Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2022 i Real Homes

Finally, we can say it – spring is here! It’s taken its time, sure, and it might be a while yet until we really feel the warmth from any sunshine, but still: a new season is beginning, and it’s a good ’un, with green garden shoots, more daylight, and a general feeling of optimism (if you avoid the news). On my personal to-do list this season is to get outside at least once every day – a resolution I made to get through winter, and one that quickly fell by the wayside as I watched clouds roll in and trees get battered by gale-force winds. I’ve been trying to eat fairly seasonally, so I’m looking forward to cooking with anything that isn’t root veg and embrace more green-themed meals. And…

Garden prep It’s never too early to get cracking in the garden. Learn how to design a space from scratch, get lighting and planting ideas and shop the best deals on furniture, heaters and more at realhomes.com/garden Bees garden tool set, £30, Sophie Allport GET INVOLVED Fancy being featured on our IG – or even the pages of this magazine? Use #sorealhomes in your social media posts and you might just catch our eye… We’re following… @13durstonhouse. First-time buyers Sam and Jim have created a home so cool, calm and collected, we’re green with envy. Paint power Looking for colour-blocking ideas? Want to know how to use Pantone’s colour of the year (the purple-y Very Peri, FYI) in your home? Find the answers to those questions, plus more ideas for…

PINK AND GREEN SHOULD BE SEEN Sitting at opposite ends of the colour wheel, pink and green are a match made in heaven. But when they take a pastel twist, the look becomes even more whimsical. This striking wall-hung vanity unit pops against the soft pink wall for a space that will brighten your every morning. Oasis Blush mural border, £35 per m2 , Woodchip & Magnolia GO ALL OVER WITH ELEGANT LILAC Lilac is big news in the interior design sphere at the moment, and we’re expecting to see a surge in this pretty pastel shade through spring/ summer 2022. With its bluey undertones, lilac works well in south-facing rooms, where the cool tones balance out the yellow warmth of the sun. We love the colour courage of taking…

DAVID PERRY GLASS CERAMICS @davidperryglassceramics ‘We create colourful, unique, checkered glassware handmade in Cornwall,’ says David. ‘After many years working in IT, I wanted a change. I went on a glass fusing course in St. Agnes and loved seeing how different colours/shapes/textures fuse together overnight in the kiln. I purchased a kiln, took online glass tutorial courses and never looked back! I love seeing my glassware in customers’ homes on social media. I particularly liked making the wavy checkered almond and streaky amber bowls. Each one slumps into the wavy mould differently, creating a truly unique undulating edge.’ davidperryglassceramics.uk THE ATLAS WORKS @theatlasworks ‘The Atlas Works creates purposeful recycled glassware products handmade in the Atlas Mountains,’ says co-founder Tom. ‘They combine modern design, beautiful materials and artisanal manufacturing techniques. I…

While many colours come into the interior design spotlight and then quickly fade out again, blush pink is one that seems very much here to stay. ‘Blush pink is a soft, beige-rose that has been continuously popular since its first big break in the 1990s,’ says Sam Baldry, head of design at Swoon. And when you take a deep dive into the psychology of the shade, it’s not hard to see why. Blush pink is known for making us feel calm, protected, young and playful. ‘These are emotions we want to feel in our own home, so it’s no wonder we’re all turning to the shade,’ says Nora Mitchel, interior design expert and editor-in-chief of Household Advice. The calming effects of pink have been demonstrated in quite an unusual way.…

Whether wrapping gifts, mounting artwork or crafting, handmade paper adds an appealing, tactile quality. This process is perfect for recycling old receipts, newspaper or letters. Try creating your own at home. Once you’ve mastered the basics, try adding flowers, herbs and foil flakes. 1. Blend white pulp or recycled paper with enough warm water to form a smooth paste. 2. Pour into a tub of warm water, add food dye or confetti and stir. 3. Move a papermaking screen through the mix to scoop up the pulp. 4. Place frame on a tea towel with another on top to squeeze out the water. 5. Carefully remove the frame from the paper with tea towel attached and hang up to dry. 6. After a day or two, the paper will be…

Kitchen £10,000 Garden £9,000 Bi-fold doors £6,000 Garage conversation £4,000 Decorating and furniture £2,000 Bathroom £2,000 Shutters £2,000 Understairs storage £1,000 Tiling £600 Building work AW Property Development North East, 07535 653088, @awpropertydevelopment on Instagram Garden Eden Landscapes, 0191 251 2057, edenlandscapes.uk.net Joinery L.S. Joinery North East, 07790 835280, facebook.com/l.s.joinery.newcastle Wallpapering and decorating Geoff Suggest, 07855 364612 Sliding doors Bison Doors, 0191 477 6600, bisondoors.co.uk Tiling Newcastle Tiling Contractors, 07790 032918…

GRAPHIC DESIGNER@KLK. INTERIORS 1 ‘Making the most of a small space is key. If there’s too much clutter it can feel cramped. Shelving is a great use of space; you could even add a hanging rail underneath. Using wall hooks not only adds a bit of interest but also comes in handy for hanging hand towels and cleaning tools. Keep worktops clear to maximise space.’ 2 ‘Store larger items in cupboards for a more streamlined look. It’s still practical while being aesthetically pleasing. Use baskets on shelving for easy access to regularly used items.’ 3 ‘I’ve gone for a more neutral colour scheme in our small utility to make it feel more airy and less boxy. Painting the shelves the same colour as the wall makes the space feel larger…

When it comes to the great spring clean, are you more of a ‘blitz the house’ or a ‘little and often’ cleaner? Whichever way you lean, the seasonal wipe-down and declutter are a result of traditions and festivals that have shaped this annual ritual, and continue to influence today. Some researchers credit the origins of spring cleaning to Nowruz, the Persian New Year, when Iranians prepare for the new year by decluttering and cleaning their homes, minds and hearts of unnecessary things in the days before. Nowruz is rooted in the tradition of Iranian religions like Mithraism and Zoroastrianism – the latter started over 3,500 years ago – and practiced by Parsis all over the world. Today, many Iranians still practice khane-tekani, which literally means ‘shaking the house’, and follow…

Parisian Café wall tiles and Brewhouse floor tiles, Ca’ Pietra. Rose Quartz Limerence wallpaper, House of Hackney. Hardware, Studio Ore. Vanity unit painted in Off Black, Farrow & Ball. Shower screen, The Shower Lab. Radiator, Bard & Brazier. Bath, BC Designs, painted in Brinjal, Farrow & Ball. Sanitaryware, Saneux Bathrooms. Wall lights, Mullan Lighting. Walls painted in 68 Degrees North, Fenwick & Tilbrook. Horse print, Oli Fowler Art. Mirror, Bathroom Origins. Worktop, Gerald Culliford. Face print, Lena Goodison…

BUILDING REGULATIONS A set of standards that should be adhered to when renovating or building a property PLANNING PERMISSION A request made to the local council to carry out building works on your property/garden PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT Works that can be undertaken on a property or garden without needing planning permission ZONING Ways of dividing an open-plan space with decoration, surfaces and furniture placement to create distinct areas LISTED BUILDING A building of historical or architectural importance CONSERVATION AREA An area of historical or architectural importance PARTY WALL A shared wall between adjoining buildings. Built on the boundary line, it demarcates ownership…

Q How often should you vacuum? A At least twice a week on hard floors and carpets to remove surface debris, and more regularly in high-traffic areas where dirt is trapped within the carpet fibres. It also helps to maintain the pile. During hay fever season, daily vacuuming can remove trapped pollen. Hard floor crevices can conceal dead skin, food crumbs, dust mites (and faeces) and pet dander; a vacuum with a crevice tool and boost mode can help reach this. If you have pets, wash hard floors often to remove dirt and bacteria brought in on their paws. Q How often should a carpet be deep cleaned? A Carpet washing every two to three months can deal with the bacteria, allergens and other microorganisms that lie deeper down in…

‘We fully renovated our bungalow from scratch,’ says Charlotte. ‘Our overall aesthetic is based on creating a high-end interior design on an affordable budget with a focus on Australian/Scandinavian interiors. For the bathroom, I wanted to add some hotel chic through vertical textures and further visual impact alongside our bold terrazzo-tiled shower. ‘My husband and I made the panelling ourselves by using a full sheet of moisture-resistant MDF, strips of timber and lots of wood glue and pins. We cut out the toilet back panel/door and hung it to make sure it was properly aligned and fitted first, then carefully attached the strips of wood, evenly placed apart and adhered with the glue and pins. After a quick filler and rub down, we applied a base undercoat of paint and…

COMPACT DESIGN Thanks to the variety of styles out there, you don’t need a huge opening to benefit from bi-fold doors. Slim sashes work well in smaller spaces and look elegant, or opt for two regular sashes instead of an ordinary door for an easier opening and a unique twist. IN THE CORNER For extra impact, design an extension with bi-fold doors that open across the corner. You’ll be able to open out your space from two sides, maximising the connection with the garden and creating the perfect space for garden parties or lively family homes. You will need a structural engineer to make sure the design is safe. PERIOD STYLE It’s trickier to get the right style doors for period properties, but the extra effort is worth it. Opt…

Check out our pick of the best pod coffee machines FIND MORE IDEAS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR KITCHEN MAKEOVER AT REALHOMES.COM/KITCHEN…

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Alison Jones Assistant editor ‘I love blossom tree-spotting when I’m out running, but my ultimate “spring is happening” blooms are lush magnolias.’ Emily Smith Senior art editor ‘It has to be the first sign of Easter eggs in the shops – which means it’s acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast!’ Amelia Smith Acting style editor ‘Every lunchtime walk becomes a photoshoot of all the beautiful blooms and blossoms I pass.’ Jenny McFarlane Senior digital editor ‘Daffodils everywhere you look – and the pleasure of switching out wintry bed linen for fresh, cool fabrics.’ Anna Cottrell Content editor ’The moment when the evenings start getting lighter. Suddenly, it’s time to enjoy watching the sunset once again.’…

Spring is here and it’s time for fresh feels around the home. Brighter days can reveal tired-looking décor or scuffs on walls and woodwork from the wear and tear of family life. The quickest and most affordable way to redecorate is by painting, and it’s something you can do yourself. Repainting also means you can be more responsive to shifts in interior trends and colours that might make your rooms feel dull and dated. Once you have taken the decision to repaint, however, you don’t want all your hard work undone through careless treatment that can leave mucky fingerprints, smears of grime or splashes of food over the walls. The key to keeping that just-decorated look is to choose a specialist paint to withstand all that family life (including the…

1 Grace Green framed print & mount, £190 2 Totem vase in natural, £50 3 Patterned weave water hyacinth planter, £25 4 Bobbin wide storage footstool in mustard velvet with dark wood base, £199 5 Hem bedside table, £99 6 Plinth vase in pink, £34 7 Gallery photo frame, £15 8 ANYDAY velvet cushion in auburn, £20 9 Bobbin bedstead, from £599 10 Speckle footed bowl in black, £48 11 Motion corduroy upholstered dining chairs in terracotta, £199 for two 12 Cotton velvet cushion in soft teal, £25 13 ANYDAY classic Bobbin pedestal side table, £79 14 Hem three-drawer chest, £399 NEXT MONTH: SEE THE LATEST PIECES FROM GRAHAM & GREEN…

Slip into something new If you’re looking for a simple spring update for your bedroom, new bedding could be just the refresh you need – and we’ve found the perfect set. From the new homeware collection at Primark, this chic cotton crinkle duvet cover and pillowcases has five-star hotel written all over it, but at a fraction of the price. The natural shades and tactile textures make it the perfect on-trend addition to your space. The only question we have is this: can you leave the store without buying anything else?…

PAINTING ADVICE Q Can I paint my skirting boards once I’ve carpeted a room? A Skirting boards should always be the final step of your paint job after the ceiling and walls, but the good news is you can do them once your flooring is laid. In fact, it’s recommended to give them a freshen up every couple of years to get rid of marks. To avoid spills, pull the carpet up at the edges and fold it back out of the way of the paintbrush. If that’s not an option, give your carpet a vacuum, then use wide-set masking tape, cardboard or a dust sheet to protect it as best you can, making sure your material of choice is flush with the skirting board to avoid leaks. GARDEN ADVICE…

Often the hardworking and neglected Cinderella of the bustling family home, utility rooms, by the very name, have traditionally always been more functional than fun. Well, things have changed. With modern homes demanding more from every space, these storage-savvy hard-hitters are being given a stylish reboot (pun intended), with swish multifunctional designs that pack the personality into the practical. Done and dusted with being hidden away at the back of the home and avalanched with dirty laundry that definitely doesn’t want to be aired, bespoke extensions – often leading off the kitchen or living area – have become sanctuaries of order and calm. They provide discreet but on-hand storage for household gubbins like mops and cleaning equipment, and task zones with a second sink for all of those boot-scrubbing duties.…

1 MULTITASK IT  If space allows, leave the floor free for drying racks and laundry mountain duties. Utilise combined or multifunctional storage options with a bench for coats, boots and bulky outerwear, and shelving for smaller bits and bobs like light bulbs and tool kits. Utility-cum-boot rooms are an emerging trend in country homes, to help prevent nature from trailing into the main living areas. 2 SIGN ON  Find the humour in utilitarian duties with typography prints and fun signage in stylish calligraphy. Label caddies, drawers, cupboards and tins, so everyone knows where to find things – without any more flimsy excuses! 3 PAWS FOR THOUGHT Pet owners will know only too well the perils of dirty paw prints on floors, sofas, and (don’t say it!) beds. Well, not any…

1 Keep bottles tidy and at hand with a chic toolbox. Hay toolbox in dusty green, £35, Kin 2 Sweeping up is less of a chore with this set. Household dustpan and brush, £12, Garden Trading 3 Make the switch to a more eco-friendly cleaning. Duo starter kit with refillable multipurpose and bathroom kits, £19.99, Spruce 4 These sponges are almost too cute to use. Ten & Co vintage orange compostable sponge cloth, £6, The Kind Store 5 Store your clutter in style. Afroart palm storage basket, £19, Arket…

1 PAY ITS WAY Start saving by making your old kitchen fund part of the cost of the new one. If your old units are in good condition but aren’t to your taste, or don’t work with any changes you’re making, sell them. There’s a good market for used kitchens and companies that specialise in selling them. You could also try sites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. The same goes for your appliances. Your items go to someone who needs them and your kitchen will be a blank slate for the new units. 2 Streamline the space Consider how many units you actually need. Could you reduce the number while still having adequate storage? A full-height larder might provide ample room for your big shop, bowls and dishes, small appliances…

CONSIDER COLOUR If natural light is limited, injecting colour into the space can help distract from the fact. Use your fixtures and fittings wisely: for instance, storage doesn’t necessarily need to be white or timber-coloured, but can blend in with earthy or brightly coloured walls instead. Coloured rugs can make the space look cosy. A mix of warm yellow and terracotta tones with blush pinks and thoughtfully placed white can be a perfect combination. ZONING THE LAYOUT If you’ve decided to open everything up, you’ll want to plan how the new area will connect with the existing space. Do you want to create a clear distinction or would you like it to seem that the two zones have always been united? Using the same flooring will help you achieve the…

Home renovations are a bit like Marmite – you either love them and embrace the fun of the process, or you hate them and can’t wait for the day the last builder leaves. Chatting to Anatolia in her wonderfully bright and airy kitchen, it’s clear that this was a real passion project that she embraced wholeheartedly. From researching building regulations to experimenting with design and colours, Anatolia threw herself into all elements of having her kitchen extended. She spent years refining exactly what she wanted, playing with floorplans and hunting out the best deals for a room that’s bright and beautiful. The definition of a labour of love, this stunning space is the worthy winner of the Real Homes best kitchen award. Anatolia shares her renovation journey and her tips…

Bringing the outside in is a much-used phrase in the interiors world – and for good reason. With open-plan living set to stay a while, expanding further into the garden through a seamless indoor-outdoor link is the logical next step. Come summer, it means you’ll be able to spill out onto the patio when entertaining, and it can provide a more free-flowing space for kids to play; when the weather’s not so good, you can still enjoy a better connection to nature from the other side of the glass. Speaking of glass, that’s where bi-fold doors come in. This versatile glazing solution offers better views across your garden than standard French doors, and can be pushed to one side to create a spacious opening to the outdoors. As you’ll see…

BEST FOR EFFECT Got a feature you want to highlight? Do it with tiles. Instead of papering the inside of an alcove or covering a headboard with fabric, continue the encaustic tiles you’ve laid on the floor up the walls for a pop of colour and texture. This unexpected twist plays with the dimensions of the rooms, blurring the line where the floor stops and the wall begins. Tiffany Dots cement encaustic tile, £162 per m2 , Otto Tiles & Design BEST FOR A LUXE LOOK Get grown-up glamour in the bathroom with a marble-look tile – in pink. You can capture the luxury feel of marble without the hefty price tag by choosing a porcelain alternative. And Porcelain Superstore’s new Vogue Pink offers the signature swirls in blush with…

See here for more tips on making over a small bathroom FIND MORE INSPIRATION FOR TRANSFORMING YOUR BATHROOM AT REALHOMES.COM/BATHROOM…

If you have pets, or just a lot of hair, having a vacuum that can tackle the shedding is an absolute dog send. Despite its slender looks, the Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 has three times more suction than its old cordless vacuum, to tackle the most tenacious bits of fluff and fur. It has a standard and a high power setting, and can easily convert to a handheld for vacuuming surfaces and stairs. There’s even DustTracker LED headlights – so you can see and suck up all the forgotten dust bunnies under the sofa. SPECIFICATIONS  Type: Cordless stick Bagless: Yes Weight: 3.1kg Capacity: 0.6ltrs Price: from £259.99 REASONS TO BUY ● Great for pet owners ● Works well on all floors ● Gets right under the furniture ● Handy for…

An egg-cellent Easter centrepiece Searching for a craft project to keep you entertained this weekend? Whether you’re going solo for a bit of creative mindfulness or crafting with your little ones, these hand-dyed marbled eggs by Emily Dawe (@editbyemily) for Hobbycraft will make the perfect centrepiece for the Easter table. You’ll need: ■ Eggs (white duck eggs work best) ■ Food dye ■ Jug of water ■ Spoon ■ A selection of small cups What to do: 1 First blow the eggs by making holes with a pin in the top and bottom and blowing the contents out. 2 Take your food dye and squeeze a few drops into a cup – here we used red and blue. 3 Pour in a little water, but not too much as you…

Easter feast The arrival of spring is a time to breathe new life and colour into your home. As many of us celebrate the Easter weekend with a seasonal feast, it deserves a pretty, spring-inspired tablescape with fresh blooms and relaxed linens. A statement spring wreath suspended from the ceiling brings the wow-factor and a stunning focal point. Finish with Easter decorations or fairy lights for added twinkle. Bright ideas Pooky has added five new designs to its range of portable, re-chargeable and cordless table lamps, which includes the iconic Phileas. Shining bright for 10 hours on a single charge, they could even go glamping – apt, since they’re named after explorers Marco (Polo), Hernan (Cortes) , Amelia (Earhart), Ernest (Shackleton) and Walter (Raleigh). Bookworm Rewild Your Home: Bring the…

1 Domino table lamp, £75, Sweetpea & Willow 2 Ulises coasters, £38.99 for four, Wayfair 3 You print by Sofia Lind, £85, Rose & Grey 4 Totto stripe apron, £70, Tori Murphy 5 Rosario marble cutting board, £46.90, Bloomingville 6 Criss-cross pasta bowl, €16.90, Casa Cubista at Orpheu Decor 7 Bolga large stripy storage basket, £39, Lola & Mawu 8 Monochrome stripes fine earthenware planter, £54, Audenza 9 William deconstructed wing chair in Hajdu Stripe heavy linen, £2,100, MindTheGap 10 Juni rug, £275, Cox & Cox 11 Wide stripe cushion, £45, Adobe Living NEXT MONTH: SHOP THE NEW INTERIOR DÉCOR FUSION – SPANIFORNIA…

Be it a fresh bouquet of flowers in a tall vase or a Friday night cocktail in your fanciest receptacle, glassware plays a huge part in everyday life in our homes. Treated well, it lasts a lifetime and takes on memories that can be passed from one generation to the next – think how precious an inherited set of glasses from a beloved family member can be. So whether it’s new drinking glasses or a table centrepiece, it’s worth hunting around for a one-of-a-kind piece for your home. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite glassware makers in the UK, all of whom produce handcrafted, well-designed pieces with the unique characteristics we’d expect from independent brands. First is Tara Ashe of Block Design, who, with her team, creates subtle, colour-block…

Hit of retro Offset honey hues with opulent teal and punchy black accents. This look uses luxe fabrics, gold-tipped furniture legs and playful geometrics to add decadent yet subtle detail. Ground the scheme Upgrade the centrepiece of your room – the rug – to a bright and oversized design. Adding something bold underfoot brings a layer of interest that can underpin the whole scheme.. Versatile furniture Tapered legs, curved lines, burnt orange velvet – these are all iconic features of mid-century style. Its timeless appeal means it blends with almost every decorating style. Sofia accent chair in Burnt Orange velvet, £219, Cult Furniture Attention grabber Light up a room with an eye-catching print and luxe tasselled fringes for a real showpiece. Birds Of Paradise pendant lampshade, £192, Mindthegap Three of…

Profile THE OWNERS Elise Dodds (@makemynewbuildpretty), who works in HR, her husband, Michael, a management consultant, and their two children, Elodie, five, and Huxley, four THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom detached new-build property in Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear PROJECT COST £36,600 With their first baby on the way, Elise and Michael Dodds felt it was time to leave their small rented flat in North London and buy a more affordable property further north near their families. ‘Although we’d met in London, our families only lived a mile away from each other in the North East, so it was the perfect time to move back,’ says Elise. Her strong urge to nest led them to buy a new-build house off-plan on a Taylor Wimpey estate in Whitley Bay. ‘We loved the…

1 HANDY HANGER Hang your washing high with an old-school laundry maid that doesn’t take up floor space. Simplified adaptations of the traditional clothes dryer have wooden slats attached on a pulley system for easy manoeuvring and adjustable height options. It’s the perfect indoor clothes-drying solution – marvellous! 2 THINK SINK  Underwater crockery technicians (aka the chief dishwasher) and amateur pet groomers will delight in a well-proportioned Butler or Belfast sink. Utility room duties tend to entail a bit (okay, a lot) of muck and elbow grease, so it’s worth going large on the ceramic sink and draining board, even in more compact spaces. Practical and durable, they look the part, especially when paired with luxe brass taps and hardware. 3 WALK THIS WAY Utility rooms need flooring that can…

One of the myths we most love disputing is that a bathroom always needs to be neutral. As the smallest room in the house, most people decide to play it safe, worried that the space won’t be able to take too much pattern and colour. Sound like you? Emma and Paul’s bathroom might just change your mind. When the couple bought their home – a former squash court – the bathroom was first on the list for a major revamp. Enlisting the help of Sophie from Simply Bathrooms, they’ve brought the space back to life with bold tiles, feature wallpaper and a huge dose of personality. Here, Emma shares how they did it. BACK TO LIFE ‘This property was built in the 1930s as a squash court. It was part…

TASTEFUL TAPS Form meets function in Buster + Punch’s elegant new kitchen taps. Crafted in Italy, the curved faucets come in a range of metallic finishes, including gunmetal, brass, steel and Welders Black. There is a flourish of knurling on the filter cap, while cross or linear knurling on the levers make pouring a glass of water a tactile pleasure. They start from £399 for a steel finish. Make a splash Claybrook’s sculptural basins break the mould when it comes to sink designs. Deep and colourful, they look pared back yet robust. Made from reclaimed materials and MarbleForm moulded stone technology, they resemble natural stone, but without the weight. The sinks cost from £675. A bit of all white There’s more to monochrome brassware than matt black. Dowsing & Reynolds…

Not just for period homes, timeless bathroom panelling is having a renewed moment. Spanning styles from contemporary to traditional, panelled walls bring lived-in charm to the bathroom. As well as disguising a multitude of sins when it comes to unevenly finished walls or pipework, panelling gives boxy or featureless rooms character. Classic square Shaker-style or tongue and groove will of course slot happily into period homes, but will look equally as good in newer properties. A painted finish incorporating skirting and the wall creates a smart, seamless style. Make it contemporary with slim vertical, ribbed or reeded texture, or a geometric layout. Reclaimed wood boards give a rustic feel and unpainted wood brings warmth and texture. DIY Shaker panelling First, decide on the height you’d like the panelling to reach:…

Q HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? A Prices can be as low as £500 per linear metre, though for a quality aluminium system, you’ll be looking at more like £1,200. Depending on the supplier, you might need to budget for VAT and installation, too. Q DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION? A Not usually, unless your house is listed or you live in a Conservation Area. If you’re unsure, contact your local planning authority. Q WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD I OPT FOR? A That depends on three things: looks, maintenance and price: › Aluminium bi-fold doors are hardwearing, versatile and make for slimmer sightlines than other types of doors. They’re the most common type of bi-fold and have lots of finish options. › Timber bi-fold doors are a great option for period…

PORCELAIN IN THE BATHROOM ‘A porcelain tile requires no sealing and most bathroom cleaners can keep them looking their best. They can also be used with an epoxy resin grout so grout lines remain free from discolouration and any dreaded black mould. It is also worth considering the slip resistance of the tiles. In most instances a natural finish is sufficient; however, in wet rooms we recommend using a porcelain tile in a ‘grip’ or ‘R11 finish’ to offer more traction in wet conditions.’ THE BEST TILES FOR KITCHENS ‘Natural stone flooring can be good if the right stone and finish are chosen. Denser stones provide more durability; however, all natural stone will be subject to a little wear and tear over the years. A tumbled finish provides an aged…