Indholdsfortegnelse for January 2021 i Real Homes

Hello! As the unfamiliar face around here, I’d first like to introduce myself. I’m Kaitlin Madden, and I’m the new editor of Real Homes. I’ve been working on RealHomes.com for almost a year now, but I’m thrilled to start the new year by playing a larger role on the magazine, too. Speaking of fresh starts, I’d like to be among the first to wish you a happy new year! I honestly can’t remember a year more anticipated than 2021. Or perhaps I should say that I can’t remember a year we’re all more relieved to leave behind than 2020. We made it! As challenging as last year was, I feel like I can now look at it from the rear view and see it for its lessons. I discovered the…

REALHOMES.COM NEXT MONTH – CUDDLE UP CLOSE WITH THE LATEST SNUGGLE CHAIRS…

LET IT GLOW Your living room’s lighting should be multi-level and multifunctional. Atmosphere is key to this room; layering up various light sources will give flexibility throughout the day and evening TOP TIP Dimmable functions on switches and bulbs lead to wider choices for creating specific environments and moods Think about what each light you choose will achieve. Directional task lamps are ideal for reading or crafting, while diffused shades illuminate larger areas, providing a calming ambiance. Accent lighting highlights specific areas or objects CULINARY DELIGHT Kitchen lighting should blend with your scheme’s style as well as illuminating those daily tasks. The hob, worktop and sink areas need good lighting, but tie in softer lights for evenings and entertaining TOP TIP Put lighting on separate circuits so there’s more control…

Getting food into your face faster is just one of the many benefits of moving your dining table into the kitchen. Additional pluses include extra time spent with family, less distance to walk when laying the table and kissing goodbye to lonely chef syndrome. We’re not saying dining rooms are dead, but in a contest between a large, sociable kitchen-diner or small kitchen and separate dining room, the kitchen-diner wins hands down, with bells on. But what about the downsides? There are precious few and they can usually be remedied (with the right budget, that is). Lack of space is often the biggest obstacle. Ramming a table large enough for your whole family into a small kitchen can be more hindrance than help. The most successful kitchen-diners are either big…

‘Our decision to create a kitchen-diner was initiated by the continuous mess that came with cooking in a galley kitchen and being separated from the rest of the family. I loved the idea of cooking while my husband watched TV or my little girl sat by the dining table or island to eat or do homework. The extension took two years and several redesigns to plan, particular the kitchen layout. An island with bar stools topped our wish list. We wanted to eat breakfast together before rushing out for the day. We rarely eat anywhere else now and the dining table is only used for guests. I’d recommend placing the bar stools opposite each other; it’s easier to chat. The kitchen-diner comes into its own when we’re entertaining. I love…

USE THE LOFT Sometimes a loft space can yield more than you expected, providing that sought-after adult retreat in the form of a master suite. Have a look up in the attic to see whether you’ll be able to use the space there without having to do any structural work. Even if you do need to increase the head height, a simple dormer might help and could come in far cheaper than extending downstairs. SHOP AROUND Even if you’re not managing the build, you can still shop around for furniture and fittings to bring your costs down. Use internet sites like Ebay, and if you can plan ahead or hold out for a sale, then do so. Even discontinued items often come with a guarantee. Don’t be scared to scour…

First, we avidly watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo as she showed us how to fold our pants and expunge the joyless from our homes, now we’re glued to Netflix’s Get Organised with The Home Edit, where the rainbow-arranging, clear-box lovers Clea Shearer and Joanna Telpin (for hire at US$250 an hour) sweep into celebrity homes and ‘edit’, ‘categorise’ and ‘contain’. It’s good TV – who among us isn’t curious? Who doesn’t love seeing the clutter issues of Khloé Kardashian or Reese Witherspoon? And who doesn’t have a slight addiction to acrylic storage boxes? Of course, we’ve always loved shows that take us into people’s homes, with Through the Keyhole, Changing Rooms and 60 Second Makeover all TV gold. ‘We are innately nosey about other people’s houses,’ says Dr Meg…

Hot off the press This sleek fridge-freezer has just landed and we’re loving its smart, monochrome look. You can choose between either the external interface shown here, which shows key controls and information, or a built-in water dispenser to make staying hydrated easier. The design oozes technology to keep food fresher for longer, too. Perfect for modern kitchens, this makes for a hub of the home we’d be proud to show off. Class 7 Total NoFrost fridge-freezer, £509, Hotpoint HYGIENE FIRST Did you know copper can kill bacteria naturally? Now we’re all more aware of our hygiene than ever before, copper work surfaces could be the way forward to optimise kitchen safety. This kitchen uses copper for its main culinary space and marble for social areas, helping to zone the…

YOU ASK, WE ANSWER How should I clean carpet and deal with spills? ‘A new carpet should be maintained regularly – and can be vacuumed as soon as it is installed,’ says Rupert Anton of the Carpet Foundation. ‘We recommend vacuuming at least twice a week – certainly in heavy usage areas, although it does depend on the degree of soiling. In areas that don’t get as much use and wear, we suggest “as and when”. ‘Cut-pile carpets, such as velvets and twist piles, should be cleaned with an upright vacuum cleaner with a beater bar and brush to realign the pile. Conversely, on loop-pile carpets, only use the suction head of a cylinder vacuum. It’s important to clean stairs regularly, ensuring the pile is brushed towards the nosings on…

BACK TO BLACK On-trend matt black contrasts with chrome on the Schon pull down kitchen mixer tap with black hose, £79.99, Victoria Plum TWIST AND SPOUT Functionality adds flair to the Bilbrough spring neck mixer tap, which has extended reach and separate swivel spout, £157, B&Q BRASS ADDS CLASS Subtle style from the Abode Hex industrial single lever mono pull out kitchen mixer tap in antique brass, £339.99, Tap Warehouse…

Every year, the Real Homes team has the brilliant job of shifting through dozens of amazing entries for our annual Home of the Year awards. We are always overwhelmed by the calibre of the projects we see, and this year was no different – so a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to send us the results of their hard work. After careful consideration, we’re excited to reveal the winners of our awards categories, each of whom will get a year’s subscription to Real Homes magazine. Unfortunately, though, only one of these inspirational entries could win the title of Home of the Year – so who was it? Without further ado, we reveal who took this year’s crown – and the grand prize… BEST EXTENSION AND HOME…

HOW DO I DECIDE ON THE SIZE OF STOVE I NEED? You should first calculate the amount of heat needed in the room. Work out the cubic volume of the space and divide by 14. The stove should be fitted by a qualified engineer, such as one who is HETAS registered, who can sign off the installation. A competent person can fit it but they must notify building control to ensure it complies with building regs. WHERE CAN I POSITION IT ? You can locate freestanding stoves against a wall, in a fireplace or the centre of an open-plan room with a flue fitted through a wall or the ceiling. An inset stove can be fitted flush into a wall, a dividing wall or fireplace opening. HOW DOES WOODBURNING DIFFER…

ONE No surface is sacred. The days of using every single pan, pot and utensil to cook a simple dinner for four really must end. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has got nothing on your sink-side pile-up. TWO TV dinners are toast (as in over, not grilled bread). Assuming you have a TV in your kitchen-diner, obvs. No more spag bol stains on your favourite cushions or poppadum crumbs caught between the sofa cushions. Living. The. Dream. THREE You can no longer get away with dropping food on the floor then quickly shoving it back in the pan. Unless your guests are blood-related, that is. The three second rule only works if nobody you are trying to impress bears witness. FOUR The point of the Automatic Run On setting on…

Move over wallpaper, tiles and art prints: there’s a new creative technique that’s taking over the interiors sphere, and we can’t get enough of it. Stencilling is an art form that’s been around for tens of thousands of years. And now, at a time when thoughts are turning to sustainability and upcycling, and when the desire for a hand-made home that’s personal and unique has never been greater, it’s no wonder the technique is undergoing a renaissance. So from walls to floors, and from florals to geometrics, take inspiration from our edit of the best stencil ideas and design a space that’s perfect to you. No steady hand necessary, we promise. Boho vibes If you’re having trouble finding wallpaper you like, why not design your own? This Syde tile repeat…

NEW YEAR, NEW PROJECT Gearing up for a new extension for 2021? Finally taking on that dark and dated bathroom? Whatever your project plans for the new year, get expert advice, inspiration and cost-saving tips on our renovation hub.realhomes.com/renovations GLORIOUS FOOD Resolving to start eating more veg? Want to learn some easy, quick-cook recipes? Our online food hub is packed with ideas. So whether you’re after Shakshuka or good ol’ lockdown favourite, banana bread, you’ll find it on our website. Milk white large baker, £45, and heart baker, £29.50, Ford Anthology. realhomes.com/food SHOPPING DONE RIGHT The Christmas lull is rescued by one big event in January – the sales! And to help you wade through all the (sometimes questionable) offerings from the big brands, we’ll be handpicking the real bargains…

WATCH: GET ORGANIZED WITH THE HOME EDIT, AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX Check out the ultimate American makeover show to see what all the fuss is about READ: THE LIFE CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING BY MARIE KONDO (£14.99, EBURY PUBLISHING) What better place to start than with Japan’s decluttering expert? FOLLOW: @IKEAUK Get ideas and inspiration from the Swedish storage giant SCROLL: REAL HOMES Find tidy tips, hacks and more at realhomes.com/storage HIRE: A SERVICE THAT DOES PROFESSIONAL DECLUTTERING Not confident you can do it yourself? Decluttering pros A Tidy Mind are here to help: atidymind.co.uk…

THERE’S no doubt about it – unless you have a huge bathroom (lucky you!), designing one of the most functional rooms of the house within a small space makes it one of the trickiest tasks in any renovation. Often, this leads to compromises – choosing a shower over a bath, for example, or forsaking extra storage where you really needed some. We know bathrooms are hard work, which is why we were amazed by what Barbara has managed to achieve in her small space. Combining her separate bathroom and WC after 20 years of living in cramped conditions was no easy feat, especially when she was so determined to fit in everything she wanted – but somehow, with a few genius tweaks and a dose of luck, she’s managed to…

THERE are so many things to consider when designing a new kitchen, but when it comes down to it, there is one question that should underpin every decision – how do you want to feel in it? Vivienne began her kitchen transformation with a very clear feeling in mind. She wanted her new space, and indeed her whole life, to be relaxed and rustic. Having moved from a more formal Georgian family home, her sights were set on a calm and laid-back kitchen-diner that would function as a living, relaxing and entertaining space, too. We chatted to her to share exactly how she created the look. STEP ONE LEAP OF FAITH ‘Having lived in the countryside for many years, I decided to move to Bristol for a more urban lifestyle,…

ONE Before you begin planning the colours for your bold bathroom, consider when you use it most and how you want it to make you feel. If you shower in the morning, a zesty orange or zingy yellow could help to wake you up. If you’re an evening bather, a calming blue or soft green could help you to wind down. TWO Don’t rule out using wallpaper in the bathroom. There are many out there covered with a special coating so it will stand up to humidity and splashes. But if your dream wallpaper isn’t bathroom-ready, simply coat your design in a waterproof sealant and you’ll be protected just the same. THREE When going bold with pattern, consider the size of the design and your room. A large pattern could…

BEST FOR ECONOMICAL USE With an A+++ energy rating and an automatic system that lets dishes dry naturally, reducing energy consumption, the Hotpoint freestanding dishwasher with ActiveDry cuts the cost of use. The door opens slightly when it’s finished to let the steam out and air in. A 3D Zone Wash targets dishes with baked-on stains. It has 10 cleaning programmes, including eco, and room for 14 place settings. It costs around £499, Hotpoint BEST FOR STYLE The curvy 1950s-inspired design of Smeg appliances is iconic, and even extends to its dishwashers. The Smeg DI6FABWH built-in dishwasher isn’t just about style, though. Its unique Planetarium wash system directs the spray to clean everything inside. Moveable sections in the baskets make space for tall or deep items, while the half load…

FOR MORE KITCHEN IDEAS, VISIT REALHOMES.COM/KITCHENS…

YOU’LL NEED A cabinet with glass inserts Pieces of rattan Paint Paint brush Sealant Washi tape Sand paper/sanding machine Towel WHAT TO DO 1 Remove the glass from your cabinet doors 2 Sand the wood and clean with sugar soap 3 Apply two coats of paint – Debbie used a mixture of Farrow & Ball’s Dead Salmon and Sulking Room Pink 4 Paint on a sealant such as Frenchic’s Top Coat for extra durability 5 Cut your rattan to size and soak in warm water to soften the material 6 Gently dry the rattan with a towel, hold it taut and attach to the back of your doors with a staple gun 7 Wrap your handles in matt black washi tape 8 Admire your new bespoke cabinet FIND PLENTY MORE…

WHY LUCY’S KITCHEN IS OUR 2020 AWARD WINNER The decisions you make when you go through a renovation are always, without exception, difficult. Everything you do, from choosing the builders to entrust with your home to picking out the perfect paint colour, is incredibly important – after all, you’ll be living with the results for years. Because of this, it sometimes feels easier to play it safe than to go bold with your design. As much as we love colour and pattern here at Real Homes, we understand that translating it to your home can sometimes feel a little daunting. But when you do take a risk and go for something out of your comfort zone, the result won’t just be amazing to look at – it’ll instill you with…

YES ‘I love the process: the before and after, revealing what your home can be’ Gemma Miller (@myrenoromance) lives with her fiancé, Anthony, and two sons in a three-bedroom 1930s semi in Horley, Surrey ‘Most people do one renovation and never want to do it again – I’ve got two on the go. We’re doing up our family home, but I’m a property investor and we’ve got another property we’re renovating to let. I love the whole process: the before and after, revealing what your home can be. ‘The plan is that this will be a lovely family home for us to live in, but this won’t be the end. The ultimate dream is a big Victorian detached villa with enough land to have little bungalows for older family members…

Looking to expand your textile collection further? These designers are the ones to shop now ELIZABETH RACHAEL @elizabethrachael Freelance textile and print designer Elizabeth is no stranger to colour, and her collection of fun, fresh tea towels will instantly jazz up your kitchen. Oh, and did we mention she makes amazing art prints, too? elizabethrachael.com SHIV TEXTILES @shiv_textiles Siobhan Martin’s Brighton-based business produces carefully-crafted sustainable goods from scarves to throws, but it’s her colourful and cosy cushions we’ve truly fallen for – the perfect way to add texture to any space. shivtextiles.co.uk…

‘We didn’t really eat in the old kitchen because it was cold and there wasn’t space to sit comfortably around the table. Our local planners wouldn’t allow a full-width rear extension, so we went for an L-shape with a feature window seat, which has been a blessing. Going without an island unit made room for a decent table. A separate dining room would have been a waste and far too formal for me. My kitchen is a very social space – eating is a big part of entertaining to me. The rubber flooring injects some much-wanted colour. I love how soft it feels, and the underfloor heating makes it very warm in the winter. Green is my favourite colour, but I ordered samples in green and yellow and instantly knew…

AS someone with a deep love for period properties – beautiful sash windows and intricate coving will always have my heart – it’s a constant disappointment that my budget doesn’t quite match up with my taste in houses. Scrolling through Rightmove, it’s apparent that my only chance of getting my hands on a coveted Victorian or Edwardian home is by buying a flat. I toy with the idea every time my mouse hovers over the ‘save’ button, but the same questions always come into my head: won’t it be too small? And isn’t it difficult to do, well, anything in a property like this? Luckily, thanks to all the amazing places I’ve seen in this job, I know better – and it’s the genius of people like Pippa Jones who…

Getting to know a property before you start making major changes gives you the chance to understand how the house works, and to devise solutions to poor design features. While Rachael and her family didn’t live in their Victorian home prior to renovating it, her connection to it meant she had knowledge of the ins and outs of the building. ‘After two years of renting, we bought this place from my good friend,’ she says. ‘People were saying, “Don’t you think it’s weird living in her house?” but I knew it would be mine once we’d finished with it. She comes round for drinks and doesn’t find it strange at all.’ Having lived in different countries and styles of properties, Rachael and Matthew were clear on what they wanted from…

TAKING SHAPE Now here’s a lesson in how to pack a simple side-return extension with impact. There’s so much to love about this design, like the way the angular addition melts into the existing house thanks to the wave-like curve of the corner – which is mirrored internally with a rounded edge (or soffit, for the architecturally-minded) that bends light around the kitchen. Clever stuff! Add to that the way the finish is carried across the back of the house for the effect of a full-width addition, and the seamless extension of the charred timber cladding to the bench, and you’ve got yourself a seriously smooth design. Project cost: £80,000. Eckford Chong, 020 8803 5387, eckfordchong.com…

1 WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM TO LISTEN TO WHILE COOKING? ‘I have an eclectic music taste, from Florence and the Machine to Bowie and Springsteen.’ 2 WHAT’S YOUR FAIL-SAFE DINNER PARTY MEAL? ‘It depends on the season, but a starter of veggie or fish canapés, then Ottolenghi’s marinated lamb with coriander and honey, and some of his veg dishes.’ 3 WHAT ONE THING IN YOUR KITCHEN COULDN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? ‘Definitely my ancient Phillips electric lemon squeezer.’ 4 WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ACCESSORY? ‘I love my Steve Harrison salt-glazed mug, jug and wine goblet!’ 5 WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO RECIPE BOOK? ‘I love cooking so I have many, but Food from Plenty by Diana Henry is a clear favourite.’…

The British are renowned for their love of carpet as a floor covering – and no wonder. It’s tactile and cosy, visually appealing, and provides sound and heat insulation. It also offers the opportunity to create the style you want for your rooms by picking from plain or patterned finishes, subtle and understated neutrals or eye-catching bold colours, and a variety of textures. As well as considering the aesthetic credentials of an individual carpet, it’s also important to consider how much foot traffic it’s going to get. You’ll want to think about which fibres it’s made from as well so you can be confident it’ll stay looking good when children and pets do their worst. We’ve got all the information you need to make the right choice for every room,…

DISHWASHER STYLES Freestanding dishwashers slot under the worktop with the front still on display, so pick a finish to suit your scheme. Semi-integrated has a façade matching your units, with just the control panel visible at the top. Integrated is hidden completely. The controls run along the top edge, only seen when it’s open. Lights beamed onto the floor show the cycle stage. SIZE MATTERS A slimline dishwasher offers nine to 10 place settings (a setting is a dinner plate, side plate, cup, saucer, glass, bowl and cutlery), yet is only the width of a tea towel, ideal in a small kitchen. Most dishwashers have capacity for 13 settings, which would suit a family. Bigger households or dinner party hosters will find a large dishwasher can clean 16 place settings.…

We’re all searching for a little more calm in our lives, so it’s no surprise that natural textures like rattan, wood and bamboo are making waves in the interiors world. But these items can often come with a hefty price tag. With a little know-how and a spare weekend, you can introduce these tranquil textures to your existing furniture at a fraction of the cost of buying brand new. We’re head over heels in love with this upcycled rattan sideboard by Debbie Goodwin @fixingupfarnley, so we chatted to her to share exactly how she did it.…