Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2023 i Ideal Home

I love the collection of inspiring, space-challenged real homes that our brilliant houses editor Ali has put together for this issue. As you might imagine, I live and breathe all things interiors and am constantly compiling images of my favourite spaces. I spot them everywhere – on the pages of Ideal Home, on Reels and images that I save on Instagram and I can spend many a happy hour totally lost on Pinterest, adding to my inspiration boards. And what do I always love most, without fail? Genius solutions for making spaces work harder. Because let’s face it, many of us are living in homes where space is at a premium. I share my living space with a husband who has a tendency towards hoarding (sorry Mr Young, it’s the…

Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look more expensive without the big spend……

I’m no stranger to small spaces. Among the three Siberry brothers, our average height is six foot four, and before I left home I spent many years sharing a room with my younger brother. To top it off, I now live in a London flat – with rooms that are certainly not ample in size – so I’m confident in saying that I know small spaces, and maybe all too well. So when it comes to interiors, I’ve learnt and now apply two crucial ‘must haves’ to make the most of bijou locations. Firstly, think about mirrors; they’ll work in any room. Position your mirror to open up tight spaces to a new reflected world. Have your mirror facing the doorway or use it to extend a narrow hallway. Here…

1. ELEGANT WALL LIGHTS Like any other room in your home, there should be the option of different light levels in your bathroom, not just the ceiling lights. Wall lights wired on a separate switch will allow you to create a cosy, intimate space, ideal for long soaks in the tub. A great spot to place them is either side of a wall mirror, above a vanity unit, helpful when applying make-up or contact lenses. 2. SUMPTUOUS SCENTS The easiest and quickest way to transform your bathroom into a spa-like space is with gorgeous fragrances from candles, diffusers and room sprays. Lighting a candle fills the room with scent and will lift your mood, relax your mind and transport you to somewhere fabulous. 3. STONE FLOORING For a boutique hotel…

Bistro sets Perfect for a sunset supper for two Lanterns Create a cosy glow long into the night Outdoor rugs Perk up your patio with a ravishing rug Parasols Set up shade for those post-lunch snoozes Firepits Keep toes toasty after sunset…

HOME NOTES HOMEOWNERS Sian and Jonny Rowe live here with their two children. PROPERTY A Victorian terraced house in east London. ARCHITECT Rees Architects (rees.archi) BUILDERS Honed (honed.homes) TOTAL COST £146,400 THE PROBLEM The narrow Victorian two-bed property was too small for the family who needed extra bedrooms THE SOLUTION ‘As a rear extension wouldn’t have helped in gaining extra bedrooms, a loft conversion was the best solution here. We needed to use every inch of space purposefully and intentionally, while making the existing plan work hard with a thoughtful design. It was also important to create a space that felt warm and generous while being functional. The existing ceiling height in the loft area was only two metres, not considering the space that would be occupied by the structural…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Classic petrol lawn mowers deliver power for cutting longer grass as well as wetter lawns while having a large range and long life. The downside is buying and mixing fuel, noise and vibration, which tend to be not so popular if you live in an urban area. ■ Electric lawn mowers deliver lots of power like a fuel mower but without the smell or hassle. You are limited by a cable which often means the need for an extension lead, external socket and a whole lot of cable moving. ■ Battery lawn mowers offer a truly mobile mower for hassle-free mobility. These can limit you on power and life before needing a charge. ■ Robot mowers are battery powered and will do the cutting for you.…

“During manufacture, every piece is touched by at least 20 pairs of hands” All style, zero waste Denby’s latest range, Kiln Green has been designed with classic, timeless style in mind, as well as added durability for a collection that will last a lifetime. Made in Derbyshire, each piece in the range features a unique reactive ombre glaze which is applied by hand. The company recycles 100,000 litres of these glazes, and it is the first UK tableware manufacturer to ensure that zero process waste goes to landfill. With Kiln Green pieces gracing your table, you can be sure that you’re investing in the future of manufacturing. SUPER SOLAR Garden lighting powered by the sun’s rays has traditionally been a bit hit and miss. Designs have been limited and the…

MATT SIBERRY STYLE & TRENDS EXPERT As head of home at Pinterest, Matt is perfectly placed to spot the trends based on what we’re all searching for on Pinterest. NICKY PHILLIPS INTERIOR STYLIST & DESIGNER Nicky is a master of colour when it comes to decorating your home, from full room redos to easy tweaks. KALPANA FITZPATRICK MONEY EXPERT An award-winning financial journalist, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio, and editor of moneyweek.com. SARAH RAVEN GARDEN EXPERT Sarah is a gardener, teacher and writer, and her monthly Ideal Home column is packed with advice and inspiration for small gardens. THE HOME OF GREAT IDEAS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Celine Chanez, founding partner of energy sector consulting firm, Atlante & Cie, and children, Philippe, 13 and Angèle, eight. THE PROPERTY A 39m-long 5m-wide barge, built in 1945 and moored on the River Seine, west of Paris. 1“Flexible furniture is key to a live/work space” ‘The sofa is modular, which is very practical, as well as being really fun. It provides great freedom as the sections can be pushed back against the walls when I am practising yoga. It looks great, too, in a space dedicated to relaxation.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Mah Jong Kenzo Takada sofa, price on request, Roche Bobois. Ziggy rug in Pink, from £99, Ruggable, has this look. Try Davia round solid oak coffee table with metal legs, £799, La Redoute…

What the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Nothing says warm and inviting like caramel. It’s a versatile colour that bathes rooms in luxurious warmth. It works perfectly in living rooms to create a Scandinavian-inspired look. For a classic combination, pair it with a soft, creamy off-white.’ HELEN SHAW, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, BENJAMIN MOORE ‘Caramel hues are a brilliant choice where you want to inject warmth, such as in north-facing spaces that feel a little cold from lack of sunlight. Combine with tonal neutrals with yellow base or add impact and energy with a wall in earthy red.’ RUTH MOTTERSHEAD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LITTLE GREENE ‘Made with yellow ochre, burnt and raw umber, and a touch of red, caramel is a luminous tone ideal for living areas and hallways…

1 REFRESH YOUR KITCHEN WITH WALLPAPER While paint is usually the go-to when it comes to a kitchen refresh, wallpaper can make much more of a statement. If your ceilings are low or the space feels a little cramped, go for a vertically striped paper like this one, which will draw your eye upwards and make the space feel larger. 2 CREATE A STYLING STATION A panel of cork board fixed to the wall above a chest or vanity unit is a clever way to hang jewellery and prevent it from getting in a disorganised tangle. It also helps keep surfaces clear of clutter. Cut the cork to fit between the brackets of a wall shelf, and keep storage boxes and baskets on top. Loop necklaces over smart pins, while…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Rose Gilbert lives here with her husband Piet and children Jess, 10 and Will, seven. THE PROJECT A kitchen refit in a five-bedroom bungalow in Kent. TOTAL COST £55,000 THE PROBLEM A big extractor fan blocked the view and made the old kitchen feel too small THE SOLUTION ‘Our bungalow is very open plan and the kitchen is at the centre, literally the heart of our home. When we moved in, there was a large extractor fan over the island, which blocked of the garden and made the space feel enclosed. To solve the problem we found a hob with a built-in extractor and opened up the space. Apart from adding seating around the island, we didn’t change the layout much I wanted the new…

Conservatories are cropping up at the rear of more houses across the country, and it’s not hard to see why. Aside from creating more space in the home, a conservatory is a wonderful way to admire the garden from a comfortable indoor setting. To understand exactly how much a conservatory costs, and where the high price tag comes from, it’s helpful to break down the figure into its separate components. PRICE UP THE FOUNDATIONS The materials for building the base of the conservatory might be either bricks, concrete, steel or paving slabs. ‘These materials shouldn’t set you back a significant amount, but the specific cost will depend on the depth and complexity of the foundation you build,’ explains Fiona Davies, research director at building developer Kosy Living (kosyliving.co.uk). Steel conservatory…

Long for a more organised life, with fitted wardrobes making the most of your space while banishing the clutter? There’s plenty to consider when designing a bedroom scheme, yet ample storage should always be factored in the planning stages, rather than an after-thought. Many of our homes lack the storage space that we really need. Yet a fitted wardrobe and drawers combo is guaranteed to max out every scrap of space in a bedroom. As Cigal Kaplan, creative director at Cigal Kaplan Interiors (cigalkaplaninteriors.com) explains: ‘Fitted furniture is absolutely a forever buy – or certainly a very long-term option – and if it is done right it should add value to your home.’ There are made-to-measure solutions that seamlessly become part of your bedroom storage, using every inch of available…

Getting help with your bills We’ve been living with inflation – the rising cost of goods and services – for some months now. For most of us, higher living costs have left household budgets dented as we grapple with extortionate costs on everything. But there is help – this month, Kalpana explains how you can reduce your bills. BROADBAND & MOBILE If your broadband or mobile bill is high, then you may be able to take advantage of what is known as a social tariff, saving you around £250 a year. Social tariffs are discounted tariffs available to households on low income and receiving benefits such as Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. However, providers don’t shout about these. If you think you could be eligible, contact your provider and see…

It’s worth having some plants up your sleeve which you know carry on looking good however hot and dry our summers become – tough things which thrive in arid, hot conditions. Here, I’ll give you my top recommendations, plants fabulous however harsh the summer, however small your garden space. AGAINST WALLS AND OVER FENCES For a sunny, dry spot, I’d always start with placing a slatted bench wherever there’s even a short run of fence or wall. Then I’d plant all around it. Place your bench just in from the base of the wall and plant three rosemary cuttings, one underneath the back, in the middle, the other two at each end. Your three mini plants will start to grow through the bench to form a scented back and arms…

GATHER EVERYTHING TOGETHER A dressing area or vanity table is the obvious choice if you’ve lots of make-up and hair styling products, so that everything is in one place. Consider a built-in make-up station that can be hidden away. USE DRAWERS EFFECTIVELY Pull out drawers are a practical option if you don’t want to have your make-up out on show. Avoid products rattling around by opting for drawer dividers or lift-out organisers that separate drawers into different compartments. MAKE THINGS EASIER TO FIND Invest in clear plastic storage boxes so that products are visible, then store like with like, so that brushes, lipsticks, mascaras and so on are all grouped together and easily located. STASH ESSENTIALS IN BOXES Lightweight, lift-out tubs are ideal for organising shelves in bathroom cabinets as…

SURPRISE IN STORE Mid-century Habitat Perhaps not such a surprise! As the brand celebrates its 60th birthday, Habitat presents a collection of furniture and accessories that epitomises the magic of mid-century style. Inspired by the era when it all began, the latest collection to adorn the aisles of Sainsbury’s (and Habitat online) features retro-style dinnerware, lighting, wall art and bedding, perfect for popping in your trolley. Bigger pieces like this gorgeous velvet sofa and iconic coffee table can be ordered online and delivered to your door. IH LOVES... Stylish paper fans Paper fans, from £49 each, Couverture & The Garbstore What to do this month... DO Visit Wakehurst in the green and pleasant landscape of West Sussex this summer, and witness the UK’s largest outdoor art installation. Kew’s wild, botanic…

“I’m proud of the LIGHT that our home has now that we have opened up the living SPACES and, with windows on both sides, we have BEAUTIFUL views of the SEA”EMMA LYNCH, HOMEOWNER HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Emma Lynch, an interior designer, and her husband Peter Lamb, CEO of a renewable energy company, live here with their children, Cleo, 12, and Hugo, nine. THE PROPERTY A detached four-bedroom 1950s bungalow in County Wicklow, Ireland. THE LAYOUT Through the entrance hall is a living room, which leads onto an open-plan dining room/kitchen, and down a step to the playroom. To the left of the living area is the main en-suite bedroom, plus three further bedrooms, a utility room and two bathrooms. The bungalow belonging to Emma Lynch and her husband…

STYLE DIRECTION“An all-white scheme might seem like a safe option, but with the right finishing touches it can really make a statement"HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR IN CHIEF STYLE DIRECTION“Highlight a neutral scheme with pops of black to bring an air of sophistication to a white living room"GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR LAYER UP CONTRASTING TEXTURES When plenty of gorgeous weaves and fabrics are harmoniously worked into a neutral scheme, in reality there’s no need to add an accent colour. Try mixing cane, straw, wicker and seagrass, as well as knits, boucle, velvet and linens, to provide both contrast and warmth. WORK IN WARM NEUTRALS Balance a predominantly white room with the addition of multiple neutrals, not just one or two. Think about adding timber floors to bring in warm wood tones; soft…

Make use of your garage Create the perfect utility space along one wall of your garage or shed. Choose functional solid-wood furniture to ensure a simple hardworking modern-country look. Give it a twist... Replace a metal utility clip system with a Shaker-style peg rail for everyday essentials. Consider alcove space Chunky shelves and rustic baskets are all it takes to create a home for linens. Fix the bottom shelf high enough to fit laundry baskets underneath. Give it a twist... Screen off the alcove area with a simple café-style linen curtain. Invest in inky tones Dark shades work in even the smallest of rooms, creating a smart, relaxed feel. Team with a marble worktop and punctuate with sophisticated gold hardware. Give it a twist... Go more country with tongue-and-groove panelling…

MEET THE EXPERTS SELINA LAKE, STYLIST AND AUTHOR ‘One harmonious palette helps you pull a space together. Try mixing natural tones with black, soft green, beige and a hint of rust’ FRANCESCA HADLAND, CONTENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, BRIDGMAN ‘A comfy modular sofa is a must. Go for one with sumptuous, stain-resistant and waterproof cushions’ JODY CRICHTON, CO-FOUNDER, AMAZING OUTDOOR SPACES ‘Define the purpose of your garden space; is it to entertain guests or to unwind and eat with the family? Then plan accordingly’ Ah… warmer days, a time to be living – and entertaining – outside. But what if your garden falls short of the social venue of the summer? There’s so much to consider when it comes to alfresco living. We asked a stylist, an outdoor furniture expert…

PROJECT DETAILS WHO LIVES HERE? Casper Franken and Carin Standford and their cat, Catface. THE PROJECT A kitchen refit in a two-bedroom semi-detached new build in east London. TOTAL COST £45,000 THE PROBLEM The layout of the old kitchen wasn’t suitable for entertaining our guests THE SOLUTION ‘The developers had installed a kitchen, which, although new, had lots of issues. The layout didn’t make the best use of space and there was nowhere for guests to sit. We went with Sola Kitchens (solakitchens. com) as they were really clear about what we wanted. As we both work in the design industry, it was fun to be the client for once. We liked the idea of an island where you can cook facing your guests, as a bartender would, and we…

Garden rooms are becoming more popular than ever. Perhaps it’s the increase in remote working contracts or the warmer summers extending a garden’s use, but increasingly homeowners are looking for cost-effective ways to extend the usable living space within their current homes. More space and a change of lifestyle without having to move house? Who wouldn’t want an extra room in their back garden! A well-planned garden room provides a unique alternative to traditional home extension methods, creating more space, however you choose to use it. A garden room can be anything your heart desires, from a tranquil garden home office or yoga studio to a self-sufficient annexe for extra accommodation – whatever your budget allows. While a garden room might not add as much value to your home as…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Gas barbecuing, as opposed to charcoal or wood, is an incredibly convenient method of grilling outdoors. Unlike solid fuels, they’re quick to start up (thanks to their ignition systems), you don’t have to wait long for the grill to heat up and there’s little ash or residue to clean up when you’re done cooking. ■ Gas barbecues should have a lid, ideally with an integrated temperature gauge so you can slow cook joints of meat. Larger grills also have a number of burners so you can cook different foods at different heats, meaning you’re unlikely to over or under cook food. ■ Gas barbecues run on either propane or butane gas. You’ll need to buy a cylinder of the gas outright, usually by handing over a…

I can’t relax in a cluttered space. I wish I could channel my husband’s impressive ability to tune it out completely (I’m trying to reframe this as a superpower, rather than an annoying habit that leaves me quietly fuming), but for me, clutter in a room dances at the edge of my peripheral vision, making me feel restless and anxious. As a procrastination queen, tackling clutter in my office is something I do on a regular basis if I have a deadline looming (in fact, I did it this morning before sitting down to write this column). Piles of paperwork or general family life admin paraphernalia have a tendency to gather on and around my desk, and as they build, so do my stress levels. If I need to focus,…

TOP TIP Any leftover labneh can be rolled into balls and stored in a jar of olive oil for a week or two, in the fridge Pear, blue cheese, endive & walnuts SERVES 4 READY IN 19 MINS ● 50g walnut pieces ● Knob of butter ● 1tsp maple syrup ● 2 heads of endive/chicory (ideally 1 red and 1 white), broken into leaves, core trimmed away ● 1 pear, quartered, cored and thinly sliced lengthways ● 200g crumbly blue cheese (we like Stilton, but any blue cheese will work) FOR THE DRESSING ● 1tbsp Dijon mustard ● 2tbsp rapeseed oil ● 1tsp white wine vinegar ● 1tsp honey ● Pinch of salt 1 Place a small pan over a medium heat. When hot, add the…

Author, chef and TV presenter Andi Oliver lives in Wanstead, east London with her partner Garfield Hackett, her mum and their dog WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU GET HOME? I hang my coat up and go to the fridge and see what’s in it. It’s my comfort – I know where my coat is, I know where my bag is, I know what’s in the fridge. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME? I like very early mornings when it’s quiet and nobody is around to bother me. I also love a cosy afternoon on the sofa – it’s my favourite thing in the whole world. WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE? The sofa. It’s the heart of the home. We’ve got big new sofas from The Sofa Company and they’re…