Style at Home UK June 2022

BRITHAOINM’SESBEMSATGVAAZLINUEE JUNE 2022 DIY STORAGE CRAFT DECORATING FOOD GARDENING 235SUMMER REFRESHES SMART TRICKS FOR INSIDE BABRUGYASIN & OUT 50+SSUtyNBfoleUrStlHYreesSIasNtsE Take the tour INSPIRING REAL HOMES & MAKEOVERS Low cost ways to MAXIMISESCHOAOPLE YOUR SPACE TOP TIPS FOR SMALL BEDROOMS PLUS MAKE YOUR KITCHEN LOOK BIGGER THE BEST STAND MIXERS PAINT HACKS FOR LIVING ROOMS



EDITOR’S LETTER Love it Hi there! As soon as the sun comes ABOVE: Clever ways out I want to be outdoors. to put your windows But the problem is that I’m a in the frame, p66 fair-weather gardener (in truth, I’m a ‘fair-weather for LEFT: Brighten up any activity’ person) so my garden usually a bijou outdoor gets neglected over the colder months. When space, p56 there’s a sunny weekend forecast, getting the garden sorted so we can enjoy it is top BELOW: Serve up a of my agenda. This issue is full of ideas and generous slice, p108 inspiration for your outdoor space. There are fab solutions for small gardens on page 56 that would work just as brilliantly in a larger space if you’re lucky enough to have one. If, like me, your shed has a habit of becoming a dumping ground (sometimes I can’t even get into ours!), you need to check out the storage tricks on page 96. Finally, this year I’m determined to grow my own (and to keep the crop alive), so I’m loving the growing tips on page 102. SUBSCRIBE! Heather Young, Editor Subscribe to Style at Home from SEND US YOUR STYLING SNAPS ON just £1.45 per issue, plus receive a free INSTAGRAM #SAHSTYLISTS - Sophie Allport tea towel worth £10*. Visit magazinesdirect.com/SAHJUN22 WE LOVE TO SEE YOUR FAB IDEAS! PLUS Get the latest back issues at magazinesdirect.com/sahback *Terms and conditions apply. See magazinesdirect.com/terms for more information Contact us EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE idealhome.co.uk/styleathome FACEBOOK facebook.com/styleathomemag TWITTER/INSTAGRAM @styleathomemag PINTEREST pinterest.com/styleathomemag MOVING HOUSE? To change your address or renew your subscription, email [email protected] or visit mymagazine.co.uk JUNE 2022 | 3

Inside…PACKA PICNIC Page 122 Love it Buy it Do it Make it Cook it Inspiring Our fave homes Stylish must- Weekend Step-by-step recipes and and room have finds at projects, DIY craft ideas makeovers high-street top foodie advice and and upcycling buys prices styling tips how-tos Regulars 90 3 ED’S LETTER Come on in! Small yet stylish 64 SUBSCRIBE and never miss an issue! bathrooms Love it 42 SUNNY OUTLOOK 18 ‘I’M INSPIRED BY FRENCH STYLE’ Same cabinetry, different finishes in Page 14 A smart scheme and statement pieces Debbie’s kitchen brings continental flair to Lucy’s flat 28 COMPACT KITCHEN Tricks that make the most of limited space 29 WALLS ABOVE SOFAS Turn this blank space into a clever feature 30 ‘OUR COTTAGE IS TACTILE AND TONAL’ Gemma’s love of the tropics shines through her Devonshire home 40 WALK-IN SHOWERS A sleek solution to update your bathing 41 SMALL BEDROOMS Style hacks to max out storage and floor space 42 ‘WE RETURNED TO OUR ROOTS’ When Debbie updated a rundown bungalow it became a family affair 50 LIVING ROOM LAYOUTS Ensure you’re sitting comfortably 51 BLACK BATHROOMS Add drama with a bold colour choice 55 THE STYLE BOOK Creative ways to make the most of small gardens 74 TRY A SPEEDY STYLE UPDATE All you need is a tin of paint… 84 ‘EVERYTHING IS NOW A PERFECT FIT’ Holly banished the beige and brightened up her kitchen space 88 U-SHAPED KITCHEN Make the most of this practical layout 90 SMALL BATHROOMS Get creative with a bijou bathing space Buy it 7 NATURAL TEXTURES Weave cane, rattan and jute into your scheme 8 BEST IN STORE Our pick of the best high-street trends for the new season 12 OPULENT RETRO Update a space with bygone colours and shapes 4 | JUNE 2022

74 30 CONTENTS Love it Room refresh Gemma’s light 14 SUNBURST Bring the sunshine in and bright 73 WALLPAPERS WITH WOW cottage has a Geometric prints tropical vibe 80 SPLURGE VERSUS STEAL Deep blues 112 Summery dinner and wood capture coastal charm inspiration 96 SHED STORAGE SOLUTIONS Stay DECOR UPDATES organised in the garden Page 8 110 BUY THE BEST Stand mixers 122 TEN UNDER £10 Purse-friendly picnic essentials Do it 66 DECO IDEAS Dress your windows 95 TIME AT HOME Fill a fruit box to make a fresh berry table display 98 WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH Our easy DIY and cleaning hacks to get your home ship-shape 102 CROPS FOR SMALL SPACES Get growing and enjoy fresh produce 104 BUILD AN INSECT HOTEL Encourage beneficial bugs into your garden 113 IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOUSE? Expert advice 115 HOUSEHOLD FINANCES Go green with your money choices Make it 16 PHOTO PLACE SETTINGS Picture-perfect table arrangement 53 WALLPAPER CHEST OF DRAWERS Make use of any leftover rolls of paper 106 MAKE A RAG RUG FLOWER POSY Pretty blooms using leftover fabric 109 DECORATIVE DRAWERS Stick on a fretwork panel for a speedy makeover 114 WALL-HUNG HERB PLANTER Keep culinary essentials to hand 116 WALLPAPER PINBOARDS A stylish way to keep precious keepsakes Cook it 108 RASPBERRY, WHITE CHOCOLATE AND MATCHA CAKE Fruity slice 112 SPICY SALMON LAKSA Light supper that’s ready in minutes Tweet us your comments at @styleathomemag – we’d love to hear what you think of your fave mag! JUNE 2022 | 5



NATURAL TEXTURES Buy it THIS MONTH’S Love it! Explore B&M’s new Botanist range, with lush faux greenery to bring a sense of summer into your home all year round. Rattan, cane and jute adorn homeware and the star of the show has to be these gorgeous cane- fronted drawers. #WANT! Group pendants at different heights for statement lighting FEATURE HOLLY WALSH Chest of drawers, £150; Maya jute rug, £25; table lamp, £24; metal pendant lamp, £18; large wicker pendant, £25; candle holder, £3, all B&M JUNE 2022 | 7

BestIN STORE Refresh your room schemes for the new season with our pick of the latest high-street trends Luella TOUCH shade, £20 OF Stripe NATURE vase, £6 Floral arrangement, £7 Scandi B&M Scented succulent, candle, £3 Create a beachy vibe with tactile materials £4 and waves of blue and neutrals Pussy Willow wreath, £15 Ivy woven throw, £15 Rhodes striped basket, £15 Saffron Navy cushion, £14 8 | JUNE 2022

BEST IN STORE Buy it NEAT Alis IDEA Reactive Blue vase, Clip sofa side table in Brick £15 Red, £69 ANYDAY Tufted Waves cushion, £20 ANYDAY Whistler chair in Mustard, £99 John Lewis & Partners ANYDAY Ceramic BLOCK BRIGHTS Bulbholder Style an eye-catching space with table lamp in bold splashes of rust and mustard Alpine, £25 ANYDAY Lift storage desk in Blue, £199 East End Prints ANYDAY Aztec Chunky Marcus Walters OK indoor/outdoor rug knitted framed print, £145 in Mustard, from £80 pouffe in Chilli, £27 JUNE 2022 | 9

Black wood Matt Black three-tier tall table shade, £70 lamp, £70 Naturalist SLEEK medium White SHAPE vase, £14 Habitat Naturalist MONOCHROME large Black Freshen up a black and white scheme with vase, £18 plant themes and lush greens Large planter, £40 Leaf-print Scandi Brush FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS cushion, £16 Marks rug, £125 Naturalist side table, £65 10 | JUNE 2022

Ball gin glass, BEST IN STORE Buy it £8 for two; Ball Tortoiseshell- wine glass, effect lamp, £7 for two £28 Arc tufted George Home Crossweave cushion, £10 throw, £18 DREAMSCAPE Battery Pink matt operated Combine curvaceous moon shapes against dispenser, £5; salt lamp, a backdrop of soothing shades tumbler, £3 £12 Blue Moon Phase bath mat, £9 LUNAR LUXE Stacked Summer Shape Landscape printed duvet cover cushion, £8 set, from £11 JUNE 2022 | 11

The New Look OPULENT RETRO Update era-defining shapes and styles with rich materials and clashing colours 1. Focus 2. Build on the detail upon layers The finishing touches Turn the seating area tie this look together into a focal point. Start – jewel-hued glassware to give a luxe edge, with a sofa and large oversized candlesticks footstool in vibrant and vases to add height, complementary velvets, and abstract wall art to then add abstract pick out the colours in cushions in a different the rest of the room. fabric and a woven rug Swoon Rene in punchy tones. four-seater sofa FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS in Teal velvet, £999, DFS 12 | JUNE 2022

NEW LOOK Buy it 4. Pick COLOUR interesting CLASH lighting Tanksley rug Choose slimline, in Rust, angular pieces, such as floor lamps and from £29.99, occasional furniture, Wayfair in striking black to give a contemporary CLEAN edge to this otherwise LINES plush scheme. Marble and brass floor lamp, £90, Habitat BRUSH STROKES Abstract 305 art print, £35, Abstract House Nail the style 1970S SHAPES Combine the decade’s design with bold brights 3. Create a SLIMLINE DARK colour STORAGE GLASSES explosion Black console Smoky Mix rich tones of pink, table, £50, glass carafe, orange and yellow with George Home £5, B&M contrasting teal and green, all in statement blocks. Pick one eye- catching colour for the walls and keep it fresh with white woodwork. PETAL TACTILE TOUCH PINK Tuft and Pom Pink Pom cushion, vase, £8, £12, Matalan Wilko TOTAL £230 JUNE 2022 | 13

MORNING GLIMMERING AFFIRMATION GOLD Slogan mug, £4, Gold Sunburst Matalan mirror, £12, PRAISE BE Sass & Belle You Are My Sunshine art print, £15.95, Roomytown HEAT STUreNndBspUoRttiSngT SUN PROTECTION BATHING Slogan coaster, £3, Sun towel, Matalan from £4.50, George Home SUN Wake up your decor with HOT SALUTATION these rays of sunshine STUFF Hello Sunshine We can’t promise a sun-filled Sunshine forecast, but with a few plaque, £3, B&M uplifting motifs and warming double yellow tones, you can bring a little sunshine into your home come oven glove, rain or shine. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure a sunny outlook this summer. £6, Wilko HAPPY BEACHY DAYS VIBE Sun and Sea bath mat, £29.50, Oliver Bonas SUMMER POSIES Sunshine ceramic mini jug, £7.50, Gisela Graham STAR BAKER POSITIVE THINKING LITTLE FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS DISHY Sunshine apron, Happiness slogan cushion, £10, Matalan Sun trinket £6, Wilko dish, £24, FY! 14 | JUNE 2021

SUNBURST Buy it Sunburst cushion, £10; cotton tasselled throw, £10; textured plate, £2; large bowl, £3.50; medium green glass food storage, £4; small pink glass food storage, £3, all B&M JUNE 2021 | 15

Make it HOTO PLACE SETTINGS THIS MONTH’S Make it Delight dinner guests with a personalised setting. Print a picture of each person in a retro photo style, then stick it between two pieces of kraft card, with a square cut out of the top one as a frame. Write on their name then pop it on their plate. For retro-style photo Tie a couple of floral stems FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM printing, try Photobox, with twine as a sweet gift from 55p per print 16 | JUNE 2022



‘I’m inspired by BRING THE BLING IDEA TO STEAL ‘I found the retro ‘Favourite artwork cocktail trolley on Etsy framed in a similar style – it has the metallic enhances a plain wall’ touch I like and also doubles as a side table’ COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Lucy Robinson, LAYER UP 31, a journalist, and I live here with my husband, Adrian Maganza, 34, ‘We spend most of our time a storyboard artist, and our baby, here and we’ve chosen a big Rumi, who was one in March. squashy sofa from Sofa.com, a Berber Nile rug from Flair MY HOME A split-level, two- Rugs, a pink throw from bedroom Victorian top-floor Arket and an orange cushion flat in north London which we from H&M for pops of colour’ moved into in May 2019. WHEN WE MOVED IN It was dark and scruffy with lots of potential but badly laid out – not to mention the mice and the damp! AND NOW We’ve achieved a calm oasis with oak flooring throughout and a monochrome paint palette for the main rooms. We added lots of character with colourful accessories, metallic touches and artwork. STYLE TIP Use sheepskin pads to soften any chair and provide instant comfy appeal. 18 | JUNE 2022

VICTORIAN FLAT Love it FRENCH STYLE’ Classic design and statement pieces were at the top of the list for Lucy and her French husband Adrian when it came to completely renovating their flat T his is the first place we’ve bought together and we were seduced by its quirky charm and enormous potential,’ says Lucy. ‘Before this we’d lived in rented flats, first of all in Paris, where we were both working, and then in north London, but we had decided it was time to buy. We’d been saving up and looking around and were disappointed there wasn’t much on the market because we really wanted to stay in the same area. We saw a few one-bedroom flats in the same price range as this one, which were already done up, but this flat really appealed to us even though it was in a terrible state. It had been rented out to students for around 20 years, so you can imagine how scruffy it was! But it had two bedrooms and was arranged over two floors, which we really liked, plus it had a small roof garden, which was the icing on the cake. Making plans After moving in, we spent some time thinking about the layout of the flat and what we’d tackle first. The previous tenants had used the room right at the top of the flat as a living room, with the roof terrace leading off it. It’s a lovely big room, and we decided we’d rather have it as our bedroom. It’s really private up there, without neighbours on either side and it’s lovely and quiet. Plus, you have great views out over north London. Also, it was big enough to put in lots of storage along one wall and install a walk-in en suite out of sight behind a door along the same run. This would save a trip down the stairs in the JUNE 2022 | 19

Do it! CREATE A PULL-OUT OFFICE AREA Measure the area carefully to see whether you can buy a standard unit to fit the space. If not you might have to call a carpenter. Work out how much space you need for a pull-out section that’s at the right height and make sure you buy a strong mechanism to support it when it’s fully extended. Use a wallpaper panel or paint colour above to define the space. Choose a suitable chair you can fold away or place elsewhere, and also make sure there is a specific light above, which you may have to attach to the wall like Lucy has. 20 | JUNE 2022

VICTORIAN FLAT Love it LIGHTEN THE SPACE WALL OF ART ‘Opening up the kitchen and ‘The turquoise of the living room has given us sofa is a happy colour much more light as has and we’ve mounted putting up a large gold our favourite prints above it as a mini mirror from William Wood art gallery’ Mirrors, which throws sunlight around the room’ Y‘EIATRSHASDOBYEOEUNCRAENNITMEADGOIUNTETHOOWSTSUCDREUNFTFSYFIOTRW2A0S!’ DUAL USE night and also meant we could call our flat a two-bedroom, two-bathroom ‘We got the carpenter to property. It also made sense to take build us a cupboard in the down the wall between the kitchen and alcove which has a pull-out the room that we decided to transform top that can be turned into the new living room downstairs to into a desk in seconds’ make the space open plan. Waiting it out We had to wait five months after moving in for the builders to start work, so that period was a bit tricky as there was no point in doing much, and the roof also needed work, so we swapped the rooms around and tried to ignore the rest of it. That was a bit difficult when we realised in the middle of one night that we had mice, when Adrian felt one crawl over him! I was completely freaked out and had to go and stay with my auntie, Yasmin, who luckily only lives round the corner in Islington, while it got sorted out. We decided to invest in the new en suite and to get the building work done, but to keep the existing kitchen and bathroom as they were fine, and JUNE 2022 | 21

CHARACTER HIT ‘It may seem strange to paint the units a dark colour in a small kitchen, but Little Greene’s Pompeian Ash gives it so much personality’ IDEA TO STEAL ‘If your kitchen is sound, you could just update the handles’ ‘WTEHMRAIETDADWLLEIESHOEAFDDTIMHNIECTENH’IEGHT KEEP IT NEAT we knew that we could change them ‘We wanted to have significantly with a coat of paint and open shelving in the other inexpensive ideas. kitchen and using the Kilner jars in different Building work overruns sizes keeps it tidy’ We moved out in October 2019 for what we thought was three weeks, while the builders dealt with the major issues like roof leaks, removing the wall between the kitchen and the living room to make it all open plan and installing the en suite. But they uncovered even more things that needed fixing when they started the work and it ended up being three months before we could get back in! Luckily my lovely parents, Sofi and Ian, who live in Epsom in Surrey, were able to have us to stay, which really helped the finances. When we moved back in, we had a 22 | JUNE 2022

VICTORIAN FLAT Love it SOLID STYLE Make it! CREATE AN INTIMATE SPACE IN A TINY GARDEN ‘We decided the units 1 Put a large rug over boring paving just needed painting, so stones to add pattern and character, drag them inside every time it rains. we did the job ourselves. Line it with plastic as an extra It meant we could afford some lovely Oyster Oak but make sure it’s waterproof. precaution. Alternatively, upcycle an flooring from Kahrs’ 2 Consider installing a corner seating old pallet box into a coffee table and arrangement so people don’t feel paint it to match your scheme. they’re on top of each other if you 5 Buy plants in pots and window boxes so you can move them have guests over. around easily and take them with you if you move. Mix in some artificial 3Buy chunky washable seat cushions for comfort and add extra scatter plants so you have greenery and cushions for vibrant colour. 4 A large chest can act as a coffee flowers all year round. table and also as somewhere to store the cushions if you don’t want to 6 Finish with solar lights to create a glow for after-dark entertaining. OUTSIDE SPACE ‘We really appreciate our own little bit of garden. We put in some Ikea furniture and a rug from La Redoute that’s suitable for outdoors’ JUNE 2022 | 23

IDEA TO STEAL ‘A feature wall to match your curtains creates a cohesive look’ MONOCHROME long snagging list of things to do MAGIC ourselves – and then lockdown hit in the March. It meant we were both working ‘We carried on the greys mainly from home and obviously not and off-whites in this going out, so it did give us the chance room for a peaceful feel to calmly work through everything we and found elegant needed to do – and we wouldn’t have bedding at Zara Home’ been able to have builders in anyway. 3 of the best WALL HANGINGS Swift change of plan Add texture to a blank wall space We were still painting away when I GLOBAL DESIGN OCEAN DRIVE CURVE APPEAL discovered I was pregnant in the July. There was a lot still to do and Adrian Freya tapestry wall Ena wall hanging, Wall hanging only finished the topcoat on the kitchen hanging, £22, Dunelm cabinets three months after Rumi £59.50, Oliver Bonas decoration, £6, B&M was born. We’d been using the spare 24 | JUNE 2022 bedroom as an office, but we swiftly changed it into a nursery as well, so it became dual use. We chose paint

VICTORIAN FLAT Love it CHANGING ROOMS ‘We transformed a basic Ikea chest of drawers with a coat of Rust-Oleum Bramwell’ ORIGINAL ARTWORK ‘It’s so lovely to display Adrian’s sketches. Wall in Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball’ CALMING COLOURS ‘Rumi’s bedroom is the same relaxing shade as the living room, Slaked Lime by Little Greene. His cot is from Ikea and the curtains with a blackout lining are from West Elm’ JUNE 2022 | 25

Love it ICTORIAN FLAT PAINT ON THE PERSONALITY ‘We’ve added a punch of colour with Farrow & Ball Green Smoke on the wall and stick-on tiles by Wallpops for the floor’ PLAIN AND SIMPLE ‘The small en suite has a walk-in shower. We got the sanitaryware from Victorian Plumbing’ COOL TONES ‘Pink and green is a lovely combination. The woodwork is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Calamine’ AS‘WWEEKHEAPDTITNHEEXPOERNISGIIVNEALIDBEAATSHRTOOOCMHAANNDGEKITTHCEHME’N Where to buy Lucy’s style colours as a basic palette – grey, cream include original artwork on the walls. FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID GILES and green – and kept the walls light, but The flat was a real labour of love. ZARA HOME Gorgeous throws chose to paint the window frames and and bedlinen as well as cushions, woodwork in darker shades as a contrast. We managed to transform it from glassware and candles. Then we introduced bursts of brighter something that was really rough around colours like turquoise, orange and pink the edges to our calm, personal oasis. ARKET Contemporary pieces with accessories and key pieces of It was great during lockdown to have a for the home in natural materials furniture in each room. space that was designed to suit us and such as wood, glass and stone. so reflects our taste. Now we have Rumi, French influence we’ll probably look for a small house at SMALLABLE A French company some point, but you won’t catch us which sells a chic selection of Having lived in Paris for three years, renovating again any time soon!’ everything from unusual plates to we learnt how to make the best use classic furniture you’ll never tire of. of small spaces, and we love the Find more clever ideas French idea of buying certain statement to style up your home by HOTEL MAGIQUE A fantastic pieces, like our sofa and mirror, and going to pinterest.com/ selection of reasonably priced art teaming them with a vintage item like styleathomemag prints designed by Milou Neelen in our cocktail trolley. We also wanted her studio in Amsterdam. to add lots of metallic touches and OTIS AND THE WOLF Lovely pieces for the nursery, as well as clothes for children in soft fabrics. 26 | JUNE 2022



Lucy’s choice: COMPACT KITCHEN Stretch your kitchen space with clever design tricks and easy updates that will make it feel miles bigger FEATURE LISA FAZZANI AND HOLLY WALSH W hile a large, spacious IDEA TO STEAL PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM kitchen is the dream, many A high-level shelf of us have much smaller makes the most of spaces to work with. But wall space there are lots of tricks to make a small Lucy dispensed with window dressing to kitchen look bigger that don’t involve let in maximum light, but added softness knocking down walls or a major refurb. with a textured rug How do I make a small CHIONITCELEGORTOAHKTAIETNDWGAISPLLPLELKEIEKAEANPNCADESSSMTAARRLEELAAMKSLIMITANCREHTDEN kitchen look bigger? ‘Think about the work triangle,’ says Lizzie Beesley, head of design at Magnet. ‘One of the benefits of small kitchens is you can easily access all areas. Place your cleaning, cooking and preparing areas in separate zones, with plenty of floor space in between.’ Natural light makes any room feel more spacious, so keep window treatments to a minimum. Plants on the windowsill will keep it from looking bare. Which colours are best? ‘Your colour scheme has a big impact on the impression of space,’ says Darren Watts, design director at Wren Kitchens. ‘Light colours will naturally reflect light, but don’t feel limited to bright white or cream – light greens, yellows, blues and greys can work well too.’ Small doses of colour can help to energise the space. Strategically placed dark-coloured base units can help ground the layout. What about flooring? Again, light-reflective, pale finishes are a good idea. The size and scale of flooring also has an effect – tiny tiles can make a space feel overly busy, while large floor tiles create an illusion of more space. In a small galley kitchen, flooring that runs along its length will draw the eye along. Should I opt for open shelving or cupboards? With narrow galley kitchens there’s a tendency to cram in lots of units, but this can feel too enclosed. Break up the space with a run of open shelving on one side and use a decorative splashback to make this side of the kitchen the focal point. 28 | JUNE 2022

VICTORIAN FLAT Love it 4 ways with…WALLS ABOVE SOFAS Make the most of this blank canvas in your living room 1 BUILD BESPOKE SHELVING 2 HANG A GALLERY FEATURE WALL There’s no rule that says a sofa has to sit against a wall. Why Gallery walls have become hugely popular, with a mix of not pull it out and build or hang shelves behind it, which you can framed prints and other objects used to create eye-catching fill with decorative objects? It’s easy to reach over to grab a book displays. What makes them ideal for the wall behind the sofa is that or remote control off the shelves and, as long as they don’t jut you can add as many or few items as you like, tailoring them exactly out at head height, you don’t have to worry about knocking them. to the space you want to fill. Before hanging the elements, lay This shelving has been painted in the same blue-grey as the wall, them out on the floor until you are happy with the arrangement door and door frame, while the red sofa adds a punchy contrast. and make sure that they’re large enough to add impact. FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM, 3 EXPERIMENT WITH TEXTURE 4 CREATE HEIGHT WITH A SHELF FURNITURE VILLAGE, NATUREWALL, SOFA.COM We’ve seen wall panelling ideas take the interiors world by If you don’t have the luxury of high ceilings, one way to cheat storm and using a slim slatted design, like the one shown here, them is to hang a shelf towards the top of the wall, as it draws the makes a big impact with its beautifully textured finish. If you want eye up and creates the illusion of height. Here, instead of having to go for dramatic effect, then a dark colour such as this charcoal varying shelves behind the sofa, which can make a small room feel black is perfect – or opt for a more natural wood finish to match more enclosed, one long floating shelf runs high up on the wall, the tone of your furniture or to add warmth to your scheme. creating a neat spot to display accessories in an orderly fashion. JUNE 2022 | 29

‘Our cottage is IN HARMONY ‘Our living room is filled with neutral paint colours that work harmoniously together’ COME ON IN! T ME I’m Gemma Critchley, PERFECT 39, a jewellery designer MATCH (@cabinetjewellery). I live here with my husband Richard, a design ‘The sofa and cinema consultant, our six-month old seat fill the living room daughter Koa and our dog Dayna. with comfortable MY HOME An 18th-century seating that doesn’t bakehouse in Devon, which we look overpowering, as bought in August 2017. the colours are tonal’ WHEN WE MOVED IN The cottage had a dark wood-stained ceiling and lots of old carpeting which were the first things that we removed. We exposed any wooden flooring that was hidden underneath. AND NOW We have a light-filled space with pale-wood floorboards, woollen rugs to add texture and a fresh-looking white ceiling. STYLE TIP Take the time to finish a space well by adding in details, such as caulking to fill gaps. 30 | JUNE 2022

18TH-CENTURY BAKEHOUSE Love it TACTILE & TONAL’ Gemma transformed IDEA TO STEAL an 18th-century cottage in Devon ‘Style an open-plan into a light-filled, space by using open-plan space, furniture, plants drawing on her and glazing roots in the tropics to partition’ My husband Richard and I spent three years considerately transforming our old bakehouse cottage into a lovely welcoming light-filled family home,’ says Gemma. ‘It’s a kaleidoscope of eras and home to collectibles from different cultures, drawing inspiration from our rural surroundings and my roots in the Cayman Islands. We’ve created an eclectic mix of 17th and 18th-century lithographs, abstract prints, Berber rugs and Moroccan silks, combined with modern and vintage finds. Love at first sight Our cottage sits in the heart of a beautiful rural village, overlooking the River Exe. We had an immediate love for the area and being able to just step out into nature. Bakehouse Cottage – once the original bakehouse to a large estate – was converted into a separate dwelling in the Sixties. Its courtyards and passageways sparked our imagination for opportunities for inside-outside living. The house itself was full of surprises, from the dramatic eucalyptus tree that sits within our small courtyard garden, to the high vaulted ceilings and mezzanine main bedroom. We knew that we had found a project that was going to be both unique and inspiring. Getting the balance right Our home sits within a conservation area, so we’ve been conscious of striking a balance between the authentic and elements of clean-line modernity. It was a large project, from reconfiguring the kitchen and replacing what was once the main cottage entrance with windows, to increasing the living area to create a gallery space for my consultancy JUNE 2022 | 31

IDEA TO STEAL ‘Add interest to a high ceiling with prominent statement lighting’ NEAT SUNTRAP ‘We kept this outside area alongside our extension to create a spacious feel, as seen from the new bedroom’ 32 | JUNE 2022

HIGH LIGHT 18TH-CENTURY BAKEHOUSE Love it ‘Our large Vertigo ECLECTIC MIX light by Constance ‘I’ve displayed a shell sculpture found in the Guisset is a Middle East, a bronze lovely feature’ by my grandmother and antique coral found in a flea market’ Make it! IN‘MRAENCYLAOMFAOTUIRONMOYSATR-DLSOAVNEDDSIETCEOMNSDW-EHRAENDFOSUHNODPS’ CREATE A work. To achieve maximum natural by the beautiful walled gardens and VINTAGE-STYLE light, we installed a large roof lantern hidden spaces we saw on our travels, PICTURE WALL and bifold doors to open up the space, we used tropical and sub-tropical bringing the outside in. influences to create a secret garden feel. 1 Buy some beautiful vintage To create our courtyard, we had to knock prints – try eBay for originals, Oasis of calm down part of the old wall to allow the space to be opened up; this was done in a or Desenio for retro prints. Our bathroom was another large project; considered fashion with a cobb specialist we extended into our side courtyard to to help us achieve the end result. 2 Source some wooden create a totally tranquil space with frames – we suggest John interchangeable lighting and LED alcove Standout feature features that offer a tonal, relaxed feel. Lewis & Partners, or try Ikea. We kept a glazed window into the The new roof lantern in our dining area hallway, allowing more light to escape, is a definite conversation piece. It floods 3 Visit your local framer and have using discreet blinds for privacy. Inspired the space with light, as well as adding some card mounts made for your prints in a tonal colour, all the same size. 4 Create your picture wall by painting it one shade darker than the rest of the room – Gemma used Farrow & Ball’s Dimity estate emulsion for a subtle, warm hue. JUNE 2022 | 33

Do it! COOK’S SPACE ON DISPLAY MAKE A RUSTIC ‘The island is a great ‘Glass storage jars turn COLOUR place to prep food dried goods into a SCHEME WORK in a small kitchen’ stylish feature’ Paint a space from floor to ceiling. Gemma repainted her kitchen using Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster modern emulsion, followed by painting and caulking the wooden ceiling white to match the living space. Select flooring that is natural and neutral. Gemma chose a travertine stone floor and picked tonal units and an island to create the illusion of a larger area. Go for tonal colours that will work in harmony together. Add accessories, such as woven baskets, plants, and wooden and glass jars for details. CENTRE PIECE IDEA TO STEAL ‘We configured the space ‘Try to factor in as much light completely to include as possible, using large an island unit, which windows or doors’ created lots of storage’ 34 | JUNE 2022

18TH-CENTURY BAKEHOUSE Love it LIGHT TOUCH ‘We transformed this gloomy space with a roof lantern, allowing light to flood through’ ‘WE KNEW WE HAD FOUND UANPIRQOUJEEACNTDTIHNASTPWIARSING’ GOING TO BE BOTH height. It also doubles as a light feature my grandmother Grace Critchley, who ART SHOW at night due to the special LED lights that was a sculptor. We love to support were fitted in order to echo the pitch of British brands and local designer-makers ‘Our dining room the roof, and triangular framing details – many of our most-loved items were has art from local above each doorway. found while exploring reclamation yards artists, sculptors and and second-hand shops. I also love ceramicists, all with Texture and colour customising and restoring items to create meaning for us’ unique furniture and have a soft spot for I love to play with colour and texture Nkuku kitchenware and ceramics. – many of our cushions and soft furnishings have been custom-made Nostalgic touches from fabrics that we have sourced on our travels. We recently fitted a beautiful The Caribbean will always have a special statement pendant light from Petite place in my heart; it’s where my parents Friture by Constance Guisset – we met, married and started a family and needed something large-scale to fill the where my brother and I were born. My space, without it being too overpowering, husband and I got married there. and this was perfect. The character of the place is ever We also have some beautiful pieces present, inspiring my personal style, decor from local artists and sculptors, including choices and creativity when developing JUNE 2022 | 35

Love it 18TH-CENTURY BAKEHOUSE IDEA TO STEAL ‘We created a tranquil bathroom by using interchangeable lighting and LED alcove features’ TRANQUIL ZONE ‘Terrazzo tiles add texture and softness to a light-filled space’ STARLIGHT BATHING ‘The main bathroom used to be half the size but we extended it, creating a space with a roof light, an archway and freestanding bath, from where, at night, you can see the stars’ 36 | JUNE 2022

3 of the best CURIOS NICHE FEATURE Fill your home with interesting ornaments and unique objets ‘We designed NATURAL FORM RETRO STYLE COUPLE CURVES special alcoves to hold collected Abstract ornament on Sputnik object, Figure ornament, treasures in our new bedroom’ stand, £6, Primark £6, Habitat £25, Dunelm new jewellery collections. Bakehouse Cottage is full of nostalgia and recently found treasures – from the antique coral on our fireplace to the palms, raffia-woven hats, tropical bird lithographs and handcrafted surfboards. The colour palettes and tonal variations I gravitate towards certainly evoke the warmth, style and vibrancy of the tropics. Craftsmanship is key Our home is a true reflection of our personalities, encompassing all that we are passionate about. As the founders of creative businesses, we’re very conscious of the choices we make in our personal space. Craftsmanship has remained key in both our home environment and work life – Bakehouse Cottage embodies our love for attention to detail, creativity, natural JUNE 2022 | 37

WELL BALANCED ‘Arranging accessories symmetrically gives the room a relaxed feel’ ‘IT’SOIFMHPOOWRTYAONUTWTAONTHATVOEUASNE UNDERSTANDING SOOTHING THE SPACE’ LOOKS elements, eclectic influences, travel, the same flooring, pale wood and ‘We chose tonal art, culture and, above all, our love of travertine stone, throughout the house. colours for the sharing our space with family and friends. The result is a tonal space, filled with texture and light. We selected a feature walls, flooring and Open-plan style wooden ceiling fan and added wooden soft furnishings beams, before choosing terrazzo It’s important to have an understanding tiles and brass fixtures in the en suite, to create texture of how you want to use the space and alongside a bespoke unit for the basin. and depth’ communicate. We’ve achieved this by using furniture to focus, structure and I love that our home is a little visually sub-divide. It was also important unexpected and a juxtaposition of styles; to plan how we wanted to move through it’s an old 18th-century, intrinsically British the space. We used plants and glazing to cottage, with a hidden tropical twist!’ partition it, with threshold strips to divide flooring, to create different zones. Find more clever ideas to style up your home by Our latest creation is a little suntrap at going to pinterest.com/ the rear of the house using Smart’s styleathomemag Heritage Collection windows and doors that give an architectural feel for an inside-outside vibe. We’ve mainly used 38 | JUNE 2022

18TH-CENTURY BAKEHOUSE Love it PRECIOUS PIECES ‘The nursery has lots of collected treasures, tactile objects and special gifts given to our daughter’ DRESS UP ‘This handy rail turns Koa’s clothes into a pretty display’ Where to buy Gemma’s style FEATURE NATALIE MILLAR-PARTRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHS CHLOE MARY UPTON STYLING LISA MOSES NKUKU Head here for a great range perfect for adding attention to detail of interiors pieces made using natural to shelves and alcoves. materials, including handmade ceramics and stoneware. PETITE FRITURE Beautiful statement lighting with a technical ZARA HOME The place to go for an and sophisticated design that will extensive range of rugs and modern add a focal point to any room. accessories that aren’t too costly. LOAF A wide selection of THE BASKET ROOM Show super-comfortable contemporary your houseplants some love with sofas, made with top-quality fabrics, artisan-made baskets and plant pots, to fit a wide variety of spaces. JUNE 2022 | 39

Gemma’s choice: WALK-IN SHOWERS A popular choice, a walk-in shower replaces hard-to-clean shower doors with a single, open-access screen for a simple, sleek look FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON & HOLLY WALSH M idway between an enclosed Gemma opted for PHOTOGRAPH CHLOE MARY UPTON shower and an open wet matt black hardware for an room, a walk-in shower ultra-modern look offers the best of both IDEA TO STEAL worlds. You get to enjoy the space and A purpose-built niche allows space to neatly level-entry access of a wet room but store toiletries without having to tank the entire room. THCESAAMHDNOODTRWIRNENAIRGNNASGRFOSWOOKIRMYLMLLIAAHGNDEHDALTRAPIKBKNOLITRACHSKDET-ISRNOTOGFAOYVRFWITAATYBLOOKMUV-REINDAY What size does a walk-in shower need to be? In a fully tanked wet room, you can get away with a slightly smaller footprint. ‘For walk-in showers where you want to keep the rest of the bathroom dry, we advise around 50cm width for the entrance way and 50–60cm for the shower area,’ says David Osborne, CEO of Roman Showers. Average walk-in shower widths range from 70–100cm. ‘If you’re worried about keeping water contained, opt for walk-in enclosures with small deflector panels that fold out to restrict spray,’ adds David. What space do I need? Walk-in showers can work in very small bathroom. A shower tucked in the corner with access at one end is a good space-saving solution. Bigger bathrooms suit a centrally positioned walk-through shower, with access at both ends. How do I stop the whole room getting soaked? Walk-in showers usually have the shower head furthest away from the entrance to keep the bathroom dry. ‘We ideally then have the mixer controls at the entrance,’ says Huntsmore director Eamonn Agha, ‘so you can turn on the shower and adjust the temperature before entering.’ Should I ditch the bath for a walk-in instead? If you’d love a more spacious shower, choose an enclosure to match the dimensions of a bath (170cm long) to make it an easy swap. The screen and tray are usually sold together. Putting a bath back in is then just as easy, so no need to worry if you plan to move on. 40 | JUNE 2022

18TH-CENTURY BAKEHOUSE Love it 4 ways with…SMALL BEDROOMS Maximise your space with smart storage and clever designs 1 BUILD STORAGE AROUND THE BED 2 LOOK TO FURNITURE THAT PROVIDES Bespoke wardrobes are the most effective way to maximise FORM AND FUNCTION your bedroom storage. Building them at either side of the bed creates a smart frame while leaving the other walls free of Think laterally about how to free up space. Can your small obstructions that take up valuable space, so they can be used bedroom have wardrobes in the hall outside, with dressing room for artwork or mirrors instead. You could capitalise on the space appeal? Challenge your preconceptions, but ensure any solution further by creating storage above the bed; just be careful not to is practical. Another route is to go for a statement bed and little make the decor feel claustrophobic with too much going on. else, as shown here. Choose a design that offers lots of built-in hidden storage or space beneath for boxes and vacuum bags. FEATURE HOLLY WALSH PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM 3 USE BRIGHT COLOUR TO OPEN UP THE ROOM 4 CHOOSE A HEADBOARD THAT DOUBLES An uplifting shade, such as sunshine yellow, will invigorate AS HANDY STORAGE SPACE any small room – just be mindful of how you use it. Painting up to mid-wall height will help to anchor the colour to the bottom half Where space is in short supply, ditch the usual flat or upholstered of the room, while finishing the rest of the painting in a bright headboard and opt for a style like this instead. It offers a surface white or similar neutral shade will keep the overall look airy and and convenient storage niches for books, a clock and a glass of spacious. Allow your chosen colour to determine a tonal palette water, and incorporates narrow side cupboards, which means you for bedding, accessories and rugs to create a cohesive scheme. can do away with bulky bedside tables. Go one better and install wall lights in lieu of bedside lamps to free up more surface space. JUNE 2022 | 41

‘We returned SOFT HUE ‘Blush pink accents run through the space, adding interest to the simple palette’ COME ON IN! ABOUT ME I’m Debbie Goodwin, a RAISE THE ROOF project manager, and I live here with my partner Neil Clague, a transport ‘We added the roof lantern supervisor, and our five dogs. to elevate the flat roof and to give it some height and MY HOME A two-bed converted architectural interest’ bungalow built in the 1960s in East Cheshire. We bought it in 2016. WHEN WE MOVED IN The property was in probate and very outdated – not much had changed from when it was built in the 1960s! AND NOW Everything has been replaced, from the roof to the electrics. The upstairs has been transformed into an impressive master bedroom and en suite. STYLE TIP It’s worth investing in the big key items when renovating, like the windows, doors and essential structural changes that are going to stand the test of time. 42 | JUNE 2022

1960S BUNGALOW Love it TO OUR ROOTS’ Hard work, vision IDEA TO STEAL and a little bit of luck allowed Debbie ‘To save on wall space use and Neil to totally a vertical radiator instead revamp a rundown bungalow and add of a horizontal one’ their own chapter to this family story W ithout doubt, my love of architectural design is something I’ve inherited from my parents,’ says Debbie. ‘My family connection to this property began in the early 1960s when, before my brothers and I were born, my dad Bryan worked for a local builder and helped build a row of bungalows. Then by chance my parents found a plot of land just around the corner and together from scratch built our now family home. Growing up, my parents were always so practical and a constant source of inspiration. Having moved away years before, Neil and I were keen to return to my old neighbourhood to be closer to my family, and to find something that had more space for our five dogs. We were not sure if we would find anything within budget but there’s only so long you can think about doing something before you need to put it into action. So we put our house up for sale and kept a keen eye on the property market. Family connection The day we had an offer on our home I frantically called around the local estate agents to see what was available but there wasn’t anything we could afford, apart from a wild card, a property that was in probate near my family home. One of the bungalows my dad had built all those years ago, we couldn’t believe it! We went for an initial viewing and had such a good feeling when we walked in. The decor, plumbing and electrics were archaic and there were brightly patterned carpets throughout, but it had a big private garden with lots of space to JUNE 2022 | 43

Love it 1960S BUNGALOW IDEA TO STEAL WORK SPACE ‘Create a corner of interest by putting ‘I love to upcycle together your favourite whenever I can – I ornaments, pictures made the desk from a door I salvaged from and paintings’ the local church and added hairpin legs from eBay’ YO‘UBRLIONVGE,SPGAICVEISNGTOYOLUIRFEHOWMITEHROEBAJLECCHTASRTAHCATTER’ ,i i MIDAS TOUCH needed doing, it felt like home – we made the spaces flowed. an offer that day. A tense few weeks ‘I’ve chosen different followed when the bungalow came onto We were so lucky to have the help finishes for the kitchen the market and we thought we had lost of my dad and brother Barry who are cabinetry from Wren but it to a local developer. Luckily, we were both builders. Being in the trade they with the same gold trim for the highest bidders, and the keys were knew how to practically bring our continuity. The oak adds ours. It couldn’t have been more perfect, designs to life. It was very much a family warmth and the Italian it was fate. Neil, the dogs and I moved affair and together we began to create concrete, sophistication’ in with my parents, and renovation work something very special. started on the house straight away. Neil and I did a huge amount of the Remodelling rooms work ourselves, working on the house at weekends and on annual leave. We I had so many ideas and was constantly stripped every wall back to the bare thinking how to improve each room, but brick, removed all the old electrics and our budget was limited, and as a result plumbing, took down all the plasterboard I had to rethink some of my design ceilings and we even helped dig the choices. Our main focus was to get the foundations for the extension, by hand! space right inside and the exterior looking its best. We extended to the full width of Maxing out the space the back to create a large open-plan space for the kitchen that opened out to The roof was replaced, stairs taken the garden, and purposely didn’t close out and repositioned, and the loft reconfigured from two small bedrooms and tiny landing into one large 44 | JUNE 2022

MIX IT UP ‘The wood-burning stove from The Stove Yard, rattan hanging chair and mix of fun accessories and soft furnishings all add to the cosy and eclectic vibe’ 3 of the best HANGING CHAIRS Curl up in a relaxing swing seat SLEEK CURVES SNUGGLE SEAT RATTAN LOOK Indoor outdoor hanging egg Malta double hanging GoodHome Apolima hanging chair, £325, Ella James chair, £600, Habitat egg chair, £400, B&Q JUNE 2022 | 45

RESTFUL ZONE IDEA TO STEAL ‘Although open and ‘Paints in contrasting colours help connected to the kitchen to define spaces and rooms’ area, the living room feels like a cosy retreat with dark painted walls, which we painted in Railings by Farrow & Ball’ COSY CORNER RE‘ATLHEDEHSAINGDNMSATDAETHEEMAERNTTH,AANCDOFMIPRLEEPTLEAOCNEEI-SOAFF!’ ‘I love all the different textures in this area; the Swoon green velvet sofa adds a glam touch’ SERENE GREENS ‘Big, luscious houseplants perfectly dress up otherwise empty spots’

1960S BUNGALOW Love it Do it! WARM TONES CONCRETE HEARTH ‘The console Design your hearth and work provides out the measurements. useful Build a wood frame to infill with concrete and add mesh to create storage’ additional support for the concrete. Slowly pour in the concrete and keep smoothing down the top with a trowel as you pour. Allow the concrete to set, this can take up to 48 hours. Once set the wooden frame can be removed. Sand off any rough edges and add a concrete sealant to protect the finish. SPACIOUS WELCOME ‘These artichoke plywood light fittings make perfect use of the high ceiling in the hallway’ master bedroom, complete with a luxurious, standalone bath and en suite. I wanted to make use of every inch of space. We created storage in the eaves and opened the ceiling up to its full height – it is now such a gorgeous room with beautiful views over the tree tops. The outside was given a much-needed revamp with new render and bespoke doors and windows. A big chunk of budget went on the large sliding doors in the kitchen. They were an important part of how we envisaged the design and made the biggest transformation. Our dream kitchen was then fitted, along with the downstairs bathroom and en suite, both with their own quirky design twists. My original plan was to keep the decor simple with mid-century furniture and styling to keep in line with the era of the property, but I have varied taste and like colour too much, so it was always going to evolve into an eclectic home - I’m JUNE 2022 | 47

Love it 1960S BUNGALOW Make it! PITCH PERFECT UPCYCLED VANITY UNIT ‘The pitched ceiling is the Find a piece of vintage furniture perfect spot for that you love and fits the allocated the large ceiling space. A cabinet or table is best as light from Ikea’ it should be waist height – a cabinet RETRO VIBE will come with built-in storage. ‘The vanity unit is Paint it a fun colour or varnish it refashioned from a in a natural wood colour. You could mid-century style add a marble or stone countertop. sideboard’ Find a countertop basin that will sit on top. Make a hole in the top of the furniture for the plumbing and secure the sink in place. Fit your new vanity and sink unit into position and have the sink professionally plumbed in. ‘THTERFEREETEOSPTSA–NDIITN’GS BTAHTEHPHEARSFEVCITEWPSLAOCUETTOOVERRELTAHXE’ NEW LOOK ‘I’ve dressed the bed with a sumptuous ink-blue velvet throw and matching cushions from Christy’s’ not sure I could ever be minimal! FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR. PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH When you walk into the bungalow you can’t help but be bowled over by the love and hard work that has been poured into our renovation. It was 18 months in the making, or you could arguably say 50 years! Proud achievement We’ve transformed a once modest bungalow into a home that is now architecturally stunning. We all have such a huge sense of achievement. It was a labour of love, but it was worth every minute. I think this house was simply meant to be ours.’ Find more clever ideas to style up your home by going to pinterest.com/ styleathomemag 48 | JUNE 2022

IDEA TO STEAL ‘Add a small shelf above the bath to hold your bathtime essentials’ BATH TIME Where to buy Debbie’s style ‘Patterned tiles from Topps Tiles define EBAY The perfect place to find the bath area and pre-loved items to upcycle and link to the en suite’ give a new lease of life. BLUE BURST HOMESENSE For interesting and original accessories, and a fabulous ‘The vibrant blue selection of cushions. feature wall creates the perfect LUXEOLOGY HOME Quirky backdrop for the online small business selling fun pendant lights beautiful homeware. from Made’ IKEA Always a go-to for storage options and adaptable furniture. ROCKETT ST GEORGE Great for unique home accessories and has a wide choice of artwork. JUNE 2022 | 49

Debbie’s choice: LIVING ROOM LAYOUTS When it comes to a functional living space it’s all about positioning your furniture in the right way FEATURE STEPHANIE DURRANT W hether you want a living An extended hearth PHOTOGRAPH JAMES FRENCH room for lounging, with built-in storage adds character to somewhere to entertain, an open-plan space or both, there are a few IDEA TO STEAL basic principles to get right when it Swap a coffee table for an upholstered comes to arranging your furniture. footstool or ottoman These designer tips will help you make BREAATLHWEA.YSSTTGHAIENVWDEABYYAOOCURKRCAFRNUODRWCNDHIIETNCUGKRTENHOSETPVHAIICENEWGTIS IN the most of your room’s potential. Tyohuinuksae bthoeutrohoomw How you’re going to use the room – for watching TV, the kids doing homework, or entertaining friends – will dictate what lighting, seating and storage you need. ‘I’d always start with what the actual lines of sight are when using the room,’ says TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Choose a focal point ‘In a family room, a TV is often the focal point,’ says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf. ‘But it’s one of the things I hate to see, especially mounted above the fireplace. That should be for something beautiful, like a mirror or painting.’ Give the furniture space Should furniture go against the wall? Our experts disagree. ‘It depends on the size of the room,’ says Charlie. ‘It does maximise space to arrange it that way.’ Laurence thinks differently: ‘If you can – even if it’s just a few inches – make sure it’s not against the wall. It limits the sense of space, making the room look smaller.’ Create a sense of balance Stand back and view the room as you would a picture. A sofa opposite a pair of armchairs with upholstered pouffes works well to balance a room. The trick is not to group too much furniture in one area. Avoid common mistakes ‘Your home should really reflect your personality,’ says Charlie. ‘You don’t have to make a room look larger, so opt for darker colours to make it cosy instead.’ Laurence advises against using a chimney breast as a feature wall: ‘It’s already a dominant piece of architecture.’ 50 | JUNE 2022