Innehållsförteckning för July 2019 från Ideal Home

Everybody needs a space at home where they can escape and unwind. For some, it might be a cosy nook with a good book, for others, a patch in the garden to potter, but for many people, nothing beats relaxing in the sanctuary of their own bathroom. For the ultimate spa-style space in which to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world, Geberit’s innovative sensory designs provide the perfect solution. SETTING THE SCENE As calming as a massage and as rejuvenating as a cup of green tea, the healing powers of a well-planned bathroom can be transformative. From softly curved shapes and glossy glazed ceramics, to soul-soothing colours and tactile textures, the new ranges from Geberit can turn your space into a refuge away from daily pressures, stress…

WE KEEP SEEING... MEXICANA BRIGHTS Find your fiesta spirit with these vibrant buys UPCYCLE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE The launch of the outdoor lacquer at Annie Sloan means that everything can now be beautified by chalk paint. Bring outdoor furniture, woodwork, fences and doors to life with the chalky wonder paint, followed by a layer of the lacquer, with added UV protection that won’t yellow over time. Look what we found! THIS SHOWSTOPPER BED BRING BOHO CHIC TO THE GARDEN IDEAL GREAT DEAL This is not an ordinary sofa… Don’t be deceived. Snug Shack’s stylish new design is actually a flatpack. Unlike other self-assembly sofas, which take blood, sweat and tears to put together, this one simply slots together with sturdy metal brackets in less time than it takes for the…

Not only is a barn conversion a chance to preserve a building that’s steeped in history and full of character, but it’s also a way to create a home that’s totally unique to you. Here’s how to make your rural renovation a success… Q How do I find a suitable building? If you live in the area, word of mouth can be a great way to find out if a farmer or landowner has a barn for sale. Other routes are specialist estate agents, property sites like barnsetc.co.uk and it’s worth keeping an eye on auction listings at ukauctionlist.com. Q What kind of planning permission do I need? In 2018, permitted development rights for the conversion of agricultural buildings to dwellings was extended. This may mean the barn you wish…

Welcome to my home THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom Victorian terrace in London. WHAT IT COST Bath.................................£797 Basins and vanity........£1,846 Loo and flushplate......£7,520 Shower and bath brassware ......................................£3,582 Towel radiator.................£367 Shower panel............£600 Tiles .........................£2,130 TOTAL...................£16,842 “It’s bright, luxurious and relaxing – and I’m over the moon at how much storage we’ve fitted in! ” HOW LILY AND RICH DID IT ‘The room had been refurbished by the previous owners, but the bath was uncomfortable and took ages to fill, and the loo was the first thing you saw from the landing, which I didn’t like. So, we decided to refit the room along with the rest of the house, over four months. We wanted it to be user-friendly, with lots of storage. We approached a local bathroom company, but didn’t click…

1 THEY INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT Large glass panels maximise the amount of natural light flowing into a room, reducing the need for indoor lighting during the day. 2 THEY FRAME A VIEW Glazed sliding doors provide a clearer view when closed, with fewer vertical divisions to distract the eye from the outside. 3 YOU CAN GET BUILT-IN BLINDS FOR THEM The Joshis chose special integrated doors as the screens and shades retract completely into the door frame, leaving no visual clutter when not in use. 4 THEY MAXIMISE SPACE Sliding doors don’t require a clear surrounding area to swing fully open, making them perfect for smaller, narrower spaces (as well as larger, open areas). 5 THERE ARE LOTS OF CONFIGURATIONS Symmetrical panels will maximise an opening, giving a better flow…

1 THEY MAKE A SPACE FEEL MORE ROOMY Instead of using plasterboard to cover up the voids between rafters, you leave them exposed for an airy effect. It gives the ceiling a sculptural look, too. 2 THEY’RE VERSATILE In Alastair and Danielle’s home, theirs help to bridge the gap between the modern architecture and more traditional kitchen fittings they’ve chosen. 3 FIRE SAFETY AND NOISE CAN BE ISSUES Check with your architect and builder as fire ratings and acoustic separations need to be considered. 4 YOU CAN GET CREATIVE WITH LIGHTING You can get some interesting effects with hidden LED strips that wash the ply soffit (underside) with light. Plan this in advance, as some fittings cannot be moved easily after installation. 5 THERE ARE VARIOUS FINISHES Rafters can be…

CLASSIC LIMESTONE LOOK Get the look of luxe travertine limestone, indoors and out. Travertine-effect grey 20mm outdoor paving, 90x60cm, £70.70sq m, Prima Porcelain TEAM WITH Travertine-effect grey 10mm tile, £52.47sq m, Prima Porcelain INDUSTRIAL COOL Go for durable, anti-slip slabs in a concrete effect, great for an industrial-style indoor/ outdoor space. Fossil Slab 20mm outdoor porcelain tile, 60cm sq, £49.95sq m, Walls and Floors TEAM WITH Fossil 9mm tile, £29.95sq m, Walls and Floors WOOD EFFECT In a range of timber finishes, from oak to maple, these have a realistic wood grain look. Boardwalk Nut 20mm outdoor porcelain tile, 60cm sq, £102sq m, SACW TEAM WITH Boardwalk Nut 10mm tile, from £75sq m, SACW A BIT OF SPARKLE Add a hint of shimmer with this speckled quartz-look tile in soft…

1 Take a mirror outside Mirrors are great for making a space seem larger, so work one into your outdoor area, too. Hang it on a wall or prop on a potting table and don’t worry if the glass becomes mottled – it adds a rustic feel. 2 Add colour with bright accessories The British weather may be more drab than fab, but you can still create a lush outdoor space. Jazz up neutral furniture with punchy cushions, choose side tables in vibrant hues and add faux florals. 3 PULL UP A DECKCHAIR WITH A DIFFERENCE A classic deckchair is the perfect spot to relax in the sunshine. Send We Love Cushions one of your own images and they’ll make it up for you, or pick from its range.…

Pork satay with peanut sauce TAKES 30min, plus marinating SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 450g free-range pork fillet • 100g salted peanuts, finely chopped FOR THE MARINADE • Large bunch of fresh coriander, leaves and stalks separated • Zest and juice of 3 limes • 1tbsp Thai fish sauce • 1tbsp sugar • 175g smooth peanut butter • 200ml coconut milk • 1 lemongrass stalk, bashed and roughly chopped • 1 red chilli, stalk removed 1 To prepare the marinade, put the coriander stalks into a blender with the rest of the marinade ingredients and blitz until smooth. 2 Cut the pork into small cubes and thread onto skewers. Use half the marinade to coat the pork. Cover and leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 4hr, or overnight. 3 Combine the remaining marinade with the coriander leaves and…

1 Saunton Sands This stunning sandy beach on the North Devon coast might look pretty familiar – it’s been used as a filming location for numerous television shows, movies and even music videos. 2 Woolacombe Three miles of picturesque golden sand have made this gorgeous spot an enduring favourite with families. Patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, it’s the perfect place for kids to play in the water. 3 Salcombe A true English classic, this sandy beach’s azure waters are reminiscent of the Mediterranean, and the smart town is full of stylish boutiques and restaurants, perfect for post-sunbathing indulgence.…

Sally, 61, is retired and married to Andreas, who works for a humanitarian organisation. They have three grown-up children and live in a four-bedroom cottage near St Albans, Hertfordshire. ‘My previous job as head of sixth form was hugely rewarding – the school was once named a Sunday Times Comprehensive School of the Year – but the job took over my life. Last year, I decided to retire and try new things. I already had the shed – I’d bought it in 2013 from The Posh Shed Company, custom made with a steep pitched roof to echo the porch of our cottage. I had it painted the same colour as our sitting room curtains, so it matches them when you look out of the window. Back then, Andreas was working…

Our new house rule, Chez Richmond, is a sign of the times: no screens in the garden. Pleasant as it is to kick back in the sun and stream some vintage Game of Thrones, it defeats the object of having a green space of your own, which is to disconnect and literally smell the flowers. So, we’ll be unplugging and rediscovering the relaxing joy of blank staring at the borders (looking mighty fine, thanks to Ma Richmond, my live-in gardener!), listening to the sounds of lawnmowers and kids playing, spotting vapour trails in the sky and watching our mad cat pogo-ing around the lawn slapping bees. Here’s to a long, lazy summer……

WARM WOOD A classic country-style chest in warm oak introduces a smart edge that balances out boho patterns and accessories, and acts as an anchor point for the country look. Normandy chest, £299; linen floral framed print, £19.99; Chloe lamp, £59.99, all Ideal Home range, Very. White jug, stylist’s own STATEMENT SEAT Go for an element of surprise with a mid-century inspired chair. Papillion large chair, £399; embroidered bouquet cushion, £14.99; Spring bouquet cushion, £22.99; Blossom table lamp, £29.99; Larson rug, from £129.99; Cocoon framed print, £24.99, all Ideal Home range, Very “Layer up the bed with soft furnishings in a mix of floral patterns, to add colour and create a laid-back vibe ”VANESSA RICHMOND, EDITOR IDEAL HOME LOVES… Boho buys at Very.co.uk IDEAL HOME loves…

Get the right neutral Blue and white is a classic combo, but the contrast is harsh. For a softer, more sophisticated effect, put a taupe or warm grey on your walls instead “Blues are so easy to decorate with – they work with any neutral and different shades can be mixed together”NICKY PHILLIPS , DECORATING EDITOR Easy-going style A mellow mix of blue tones, taupe and white blends beautifully with modern, warm-oak furniture. Rich olive or plum shades would work well for winter, too “Pattern dates quickly, but the artisan-style brushstrokes on these simple ceramics have timeless appeal”MICHELA COLLING , STYLE EDITOR…

Hook it up Willow baskets are great for quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and other stuff that tends to lay about Create a kids’ workspace Keep the kitchen table clear by using floating shelves and a panel of paint to turn a bit of wall into a crafting or homework corner Customise a toy cupboard A basic pine unit (we used an Ikea Ivar) can become a colourful addition with a tester pot or two of paint Declutter the kitchen Turn cube shelving into the family’s control centre, with compartments for tableware, school letters and other daily essentials Divide & conquer Labelled baskets are a practical way to separate everyone’s shoes and outdoor gear Corral soft toys A couple of scarf hangers will keep the less-popular ones…

MY GO-TO STORES… ● WIMBORNE MARKET A great place to visit at the weekend to source antiques and treasures. ● IKEA Features some talented designers and its homeware style works so well in our house. ● HASKINS The best place for good-quality plants that last and last. STYLIST’S NOTE “Adding a pop of colour with cushions will liven up this look so it doesn’t seem washed out”HOLLY WALSH, FEATURES EDITOR…

SHAKER STYLE This dark matt grey floorstanding unit fits into small spaces and also comes in lighter grey. Lansdown unit in Dark Grey, H82xW60x D36cm, from £399, Tavistock Bathrooms TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS With beautiful carved oak and a marble top, this design is perfect for a timeless look. Edinburgh undermount open washstand, H94.5xW70xD55.5cm, £1,155, Neptune RUSTIC LIVING Exposed wood adds a tactile quality, and the deep sink has a chunky feel. Silveran/Hamnviken two-door basin cabinet, H91xW45xD63cm, £155, Ikea SCANDI INSPIRED Crafted from oak, MDF and rubber wood, this good-value unit has an adjustable shelf inside. Croft Collection Blakeney sink unit, H65x W70xD40cm, £249, John Lewis & Partners “A beautiful vanity unit can make your basin a focal point, as well as providing useful storage for towels, toiletries and knick-knacks” PHIL ETHERDEN…

While they can provide storage space, garages aren’t always used to keep cars, and can be one of the most under-used assets in a home. Instead, converting it into living space is a great way to add value to your home – whether it’s turned into an office, playroom, utility room, guest bedroom, or home gym. Q Is it worth converting? The size, shape and style of your garage will dictate what you can do with it. Most are long and narrow, so if this limits its use, you could knock through to extend an existing room. Keeping it separate is usually the better option, as most garages are located away from the main living space, making it tricky to incorporate them without additional construction. You’ll also need to work…

1 THEY’RE DESIGNED WITHOUT RISERS Open treads are separated by a ‘gap’ in the structure of the staircase – the vertical space between one step and the next. 2 THEY LET LIGHT FLOW As well as being lightweight and elegant, they also allow more natural illumination to filter down into darker spaces. 3 THEY LOOK VERY MODERN Perfect for a contemporary finish, they are often combined with glass balustrades to allow more light into a space. 4 THEY CAN BE A MIX OF MATERIALS They often work well with a combination of design elements – such as timber, steel and glass. 5 THEY MUST OBEY THE RULES Their design needs to be carefully thought through and comply with building regulations, which state that the total gap between each step should…

POLYSTICHUM SETIFERUM (SOFT SHIELD FERN) A beautiful feathery fern that looks amazing under trees or placed with other foliage plants. Great for a tricky, shady position. PHYLLOSTACHYS BISSETII (BAMBOO) Beautiful tall bamboo needs to have its roots contained, otherwise it can take over. Perfect for contained beds or large pots. FATSIA JAPONICA (CASTOR OIL PLANT) This evergreen shrub with large glossy leaves is a really tough plant that does well in most areas of the garden.…

WHERE TO BUY 1. ICE BUCKET Strand rattan ice bucket, £68, Kalinko 2. OVEN DISH Marbled baking dish, £32.50, Toast 3. WATER JUG Meze jug, £16, Garden Trading 4. POT PLANT Potted succulent, £7.99, Dobbies 5. SERVE BOARD Rustic wood serving board, £15, Amara 6. GLASSWARE Agar glasses, £21.99, Wayfair 7. NAPKINS Bianca napkins, £48 for four, Anthropologie 8. DIP BOWL Granada bowl, £45 for three, Sophie Conran 9. BREAD BASKET Open-weave basket, £16, Bohemia Design…

MID DEVON SHOW, TIVERTON, 27 JULY This extravaganza includes shopping, food, fairground rides, music, farm animals, competitions, displays and countryside pursuits. GLAS-DENBURY, NEAR NEWTON ABBOT, 5-6 JULY Celebrating music and arts, this family-friendly, accessible event is packed with entertainment and children’s activities. POWDERHAM CASTLE FOOD FESTIVAL, EXETER, 5-6 OCTOBER Treat your taste buds at the county’s premier foodie affair, celebrating the absolute best of Devon’s top-quality produce.…

Vases can date fast, especially if you buy them in your favourite accent colour of the moment. So, celebrate summer’s abundance of blooms with a simple design you’ll love for years. This selection can hold their own alone but also mix well with others for easy groupings. Take your pick, pop in a stem or two and give any room a quick lift!…

Open-plan space ‘The barn didn’t have any foundations and we had to dig out years’ worth of sheep dung to lower the floor and increase the head height of the building,’ says Charlie. ‘We used reclaimed and eco materials in the build to minimise the impact on the surrounding landscape.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Dining table bought at a flea market. Reclaimed school chairs, £95 each, Retrouvius Hallway ‘We combined decor with storage with this sprinkling of dot hooks in the hallway. The bench is made from a teak lintel we found in the barn, presumably washed up from a shipwreck!’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Wooden cladding made from reclaimed softwood floorboards. Wooden knobs, Charlie Luxton Design. The Dots coat hooks by Muuto are similar, £89 for a set of…

Hook it up Walls painted in Pure Brilliant White matt emulsion paint, £14 for 2.5L, Dulux. Marl three-seater sofa, £879, DFS. Pheda three-piece bench set, £181.99, Wayfair. Linen striped pouffe, £185, Graham and Green. Grace Chess Cream/Grey rug, £160, Modern Rugs. Sarson blackened forge hooks, £9 each, Rowen & Wren. Holkham utility baskets, £30 each, Garden Trading. (In baskets) Denim brushed cotton throw, £40, John Lewis & Partners. Selection of wooden toys, from £6, Ikea. Tiddlywinks game, £6.50, Hedgehog Shop. Jellycat Bashful lion, £14.95; Jellycat Bashful lamb, £10.75, both Poppets. (On sofa) Paprika Sol cushion, £25, John Lewis & Partners. Blue linen cushion, £39, Heal’s. Woven Ikat brick cushion, £45, Graham and Green. Tweedmill throw in Cranberry, £57; (on bench) Green round aluminium tray, £65, both Amara. Stralitzia plant, £19,…

Lofts don’t get a lot of love. Often stuffed with just-in-case junk and things that haven’t seen the light of day for 20-plus years, it’s an area that’s ripe for renovation. Clear yours of clutter and you can turn it into a multi-use, beautiful space. Q Is my loft suitable? Ideally your loft should be 2.2m or higher at the mid-point. If yours is lower, you might want to reassess. There’s no minimum room height dictated by building regulations, but there is for staircases and access. A workaround is lowering the ceiling in the room below – you’ll have to fit a new floor in the loft as part of the conversion, so this isn’t as drastic a project as it sounds. Next, look at any obstacles – is there…

The extension had been built in the Eighties and added to in 2004. ‘It was on two levels and the step was so big it was almost like the upper half was a mezzanine floor,’ says Alastair. ON THE WISH LIST The couple started planning an uncluttered, family-friendly kitchen-diner. ‘We wanted everything on one level, with bright open areas.’ This would mean some major work to the garden, which sloped steeply down to the house, causing water to pool outside the rear wall. ‘We wanted a flat space we could actually use.’ GETTING STARTED A Google search led the couple to UV Architects (uvarchitects.co.uk), which designed a structure with a copper-clad roof. ‘We wanted something that would contrast with the original architecture,’ says Alastair, ‘and copper weathers over time, which…

Bethany Perry trained as an illustrator and worked as a make-up artist before turning to fine art, producing bold and energetic paintings that focus on the female form. She is one of a number of artists featured in the online Runway Gallery. Tell us about your art background I’ve been painting since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush. I grew up in the countryside so there was so much space and freedom to be creative. I was never great at maths or science at school and found out I was dyslexic in my twenties, but I always felt confident in my artistic capabilities. I studied illustration after college, then moved to London where I fell into make-up. “My work is often inspired by my emotions; designing new pieces…

Decking is an easy way to add to an existing patio area or create a freestanding platform elsewhere. Q Can I fit a deck myself? Yes, competent DIYers who are comfortable using power tools should be able to install a simple, ground-level deck. Having a second pair of hands is sensible if you plan to deck a large area. Q Where's best to install it? Think about access to the house, privacy, how much sun or shade you want, and if there are any existing posts or trees to work around. Mark out the site with pegs and string before you start. Q What's the easiest option? You need a flat, level surface, so laying it onto an existing patio or concrete base is the most straightforward way. To build…

FOUNDATIONS A level surface of paving slabs or concrete, no less than 10mm thick, is ideal. Leave around 50cm clearance around walls, fencing or trees. SERVICES Adding electricity and plumbing to a garden room is pricey and may require planning permission. For electrics your building must be watertight and, ideally, insulated, while showers or sinks will require a fresh water pipe to run from your house, and a separate waste pipe running out. PERMISSIONS Permitted Developments allow you to add a single-storey garden building to your home, provided various requirements are met. It’s always safer to check with your local council first.…

WHERE TO BUY 1. CLIMBING PLANT SUPPORT Byland obelisk, £32.99, Crocus 2. LIGHTING Festoon classic lights, £45, Garden Trading 3. PLANTER Terracotta vase planter, 60cm, £89.99, Primrose 4. GLASSWARE Vardagen carafe, £3; glass, £3 for six, both Ikea 5. CUSHION Showerproof cushion, £25, Ragged Rose 6. SEATING Darwin grey metal garden dining set, £470, Habitat IDEAL HOME LOVES… PURPLE ACCENTS Heuchera ‘ Electric Plum’ As an alternative to flowering species, this low-growing perennial brings colour and interest to the borders. Digitalis purpurea Self-seeding (but toxic) foxgloves add a pop of pink and bring height and a natural, unstructured element to the planting. Verbena bonariensis These tall branching stems are insect-friendly plants, ideal for a sheltered, sunny spot. Flowering from June to September.…

A  A New Tribe 07815 534545 anewtribe.co.uk Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181 abigailahern.com Abstract House abstracthouse.com Adam Knibb Architects 01962 680221 adamknibbarchitects.com Also Home 01483 608611 alsohome.com Amara 0800 587 7645 amara.com Amazon amazon.co.uk Anglepoise 02392 224450 anglepoise.com Anna Jacobs 07813 321496 annajacobsart.com Annabelle Holland 020 3397 1964 annabelleholland.com Anthropologie 0800 0026 8476 anthropologie.com Ao.com 0344 324 9222 Arbol House 01244 329643 arbolhouse.com Argos 0345 640 2020 argos.co.uk Artisanti 0345 259 1410 artisanti.com Audenza 01162 986393 audenza.com B  B&Q 0333 014 3098 diy.com Baby Grey babygrey.co.uk Barbara Samitier 07733 005461 barbarasamitiergardens.co.uk BC Designs 01206 827100 bcdesigns.co.uk Beko 0333 207 9710 beko.co.uk Black Dog Pottery blackdogpottery.uk Blue Suntree 01162 670267 bluesuntree.co.uk Bobby Rabbit bobbyrabbit.co.uk Bristan 0844 701 6273 bristan.com Bushboard 01933 232272 bushboard.co.uk C  Campbell Cadey 020 7965 7347 campbellcadey.com…