Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2022 i Ideal Home

“I can be a little over-ambitious with my ‘quick’ ideas, so I’m going to be strict with myself” With bank holidays on the horizon, how are you planning to spend yours? Will you be going hard at the DIY, using those bonus hours to get a much-anticipated project completed? Or will you grab the chance to enjoy some down-time, relaxing in your favourite space at home instead? Me? I think it’ll be a bit of a mix of the two. As I write this we’re (touch wood) about to give the green light on our kitchen extension project, so I imagine our spare days may well involve a lot of dust. If the timeline shifts a bit (which I’m fully expecting it to) then I’ll be pottering at home, working…

WATCH Didn’t manage to get your hands on tickets to visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year? Enjoy the inspirational coverage at home instead. Tune in to the BBC as gardening gurus guide us through showstopping displays, from 24 to 28 May. LISTEN If you’ve not treated yourself to singer Jessie Ware and her mum Lennie’s podcast Table Manners yet, you’ve some catching up to do. While Lennie rustles up something delicious, Jessie talks to celeb pals about all things food, family and life, with lots of oversharing. DO Get your craft on with Hobbycraft’s fab range of online workshops. From macrame to cross stitch, brush lettering and more, there are plenty of skills to learn. Your kit will be sent out to you ahead of the workshop, so…

WHERE TO BUY 1 Paper straw pendant light, £69.99, H&M Home 2 Beaded ball round wall mirror, £200, John Lewis & Partners 3 Faux raffia cushion, £14, B&M 4 Green glass and raffia table lamp, £175, Rose & Grey 5 Tribeca pasta bowl, £5, M&S 6 Ronda chair in Olive Green, £280, Habitat…

6 reasons why your electricity bill is so high Reduce your bills with these simple changes 32 small bedroom ideas - top tips on making the most of a bijou boudoir Small room? No problem! With a little planning and some neat practical storage solutions, you can maximise your little space’s potential to create a super-stylish scheme Brilliant budget garden ideas “Prep for spring and get savvy on reducing household bills” Take a look at our favourite budget-conscious design ideas and neat DIY tricks to help boost your space in time for the bank holiday weekend sunshine Best cordless vacuum cleaners Looking to buy a new vacuum? Discover the latest top-rated cordless cleaners, all tried and tested by the Ideal Home team How to clean windows Spring is finally here…

Despite two sets of French doors, the former living room at the back was dark due to the conservatory. The existing ornate fireplace and cornicing didn’t fit with the modern aesthetic Angela envisaged. The builders took two days to knock down the wall and install a new steel beam between the rear living room and old dining room. At this point the conservatory was still intact and used to store tools. Two weeks after the builders arrived, the kitchen was ripped out. The space, which overlooked the front drive, was too small for family life and the breakfast bar stopped a natural flow from the hallway.…

Apply patterned window film Self-adhesive film is easy to use and instantly injects personality into a room; it also allows full control over the amount of sunlight you let in, without having to shut away the outside completely. Give it a twist… Be brave and go all out with a brightly coloured decorative glass effect, or try a fun slogan. Paint the frame black Make the view really pop by painting just the frame of the window jet black. This draws your eye outside and adds a modern vibe to a neutral room. Give it a twist… Don’t stop at the inner frame, think about painting the architrave all around the window too, for some serious drama. Extend with a painted border Pick out a matching shade from a Venetian…

What’s going on at your windows can make or break a scheme – all too often we play it safe and replace like with like, without assessing if it’s the best solution. From shutters to voiles, dramatic drapes to oh-so-practical blinds, there’s never been such variety; problem windows can indeed look stylish. Finding your way through the options can be overwhelming, so we asked an interior designer, an interiors stylist and a curtains and blinds expert to help. TAKE YOUR TIME ‘There’s a solution for almost every window,’ says Leah, ‘even if it’s an interesting shape and size. Consider what you need so you can still make a feature of it while providing an efficient shading solution.’ Andrew suggests thinking about the view: ‘Do you want to hide it completely…

‘ What the experts say... “There’s the RIGHT white for each room. Paint a sample on the wall and look at different TIMES of the day to see how it changes”HELEN SHAW, MARKETING DIRECTOR, BENJAMIN MOORE Designers and stylists share their views ‘If you use the same shade of white on all surfaces, it has no visual perspective and can look boring. To create impact, introduce contrasting textures and finishes, such as matt, glossy, rough and smooth.’ DONNA TAYLOR, PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL COLOUR CONSULTANT, JOHNSTONE’S ‘I love the pale and interesting look of Scandinavian interiors, with texture from sheepskins, pale woods, wool and linens. Alternatively, you can use white to contrast with another much stronger colour for a striking look, such as dark blue or black with white.’ LAURA BUTLER-MADDEN, INTERIOR…

1 HOW TO TILE A KITCHEN SPLASHBACK Add pattern and colour to your space with a smart new tiled splashback. It doesn’t have to be huge, just large enough to protect the wall behind your sink from splashes, and bring a focal point to the room. • Start by prepping your walls, removing any dirt and dust with a damp cloth, and filling in any holes or dents for a smooth, level finish. • Next apply your tile adhesive using a notch trowel. Start at the base of the wall, where it meets the worktop, and only apply what you need for the first layer of your tiles. • Apply each tile with firm pressure to stick them to your adhesive and use tile spacers between each one. Once you…

THE PROBLEM The room was cramped, with poor-quality fittings and a dripping showerhead THE SOLUTION ‘The extended dormer window gave us the space to have a separate walk-in shower and freestanding bath, with room to comfortably fit us all in at the children’s bath time. We don’t have an en suite so that was another reason we went for such a high finish here. I didn’t want to be precious about the space as it’s for the children, too, but we also wanted it to feel like a luxurious adult retreat for us to relax in. The natural light from the new rooflight creates a feeling of a sanctuary and, when we light the scented candles from my online shop (woodlandsbay.com), you could almost think you’re in a luxury spa!…

Looking to extend your living space and add more natural light? Glass extensions are just the thing to inspire a renovation that adds both space and a sense of openness to any style of home. From a dramatic glass structure across the unused space of a side return, a contemporary glass box in a courtyard or an elegant traditional-style conservatory at the rear of a property, they can all revitalise the feel of a home, making it far more suited to 21st-Century living. Done well, a glass extension can improve the flow of the entire ground floor and how the rooms are all connected, allowing you to transform your living space with a more open and inviting feel. “CONSIDER OVERHEATING AND SOLAR GAIN” SIZE UP THE OPTIONS There are many…

THE PROBLEM “ Invest time planning – getting the layout, light, structural changes and location of services right”ESTER CORTI, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF MITCHELL + CORTI ARCHITECTS ‘The family had outgrown the existing layout and longed for an open-plan space suitable for modern day living’ THE SOLUTION ‘We needed to maximise the property’s internal headroom while incorporating the difference in level between gardens as the road is on an incline,’ explains Ester Corti, co-founder and director of Mitchell + Corti Architects. ‘So we suggested adding a side and rear extension with an asymmetric pitch and skylights to both sides. This would allow for both early morning and evening light to the new living/kitchen/dining space. The new extension would create an open-plan feel and connection to the more formal living rooms…

THE PROBLEM “Determine the top priorities for your project. Is it your goal to create a sociable kitchen-diner or a purely functional zone?” EDWARD MARTIN, DIRECTOR, DELVE ARCHITECTS The kitchen was cold, narrow and disconnected from the garden, with no natural light coming in THE SOLUTION ‘Our goal,’ says Edward Martin, director at Delve Architects, ‘was to open out the ground floor layout and bring in as much light as possible. We re-jigged the floorplan and created a wrap-around extension for a new kitchen-diner. Maximising the redundant space in the side return was the biggest element in making the project a success. We also incorporated an internal courtyard between the kitchen-diner and the formal dining room at the front of the house, which means this room benefits from natural light…

“Pick a model to suit your lifestyle. If you want to spend minimal time chopping fruit, pick a juicer with a wide feed chute and consider a machine with dishwasher-safe parts” GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR BEFORE YOU BUY • Centrifugal juicers mimic a blender by shredding fruit or vegetables with spinning blades, before straining them against metal mesh to separate seeds and pith from juice. As well as being speedy, centrifugal juicers are well suited to handling hard fruit and veg, such as ginger, apples and carrots. They’re also good for cutting down on food prep time as many have large feed chutes that can accommodate whole apples and veggies. However, as the process adds more air into the juice, you may find that it doesn’t store for more than…

Prioritise important debts, such as mortgage or rent, council tax bills and fines Take control of your debt The rising cost of living has taken a grip recently, and many households are now feeling the pinch as energy prices, National Insurance, council tax and other everyday essential costs go up. One in three people* admit that they are struggling with essential bills and credit payments. If you are worried about keeping up with payments or falling into debt, then there are some things you can do now to start tackling it. WORK OUT WHAT YOU OWE List all your debts and work out how much it is costing you by looking at the annual percentage rate (APR). Aim to shift the debt with the highest APR as fast as possible,…

Elegant & organic “The bedding comes in a fabric bag that doubles as a 40sq cm cushion cover, so nothing goes to waste” The eco-conscious Mother of Pearl range from John Lewis & Partners has just had a spring refresh with a new collection of bedding to add to its existing offerings. All made from sustainably sourced organic cotton and silk, the designs feature plains and delicate botanical prints in muted, timeless shades. As well as super-soft cotton duvet sets, co-ordinating throws and fitted sheets, there’s a gorgeous silk botanical quilted bedspread, perfect for cosying up under on those not-quite-summer-yet nights. ECO UNDERFOOT Along with bamboo, cork is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly materials on the planet – it’s harvested from the bark so the tree itself isn’t…

START WITH A PLAN Bedroom storage should be considered carefully with not just aesthetics in mind but also practicality – especially if you are working with limited space. Only keep in your bedroom what belongs in your bedroom and always have a good declutter first before buying any new furniture. You might find you have less to store once you’ve had a good sort out! Try to choose furniture which is practical rather than just looks good. It will not stay that way if you can’t fit your belongings in, and you end up with piles everywhere! OPT FOR SMARTER BUYS Think about including space-saving pieces of furniture such as an ottoman bed (which often looks neater than under-bed drawers) or perhaps a chest of drawers either side of the…

HADLEY FREEMAN JOURNALIST & AUTHOR A Guardian columnist and features writer, Hadley has also penned four books. She’s just moved house – a new project! NICKY PHILLIPS STYLE EDITOR Nicky brings over 25 years’ experience to the table, and has been part of the Ideal Home family for 21 years. CHARLIE LUXTON ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Charlie juggles his roles as director of Charlie Luxton Design, TV presenter and public speaker. KALPANA FITZPATRICK MONEY EXPERT An award-winning financial journalist, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio, and editor of themoneyedit.com. FEARNE COTTON BROADCASTER & AUTHOR TV and radio presenter Fearne’s Happy Place podcast is now in its ninth series, with over 40 million downloads.…

DESCRIBE THE COLLECTION FOR US… The intention is to elevate the everyday and bring joy-inducing products into the home. My work is very decorative, patterned and colourful, so the collaboration was all about enabling John Lewis to use that in products in a way they wouldn’t necessarily do themselves. WHAT INSPIRED IT? I designed the collection in the lockdown and it started off with a loose idea of doorstep design. I usually look far afield for inspiration, but we obviously couldn’t do that. But if you step outside your door there might be a starlit sky or a garden, so it was about those familiar experiences with nature. And then I threw in a cheeky leopard and a monkey because I couldn’t resist! WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE? There’s a large…

Using the dramatic forest location as their starting point, Hanna and Tuomo have created a contemporary family home inspired by this wonderful natural setting. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS SITE? ‘We’d already designed and built our first home together back in 2005 in the city of Vantaa, but we wanted a change,’ says Hanna. ‘So, we moved to the centre of the capital Helsinki to spend some time figuring out what kind of property would suit our family. Being surrounded by nature was a priority and we dreamed of living near one of Finland’s incredible forests, while still being close enough to benefit from the amenities of the city. We also wanted a large, sheltered garden for our children to play in and I wanted there to be sports opportunities…

1 “A green zone adds depth” ‘When I was brought in to create a look for this home, I was greeted by wall-to-wall white emulsion and the effect was rather chilly. The alcove was previously painted black with a freestanding TV unit sitting within it, but I felt it was too much of a contrast. I suggested built-in cabinetry and painted it green. It’s a slightly different shade of green to the one in the living room to suit the south-facing light here, and it draws the eye to the garden. You can tell the client loves green, pink and blue – which also happen to be my favourite colours - so the palette was instinctive.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES  For similar kitchen, try Linea in White Gloss, from £2,668,…

TOP OR BOTTOM? Doors that are top-hung hide the mechanism in the frame head so debris is unlikely to get stuck along the top. However they require a strong steel lintel above to take their weight. Bottom-rolling bifold doors are easier to fit and don’t pull so much weight from the top frame. However if debris gets stuck in the bottom track, it can affect the smooth opening motion. THE THRESHOLD If you want the indoor and outdoor spaces on the same level for a seamless feel, you’ll need a low threshold track that’s flush with the floor. However a lip on one edge is advised if you want a weather-tight seal. HOW MANY PANELS? The smallest size opening for bifold doors is around 2.4 metres with a three panel…

Sometimes you know when you’ve found the one. That’s how Leah Henricks and her husband Blake felt when they first stepped inside their dream home in a beach-side suburb of east Sydney. ‘There’s something about this house that makes you feel relaxed when you walk through the door,’ says Leah. ‘We were a young family of four living in a two-bedroom semi and bursting at the seams. We were about to start building from scratch but thought we should take a look at the market to understand what we’d get if we bought instead.’ That’s when they came across this house, which completely upended their plans. ‘I’m an interior designer, so I never imagined that I would want to buy a home already renovated. However, I absolutely fell in love…

“Balance powder pink walls with soft white and touches of warm neutrals, like sand, stone and caramel”NICKY PHILLIPS, STYLE EDITOR 1. NOTICEBOARD A fabric-covered pinboard will add pattern to break up large, plain areas of colour on your wall, as well as give you a dedicated spot to keep postcards, colour swatches and anything else that inspires and excites you. Purchase a ready-made noticeboard or make your own by covering an old canvas with wadding and then stapling your chosen fabric over the top. IH LOVES… • The Dormy House for pretty noticeboard options • Etsy has an amazing range of unique pinboards • The Notice Board Company has lots of designs to choose from 2. DESK The black metal frame of this industrial-style wooden desk adds a…

LEAH ASPINALL, HEAD OF CREATIVE AT BLINDS 2GO ‘Blinds and curtains are such a great way to express your personality in your home’ MARIE NICHOLS, INTERIOR STYLIST ‘Think beyond the classic pencil pleat heading – there are many options that give very different effects, like wave or eyelet headings’ ANDREW HENRY, DIRECTOR, ANDREW HENRY INTERIORS AND THREAD AND DANDY ‘The most common mistake is having poorly fitting window treatments. Always check your measurements, and then check again’…

I also come in Teal Blue or Emerald Green WHERE TO BUY  1 Plonk bench in Heritage Blue, £475, Loaf 2 Lule dining bench in Yellow, £325, Made 3 Natural wood bench, £675, Rose & Grey 4 Spindle two-seater bench in Black, £399, John Lewis & Partners 5 Andre oak and woven cord bench, £450, La Redoute 6 Padstow dining bench in Stone, £375, Cotswold Company 7 Black tweed bench, £203.95, The House Office…

THE PROBLEM An outdated kitchen with an awkward, unworkable layout and with no access out to the garden THE SOLUTION ‘We built the house ourselves after buying a plot of land back in the Nineties. While the old kitchen had served us well, it was a little dated and, although it looked out over the garden, the clunky layout with central dining table meant walking around the kitchen when preparing food and traipsing through the utility room whenever we wanted to head outside. Installing bifold doors has really transformed the space. With the doors open, we have direct access out to the terrace and it brings the outdoors in. There was no other major structural work, aside from installing the new island, which involved moving plumbing and electrics. We modelled…

• A rooflight can make an amazing difference in terms of lighting, ventilation and overall style of a room. • When it comes to its benefits, the physiological impact of increased levels of natural daylight can have immediate results. Sunlight helps our bodies produce Vitamin D which in turn helps regulate our mood and energy levels. • Rooflights open up new vistas from your bath whether it’s star-gazing at night or watching the clouds by day. • When planning a rooflight make sure you won’t be overlooked. If so, consider remote-control blinds or privacy shielding. • Self-cleaning glazing is a good idea if your rooflight is not accessible.…

Extensions have been made easier to plan because of permitted development rights – in many cases, you won’t need formal planning consent. But the rules are complex. In every instance, we’d advise that you contact the local council, a planning consultant or architect to make sure it is safe to proceed. For example, guidelines state on the Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk ) that extensions cannot be taller than the highest part of the existing roof. ‘Always seek advice from a reputable company,’ advises Lisa Morton of Vale Garden Houses. ‘They will have up-to-date knowledge on what is required. If your property is listed you will require permission to extend and the design needs to adhere to certain criteria. Some companies will liaise on your behalf with conservation and planning officers, which…

1 IT’S AN ANCIENT JAPANESE TECHNIQUE Shou-sugi-ban is a traditional wood preserving art/ technique of charring timber that hails from Japan. 2 IT’S NATURALLY RESISTANT The charring process prevents rot, decay, infestations, and also improves levels of fire retardancy. 3 IT ENHANCES THE BEAUTY OF WOOD by making the timber grain more prominent. 4 IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE SEALED The carbon layer protects the wood in the same way that a stain or sealant would. 5 THE PROCESS IS CHEMICAL FREE Therefore it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use.…

1 THEY OPEN AN AREA UP, providing you with additional head room and a greater sense of space. 2 LEAVING THE RAFTERS OPEN will turn your ceiling into an interesting design feature. 3 YOU CAN USE THE ANGLES TO YOUR BENEFIT, especially if glazed, as the angle of the roof plane has the potential to provide extra privacy. 4 THEY’RE MORE DURABLE as water can easily drain off. Flat roofs are more prone to issues with leaking. 5 THERE’S SCOPE TO HAVE FUN WITH LIGHTING as more clearance to the ceiling means you can play with a variety of pendants. For example, Terry has suspended looped cable lighting from the exposed rafters.…

“JUST A HANDFUL OF CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE” With the rising cost of living, learning how to save energy at home has never been more important. Simple things such as leaving your phone on standby, or overfilling the kettle, could be costing you hundreds of pounds a year. Incorporating a few energy-saving ideas into your usual routine won’t just keep your house warm, it could help you make real savings. ‘If every household in Britain made just a handful of energy-saving changes, the combined impact could make a big difference to both our finances and the environment,’ explains Laura McGradie, head of consumer advice at Energy Saving Trust. 1 TURN DOWN YOUR THERMOSTAT BY ONE DEGREE Flicking your thermostat dial down from 25 to 24 degrees could save…

Chicken thighs & pearl barley risotto SERVES 4 READY IN 1HR ● 6 chicken thighs, boned ● 1.5ltr stock ● 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil ● 1 leek, including green part, thinly sliced ● 1 celery stalk, finely chopped ● 1/2 fennel bulb, finely chopped, plus fennel fronds to garnish ● 2 garlic cloves, crushed ● 350g pearl barley ● 1 lemon, thinly sliced ● 1 glass white wine (optional) ● 2tbsp Parmesan or 4tbsp cream MARINADE ● Grated zest and juice 1 lemon ● 2tsp honey ● 1 garlic clove, crushed ● 1/2tsp fennel seeds, crushed ● 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 Cut the chicken thighs into 2cm pieces. Thread them into 8 bamboo or metal skewers and put them in a shallow dish. Combine the marinade ingredients…

TV presenter Kate Humble lives in the Wye Valley with her husband Ludo and their two dogs WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY AT HOME? Very first thing in the morning. I live on a Welsh hill and the mornings are (almost) always really beautiful. I usually get up just before dawn, have a cup of tea and then go outside with the dogs and take in our beautiful view. I then feed my goats, hens, ducks and pigs, and everyone’s really pleased to see you! It’s just a lovely way to start the day. No phones, no screens, just fresh air and happy animals. WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE? It’s my vegetable patch. I’m not very good at growing veg but I give it a go. I have a…

AHEAD OF THE CURVE Everyone’s talking teal… Set to be seen in abundance in our homes, teal is this summer’s most refreshing colour trend. Sitting between blue and green on the colour spectrum, teal has the strength and the quietness of both shades, making it feel calming and restorative at the same time, ideal for spaces where you really want to unwind and relax. Team it with the year’s other biggest trend of colour drenching, to take this jewel tone in a bold move from the walls to the floor and over hero pieces of furniture, too. IH LOVES... Statement jugs Lilac and Olive hobnail glass jug, £95, Quince & Cook WE’RE FOLLOWING @ iamhayleystuart BEST DECORATING DECISION? Definitely to stencil my patio. The first time I did it…

“Do you think I would redecorate Gwyneth’s massive California house? Damn right I would!” For a long time I have been obsessed with articles about celebrity homes, partly because I am a thoughtful person who loves to learn about how other people live, and mainly because I am extremely shallow and love celebrities and fancy houses. So joy was unconfined when Gwyneth Paltrow opened her doors to a US magazine and – for reasons I can’t fathom, but will never question – allowed us inside. Gwyneth is not just a celebrity, but the ultra celebrity, one who encapsulates everything that people hate-love-hate about celebrities. She looks like she’d bully you if you went to school with her, she has dated pretty much every handsome famous man her age (Ben Affleck,…

WASHABLE PAINT Many big brands offer wipeable and scuff-resistant paints that will help keep your walls looking fresh for longer. Try Dulux Easycare Washable & Tough paint. SHOES OFF Place a basket or two by the front door for the children to chuck their footwear into as soon as they come into the house. REMOVABLE COVERS Choose loose sofa covers that can be put in the washing machine. For rugs, try Ruggable’s washable designs, and invest in a good upholstery spot cleaner. PLAY ROOM RULES Keep crafts and art projects to the play area or the children’s rooms to avoid mess encroaching into the rest of the house.…

BIGGEST CHALLENGE ‘Living here with the dirt and disruption was really hard and Neil’s 50th was right in the middle of it! If we had our time again, we’d definitely move out.’ FAVOURITE SPACE ‘It sounds really silly but I love the downstairs cloakroom. Everyone who visits says it feels like going into a spa. For Neil, it’s the kitchen as he loves cooking.’ BEST DESIGN DECISION ‘Definitely the black internal doors. The builders thought I was a bit mad but I felt it would look more unique.’…

STYLE DIRECTION “For this look, using paint, fabric, a rug or a single piece of furniture is an easy way to make a statement”NICKY PHILLIPS, STYLE EDITOR STYLE DIRECTION “ For a softer effect, combine pale shades of blush pink or sky blue with a bright primary colour”NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR CHOOSE A SIGNATURE COLOUR Using a hero colour for this blocking technique is key to the success of your scheme. Whether it’s a go-to primary of yellow, red or deep blue, or a bold secondary colour, such as fuchsia pink or burnt orange, choose a single tone that will make your heart sing. PICK THE RIGHT ACCENT Once you have chosen your main colour, decide on the palette that will accompany it. This can be complementary colours, harmonious ones…

I’m also available in a monochrome version…

Marie Nichols shares her tips: • Roman blinds hung at each window provide great cover. Choose a bold pattern for impact (and you’ll need less fabric than curtains). • Layer café-style shutters or roller blinds with dress curtains – you won’t need to draw the curtains fully, overcoming any pole practicalities. • Shutters offer maximum light control, while obscuring a not-so-great view and/ or providing privacy. Wooden Venetian blinds can create a similar effect. • For curtains, a variety of pole and track solutions can be fitted to the wall above the window or hung from the ceiling.…

Some love the appeal of a pared-back bathroom scheme in muted shades, but others long for something with a little more verve. And tiles laid out in a chevron pattern hit that exact sweet spot, delivering oodles of energy and style. Instead of the uniformity of straight lines, the vibrance of a vertical or horizontal zigzag will bring a bathroom to life and pack your space with personality. This room is the perfect place to introduce bold patterns – you rarely spend extended chunks of time here (unless you love a super-long soak) so you can afford to get a little bolder with your décor. While there are tiles that are specifically designed to be laid out in a chevron pattern, like these beauties from Balinium, you can create a…

• Using mirrored surfaces as a splashback is a great way of making a small kitchen feel larger and brighter. They bounce light around and reflect the room back on itself to give the illusion of extra space. • A mirror’s neutral appearance will complement most styles of kitchen and colour scheme. Choose from standard silver or colour-tinted glass to crackled and antique-effect mirrors that have an aged or vintage look. • A mirror can be fitted as a standard splashback between the work surface and cabinets, behind a hob or a range cooker (as shown here), or as a back panel behind glass shelving. While a standard mirror is suitable for most applications, if the splashback is to be positioned within 200mm of a heat source or needs cut-outs…

Plant power Gather clusters of favourite plants in a collection of pots to create a variety of lush displays around a seating area. Move them around to refresh the look and add mood-boosting colour and texture. Planters in all shapes and sizes can be arranged on shelving, wall-mounted hangers and on tables. In the zone Use surfaces to define areas in your outdoor space, to change the pace from one garden ‘room’ to another. Walls and floors can contain or open up areas, creating a natural flow just as they would in your home. The right texture can make a space feel inviting or be a quiet retreat. In this outdoor kitchen/dining area, the roof offers shelter from the elements. Vertical lines Fencing that ages with the weather creates a…

The planning system is a complex beast with subtitles and vagaries that have taken me years to grasp. The decisions it spits out can appear strange, even nonsensical, but there is usually a clear logic and process hidden within it, that can be managed and manipulated to help get what you want. Being hugely complex it’s hard to provide specific advice but here I’ve tried to set out the principles. The main thrust of the planning system is to balance the needs of growth and sustainable development with protecting existing places and communities; the status quo. Change but no change, an inherent contradiction. It’s important to keep this in mind when you are dreaming about how to transform your home. To help do this when working on a design and…

OUR JUDGING PANEL HEATHER YOUNG EDITOR THEA BABINGTON-STITT CONTENT EDITOR CHARLIE LUXTON ARCHITECTUAL DESIGNER MILLIE FENDER ECOMMERCE EDITOR KITCHEN OF THE YEAR WINNER MAGNET Nordic Nature kitchen range, Magnet “W e loved the rich wooden texture, and Nordic Nature’s fluted finish feels so modern.” HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR HIGHLY COMMENDED CHILCOMB IN NAVY OR PEBBLE, HOWDENS BEST CLASSIC KITCHEN WINNER HOWDENS Elmbridge kitchen in Dove Grey, Howdens “T he brushed handles are a lovely shape, and the wood finish inside the glazed units is a chic feature.” HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR HIGHLY COMMENDED INFINITY PLUS GEORGIAN ERMINE, WREN KITCHENS. SHAKER, OLIVE & BARR BEST MODERN KITCHEN WINNER SECOND NATURE Porter Portal with integrated handles, Second Nature “T his is a great colour for a kitchen - the contrasting recessed handles add a…

The word ‘chore’ even sounds laborious: when you say it out loud it makes your shoulders slump. Most of us would agree that doing household jobs is less desirable than watching a movie and much less glamorous than going to a restaurant. But what’s that old Zen proverb? ‘Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.’ Simply, there can be beauty and presence in the utterly mundane. Now, I have no need to chop wood but I get the sentiment as I have a favourite little chore that brings me a large and unexpected chunk of peace. I would change the proverb to: ‘Before peace and calm, do the laundry and fold clothes; after peace and calm do the laundry and fold clothes.’ This…