Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2021 i Real Homes

One thing we can say about decorating trends is that everything old is new again. When ‘80s-style silhouettes and rattan furniture started creeping back into shops I was a little concerned, to be honest. As a child of the 1980s, I remember all too well the style sins I grew up with (why was there so much shag carpet?). But a few years into the decorating renaissance and I’m not only less horrified by it... I’m actually a fan. The thing about trends a second time around is that we’ve had some time to give them a proper edit, resurfacing what was good about them and leaving the bad in the past. The same can be said about the colours of the ‘70s, which we’re taking a renewed look at…

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WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR CHARGING YOUR CAR AT HOME? You can use a domestic three-pin plug socket for 2.3kW of power for emergency slow charging and keep your car ticking over. Most drivers prefer the speed and convenience of installing a home fast charging point. About 350,000 homes will be fitted with electric vehicle chargers by 2025. If it’s a smart charger, it qualifies for a Government grant. WHAT ARE THESE GRANTS? The Government offers grants to support the wider use of electric and hybrid vehicles via the Electric Vehicle Home Charge Scheme (EVHS). For home charging, the OLEV grant allows electric vehicle drivers to claim up to £350 for a home charging point. You can claim one charge point per eligible vehicle and up to two eligible vehicles…

MADE IN THE WOODSHED @madeinthewoodshed Helen Brook discovered a talent for woodworking while holidaying in France, and now makes sustainable designs for the modern home, such as bud vases and candlesticks. Daughter Lucy photographs and markets the quirky pieces. madeinthewoodshed.com CORNISH WOODSMITH @cornishwoodsmith Based in – you guessed it – North Cornwall, Dominic Pearce uses foraged and storm-damaged wood to create his carefully crafted collection of kitchen goods, from egg cups to jugs. cornishwoodsmith.com…

‘This space is part of an L-shaped open-plan kitchen/diner/snug we created at the back of our home. The snug is multifunctional. It’s a safe space for our daughter to play while we cook, hence the toy storage, and we also watch TV in there, and guests use it during parties. Our main living room is plusher and cosier – much more grown up. We tend to use the kitchen snug in the daytime and the living room in the evening. I love the way the double-height ceiling makes the snug feel bigger, and the fact it’s child friendly without being “childish”. ‘The rug adds a colour pop but is very hardwearing. We love the Farrow & Ball Calamine pink walls, too. This is our second reno, and we definitely learned…

When it comes to staircase runners, you get what you pay for. They take a lot of footfall, so it’s worth investing in a quality design that’ll last. Stairways can often be quite dark areas in the home, so choose light and bright colours to lift the space. Metallic and high shine finishes work to bounce light around the room, which can make your space feel bigger. Don’t forget about the finishing touches. Whether it’s panelled walls, a few perfectly positioned plants, a gallery wall or a decorative rail, embellish your stairway just as you would any other room. If using different paints, stickers or wallpapers, lay them side by side first to ensure the patterns and colours fit together cohesively. You can save money by using pieces of wallpaper…

LOOKING back at photos of my teenage years, I can’t help but cringe at some of my rather questionable outfit choices. Over time, and through years of trial and error, I’ve developed a style that works for me and makes me feel good. Crafting a fashion style is very much like crafting an interiors style– it takes time. While those experimental years tend to happen much later in life – often when we’ve reached the milestone of homeowner – it’s crucial that we go through them in order for our personal style to evolve. Wandering around Jessica’s colourful home, I get the impression this is the work of an experienced crafter. Far more than just an impeccably well-considered decorating scheme, this is a living and breathing work in progress. The…

For weeks, Chloe and Nick scrolled past the Gatehouse in the property listings because they’d always imagined their family home to be Victorian or Georgian in style, with high ceilings and full of original features. But after months of searching, the couple decided they needed to broaden their criteria and started to look at almost every property within their price range, which included this modern townhouse. ‘Never before was the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” more prominent,’ says Chloe. ‘From the outside I’d never given it so much as a second glance, but the inside told a whole different story.’ The house had so many quirky features that they couldn’t resist a viewing. ‘We were drawn in by the balcony space and remote-controlled garage parking, but the…

1 Set WFH hours and stick to them. We are creatures of habit, so having a schedule helps to dampen anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of this time. 2 Change at the start and end of the day. It doesn’t need to be a whole outfit – it could be something as small as a watch, but this habitual action will signal to your brain that the working day is starting and finishing. 3 Go outside – at least for 10 minutes every day. Research shows that you only need a 10-minute stroll to boost your mood and protect against feelings of depression. 4 Commit to being good enough at being good enough. The echo chamber of our self-critical minds creates standards that would rarely be expected by others,…

BLUE-SKY THINKING How about a pop of colour to brighten up the gloomy winter days? This extension is a treat for the eyes and just the tonic we need for what’s been a very dull year. The blue-green tone is pre-patinated copper, which manages to feel fresh and contemporary without being too in-your-face – and it’s perfectly paired with the oak windows and doors. Speaking of which: can we take a moment to appreciate that window? Right now it lets in plenty of light to brighten up dark days, but come spring and summer, it’ll be the perfect perch to soak up some rays with a cuppa and a book. Project cost: £110,000. Butcher Bayley Architects, 01733 753 430, wearebba.co.uk…

PERIOD houses have such charm from the outside, their façades promising high ceilings and ornate features beyond the front door. But the Victorians lived differently to us. The family wouldn’t inhabit the kitchen as much, especially if they had a cook, nor would they need the space for the vast amount of helpful modern appliances. When Rachael Ball fell for a Victorian house on a leafy street in Worcester, she knew it could be an ‘amazing’ place to live – but only once she and husband Adam had turned the dark, dingy kitchen, which was so cold they’d eat breakfast in the living room rather than linger there, into what is the worthy winner of the Real Homes award for Best Kitchen. Rachael reveals the love/hate journey they took to…

ONE Studies have shown that wooden interiors can make us feel relaxed. However, exposed wood can warp and change shape when wet. Either coat with a waterproof sealant, or go faux. New technology means wood-effect looks more realistic than ever, and needs less maintenance than the real deal. TWO Stone tiles are the obvious choice for spa-style bathrooms, but it’s worth considering their upkeep. Marble and limestone are porous, so they will need regular sealing to protect from splashes. They’re also cold to the touch, so a stone-effect design may be easier, warmer and less expensive, too. THREE Lighting can make a huge difference to how your space feels. At the start of your design process, plan in at least two levels of lighting: bright light for getting ready and…

There’s a huge range of options on offer when you’re choosing flooring for your home, but both laminate and vinyl should be on your list of possibles. They’re practical and offer an array of colours and looks to suit all sorts of rooms and decorating schemes. They both also have the advantage of being able to replicate the look of other floors you might choose, such as wood or stone. They won’t have the same maintenance requirements as some natural options, though, which could prove a big plus point. They could also bring you savings compared to the materials they resemble. Whether you’re interested in vinyl, laminate or both, we’ve got the lowdown, and the latest designs, so you can pick the right floor for your room. WHAT IS LAMINATE…

CONSIDER THE SPACE Built-in furniture can make the most of the available space, often occupying a wall up to the ceiling while taking up less of the floor than separate pieces. Take into account how it will affect the room. Will it upset the balance of your scheme? Does such a statement piece suit your interior? Be sure before you commit as once it’s built, it can’t be easily moved. LOOK BEHIND Are there wall lights, electrical sockets or radiators where you want your built-in furniture to go, and can they be moved? Factor in any fixed details that protrude, such as skirting boards or coving, so your built-in will fit flush. Consider integrated lighting on shelving to highlight unique pieces, or in a wardrobe to reveal clothes hiding at…

Jen and Pete Fletcher went through the emotional mill with their ambitious two-storey extension, but they now have a beautifully thought-out home that’s inspired Jen’s new career WHY WE LOVE JEN’S HOME Falling out of love with a property is understandable following a lengthy planning battle, issues with builders and escalating costs, but Jen Fletcher’s renovation experience hasn’t put her off. In fact, it’s led her to set up a business, Squiffy Mill Interiors, to make project managing, design and styling easier for others. Having each renovated several homes before getting together, Jen and husband Pete had ploughed their energies into a three-bedroom Grade II-listed cottage in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. However, after having son Alfie and with daughter Rose on the way, they needed more space and a bigger garden. Soon…

YES ‘ A utility was on the wishlist and a laundry room upstairs is practical.’ Lianne Westwood (@albertandmoo) lives with her husband, Craig, and their dog in a four-bedroom house in south-east London ‘We sacrificed a bedroom to make a bigger bathroom, and rather than turn the old bathroom into a study, which was the first plan, having a laundry room upstairs was more practical. ‘In our old house we had the washing machine in the kitchen, and it’d really bug me when we were eating in the kitchen and the machine was on. That constant thump, thump was really irritating. So a utility was very much on the wishlist. ‘When we renovated this house, we knew we’d either do a side-return extension or a loft conversion – deciding on…

The trend for boshing massive extensions onto the rear of our homes has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we live. Lots of light, lots of space and a better connection to the garden; there’s a lot to love. But there is one downside. What to do with that strange ‘middle room’, which was once a poky dining room/kitchen/utility [delete as applicable] and is now a rather grim and gloomy hole with no clear identity or purpose in life? Why, create a ‘snug’, of course – and not just any old common-or-garden snug but a multifunctional, multi-useful snug that can seamlessly switch roles, chameleon-like, according to your needs. To make a multipurpose snug work as hard as possible, it helps to use it for roles that make sense together and require similar…

‘The conservatory, which is just off the kitchen/diner, is our snug. We spend hours in there reading and listening to music. It has a radiator for winter, which is handy as it’s used as an occasional guest bedroom. We painted the dull magnolia walls white and added plants to make the space green and purify the air. The furnishing, décor and colour palette is very natural to mimic the outdoors. We consider it somewhere to get away from the hustle and bustle when it all seems a bit too much – it brings the outdoors inside. For me, a snug is all about comfort. Soft furnishings can be transformative but only at the right price. I look for brand alternatives or at reusing things to fit our budget without compromising…

ONE Ensure your stairs are in good condition by filling in dents with wood filler and sanding down rough patches. TWO Paint on a primer and allow to dry. This prevents your paint colour from being absorbed into the wood for a smoother finish. THREE Use painting tape to mark out your edges or pattern. This will make painting much quicker and ensure a neat and sharp look. FOUR While a wood paint is fine for your risers, choose a wood floor paint for your treads, as these are designed to be less slippy. FIVE Start at the top and work your way down (so that you don’t get trapped upstairs!). Apply several thin coats for durability. SIX Allow to dry completely overnight – the longer you can go without…

When it comes to planning a project, it's easy to get carried away, especially if you’re extending. But the more ‘out there’ in size and style your renovation plans are, the more likely you are to need planning permission, which means extra money and time to get things approved. The result? We tend to need to scale back our plans. If you’re thinking about a renovation, it might be reassuring to know some elements of your project could fall within permitted development (PD) rights. This means you won't have to apply for consent from your local authority, saving time and money. However, you will still be required to notify your local council of changes being made to your property, and you may need Building Control approval. There are some caveats:…

EXPERT ADVICE Extending doesn’t have to be a head-scratching affair, thanks to our top tips for a successful project. From designing the perfect space to getting things in on time and on budget, you’ll find all the info you need for your dream home on our site.realhomes.com/extensions DESIGN PROJECT INSPO Whether you’re tackling a kitchen renovation or giving your bedroom a style update, we’ve got plenty of ideas galleries for every room, style and budget – so Scandi fans and colour enthusiasts alike can get inspired for their 2021 project. realhomes.com/design SMART THINKING Thinking of making our home a smart one? Cut through the jargon and find out what it’s all about – and what’s eally worth the pe – on The Hub, eal Homes’ dedicated tech alhomes. echnology GET…

Walking into Iain and Eóin’s Glasgow tenement flat, the generous hallway feels like a room in itself, and the balance between living spaces and bedrooms makes it seem like the layout has always been that way. It’s clear why they fell in love with the high ceilings, stained glass windows and period features, but it required a bit of replanning to unlock the flat’s potential. The couple’s master stroke was to move the kitchen from the rear of the apartment to a spare room at the front and knock through to the living room. Light was brought into the windowless hallway via a glass-panelled double doorway, a new utility/pantry was added and the old kitchen was split into a guest bedroom and master en suite. They’ve even revamped the narrow…

Modern bathroom radiators Warm your towels and add some aesthetic oomph to your bathroom with bold and bright radiators. DITSY FLORALS It’s not too often that we see ditsy florals in the bathroom, but this scheme is proof that a pretty print can work in a modern space, too. The sharp hexagonal lines and clean cut furniture balances out the whimsical floral pattern for a space that’s contemporary and refined, but also full of personality. Touch free Washing our hands has never been so important, so keep it as hygienic as possible with a motion sensor, touch-free soap dispenser. This sleek design by Eko Home will sit neatly on any worktop. Simply charge up with a USB, fill with your favourite hand soap and you’re good to go. EVERYTHING IN…

Standing at the starting line of a new project, the path that lies ahead can feel a little like mission impossible. You know what you want to do, but there are always a fair few stumbling blocks to overcome before your dream becomes reality, from planning constraints to pulling a team together. Sound like you? Whether you’re planning a light-filled, family-friendly kitchen extension or a fancy master suite in the loft, these tips will help you manage your new renovator role with panache – and make sure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. 1 ESTABLISH A CLEAR VISION Before you can get started on a renovation you need to have an idea of what you might be looking to achieve. The clearer this vision, the better. If…

YOU ASK, WE ANSWER How do I make sure my laminate or vinyl floor lasts? ‘Hard flooring styles, such as vinyl and laminate, are a durable and cost-effective solution for homes, each with their own specific features and benefits,’ says David Snazel, hard flooring buyer at Carpetright. ‘Before selecting a type, first take the time to consider the space you are looking to update to help determine suitability and style. ‘Vinyl flooring laid in a sheet is an inexpensive way to add colour, pattern and personality to a room without compromising on safety or quality. It’s a great choice for busy families with children as it is highly durable, moisture-proof and slip-resistant while being softer underfoot than laminate. Resistant to heat and moisture, it is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.…

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SOPHIE SELLU, GRAIN & KNOT A common thread running through our conversations with all the designers in this series is the love and care they put into their creations, and Grain & Knot is no exception. Owner Sophie Sellu started her business crafting beautiful objects out of sustainably sourced timber after a spoon carving workshop in 2013, and since then, she’s taken her passion for woodwork full time. Q Hi Sophie! Tell us about Grain & Knot We create handmade wooden utensils and objects from timber that’s reclaimed or sourced sustainably. Q What is it you love about your work? I only ever make things I would want to own myself – I love that creative freedom. Using natural materials is lovely, too. I think of it as lengthening the…

ONE Your partner’s anguished cries about your ‘waste of money’ cushion obsession really were unfounded. You were simply preparing, over several years, for the arrival of a snug in your lives. Now they all have a home and your world is a comfier place. TWO The goal of spending more time together ’as a family’ will only really be achieved if the snug has decent WiFi range. Get thee to Currys for a WiFi extender soonest. And pick up some noise cancelling headphones to block out everyone’s YouTube vids. THREE It is 100 per cent true that you can never have too much storage. Unfortunately, it’s also true that you can never persuade anyone else in your family to use it. Or rather, they can get stuff out, they just…

All too often, our staircases are over worked and under loved: they put up with our constant stomping, our muddy shoes and our piles of upstairs things just waiting to be carried up. But we say a staircase can be so much more than just a transitional space. They’re often the first thing you see when you walk through the door, so they should set the right tone for the rest of your home. Whether that’s colourful and funky or sleek and luxurious, decorate your staircase like any other room and running upstairs to grab your keys – again – will be a pleasure, we promise. Keep it cosy If you’ve got little ones in tow, a staircase runner is a great way to keep soft and warm underfoot, while…

‘We had moved from London and were living in Newcastle when a walk on the beach at Whitley Bay inspired us to move to the coast. The previous owner, an interior designer, had done a lot of work to the bones of the house, such as putting back fireplaces and radiators. Her style was true to its age, with swag curtains, ornate gold wallpapers and purple carpets. I wanted to take what she’d done so well, but redecorate in a palette of greys, blues and yellows, inspired by the seaside. You can watch the sun rise from the bay window so it felt silly to try and fight it. We sanded the floorboards, then I bought lots of tester pots to find a true grey for the walls. This room…

GARDEN ROOM You can build a dedicated workspace, gym or art studio in your garden under PD rules, as long as the area isn’t used as sleeping accommodation. The unit must also be a single storey construction of up to 50 per cent of the garden area with a maximum eaves height of 2.5 metres. Bear in mind that the garden room will also count towards your allowance for extending other areas of your property. GO OUT You can add an extension to your existing property if it is within two metres of a boundary. The eaves height should be no higher than three metres and you can extend out by three metres on a terraced property and by four metres if the property is a detached house. If you…

Want to have a say in the beautiful real homes we show off in the pages of this magazine? We’re inviting you, our readers, to take part in our online survey to find out exactly what you want to see. Whether you’re a sucker for a period property or love the clean lines of a new build, enjoy the balance of the properties we feature or want more of a certain type of home, now is your chance to let us know. And did we mention you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win £100 in Amazon vouchers, too? Don’t say we don’t treat you! Go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/reader-survey-homes2020 to enter today. Enter by 31 Jan for your chance to win!…

PRIVACY is hard to come by when you have kids in the house – even grown-up kids, as Vicki and her husband David know all too well. With their daughter Katie starting university, the couple felt it was time for a switch up of the layout of their bungalow to create a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of family life – but how to do it? After toying with the idea of further loft work, Vicki and David settled on a bedroom swap with Katie, giving them space towards the back of the house to create their dream suite. Alongside a bedroom and dressing room, the couple have created a stunning en suite set that’s practical as well as pretty. Vicki explains how they brought their new…

1 SAVVY SHOPPING You already know to wait for bargain events like Black Friday and the winter sales for big-ticket items like fridges and dishwashers. But when it comes to the kitchen itself, you can save hundreds, even thousands of pounds by shopping smart. End-of-line or closing down sales could nab you a new design at slashed prices. Ex-display models are a good option – see ‘Go second hand’. 2 KEEP THE LAYOUT Sticking with the same layout will avoid costs around moving your plumbing, electrics or gas supply, so if you’re happy with what you’ve got – particularly the position of your sink, dishwasher and cooker – then don’t change a thing. If it’s not working for you, switching needn’t be too expensive. A galley layout, with a run…

BOLD BOTANICAL Bring the healing power of nature into your bathroom with a larger-than-life leaf print. Whether it’s a wallpaper, a wall panel or even tiles, choose patterns of fauna and flora to transport yourself to your happy place every day. Wisp shower valve, £465; Mpro showerhead, £205, Crosswater MUTED PALETTE When it comes to colour, soft greens and blues can make you feel calmer, so painting your bathroom walls is an easy route to tranquillity. Here a jute rug and exposed parquet flooring enhance the spa-like feel. The Bath Co Camberley freestanding bath suite with oak-effect seat, £859, Victoria Plum HEXAGON HAVEN Mix and match stone effect tiles for a fun yet calming patchwork look. This muted grey palette is soothing and simple, while the hexagon feature wall makes…

1 @MANWITHAHAMMER I’m not sure if it’s Greg in his dapper suit, the stunning Georgian pad or the mention of gin in every other post that’s got me so hooked on this amazing account. Then again, what’s not to love about watching someone painstakingly sand a window for days just so it will close after years of neglect? The love and care that he’s putting into this renovation is going to create one amazing forever home. Emily Smith, senior art editor and gin drinker 2 @RENOVATING_ BELMOREHOUSE If the über-cool plywood kitchen and gorgeous turquoise herringbone splashback are anything to go by, I’ll be getting a lot of inspiration from Lee and Sarah’s fabulous renovation. With the shell of their extension completed and new kitchen fitted, I can’t wait to…

BEST FOR MASTERING STAIRS The space under the stairs is the unsung hero when it comes to storage. Well-planned and sloped built-in units can turn it into everything from a cloakroom to an office or laundry room. This stunning solution is a useful extension to the kitchen, storing mugs, plates and wine. Handleless doors give it seamless style. Classic Metro handpainted matt lacquer understair storage in Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite, designed for a project by Simon Whitehead Architects. Bespoke kitchens start at £35,000, Roundhouse BEST FOR TIDY LIVING A built-in display unit can keep the living room clutter free, but without it feeling bare and unwelcoming. Favourite books, ornaments and prints are shown off on shelves while cupboards hold everything from liquor to paperwork. The display frames the TV rather…

LET’S PLAY HOUSE As we’ve learnt to spend more time indoors, ensuring everyone has space to do what they need has become a priority, and that goes for the kids, too. We’re not all lucky enough to have a designated playroom, but you can create a play zone that works just as well. This genius design by @rosemounthouse grabbed our attention for its simplicity. Find an empty corner in your home and pencil in the outline of a house. When you’ve got the perfect shape, stick on decorative tape, keeping the lines as straight as possible. Decorate as you please; add stickers, create a window or door, or mark out different rooms. While they play house, you can put your feet up. And when the kids grow out of it,…