Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Real Homes

What makes the perfect extension? Is it the fact it flows out to the garden, effortlessly linking indoors and out? Perhaps it’s how it transforms a dated and impractical layout into a multifunctional family room, or the way in which the new contemporary glazing can turn previously dark areas into light-filled spaces? If you’re lucky, chances are it can be all of the above. But how do you get from that first glint of an idea of taking on an extension project to actually achieving your dream space? There’s so much to do before the foundations can be laid that starting a project can often seem like a mammoth task that will never be achieved. I know how that feels, having been toying with the idea of extending for nearly…

It’s mainly because she did Art at A Level which made her, in our eyes, something of an expert, a Brian Sewell in female form. She went on to have a suitably creative career in fashion journalism, whereas my job generally involved furiously tapping on a keyboard while co-ordinating boring meetings and diary management for a procession of IT professionals. Deciding which colour highlighter to use was the limit to my artistry. ‘ON MY WALL I’VE GOT FLYING DOLPHINS (TRUE STORY) AND EVEN A WOODEN GOAT’S HEAD. IF YOU LOVE IT, HANG IT’ However, I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with art in my home and, in particular, the glory of a gallery wall. When I was a teenager, my bedroom walls were covered edge to edge in…

Doors are at once mysterious and inviting. You never know what lies behind one. It could be a warm welcome from loved ones. If it’s attached to a wardrobe and there’s snow underfoot, it might be Narnia. Nick Rowell started photographing doors while living in Argentina, setting up his Instagram @door_ jadore in the process. Now, he’s gathered his photographs from around the world in the book Door J’Adore (Ryland Peters & Small, £9.99). Read it and be inspired to give your door a makeover of its own...…

HAPPY WINDOWS Why let your windows fade into the background? Give your timber frames some love and create a new feature in your space with a simple splash of colourful paint. This draws your eye to the brightest part of your room and creates a sunshiney glow, whatever the weather. First, fill in any cracks or holes, and ensure the frames are clean and dry. Using masking tape to protect the glass, prime the surface with an undercoat and then paint two coats of your chosen colour. Every single window in your home doesn’t need to be the same – make a statement by integrating your windows into your chosen scheme for the room for a complete look.…

PICTURE PERFECT Gallery walls are a firm favourite here at Real Homes HQ – there’s no better way to transform a blank, boring space, as DIY instagrammer Medina Grillo illustrates in her sunny living room. But if you’re thinking, ‘that’s an awful lot of nails to hammer into my perfectly painted walls,’ fear not. There’s a brilliant solution that even the most DIY-phobic person can nail (no pun intended). Adhesive strips can be applied directly to your frame like tape. Ensure your walls are clean and dry, apply the strips to all four corners of the frame, press down and place into position on your wall. Hold for 30 seconds, then remove the frame, leaving the strips on your wall, and wait one hour. Reattach the frame and it’s good…

MY FAVOURITE CORNER Lucinda Holt lives in a detached new-build in Lancashire with husband Sam and their children Lola, seven, and twins Violet and Ruby, five ‘When we lived in London we never had space to fit all our records, so it’s great that our home office now doubles as a music room. My husband Sam manages musicians and DJs, so has around 5,000 records that were previously boxed up in the garage. Because it’s a new house we don’t have any alcoves, so a friend recommended a local carpenter who made the LP storage wall for £1,200. He was amazing and got the dimensions spot on. Although we don’t buy vinyl any more as Sam has the latest digital tech, we have loads of old house, disco, soul and…

THERE’S been a Scandi style revolution in recent years – and with it has come new vocabulary that we’ve absorbed very quickly into everyday usage. How many of us have said (or heard friends say), ‘Oooh, I’m going to add a touch of “hygge”,’ (loosely translated as adding more texture), or ‘I’m going for a Scandi look in my bedroom’ (more of a simple style, less clutter)? How many books and articles have advised us to embrace the concept of ‘lagom’ (something that’s all about balance – not too little or too much)? But what effect has this had on our decorating and style choices – and is our cultural love affair with all things Scandi still rosy? ‘Scandinavian style is pared-back and fuss free,’ says Niki Brantmark, originally from…

TEA TIME Learn how the team likes their cuppas, or set up a drinks station with kettle, mugs, tea and coffee. We all need a caffeine hit sometimes, don’t we? SUGAR RUSH Fuel their energy with cakes and biscuits. Building is a physical job, so we’re sure the team can enjoy guilt-free snacking – right? CHEERS Provide some beers on a Friday night to say thanks for a good week’s work. Just don’t turn the pre-weekend tidy-up into karaoke night. TOP TUNES A radio is a bonus for the team, so crank up the volume – but invest in earplugs for yourself if you don’t like the music choice.…

THE RIGHT ANGLE Now the festive season is well and truly over, is it too early to start thinking about summer? With cold and gloomy days ahead, the Real Homes team is pining for warmer climes and bright skies. Nevertheless, even the winter sun would look beautiful filtered through this extension with its cleverly placed picture windows and bi-fold doors from Edinburgh Timber. It’s always exciting to see a refreshing take on a simple rear extension, and the eye-catching angles and light-reflecting stained weatherboarding of this build have got us planning an exterior makeover for our own homes. Bring on the warmer, lighter evenings… Total project cost: £70,000. Kalm Architecture, 01620 850 649, kalmarchitecture.co.uk…

BEST FOR PONGY PETS Engineered especially to attack the most stubborn pet hair, and with carbon-enriched, lavender-scented filter bags to neutralise smells and leave a fresh fragrance, this is a must for keeping your home fur free. The Gtech Pro K9, £249.99, Gtech BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT Under 4kg and packed with enough cordless power to clean an average home several times over, this nimble design can get the job done quicker. C300 cordless upright vacuum cleaner, from £179.99, Hoover BEST FOR HANDS FREE For one less chore, program your robotic vacuum to do the carpets for you when you’re out. Scout RX2 Robotic vacuum cleaner, approx £700, Miele…

MY GO-TO SHOP FOR HOME ACCESSORIES ‘John Lewis for new and Ebay for antique furniture’ MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER ‘It has to be William Morris’ THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY IS… ‘Baking with our kids’ WHERE I GO TO FOR INSPIRATION ‘The National Trust’s Standen House and Garden – it’s an Arts and Crafts movement house’ THE ONE UNUSUAL ITEM IN MY HOME THAT I LOVE ‘My antique French dresser’…

BEST FOR A FOLIAGE-FILLED SCHEME Complement an on-trend display of super-sized houseplants with your choice of window dressing. The scaled-up motif of these curtains won’t be overpowered by real (or faux) foliage and the linen mix is ideal for a naturally inspired room scheme. Tuiss Foxglove Linen Evergreen curtains, from £36.95 for H70xW70cm, Curtains2Go BEST FOR UNDERSTATED STYLE For a calming room scheme, opt for curtains that are part of a subtle tonal palette, and a light fabric that’ll drape beautifully. These curtains also have a blackout lining for sleep uninterrupted by the dawn. Relaxed Denim Graphite Grey blackout curtains, from £139 for H137xW168cm, Secret Linen Store BEST FOR AN EASY MATCH When you’re revamping a room, choosing curtain and soft furnishing fabrics from the same collection as upholstery can…

MODERN METALLIC Add a warming note with rose gold details. Swish Soho light wood pole with Rose Gold stud finials and rings, from £74.95 for 1.2m length, Just Poles TRY TEXTURE Finish a smart contemporary black pole with this tactile finial. Black Waxed Flat Disc finial, £20, John Lewis & Partners HELPING HAND Tiny hands make light flood in. Open curtains to their fullest with these fun holders. Handheld curtain tiebacks, £38 each, Anthropologie…

TASTEFULLY TIMELESS Transcend seasons and trends by investing in neutral tones to create a serene base for your scheme. Greys and taupes can be used for years to come, creating a sophisticated palette. Opt for sumptuous velvet fabrics which offer elegance and comfort. Embrace this look if you like updating your home regularly – by adding a rug, curtains or switching accessories and wall art, you can create a whole new feel. EASY LIVING Don’t be fooled by the name, Sofa.com isn’t just about settees. It covers accessories and décor, too. Take a look at our faves… GROUND CONTROL Make a statement underfoot with one of these lovely new vinyl rugs. Ideal for use in the kitchen and bathroom as they are washable, this update is both quick and practical.…

WHY WE LOVE LAURA’S HOUSE... Awkward situations can often lead to creative solutions, and that was certainly the case with Laura and Matt’s end-of-terrace house. Keen to stay put but desperate for more space, they looked to the oddly shaped, tapered plot of land to the side of their property as a chance to expand their home and create an extension that better accommodated their young family. But one question remained: what could they do with such a strange space? With help from a local architect, the couple designed a standout extension with real architectural merit – a staggered structure that fits snugly in a tight space, complementing the house while setting it apart from its neighbours. For an ordinary ex-council house to undergo such a fantastic transformation is no…

EXCITING PROJECTS Read real-life home renovation and extension stories and learn from those who have been there before with our amazing case studies. realhomes.com/completed-projects CLEVER GLAZING From how to choose the perfect rooflights to light-filled glazed extension ideas, we’ve got all your window and door-based needs sorted with expert tips and practical advice. realhomes.com/tag/glazing EXTENSIONS GUIDES Extensions can be hard-going, so make your life easier with our tips, how-tos and inspiring case studies. As well as design ideas and cost-cutting hacks, you’ll also find useful information you haven’t even thought of – like how to choose an electrician – as well as the ultimate guide to planning permission. realhomes.com/extensions FIND MORE PROJECT TIPS AT REALHOMES.COM/ADVICE…

STUDY SOPHISTICATION There’s nothing like penning a letter on headed paper (remember that) especially when you’re in sleek surroundings sitting at a well-appointed desk. Maximise this space with an oversized antique-feel mirror to create interest and a lamp to light your task. THINK MINT Floor-to-ceiling curtains create high style and a sense of theatrical drama in this living area. Pairing peachy pinks against dusky green walls is a combination we are firmly on board with. Add interest with high shine finishes of gold and marble to complete the luxe look. DEEPLY REGAL A rich teal background oozes sleek sophistication and is a prominent colour trend. Pair with patterned wallpaper with a delicate chinoiserie bird trail, a jewel-like deep maroon velvet sofa – which pops beautifully against the paper – and…

Above all, your family bathroom – so called because it is used by all the family, unlike a private en suite – needs to practical. Yawnsville. Sorry, but there’s no escaping it. There must be storage, especially if dozens of plastic toys are still a part of the bathtime routine. And yes, we’re afraid all surfaces must be easy to clean and devoid of nasty little germ-trapping crevices. However, this does not, repeat not, mean it has to be personality free and lacking in street style. Family bathrooms, whether or not you are sprogged-up, should uplift the spirit in the morning (or at least sustain you until the first caffeine fix), and help you relax and unwind at the end of the day. According to the design experts, the key…

MATT OR GLOSS? A matt finish is perfect for a modern, industrial feel, whereas a gloss finish is a more classic option, plus it also helps to reflect light around your space. You can even choose metallic tiles for instant glamour. FLAT OR BEVELLED? Choose flat edges for a contemporary look, or opt for bevelled edges for a traditional, country-style feel. CONTRASTING OR MATCHING GROUT? Dark grouting on pale tiles makes each tile pop and highlights the pattern, whereas matching grout creates a calm, seamless look. For a simple yet effective update to a kitchen or bathroom, regrout your existing tiles in a new colour – you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. DID YOU KNOW? ‘When tiling a wall with metro tiles, always start from the centre line…

A distinct lack of period features didn’t stop Anna and Dilwyn from falling for the olde-worlde feel of their first home. ‘The décor was really tired and chintzy,’ says Anna. ‘The house was effectively the servants’ quarters of a brewery, and when the split took place in the 1960s, it hadn’t been done at all sympathetically. But it had a lovely feel. The high ceilings and windows were really the only period fixtures in the property, however, we had a vision of how they’d work when we reinstated the elements we had in mind.’ As soon as the couple got the keys to their new home, they applied for planning permission and started to work up plans with an architect to maximise the space. ‘The house was Grade II listed,…

On the southern outskirts of Sheffield, at the end of a modest cul-de-sac, hides the home of interiors specialist Shelley Carline. Like many of the most exciting refurbishment and extension projects, Shelley and her husband Wayne’s home gives nothing away from the front; its façade is almost identical to the surrounding properties, aside from the touch of Shelley’s favourite off-black shade (Farrow & Ball’s Railings) adorning the door and windows. All of this only adds to the thrill of stepping inside. The couple have created a series of spaces that effortlessly function as both a comfortable, cosy family home and a theatrical backdrop for Shelley’s unique decorative flights of imagination – creating a property that’s the perfect mix of stage set and Aladdin’s cave. The rich and glamorous tone of…

Extensions are expensive, disruptive and risky. You will be instigating a major building project, probably for the first time, and dealing with all sorts of decisions, regardless of how much trust you invest in a builder, that you are totally ill-qualified to take on. You’ll most likely be spending one of the largest sums you’ve ever spent on a project you know next to nothing about, and relying on a handful of experts to get you through. So why put yourself through all that upheaveal? The irony is that for some people, an extension is a long way down on the list of most suitable home-improvement projects that they should undertake. For many, save knocking the whole house down and starting again, extensions should be the project of last resort…

WHAT inspires you? Whether you get your decorating ideas from Scandi Instagram accounts or emulate mid-century masterpieces with Eames chairs and teak furniture, everyone leans towards a certain style when it comes to their home – even if that style is ‘mix and match’. For Karla and Adam, the Arts and Crafts movement that dominated design at the turn of the 19th century was the driving force behind renovating their bungalow and creating their new kitchen. Natural wood units and exposed oak beams lend the space its cosy, comforting feel, while copper accents add a contemporary edge. Read on to find out how they did it… 1 STEP ONE PREPARING TO BUILD ‘We were in the throes of a bungalow-to-house conversion when we tackled our kitchen,’ Karla says. ‘Adam prepared…

FABRIC OPTIONS Cotton is a versatile curtain material and some designs are washable. Linen looks soft and cool; try a linen blended with viscose for good hang and less tendency to wrinkle. Velvet is tactile and sumptuous, and it can help insulate draughty windows. Silk looks extremely luxurious, but is more delicate than other fabrics and prone to light damage. HEADS UP Wave and eyelet headings are the most contemporary in look, creating regular fabric folds. They must be teamed with an appropriate pole. Pencil pleats are neat and the look is classic, while gathered headings are best for small windows or cottage style. More formal are double or triple pinch pleats, which can also make the curtains look full. TOE THE LINE Lining will protect curtains from the effects…

MY PARTNER’S A SERIAL DECORATOR. I SWEAR OUR ROOMS ARE GETTING SMALLER WITH THE AMOUNT OF PAINT ON THE WALLS GARETH FISHER “Getting auction furniture in England for our house in France when a) I love French furniture and b) It costs a fortune to courier it over” NATALIE HAYTER Buying things that would look fantastic framed, but then we never get round to framing them if they don’t fit Ikea frames KAREN MURPHY I’m a calm, laid-back person until I go shopping and see cushions – then I turn into a mad woman POP BALDWIN I START DECORATING ONE ROOM AND AT THE SAME TIME WILL BE UPCYCLING A PIECE OF FURNITURE FOR ANOTHER CATHY FORSYTH Buying plants. I’m running out of space. I floated the idea of hanging…

QUICKEST WAY TO REFRESH AN INTERIOR SPACE? I go to my fail-safe store for interiors, H&M Home, for some new cushion covers. Instant updates like changing cushions, a new rug or swapping around pictures make such a big difference if you’re tired of your room’s decor. A few fab houseplants always make a big impact, too (try Stupid Egg). FOR LAST-MINUTE HOMEWARE PROPS I LIKE ... To create something myself. I teach modern calligraphy workshops, so I’ll get my ink and pen out and do some lovely typography which I frame or prop on a shelf. MY GO-TO MARKET IS... Until recently I was living in Brixton, and the market had some great independent shops. They sold everything from rustic brooms and brushes to succulent pots, vintage pieces and handmade…

Say cheese The sleek Somfy Outdoor Camera records video when there’s movement, has an integrated 110dB siren to scare off intruders, and will alert your smartphone so you can talk to the person if they are a genuine, albeit unexpected, visitor. It’ll even remind you to activate it when you go out. £249, available at major retailers. FASHIONABLE FADE Ombre is set to be a hot new trend in radiators... and we love it. Bisque’s Classic column radiators are available in four to six shades that fade from dark to light in a special application process. The finish can be combined with Bisque’s colour-matching service using favourite paint brands like Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. Made bespoke to order, prices start at £888. CLASS-E TECH The Nest Thermostat E…

YES ‘Your heart is in every single thing. When it’s finished, it’s more rewarding’ Katie Thomasson is extending and renovating two cottages on the Rutland/Leicestershire border with husband Andy ‘When we started renovating properties about 10 years ago, we couldn’t afford a project manager. We did it because we wanted to get a step on the ladder. We didn’t know anything about renovating but we’ve learnt as we’ve gone along. ‘You are never really in it 100 per cent on your own. We’ve got experienced people working with us, like builders, and they can offer advice. My husband is very practically minded as well, as he was an engineer. We’d watch the tradespeople, ask them questions and get them to show us things. ‘The big benefit to project managing yourself…

PRETTY BOTANICAL › Fern in hanging wire basket, £10; pink vases, £7 for two; cut-out candle holders, from £2.50; cactus in bell jar, £12, all George CREATIVE HUB Micke desk, £70; Helmer drawer units, £30 each; Skadis pegboard, £26, Ikea SCANDI SIMPLICITY House by John Lewis Anton leaning bookcase, £199; Carter desk, £279, John Lewis & Partners…

Since electricity and water don’t mix, it’s important to ensure your light fittings have the correct IP (ingress protection) rating depending on their proximity to water. There are many guides to IP rating bathroom zones available online (see ‘How to Choose Bathroom Lighting’ at realhomes.com). Bathroom lighting used to look a bit grim but, happily, there are now loads of great bathroom-specific ranges emerging – we love Industville and Urban Cottage Industries for fresh, modern designs. Help to reduce potential slip hazards and keep the mildew at bay by installing effective ventilation – go beyond building regulation standards if you can – which will help stop steam settling on surfaces. Decent heating will also help floors dry faster, and you’ll never regret investing in underfloor heating. Speaking of drying things,…

Tiles come in a variety of looks and styles and are great for injecting pattern and texture throughout your home, not just in bathrooms and kitchens. So why not update your space with our exclusive reader offer? Create warmth with wood or stone effects and natural stones, add timeless appeal with metro tiles, or make a statement with bold designs. Walls and Floors has a huge selection, and offers full-size samples with free delivery. You can split the cost of your order with Interest Free Finance, too, leaving money in the budget for extras. HOW TO CLAIM Head to wallsandfloors.co.uk and enter the code ‘REAL20’ at the checkout. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Save 20 per cent at Walls and Floors, excluding the Star Buy and Clearance section. Cannot be used in…

The money you require for an extension can mount alarmingly as you add in the sums incurred by the various elements of the project. As well as the costs of construction and materials required for the addition, design work, plans and drawings and necessary permissions all come in. The interior of the new space plus its connection to the existing house weigh on the budget, too, and all the more so if a kitchen or bathroom is part of the plan. Employing someone to manage the work on your behalf will also cost. But if you’ve done the financial planning and the extension you’ve dreamed of seems impossible to achieve without over-stretching your finances, take heart. Whether it’s performing some of the roles you might otherwise have handed over; adopting…

‘Make sure you have as many savings as you can – even if you’ve estimated how much it will cost’ Karen Friend (@cherryoakmanor), an office manager, lives in Kent with her husband, Mark, a company director, and their youngest son, Zenan, 18 ‘We bought our three-bedroom detached home with the view to adding a large extension and doubling the size of the property. With the extension and renovating the existing house together, my husband “guesstimated” that the whole thing would take two years. “Guesstimate” is his favourite word – and I still think he just told me that to keep me happy! ‘It’s coming up to three years now and there are still jobs that we’re tackling. The main issue is money. We had some left over in our savings…

ALL HAIL THE FLEX Made with memory flex material, this stylish matt black kitchen tap can be bent into any shape and will stay in place, so you can angle the flow into pans or awkward sink corners. Pioneer Gallery Flex tap, £179, Bristan Pastel power Soft, light and pretty, these calming shades are oh-so feminine, and there’s no wonder we’re seeing a resurgence of them in bathrooms. Combine with dark grey to make the colours pop, or punctuate with modern black lines. Flower shower The shower tray isn’t usually the most exciting part of a bathroom…until now! Villeroy & Boch has launched a new collection of patterned designs, from tile motifs to geometrics and natural stone effects. ViPrint Heritage collection Townhouse shower tray, from £662.50, Villeroy & Boch Strong…