Indholdsfortegnelse for May 2023 i Real Homes

There’s a lot to celebrate this May, with three extra days off – including a bonus bank holiday for the historic happening of a coronation. With all this extra free time, we’re wondering what’s the best way to spend it? Perhaps you’ll use some of it to finally get round to finishing all those jobs on your DIY to-do list, ready to throw open your house and garden to host family and friends. I (Alison) will be planning to party outdoors. ‘Project patio’ will be completed, with the cracked old crazy paving hidden under sleek new slabs. Festoon lights and handmade decorations will complete the effect as we christen it with something chilled and bubbly. I (Amelia) will be fleeing my own home to spend time with friends and family.…

Do you think your home transformation is so good it deserves a prize? Is your garden update a real showstopper? Enter them for the Real Homes Awards and you could win £1,000 – and a year’s free subscription to your favourite homes magazine. We’re launching the annual Real Homes Home and Garden awards, and we are on the lookout for inspirational projects of all kinds – inside your home and out. And we’ll showcase the best of them with a photoshoot in the magazine. There are five categories to enter, so if you have been busy extending, converting, renovating or redecorating to create your dream space, we want to see it. We’re looking for clever solutions to awkward spaces, innovative upscales and budget-saving ideas that prove you can get a…

SOFA, SO GOOD Traditional meets modern with this elegant way to incorporate a meadow scene. Furniture covered with a floral fabric brings nature inside without overwhelming the room. Pick out tones from the design for cushions or furnishings to create a cohesive look. ROOM WITH A VIEW You don’t even need to look outside your window to enjoy nature’s best with modern cottage-style floral curtains. Fabric has the ability to immediately soften any space, and these full drop versions go even further with their pretty, painterly flower design. SEASONAL SCENE Perfect for adding a temporary splash of floral design, a tablecloth is an instant way to give a fresh look to your dining space with no long-term commitment. Blooms are a great pick-me-up for springtime, and can be rotated with…

PROFILE THE OWNERS Chloe Greenwold, who is studying interior design, lives here with husband Jim, who works in security, their children, Freddie and Eden, and their pug, Ralph THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom, semi-detached home, built in the 1930s in Colchester, Essex, PROJECT COST £5,500 Upsizing from a compact two-bedroom Victorian terrace to a spacious 1930s home with three-bedrooms, Chloe and Jim Greenwold discovered they didn’t have much furniture. ‘And what we did have was all on the wrong scale,’ says Chloe. ‘We brought our two-seater sofas with us from our previous house, but they looked like dolls’ house furniture in the big living room.’ It was clear from day one that the family’s new home called for a few changes. The property’s initial appeal for former fashion and homeware designer…

Cake o’clock A classic combination of wood and marble makes this shapely cake stand a timeless piece. Pair with a glass cloche for impressive cake displays, use as a fruit holder or even elevate a vase of flowers. Twist & shake Make a splash with your seasoning with a glossy and bold pepper shaker. Coming in 12 colours, you can match or clash with your current décor with one of these chef-approved must-haves. A place for everything This handmade placemat is produced sustainably from raffia paper, making it an eco-friendly choice. But that’s not the only reason we love it – just look at that fringing and glorious sun-bleached tone. Swoon! Three of the best: seat cushions Soften your guests dining experience, while also adding texture, pattern or a dash…

TOTALLY TILED Go all out with your favourite colour by using the same shade on all four walls. This bold tiling trend can have real impact in a room, and Porcelain Superstore’s Soho range of glossy metro tiles is a brilliant way to create it. There are four shades – pastel rose, aqua, ivory and deep blue – with a rich glaze and a slightly wavy finish for handcrafted appeal. The slim design means you can introduce a mix of laying styles, such as offset, herringbone or basket weave, for statement surfaces. The wall tiles cost £44.40 per m². Fun and function Add a pop of personality to a sleek but clinical white bathroom with focal-point furniture. Mereway’s bright new range, Bathroom Colore, comes in 63 colourways, including playful Antique…

Sort your rubbish out in these bright and useful bins FOR MORE SMART AND COLOURFUL KITCHEN ESSENTIALS , GO TO REALHOMES.COM/KITCHEN…

The power of print The interior designer, Matthew Williamson, has launched an exciting and vibrant new range for Next. You’ll find majestic peacocks, floral blooms and starry prints that celebrate the wonder of the night sky. Known for his decadent use of colour and pattern, these designs, which cover bedding, cushions, bathroom and kitchen essentials, will add a bold uplift to any room. ‘I love how taking just one piece from this collection can update and transform a space,’ says Matthew. Escape to the Tropics Former shoe designer turned artist Cleo Barbour is known for her bold, colourful, and eye-catching artwork that brings positivity and life to a space. Inspired by her travels, her work depicts architecture, tropical influences, geometry, and Art Deco design – a favourite period of hers.…

NEXT MONTH: EMBRACE CURVE APPEAL WITH OUR EDIT OF SHAPELY VASES…

MEGHAN REMFRY-PEPLOE, WHAT THE MOOD Interior designers often call lighting ‘jewellery’ for your home, and it’s easy to see why. As well as being functional and brightening a space, the right lighting has the power to completely change the look, feel and mood of a room – from creating cosy corners to adding useful layers of light for different tasks or times of day. Arguably just as important as the furniture you choose or the colours you paint your walls, lighting should be one of the first things you consider when decorating. After all, it’s an easy and quick way to make a difference to a scheme. A statement pendant can provide an intimate glow over a dining table; a carefully-placed wall sconce or two can help dial things down…

The language we use around colour is always evolving. As new insights and new desires emerge, so too will the words we use to describe the shades we see. For example, the discovery of neon led to ‘neon pink’ and ‘neon green,’ and these are much more recent descriptors than those of ‘sky blue’ and ‘forest green.’ An even more recent colour to enter our vocabulary is greige – a calming blend of grey and beige. First introduced into the fashion world by Giorgio Armani in 1975, this subtle hue has become a popular choice for interiors over the past few years. ‘Greige has become an iconic addition to the neutral palette – redefining the borders between colours, and introducing a whole new one into the equation that is suited…

Q What’s the best type of kitchen flooring to cope with marks and spills from cooking, children and pets? A The kitchen floor is the second most viewed element when guests drop by your home, according to a study by Confused.com, so it’s worth spending a bit of time making sure you’re happy with what you lay on it. Kitchen flooring must be durable and easy to clean – and look good. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring is practical, waterproof, quick to fit and an affordable option. It can also effectively imitate other materials, such as ceramic or stone tiles, wood or concrete, that might be costly to lay or need more upkeep. Decorative Victorian-style tiles are seeing a surge in popularity at the moment, and LVT is a…

1 Maximise space Above: Putting up shelves is a good place to start if you are keen to do more DIY. It has the potential to optimise space in a living or dining area, and tackling it yourself can save the cost of getting someone in or of buying new storage furniture. Look for suitable places to fit your shelving – in an alcove or above existing pieces, like a radiator. And don’t let it fade into the background as a supporting feature for books or artwork – finish in a bright paint shade to make it pop. Top tip Lighting makes up 11 per cent of UK household electricity consumption, according to the Energy Saving Trust, so fit cheap-to-run LED lights. 2 Cover star Below: For a…

Top tip IN THE FRAME Fixed glazing can have framing made from wood, uPVC or aluminium, but if the goal is maximum glazing and minimum frame, then aluminium is preferable. It is unobtrusive and strong and needs very little maintenance, which adds to its attraction. Top tip COLOUR CHOICE Aluminium and uPVC picture window frames come in a range of colours, while fixed-glazed wooden frames are available in a variety of wood shades and tones. Some companies offer frames with dual colours, one for the interior, and another for the exterior for a smart finish. Picture windows can be a fabulous glazed addition to a home. The large expanse of glass can capture a view of the garden or beyond, and bring in more daylight to brighten a room, landing…

More vanities to help keep your bathroom clean and clear SEE EXCITING IDEAS FOR UPDATING YOUR BATHROOM AT REALHOMES.COM/BATHROOM…

Headboard hack How gorgeous is this headboard in the beautiful home of @agi_at_59? Padded headboards like this are the perfect combination of style and substance. They catch the eye and make a real statement in a space, but they’re also super comfy to rest against as you enjoy breakfast in bed, or relax with a book before going to sleep. It’s no wonder, then, that they can be pretty pricey. But Agi created this design using an old headboard she found on Facebook Marketplace for just £5! And this is how she did it… You will need: ■ An old headboard ■ Plywood board ■ Foam ■ Fabric ■ Flat metal brackets ■ Jigsaw ■ Scissors ■ Pencil ■ Staple remover ■ Glue What to do: 1 Use a staple…

PROFILE THE OWNERS Georgina Raine, a content creator (@athomewiththeraines) and housing manager, lives here with husband Joe, an electrician, their children, Harper and Indie-Rose, and dog Max. THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom detached home, built in 2000, in Telford, Shropshire PROJECT COST Approx £50,000 First homes are often dubbed starter homes with good reason. They’re the start of getting your foot on the property ladder, and where you start developing your skills as a painter, decorator, even builder, as you make it your own. Georgina Raine and her husband, Joe, did the majority of the work themselves on their first renovation project – a three-bed semi. And what they learned gave them the confidence to tackle a more ambitious makeover when they moved to a bigger home after having their two…

NEXT MONTH: GET READY TO ENJOY YOUR OUTSIDE SPACE WITH A GARDEN BENCH…

EMER GILLESPIE, SPARK & BELL @sparkandbell ‘We’re a handmade bespoke lighting company – you can choose exactly what you need for your space and it’s all tailor-made to order. ‘My love of lighting first stemmed from doing a textiles degree in Ireland, when I wove fibre optic lights into fabrics; but I went on to have a career in photography. It was only when I couldn’t find a light for my daughter’s bedroom – and ended up making my own – that it became my passion. ‘I began experimenting with bits and pieces at my kitchen table, and Spark & Bell grew out of that. It was a small, homegrown business at first, but in 2017 I went full time. I now employ eight staff in our workshop in Brighton.…

A glass act There’s nothing quite like the glow of a flickering flame to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, be it at a dinner party or when snuggling up in your living room. Introducing curved shapes and rounded edges into your interiors brings a soft, welcoming and funky feel. We’re seeing these fun and playful curves everywhere – from coffee tables to vases, and now, candlestick holders. These shapely glass designs from Matalan come in a range of muted shades, and are sure to create a contemporary focal point, wherever you place them. We love them used with colourful candles too, as an extra fun twist. Fallen for these too? We get you – it’s called a style crush for a reason! Scan the QR code on the…

The wow factor aside, this contemporary alternative to the traditional conservatory, the glass-box extension, will bring more light into your home and give you a better visual link with your garden. It is an effective way to gain more internal space, while blurring the barrier between inside and out so that you can enjoy the garden even when you’re not able to use it. Improvements in glazing technology mean it’s an entirely viable option that is comfortable both in the winter as well as the summer months, and it’s a great choice if you want a completely modern finish and don’t want to use a large amount of masonry in your project. Building an extension using structural glass will create a distinctly unique space when set against a traditional building.…

Whether you call it utility, boot-ility, loo-tility or just plain old laundry room, you want to make the space work as hard as it can, so it can make life a little easier for you. The best utilities help your household run smoothly, providing somewhere to bathe dogs, stash outer wear, store bulk buys, do the laundry… the list is endless. It may also host the boiler, DIY tools and a bicycle or two. Despite all this action, most utility rooms are really tiny, often barely more than a corridor to the back door – if you’re lucky enough to have one at all. Some of us are resigned to squeezing the washing machine and ironing board under the stairs, or in a corner of the garage or garden shed.…

BEST FOR DOING IT YOURSELF If you want to have a go at creating your own new deck in your back garden, the Power decking kit has all you need to make the job an easy one. It comes complete with a pre-assembled base, and there is also the option of a set of pre-assembled handrails with Patrice newel posts to enclose up to three sides. The wood is high-grade Scandinavian timber that has been pressure treated to make it resistant to the weather and rot. There are green screws and bolts colour-matched to the decking with an organic coating to protect against corrosion. The decking kit comes in a range of sizes, from 4x4ft to 20x20ft, to fit gardens big or small. The kit starts from £270, Power. BEST…

Bosch Rotak 32 If you’re after a good all-rounder and your lawn is an average size (ie. not a massive expanse of meadow), this Bosch Rotak 32 is for you. It’s easy to manoeuvre thanks to its lightweight 6.8kg design, and a grass comb that allows you to cut effortlessly along walls, flower beds and lawn edges. The grass collection bin can fill up pretty quickly, but it’s simple to empty, and you should only need to do it once or twice for a small or medium garden. Due to its hardened steel blade and powerful 1200W motor, it’ll cut tall grass – so it’s not a problem if you’ve let the lawn go/grow for a few weeks. SPECIFICATIONS Best for: Small/medium gardens Power: 1200W electric corded rotary Grass box:…