Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2021 i Ideal Home

As soon as March 29 went in the diary, my focus immediately switched from the multitude of indoor decorating projects we currently have on the go, to our outside space, which has been completely neglected since we moved into our house. I’m excited about the prospect of being able to socialise outdoors (assuming everything has gone to plan, of course), but our garden is in dire need of a thorough tidy-up (understatement of the year) before it’s in a fit state to host visitors. Having moved here just before lockdown 3.0, this is my first chance to show off our new home to friends and family, and I’d like to make as good a first impression as I can. There are some great quick fixes for your outdoor (and indoor)…

ELEGANT COUNTRY This versatile illustrative stripe features a delicate leaf design in a neutral palette. Botanical Stripe in Light Green, £42 a roll, Borastapeter at Jane Clayton & Company SIMPLE NEUTRAL Thick blurred-edge pink stripes alternate with pristine black lines for a modern and sophisticated design. Race in Nude, £75 a roll, Coordonne at Wallpaperdirect TEXTURAL WEAVE Add interest to walls with textile-effect stripes in a spectrum of blues and greens. Spectro Stripe in Emerald/Marine, £85 a roll, Harlequin at Sanderson Design Group SERENE STROKES Inspired by artistic brush marks made on pottery, this hand-rendered design lends a laid-back Scandi feel to interiors. Marquee Stripe in Ochre, £80 a roll, Cole & Son FLUID LINES Inky-blue watercolour-effect stripes on a plain background offer a look inspired by Shibori. Orleans in…

Herb garden Never confuse your chives with your chervil again by creating handy labels to pop in your herb pots. Use a white marker pen or piece of chalk (if you want to be able to rub them out) to write the plant names on mini slate tiles. Bend wire using pliers to make rods with curled hooks to hang them on.…

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WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY... Colour consultants share their views ■ ‘To create a striking front door with a colour that lasts, you’ll need an exterior paint that has a UV-resistant formula and provides protection against cracking, flaking and peeling,’ says Sue Kim, senior colour designer at Valspar. ■ ‘If you have a period property, a colour that complements its age, such as grey or black, will stand the test of time,’ says Jessica Plateo, marketing manager at Craig & Rose. ‘That’s not to say that bold, unorthodox choices don’t work here, but it depends on how much of a statement you’re intending to make.’ ■ ‘Dark orange is a friendly colour that blends well with materials around it, such as paving, brick and woodwork,’ says Sandy Clare, creative director at…

Living room Sea blues, painted floorboards and a pair of oars used as alternative wall art create a modern coastal-inspired scheme. BUY THE KEY PIECES Isaac three-seat sofa in Rockpool smart slubby cotton, £2,190, Sofa.com. For similar striped cushions, try the Antibes Linen & Blue cushion, £30, Weaver Green Dining area ‘This is just a big, light and airy space that feels really easy to be in,’ says Vicky. She found the furniture from a trade supplier called Coach House. BUY THE KEY PIECES For a similar pendant shade, try the Oxford Vintage in Leaden Grey Slate, £90, Soho Lighting. For similar cushions, try the Lisbon 100% linen in Slate, £45, Also Home Kitchen/diner ‘The kitchen-diner is my favourite place to relax. In the summer, we regularly have seven adults…

“ To allow bifold doors to open and stack back on themselves, you will need to leave up to 1m of space clear, either in the room or outside on the patio ”REBECCA HUNT, SUNA INTERIOR DESIGN Opening up your home with glazing tops many people’s renovation wish lists. Advances in technology are providing ever more beautiful possibilities, while steel-framed glazing is experiencing a major revival. Whether you’re planning bifolds or sliding doors, where do you start making your home connect with your garden? We’ve asked our favourite experts… CAN BIFOLD/SLIDING DOORS AFFECT THE VALUE OF MY PROPERTY? ‘Both involve a reasonable investment (think thousands), but the money should be recouped on the home’s value immediately after installation,’ says Emily Evans, presenter and property expert. ‘Pinning an exact price is…

HOW LAURA AND MATT DID IT ‘The old kitchen was a good size, but it was brown and beige, and felt dark. There was a lean-to at the side, and we knew we could utilise this space. I’ve got a thing about sightlines, and to get that perfect view of the garden I wanted metal-framed doors and windows. I’d heard aluminium frames retain heat better than steel, so that’s what we chose, even though it meant slightly thicker frames. The build was meant to take four to six months but lockdown added an extra three months. The extension, which cost £91,000, was finally completed in June 2020. Instead of the blue cabinetry we’ve seen so much of recently, I wanted rich green paintwork complemented by natural wood with plants dotted…

We’re in love MASTER CHEF Bring Michelin-star style to your kitchen with Michel Roux Jr’s collaboration with Homebase. Roux Kitchens reflect the quality, precision and detail synonymous with a world-class chef. Each design is made in the UK using sustainable materials and has a 20-year guarantee. Fine line When it comes to pretty, standout tiles, Claybrook never fails to deliver. Its new linear Zeze Mosaic collection comes in five tempting shades and can be tiled on curved surfaces – a complete game changer. Zeze Mosaic tiles, £89.98sq m, Claybrook Studio On our wish list... Smeg has launched its first cookware range with its signature retro style look. Prices start from £99.95, Smeg HOT SPOT Radiators have never been top of our bathroom style list but thanks to Bisque’s new Earth…

1 YOU WILL NEED A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Consult a professional early on in the planning stages to make sure that what you are looking to achieve is doable. 2 THE WINDOWS CAN CREATE MAXIMUM VISIBILITY With a corner-opening frame you’ll be able to pull the glazing right back. Thinline glazing will provide the maximum glass to frame ratio, but adds cost. 3 THEY CREATE A SEAMLESS INDOOR/OUTDOOR FEEL Hiding the frame in the structure with a flush threshold creates a dramatic and crisp finish, enabling a smooth transition from the house to the garden. 4 CURTAINS CAN BE RECESSED To allow for the flush hanging of curtains, the tracks are incorporated into the plasterboard, while recessed blinds can be concealed in the ceiling. 5 NOT ALL GLASS IS MADE EQUAL…

Stylish security Netatmo Smart Video Doorbell, £269.99, netatmo.com This wired design from Netatmo might cost a little more than most, but with a built-in microSD card slot there are no additional subscriptions to pay. You can simply enjoy the peace of mind that the excellent Full HD video, motion detection and night vision brings. THE BEST BIT It works with Apple’s HomeKit, accessed through iPhone or iPad; answer calls via HomePod speakers. Superb-value choice EZVIZ DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell, £119, ezvizlife.com Mains-powered with Full HD (1080p) resolution, night vision and person detection, which reduces false alarms from the neighbour’s cat. A microSD card slot is built in for back-up, as well as the option to store in the cloud. THE BEST BIT With a 170-degree vertical field of view you’ll…

5 GAME-CHANGING BUYS The products you need to bring order to your garden, so you can enjoy outdoor living without all the clutter… 1 THE FLEXIBLE WALL SYSTEM Organise an untidy shed with modular wall-mounted storage that’ll keep floors clear of clutter. Tailor it to suit your space, going for a combination of sturdy shelves, racks and hooks. Store heavy, bulky items lower down, with tools at eye level so you can locate them easily. Elfa shelving starter kit, from £115, Store 2 THE ‘OVERFLOW’ STORE Supplement an existing shed with a standalone chest designated for outdoor toys and play equipment. Position it close to the house so that the contents are easily accessible – and easier to put away in a hurry, too, if there’s a sudden downpour. Pressure…

“If you don’t want to disrupt the flow of painted walls or have panelling, but you’re missing a pattern fix, this is the solution! It’s not a run of the mill decorating trick so it’s an instant wow-factor too. It’ll play wonderfully off sloped ceilings or add a statement to a boxy room. Keep the walls simple to let the ceiling shine.” MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR “ It gives me a neck ache just thinking about doing this! I think my main objection is the practical aspect – getting the paper up and stripping it off – definitely a job for a decorator. Unless you have lovely high ceilings, it could really close down the room and make it feel claustrophobic, too.” STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR…

LAURA ASHLEY IS BACK The iconic brand has returned, partnering with Next to bring back some of its textiles, wallpapers and furniture alongside brand-new pieces. Ornate Tapestry Floral is just one of the classic designs that have been given a modern twist; it’s available as bed linen, wallpaper and on the Garrick headboard. Shop online and in Next stores nationwide. The hero piece SOFA. COM’S DINING CHAIRS Meet the oh-so-chic Coco and Margaux. If eating in is the new dining out, their cool curves and upholstered finish will dress up your dining space and bring home all the glamour of luxe restaurant interiors. Choose from cool neutrals or eye-catching accent colours, in fabrics including spill-resistant Smart velvet. Both styles are available as bar stools too, so just line up…

Create a gallery Highlight a sideboard display by continuing the theme up the walls. Hang art in neutral and green tones in different sizes Layer texture Bring tactile natural elements indoors by dressing the table with artisan ceramics and linens. A mix of rattan and wooden seating emphasises the indoor/outdoor feel Introduce verdant tones Bring a neutral room to life with accents of fresh green on fabrics and accessories, with deeper shades for a modern edge Mix up designs Cushions are a great for a splash of pattern. Combine small prints with larger motifs in shades of leaf green, jade and turquoise patterned Hang a blind A bold print at the window adds great personality. Go for a nature-inspired design for the feel of a lush garden all year round…

Shine on This easy-to-tackle DIY task is also a money-saving alternative to tiling. Here, a satinwood paint suitable for walls has been used to create a durable, wipe-clean surface. Using the same colour as the matt area creates a seamless finish with an eye-catching sheen. Use decorator’s tape to mask off the ‘splashback’.…

MY GO-TO STORES • TRIBAL TEXTILES Unique hand painted textiles ethically sourced from Zambia. • SWOON EDITIONS Smart, statement furniture and contemporary lighting with a luxe style. • IKEA Brilliant for off-the-peg pieces that can be given a bespoke look. STYLIST’S NOTE “Paint walls and built-in furniture the same shade. It looks smart and makes a small space feel bigger”LISA FAZZANI, ACTING FEATURES EDITOR…

BEST FOR ELEGANCE Dorchester Pink, £73.50 for 2.5ltr intelligent exterior eggshell, Little Greene BEST FOR VIBRANCY Claret Rose aura grand entrance gloss, £46 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore BEST FOR A FRESH FINISH Superdec in Clover Leaf, from £36 for 2.5ltr, Sadolin BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL ENTRANCE Indigo, £23.30 for 750ml, Weathershield quick dry gloss, Dulux BEST FOR A WARM WELCOME Pelt, £66 for 2.5ltr full gloss, Farrow & Ball BEST FOR A TIMELESS STYLE Zeitgeist eggshell, £45.50 for 2.5ltr, Craig & Rose NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? HEAD TO OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC…

MY GO-TO STORES ● MARSHES & FLINT A treasure trove of beautifully designed children’s toys and homeware. ● HOLT ANTIQUES Browse the many dealers’ stalls selling a variety of vintage pieces. ● GARDEN TRADING Great for modern country basics, including furniture and lighting, for inside and out. STYLIST’S NOTE “With varied wood tones, painting doors and skirting the same will create cohesion”MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR…

REBECCA HUNT, OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF SUNA INTERIOR DESIGN (SUNAINTERIORDESIGN.COM) Suna has worked with property developers in the residential market for 20 years on projects across the UK, specialising in show homes, marketing suites, CGIs and interior specifications for large and small developments alike. SHANNON NORMOYLE, DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE (IQGLASSUK.COM) IQ Glass has been the UK’s leader in the field of architectural glazing for over 15 years, offering an extensive range of contemporary framing solutions. EMILY EVANS, PRESENTER AND PROPERTY EXPERT (EMILYPROPERTYEXPERT.CO.UK). For the past 10 years, Emily has been helping people rent, buy, sell and renovate homes, running her own estate agency and property development business. She appears on ITV’s This Morning and presents property shows.…

Laura Clare lives here with her husband Matt Francis, and their children Zac, two, and newborn twins Zadie and Rae. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Victorian semi-detached in east London WHAT IT COST Kitchen units.......£13,500 Worktops.............£2,500 Cherrywood carpentry.............£6,000 Lighting...................£464 Appliances..........£3,600 Sink..........................£250 Mixer tap.................£200 TOTAL................£26,514 “We saw it had the potential to be a light-filled space, with colour for added impact”…

Ben Wilson and his wife Sally live here with their children Samuel, 11 and Elise, nine. THE PROPERTY A five-bed house built in 1929 in Bournemouth, bought in 2015 WHAT IT COST Bath......................£2,634 Bath mixer............£3,298 Loo..........................£1,100 Basin fillers..........£2,220 Basins and stands...................£6,010 Mirrors..................£1,546 Radiators..............£4,332 Tiles......................£5,982 Lighting...................£468 TOTAL ................£27,590 “We love how all the elements have come together so beautifully”…

Create pop-up clothes storage Whether you’re looking for streamlined hallway furniture, or extra hanging space, this clothes rail is a practical and stylish solution. It conveniently folds down so you can store it away – handy if you have guests or temporarily need more hanging space for clothes. Collapsible ash wooden clothes rail, £65, Dunelm Keep topped up Bother (webother.co.uk) is a delivery service that sends household items direct to your door, even giving you a nudge when you’re due to run out. Waterproof outdoor wear If your waxed jacket has seen better days, Otter Wax can revive it. It can even be applied to untreated fabrics to make them waterproof. Otter Wax heat-activated fabric wax, £22.50, Tinker & Fix Plastic-free picnic Swap disposable cutlery for a more sustainable option…

Emily Crowley-Wroe (aprilhouse.co.uk) used the space at the back of her house as a case study for her garden design course. ‘The rear garden was glossed over in the particulars for the house,’ she says. ‘It had broken fence panels and depressing flagstones, and was empty apart from some sad-looking pots.’ Emily’s vision was an outside room that felt spacious and connected to the modern style of the back of the house. ‘We wanted a garden full of exotic plants that would transport us somewhere faraway and dreamy – a complete contrast to the cottage garden at the front,’ she says. As the rear space is just 57 metres square, Emily decided to deck the whole area and add a mix of planting beds and raised beds for height. ‘The…

Salt beef and potato pancakes SERVES 2 READY IN 50 mins INGREDIENTS • 2-3 Maris Piper potatoes (around 300g), peeled and halved • 2 eggs • 250ml buttermilk • 150g plain flour • 2tsp baking powder • 2 spring onions, finely sliced • 2tsp grated Parmesan • 100g Cheddar, grated • 200g salt beef, finely diced • 1tsp wholegrain mustard • 1tsp sea salt • 1tsp black pepper • Vegetable oil, for frying FOR THE HERB CREME FRAICHE • 4tbsp creme fraiche • 2tbsp chopped chives • Grated zest of 1 lemon TO SERVE • 2 poached eggs • Pickled cucumber • 2tbsp beetroot ketchup • Parmesan, shaved • olive oil 1 For the pancakes, place the potatoes in a pan of water and bring to the boil. Cook for 15 mins, until tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly in the colander. Transfer to a bowl and mash roughly with…

My design is inspired by tufted rugs…

MY GO-TO STORES ● ARMADILLO & CO Luxury handcrafted rugs made with natural materials and sustainable processes. ● COLE & SON Browse its Fornasetti collection for intricate wallpaper inspired by the artist’s unique and dreamlike world. ● JAIME HAYON For contemporary light fixtures that will bring a sophisticated feel. STYLIST’S NOTE “Deep shades and lots of texture help an open-plan space feel more inviting”STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR…

Storage secret Stack Ikea’s Trones shoe cabinets on top of each other and fix to the wall as a headboard to tackle clutter. Great for stowing away spare bedding, pyjamas and books when bedroom space is at a premium. Bold background Fill the space between a pair of wardrobes, one either side of the bed, by building a headboard deep enough to display accessories. Paint the wardrobes and headboard to match for a smart co-ordinated look. Go for comfort Hang seat cushions with ties from a simple curtain pole above the bed. Just switch the cushions when you fancy a change! In the frame Surround an upholstered bedhead with a deep, wooden frame to create a surface you can use to display ceramics and framed prints. Rustic upcycle Fix reclaimed…

Gallery space Create an evolving display by lining the walls with picture shelves. Choose a style that has a discreet lip at the front to support the frames and will also allow you to prop up other collectables. For a cohesive finish, choose frames and artwork that have similar tones.…

THE CATEGORIES ♦ BEST HOME ♦ BEST GARDEN ♦ BEST ROOM MAKEOVER WE WANT TO SEE • Period homes to smart new-builds • Country houses to cosy cottages • Characterful conversions • Amazing before and afters • Gorgeous country gardens to modern outdoor living spaces THE PRIZES! • Our winners will be announced in the September 2021 issue • The winners of each category will each win £1,000 • The runners-up in each category (one runner-up per category) will each win £500 ENTER ONLINE  idealhome.co.uk/homeawardsentry You will need the following information ready to complete your application: SHORT INTRO Up to 300 words about the home, garden or room you’re entering. Tell us about your space, mentioning any key elements of the design, how you’ve transformed it, where you are located…

1 BRING IN GREENERY Shake off the winter blues by working plants and shades of green into your colour scheme. Fresh green will energise a space; choose leafy prints or a painted wall panel, or even a simple display of house plants. 2 CREATE A LIVING WALL Brighten up the side of a shed or drab brickwork by fixing a couple of vertical panels. Add sturdy hooks to hang bucket planters and fill them with herbs or trailing plants. 3 ADD A POP OF PAINT Smarten up a shabby kitchen cupboard by giving it a fresh coat of paint. Choose a darker shade for the inside to create a contrasting backdrop for displays of crockery and tableware. 4 PULL UP AN EXTRA PEW Supplement living room…

OUR JUDGING PANEL Busola Evans Associate Editor Heather Young Editor Sarah Spiteri Editorial Director Shelina Permalloo Masterchef Winner KITCHEN OF THE YEAR WINNER WREN KITCHENS INFINITY PLUS SHAKER KITCHEN IN SPECTRUM PEACHY: S 0804-Y70R & GREEN: S 4020-B90G, WREN KITCHENS “We loved the attention to detail in this kitchen from Wren. It shows you can have a truly beautiful kitchen design regardless of your budget”HEATHER YOUNG , EDITOR HIGHLY COMMENDED HABERDASHER’S HIDEAWAY, DEVOL VALUE KITCHEN WINNER BENCHMARX CAMBRIDGE IN MIDNIGHT BLUE, BENCHMARX “The Cambridge kitchen in Midnight Blue looks so smart for its affordable price point – from just £1,700 for an eight-unit kitchen”SARAH SPITERI EDITORIAL DIRECTOR BEST TAP WINNER FRANKE Minerva Helix 4-in-1 instant boiling water tap, Franke ‘Not only does this have a clever push-button operation, it comes…

Commonly found on terraced and semi-detached homes, side return extensions harness dead space to the side at the back. It’s one of the most popular ways to increase living space without spending big. Q Why should I get one? Turning a skinny, disconnected room into a wide, open-plan living space is the main incentive. Just a metre or two widthways can make space for a kitchen-diner or island. All without reducing usable outdoor space – an important factor if your garden isn’t massive. Adding skylights can also improve the light levels in the heart of your home, while glass doors will provide a better connection to the garden. Q Do I need planning permission? With a few exceptions, side returns don’t need planning consent, as long as you follow permitted…

IDEAL CHOOSE AN INTRICATE SCREEN DESIGN DELICATE DESIGN Pols Potten Ovals folding screen, £781, Amara GREAT DEAL MODERN EDGE Wood Hera folding screen, £89, Cuckooland…

Tina Lightbound, a housewife and husband Mike, a finance partner for a property developer live here with children Jack, 13, and Isaac, 11. THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom Arts and Crafts house in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. THE VALUE Bought for £2,025,000 in January 2017; now worth around £2.7m. WHAT IT COST Site clearance..£10,000 Prelims.............£20,000 Demolition.......£12,000 Drainage............£8,000 Foundations.....£31,000 Brickwork.........£19,000 Steelwork.........£43,000 Roof...................£31,000 Electrics............£18,000 Plumbing..........£18,000 Finishes............£16,000 Flooring............£20,000 Glazing.............£60,000 TOTAL.......... £306,000 “We love being more connected to the garden”…

Powerful choice F1500 High pressure clothes steamer, £249.99, Fridja It’s not the most attractive design we’ve found, but it works harder than most, with an easy-to-adjust telescopic pole, powerful 5 bars of steam pressure and huge 3.8 litre removable water tank that lasts for over two hours. It’s quick to heat up, too, taking just 75 seconds. THE BEST BIT Truly multifunctional, the head steams vertically, while the mesh cover is also used like an ironing board. Travel companion Express steam 361000, £59.99, Morphy Richards An innovative design that’s light and ergonomic to use, with a small 260ml water tank. Useful tools include clip-on brush and squeegee combination that lifts lint and refreshes upholstery, plus a clip and steam nozzle for collars. THE BEST BIT This handheld steamer heats up…

WHERE TO BUY 1. CUSHION Tropical leaf print outdoor cushion, £24.99, Beanbag Bazaar 2. SWING SEAT Reelak double swing seat, £180, La Redoute 3. BRIGHT CHAIR Nordic Spring chair in Orange/Pink, £250 for a set of four, Habitat 4. OUTDOOR RUG Weaver Turquoise striped recycled indoor/ outdoor rug, from £41.99, Rug House 5. GREEN GLASS Teal Fali wine glass, £36.95 for four, Nkuku 6. SIDE TABLE Habitat Finley C-shaped Yellow side table, £30, Argos IDEAL HOME LOVES… HARDY EXOTICS Tetrapanax papyrifer ‘Rex’ Exotic and dramatic but hardy and easy to grow. Ipomoea Lobata A quick-growing annual climber that flowers for three to four months. Mandevilla sanderi A half-hardy climbing perennial that’s ideal for growing in pots.…

SERVES 8 READY IN 2HRS • 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle • 3tbsp rose harissa paste (we used Belazu) • 640g chicken thighs • 227g can chopped tomatoes FOR THE FETA YOGURT SLAW • 100g feta • 100g Greek yogurt • Juice of ½ lemon • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into half moons • 1 large carrot, cut into thin strips • ½ white cabbage, thinly sliced TO SERVE • Flatbreads or wraps • 3tbsp chopped coriander 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Mix the oil and harissa. Use to coat the chicken and marinate for 20 mins or overnight. 2 Transfer chicken to an ovenproof dish with a lid, pour in the tomatoes and mix. 3 Cook, covered, for 1hr. Increase the oven temperature to 200C/Gas 6, remove the lid and cook for a further 20…