Home//Ideal Home/March 2018/In This Issue
Ideal Home|March 2018WelcomeTo be honest, I’m a bit of a coward when it comes to home improvement. It took all of my courage and about 15 tester pots just to paint the living room yellow. And when we put in a downstairs loo last year, my anxiety level was off the chart. And I do this for a living!I’m amazed by some people’s fearlessness in tackling big projects – just look at the extended kitchens in this issue (from page 112) and Ali’s radical bungalow transformation on page 142. It just goes to show what problems you can overcome when you’re determined to create the best living space possible.If you’re in the throes of a project, don’t forget to take lots of ‘before’ shots and share the results with us – we’d…1 min
Ideal Home|March 201850 accessories to fall forACCENT VASESBRIGHT CUSHIONSCHIC TABLE TOPHANDY BASKETS‘WOW’ PENDANTSTASTEFUL ARTMODERN RUGSSHAPELY MIRRORS…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you JOANNE’S STYLE: RUSTIC LUXEMY GO-TO STORES…• COX AND COX ‘I love its selection of accessories’• GRAHAM AND GREENE ‘Fantastic, stylish homeware’• THE CONRAN SHOP ‘Irresistible for inspirational browsing’• SWOON EDITIONS ‘Purse-friendly designer furniture and chairs’STYLIST’S NOTE“Soften the look by mixing industrial features with blush pink and dove grey accents ”STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘We found a way to blend our different tastes’Zone spaces clearlyMultipurpose spaces such as Kitty and Alex’s living-dining room can look chaotic enough, even without a mix of different furniture styles. They used a large rug to clearly mark the seating area. ‘Now this feels like a relaxation zone in its own right, rather than a corner of the dining room,’ says Kitty.BUY THE KEY PIECESLouka rug, £379, La Redoute. Söderhamn four-seater sofa, £745, Ikea. Folding screen, £140, eBayMake a feature wall the focus‘We thought long and hard about this vivid print, but now we really love it,’ says Kitty. ‘It starts in the hall and continues into the reading nook in the living area. It feels like a room within a room.’BUY THE KEY PIECESTropical Forest wallpaper, £31.91 for eight 1m sheets, Wallpapers for Beginners range, Etsy.…5 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Succulent greenStylist’s note“This soft green goes with both brown-based and grey neutrals, so it’ll work with wooden flooring and wood or grey-toned furniture ”NICKY PHILLIPS , DECORATING EDITORRAW WOODUnpolished finishes look gorgeous against this greenMixed greensLayer succulent green with similar hues – think dark pine for definition and mid-tone sage for a harmonious, textural effect in a simple white kitchenPRETTY CHALK-PAINTED STOOLSMatt, non-shiny, paints suit this natural lookCreative cornerIf you love the mellow combination of succulent green, soft pink and charcoal, try them all together in a wallpaper like this painterly design. Perfect for an uplifting look in a bedroom or home officeWHITE TRIMStick to white, not creamy tones, on woodwork for a crisp contrastStylist’s note“Avoid fabrics with a sheen – use matt-finish linens, cottons and cotton velvets, or the scheme…4 min
Ideal Home|March 201840 Easy style updates1 Choose a statement shower curtainIn a bathroom with simple, plain flooring and walls, adding a patterned shower curtain brings immediate interest and colour to the space. It will also absorb sound, making the room less echoey and stark – double win!2 INSTALL FEATURE SHELVINGHang shelves above the loo or beside the shower to display artwork, house plants and candles.3 GIVE TAPS THE MIDAS TOUCHFor a super-glamorous bathroom refresh, update hardware such as taps, showerheads and light fittings from tired chrome to beautiful brass or gold.4 Embrace global styleChange the feel of your bathroom by adding some global-style accessories – try zigzag towels, woven baskets and an Aztec patterned bath mat.5 Jazz up a plain windowWindow film is a great alternative to bulky curtains or blinds, giving you privacy while…8 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘It feels like part of the garden’HOW HESHA AND STEVE DID IT‘A new kitchen wasn’t originally part of the plan. We intended to simply create space in the flat for a third bedroom, so our daughters had one each. Our architect, Johanna Ahrberg Jackson from Ahrberg Jackson Design, drew up a design that involved converting our bathroom into a bedroom, then relocating the bathroom to a new “pod” in the centre of the flat, stealing space from the existing kitchen extension. Her solution then was to demolish the old extension and replace it with another that was 8sq m larger. The project took about seven months and we moved out during that time. The work cost around £60,000. We’ve ended up with a bigger space that has masses of light flooding in and room to seat…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘We opened up our narrow galley kitchen’HOW OHANA AND BEN DID IT‘I hated our galley kitchen so much because it was small, dark and cut off from the living space. Three years after moving in, we merged three tiny rooms to create a bigger area. I designed the cupboards and layout to fit it myself, going through every item that we needed to have in the space, from the table to the utensils, and planning around them. I then went online and found Ashley Johnson, who makes furniture from scaffolding boards, and commissioned him to make up my design. I think the boards have so much character and I love the island, which lets me spend time with the children while I cook. Three years on, our kitchen is still working perfectly for us. Transforming the…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘We were longing for a brighter space’HOW SUSANNA AND MICHIEL DID IT‘After we’d lived here for eight years, the conservatory at the back of the house started falling apart as the result of a leak and we decided that enough was enough! We really wanted to incorporate the side return into a new extension, as it was just a dingy patio area. A local company, Ardesia Design, managed the whole process for us – the plans, planning permission, builders and sourcing the units. The project took four months, and we moved out for three of them. The kitchen fitting cost £2,000 and wasn’t straightforward, as the house has uneven walls, so it took an extra day’s work. We chose white walls, floor and worktops, and I think the soft grey units soften the whole look of…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘This look will stand the test of time’HOW JOSH DID IT‘When I walked into this room for the first time, I knew I’d have to give it a total makeover. It was really run down, with dated fittings and a drab colour scheme. I had a rough idea of what I wanted – large-format tiles and a big walk-in shower were top of my list. The shower is the bit I use most, so it had to be right for me, sleek and classy with a modern feel. I hired Grand Design London to carry out the whole project and, thankfully, the company was flexible, as there was a bit of a wait between the tiling and the new bath arriving. The fitting cost £2,500, and the project took a few weeks, alongside a refurb of the…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you DONNA’S CHOICE: A WALL-HUNG LOOBesides looking neat, the biggest advantage of wall-hung loos is that they are so simple to clean. There are no nooks and crannies where dirt can linger, and a mop or vacuum will easily sweep the floor below.Q How are they attached?The most common solution is to install a special steel frame, which also houses the cistern and flush, against an existing wall. A new wall, or half-wall, is built in front to hide everything. The loo is then connected onto the steel frame through the false wall. Do install a flush plate for access to the cistern for easy maintenance.Q Are they really safe?Many people are put off by a wall-hung loo because they fear it will fall off the wall. ‘If it is correctly installed, a wall-hung toilet…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Bungalow redesigns1 CONSIDER THE CORE OF THE HOUSE Pay attention when extending so you don’t end up with dark, unusable spaces in the centre of the house. This can be overcome by creating an open-plan design.2 USE THE SKY FOR LIGHTING Roof windows and sun tunnels work well in a bungalow as the ceiling is within easy reach. Roof lights provide about three times more light than the same area of vertical glazing.3 MAKE USE OF THE INTERNAL HEIGHT Envisage spaces extending up to the underside of the roof to create dramatic and contrasting internal spaces. A well-designed variety of heights will add a feeling of luxury and quality within the dwelling.4 CREATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OUTSIDE One-storey homes can easily open outwards, which means that landscaping should be considered…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Loft conversions1 THE HEIGHT IS VITALMake sure enough of the loft has sufficient headroom to be converted – look for a useful area that is at least 2.2 metres high.2 THE SHAPE CAN CHANGEIf space is limited, then consider extending this area by building dormers or creating a raised flat mansard section. Any substantial alterations to a roof structure require expert advice.3 THERE ARE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO FOLLOWBuilding regulations approval is required to convert a loft or attic, but a loft conversion is usually considered to be permitted development – so it doesn’t need planning permission.4 ACCESS NEEDS THOUGHTYou need an area on the floor below for the loft access staircase, ideally a continuation of existing stairs. Allow headroom of at least two metres all the way up.5 YOU’LL NEED…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018KITCHEN TECH 5 BEST TUMBLE DRYERS1 SMART OPTIONNot only does this 9kg heat pump condensing dryer boast massive capacity and an A++ energy rating, it also has 13 cycles to tackle everything from wool to towels and lingerie. Being part of the Siemens Home Connect family means you can control the dryer remotely using a smartphone.WT4HY790GB heat pump smart tumble dryer (H84.2xW59.8xD63.4cm), £1,059, Siemens2 BRILLIANT VALUEA remarkable tumble dryer given the bargain price, this award-winning 8kg model features the latest super-efficient heat pump technology and sensor drying that ensures you don’t waste electricity over-drying. As a result, it has a class-leading A+++ energy rating and 16 main programmes, including a dedicated Jeans mode and quiet Night cycle.DPH8756 (H84.6xW59.5x D60.9cm), £499, Beko3 WOOLLY WONDERThis heat pump condensing dryer has a wool cycle that can dry up…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you FOOD WITH FRIENDS: MORNING-AFTER BRUNCHWHERE TO BUY1. COFFEE JUGGlass coffee jug, £24.99, HomeSense2. NAPKINSLinen stripe napkin in red, £15, The Conran Shop3. RAMEKINPorto stoneware heart ramekin in white, £12, The White Company4. DINNERWAREFalcon dinnerware in red, from £26, Heal’s5. CHOPPING BOARDEdha chopping board, £9.95, Nkuku6. TUMBLERSPulcinella short tumblers, £54 for four, Oka7. JAM POTStoneware jam jar and spreader, £30, Le Creuset8. EGG HOLDERPorcelain egg holder, £13.50, Amara…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018WelcomeDesigning a new kitchen is one of the most satisfying home projects but it can also be extremely confusing. There are so many things to consider that it takes a lot of time and thought to get everything right. From refining the layout to picking the perfect cabinetry, there is a multitude of decisions to be made. To help you we’ve picked our favourite trends for 2018, from loft-style industrial to classic, clean-lined Shaker – whatever your taste, space or budget, there is a kitchen design to suit you. So, whether you’re updating or extending for a brand new space, sit back and be inspired.FIND INSPIRATION ON OUR WEBSITEVisit idealhome.co.uk to discover more of the latest kitchen design looks, ideas and advice for every style of home…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018MELLOW TIMBERS“Pale grained woods have a traditional heritage, but can also feel ultra modern. It’s a look that never dates ”RICHARD MOORE, DESIGN DIRECTOR, MARTIN MOORE“Kitchen furniture trends in wood now include sophisticated styles that are more in touch with nature, and oak is leading the way ”DOUG HASWELL, FURNITURE MANAGER, CAPLE“ A vertical wood grain adds warmth and character to the kitchen, with a timeless appeal that simply won’t date ”STEVE TOUGH, COMMERCIAL SALES DIRECTOR, MASTERCLASSWood kitchens have always been a favourite, but styles wax and wane. Now, rich walnuts and the unusual linear patterns of wenge and zebrano are making way for paler textural timbers. Wood suits contemporary and classic schemes, from smooth flat-fronted modern cabinetry to rough-sawn country style units, so there is a timber look for everyone.WORK…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018HOW TO ADD wow!1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘Busy family homes can be smart, too!’Play with colourThe whole house was painted magnolia when the couple bought it and they’ve stuck with a neutral palette but added colourful accent pieces like the living room sofa. ‘If you have a dark room, it’s good to add a pop of colour to give it a lift,’ says Joanne. ‘We paid extra for wipe-clean velvet – it was worth it!’BUY THE KEY PIECESChandelier, £2,500, Kensington Lighting Company. Carnaby armchair, £449, Swoon EditionsCommit to a look‘We wanted something warm and family friendly,’ says Joanne. ‘We both love French rustic style – holidays in the south of France have cultivated our taste.’ The couple put their own spin on the look, mixing contemporary pieces with vintage art and second-hand French buys, like the bureau.BUY THE KEY PIECESLarge Crumpet sofa in…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeKitty Jackson lives here with her partner, Alex van Oostrum. They both work in digital marketing.THE PROPERTY A two-bed Victorian flat in Harringay, London.VALUE Bought for £305,000 in 2011; now worth £600,000.“When friends visit, they say, ‘this place feels very you!’. From the front door, there’s a sense of flow and each room has personality ”When they bought their first flat together, Kitty Jackson and Alex van Oostrum were looking forward to designing a home that reflected their creativity. There wasn’t much to do to the fabric of the building and the couple simply replaced the radiators, choosing vertical designs to free up wall space, and fitted a new, black-aluminium window in the kitchen.After that, it was all about the decor and furnishings – which posed a challenge, as they…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you SUCCULENT GREEN: JUST ADD AN ACCENTWHERE TO BUY1. LIGHTTreviso Optic Lined and Olive Green pendant, £99, Swoon Editions2. PAINTAquamarine absolute matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5L, Little Greene3. WALL ARTSilver Dollar watercolour print, £19.23, Color Watercolor at Etsy4. VASEGreen glass bubble vase, £6, George Home5. MUGWonki Ware green striped mug, £16.25, Trouva6. CUSHIONNocturnal Arthouse cushion, £30, Costwold Trading7. FAUX PLANTSPotted faux succulents, £10 each, Debenhams8. CHAIRCandy retro chair in Sage Green with copper finish legs, £79.99, My Furniture…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Relaxed ScandiStylist’s note‘Choose a yellower pink for north-facing rooms to warm them up, or go for blue undertones in sunnier spaces’Nicky Phillips, Decorating Editor…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeTHE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian maisonette in Blackheath, London, bought in 2014.VALUE The property is worth around £950,000.“I think my personality, and Jeff’s, shines through in this houseMatt Gates had a vision for the decor as soon as he moved in. ‘I wanted to bring the grandeur back to this property without it being ostentatious,’ he says of the two-storey home he shares with his husband, Jeff. It’s a light, bright garden maisonette, with the entrance hall, living room and main bedroom at street level, and a guest bedroom, bathroom, study and kitchen-diner on the lower-ground floor.The building is early Victorian but the proportions are Georgian, with spacious rooms and high ceilings. ‘It had the original shutters and deep skirting but other period features had been replaced and looked “off”.…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018SAVE 20% AT WALLPAPERDIRECTThe Albany range of wallpapers is exclusive to Wallpaperdirect – with thousands of designs available, there’s a huge variety to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect paper whatever your taste or budget.For modern interiors, look at the Imagination collection, which ranges from botanic and floral patterns, flamingos and contemporary collage designs, to brick effects and stylised fish. Or, if you’re after a glam look, check out the Opulence collection, with its geometric patterns, grand damasks, intricate tree designs and versatile plains, each with glitter and metallic highlights. Or for something calmer, try the Simplicity collection’s subtle trailing leaf and flower designs, co-ordinating textural plains and much more.Wallpaperdirect has teamed up with Ideal Home to offer readers a 20 per cent discount on all of its Albany wallpapers.…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeHesha Dell lives here with her husband, Steve, and their two daughters, Ada, 13, and Olive, 11.THE PROPERTYA three-bed flat in an Edwardian building in Muswell Hill, London.WHAT IT COSTUnits....................£6,580Appliances..............£940Sink and tap............£587Worktop.................£1,145Floor tiles.................£624Wallpaper................£156Light fittings............£140TOTAL................£10,172“The daylight flooding in here really raises everyone’s spirits – it’s such a lovely place to hang out ”…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeOhana Banerjee lives here with her husband, Ben, and their children Anissa, nine, and Sebastian, seven.THE PROPERTYA five-bed Edwardian farmhouse in Lewes, East Sussex.WHAT IT COSTKitchen units........£6,100Worktops, sink and tap.................£2,992Appliances...........£4,351Table and bench.....£730Lighting...................£465TOTAL................£14,638“I spent hours meticulously planning the kitchen, and the result is a beautiful space that’s really easy to keep tidy ”…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeSusanna von Saher lives here with her husband, Michiel, and their sons, Ruben, 11, and Felix, nine.THE PROPERTYA four-bedroom, mid-terrace Victorian house in west London.WHAT IT COSTUnits....................£19,565Appliances...........£6,537Sink and tap.............£170Worktop...............£2,987Tiles..........................£198Flooring...............£2,262TOTAL.................£31,719“I was concerned it wouldn’t live up to expectations, but I needn’t have worried – it works so well for us as a family ”…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeJosh Wise lives here.THE PROPERTYA two-bedroom flat in a Victorian terrace in Putney, west London.WHAT IT COSTShower….…..........£2,081Bath…....................£1,475Bath taps…...........£1,299Basins and taps.…£1,046Loo…………….......……£440Wall cabinets.......…£398Towel radiator…......£223Flooring…..........……£570Wall tiles……........….£600Under-basin storage.................£2,070Wall lights………......£309TOTAL.................£10,511“It’s my favourite room in the house – and when people visit, they love it, too ”…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘This attic space was really tricky’HOW DONNA AND ROBERT DID IT‘The bathroom had last been revamped in the Eighties and was very dark and dated. The bath stuck out into the room, the loo was too close to the door and the flooring was torn. It wasn’t very welcoming – plus the joists were unsafe and the pipework was leaking. But the biggest challenge was the awkward room shape. We wanted to have practical fittings, like useful storage and good lighting, which would make us feel pampered and cared for. We chose Ripples to help us design the room because the company is local and has a great reputation. Our installers were brilliant and managed the project, which took around five weeks, from start to finish. My favourite feature is the niches – they provide…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘We gave our bungalow a New England look’When Ali Kittermaster viewed a dated, Fifties bungalow, she knew instantly how to bring it up to date and create a family home. ‘I enjoy renovating and wanted an “ugly to lovely” project,’ says Ali. ‘The bungalow was on a corner plot and had a beautiful, well-stocked garden, so there was bags of potential.’THE COUPLE HAD BIG CHANGES IN MIND when they submitted planning permission to extend by 10x3m. The interior was reconfigured, with walls coming down to create an open-plan kitchen-diner/living room. ‘The vaulted ceiling was central to the design and we clad it with routed MDF instead of classic tongue-and-groove, which was more cost effective and easier to decorate.’NOW, THE NEW-LOOK VAULTED EXTENSION houses the kitchen, in a sleek, off-white design. ‘We also turned an unused space in…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeTHE PROPERTYA three-bedroom Victorian terrace in Wandsworth, London.VALUEBought in 2007 for £471,000; now worth around £950,000.WHAT IT COSTBuilding work and materials, including boiler and underfloor heating..........£134,000Windows and doors.........£13,600Kitchen, installation and flooring............£25,000Sanitaryware.....£2,600Patio....................£5,100TOTAL............£180,300“ We use the kitchen so much more now – we just love the light and space ”…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018MARCH’S GENIUS PROBLEM SOLVERSTHE ANTI-ALLERGY BEDDINGDid you know that wool is a naturally hypoallergenic material? That’s just one of the reasons Woolroom’s bedding ranges have the Allergy UK Seal of Approval. Here’s to sweet dreams.Classic wool duvet, £94.99 for a double; wool pillows, £37.49 each; Amelia bedstead, from £2,700 for a double, all WoolroomTHE ADJUSTABLE PILLOWThis is not a new concept, but Simba’s Hybrid design deserves a shout-out. With a duck down layer, the pillow is filled with Nanotubes, accessed via a zip, that you can add or remove to adjust the firmness of the pillow. It can also have a layer called Outlast, a NASAdeveloped, temperature-regulating material.Standard Hybrid pillow, £65; Hybrid pillow with Outlast, £95, both SimbaTHE NIGHT-LIGHT CUPIdeal for children of all ages, the Little Litecup, £8.99 from Hippychick, is a…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018The ultimate morning-after brunchBlueberry, banana and chocolate wafflesTakes 20min Serves 3INGREDIENTS • 160g butter, plus extra for greasing • 250g blueberries • 2 eggs • 300ml milk • 30g golden caster sugar • 250g self-raising flour • 2tsp baking powder • 2 bananas, sliced • 50g milk chocolate, grated1 Put 60g butter in a pan with the blueberries and 2tbsp water. Heat very gently for 5min, until the fruit just softens. Turn off the heat.2 Heat an electric waffle maker. Melt the remaining 100g butter in a microwave on high for 30 secs.3 Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk in the milk.4 Gently stir in the sugar, flour and baking powder. Pour in the melted butter and gently fold it in, until just combined.5 Brush the waffle maker with butter to…4 min
Ideal Home|March 2018INDUSTRIAL VIBES“ For a bolder design, adding pattern to surfaces and textures to floors and walls is an easy way to make your kitchen stand out ”HAYLEY SIMMONS, HEAD OF MERCHANDISING, MAGNET“ A faux marble work-surface implies the inherent veining and beautiful pattern associated with natural stone but features the practicality of a quartz composite ”GRAEME SMITH , HEAD OF RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL DESIGN, ALCHEMY“ For a more dramatic look, darker shades such as slate greys and deep blues inject sophistication into any space ”HAYLEY SIMMONS , HEAD OF MERCHANDISING, MAGNETEchoing the look of New York loft-style apartments, with exposed brickwork, reclaimed flooring and steel beams, industrial style takes kitchens back to basics. Pick and choose a few key pieces to help translate the trend to modern living.CABINET CHOICES The latest…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018MAKE IT WORK FOR YOUUltra-thin composite worktops work beautifully with handleless doors. To make a real statement, use an extra-deep profiled worktop in a bold colour to create a contrast with the units below.Make sure you test your handle-pulls before you buy. Some recessed or J-pull designs aren’t very deep and can be difficult to open, particularly if you have long fingernails.Door fronts on some heavy built-in appliances such as dishwashers can be tricky to open without handles. Look out for models from companies such as Miele that feature push-open mechanisms to make things easy.The alignment of doors is particularly important in a linear design as it’s obvious if they’re even slightly out. Make sure that the door hinges and drawer runners are sturdy to prevent them dropping from repeated use.Opt for built-in appliances…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018OLD MEETS NEW“ There is a strong move towards a classic look which is calmer and more orderly with a modern interpretation ”GRAEME SMITH, SENIOR DESIGNER ALCHEMY KITCHENS“This year we will see the introduction of more colour, most noticeably across the neutral palettes, with softer, more delicate influences coming through ”JOANNE EMERY BURBIDGE DESIGN EXPERT“ Changing a Shaker-style kitchen couldn’t be easier - just alter handles or worktops to make it classic or modern ”YSANNE BROOKS , EDITOR, BEST NEW LOOKS FOR KITCHENSShaker continues to be one of the most popular kitchen styles as it’s so versatile. While ‘in-frame’ Shaker designs are usually found in handmade, bespoke kitchens, its popularity means that almost all manufacturers have a Shaker-style door in their collection. So, whether you’re looking at a hand-painted wooden in-frame design…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018MAKE IT WORK FOR YOUHorizontal wall units and open shelving will help to give depth to an all-wood kitchen. Placing a wine or plate rack between cupboards will also help to break up an expanse of timber.Add a few steel accessories to give timber a modern edge. Try steel bar handles for a vibrant look or choose brushed metal for a softer feel.A range cooker looks great in a wood kitchen. For a modern feel choose a sleek, steel model or opt for a bright, colourful range to add an extra sense of fun.Cabinetry with curves will help to show off a wood’s natural grain. Or add a circular end-grain chopping board to an island to give it character.Add a bold accent such as a colourful splashback or feature wall. Mid-century favourites such as…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018NEED TO knowSpot the fake!This is the kind of fake news we don’t mind. The trend for faux plants is taking root and the high street is upping its game with some seriously convincing artificial greenery. Next has a whole host of new varieties, so bolster your botanical displays with a trailing succulent or a potted grass.LOAF’S A SHADE BRAVERFurniture company Loaf has already nailed calm neutrals and pared-back pastels, and now it’s daring to go darker. Check out the 24 new upholstery fabrics, bright velvet cushions and Natterbox dining chairs in four new colours.Cath Kidston turns 25Whether you’re into vintage florals or not, it’s unlikely that Cath Kidston’s cheery slice of nostalgia has escaped your attention. A new limited edition range celebrates 25 years of her take on Britishness, so be…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeFashion blogger Joanne Hegarty (thestylistand thewardrobe.com ) lives in this house with her journalist husband Edward and their son Archie, four.THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Edwardian terrace in southwest London.THE VALUE Bought in 2009, for £760,000; now worth £1.2 million.“The first time we walked in, we thought it had a lovely feel. We could see it being a great family home ”When Joanne Hegarty and her husband Edward moved into their new home in southwest London, the property was already liveable. The decor was neutral, the doors had been stripped and the original Edwardian cornicing, hall tiles and stained glass had also been beautifully conserved. ‘We loved that all the old original features were intact,’ says Joanne.‘The house was presentable but we did a lot of work on it over the…2 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘This house is small, but has lots of soul’Welcome to my home“Even though the house is newly built, it’s still bursting with as much style and character as you would expect from an older period propertyTHE PROPERTYA single-storey new build in Viksberg, near Södertälje, southeast Sweden.Take a quick tour...When Pella Hedeby and her two young sons moved into her boyfriend Andreas Backman’s house a year ago, she didn’t imagine it would become their permanent home. ‘Andreas built the house five years ago to live in himself with his daughter, Filippa,’ explains Pella. ‘The original plan had been to build our own place, but actually, the longer we stayed, the more comfortable I felt about living here.’‘It has its own look and character. The building is more rustic in style than I would have chosen, but it fits well…5 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Where to buySmart but simple dining roomWalls painted in Midnight Thyme matt emulsion, £66 for 5L, Paint by Conran. Floor in Basket Weave Natural SBW, £44sq m, Crucial Trading. Naimo large rug, £400, Habitat. Nicholl dining table, bench and three Croft chairs, from £599, Barker & Stonehouse. Svalnas wall-mounted storage combination with desk, £135; Svalnas wall-mounted shelf combination, £70, both Ikea. Blinds in Herbarium Heather/EbonyF1089/03, £36m, Clarke & Clarke. Small 7380 black pendant light, £335, Original BTC. ON TABLE Emil natural linen table runners, £24.99 each; Emilia mauve linen napkins, £7.99 each, all LinenMe. Glass Stockholm carafe, £8, Debenhams. Jars Poeme purple dinner plates, £24 each; dessert plates, £23 each, all Amara. Croft recycled wine glasses, £5 each; Scandi small wood bowl, £15, both John Lewis. Black candleholders, £15 each, Toast. Jar…4 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you MATT’S STYLE: UNDERSTATED ELEGANCEMY GO-TO STORES…• SCP ‘It has a great range of accessories and furniture with occasional one-off vintage pieces.’• HEAL’S ‘This store has a good cross-section of designer pieces and its own collections.’• TOM DIXON, ‘Great for industrial accessories and lamps with metal accents.’STYLIST’S NOTE“A flash of colour on the alcove walls adds energy and interest to invigorate an all-white living space ”HEATHER YOUNG, ACTING DEPUTY EDITOR…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018SAIL THE GREEK ISLANDS WITH VICTORIA HISLOPVictoria Hislop’s gripping historical novel The Island has inspired thousands of readers to visit the deserted Greek island of Spinalonga, just off the coast of Crete. It’s a magical part of the Mediterranean and there’s no better way to see it than on this exclusive cruise with the author herself, departing in spring 2019, with our award-winning travel partner, Voyages to Antiquity.You’ll sail around Sicily and see the ancient temples at Segesta, as well as Taormina and the palaces of Palermo. You’ll arrive in style in Malta by pulling into the Grand Harbour of Valletta before cruising across to Crete and meeting Victoria, who’ll explain why she set her epic family saga on Spinalonga, the deserted island that was once a leper colony. She will also give an exclusive talk…4 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you OHANA’S STYLE: INDUSTRIAL BRIGHTSWHERE TO BUY1. PENDANTDar Lighting Urban easy fit ceiling shade, £50, Castlegate Lights2. HANGING RACKRectangular ceiling rack, £105, Wayfair3. TABLEWARENara 12-piece dinnerware set, £89, Made.com4. SHELVINGGamleby wall shelf, £50, Ikea5. WALLPAPERExposed real brick wallpaper, £75 a roll, Limelace6. TUMBLERSCeramic tumblers, £25 for four, Mini Moderns7. SCALESLiving Nostalgia scales, £35, Very8. CABINETPagnol recycled pine unit, £1,149, Maisons du Monde…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Make it work for you SUSANNA’S CHOICE: A ‘WOW’ EXTRACTOR“Hidden extraction will remain popular. However, the demand for focal cooker hoods is also growing, as they come in impressive designs that conceal their true function ”IAN PATTISON, PRODUCT MANAGER, MIELEA cooker hood is a key kitchen appliance, clearing the air of grease, steam and odours, and helping to keep the whole room clean and fresh. Here’s the lowdown on the newest, most stylish, hi-tech designs.Q What’s new with extractors?They’re much quieter than they used to be. Today’s cooker hoods are all about being seen and not heard. So while their looks can be increasingly sculptural and dramatic, improvements in motor design and insulation mean that they can run well below the volume of normal conversation.Q Extraction or recirculation?Extraction, where a cooker hood is set up to draw air through…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Welcome to my homeDonna Trapnell lives here with her husband, Robert, and their children, Reuben, eight, and one-year-old Hardy.THE PROPERTYA six-bed semi, built in 1901, in Bristol.WHAT IT COSTShower..................£1,694Bath.......................£1,229Basin vanity...........£1,133Loo.........................£1,053Taps.......................£1,305Radiator...................£444Wall tiles...............£1,340Floor tiles..............£1,508Armchair..................£289Lighting....................£614TOTAL................£10,609“This room wasn’t very welcoming, but now it’s really cosy and inviting…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018‘We extended our cottage up and out’My sister, Anne, bought this cottage some years ago and I moved in to live with her,’ says Kate Williams. ‘The kitchen developed a leak, and it turned out that the roof needed replacing. Extending the kitchen into the side return seemed like a logical step, and we decided to convert the loft at the same time.’ONE STOP SHOP Kate and Anne contacted design and building company Plus Rooms (plusrooms.com), after reading about one of its projects in a magazine. ‘As we both work full time, we felt that having someone else to organise everything – from gaining planning permission to decorating – would be invaluable,’ says Kate.SPACE AND LIGHT Converting the empty loft space added a fourth bedroom with an en suite for Kate. The smallest bedroom became a…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Shelf helpPerfect perchesKeep a clear prep space and items in easy reach with picture shelves. To store mugs, screw in cup hooks about 5cm away from the front of the shelf. To attach spice jars, mark the centre of the underside of the lid and then screw through the bottom of the lid into the shelf. Use a screw the same length as the depth of the shelf to avoid the sharp end poking through.BUY THE KEY PIECES Mosslanda 115cm picture ledges, £8.50 each, Ikea; painted in Whisper Grey chalky finish, £5 for 250ml, Hobbycraft. Shouldered cup hooks, £1.29 for 10, The Range. For a similar plant pot, try the Vinter mug, £1.50; Dinera mugs in Beige and Grey-blue, £1.75 each; Pokal glasses, £2 for six, all Ikea. The wood and…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018MAKE IT WORK FOR YOULeave original features such as extractor ducting and steel joists exposed. Uncovering an original brick wall is one way to achieve the look.For maximum impact pick a lay-on slab door or unfussy panel if you’re choosing a textured cupboard door design.If you’re opting for a patterned worktop such as granite or faux marble, or one with a rough finish, then keep the profile edges simple.You can emphasise coloured cabinetry by adding in wall units with frosted glass doors.For a budget-friendly industrial twist, whitewash original floorboards but pick your shade carefully; a soft off-white will improve with age.Consider scale when you’re using colour – a larger kitchen can take a much bigger hit of colour than a smaller one.If your space doesn’t feature brick walls or steel beams, replicate the look…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018HERITAGE CLASSICS“Zone your kitchen space so that the island becomes a transitional area used for rinsing and food preparation ”GRAEME SMITH, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL DESIGN, 1909 KITCHENS“Wallpaper is often thought of as a no-no in a kitchen but it can add a touch of grandeur. If you want to use wallpaper in an area close to water, protect with a piece of glass ”CHRISTIAN BLAKE, FOUNDER OF CHRISTIAN BLAKE BESPOKE KITCHENS“ Combine classic and modern by opting for plain drawer panels, a ceramic sink and a contemporary colour scheme ”MELISSA KLINK , HEAD OF DESIGN, HARVEY JONESBefore 1926 and the advent of the Frankfurt kitchen, generally recognised as the first ‘fitted’ design, kitchens were more freestanding. In smaller homes, they’d amount to not much more than an open fire or range…3 min
Ideal Home|March 2018MAKE IT WORK FOR YOUPick a range oven with modern styling in a bold primary colour to contrast with painted cabinetry in neutral shades.Add wooden accents with timber butcher’s blocks or breakfast bars. For added versatility, think about a chopping block on an island or a timber-topped wheeled trolley.Get the finish right. A durable matt eggshell paint on cabinets is the perfect way to show off the clean, simple lines of Shaker furniture.Include a versatile larder in your design with internal solutions that are tailored to your needs. If you’re a keen baker or cook, it could store all your ingredients in one easily accessible spot. If you’d like it to double as a simple breakfast station then you can just add plug sockets inside.Choose a modern floor option that’s hardwearing, too. Good choices…1 min
Ideal Home|March 2018Shopping directory1909 Kitchens 01325 505539; 1909kitchens.co.ukAAlchemy Kitchens alchemykitchens.co.ukAnnie Sloan 01865 247296; anniesloan.comBB&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.comBenchmarx Kitchens and Joinery 01372 385915; benchmarxkitchens.co.ukBert & May 020 3744 0776; bertandmay.comBlum 0800 917 5550; blum.comBritannia 0844 463 9705; britannialiving.co.ukBurbidge 024 7667 1600; burbidge.co.ukBushboard 01933 232272; bushboard.co.ukCCaple 0117 938 1900; caple.co.ukCaesarstone 01706 863600; caesarstone.co.ukCharlie Kingham 020 7935 2255; charliekingham.co.ukChristian Blake Bespoke Kitchens 01525 720120; christian-blake.comCrown Imperial 01227 742424; crown-imperial.co.ukFFarrow & Ball 01202 876141; farrow-ball.comHHarvey Jones Kitchens 0800 389 6938; harveyjones.comHolloways of Ludlow 020 7371 1787; hollowayskitchens.comIIkea 020 3645 0000; ikea.comJJohn Lewis of Hungerford 0700 278 4726; john-lewis.co.ukLLacanche 01202 733011; lacanche.co.ukLa Cornue lacornue.comLifestyle Kitchens 01227 742424; lifestylekitchens.comMMagnet 01325 744094; magnet.co.ukThe Main Company 01423 330451; maincompany.comMartin Moore 0845 180 0015; martinmoore.comMasterclass 01443 449499; masterclasskitchens.co.ukMiele 0330 160 6600; miele.co.ukNNeptune 01793 427300; neptune.comRRational 0800 1601845; rational.de/enRangemaster 0800 804 6261;…1 min
