Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2022 i Ideal Home

I’m confident decorating the inside of my home, but I’m a lot less sure of myself the second I set foot outside the back door. I have a creative block when it comes to the garden, and find planning the space tricky. This year, I’m determined to nail it and finally decide on a garden layout that’ll work for the whole family. “My current decorating plans are on hold due to the imminent arrival of the builders” Luckily our Summer Living Ideas supplement (free with this issue), is packed full of inspiration and practical advice. It’s a perfect guide if, like me, you need a little help when it comes to creating your dream outdoor space. Plus, there’s some brilliant garden buys, including our round-up of the very best hanging…

LISTEN English gardening and cookery guru Sarah Raven uses her podcast Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange  to guide beginner growers through everything from gardening vocabulary to month-by-month to-do lists. DO One of the most heralded antiques fairs in the UK, Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair will be returning to the South of England Showground on 19 and 20 July. This event hosts up to 1,700 stalls, pretty much guaranteeing that you’ll find a gem or two for your home. READ If you don’t feel ready to brave a holiday abroad, Glamping Getaways may just inspire a staycation this year. Full of cool and luxe cabins, campsites, treehouses and more all across the UK, it’s great for its drool factor alone. WATCH Get Organized with The Home Edit has just launched its…

YOUR BEST DECORATING DECISION? Painting and stencilling the tiles in our bathroom. It took nearly two weeks but it totally transformed the room for less than £100. Everyone assumes they are real tiles and 18 months on they still look perfect. YOUR SECRET STYLING IDEA? When decorating a room, don’t forget to consider the ceiling. Treat it like a fifth wall – consider painting it in a different colour or wallpapering it for instant impact. FAVOURITE CORNER OF YOUR HOME? This changes almost weekly but right now it’s our kitchen. We’ve just had it resprayed and had all of the hardware electroplated in antique brass, so it feels like a brand new kitchen at a fraction of the price of one. AN ITEM THAT SPARKS JOY FOR YOU? An old…

When the opportunity to buy a plot of land just big enough for two new homes arose, David Long and Stephen Hitchcock jumped at it. Here David describes how their joint project came about… WHAT DREW YOU TO THE PROPERTY? ‘We had dreamt of living in central Cape Town while we were still young professionals with burgeoning careers and growing families. But to do so, we knew we would have to pool our resources. In 2016, we bought a plot together, with a semi-demolished house on it. We viewed and made an offer on the same day. A few weeks later, it was ours, and as new landowners we convened on site for a celebratory beer.’ WHAT WERE THE MAIN CHALLENGES? ‘The foundations and the small site. Due to poor…

Lydia Hutchinson and Andrew Long undertook a renovation that favours eco-friendly solutions and sees modern additions sitting side-by-side with traditional Victorian features. WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS HOUSE? ‘We moved to Bow in 2013 from a flat in Clerkenwell as we wanted a family house. Our flat was very modern and white but we also liked the attributes of this Victorian property with its high ceilings and original mouldings, and we loved the area’s sense of community. ‘The house was reasonably big but it didn’t necessarily feel that way, as the kitchen wasn’t large enough to eat in, which meant that one half of the double reception space was a dining area; we also began to feel the need for a dedicated home office. ‘In 2018, after the birth of…

STYLE DIRECTION “Take whimsical cottage style and combine it with modern elements for a truly timeless mood scheme”NICKY PHILLIPS, STYLE EDITOR STYLE DIRECTION “Think comfort and cosiness against blush pinks, muted yellows and warm whites”NICKY PHILLIPS, STYLE EDITOR CHOOSE A COLOUR Soft, pastel tones are key to this look, so refresh your home with gentle blush pink, soft mint green and wistful baby blue. Use these colours not only on the walls but on bedlinen, cushions, tablecloths and throws, too. Choose more muted pastels rather than super sugary ones to create a sophisticated feel. PICK A PATTERN Embrace florals, ginghams, polka dots or anything that brings your own personal touch of nostalgia to your English country-style scheme. It's easy to bring in patterns with a tablecloth, curtains or cushions, limiting…

“Use a palette of neutrals such as grey, cream and pale terracotta, then add pops of green with lush plants”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR 1. HANGING RAIL Create a unique display by fixing a curtain rail along the top of your wall then hanging anything you like, from plants to prints. Either attach a few ‘S’ hooks to the rail (colour matched for a cohesive look) or opt for a pole that can easily be lifted in and out of place, so you can slide hanging baskets, macramé pieces or artwork along it. IH LOVES… • Ikea for simple rails in a trio of colours • Dunelm has easy-fix varieties • B&Q sells brass and chrome options 2. SHELF Rather than choosing bulky furniture to house a TV or…

• Traditional doors, such as Shaker, will never go out of style. A contemporary twist on a classic design can be easily incorporated into any home. • Introduce brighter and bolder accent colours, with the back panels on open shelving or singular painted doors. • Mixed materials with similar hues and warmer tones are becoming more popular. Try pairing midnight black or dark stained oak with golden handles.…

Lately I’ve seen so many fabric and wallpaper companies veering towards neon brights. Perhaps they’ve been influenced by fashion’s love of hot pink this summer or the fact that we’re all craving a bit of colour to perk us up. Wherever it stems from, vibrant prints, particularly florals, are popping up in homeware everywhere. I must admit these neon brights do scare me a little, but the latest wallpaper and fabric designs are bringing me round to the idea of using them. The trick to working these tones into a scheme is to pick a pattern to use in a large area of a room, say for curtains, a sofa or a feature wall. An elaborate motif set against black or navy will elevate the bright shades to a more…

NATURAL TOUCH Elian jute pouffe, £125, Made HEADS UP Brilliant Buddha head with faux succulents, £25, Joe Browns WELL GROUNDED Patio Palm outdoor rug, 230x160cm, £175, Fy! SWING SEAT Double hanging chair, £895, Cox & Cox WATER RESISTANT Floral Tropical cushion, £18.99, Bean Bag Bazaar FAUX CANDLE Large wire garden lantern, £30, Lights4fun EXTRA SEAT Jute pouffe, £79, John Lewis & Partners GO WITH THE FAUX Faux plant in footed pot, £12, Wilko NEW LEAF Miami Leaf outdoor rug, 230x160cm, £149, Furniture Village COOL HANGOUT Malta double hanging chair, £600, Habitat SOLAR POWERED Urbane Black outdoor lantern, £20, B&Q SHOWER PROOF Island Paradise cushion, £10, B&M…

How to clean a barbecue Here’s how to get your grill gleaming before (or after) your summer cookout Neutral bedroom ideas – ways to create a calming sleep space Soothe yourself to sleep with a bedroom wrapped top-to-toe in soft textures and easy-on-the-eye hues 14 energy-saving products priced under £30 Ingenious gadgets and accessories that will help you reduce your utility bills Outdoor kitchen ideas for the utmost in stylish alfresco dining “We have heaps of ideas and inspiration for your outdoor space” HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR Make sure you take part in the garden party even though you’re cooking by installing a kitchen area outdoors. We list all the must-haves with plenty of design inspiration to ensure your alfresco cook space is a success How much does it cost to…

When Clare Nash bought her 1940s bungalow three years ago, she was looking forward to refurbishing the interior of her new home, but the weed-infested surroundings were going to be more of a challenge. ‘My previous house had a small city garden, which I’d designed myself, and part of the allure of the bungalow was its large, wide plot. It isn’t overlooked at the back and is completely private, which is rare for this part of west London,’ she explains. As an interior designer, Clare had strong ideas on how she wanted the space to look. ‘But I knew I’d need help to create the scheme I had in mind,’ she says. Clare called in garden designer Joanna Archer (joannaarcher gardendesign.com), who had been recommended by a friend, and together…

1 VISUAL CONNECTION Being able to see from one zone to the next allows for the space to act as a whole when wanted. This can be achieved using feature joinery to create decorative screens, such as the integrated open shelving here. 2 MATERIAL CHOICES Using similar materials across the zones will help them feel more connected and create a greater sense of space. 3 CUES INSTEAD OF PARTITIONS A change in floor level, a feature skylight or built-in furniture can prompt a specific use. 4 FLOW OF PEOPLE It’s important to consider both the function of the room and the number of people using it; a cosy library is different from a busy dining area. The flow between them could be controlled differently, perhaps with concealed sliding doors. 5…

“Energy labelling was changed last year with the old A +, A ++ and A +++ ratings replaced with an A to G ranking. Models previously rated A ++ are now rated D and so on” GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR BEFORE YOU BUY • The capacity of the fridge and freezer will be given in litres – we’ve given the usable capacity rather than the total volume. Generally, the bigger the model, the greater the capacity – but some standard 60cm-wide designs offer significantly more space than others thanks to modern insulation, which keeps the walls as thin as possible without compromising on performance. More shelves usually mean more usable storage area. • Look for humidity-controlled drawers. Vegetables, fruit and salad like humidity, so this will stop them from icing…

How to be financially resilient More than 14 million people have low financial resilience, according to a research last year from the Financial Conduct Authority. This figure could be higher now, as more people struggle to keep up with increasing living costs. In fact, 44% admit that their finances have deteriorated this year*. Building a strong financial base can help you deal with whatever is around the corner. KNOW WHERE YOU STAND Only 55% of us feel comfortable with checking our bank account, according to research from Lloyds Bank, meaning many of us have no idea of how much we spend. The first step to building financial resilience is to know exactly what is coming in and out of your account. But you should also know what your net worth…

Colour (re) cycle “This new range ensures as much as 60,000 litres of paint doesn’t go to waste each year” Ever wondered what paint companies do with all the unused, unsold or returned paint they have in stock? The clever team at Little Greene has found a brilliant new use for all this unwanted paint by reformulating it into a whole new range called Re:Mix. Made in limited batches and with a paint palette that boasts 20 gorgeous new shades, each 2.5 litre tin is priced at just £28 – that’s half the price of Little Greene’s current range. NEW LIFE FOR OLD RUBBISH The new Nassau collection of outdoor furniture by LifestyleGarden is a great choice if you’re looking to introduce more recycled pieces to your garden. With help…

TV host, radio presenter and model Lisa Snowdon lives near Epping Forest with her fiancé George WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY AT HOME? I really like early mornings. I love that stillness when I come down into the kitchen at 5.30 in the morning and can see birds in the garden or little hedgehogs scurrying away. It’s so peaceful before the rest of the world wakes up. WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE AT HOME? We’ve got a conservatory garden room that we keep full of houseplants. It has lots of windows and light, and feels really alive with greenery. That’s the place I like to go to, to chill, do yoga, and also hang my washing! WHAT’S ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE? I’ve got a hunk of amethyst because I…

AN EASY OPTION Garden rooms tend to be more cost-effective than traditional extensions. Planning permission is rarely needed and building control sign-off is not required. They can be installed in around one to five days, depending on the supplier. GOOD FOUNDATION Some suppliers include the foundation in the price, some don’t. If not, you’ll need to hire a builder to do the job – a flat surface of paving slabs or concrete, at least 10cm thick, is ideal, with around 50cm clearance if you’re building near walls, fences or trees. ADDING SERVICES If incorporating electrical sockets, the building must be watertight and ideally insulated. If adding sinks, showers or washing machines, a plumber must install a fresh-water pipe from your house to the garden building and a waste pipe running…

HOW TO COOK PIZZA OUTDOORS SIZE & WEIGHT Pizza ovens come in all shapes and sizes. Some are portable, others are semi-portable (moveable but heavy) while others are best stored on a trolley on wheels to bear their weight. A waterproof cover is handy if you don’t plan to move it into a shed after use. FUEL TYPES For an authentic flavour cook with solid wood and wood pellets. Charcoal also gives a smoky flavour, while gas is super-convenient. TURN UP THE HEAT Different fuels take 15-30 minutes (or longer) to get up to optimum heat. ‘Whichever you choose,’ advises Arthur Bovino, head of pizza content at Ooni, ‘the ability to get up to 500°C is important for turning out 60-second Neapolitan-style pizzas with a puffy, crisp yet soft crust.’…

Decking is an easy way to add to an existing patio area or create a freestanding platform elsewhere. Q CAN I FIT A DECK MYSELF? Yes, competent DIYers who are comfortable using power tools should be able to install a simple, ground-level deck. Having a second pair of hands is sensible to deck a large area. Q WHERE’S THE BEST SPOT TO INSTALL IT? Think about access to the house, privacy, how much sun or shade you want, and if there are any posts or trees to work around. Mark out the site with pegs and string first. Q WHAT’S THE EASIEST OPTION? You need a flat, level surface, so laying it onto an existing patio or concrete base is ideal. To build a deck into earth or grass, dig…

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.…

Yesterday I moved house and I can exclusively reveal here the shocking news that moving is a massive pain and a half. Has anyone pointed that out before? People really should discuss this more. Similarly under-discussed truths: childbirth is quite painful, property in London is too expensive. Always here for you, readers, with the startling revelations. “I can’t be the only person who spent their first night arguing with their partner about whose bloody idea it was to move” So I’m writing to you surrounded by piles of boxes, perched on what was once my TV stand. My bed is currently in the living room, my kitchen pots and pans are dumped in my bedroom. It’s frankly a miracle I’m writing this at all as it took me until 1am…

SPECIALIST ADVICE If you’re planning a new flight of stairs in your home, do some research and always consult a specialist company. STEEL APPEAL Steel staircases like David and Stephen’s are made using cutting edge technology. Try metalstairs.com for kit-form designs that are manufactured with total accuracy and can be easily assembled. COMPACT SPIRALS Spiral stairs have a small footprint so they’re perfect for small spaces. Traditionally made from cast iron, they now come in cast aluminium, which is much lighter, so they require no additional supports. FLOATING STYLE Cantilevered stairs seem to hang in mid-air with no visible support, but they do have to have a strong supporting wall and a balustrade. FOLLOW THE RULES Building regulations for any new stairs specify such things as the pitch of a…

CONCRETE Concrete has a high thermal mass, meaning that it heats up rapidly and retains heat well. It can be used outdoors for a seamless effect. ENGINEERED BOARDS Engineered wooden floors are constructed using multi layers of wood, making them more resistant to fluctuations in temperature than solid wood floors. Unlike laminate flooring, they have a layer of real wood on top, making them barely distinguishable from solid wood versions. CORK A sustainable option best used in areas with lower traffic, cork feels soft underfoot. It will also work well in a bathroom if it is properly sealed. If used with underfloor heating the system must not become too hot, as this can damage the material. STONE AND TILES Stone and ceramic tiles have high thermal conductivity, making them a…

What the expert say... “Pair with CONTRASTING black and blue for DRAMA , or with pale pinks and leafy greens for a HARMONIOUS effect”LEE CLARKE, DIRECTOR, WARNER HOUSE Designers and stylists share their views ‘After a turbulent few years, yellows have seen renewed popularity. It’s a shade that provides a sense of positivity, helping us feel uplifted, happy and energised. For a real burst of joyful colour, pair Indian Yellow walls with the bold-green Hopper on skirting for an inviting interior.’ RUTH MOTTERSHEAD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LITTLE GREENE ‘Don’t forget that a yellow wall can easily be broken up by artwork or a mirror and, if you’re not sure about the colour, try introducing it on smaller areas, such as a woodwork trim, a favourite piece of furniture or the inside…

Long for a life behind closed doors, with fitted furniture that makes the most of your space while banishing clutter? There’s plenty to consider when designing a bespoke solution for a bedroom, living room or home office, as our experts – two fitted furniture design specialists and an interior designer – share. WHY CHOOSE FITTED? ‘Fitted furniture works brilliantly as it saves space and looks stylish,’ says Cigal. ‘It’s also a great way to bring in detail through the finishes and door styles. You can be creative too – there are so many more things you can do with fitted than freestanding.’ ‘Most houses, particularly period properties, aren’t perfectly symmetrical,’ explains Natalie, ‘so furniture must work within the architectural quirks, such as skirting boards, uneven walls, architraves and low ceilings.…

TERRACOTTA BASE Deep, warming and exotic, terracotta gives an instant cocoon-like feel to a scheme. Start with a saturated shade on the wall behind the focal point of your room, be it a bed, sofa or chimney breast. While a plain textured wallpaper has been used here, a richly pigmented paint shade will work just as well. This colour can then be carried through to furniture – in this case, the upholstery on the bed frame – and a few highlight accessories dotted around. SAGE GREEN ACCENTS Next, introduce the second block of colour: sage green. Adding this complementary shade to terracotta in a tonally similar hue echoes the solid colour effect and allows the sparsely used patterns elsewhere in the scheme to shine. Here, continuing the colour all the…

1 HANG A STATEMENT PENDANT LIGHT You may not think you have space for an oversized pendant in your home, but above a dining table is the perfect spot. If you lack a light fitting directly above the table, use an extra long cord to extend the pendant to your desired location and attach a hook to the ceiling to hold it in place. 2 REPLACE SOLID WARDROBE DOORS WITH RATTAN Get the designer look without the hefty price tag. Remove the inner panels from wardrobe doors and staple cane sheets to the backs. There’s no need to wet-stretch the cane – just pull it and fix in place. Woven linen or soft slub cotton will create a similar textured look. STYLE TIP Cheat the look of wood-panelled walls with…

THE PROBLEM “We designed this room ourselves, so we’re really proud of it – it’s given us the freedom to do the things we enjoy”MEGAN HARRISON, HOMEOWNER A kitchen that was cramped, outdated and completely unsuited to the way the owners wanted to live THE SOLUTION ‘When we bought this house, it had a tiny, old kitchen with a bedroom beyond, so it was totally impractical,’ says Megan. ‘We both love food and wanted a big kitchen-living room to cook, entertain and relax in. We envisaged dining and seating areas, high-spec appliances and an island where we could cook and look out at the garden. We knocked the bedroom and kitchen together, then extended sideways and into the garden. After doing lots of research, we found Pluck, and fell for…

THE PROBLEM The loft was wasted space, while our guest room was small with no en suite THE SOLUTION ‘Rather than move house, we decided to exploit our loft space and worked with an architect to convert it into a guest bedroom and en suite. I knew I wanted a feature bath, big walk-in shower and a look that wouldn’t date for the bathroom. Instagram is my go-to for ideas, and where I spotted Simply Bathrooms (@simplybathroomsltd). They helped me get the best from the space, and their design minimises the impact of the sloping walls. I chose a monochrome palette, so the furniture and fittings had to work hard to create interest. The curved washstand, black bath and shower screen make strong statements, and contrasting tiles on the floor…

Use tiny stones to create a low-maintenance garden filled with colourful plants LOCATION Most plants suited to gravel gardens hail from warm countries and need sun to thrive, although a few will tolerate partial shade. They also like free-draining soil, so dig in some horticultural sand or grit if you have sticky clay. PREPARATION After removing all weeds, designer Joanna Archer suggests laying a biodegradable weed-suppressing mat such as Ecomatt (green-tech.co.uk) on the surface to prevent future growth. Then cover the mat with a 3cm layer of 20mm pea shingle in a natural shade. To plant through gravel, move it to one side, cut a cross in the mat, and dig a hole for each plant. PLANT OPTIONS Choose drought-tolerant plants such as lavenders, cotton lavender (Santolina), pinks (Dianthus carthusianorum),…

• If your building is away from the house, takes up less than 50% of the garden and is smaller than 15sq m (or in some cases 30sq m), you’re unlikely to need planning permission or Building Regulations Approval. • There are issues to consider, however. An important one is if you intend to use the room as a ‘granny flat’ or a spare room (for sleeping in). Other exceptions include whether your home is within a conservation area, the garden room is within the curtilage of a listed building, location within a national park or an area of outstanding natural beauty and where a highway/ footpath is located beyond a garden boundary. If in doubt, always check online at planningportal.gov.uk. • ‘Most garden room suppliers make the statement that…

“ If you’re feeding a crowd in the summertime, don’t leave food out in the heat for too long before you cook it. Visit food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/bbqfood-safety for more advice”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR BEFORE YOU BUY • Barbecues come in all shapes and sizes, fuels and functionality, so prices vary wildly. You can pick up a great model for as little as £250, going up to £1,500 and more. If you’re unsure of where to start, begin with a rough idea of what you want to spend. From there, you can narrow down what you need with what you can afford. • Which fuel to choose is the subject of much debate. Some believe that charcoal offers the best flavour, while others claim gas gives the same result. Then, to make it…

Zingy Vietnamese-style noodles with fried sesame tofu SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MINS 280g extra-firm tofu ● 2tbsp coconut oil ● 1tbsp maple syrup ● 2tbsp mixed sesame seeds DRESSING ● Juice of 3 limes ● 2tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar ● 2tbsp fish sauce ● 2tbsp tamari or soy sauce ● 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ● 1 Thai chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, or 2 squirts of chilli sauce NOODLE SALAD ● 300g thin (rice or mung bean) dried vermicelli ● 2 handfuls of mixed fresh herbs (eg coriander, basil and mint) ● Leaves from 2 Little Gem lettuces ● 2tbsp cashews or peanuts ● 2 carrots and cucumber, sliced into matchsticks ● 2 handfuls of finely sliced radishes or cabbage 1 Drain the tofu well. Chop…

Every spring the same thing happens. I vow to give my garden a good going over in plenty of time for summer and without fail... I fail. The sunshine appears out of nowhere and my big revamp plan is shelved in return for the ‘little and often’ approach to sorting out my outdoor space. But to be perfectly honest, I almost prefer it that way. Seeing an idea in a magazine, in a shop or online can instantly inspire me to recreate the look in my home - and the same goes for my garden. Whether it’s something as straightforward as laying a new rug or getting the paintbrushes and dustsheets out for a more lasting change, I love to constantly tweak and improve. So if like me, you’re always…

Vintage, retro or mid-century modern – there’s no denying that the interiors trends of yesteryear continue to be some of our favourite looks for our homes. Whether you’ve failed in blagging original pieces from family members who bought them the ‘first time around’, or if you just want your space to reflect a bit more heritage and character, look no further than the high street for some standout pieces. Next’s 70s Retro range features textiles with a colour palette of airforce blue and ginger in round geometrics, while Habitat’s Optimist range is full of graphic prints and patterns, harking back to some of its most iconic 80s designs.…

Inspired by properties and gardens cared for by the National Trust, its latest collection of tiles in collaboration with Ca’ Pietra will not only elevate your own home, but you’ll be helping to keep the historic properties in good nick, too. Named for a Victorian manor house in the West Midlands, Wightwick ceramic tiles feature rich, jewel-like tones in a reactive glaze finish which, paired with elegant scalloped detailing, are perfect for creating a smart spa-like bathroom scheme.…

1 “Open-plan creates such an easy vibe” ‘After living in a Manhattan condominium for eight years, we weren’t sure how to use the space in this townhouse most effectively – our architects, TR Studio, helped us figure it out. We decided we wanted the biggest possible living space on the ground floor, so we knocked the kitchen through to a smaller reception room and extended into the garden.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Bar stools, £710 each, Camerich. Lipari travertine pendant light, price on request, South Hill Home 2 “Clay walls give a relaxed, lived-in finish” ‘The colour of the walls creates a frame for the rooms. I thought about exposed brick, but that wasn’t going to work in this build, so TR Studio suggested this finish. It’s also a reference…

Stencil style Add interest to a wall with a scallop stencil. Paint the top area, extending slightly further beyond where you want your stencil to go. Apply the stencil, then paint up towards it with your base colour. Give it a twist... Small scallops for a country feel; oversized for a bold look. Colour block Create a designer effect by painting large sections on the wall around a fireplace, continuing onto the mantlepiece. Use three or four paints in contrasting colours for a striking statement. Give it a twist... Use large circular shapes or arched motifs as an alternative to rectangles and squares. In the frame Love your artwork but feel that it’s drowned out by the size of the wall you want to hang it on? Paint a square…

CIGAL KAPLAN, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF CIGAL KAPLAN INTERIORS ‘Fitted furniture is a forever or very longterm buy – and should add value to your home, if done right.’ NATALIE PRICE, BRAND AND MARKETING MANAGER AT SHARPS ‘Fitted furniture helps a home feel more designed and buyers are always attracted to features that offer extra storage.’ SIMON TCHERNIAK, SENIOR DESIGNER, NEVILLE JOHNSON ‘Fitted furniture can make a wonderful statement in the home. Aesthetics are imperative but storage is key when it comes to using your design.’…

black I look cement like for trend a chic style on- WHERE TO BUY 1 Chevron round synthetic rattan side table, £99, John Lewis & Partners 2 Cami ceramic side table in Sage, £169, West Elm 3 Edson concrete and metal stool in Gold & Grey, £125, Made 4 Pepper resin and metal side table in Khaki, £61, Maisons du Monde 5 Thick rattan table, £40, Matalan 6 Raskin fibreglass side table in Charcoal, £180, La Redoute…

• Vented hobs combine an induction cooking surface with a built-in downdraught extractor. Perfect for small kitchens and minimal designs alike, they give flexibility to any kitchen layout. They are often the most practical option when it comes to freestanding islands, as they avoid the need for a chimney hood coming down from the middle of the ceiling. • Apart from being more visually appealing, they are also more efficient. Vented hobs draw out steam at cooking level, allowing less condensation and cooking smells to escape. Plus they are generally quieter than standard extractor fans, so they make the ideal addition to an open-plan or sociable space. • Worried about the price? Although more expensive than a standard induction hob, the cost is comparable when there’s no need to buy…

• Wall-hung vanity units are ideal for a smaller bathroom, boosting the sense of space by letting you see more of the floor area. That makes them the perfect choice when teamed with patterned floor tiles, and it means cleaning is easier too. • Square or rectangular styles can be compact, but if you have the room, look for wider designs with double basins, or generous surface space on either side. Curved shapes, with the basin at the deeper end and a slimmer surface to one side make a space-efficient choice. Check there’s enough clearance to open the drawers or cupboards underneath easily. If things are a bit tight, choose sliding doors or a low-level open shelf which can work better. Most designs will have a water-resistant finish, but wipe…

Many of us look straight past the gold mine of housing potential in the UK that is the bungalow. While Victorian and Georgian terrace fans are everywhere, and thatched cottage lovers two a penny, the bungalow fanatic is not so well known. As a result, these homes often offer good value when everything else is so overpriced. This has always struck me as odd given that the main principle of buying a house, if you’re looking for a project, is to consider what it can become, not what it is now. With this in mind, you needn’t look much further than bungalows. Many of these single-storey structures were built in the period of village and town expansion between and post-war when motor transportation was becoming widespread. They were constructed at…

THE PROBLEM “ Incorporating a window seat always creates the sense that you are sitting in the garden” AMOS GOLDREICH, DIRECTOR, AG ARCHITECTURE The house had a narrow kitchen, dining room and damp conservatory that were impractical for modern family life THE SOLUTION ‘Rather than building a standard box extension,’ explains architect Amos Goldreich, ‘we wanted to reference the separate spaces, both internally and externally, using an asymmetric form that is united by white brick. Inside, the broken-plan layout offers opportunities to enjoy and interact with nature from many angles. We’ve maximised the space and reconnected the different areas while leaving them clearly defined; there is a kitchen, a dining area and a reading nook, plus a WC. We used materials that encourage the diffusion of light throughout, while the…

Keep your bifolds secure and your home safe. • As a large access point, bifold doors must conform to current security standards and the lead door must have a multipoint locking system. • For extra peace of mind, invest in a lock featuring an anti-pick/drill cylinder. • If you have children, request finger-safe gaskets to prevent doors slamming shut on tiny hands. • ‘Bifolds are very secure, as they have multiple locks spread across the panels,’ adds Rob Owens, product manager at Westbury Windows & Joinery.…

These last two years, my life/work balance has become a little topsy turvy. It may well be the same for you. My home and workplace have merged like two paint colours swirling and mixing together to create an unknown shade that I’m still trying to navigate. Working from home means I carry on for longer as there is no ‘off’ button. I’m also trying to relax in the same space that only an hour ago was full of frantic, fast-paced energy. At first, the prospect of working from home, for this nerdy, overwhelmed introvert, was a relief. No more trekking into the centre of town in rush hour. No more face-to-face meetings with large groups of people I had to speak in front of. No more uncomfortable trousers or shoes.…

GET CREATIVE Making the most of the space you have is key to organising this small room. Don’t just think about the furniture on its own but consider adding other storage pieces such as wall baskets, hooks and rails, shelving and even cupboards above the door or loo. These don’t have to be specific bathroom products – wire hanging planters make great places for keeping toiletries while deep wall-hung baskets are perfect for extra loo roll. THINK PRACTICALLY While it’s tempting to choose items for their prettiness, the storage in a cloakroom has to work harder, so think about the practicality of each piece. An ornate set of wall hooks may look appealing, but if they don’t hold more than a lightweight flannel or two, you’ll need to think again,…

HOW TO HANG YOUR CHAIR 1 Check the maximum weight capacity before you buy, as it can vary between 120–200kg. If the hanging chair doesn’t come with a stand, think about the best place to hang it, where it won’t cause an obstruction or bang into any walls. It should hang about 90-110cm above the ground. 2 Hang your chair pivot style, so you can rotate it 360 degrees, or – depending on the chair style – hang from two ropes to rock back and forth. If hanging hardware isn’t included, you’ll need a specialist screw-in hook, plus heavy-duty chain or rope and connecting carabiners or S hooks – all must be able to support at least 140kg. 3 If you’re not a DIY pro, chair hanging is best left…

LEVELLING OUT Flattening a sloping garden usually involves a lot of work and is often a lot more expensive than the alternative, which is to plant and/or build on top. Graduated pathways can connect different areas, while steeper gradients might require the addition of a few steps. PROTECT TREES Should you decide to level out an area of your garden, it’s worth working with a garden designer or landscaper to ensure the work involved doesn’t damage the roots of any existing trees or plants, on both yours and your neighbour’s property. MIX IT UP A mixture of hard and soft landscaping will create a more organic solution in a sloped or uneven garden. Raised decking to platformed walkways (hard landscaping) together with raised beds, hedges, trees, climbing plants and even…