Innehållsförteckning för September 2024 från Ideal Home

EDITOR’S LETTER It’s been almost a year since I painted our living room black, and I’m very pleased to report that I’m still very much in love with it. It has a fab sense of drama when you walk in, and it always gets a great response from guests. Having seen the room now through all the seasons, I have witnessed how adaptable the colour is. It changes depending on the light – full of energy when the sun’s streaming through the windows, or warm and cocooning – the ultimate cosy retreat when it’s cold and dark outside and the fire and candles are glowing. If you’re looking for proof that neutrals aren’t boring, I reckon it ticks the box, and then some! “We’re celebrating neutrals for their versatility and…

Love 1970s-inspired design? You’re not alone. Hallmarks from the era are forever re-emerging, including a recent spike in popularity with Gen-Zers on TikTok. Conversation pits, curving shapes, lava lamps and psychedelic prints – they’ve all had a moment in the recent home décor cycles. But the two strongest design elements that are feeding into the trend for all things 1970s and proving to be the core to this look are avocado green and bold florals. If you’re of a certain age, you’re likely to have grown up in a home with an avocado-green bathroom. And while white suites have dominated for decades, thanks to the dopamine décor movement we’re seeing a lot more colour on our bathing-space fittings these days. Bath tubs are regularly given a lick of paint and…

Can you have the one living room that truly suits all? From sofa shapes and sizes, to technology and even décor, your choices can have a big impact on the rest of your household. With so many demands on our living spaces, we turned to three people in the know – an interior designer and two furniture experts – to ask them how to create a family room that works for everyone. A FLEXIBLE APPROACH ‘Creating your perfect family living space is a very personal thing,’ says Dan, ‘and it depends on what stage of life you and your family are at. For instance, I have a young family where being able to keep an eye on everyone and spend good quality time together is key. But as my daughters…

1 SET UP A SUNNY SEATING SPOT Get more use out of your garden furniture by bringing it inside instead of relegating it to the shed for (dare we say it!) winter. If you don’t have room for larger outdoor sets, place a single chair or love seat by a sunny window so you can bask in the last of the summer weather. 2 UPCYCLE FURNITURE WITH PAINT Give an old piece of furniture a fresh look with a lick of paint, then add new handles or knobs for the finishing touch. Whether you choose to paint your piece all in one colour or go with a pattern, why not opt for a shade that’s different from the room’s palette to make it really stand out? PAINT CHEAT SHEET 3…

DREAM HOME HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Julia Porter, a former designer, and her husband Colin, non-executive chair of a fashion retailer, live here with their four rescue dogs, Lia, Stanley, Ted and Taylor. THE PROPERTY A detached five-bedroom new build in a popular village on the West Sussex coast when Julia and her husband, Colin, sold their family home in Surrey, they wanted to move to a more peaceful location, and they knew just the place. They’d had a holiday home near West Wittering for years so when a plot came up for sale close by, they leapt at the chance. Rather inconveniently, that leap coincided with lockdown, but luckily for them, they were able to stay in their ‘little semi down the road’, while their new home was…

Whether you’re adding an extension or want to change an existing conservatory, there are quite a few things to consider before you start. And ensuring that you are aware of all the regulations and necessary permissions will save you encountering any issues down the line. Start by thinking about how you plan to use your new space. If you’re simply looking to add extra square footage and a place to sit and enjoy some indoor-outdoor living, your needs will differ from someone turning a conservatory into an additional bedroom, for example. Or perhaps you want to amend an existing structure by adding a solid roof. So when is planning permission actually required? We’ve asked the experts for their view on this not-so-straightforward subject… THE LOW-DOWN ‘Permitted development rights are an…

If it’s a Wimbledon-worthy lawn you’re looking for, having a regular lawn care routine is the key to getting that thick, bright green grass – scarifying your lawn has to be an essential job. Here’s how it’s done… WHAT IS IT? Sacrification is the process of removing dead thatch – the brown material underneath the blades of grass – from your lawn. Apart from the obvious fact that in large amounts dead thatch doesn’t look great, it can also prevent nutrients and water from getting to the grass’s roots. Scarifying can also clear moss from your lawn and promote the growth of strong, healthy and greener grass. The process slightly differs depending on which tool you choose. ‘You can use either a handheld rake or powered machine to scarify your…

“All of Atkin and Thyme’s ranges are handmade in limited, low-volume batches by skilled artisans" Sustainable styling New to online furniture and homeware store Atkin & Thyme this season is a brand new range of rugs, with three stand-out designs made from sustainable jute. Generally speaking, jute rugs tend not to be over-decorative, but these three designs pack a punch, style-wise. Made in India from homegrown jute, there’s a block-patterned, neutral-rich hand-tufted design, as well as two beautiful flatweave rugs – a subtle geometric and a Tuareg-inspired motif. COOK, STORE, REPEAT While reusable plastic kitchen storage boxes are undoubtedly handy for storing and reheating food, they eventually stain and retain strong food smells no matter how much they’re washed. If you’re looking for a more sustainable and long-lasting alternative, check…

The professional dancers live in North Cheshire with their one-year-old daughter Lyra WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE AT HOME? JANETTE Our sitting room where we sit, cuddle and watch telly. When Lyra was born, we didn’t leave the sitting room for the first seven days because [after a c-section] I couldn’t really move! The décor is grey, cream and soft colours. On the walls, we have black and white photos of Aljaž over the years. It’s such a cosy room. ALJAŽ We bought our L-shaped Camerich sofa when we lived in our flat in London five years ago when there was a huge sale on. I love a bargain! WHAT’S ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE? J Neom pillow mist spray, my favourite Neom candle, a night mask and a cool all-in-one charging…

STYLE STATEMENT Transitional trends The sun may be starting to fade but seeing the new autumn collections hit the shelves always gets us excited – and Next’s aptly named Equinox feels so cosy, it actually has us looking forward to colder evenings! The designs are a definite nod to 1960s Manhattan, giving them a chic and stylish edge. We love the sharp lines of the Bennett sofa and the marble top of the Dark Chester coffee table (above), as well as the ombre glazes and tortoiseshell effects on vases, lamps and decorative accessories. IH LOVES... Artichoke shapes Artichoke table lamp in Hedgerow Green, £70 for two, Laura Ashley at Där Lighting What to do this month... LISTEN Learn the fascinating backstories of everyday household items with domestic historian Ruth Goodman…

W hat the experts say... Designers and stylists share their views ‘Mocha shades are incredibly versatile, and pair perfectly with both dark and light accents. Black, white and mocha work well in colour blocking, with sharp, crisp lines creating an overall effect that’s modern, while still feeling warm and inviting.’ KATHRYN LLOYD, COLOUR SPECIALIST, CROWN ‘The trend for rich, cocooning living spaces continues with a move toward the soothing power of darker and mid-tone caramels. Pair with smart dark brown or a soft, off-black to create a captivating and sophisticated scheme.’ RUTH MOTTERSHEAD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, LITTLE GREENE ‘This warm, earthy tone is a game-changer for your home. The best friend to both modern and traditional décor, mocha gets along with everything. If you want warmth and sophistication with a fun…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Generally speaking, you’ll want the most spacious sofa your room and budget will allow, but it’s crucial to make sure it’s going to work in your space. Measure where the sofa will go in the room, using masking tape to mark out all its dimensions. As well as the width, consider the sofa’s height – especially if you want to place it under a window sill or beneath existing architecture – and its depth to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably. ■ Cushion fillings are usually foam or feather. Foam tends to be found at the budget end of the market. It offers a fairly firm seat and is quick to spring back into shape, but over time you may find…

BEFORE YOU BUY ■ Sofa beds come in two main designs. Pull-out sofa beds hide a concertina bed frame and folded mattress beneath removable seat cushions. In a click-clack sofa bed the sofa seat and backrest fold flat and lock into position (with a ‘click-clack’ noise) to become the sleeping surface. Each style has its pros and cons. ■ Pull-out sofa beds look the most like a ‘normal’ sofa and tend to have a wider choice of upholstery, but they’re more expensive than click-clack designs and the back rest and arms generally remain in place, so when it’s unfolded the bed takes up quite a lot of floor space. ■ Click-clack sofa beds are generally more affordable and more compact. They’re also a lot easier to convert into a bed.…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Gemma McCann, a mortgage adviser, lives here with her husband Justin, a builder, and their children, Hunter, aged five, and Rosa, two. THE PROPERTY A three-bedroom detached 1930s house in Dorset. THE LAYOUT The original hallway leads to a cosy adults-only living room to one side, while straight ahead, the newly configured and extended family space comprises the kitchen, dining area and snug. By reducing the size of the garage, which originally ran the entire length of one side of the house, the new ground floor footprint was able to incorporate a shower room, utility room and study. Upstairs, the original layout of three bedrooms and a family bathroom remains. Respecting the character of a period property while being bold enough to make essential changes…

KITCHEN NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Sharon Moore, a property developer, has lived here since March 2023. THE PROJECT To create a generous kitchen-diner incorporating a substantial, storage-filled island, allowing for a zoned dining space and bar area, with doors to the garden. TOTAL COST £29,000 Unlike most house hunters, when choosing a new home Sharon Moore seeks out a property that needs a total overhaul. ‘I like to put my mark on a place and can think of nothing worse than inheriting someone else’s taste. This 1930s semi was completely untouched, which really appealed,’ she explains. As a serial renovator, Sharon wasn’t daunted by the amount of work that was needed, though the old-fashioned kitchen, with a separate dining room, was top of her list of priorities. ‘What struck me most…

If you’re struggling to organise your wardrobe, and find most days start with a fight to find what you need, then it’s time for a tidying session. There are plenty of ways to help tame an untidy clothes space, so you can keep track of what you’ve got and know exactly where to find it, but it also helps if you adjust your mindset and let go of the items you’ve been hoarding for years. Have a clear out... And be ruthless Before you try to organise an overflowing wardrobe, sort out what you actually need and have a big declutter. There’s no point taking the time to organise clothing that you’re not going to wear again, so be realistic. Megan Watkins, head stylist at SilkFred says, ‘Being ruthless is…

■ TIDY YOUR BORDERS ‘Look around your garden and remove any dying leaves and stems, weeds and old mulch,’ says Sarah Squire, chairwoman of Squire’s Garden Centres. ‘Using a pair of secateurs, cut back any trees and shrubs that are overgrown and deadhead spent flowers. Then, once your borders are looking neat and tidy, spread a thick layer of compost, or a new layer of mulch over the soil.’ ■ TACKLE YOUR LAWN Prepare your lawn for winter by aerating, scarifying, fertilising and over-seeding. It’ll be lush, thick and full of vitality by spring. Trim your borders to really finish the look. Cut for a final time with the blades higher than usual and leave the grass longer over winter. Feed with MiracleGro’s Evergreen Complete 4-in-1, from £14.99, Squire’s, for…

September has always been my natural ‘get organised’ month. During my school days I used to love restocking my stationery stash and starting a new academic diary, while vowing not to leave my homework until the last minute again. Now I’m a parent, the summer holidays feel more hectic, and when September rolls around there is always a back-to-school panic when I realise I’ve left the new term prep to the last minute and school shirts are out of stock everywhere. Plus, there’s the added stress of the twins’ birthday falling in early September (often coinciding with the first day back at school). And when it comes to it, I’m always torn between doing a happy little dance because I’ll have the house to myself once again and feeling sad…

YOU WILL NEED ● Cardboard boxes ● Fabric ● Fabric scissors ● Pencil ● Ruler ● Double-sided tape ● Bostik fast tak adhesive spray, £10.95, Amazon Lay the fabric right side down with the box on top. Draw around the sides of the box onto the fabric, turning the box as you go. Cut out a square that’s big enough to cover all four sides (plus 2cm to fold in). Draw a diagonal line from each inner square corner to the same corner of the big square and cut along these to make four slits. Working outside, spray the base and sides of your box with glue. Position the box in the central square. Pull up one side of fabric and smooth in place, folding the corners over onto the…

Do you find yourself looking at your four walls and thinking ‘meh’? I find it’s so easy - even if you’re house proud - to neglect your surroundings and then suddenly realise that everything looks dull and samey. If that sounds familiar, then you probably need to change things up a bit. Now, no one is suggesting that you completely redecorate as that’s something that needs plenty of planning (and a budget to boot), but if you’re looking for ways to perk up your space that won’t take up much of your time or cost you loads, then we have you covered. We’ve rounded up over forty quick and easy updates to help you give your home - and mood - an instant pick-me-up.…

LOOKS THAT LAST TACTILE LUXE Choose pieces that feel good – slubby linen drapes, soft bouclé upholstery and deep-pile rugs against wooden floors and smooth stone STYLE DIRECTION“Use touches of matt black to add depth and contrast to an all-neutral scheme"HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ENVELOPING STYLE Make focal points of an oversized wraparound headboard and sculptural light, allowing minimaluxe design to shine STYLE DIRECTION “Maximise natural light with a barely there window dressing scheme”GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR FIND FLUID FORMS Minimaluxe is all about creating a space that feels calm and comforting, so avoid hard lines and go instead for furniture in curving sculptural shapes. Soften a window with a gently gathered sheer curtain and incorporate arches into your design, for example, choosing a cabinet or bookcase with a bowed top.…

Create aesthetic alcoves Picture ledges are a great way to store and display favourite coffee-table books and records. Paint the shelves in the same colour as the wall so the items you’re displaying take centre stage. Give it a twist… Paint each ledge and the wall above in a different shade of one colour for a fun ombre effect. Turn spice racks into shelving Keep cooking essentials handy by fixing up a trio of spice racks. They work the right way up but also upside down as a hanging rail. Leave enough space between them for tall cookbooks, chopping boards or bottles. Give it a twist… Fill the racks with growing herbs and hang a pair of small scissors so you can snip off what you need while cooking. Make…

1. SPACE-SAVING AIRER Keep your floor free by opting for a hanging airer that can be pulled up and down as needed. These days you’ll find lots of designs, from Scandi wood to period styles with brass pulleys. Be sure to hang it where it will be well out of your way when you’re using the space. Wall painted in Dark Brunswick Green intelligent matt emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene 2. OPEN SHELVING A key feature of many modern country utility rooms is open shelving, which can be used for displaying even the most basic goods – from storage boxes and washing powder to pet treats – in an attractive way. Decant the products into smart glass jars so they’re easy to reach and you can see when you…

OUR JUDGING PANEL HEATHER YOUNG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF GINEVRA BENEDETTI DEPUTY EDITOR AMY LOCKWOOD ECOMMERCE EDITOR MILLIE FENDER SENIOR HOME EDITOR, TOM’S GUIDE BEST SOFA WINNER SOFA.COM Ren modular sofa ‘Big on style and comfort, the Ren’s flexible design is perfect for families, plus the storage chaise is so clever.’ GINEVRA BENEDETTI DEPUTY EDITOR HIGHLY COMMENDED JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS LOZENGE SOFA; SOFOLOGY FITZROVIA SOFA BEST STORAGE SOLUTION WINNER SHARPS Slatted feature panels ‘Adding heaps of character into a living space, these clever panels instantly elevate fitted storage to a whole new level.’ AMY LOCKWOOD, ECOMMERCE EDITOR BEST WINDOW DRESSING WINNER BLINDS 2GO Twist2Go roller blinds ‘The no-drill, simple slot and twist mechanism on this genius product makes changing up your blinds stress-free.’ HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BEST CARPET WINNER CORMAR CARPETS Malabar…

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Rachel Lasson lives here with her husband Simon and children Jacob and Matilda. THE PROJECT Updating and modernising a family bathroom, as part of restoring a run-down Georgian farmhouse in Somerset. A stud wall was removed to create a spacious bathroom. TOTAL COST £17,000 After many years of living in Somerset, in an area known for cider making, Rachel Lasson and her husband Simon bought a run-down Georgian cottage on the rural outskirts of the village. ‘We’re trying to do justice to the property, so we’ve slowly been renovating’ says Rachel. ‘It’s a very traditional cottage, built in 1780 with an apple orchard to one side and a lovely garden.’ The couple started renovations with essentials, like replacing rotten windows and installing a new boiler…

If you’ve let things build up and the thought of sorting through it all seems overwhelming, there are a few ways to declutter a house quickly and easily. Starting with the ultimate decluttering checklist, begin by thinking about what items are important for you to keep and anything that you’ve been wanting to get rid of for a while. ‘Start by creating a compelling vision of what you want to achieve: something inspiring that you can move towards when the tidying gets tough or boring,’ explains Helen Sanderson, professional declutterer and author of The Secret Life of Clutter (£16.99, Piatkus). ‘Write down all the practical, social and emotional benefits you will get when you have completed the work. This will help motivate you and give you more energy to work…

Fig, goat’s cheese, honey & pomegranate salad SERVES 2READY IN 7 MINS ● 10 fresh basil leaves (or 6 sorrel leaves) ● 2tbsp pomegranate molasses (or swap for balsamic glaze) ● 5 fresh figs, halved ● 75g goat’s cheese ● 50g almonds ● Seeds from ¼ pomegranate ● 2tbsp honey, to drizzle 1 Line your serving bowl with basil or sorrel leaves (or both) and drizzle with either a little pomegranate molasses or balsamic glaze. 2 Gently place the fig halves on top of the leaves (don’t toss to combine as it’s nice to see the figs on top). 3 Crumble over the goat’s cheese and add the almonds, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of honey Orzo salad SERVES 6READY IN 15 MINS, PLUS COOLING ● 500g orzo pasta ●…

1 CREATE A PLASTER PAINT EFFECT If plain walls don’t float your boat, why not try a dreamy limewashed effect instead? Use a specialist paint, such as Bauwerk Limewash (from £30 for 1ltr), or you can also use emulsion thinned with water. Start with a neutral background colour and build up lots of layers, letting them dry in between. 2 HOW TO PAINT AN INTERIOR DOOR LIKE A PRO Once you’ve decorated your walls, painting the doors will help complete the space, bringing the whole look together If you’ve inherited period doors in your home, they may be caked with layers of old paint, so it’s worth getting a specialist door-stripping company to remove the paint for you. Doors that are in good shape might just need some DIY, with a…