooms with a cooler aspect, team teal with warm shades like coral or mustard to counteract its coolness. COMPLEMENT WITH NEUTRALS Balance teal’s vibrancy with areas of neutral colour. Bright white will pop against teal or go for softer chalk, pearlescent grey or matt charcoal for a calmer, grown-up feel. Bring out teal’s warmer side by pairing it with earthier terracotta or with raw, rustic timbers. ADD SPARKLE AND…

GET COLOUR HAPPY The key to success with this pairing is a crisp white backdrop. With plenty of calm space in between, bright blocks of colour and patterns mix quite happily, whereas without it, the combination of pink and mustard would be too intense. STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE Up the ratio of pink to mustard depending on the mood you want to create. Soft rose acts like a neutral and adds gentle colour that’s perfect for calm and relaxation. Or, for a more upbeat feel, introduce more mustard into the mix. OFFSET BRIGHTS Bold colours need a calming accent to tone them down a little. Shades of grey work well with pink and mustard. Use black sparingly on trims, picture frames and accessories. STYLE IT SIMPLY Keep it contemporary when…

“Apple green and off-white is the perfect colour combination for a living space that looks out over a garden, blurring the colours inside and out”NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR PICK YOUR APPLE A fresh, invigorating shade, apple green works as an instant room brightener. It can vary from warm cooking apple green with its yellow undertones that gives a cosy glow, to crisp Granny Smith green. FIND THE PERFECT PARTNER Fresh apple green partners well with pure white for a bright look that’s ideal in kitchens. In rooms where you want a mellower mood, go for warmer greens with off-white. Stick to two main colours for simplicity. PLAY WITH PATTERN The benefit of using just two colours is that you can mix in as many patterns as you like without it…

START WITH THE PERFECT GREY It can be a tricky shade to get right as it varies from blue-greys at the cool end of the spectrum, through green and yellow tints, to red-based greys at the warmer end. For rooms that could use a little extra warmth, light greys with a yellow undertone are a great option. BRING IN SUNNY YELLOW All-grey schemes can sometimes look a little dreary if you’re not careful, but introducing a cheery accent colour will act as an instant pick-me-up. For yellow-toned greys, add warmth with accents of yellow, ochre, mustard or copper. PLAY WITH PATTERN Solid colour throughout would feel too flat with this colour pairing – it needs pattern to bring it to life. Vary the mix with mid-to-large-scale designs in lively retro-style…

BRING IN GREY FOR BALANCE Lilac can be tricky to get right. Too much can be overpowering, but too little won’t have enough impact. Its muted-grey base tones make it the perfect partner for grey, which will bring depth and keep it from looking too girly. TONE IT DOWN Lilac reflects a lot of light so it can appear insipid or sickly if used in sunny rooms or overly large areas. Tone it down with cool, grey-toned whites, avoiding any too-creamy or yellow-based tones. LOSE THE SHINE Soft and soothing in a bedroom, lilac can look wishy-washy in other areas if you’re not careful. Give colour schemes some edge by working in sharp accents, from metallics to low-sheen marble and terrazzo or glass in frosted finishes. KEEP IT LOW-KEY Avoid…

In 1968 we were… CONSIDERING FUTURE ANTIQUES Few pieces yell ‘Swinging Sixties!’ louder than Eero Aarnio’s fibreglass Ball chair. Costing £270 five years after it first appeared, new ones are still available from the Finnish company that bought the rights to Aarnio’s designs in 2016. The price in 2020? Just over £5,000. In 1968 we were... ADDING A VIVID SPLASH OF COLOUR Colourfast fabric dyes made the late 1960s a very bright place to be. Although, as ever in Ideal Home , practicality had a place, too – among these ‘glowing’ tangerine and hot pink towels and bath mats is one that ‘looks like a dog towel but does an excellent job of drying’. In 2002 we were… GETTING ONLINE Were you on the ’net in 2002? Girobank offered to…

Think in layers ‘The joyous thing about pattern is you can layer it to create an eclectic, maximalist look. Choose a fabric that works with a wallpaper and a rug for a cohesive look.’ Emma Deterding, founder, Kelling Designs Balance with block colour “Offset large-scale patterns with smaller-scale prints, limiting bold colours to two or three shades, to avoid overwhelming the room”MARTIN WALLER , FOUNDER, ANDREW MARTIN ‘Mix patterns, but take a colour from the main one and use it on walls or upholstery, like the green taken from the blind here that’s been repeated in the paint and footstool.’ Rebecca Craig, Sanderson Design Studio Start with a neutral room… ‘If there’s a neutral sofa, my go-to trick is layering an array of patterns and colours on cushions, lampshades, and…

When Lene Kesselhahn moved into her garishly painted lavender blue apartment 15 years ago, she did what we all do – she hastily bought some white emulsion and painted every room. ‘I probably wouldn’t do that now,’ she says. ‘I’ve become much bolder and more adventurous in my colour choices. Today, I would probably keep some of that lavender blue – it could have been beautiful with the right colours.’ Walking through Lene’s single-level apartment now, you’ll discover a joyous mix of colours, from soft grey-green and duck-egg, to cheery grass green and denim blue. ‘There was no grand plan,’ says Lene, ‘and I didn’t paint the apartment all at once. It has developed slowly, and the walls have had many different shades on them over the years. It started…

Living room Inky blue walls make this room a cosy space in the evenings. A row of candles on the restored mantelpiece adds a dramatic touch. BUY THE KEY PIECES Walls in Squid Ink pure flat emulsion, £49.50 for 2.5ltr, Paint & Paper Library. The Louis de Poortere Hadschlu rug, John Lewis & Partners, has this look Dining area In this once-dark space, glass walls now bring views of the garden inside. When it was extended, this part of the house needed to be large enough to fit the whole family together. ‘The space was determined by the length of the table,’ says Nia. BUY THE KEY PIECES Similar, Henry table, from £950, John Lewis & Partners. Heerenhuis chairs, £295 each, Different Like a Zoo. Il Fanale pendants, £589 each,…

1 PAINT A SCALLOP EDGE FEATURE WALL It’s more interesting than block colour; softer than a hard halfway line. Using a stencil for a crisp finish (or go freehand if you fancy a more organic feel), create a scallop edge where the two colours meet for a stylish touch. 2 RAISE THE ROOF WITH COLOUR Highlight high ceilings or add interest to walls without a picture rail or coving, by painting a chunky band of colour around the top of your dining room wall. Keep the look fresh with hits of pure white on woodwork and frames. 3 CHOOSE A BLIND WITH A BORDER FOR A SMART LOOK For an elegant way to dress windows, go for a plain blind so the room doesn’t feel too busy,…

Flooring is an investment – whether that’s the amount of money spent, the time and upheaval of having it fitted or even the value it can add to your home life and property’s value, as our experts know only too well. With exciting developments in hard flooring, there’s so much choice, too, with design and practical benefits to weigh up. We asked three experts – an interior designer, a flooring buyer and a wood flooring specialist – to share their insider knowledge… “A real wooden floor should show just that, with blemishes and all”ROGER HEMMINGS, HAVWOODS WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING HARD FLOOR YOU’VE SEEN LATELY? ‘Rigid luxury vinyl is set to advance the quality and durability of vinyl,’ says David Snazel, hard flooring buyer at Carpetright. ‘It has the softer…

Elaine Boucher lives here with her husband James and children Mischa, 13, Chloe, 11 and Saskia, six. THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom Edwardian terrace in southwest London. WHAT IT COST Kitchen units...£15,000 Worktops..........£3,000 Sinks.....................£835 Taps....................£1,008 Appliances........£4,034 Flooring.............£3,500 Lighting................£309 TOTAL.............£27,686 “Even on the dullest of winter days, this kitchen-diner is bright and welcoming”…

HOW CATHERINE AND MATT DID IT ‘The room was spacious and functional, but it was damp, and not to our taste. Instead, we wanted something fresh and luxurious, as if we were staying in a boutique hotel. We fitted a large, walk-in shower and found a super-size white stone freestanding bath to take centre stage. We also replaced the tiles. I was close to buying pink and black ones for a riot of colour but, in the end, we decided on a more timeless look we wouldn’t tire of as quickly. Because the look was so neutral, we added some hints of colour with towels, plants and a rustic bench and ladder. The work took three weeks and cost about £3,000. I love how calm and spacious it looks now,…

1 THEY’RE STRIKINGLY MODERN Pitched roof forms add a contemporary feel to a period property, creating a visually striking and dynamic form of architecture. 2 THEY LOOK JUST AS GOOD INSIDE Roof forms offer a beautiful internal ceiling scape. Team them with shallow roof lights and this can also help avoid issues with possible overlooking. 3 THEY CAN MAXIMISE LIGHT The spread of natural daylight through an array of narrow roof-light windows can make the most of the late afternoon sunlight. 4 THEY ASSIST WITH HEATING AND VENTILATION The design of a pitched roof form aids with passive heating and cooling. 5 USING THE RIGHT MATERIAL IS KEY Pre-weathered zinc (as used in Philippe’s house) is an ideal material to use due to its durability and flexibility.…

5 GAME-CHANGING BUYS The products you need to store and order all your utility room essentials for an efficient, functional behind-the-scenes space 1 THE CUSTOMISABLE SHELVING This versatile system can fit any space as the shelves simply click into the wall uprights at any height. Build it around your appliances to provide open shelving to store laundry and cleaning products. Algot upright shelving system, from £45, Ikea 2 THE WALL ORGANISER Keep surfaces clear of clutter and the things you need within reach, rather than hidden at the back of a cupboard, with a pegboard of hooks and shelving – giving everything its own place should keep things sorted. Skadis pegboard combination, White, 56x56cm, £29, Ikea 3 THE FREE-STANDING UPRIGHT Turn a porch, hallway or corner of your kitchen into…

This exclusive offer allows readers of Ideal Home to enjoy a 20% discount on the entire range at The Dormy House. To order online visit thedormyhouse.com and use the code IHOFFER20 at the checkout; if you’re ordering by phone, call 01264 365808 and quote IHOFFER2020 before you place your order. TERMS AND CONDITIONS This discount is available from 25 February to 25 April 2020 across all products online. There is no cash alternative in whole or part. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Delivery charges are not included in the offer. Furniture made to a bespoke size is not eligible for any discount. Previous purchases are not eligible for this offer. The Dormy House will collect your personal information to process your order only.…

We all react to colour in different ways – from instinctively loving certain shades to finding others a bit ‘meh’, the colours you use in your home can also have positive (or negative) impact on your general wellbeing. So if you’re surrounded by dull white walls or your life could do with being a bit less beige, we’ve gathered together 15 fabulous colour schemes, from subtle variations on one hue to elegant colour combos, as well as plenty of ‘how to’ advice and tips, so you can give your home – and yourself – a well-needed boost. SUPPLEMENT EDITOR, IDEAL HOME’S 15 FAVOURITE COLOUR SCHEMES…

USE BLUSH AS A NEUTRAL Team barely-there blush with fruity peach to give light-starved spaces a cosy, natural glow. A shade or two away from being a true neutral, blush makes a versatile background colour, though can look bland on its own. Paired with peachy tones, it has extra sass. SPICE IT UP Forget the apricot and peachy pastels much loved in the 1980s, peach has ripened into a fruitier, more vibrant colour option that can hold its own against coral or burnt orange. Peach also looks striking against smart neutrals like grey, taupe or charcoal. THROW SOME SHAPES Avoid fussy, ornate furniture that will look outdated in this colour combination. Instead, embrace a sexier, more modern image with clean lines, simple shapes and bold sculptural pieces in pale wood,…

CREATE HARMONY A calm, quiet green with cool grey undertones, eucalyptus works well with the whole spectrum of neutrals, from whites and creams to greys and taupes. Used often in floral arrangements, eucalyptus has a natural ability to bring out the brightness and beauty of bolder colours. SET YOUR STYLE Restful and easy on the eye, eucalyptus is a great all-rounder that looks at home in any setting. Pull off period style with elegant wall-to-wall green panelling in a formal setting, or mix eucalyptus with raw timbers, burnished metals and industrial elements for a rustic, urban vibe. BRING OUT THE FINISH Soft greens like eucalyptus, sage and celadon are great partners for natural materials, bringing out the grain and colour of wood finishes. HIGHLIGHT TEXTURES Keep it subtle by working…

CREATE A WARM WELCOME Rich, warm and decadent, shades of brown ooze luxury and class – from dark chocolate and cocoa, warm coffee and chestnut, to milkier truffle and cappuccino. Warm tones will cosy up chilly rooms, or in sunnier south-facing spaces, choose grey or blue-toned browns. MIX IN MILKY WHITE Though dark, chocolate brown makes a surprisingly soothing background that’s restful in bedrooms and welcoming in living rooms and hallways. Temper it with areas of matt white and cream on woodwork, shutters and panelling to relax its intensity. BRING SOME SHIMMER Warm metallics make the perfect foil for chocolate on mirrors, frames and fittings. Work in plenty of low-level lighting in darker schemes. KEEP IT SIMPLE BUT SUMPTUOUS Don’t overdo it with too much ornate detail, let rich colours…

“Warm up mint and grey in winter months by working in toastier shades of taupe or teal with subtle touches of ochre or coral to add extra heat”STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR TRY MINT AS A BASE COLOUR Fresh, bright and cheerful, mint is a versatile shade that can brighten up a gloomy room or cool down a sunny one just as easily. Great for smaller spaces, too, it will add colour without making a room feel smaller or darker. TAME COOL TONES WITH GREY Mint mixes naturally with most colours. Team it with soft silver-grey to soothe mint’s natural energy if you’re using it in a room where you want to relax, or try pairing it with charcoal or black to give it a more grown-up feel. USE IT…

BRING HARMONY As in nature, shades of green sit easily with other colours and lend any space a calming, tranquil feel. Partner it with soft, soothing pink and you’ve a dream combination that’s perfect for rooms where you want to relax or create a mellow vibe. LOSE THE SHINE Avoid high-definition florals and fabrics with a high sheen that will look chintzy and dated in this colour combination. Swap for mellow tones and muted prints and weaves that merge into each other, alongside matt-finish linens, washed cottons and faded velvets. WORK IN NATURAL ELEMENTS Mixed greens and blush pink sit well with both brown-based and grey neutrals. So when it comes to flooring and furniture, look to unfinished and weathered timbers, chalky paints and burnished, non-shiny metals. AID WELLBEING Green…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATIONAL TRUST! It’s 125 years since the National Trust, the largest conservation charity in Europe, was first founded. Its mission this year is reviving the health and wildlife of Britain’s riverlands. Using the grasslands at Sissinghurst in Kent and verdant banks at Nymans in West Sussex as inspiration, its new garden and homeware collection features painterly, leafy prints. We keep seeing... RIBBED FINISHES It’s a ripple effect – whether it’s reeded or ribbed, fine lines are earning their stripes on homeware this season Plastic bedding at Sainsbury’s It’s not as mad as it sounds – we’ve felt the new Sleep More Sustainably bedlinen and you’d never know it’s made with recycled plastic bottles. Created in a blend of responsibly sourced cotton and recycled polyester, a double…

Clad wall-to-wall in panelling, from the hallway up to the bedrooms, and painted in soothing shades of off-white, the interior of Sally and Greg Hobden’s Edwardian terrace is more Cape Cod than south London. The house was built in 1906 as part of an estate in the capital. ‘We have the original sales brochure, which gave buyers a choice of features,’ says Greg. ‘We were fortunate, because the first owners chose some pretty fancy architraves and stained glass.’ More than 100 years later, the property’s spacious hallway (described in the original patter as ‘large enough to take tea in’) was still a unique selling point. ‘We both fell in love with it because it’s such a change from the usual narrow hallways typical of these properties,’ says Sally. The floorplan…

‘Nothing adds personality to a space more than a bold fabric. They work in any and every living space and I always make sure there’s a key fabric running through a scheme,’ says Emma. ‘My go-to is patterned drapes or blinds,’ says Rebecca, ‘but also upholstery – particularly on the outside of chairs and sofas.’ ‘Cushions are a great way to introduce pattern,’ says David. ‘Mix different patterns to make a statement, but put a large-scale one with smaller scales to avoid overwhelming the room.’ ‘Making double-sided cushions is a good tip,’ continues David. ‘You can flip them depending on your mood. Framing vintage fabrics and using them as artwork also works well.’ ‘Complementing cushions with bold fabric lampshades really works,’ says Emma. ‘Adding a bold print armchair makes it…

HOW TO GET THERE From London fly Ryanair direct to Aarhus, from around £80 return. THE LOCAL AREA Stroll from the 12th-century cathedral to the impressive, contemporary Isbjerget apartment complex, while the Latin Quarter with its cobbles, 14th-century architecture and buzzy vibe, backs onto residential streets with multicoloured terraced houses. WHAT TO SEE AND DO Walk the rainbow at the ARoS Museum, a panoramic circular skywalk above the city – and don’t miss the Viking Museum. WHERE TO STAY Comwell Aarhus (comwellaarhus.dk) Occupies the first 12 floors of Aarhus’s tallest building and has a cool Scandi vibe. Double rooms from £144.…

Nia Morris has clear opinions on interior design. ‘Too much taupe and tastefulness is bland,’ she says. ‘I think interiors should be a bit daring – that’s what gives a home energy.’ It’s a philosophy she has certainly put into practice in her Gloucestershire property. What began as ‘an unwieldy cottage with low ceilings, dark corridors and too few windows’, is now a modern, super-sized family home that feels bold and contemporary, and strikes a balance between rustic and refined. While it wasn’t love at first sight for Nia, the house was in a beautiful location, with space for the couple’s extended family, so it had plenty of potential. The first design decision taken was to create a double-height front entrance to replace the low-ceilinged, gloomy hallway. While the exterior…

JOSIE LYWOOD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT Q DESIGN HOUSE (QDESIGNHOUSE.COM) Josie worked for interior design and architectural practices across London before setting up Q Design House, a property design management company, specialising in luxury and bespoke solutions for residential and commercial clients, with Michelle Katz. DAVID SNAZEL, BUYER HARD FLOORING, CARPETRIGHT (CARPETRIGHT.CO.UK) David worked up through the company and has been a buyer at Carpetright for more than 10 years. He develops and maintains the hard flooring category to offer a diverse, high-quality selection of competitively-priced solutions. ROGER HEMMINGS, MARKETING MANAGER, HAVWOODS (HAVWOODS.COM) Roger has worked at Havwoods since 2003 and has seen real wood products develop from a necessity to a desirable commodity – from a floor covering to a room enhancer.…

WHEELY CLEVER In rough-sawn timber with an aged, upcycled finish and castors for easy movement. Farmers solid mango wood larder, H183x W98xD50cm, £1,289, Maisons du Monde TOP-NOTCH Luxe finishing touches include the Carrera marble worktop and interior light. Montrose Grey larder, H207xW120x D60cm, £2,500, John Lewis & Partners SIMPLY STATED Woven seagrass baskets give fruit and veg plenty of ventilation in this country classic. Wilby Cream larder unit, H185xW95xD50cm, £599, Dunelm TRUE BLUE A slimline style that still packs a punch with its drawers, bottle rack, shelves and cubbies. Westcote Blue narrow larder, H186.5xW74.5x D59.5cm, £799, The Cotswold Company “If you can make room for a beautifully designed larder cabinet, it’s a worthy investment. Choose one that makes the most of the space”CONNIE WARD, KITCHEN DESIGNER, NEPTUNE FRENCH CHIC Reclaimed…

Catherine Williams lives here with her husband Matt and their children Hugh, 13, Alfred, 11 and Hattie, eight. THE PROPERTY A seven-bed Victorian semi in Bedford. WHAT IT COST Tiles.....................£1,155 Bath and tap.....£2,345 Console, basin and taps....................£1,095 Shower and screen................£1,865 Loo.........................£130 Radiator.................£190 Paint........................£80 TOTAL..............£6,860 “The calm colour palette and textures make this a real sanctuary after a day at work”…

This property was long overdue an update, but Philippe needed a base in London and liked the location. ‘Although it didn’t have a big garden and was a bit cold, it just felt right,’ he says. SETTING PRIORITIES The house had a narrow kitchen at the back that had to go: ‘I wanted a bigger kitchen so that when people visited it would be easier to be in the same space while I was cooking. Having lived in Germany for many years, I’m used to good insulation and heating, so getting that updated was a priority, too.’ NEW IDEAS Architect Robin Sjoholm at Outpost says: ‘When it was originally built, this house had gas lighting and a fireplace in every room. I wanted to make it as cutting edge now…

PLAN YOUR SPACE Make sure your utility area works efficiently. If you need shelves to store washed towels, go for slatted ones as they are best to let the air through. MEASURE UP Before hanging shelves or building cupboards, measure your appliances, so you know they will fit into the space. Think about stacking a washing machine and tumble dryer, and choose a laundry basket that will fit under the washer door, so you can open it with the basket below. ADAPT FURNITURE TO YOUR NEEDS Squeezing the vacuum cleaner or ironing board into cupboards can be tricky, so remove shelves if possible. Or leave a gap between the wall and the edge of a cupboard to slide them in there. Make use of wall space to rig up a…

Affordable option DXAPV3N air purifier with HEPA filter and ioniser (H33.3xW24.8xD13.3cm), £59.99, Dimplex If you’re on a budget, this slim air purifier is for you. It’s a great choice for a bedroom because its two speeds create white noise to help you drop off to sleep. The HEPA and carbon filter lasts up to 2,000 hours, and is listed as being suitable for a room up to 28sq m, based on just under two air changes per hour. THE BEST BIT It’s around the size of a cookbook, so won’t take up much space. Stylish all-rounder Blue Pure 411 in Red (H42.4xDia20.3cm), £135, Blueair Hard to fault for the price, this compact purifier has a HEPASilent filter (Quiet Mark accreditation) and electrostatic and mechanical filtration to remove airborne contaminants down…

A  Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Ambiente Direct 0870 0052275 ambientedirect.com Amtico 0121 745 0800 amtico.com An Artful Life anartfullife.co.uk Andrew Martin 020 7225 5100 andrewmartin.co.uk Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com Arket arket.com Arlo & Jacob 03331 221 537 arloandjacob.com Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Asper Marble & Granite 020 3281 7014 aspermarble.co.uk Atkin and Thyme 020 3768 7775 atkinandthyme.co.uk Atlantic Shopping 0121 230 1644 atlanticshopping.co.uk B  247 Blinds 01484 443790 247blinds.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Barker and Stonehouse 0333 920 1119 barkerandstonehouse.co.uk beautifulhalo.com beautifulhalo.com Bert & May 020 3744 0776 bertandmay.com Bespoke taps 03332 024362 bespoketaps.com Birdie Fortescue 01328 851651 birdiefortescue.co.uk Bissell 0344 888 33 55 bisselldirect.co.uk Black by Design 01889 502716 black-by-design.co.uk Black+Decker blackanddecker.co.uk Blinds 2go 0800 862 0464 blinds-2go.co.uk Blueair Blueair.com Bohemia 0131 555 2485 bohemiadesign.co.uk Brabantia 0845 602 4877 brabantia.com British Standard 020 7870 7688 britishstandardcupboards.co.uk Button & Sprung 03333 201801 buttonandsprung.com C  Cabana cabanamagazine.com Cambridge…

AB  Abode Living abodeliving.co.uk Also Home alsohome.com Amara amara.com Argos argos.co.uk Ashley Wilde ashleywildegroup.co.uk Barker and Stonehouse barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Benjamin Moore benjamin moorepaint.co.uk Burbidge burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk Button & Sprung buttonand sprung.com CD  California Shutters californiashutters.co.uk Casadeco casadeco.com Caselio caselio.fr Castlegate Lights castlegatelights.co.uk Claybrook claybrookstudio.co. uk Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk Craig & Rose craigandrose.com Crown crownpaints.co.uk Cult Furniture cultfurniture.com Designer Paint designerpaint. com Dowsing & Reynolds dowsingandreynolds.com Dulux dulux.co.uk Dunelm dunelm.com FG  Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com Fenwick & Tilbrook fenwickandtilbrook.com Fired Earth firedearth.com Fritz Fryer fritzfryer.co.uk Furniture Choice furniture choice.co.uk George Home george.com Gisela Graham giselagraham.co.uk Graham & Brown grahambrown.com HI  H&M Home hm.com Habitat habitat.co.uk Harlequin stylelibrary.com/ harlequin Homesense homesense.com Ian Mankin ianmankin.co.uk Ikea ikea.co.uk Iliv i-liv.co.uk JK  JD Williams jdwilliams.co.uk John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com Kirkby Design kirkbydesign.com Kitchen Makers burbidge kitchenmakers.co.uk LM  La Redoute laredoute.co.uk Laura Ashley lauraashley.com LinenMe linenme.com Little Greene littlegreene.com Loaf loaf.com M&S marksand spencer.com Made made.com Maisons du Monde maisons dumonde.com MissPrint missprint.co.uk Modish Living modishliving.co.uk Mood Collections moodcollections. co.uk Morfus morfusuk.com My Furniture my-furniture.com Mylands mylands.co.uk NO  Neptune neptune.com Nest nest.co.uk Osborne & Little…

START GRADUALLY Technically, monochrome falls outside the colour wheel as black and white are defined as neutrals. This makes them the perfect foil for other colours and a versatile foundation for a room scheme. Start gradually with white as a base, introducing black in stages. ADD WOW WITH BOLD ACCENTS Keep to a strictly black-and-white scheme and the effect is guaranteed to look striking, or introduce a punchy accent colour or flashes of metallics to add contrast and sparkle. If full-on monochrome is too much for you, try working in shades of grey. TONE IT DOWN WITH NEUTRALS Bring balance with soft neutrals, such as linen and taupe on upholstery and flooring, together with warm timbers on furniture. SHOWCASE A COLLECTION Black and white makes a great backdrop for display…

STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE While blush pink can look girly on its own and navy can feel quite sombre, put the two together and they bring out the best in each other. SWITCH THE PROPORTIONS Rather than a 50-50 mix of pink and blue, decide which of the two shades you want to be more dominant and use the second shade purely as an accent colour. Add areas of off-white or grey-toned neutrals to offset the two. BRING IN WARM TONES ON FURNITURE For a modern take, swap dark-toned woods for blonde beech, pale oak or light ash in smooth, rounded shapes and sculptural forms. Go for low-sheen oiled or washed finishes rather than highly polished for a calming, Nordic edge. DOWNPLAY THE PATTERN Colour is key, so don’t complicate…

TAKE THE EASY OPTION Warmer than baby blue and more forgiving than denim or navy, chambray is a versatile shade that goes with just about anything. Team it with crisp white for a fail-safe combination or try soft neutrals like putty or taupe to cosy it up. LOOK AT LIGHT LEVELS FIRST Blues can vary depending on the light, so before you settle on a shade, work out which way the light falls in your room. Maximise the feeling of space in a bright room by choosing a paler tone or, in rooms with little natural light, embrace the darkness with moodier blues. ADD DEPTH WITH PATTERN Break up blocks of solid colour by bringing in hefty doses of pattern. Anything goes, as long as you keep to the same…

STAY NEUTRAL Calm, soothing and easy-on-the-eye, neutrals work with just about anything so are a go-to choice when it comes to interior design. Keeping to shades that are similar in tone is a good starting point for a neutral scheme, then just add in some lighter and darker tones for depth. LAYER FOR CONTRAST While pretty much a safe option, neutrals can merge into one and look flat if there’s not enough contrast. Remedy this by layering in lots of different textures and natural finishes. Go for warm woods like wenge, zebrano and teak, teamed with rattan, cane and bamboo for more of an eclectic vibe. TURN UP THE HEAT Create a cosier mood in neutral living rooms and bedrooms by introducing spicier accent colours. Go for earthy sun-baked tones,…

GET THE TONE RIGHT Neither too grey nor too creamy, winter white falls somewhere between the two. Avoid too-grey or yellow-toned whites, which can look dirty, as well as red- or blue-toned shades. LOSE THE HARSHNESS Unlike pure white, which can be sharp and feel quite stark, winter white has warmer undertones so is softer and more forgiving. Complement with darker accents, keeping to the same colour family in shades of taupe and soft grey. Then work in dark polished woods. CREATE LIGHT AND SHADE There’s a danger with all-white schemes of everything merging into one, so create areas of light and shade by using contrasting paint finishes, textures and sheens to emphasise a room’s architectural details, such as panelling. LAYER UPON LAYER Go big when it comes to natural…