Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Real Homes

During recent weeks, it’s fair to say that my home has seen some considerable changes. No longer simply a place to live, it’s now become my office, a school classroom, home gym and venue for (virtual) Friday night drinks on Zoom with friends, among other things. A scene that’s no doubt being replicated in some shape or form in millions of homes throughout the UK. Perhaps most importantly, however, it’s my family’s safe haven, our sanctuary from some of the chaos that we’ve all been living through recently. Maintaining our physical and mental well-being in these difficult times is key, and I know so many of you are finding ways of achieving that in your homes, whether that’s through completing DIY jobs that have been on your to-do list for…

BETH MURTON is the editor of Real Homes magazine. Passionate about all things home-related, she’s renovated a 1930s house into a modern family home, and is always looking out for fresh ideas. JASON ORME is editorial director of Real Homes and author of The Self Build Dream, and has advised thousands of homeowners on their renovations. He has totally remodelled his 1960s home. LUCY SEARLE is the global editor-in-chief of Realhomes.com. After a career on a number of homes mags and websites, she’s dedicated to bringing us online homes inspo aplenty.…

Chase the rainbow Light up the night and conjure some alfresco ambience with smart outdoor lighting. Philips Hue’s new range can be controlled by a smart phone or tablet, but its brilliance lies in the lighting effects you can create. With 16 million colours and 50,000 shades of warm-to-cool white light, the possibilities are endless. Go with the flow Keep your lawns lush and your flowers watered without having to wrangle a hose. Gardena’s Smart Sensor Control Set helps you irrigate with ease, automatically controlling the water supply in your garden when linked to your sprinkler or micro drip system. The Sensor sends temperature, soil moisture and light intensity readings from your garden to the Gardena Smart app, which regulates the watering schedule and makes sure it’s only done when…

With an effortlessly cool aesthetic, it’s easy to see why the iconic mid-century design era has such an enduring appeal. Examples of this time-transcending style harmoniously blend within a multitude of interior schemes, which is perhaps the key to its long-lasting popularity. FOR MORE STYLE ADVICE, HEAD TO REALHOMES.COM/DESIGN PAST MASTERS…

‘After building a small kitchen extension, this three-and-a-half-metre square area was essentially a barren wasteland. We recycled some pavers from another part of the garden to create an outdoor seating area. The brick wall behind is our neighbour’s house, which creates a lovely courtyard effect. My fiancé and I did all the manual work, shifting and laying each paver by hand. I found an amazing selection of outdoor pieces and the majority of the planters, mostly in shades of pink, from Made. Comfort is really key outdoors. Get pieces with plump outdoor cushions, and sofas where you can, rather than metal folding chairs. Pull cushions, throws and lanterns from indoors for a cosy space that’s lovely to sit in long after the sun’s gone down. Try to tie the colours…

For your chance to win, simply go to realhomes.com/garden-competitionand answer the following question before midnight on 31 May 2020: How much is the garden prize bundle worth? 1: £500 2: £1,000 3: More than £2,300 Terms and conditions: Under 18s must obtain parental consent to enter this competition. Answers must be received between 22 April 2020 and midnight on 31 May 2020. UK only. One winner will receive a garden prize bundle as detailed above. Prizes include delivery to mainland UK but not installation. Prizes cannot be transferred to any other person. The winners will be selected at random from all correct entries received between the relevant dates and will be provided the prize free of charge. The winner will be notified within 28 days of the closing date and…

I get to visit a lot of homes in my job and, increasingly, most of them have sock-off big extensions. HUGE. Especially, it seems, listed properties where the owners aren’t allowed to knock down internal walls with Kirstie Allsopp-grade fervour for fear of upsetting the woodworm or historians or whatevs. Course they are all to die for. But, over the years, one thing that has often struck me as sad is how the owners stop living in their old, original house. It’s just a thoroughfare to the bedrooms and, if they’re lucky, the downstairs lav. Cutting to the point, the dining area of our kitchen-diner is not in the extension. It’s in the old living room but, this is the clever bit *smug high-five*, we took the old sliding patio…

1 OUR GO-TO SUMMER MEAL Katelin loves making a tandoori seabass salad 2 THE FIRST SONG ON OUR KITCHEN PLAYLIST We always dance in the kitchen to Hypersonic Missiles by Sam Fender 3 BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY MORNING A family breakfast with the bi-folds open, tunes on and fresh coffee 4 BIG TICKET ITEM WE WOULDN’T BE WITHOUT Our pull-out larder 5 FAVOURITE SOURCE FOR ART For The Love of the North is great for North East prints…

WHEN faced with a six-foot-wide galley kitchen occupying a former pantry, Alison and John Stansfield knew exactly which room of their double-fronted Victorian home to tackle first. ‘It had a tiny north-facing window and 1980s pine units with only enough room for the chef, who was isolated and forgotten,’ explains Alison, who moved from a modern bungalow in a neighbouring village with husband John and sons Harry and Dan in 2011. Creating a new kitchen in the former breakfast room and knocking it through to the front room seemed the obvious solution, allowing light to flood through the south-facing bay window. Keen to preserve the building’s character, the couple have been careful in their renovation, replacing modern radiators with cast-iron ones and installing reproduction Yorkshire sliding sash windows. ‘We’d been…

GEOMETRIC BRIGHTS Want to find something useful to do with all those tester pots stuck at the back of the garage? We’re always on the lookout for easy paint makeovers, and this upcycling project has got us raiding our leftover paint supplies in a flash. Taking centre stage in the bathroom of interiors blogger @liznylon, this mid-century drawer unit was given a colourful makeover by Happy Retro (happyretro.co.uk). With nothing more than a paintbrush, a few paint tins, some masking tape and a dash of creative flair, you too can transform an unloved piece of furniture. Here’s how to do it… YOU’LL NEED: ■ Paintbrush ■ Tester pots of paint in several different colours ■ Painters/masking tape ■ Pencil ■ Ruler ■ Sandpaper or sander HOW TO:  1 If you…

BEST EXTENSION Have you doubled the size of your kitchen with a rear extension? Added bedrooms with a two-storey addition or built up into the loft? We’re looking for stylish spaces that have helped you make the most of your home. BEST RENOVATION Sponsored by Icynene We’re not just all about extensions here at Real Homes! If you have transformed your home, whether that’s rescuing an unloved period property or remodelling for modern family living, share your project with us today. BEST HOME MAKEOVER/ REDECORATION Are you handy with a paintbrush? Love tackling a different upcycling project every other weekend? Sometimes a lick of paint, some serious TLC and inspiring, creative ideas are all you need to get your entire home up to scratch. So if you’ve got DIY prowess…

WHAT ROOFLIGHTS ARE BEST FOR LOFT CONVERSIONS? ‘For lofts, where space is already at a premium, the right windows are essential for maximising daylight. Top-hung roof windows are ideal as they open outwards to create uninterrupted views and a feeling of extra space. For a loft bedroom, we would advise choosing 60 pane as it has enhanced noise reduction and an easy-to-clean coating.’ WHEN PICKING A ROOFLIGHT, WHAT MUST I CONSIDER? ‘The number and size of roof windows will impact the look and feel of your conversion. To bring in the right amount of daylight, we recommend your roof windows take up an area equal to 15-20 per cent of the room’s floor space.’ WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ROOFLIGHTS NOT FOUND IN CONVENTIONAL WINDOWS?‘ ‘Roof windows let in twice…

Perfect for partying without worrying about red wine on your shag pile, entertaining outdoors is the stress-free way to host this summer. OK, so we can’t promise you won’t fret about the weather. Even August can be dicey on the Storm Samir front (or whatever name we’re on by then) but at least there’s less chance Uncle Barry will smash your precious Anthropologie lamp after one too many Newcy Browns. Eating outside also takes the pressure off, perfection-wise; who cares if the sausages are a bit burnt when there’s fresh air, laughter and, just maybe, sun on your face? In recent years outdoor entertaining has moved beyond the annual family gathering around a grease-encrusted barbecue. A fully-equipped outdoor kitchen isn’t beyond the pale, especially if you’re handy with the breeze…

‘Previously this patio area was a square of tired, chipped old slabs and worn-out fencing. There’s a large lawn beyond it, then vegetable beds and my ‘she shed’ – the garden is 150ft long. We wanted to create an outdoor living room, so I based the design of the seating area around the idea of a large L-shaped sofa, which we built from reclaimed scaffold boards. In fact, laying slabs for the patio was the only work we didn’t do ourselves. I wanted all the elements out here that we have indoors, such as cosy lighting, soft furnishings and rugs (these are outdoor rugs and cushions), plus music. The outdoor lamp has a speaker that connects to the Wi-Fi, and there’s a fire pit to keep cosy. We are planning…

Spending more time at home has got us thinking about all the creative DIY projects we can do with items we’ve already got in our home. With a paintbrush in hand, there really are no limits to the designs we can create. If you’re tired of looking at your old-fashioned wardrobes, your tiles are grubby despite endless scrubbing, or your bookcase is more of an eyesore than an attractive feature, now’s the time to mix things up. Paint isn’t just for walls, after all. So whether you’ve already dashed to your local DIY store for paint supplies, or you’ve got a pile of paint tins in the garage waiting patiently for their time to shine, take inspiration from these creative ideas and add a fun element to your space. Clever…

Colour love Pastel pink and green are the colours of 2020, and we’re loving how these ice cream shades have even made their mark on bathroom taps. They’re an instant, modern focal point in any space – which flavour gets your vote? Inga colour pop bathroom tap in Neo Mint, £149.99; Kagera colour pop bathroom tap in Miami Pink, £129.99, both Dowsing & Reynolds New innovation Love the look of patterned wallpaper in the bathroom but don’t want the risk of splashes ruining your handiwork? These acrylic wall panels are the answer! Simply cut them to size and attach them to your wall (or even over tiles). As they are 100 per cent waterproof and have a 10-year guarantee, they’re a no brainer. Positano blue terrazzo shower wall, £247 per…

‘Being chosen as both Best Renovation and Home of the Year for Real Homes was a huge surprise and honour,’ says Debbie. ‘I’ve been reading the magazine for years but never thought I’d have a home worthy of gracing its pages. It made me proud of what we’ve achieved as a family. The photo shoot was a busy but enormously fun day. The team are a lovely bunch and very supportive. Having everyone crowded into my bedroom eating lunch while the Real Homes Show crew filmed downstairs was an unusual highlight! The vouchers were a fab prize – I’ve spent them on a new TV for the lounge.’ Have you been busy with a home improvement project you’re particularly proud of? Whether you’ve extended your kitchen, refreshed a dated bathroom…

WHY KARLA’S HOME CAUGHT OUR EYE When we first came across Karla’s home, it was the stunning quarry kitchen tiles that got our attention. Contrasting with the modernity of the sleek white kitchen, it’s one of many examples of the careful way Karla’s treated her Victorian home. Inheriting it in a decent state – complete with an open-plan kitchen and French doors to the garden – she’s been able to put her own stamp on the property while keeping its most precious features, including the original sash windows, fireplaces and bannister, intact. In fact, Karla has gone so far as to celebrate them, restoring the original Victorian tiles of the hallway to their former glory and keeping, but painting over, the textured wallpaper that was there when she moved in.…

How are you filling your time at home? Perhaps you’re planning a home improvement project for later in the year or looking for ideas for quick makeovers you can complete right now. Maybe you’re trying to find some calm through mindfulness or by cooking a favourite meal for the family. With that in mind, we’ve put together a fantastic book giveaway to keep you entertained. Due to the current situation, we’ve had to make some temporary changes to our newsstand offering by not including an extra magazine with each issue, so we hope you enjoy these five free books worth more than £50* instead. Take a look at what’s included… THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KITCHENS Whether you want to switch up your layout, create more space or simply freshen up…

ONE Your BBQ isn’t self-cleaning. You could swear you scrubbed it before it was stuffed in the garage last year. Yet here it is, looking like the grim reaper after a lard bath. Would it be un-eco to just bin it and buy a shiny new one? (Yes it would be, obviously). TWO It doesn’t matter how scorching the afternoon sun, the second it dips below the fence everyone’s fighting over the blankets. Nobody will admit they’re cold though; blue lips and goose-bumps are ignored to keep the holiday vibe alive. THREE Everyone is a pyromaniac once they have had a few bevvies. Never mind the kids, it’s your dad who is most at risk of third degree burns as he continuously tests out the burnability of a variety of…

WIN! A robot lawnmower from Flymo Want to make mowing the lawn even easier? Get your hands on Flymo’s brand new EasiLife fully automatic robotic lawnmower and you’ll have even more time for relaxing outdoors. The mower can make its way around every corner of the garden without human intervention, trimming the tips of the grass to let micro clippings form mulch to feed the lawn, meaning no more emptying grass boxes or collecting cuttings. With an easy-to-follow installation, the efficient, Lithium-Ion battery-powered EasiLife is quiet, emission free and capable of effectively mowing a lawn area up to a maximum of 200m2 , negotiating itself around trees and fences. The device boasts additional features including the intuitive Assist-U interface for easy scheduling, monitoring and communication, all of which can be…

How does a fashion professional transfer her design skills to her home? You just need to peek into the colourful abode of shoe designer Jacqueline to see it’s clearly second nature to some. From gallery walls decorated with a mix of witty prints, floral oil paintings and whimsical one-offs to open shelving crammed with collections of pottery, glassware and ceramics, she’s an interiors natural. ‘I’d say I’m a very visual person, and always have been,’ says Jacqueline. ‘I actually originally wanted to be a fine artist specialising in painting or work in ceramics, but when I was at art college I panicked, and when I discovered a degree in shoe design it seemed perfect for me. My artsy background probably explains so much you see in the house. Also, the…

CLEAN SWEEP At last, the temperature’s climbing and we can finally think about sliding open those doors and venturing out into the garden. And what better way to mark the occasion than by staring wistfully at a weather-appropriate extension? We love the cool exterior of this design. The metro tile-like façade is actually brick slips, chosen to be sympathetic to the house’s original gault brick – and doesn’t it just pop against the slate grey border? Add a window seat with serious reading-nook vibes (you know, for when we’re not outside enjoying the sunshine) and we’re sold. A similar project would cost in the region of £200,000. Sliding doors, Maxlight. Window, Velfac. TAS Architects, 020 7043 0727, thomasandspiers.com…

ONE How should you choose your colours? Begin with one you love and go from there. ‘Colour wheels can help you understand what shades sit well together,’ says Darren Watts, design director at Wren Kitchens. ‘Complementary colours opposite each other create a strong statement, while colours near each other give a more tranquil feel.’ TWO ‘A key way to unify your space is by using the same cabinet handles throughout, and then matching these up with your appliances, sink and tap,’ says Doug Haswell, furniture manager at Caple. Alternatively, you could ensure a cohesive scheme by sticking with one specific room style, be it Scandi, farmhouse or industrial. THREE ‘Using a darker colour on your lower cabinets and a lighter colour up top will create the illusion of a larger…

‘Should I opt for triple glazing all round my home for maximum energy efficiency?’ ‘Your main consideration should be the overall improvement of thermal efficiency (measured as an overall U-value) of the product and triple glazing can improve this massively,’ says Matt Higgs, director/ co-owner Klöeber UK. ‘Focus on the products that could benefit most from triple glazing – typically large sets of doors and north-facing elevations – to achieve the greatest improvement in thermal efficiency for your money. Remember that a U-value is a measurement of the heat transmission through a part of a building. You need to consider this on all elements of a build, not just windows and doors. You also need to take into account the overall U-value of a glazed product, not just the glass…