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45 STORAGE BUYS
FOR EVERY ROOM
SMALL BEDROOM
ORGANISING TRICKS
EXPERT GUIDE TO
FITTED WARDROBES

how to
PLAN THE
ULTIMATE
EXTENSION
PROJECT

Find your inspo

TIMELESS TRENDS AND
CLEVER DECORATING TIPS
14 QUICK & EASY MINI DECOR UPDATES
 EDITOR’S LETTER

Embracing my
organising goals
I’m suddenly super impatient to get time to give it a proper clear out. idealhome.co.uk
going on some decorating projects Because I’m so determined to beat the THIS MONTH
after a marked drop in my motivation clutter, I am extremely partial to DON’T MISS...
levels towards the end of last year. clever organising solutions, large or Everything you
There’s plenty on my list, from small. Our extended shortlist of the need to give your
snagging jobs to full room makeovers, best storage products for each room

“
living room a
but before I’m allowing myself (see page 36) doesn’t disappoint, and refresh, from sofa
to focus on these, more than a few of

Sometimes a
buying advice to
there’s something these practical and the latest trends.

clutter-free home
critical I really stylish items have
need to tackle first. now been added to

feels like chasing

Clutter. Seriously, my shopping basket. SIGN UP TO OUR
how does it I’m fully aware of NEWSLETTER

”
an impossible
accumulate so the irony of buying Scan the QR
quickly?! I yearn more stuff, in order code to enjoy

dream
for clear, organised to tackle my clutter Ideal Home in your
spaces, but problem, but at least inbox with our
sometimes it feels I’m owning it! email newsletter.
like I’m chasing an impossible dream. I’ve kicked off my organising mission
My husband’s answer to having a with my wardrobe, giving it a
good sort out is to chuck stuff up in really ruthless spring clean (a fitted
the loft (‘out of sight, out of mind’ is wardrobe like the one on page 60 is
his approach), but that’s now bursting the dream), and for now I’m working
at the seams and we need to schedule hard to maximise the space I’ve got.

HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ideal home experts

KALPANA FITZPATRICK LAURIE DAVIDSON NATASHA BRINSMEAD MOLLY CLEARY

MONEY EXPERT INTERIORS STYLIST RENOVATION EXPERT APPLIANCES EDITOR
An award-winning financial A stylist and writer who lives As well as writing about Molly spends her days testing
journalist and author, Kalpana and breathes interiors, Laurie interiors for over 20 years, everything from air fryers to
has the lowdown on all the knows a thing or two about Natasha knows all there is coffee machines. Check out
financial essentials of moving how to put the perfect room about renovating, having DIYed her round-up of the top rated
home on page 144. together, from start to finish. several revamps herself. blenders on page 136.

BRITAIN’S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2025 3 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 CONTENTS

In the
February
issue
NEW & NOW
11 HOME NEWS Stylish finds
15 DESIGN EDIT High-end looks
on a high-street budget real homes
16 20 UNDER £20 Home buys STUNNING HOMES
TO BE INSPIRED BY,
ROOM DECOR FROM P68
20 XMODERN CHECKS Use this X
favourite graphic pattern in
fresh, vibrant colourways
26 IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL Smart,
contemporary kitchen update
27 XTREND TALK Bold stripes
28 COLOUR EDIT Sunny yellow
30 XCLEVER DECORATING Our
panelling ideas for any room
36 XSTORAGE STARS Useful buys
42 PLAN THE PERFECT... Trend-
led kitchen with lasting looks
48 ROOM RECIPE Boho spaces
51 XEASY STYLE UPDATES Mini

20
décor projects for the weekend
59 IDEAL VS GREAT DEAL
Modern-luxe bathroom style

36
60 XFITTED WARDROBES Our
guide to new bedroom storage

IDEAL HOMES
68 ‘I LOVE MAKING SPACES
FLOW’ From cramped cottage
to a family home filled with
light and lots of flair

On the cover...
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/
DOMINIC BLACKMORE
79
FEBRUARY 2025 5 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
CONTENTS

154
79 VIBRANT REVIVAL A love of
art and design creates inspired
interiors in a Victorian home
88 CAREFULLY CURATED Muted
tones combined with vintage

88
finds becomes a masterclass
in modern-classic style
98 EDWARDIAN ELEGANCE This
period property is enhanced
with rich colour schemes
110 KITCHEN PROJECT Scandi
vibes in a sociable space

Subscribe!
117 BATHROOM PROJECT
Fresh pastel colour scheme

A GREAT GIFT OR A LOVELY

RENOVATION TREAT FOR YOURSELF –
123 XPROJECT FOCUS Q&A THREE ISSUES FOR £1! TURN
on single-storey extensions TO PAGE 108 TO FIND
128 XRENOVATION PROJECT OUT HOW TO SUBSCRIBE
Essential planning checklist
133 KITCHEN FOCUS How to VISIT MAGAZINESDIRECT
make a narrow room work .COM/IHFEB25
134 MULTICOOKERS

117
136 BLENDERS
138 HEATED AIRERS
140 BATHROOM FOCUS Stretch
your new-bathroom budget

HOUSE MANUAL
142 CONSUMER ADVICE
Solutions to everyday hassles
144 MONEY MATTERS Our brief
guide to selling your home
145 XGET ORGANISED Sorting
out a small bedroom
147 TECH SOLUTIONS Air quality
149 MAKE MONEY ONLINE
Selling second-hand furniture

GARDENS
152 GARDEN NEWS Jobs to do
154 PURIFYING PLANTS Varieties
11
that help clean the air indoors
159 GARDEN FOCUS Winter plants

HAPPY HOME
161 ONE SMALL STEP Eco ideas
162 UPCYCLE PROJECT
163  HAPPY HOME
164CHEESE PLEASE! James
Martin’s moreish recipes
168 MINDFUL DECLUTTERING
Have a therapeutic clear out
Visit facebook. Follow us at See our Be inspired at Sign up to our
178 HOME TRUTHS With Bake Off com/ideal twitter.com/ latest snaps pinterest.com/ newsletter at
finalist Ruby Bhogal home.co.uk idealhome @idealhomeuk idealhomemag idealhome.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2025 6 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 DISCOVER INSPIRATION AND ADVICE FOR
YOUR HOME WITH A SUBSCRIPTION TO
BRITAIN’S BESTSELLING HOMES MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIBE ON
PAGE 108 FOR
YOUR MONTHLY
INTERIORS FIX
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BE CANDLE SAFE Enjoy the special touch that candles add to your home; but take care to use them safely: Always place lit candles well
away from foliage, furniture, curtains and soft furnishings, and always out of draughts. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles away from hair and clothing. Always place candles upright in suitable holders that
can’t easily fall over. Always be sure that candles are properly extinguished.

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 IH LOVES...
Natural
lamps
Mason medium wooden lamp in
Nut Brown, £369, Neptune

INSPIRE | INFORM | DISCOVER

W hat to do
this month...
LISTEN We know
that midlife can be a
transformative time,
but hearing Davina
McCall chat with her
celeb and expert
guests makes you realise you’re not
alone in facing fresh challenges. Davina’s
Begin Again podcast is definitely an
empowering and informative listen!

READ Australian
interior designer,
Steve Cordony
(@stevecordony), has
Wallpaper, Painterly a gorgeous new book,
Labyrinth in Moments at Home
Navy, £80 a roll, (£35, Quadrille), which
Lemieux Et Cie not only peeks into his home, but also
at Beautiful Walls those of his clients. As well as sumptuous
and inspiring photography, Steve’s book
is filled with his top styling tips and ideas
STYLE STATEMENT

Timeless pattern
for all areas of the home.

DO This Half Term, the Southbank in

London is well worth a visit for its annual
While some wallpaper trends don’t last, there are designs that have such
Imagine Children’s Festival, from 7 to
classic appeal that they look as relevant in homes today as they did 17 February. Designed to spark young
when first launched. Lemieux Et Cie is a curated collection by designer imaginations and creativity, the event is
Christiane Lemieux, inspired by historical wallpaper remnants from all filled with music, dance, theatre, comedy,
over the world. Available from Beautiful Walls, the standout designs for us poetry and stories. Aimed at kids up to
are the watercolour-effect maze-inspired Painterly Labyrinth (shown here) age 11, we reckon even the grown-ups
in an inky navy, and Zora Waves, a stylised take on ocean waves. will find it hard not to have fun!

FEBRUARY 2025 11 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

NEW & NOW

Nuvole two-seater
sofa in Lifestyle
Mottled fabric
in Latte, £1,099,
Sofology

The Mixer in Navy

(twelve colours
available), £449,
Mustard Made

IH LOVES...

Drinks cabinet or
kitchen buffet? The
choice is yours –
and so is the colour.
STYLE STATEMENT
COFFEE SHADES
Winter has seen brown emerge as a must-have colour,
thanks to its warmth and grounding feeling. But how do you
pep it up when spring is in sight? Make it work through the
seasons by adding touches of rich, nutty tones with table
lamps and side tables, and sticking to lighter caramel
shades for larger pieces, such as window dressings or sofas.
We think the Nuvole from Sofology in gorgeously tactile
Lifestyle Mottled fabric in Latte (shown here), is perfect.

SURPRISE IN STORE

Family
Linen table runner in
Chartreuse, £39; napkins
in Sid Stripe in Natural,

secrets
£49 for four, all Secret
Linen Store

What would you do if you ran

a linen company that had
more offcuts than you knew
what to do with? The sisters
behind much-loved bedding
emporium Secret Linen Store
made napkins with theirs.
They were such a hit, that
they went on to create
tablecloths and runners, too.
Fans of Cora Stripe will be
pleased it made the cut, in
toasty Amber; and we love
this sunny Chartreuse runner.

FEBRUARY 2025 12 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

NEW & NOW

Adya linen bedding in

Natural, from £40 for pair of
pillowcases; Sanval wool
throw in Rust, £125; Sanval
cushion cover, £65; Anesha
linen headboard in Natural,
£895; Orisa lampshade, £125;
Ikona wall art, £275; Fioni
reclaimed-wood bench, £495;
Affiti clay pot, £95, all Nkuku

WE’RE FOLLOWING

@thepavlouhome
WHAT IS YOUR BEST DECORATING
DECISION? Adding a tall media unit to
our small living room. It draws the eye up,
adding depth and dimension to the space.

SECRET STYLING IDEA? If you have

a super-king bed, it can be hard to find
SPOTLIGHT ON

Toasty tones
blankets and throws big enough, so a
tablecloth can serve as a great extra layer
– perfect for styling and often cheaper too!
While the prospect of spring is closer, it’s still going to be a
FAVOURITE CORNER? Our bedroom,

FEATURE LAURA HIGGINS

while before the weather warms up. All the more reason to
tucked away at the top of our townhouse
invest in cosy new bedlinen to keep you feeling snug! We’re under the eaves. It’s a calm, cosy sanctuary.
loving Nkuku’s new collection of linen bedding and textured
wool thows in a naturally warming palette of cinnamon and AN ITEM THAT SPARKS JOY? The oak
clay. Teamed with natural wood furniture and hand-crafted vanity unit in our bathroom. It gives our
accessories, it creates a perfect cocooning bedroom scheme. small wash space luxury hotel vibes!

IH LOVES…

Think of this
Scandi-style desk as a
little treat for working
so hard! Plenty of
storage makes it
perfect for WFH too.
La Redoute Jimi desk in Grey Green, £350, Next

FEBRUARY 2025 14 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 NEW & NOW

1
2

hung low 4
over an
island or
breakfast bar
5

7
DESIGN

High street heroes

FOR LESS

THE DESIGN EDIT

Now and then, the high street comes up with something
so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer
boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING

make your home look more expensive without the big spend…
WHERE TO BUY 1 Isobel Harvey Bird In Flight print, £30, Toast 2 Cream rectangular block colour
cushion cover, £13.50, Ian Snow 3 Alaina jug, £45, Made 4 Novogratz Red Lowen pendant, £39, Next
5 Kyoto side table, £35, Habitat 6 Darcy striped butter dish, £20, La Redoute 7 Svartfryle throw, £19, Ikea

FEBRUARY 2025 15 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 | EDITOR’S CHOICE |

Churchgate woven
oval placemat,
£10, Dunelm

UNDER Beaded dispenser, £6;

beaded vase, £10;

£20
beaded soap dish, £3,
DESIGN all Stacey Solomon Large vase
FOR LESS range, George Home with eucalyptus,
£15, B&M

Everyone loves a bargain –

and our editor-in-chief
Heather has hand-picked
her fave buys for this month

Geranium and
Sandalwood candle,
£6, Primark

Churchgate ceramic
pebble glaze multi-wick
candle, £14, Dunelm

Frederik mugs,
£4 for two, Jysk

Mug with lid, £6.24,

Søstrene Grene

Natural shaped
textured vases,
£18 for three, Next Stoneware tray,
£14.99, H&M Home

FEBRUARY 2025 16 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 NEW & NOW

Michaella cushion,
£18, Michelle Keegan
Home at Very

Scallop trinket box,

£7.50, Marks & Spencer

Mango wood folding

taper candle holder,
£16, Habitat Geo print Natural double
duvet set, £10; reversible
velvet cushion, £8; Lewin
faux fur throw, £16;
scalloped edge tray, £8;
dried flower diffuser,
£7; Restore candle, £2.50,
pampas in white pot, £20;
ceramic pillar candle
with holder, £5; paper
rope lamp, £20, all B&M
Ivyline metal candle
holder in Sage Green,
£11.79, Amazon

Wooden knot, £15,

Michelle Keegan
Home at Very

Handmade
ribbed
tumblers, £15
for four, Marks
& Spencer

LED table lamp, £19.98,

Søstrene Grene

Green stripe
recycled cotton
throw, £15, Ian Snow

Seagrass tray, £15,

Cotswold Company

Tactile Shapes No2 print,

from £10.95, Desenio

FEBRUARY 2025 17 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 TRANSFORM | UPDATE | CREATE

IDEAL IDEA
Go bold in the
bathroom
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/POLLY WREFORD

Fancy flexing your maximalist

decor muscles? A bathroom
or cloakroom is the perfect
spot – you don’t spend loads
of time in there, so you won’t
tire of it. Plus, it’s instant wow
factor for visiting guests…
HEATHER YOUNG,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FEBRUARY 2025 19 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 | LOOKS THAT LAST |

WALLPAPER
Bakersfield in Green,
from £79 a roll,
Bobbi Beck

PAINT
Slipper Satin estate
emulsion, £57.50 for
2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

FABRIC
Checkerboard
Recycled in
Kingfisher, £105m,
Kirkby Design

Add striking colour and

pattern to a dining area by
upholstering a bench in
a bold check design.
Seat in Bespoke Checker
fabric in Jewel and Trip,
£85m, Colours of Arley

MODERN
TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT HERE’S HOW TO
GIVE THIS LOOK TIMELESS APPEAL
FEBRUARY 2025 20 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
 ROOM DECOR

“
STYLE DIRECTION

Add depth to a scheme with

stripes and florals on vases,

"
cushions and rugs alongside
geometric patterns
HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FOCAL POINT
A woven block-patterned
fabric in a bold colourway
makes a feature of
a window. With such a
strong graphic pattern,
avoid extra fussy details
– a simple Roman blind
shows off the
design perfectly

Roman blind in Tucson

Lullaby in Mirage, from £189
including measuring and
fitting, Poodle & Blonde
at Hillarys. Telegraflinje
flatwoven rug, from £99,
Ikea. Try Alban three-seater
sofa in Hunter easy velvet,
£2,079, Swoon. Try Cleo
accent chair, £189, Dunelm
 GO FOR BOLD
Use a bright checked
wallpaper on one wall for
a fun feature that brings
vibrancy to a neutral
dining room – keep
the rest of the décor
pared back

Porcelain Tiles wallpaper in

Green, £41.52sq m, Rebel
Walls. Try Checkerboard
cotton rug, £55, John Lewis.
Fawn dining chair in White,
£605, Heal’s, has this look
 ROOM DECOR

Ruta wallpaper in
Forest Green, £60 a roll,
Sandberg at Wallpaper
Direct. For similar, try
Black and brass wall
light, £95, Cox & Cox

MAKE IT PLAY WITH PARTNER WITH CREATE

MODERN SCALE PLAINS A FOCUS
Checks are not just for Small checks, especially Offset graphic checks Use bold chequerboard
traditional homes; choose in soft pastel or neutral with white or neutral designs to highlight a
fabric, wallpaper and tiles shades, are versatile and areas, such as a checked focal point, whether that’s
with bold, large-scaled easy to use. Try papering blind with painted walls a feature wall, a hallway
check designs for a all four walls in a kitchen or a bold wallpaper with a or kitchen floor, or a wow
wonderfully modern feel. or use a fabric for neutral floor. This creates accent chair. Keep the
Also consider the style of full-length curtains in a balance and stops the rest of the décor pared
check; gingham, with its bedroom. For larger space appearing too back but, if you do want
varying tones of one spaces, go big with an busy. Pick a shade from to add a complementary
colour, has a soft look, oversized chequerboard your check and use it on accent pattern, take
while chequerboard is wallpaper for a bold a large piece, such a sofa your pick from stripes,
stronger, even in more statement, or use in one or armchair, to tie the florals and curvaceous
neutral colourways. area for a graphic look. look together. abstract designs.

FEBRUARY 2025 23 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Curtain and headboard
in Blenets Check Mini in
Chocolate, £65m, Henry
Holland at Harlequin.
Faraday Brown and
Terracotta table lamp,
from £1,650, Henry
Holland. Olive Colour
absolute emulsion,
£57.50 for 2.5ltr, Little
Greene, would work here
KEEP IN CHECK
Create a strong
graphic look by using
one design for the bed
curtain, headboard and
cushions. Here, it is
perfectly offset by
deep olive green walls
 ROOM DECOR

Jamboree hand-painted
ceramic tiles in Thyme
and Holly, both £84 a
box; Rural Shell,
£110.06sq m, all
Ca’ Pietra. For similar,
try Burlington London
Surround bath, £2,119,
Bathroom City

SUBTLE
SHADES
Use a mix of
hand-painted tiles in
varying tones of one
colour to create a
softer gingham
effect on a
bathroom wall

“
STYLE DIRECTION

Balance graphic

"
tiles with a curvaceous
bath and abstract art
GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR
FEATURE CHARLOTTE BOYD

FEBRUARY 2025 25 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

ROOM DECOR

IDEAL GREAT DEAL

Pair natural materials with brass for a fresh, contemporary kitchen
£££
FACTORY HEIGHT
ADJUSTABLE
Style
STYLE
Brooklyn glass Churchgate
dome pendant
light, £149,
Shilton
pressed glass
saver
Industville pendant light,
£35, Dunelm

BRASS BEAUTY FISHY FRIEND SARDINE SUPPER TAP IT UP

Gold Kintampo Sardine painting, £49, Sardine art print, £37, Vellamo Koro
kitchen mixer tap, Beach House Art Olive et Oriel U-spout kitchen
£167.99, Dowsing mixer tap, £99.99,
& Reynolds Tap Warehouse

FAUX
LEATHER
Austen bar
stool, £59,
Cult Furniture

TIMELESS
ADDITION
NATURAL Veer leather
TOUCH FAUX SHOW
counter stool,
Artificial Faux brilliant
£225, Nkuku
potted bamboo bamboo
plant, £175, plant, £60,
Click Style Joe Browns

RIB EFFECT
Stackable
STACK ’EM UP glass jars, £6 for
Glass storage three, B&M
jars, £20 for
three, The
Wisteria Tree
FEATURE HOLLY WALSH

MARBLE TOP COMPACT SIZE

Selma freestanding Vinton stone and pine
kitchen island unit, £1,299, farmhouse butcher’s block,
John Lewis £1,099, La Redoute

FEBRUARY 2025 26 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

TREND TALK

Are bold stripes

timeless or tiresome…?
BIG TRENDS ARE FEW THESE DAYS, WITH MICRO TRENDS TAKING THEIR
PLACE. WE EXPLORE THE LATEST CRAVING: STRIPED UPHOLSTERY

While classic grey sofas have been

the mainstay of the high street for Suffolk armchair in Green
the last few years, the influence of and Natural Stripe, £999;
John Lewis + Matthew
the recent dopamine decorating
Williamson Bobbin floor
trend is undeniable as bold stripes lamp base in Red, £200;
are taking over. Look in the major Bold stripe shade in Red,
high street stores and you’ll see £35, all John Lewis
striped upholstery everywhere:
sofas at John Lewis, armchairs at
Dunelm and a raft of upholstered
designs at Made and Sofa.com.
‘Striped upholstery has surged in
popularity due to its versatility and
timeless appeal,’ says Alex Stubbs,
interior stylist at Flitch. ‘Its ability
to fit seamlessly into various
design styles, from classic to
contemporary, makes it a favoured
choice for homeowners looking to
add both visual interest and a sense
of order to their living spaces.’
As micro trends go, this is one of
the easier ones to live with, focusing
on seating rather than an entire
scheme. However, as with all
statement pieces, its success lies in
how you decorate the rest of your
space around it. ‘Currently, bold and
wide stripes are trending, reflecting
the broader movement towards
maximalism in interior design,’ Alex
adds. ‘Earthy tones and natural hues,
such as terracotta, deep greens and
soft blues, are particularly popular
as they evoke a sense of comfort
and a connection to nature,’
referencing the widespread THE IDEAL HOME VIEW ON...
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI, SARA HESIKOVA

tendency towards biophilic design.

‘Striped upholstery can be both STRIPED UPHOLSTERY
an anchor and an accent in a room We’ve heard the experts explain why it’s becoming popular – so, do we think this
and offers a fantastic base for microtrend is here to stay? Deputy Editor Ginevra Benedetti weighs in…
layering patterns,’ says Andrew ‘Stripes are a truly timeless design – one success of this trend is ultimately down to
Cussins, CEO and design director that can straddle both traditional and personal choice. I wouldn’t risk the financial
at Sofas & Stuff. ‘To achieve a contemporary styles – so it stands to reason plunge on striped living room seating in my
cohesive look, combine stripes with that this trend is a lasting one. However, home – I’d just be worried that I’d want to
smaller-scale prints like florals or upholstered furniture is expensive and you change it before too long. If, however, it’s
geometrics, which add interest really have to be invested in the look to make something you really crave, always trust your
without overpowering.’ Q it worthy of the spend. So in my opinion, the gut and go with what you love!’

FEBRUARY 2025 27 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Sunshine yellow
| IH COLOUR EDIT |

CHEERFUL SHADE AND EXPLORE HOW TO USE IT

SUCCESSFULLY IN YOUR HOME

Team a strong yellow

with dark-wood units
and crisp white in a
kitchen for an edgy
contrast. Walls in True
Joy paint mixing matt,
£37.58 for 2.5ltr, Dulux
 ROOM DECOR

W hat the
experts say...
Designers and stylists share their views
‘Yellow reacts with light to bring warmth and
positivity. Pair it with greens, creams and whites to
evoke a fresh, outdoors feel or go for a bold colour
clash of brights with other primary reds and blues.’
SOPHIE SMITH, FOUNDER, ZHOOSH PAINTS
‘Using multiple shades of warm yellows in a double
drenching approach will create a layered look that
provides an interesting base. It allows for the
introduction of additional pops of colour with
furnishings, accessories or painted furniture.’
RUTH MOTTERSHEAD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
LITTLE GREENE
‘Yellow surroundings, research tells us, boost
serotonin levels and provide a sense of excitement
and wellbeing. Paint your own yellow canvas to
hang in a hallway to recreate this sunny aesthetic.’
LUCY STEELE, PAINT AND INTERIORS EXPERT, Use yellow as a
VALSPAR PAINT backdrop for bold
cabinetry and flooring.
‘Enjoy cheerful optimistic yellows in spaces where
Wall in Carnaby Yellow
people gather, whether that’s a kitchen, a dining wall paint, £55.95 for
room or a hallway. The colour also serves as a great 2.5ltr; cabinets in
accent or a spatial divider in an open-plan area.’ Amsterdam Green
EMMA BESTLEY, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND chalk paint, £26.95 for
CO-FOUNDER, YESCOLOURS 1ltr, both Annie Sloan
‘This bold, bright hue infuses rooms with warmth

“
and vitality, offering a celebration of colour that’s as
energising as it is joyful. Often considered daunting

Yellow evokes hazy SUMMER

due to its vibrancy, sunshine yellow deserves
attention – whether you’re a maximalist fan or want

days, ZESTY ripe lemons and

to add a pop of energy to a more neutral scheme.’
MANDY RIPPON, PRODUCT MANAGER,

vibrant SUNFLOWERS – the

”
FRENCHIC PAINT
‘Whether you’re looking to brighten up a small

colour ENERGISES us
room or add a playful touch to a larger space, a
really bright yellow will make a statement.’
VICTORIA YARDLEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR,
VICTORY COLORS MARIANNE SHILLINGFORD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DULUX

the edit SUNSHINE YELLOW

FEATURE SOPHIE WARREN-SMITH

BEST FOR BEST FOR A BEST FOR TEAMING BEST FOR PAIRING BEST FOR A
CREATING WARMTH RELAXING FEEL WITH PINK WITH WHITE DARKER SPACE
Chanterelle pure matt Weld Yellow chalky Lemon Sorbet flat Banana Dream 4 Oopsy Daisy ultra matte
emulsion, £56 for 2.5ltr, matt paint, £59 for matt emulsion, £44 for mixing easycare matt, chalk wall paint, £42.95
Fenwick & Tilbrook 2.5ltr, Morris & Co 2.5ltr, Zhoosh Paints £46.25 for 2.5ltr, Dulux for 2.5ltr, Frenchic Paint

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ROOM? JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP, THE IDEAL HOME ROOM CLINIC

FEBRUARY 2025 29 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Panelling ideas
| CLEVER DECORATING |

CHARACTERFUL PANELLING CAN TURN A BORING WALL

INTO A BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP IN ANY ROOM

Design a
feature wall
A ledge creates a
dado-like divide – and
the opportunity to use
different colours. A trio of
complementary shades
For similar interior eggshell
paint, try (from top) Natterjack, turns panelling from a basic
Honeysuckle and Sea Squall, backdrop into the main
£36 for 1ltr, Fenwick & Tilbrook. design event in a room.
Give it a twist…
For a similar dining table, try
the Dulwich by Case, £2,175;
for similar dining chairs, try the Use tones of one shade for an
Muna in oak smoked oil, £498 ombre effect graduating from
each, all Heal’s. Tolsey plaid rug, dark to light up the wall.
170x240cm, £459, Neptune
 ROOM DECOR

Get airy stairs

with slats
Replace traditional stair
panels with vertical battens
for a contemporary
feature that allows light to
move through the house.
Matching stair treads
keeps the look cohesive.
Give it a twist…
Swap this dark and dramatic
look for a cheerful rainbow of
colour across the slats.

PAINTED BAND
Makes an open
space cosier
without swamping
it with dark colour

For a similar painted panel,

try Soft Sheen in The Drink,
£29 for 1ltr, Coat. Similar
raised planter, rectangular
metal plant stand, £60,
Dunelm. For a similar
framed print, try Mid
Century Modern Framed
Art, £99, Abstract House

FEBRUARY 2025 31 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

ROOM DECOR

Caselio Linen Lines wallpaper

in Rouge, £45.35 a roll, Jane
Clayton. Panelling painted in
Estate Eggshell in Green
Smoke, £32.50 for 750ml,
Farrow & Ball. Similar table,
Fulton Trestle, £289, Dunelm.
Similar chairs, So’Home Boho
rattan dining chairs in Black,
£101.40 each, La Redoute

Create a panel
gallery
Adding verticals to
horizontal panelling
WALLPAPER C creates frames along
HE the wall. Perfect for
1 A showcasing a bold
wallpaper, framed photos
T
SH

and artwork or even a

EE

collection of plates.
Give it a twist…
T

Create a biophilic feature with

wall-hung planters packed with
plants in each aperture.

3 WALLPAPER CHEAT SHEET

2 1 Marion wallpaper in Sage, £102.60 a roll, Sandberg 2 Blumen
wallpaper in Multicolour, £160 a roll, Academy collection, Beautiful Walls
3 Pin Stripe wallpaper in Soft Sage, £30 a roll, I Love Wallpaper

FEBRUARY 2025 32 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Add interest
with grooved
panel fronts
Traditionally used to finish
the end of a run of units,
V-groove panels make
characterful fronts.
Go handleless, or choose
slim bar handles in line
with the grooves.
Give it a twist…
Choose marble-effect
worktops instead of wood or
ply for a rustic-luxe look.

ZELLIGE TILES
Beautifully uneven
and varied in
colour for a tactile,
textural effect

For similar kitchen unit door

fronts, try painted V-groove front
in Blakeney Channel, £184.80,
Naked Kitchens. For similar Zellige
tiles, try Atelier White wall tiles,
£51.96sq m, Porcelain Superstore.
Mantra Jewel wall lamp, £238.68,
Lights2go. Similar boards, try
natural wood chopping boards,
from £16 each, Zaza Homes
ROOM DECOR

Paintable slat wall panels, £110

for two, B&Q, are similar. For
traditional frame panelling like
this, try Oxford Classic MDF wall
panelling kit, £68.05, Wall Panels
World. Similar pendant light,
Hoxton in satin nickel, £48.75,
Garden Trading. For a similar
bamboo stool, try Barlou
low stool, £36.95, Sklum

Mix but match

panelling styles FEATURE VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/
DOMINIC BLACKMORE, JAMES FRENCH, CAROLYN BARBER, ANNA STATHAKI

Create a feature wall

PAINT CHEAT
with two different types
SH of panelling, but paint
1 EE them the same colour to
prevent the overall look
T

from becoming confused.

A ledge creates a divide.
Give it a twist…
Choose unpainted wood
panelling for a naturally
beautiful and textured look.

3 PAINT CHEAT SHEET

2 1 Celeste acrylic eggshell, £28.92 for 1ltr, Albany
2 Hale Navy Aura eggshell, £38.50 for 0.94ltr, Benjamin Moore
3 Charmed eggshell, £36 for 1ltr, Graham & Brown

FEBRUARY 2025 34 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 SLEEPY
COLOUR
Soft and warm green-
blues bring calm to a
bedroom scheme

Panel a
contemporary
feature wall
This diagonal design
gives a more modern look
than traditional Shaker or
beaded panels. Paint all
one colour to keep
it streamlined.
Give it a twist…
Go for a dark colour on the
panelling – it will make a bright
headboard and bedding pop.

Splashing Eggshell No.17, £31

for 750ml, Earthborn, is a similar
wall colour. For a spotlight like
this, try the Nordic Postmodern
Minimalist wall lamp, £39.90,
Nauradika London. Similar bed,
Avon upholstered bed frame in
Mink luxe velvet, £559.20,
Koti Home range, John Lewis
 The shortlist

Storage stars
UPGRADE YOUR STORAGE GAME WITH
KEY PIECES, ACCENTS AND ACCESSORIES
TO KEEP THE CLUTTER AT BAY

Stow Warm White

marble top kitchen
island, £1,099,
Cotswold Company
 ROOM DECOR

2 I come in
an array of 3
colours - 12
1 in fact!

Kitchen
4 7

Inject colour alongside

practicality for character
5
6

£££
Style
saver

8 9
WHERE TO BUY
1 Inkollu hanging basket set, £60, Nkuku 2 Arcs high
trolley in Auburn Red, £291, Hay at Nordic Nest
3 Bellwood lazy Susan, £50, Umbra 4 Keramos
openwork ceramic fruit basket, £50, La Redoute
5 The Kit cabinet in Butter, £199, Mustard Made
6 Stacey Solomon glass canisters, from £5.50 each,
George Home 7 Chester Forest Green narrow larder,
£999, Cotswold Company 8 Black industrial wall
mounted rail with five storage hooks, £14.95, Melody
Maison 9 Classico stackable pantry baskets with label
holders, £15.50 each, A Place For Everything 10
10 Borough bread bin, £40, Garden Trading

FEBRUARY 2025 37 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

1

Hallway
2

Make a neat and

tidy first impression
WHERE TO BUY
1 Malu rattan storage unit, £175, La Redoute 2 Chester
storage shelf with hooks in Dove Grey, £199, Cotswold
Company 3 Love glass trinket tray, £4.99, TK Maxx 4 Umbra
3 Bellwood umbrella stand in White/Natural, £52, John Lewis
5 Island Breeze large console table in Dulux Fire Cracker 2,
£725, The Painted Furniture Company 6 Small jute box in
Powder Pink, £4.99, H&M Home 7 Wall storage basket in
Sage Green, £18, Dibor 8 Habitat 60 Twiggy wooden coat
stand in oak, £125, Habitat

£££
Style 5
saver

4 8

I can be painted
in whatever
colour matched
shade you want

FEBRUARY 2025 38 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

1 3

Living room
Include decorative details, tactile
materials and welcoming colours
4 5

Flip over
my lid
and find a
tray top

7
6 £££
Style
saver
WHERE TO BUY
1 Verso storage basket, £65 for two, Ferm Living at Nordic Nest
2 Designer box file in Celestial by Cressida Bell, £39, Harris &
Jones 3 Tanvi wide display shelf, £695, Nkuku 4 Halmstad
bench, £249.99, Jysk 5 Black and White lines trinket box, £12,
TK Maxx 6 Wooden tray, £14.99, H&M Home 7 Lottie ottoman, 8
£75, Homebase 8 Remi tall sideboard, £299, Dunelm

FEBRUARY 2025 39 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

1 2

£££
Style For hidden
saver storage, I
come with
doors too

Bathroom
Pick luxe materials and
8

clever design
WHERE TO BUY
9
1 Toothbrush holder, £14, Next 2 Hanging basket, £5.17,
SØstrene Grene 3 Natural wave mirror cabinet, £90, Next
4 Modern Luxe ribbed caddy, £32, Dunelm 5 Cerelia under
sink shelving unit, £29, Dunelm 6 Wilson wall hook, £29,
Origins Living 7 Viva cosmetics organiser with removable
mirror, £35, Joseph Joseph 8 Novello wall shelf in antique
brass, £75, Garden Trading 9 Storage boxes with bamboo
lids, £6 for three, B&M

FEBRUARY 2025 40 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

Bedroom
Choose practical but pretty
You could
use me as a
side table or
stool

pieces with cosy finishes

5 £££ 6
Style
saver

4
7
FEATURE MICHELA COLLING, GINEVRA BENEDETTI

WHERE TO BUY 8 9
1 Jak 120cm picture rail, £12, Habitat
2 Boklio bouclette basket in Ecru, £28, La
Redoute 3 Taupe wooden fluted storage
stool, £89.95, Melody Maison 4 Southwark
ladder hanger, £229, Swoon 5 Metal wall
shelf, £14.99, H&M Home 6 Jacob tallboy,
£899, Feather & Black 7 Joules Windsor
storage ottoman in Blush elegant velvet,
£449, DFS 8 Glass and Gold swivel tiered
jewellery box, £29.50, Oliver Bonas 9 Retreat
scallop basket, £10, Matalan

FEBRUARY 2025 41 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Trend-led kitchens
| PLAN THE PERFECT |

with lasting looks

DISCOVER ALL THE KEY KITCHEN LOOKS TO ENSURE
STYLE LONGEVITY, WITH THE HELP OF OUR EXPERTS

MARBLE MAGIC
Create a statement in a
neutral kitchen with a dramatic
hero marble splashback.
Arbor kitchen, from £30,000,
Harvey Jones
 ROOM DECOR

MEET THE
EXPERTS
JEN NASH, HEAD OF DESIGN
AT MAGNET
‘It’s great to see trend
colours and designs
becoming more
accessible thanks to
lower price points.’
ROSALIND LANG, SALES
DESIGNER AT TOM HOWLEY’S
CHELTENHAM SHOWROOM
‘Compared with 2024,
there’s a stronger focus
on sustainability,
craftsmanship and
longevity in kitchens.’
DEBRA HUTT, SPOKESPERSON
AT WREN KITCHENS HERO PIECE
‘As we move into 2025, ‘A kitchen island can be used
as a breakfast bar-style area
I’m excited about for casual dining,’ says Debra.
those wow elements Elements kitchen in Concrete
Oak Matt, from £3,244,
that can really make Wren Kitchens
a kitchen special.’

L
ooking to upgrade your kitchen staples too,’ says Debra. ‘Look for cabinets in olive
this year but in need of a little and moss green as well as navy, which can breathe
direction? Your kitchen can say so warmth and life into a kitchen.’
much about you and your home,
but kitchen planning can seem FIND YOUR WOW
daunting, especially with so many ‘Think matching dressers, stylish chef’s pantries
new and exciting developments. We asked three and chic home bars that elevate functionality and
kitchen experts to share insider secrets and style aesthetics,’ says Debra, ‘as well as bold,
predictions for our kitchens into 2025 and beyond. complementary colours for islands or cabinets for
personality. We’re also seeing subtle accents, such
TOPLINE TRENDS as elegant gold or silver detailing along cabinet
‘Kitchens are becoming more personalised spaces, edges.’ Rosalind adds, ‘While the Bridgerton effect
with everything from colour to space design ushered in a new dawn of Regency elegance, the
considered to suit an individual’s lifestyle and adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s iconic book, Rivals,
personality,’ says Debra. Rosalind adds, ‘We’re hints at a return of lively, colourful patterns and
discovering the joys of mixing modern and textures reminiscent of 1980s décor. I’m excited to
traditional, with a welcome move back to classic see lots more playful, colourful designs in 2025.’
styles. I’m loving the shift towards investing in ‘Softer curved elements are definitely in,’ adds
craftsmanship. One piece of expertly crafted Jen, ‘and this can be a small radius curve on a
luxury furniture can transform a room.’ Jen says worktop or fluted doors.’
to think brave: ‘Bold is going to be big for kitchens
in 2025, with my personal favourite being black. IT’S (STILL) ALL ABOUT THE SHAKER
I love the subtle drama it can create.’ ‘Blues, ‘We love a Shaker kitchen,’ says Jen, ‘but gone are
greens and earthy tones will become colour the days when one must be traditional and

FEBRUARY 2025 43 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 SMART ZONES
Create distinctive areas in
your kitchen by using
furniture to divide it.
Hunton Outline kitchen in
Porcelain, from £15,000,
Second Nature

“ "
An ISLAND embodies the idea of the KITCHEN as the
HEART of the home, offering incredible VERSATILITY
JEN NASH, HEAD OF DESIGN AT MAGNET

farmhouse in style (which can still look fabulous). We

SMART STORAGE are seeing contemporary colour, handless designs and
Deep drawers make the modern layouts used to give a new twist to Shaker,
most of an island, adding making it an incredibly versatile and timeless kitchen
plenty of storage. choice. Watch out for slim–frame Shaker doors, too.’
Nordic Craft kitchen, Rosalind agrees: ‘We’re also seeing contemporary
from £5,509, Magnet appliances and features that complement Shaker
kitchens, such as a bar area, a state–of–the–art fridge,
boiling water tap and a large central island – these
modern additions blend with traditional Shaker for a
kitchen that’s functional and sophisticated.’ Debra
adds, ‘Cottage-core continues to be a trend leader, and
a Shaker kitchen is an ideal way to bring it home.’

MATERIAL CHOICES
When it comes to worktops, all experts agree it’s
about luxury. ‘Laminates offer that luxury aesthetic for
a fraction of the price,’ says Debra. ‘We are definitely
seeing a clear divide between clean and classic, and
bold and unapologetic statement worktops,’ says
Rosalind. Either way, both work wonderfully when
carried up the walls into a splashback.
‘Marble remains a timeless and luxurious choice,
admired for its natural beauty and rich history.
However, while it’s undeniably striking, it can be a bit
 ROOM DECOR

COLOUR POP
Choose a contrast for your
island to make it a feature.
Handmade Shaker kitchen
in Farrow & Ball Sap Green,
with island units in Farrow &
Ball Fruit Fool, from
£10,000, Olive & Barr

FEBRUARY 2025 45 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 COOL CURVES UTILITY STACK
Look out for shapely designs, Plan in a stylish bootility with
from dining furniture to appliances hidden from sight
curved cabinetry. behind cupboard doors.
2LG Studio x John Lewis Laundry stacker larder in
Rise Collection kitchen, Indigo, with retractable shelf
from £35,000, John Lewis and ironing board space, from
of Hungerford £1,287, LochAnna Kitchens

“ "
Without the barriers of TRADITIONAL walls, natural
light can spread through an OPEN-PLAN kitchen
ROSALIND LANG, SALES DESIGNER AT TOM HOWLEY’S CHELTENHAM SHOWROOM

delicate for everyday kitchen use due to its porous Rosalind agrees, ‘Zoning is still a key aspect of
nature,’ continues Rosalind. ‘Quartz worktops kitchen design, with islands, more formal dining
are now the go–to stone, being non–porous, areas, as well as social spaces like banquette
hard-wearing and so easy to clean.’ seating, all being included in open–plan areas.’

THE RIGHT LAYOUT ADD THE EXTRAS

‘Open plan remains the most popular layout, ‘People are increasingly seeking out functional
offering a seamless space for socialising and family extras like walk-in pantries, bootilities, home bars
time,’ says Rosalind. ‘Kitchen islands provide that and designated media walls or TV areas in their
wow factor as well as additional dining space and kitchen designs,’ says Rosalind. ‘A bootility doesn’t
expand a kitchen’s functionality,’ says Debra. need to be a dream,’ explains Debra. ‘Through the
‘Venting hobs offer so much more flexibility,’ says use of fitted furniture you can often create one.’
Jen. ‘Since they don’t require a wall or ceiling, you Whatever you plan into your new kitchen, all
can place the hob almost anywhere, which opens three experts agree that it should be exactly that:
up opportunities for open–plan kitchen layouts your kitchen. ‘Trends come and go,’ says Rosalind.
where sightlines are uninterrupted.’ ‘Try to tap into your personal sense of taste and style.
‘I’ve noticed more kitchen dividers,’ says Debra, Start with a moodboard of images of kitchens that
‘which offer a unique way to zone areas of the appeal to you – it’s likely that a pattern will emerge
room and maximise space – whether that’s with of the ones that bring you joy. A good designer will
shelving, dresser units, glass windows or curtains.’ help you tap into what works for you.’ Q

FEBRUARY 2025 46 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

NEED TO KNOW…
PLANNING
THE PERFECT
KITCHEN ISLAND
Jen Nash from Magnet
shares her top tips
QThink about size. You need enough
space to walk around the counter and
open its drawers and units easily.
Leave a gap of at least 1.2m.
QMake the triangle work. In one-wall
kitchens, having the hob, sink and fridge
in a layout that forms ‘the working
triangle’ can tricky, but using your island
for your hob or sink overcomes this.
QDon’t overlook lighting. It can turn
your island into a focal point. Pendants
add a modern feel – and go for three as
odd numbers are easier on the eye.
FEATURE JENNIFER MORGAN

TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Classic design never dates,
especially Shaker-style units.
The Devine Collection in
Avocado and Tudor Oak,
from £25,000, Tom Howley

FEBRUARY 2025 47 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Boho living
| ROOM RECIPE |

rooms
DISCOVER THE KEY INGREDIENTS TO ACHIEVING
A FREE-SPIRITED, ECLECTIC LIVING SPACE

At The Helm Wallace

three-seater leather
Chesterfield sofa in Inca,
£2,295; At The Helm
Shackleton fabric square
footstool, £595; The
Lounge Co. Bronwyn
Joshua fabric armchair in
Dark Botanical Emerald,
£995; Delaney urn lamp,
£249, all Furniture Village
 ROOM DECOR

1 2

1. COLOUR PALETTE 3
Boho style is all about having free rein to choose your
own colour scheme. However, some colours naturally
work well with this relaxed style. Sunset yellows and
pinks, Moroccan brights and nature-inspired shades all
lend themselves to this very individual aesthetic.
For a similar wall colour, try Pink 04, £45 for 2.5ltr, Lick

2. NATURAL MATERIALS
One of the most important elements of boho style is the
natural materials it champions. Whether it’s furniture or
accessories, opt for pieces in wood and wicker, cane,
rattan and stone, all in a rustic or textured style. Woven
baskets, cowhide rugs, leather footstools and matte
ceramics will all help complement the look.
For similar woven baskets and vase, try La Redoute

3. TACTILE ACCESSORIES
Bohemian design was originally inspired by artists, so it
makes sense to incorporate handmade or unique
creations, especially when it comes to soft furnishings.
Wall hangings, cushions, rugs and blankets will all
create a cosy feel in your living room, and the more
individual they are, the more likely to spark interest.
Luvette two-corner sofa in Taupe, £1,899; Dulce
ceiling light, £75; Viviana rug, £229, all DFS

FEBRUARY 2025 49 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

ROOM DECOR

4 5

6
4. CASUAL STYLE
Relaxed, free-spirited and casual are core words
associated with boho style, so keep your living room
less matchy-matchy and instead fuse different styles
together, along with more playful pieces. Layer throws
and rugs, pile on cushions and have fun with your design.

FEATURE LAURIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/DOMINIC

Hillarys x Abigail Ahern Roman blind in
Sulby Ochre, from £180, Hillarys

5. ARTWORK AND TREASURES

Inject your living room with trinkets and finds that look
as though they’ve been collected from all across the
globe, each with a story to tell.
Large ridged vase, £29.50; Marlowe table lamp, £69;
double-handle ridged vase, £15; medium textured vase,
£35; Diamond jute rug, from £149, all M&S

6. BEAUTIFUL HOUSEPLANTS
BLACKMORE, DAN DUCHARS

No boho living room is complete without plants.

Whether they’re large potted monsteras, a shelf of cacti
and succulents, or big frothy hanging ferns, sprinkle
greenery around your space and you’ll bring it to life.
Sisal Kayal Pamba carpet, from £72sq m,
Alternative Flooring

NEED INSPIRATION? HEAD TO IDEALHOME.CO.UK FOR MORE LIVING ROOM IDEAS

FEBRUARY 2025 50 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

Islington two-seater
sofa in Nordic Moss All
Over, £,1099, Sofology

| EASY STYLE UPDATES |

decorator
CLEVER TRICKS AND MINI
DECOR PROJECTS… WE ROUND
UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME
MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW

EXPERIMENT
WITH NEW
PLANTS
Bring some new houseplants into
your home, whether it’s a leafy
monstera, some trailing hanging
varieties or a terrarium or two.
Play around with different types,
sizes and styles, and bring a lush
feel to your rooms this season.

FEBRUARY 2025 51 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Squiggle in Blue Wave;
walls in Terra Bella,
both Aura interior
matte, £35.50 for 0.94ltr,
Benjamin Moore

PAINT A
SQUIGGLE
BORDER
We’ve seen curves, waves,

PAINT CHEAT S
scallops and squiggles take hold
of homeware in a big way, so why
HE not transfer those patterns onto
2 E your walls? Paint a fun freehand
T

squiggle line in place of a border,

picture rail or even around a
door or window frame to add a
3 playful touch to any room.
1
PAINT CHEAT SHEET
1 Blue Verditer absolute matt emulsion, £57.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene
2 Kelp Pure Matt emulsion, from £28 for 1ltr, Fenwick & Tilbrook 3 Red 06 matt
emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Lick

FEBRUARY 2025 52 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

Upgrade your
exterior with
a house sign –
Yester Home
has a great
selection in slate,
enamel, wood,
granite or solid
cast metal or pick
a bespoke option.
HIDE THE
CLUTTER
Whether it’s kids’
toys, your collection of Ideal
Home mags or the remotes,
a storage stool is invaluable
for hiding smaller items
neatly away, while giving
you an extra spot to sit or
put your feet up on.
£££
Style
saver

HOW TO
MAKE YOUR OWN
HOUSEHOLD CLEANER
Swap out the chemicals and use QTake a clean spray bottle and pour
natural essential oils to refresh your your mixture in. Add a label to the front
home with a lovely, uplifting scent to remind you what it is and use as you
QFirst, take some essential oils and wish, to clean surfaces and leave
combine them together: 10 drops each a nice, refreshing fragrance.
of clove and lemon, five drops each of QTo create new scents, experiment
cinnamon and eucalyptus and two of with combining other essential oils
rosemary. Mix well. together, from soothing cedarwood and
QAdd eight drops of the mixture bergamot, to the deep, rich scent of
to 250ml witch hazel distillate and ylang ylang and patchouli or peppermint
Bloor storage stool, £80, Next again, mix well. and lavender for a floral fragrance.

FEBRUARY 2025 53 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

HANG A NEW MIRROR
Switch things up in the bathroom by putting up a new mirror.
Try opting for a different shape to what you had before, or go
for a luxe frame finish like brushed brass or sleek black.

1 Upper wall in
HOUR Medina Pure
White Arco Belén
Zellige tiles,
£199.20sq m,
Bert & May x
Fired Earth

Green textured
glass vase, £24,
Next

DISPLAY
SEASONAL
STEMS
Early flowering daffodils
can appear as soon as
February, so pop some
in a vase, along with
snowdrops, primrose,
sweet violet and some
colourful anemones, for a
beautiful seasonal display.

Pure cotton striped

bedding set, £49.50
for a king size, M&S

With winter beginning to fade,

mark the change with some
frilled bedding in softer or
pastel shades for a light touch.
FEBRUARY 2025 54 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
 ROOM DECOR

HOW TO
WALLPAPER
STAIR RISERS
An easy way to style up sizes (especially in
your staircase… period properties).
QFirst, prepare your QDraw around the
steps by giving them a template and cut out the
light sand and a clean. If pieces of wallpaper.
you’re painting the treads QMaking sure the risers
at the same time, do this are dust-free, apply
before you wallpaper. some wallpaper paste
QMeasure one of your and smooth the paper in
risers (in the middle of place. Push out any air
your staircase) both bubbles and ensure the
horizontally and edges are secure.
vertically. Using these QWhen the glue is dry,
dimensions, create a use a roller to cover the
template on card and surface of each riser with
check this template fits two to three coats of
all of your risers, as some clear water-based varnish
stairs may be different to protect the paper.

For a similar
wallpaper, try
Golden Lily
in Galactic Ink,
£145 a roll,
Morris & Co

FEBRUARY 2025 55 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Freshen
up your
clothes with some
new drawer liners.
John Lewis sells
pretty designs by
William Morris
that come in
scents like Golden
Lily, £10 for five.
ADD SOME
NEW
LIGHTING
Who could resist a new
table lamp when it looks
like this one? Small enough
to pop on a shelf, console
or side table, it’s a great
way to update a display and
gain extra light too.
Large felt storage box, £14;
folding storage box, £8 for two,
all Style Sisters range, Tesco

HOW TO
SPRING-CLEAN
YOUR WARDROBE
Start the new season with a proper clear out to make finding clothes a breeze
QFirst, schedule a slot when you won’t don’t want any more. Set up piles for
be rushed. You need a good chunk of ‘charity shop’, ‘to sell’ or ‘bin’. Put
time rather than 10 minutes here and seasonal stuff away in separate storage.
there. Prepare some storage boxes or QOrganise the clothes that are
sacks for the unwanted items. staying, whether it’s by length, colour
QPut on some music that will get you or garment type – and hang them on
in the zone and remove everything non-slip hangers in a neat fashion.
from your wardrobe. Give it a good At this point, you could hang some
dust inside and then turn your fragrance sachets on the hangers too.
attention to the contents. QFor smaller items like belts or scarves,
QDo a preliminary declutter, where you may want to add in organising tools Inara glass desk and table
you remove anything obvious that you or some shelf dividers. lamp, £88, Oliver Bonas

FEBRUARY 2025 56 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

Amber Cora wide stripe

100% linen tablecloth,
£115; Amber Cora
mid stripe linen
napkins, £49 for four,
both Secret Linen Store

DRESS YOUR
TABLE IN
NEW LINEN
Tablecloths aren’t only for when T SHEET
guests come over, so breathe new life
HEA 2
into a dining space with one of the C
latest designs or colourways.
RIC

Why not layer on more fabrics and

FAB

opt for matching napkins or

placemats to complete the look?
1 3

FABRIC CHEAT SHEET

1 Crystal & Tobacco skinny stripe fabric, £85m, Colours of Arley
2 Feverfew Midnight fabric, £135m, Abigail Borg 3 Studio Stripe fabric
in Claret, £54.50m, Ian Mankin

FEBRUARY 2025 57 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

ROOM DECOR

REFRESH A
NEUTRAL
SCHEME
If you fancy giving your living room a
little palette-cleansing revamp, swap
out any accessories in bold colours in
favour of similar items in pale neutrals.
To ensure the look isn’t too cool or
unwelcoming, layer up plenty of
textural warmth via soft furnishings,
woven details and wood finishes.

FEATURE LAURIE DAVIDSON PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/DOMINIC BLACKMORE, TIM YOUNG

Try Kemble, Bowen

and Hamble cushions,
from £15 each,
Cotswold Company.
Dunelm’s Pebble rug,
£199, is similar

FEBRUARY 2025 58 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

IDEAL GREAT DEAL

Mono fixtures and neutral extras create a modern-luxe bathroom

STATEMENT
BOLD FRAME PIECE
Lomax round Black round
mirror, £168, mirror, £40,
Sanctuary B&M
Bathrooms

HIGH RISER SLEEK SHAPE

FRAGRANT FAVE Dove matt Black high rise mixer GoodHome Levanna tall matt SEASONAL SCENT
Forest diffuser, £38, tap, £119.99, Bathroom Mountain Black mixer tap, £95, B&Q Fallen acorn diffuser,
Piglet in Bed £16, Habitat x Morris
& Co.

STORAGE
SAVIOUR COMPACT SIZE
Natural slouchy Seagrass basket,
basket, £55, £18, Cotswold
Braided Rug Company
Company

£££
Style
saver
GREEN
GODDESS FAB
Artificial FOLIAGE
string of Artificial
pearls plant, hanging
£60, plant, £12.99,
Sweetpea & Homesense
Willow
QUICK DRY
Crossmore Black towel
radiator, £249, HOT TOUCH
UK Radiators Flomasta Black towel
radiator, £52.99, Screwfix
FEATURE ANNA MORLEY

TOP TUB SUPER SOAKER

MPRO Grande Note double-ended
freestanding bath, from freestanding bath, from
£2,499, Crosswater £1,600, Roper Rhodes

FEBRUARY 2025 59 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Fitted wardrobes use
space more efficiently
– and hide all the things
you’d otherwise keep
on top of the wardrobe

| NEED TO KNOW |

Fitted
wardrobes
DISCOVER WHERE TO SAVE (AND WHERE
TO SPEND) WHEN DESIGNING YOUR
DREAM FITTED BEDROOM FURNITURE
 ROOM DECOR

I
f you’re thinking
about buying fitted
wardrobes, the first
consideration is
usually the cost
because, compared to
freestanding designs, they’re almost
always more expensive as they will be
custom built. Also, pricing can be
vague – you can get a ballpark figure,
but it isn’t until the designers have
your requirements and room dimensions
that they can tailor (and price) your
ideal wardrobe set-up.
Despite the extra cost, there are plenty
of benefits to having a fitted wardrobe.
‘From maximising every inch of space,
customisation for the most efficient
storage solutions and seamless
integration into the rest of your bedroom
design, high-quality fitted wardrobes are
worth every penny,’ says Josie Medved,
design manager at Symphony. ‘They
can also increase the value of your
property, as they are built to last.’
The final amount can vary vastly
depending on the size, materials, design
and specifications that you choose.
You’ll also need to take installation costs
into consideration (if not included in the
package), unless you decide to embark
upon a DIY project.
‘If you opt for a tailor-made wardrobe
then the choices for size and layout are If mirrored sliding
endless,’ says Rachal Hutcheson, national doors are too costly,
retail manager at Sharps. consider hinged ones,
which can be cheaper
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

“
‘When planning a fitted wardrobe
installation, there are many options to

There are
choose from. The key is to select a
design that fits your everyday needs,’ says John Graham, founder and managing

many OPTIONS
explains Cari Bateman, designer at director at DIY Alcove Cabinets.
Neville Johnson. ‘On average the cost of a mid-range
‘There are different types of fitted standard fitted wardrobe with four hinged
wardrobes which can be distinguished
by how they are put together,’ says
doors is between £2,750 and £3,250,’ says
Thomas. ‘Sliding door fitted wardrobes to CHOOSE from.
Thomas Goodman, property and
construction expert at Myjobquote.co.uk.
will cost more at approximately £3,500 for
a three-door model. If the sliding doors The key is to
‘A full-carcass fitted wardrobe consists of
a top, base, two sides and a back panel.
are mirrored the cost will be higher.’
‘A rough estimate for a standard fitted select a DESIGN
that fits your
Frame-construction fitted wardrobes wardrobe can range from £2,500 for
have a floor, but no side or back more budget designs to £5,000 or

”
panelling and are typically built into more for luxurious bedroom storage
an alcove, while sliding-door fitted solutions,’ agrees Josie. EVERYDAY
needs
wardrobes are created with a basic If you decide to build your own fitted
frame, and again, without a back panel.’ wardrobes, either from a flat-pack retailer
‘The price can vary massively such as Ikea or from your own materials,
depending on whether the wardrobe is this will keep costs down. ‘For a basic
sourced from a high-street brand, a local double wardrobe, fully fitted and finished
carpenter or a supply-only specialist,’ expect to pay approximately £1,800 from

FEBRUARY 2025 61 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 “ Having the
DESIGN that
you want, that
meets your
STORAGE needs,

”
adds to the long-
term VALUE

a high street brand, £1,400 from a local

carpenter (depending on where you live),
and from £600 for a “supply only”
wardrobe,’ explains John.
If you’re looking for a budget design,
it is possible to build a fitted wardrobe
using Ikea pieces. Instagram is packed
with videos of homeowners creating
fitted furniture hacks by installing and
building around an Ikea Pax wardrobe
system. But while the cost of a Pax frame
starts at around £200, this can quickly
mount when you start customising it

WHICH MATERIALS ARE BEST?

Budget-friendly options ‘can be built
from cheaper materials such as veneered
particle board, where the overall quality
will be lower,’ says Thomas. ‘Mid-range
wardrobes will be sturdier, often made
from MDF, while top-range models are
typically made from solid wood.’
Note that while flat-pack and pre-made
designs will always be less expensive
than custom-made fitted wardrobes, if
you have an irregularly-shaped room, Fitted wardrobes
sloped ceilings, or asymmetrical walls, store your clothes,’ adds Cari. ‘With are ideal for
unusual spaces
they may not work for your space. bespoke solutions, you can factor in
‘The cost of materials for fitted personalised storage units.’
wardrobes accounts for approximately The options are endless. Styling hooks,
70% of the overall price,’ Thomas admits. illuminating lighting and custom-made
‘Of course, the bigger the fitted display shelving will, of course, add
wardrobes, the more materials will be further costs, but will turn your fitted
used to construct them and the longer wardrobe from a simple storage place to
they will take to install.’ a unique dressing space that will add
style, function and value to your home.
DOES THE INTERNAL LAYOUT ‘The addition of extra shelves, hanging
AFFECT THE COST? rails and storage for shoes and ties tends
‘Customising the fitted wardrobes to have a more modest impact on pricing,’
according to your desired layout adds to adds John. While ‘internal drawers and
the cost due to the extra materials and chest units may incur a higher cost due
labour involved,’ warns Thomas. ‘However, to the intricacy of their construction.’
having the design that you want, that
meets your storage needs, adds to the WHAT ABOUT DOORS?
long-term value of the fitted wardrobes.’ ‘The options don’t stop inside a fitted
‘Fitted wardrobes have the potential to wardrobe; there are a selection of
be so much more than just a place to door ranges to choose from,’ notes

FEBRUARY 2025 62 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ROOM DECOR

Think your room

is too small for a
dressing table?
Think again!

Walk-in wardrobe
painted in Coral Rose,
from £3,000,
Neville Johnson

Joshua Hammonds, head of marketing HOW MUCH MIGHT IT

at Hammonds Furniture. ‘You can keep
it elegant but simple with a four-panelled COST TO FIT A WARDROBE?
If it’s not included in the price, and you don’t fancy testing your
FEATURE ELLIS COCHRANE PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/

door design or embrace awkward sloped

ceilings with angled doors. Bifold doors carpentry skills, this is another cost to factor in
are a great option for smaller bedrooms
DAVIDE LOVATI, JAMES MERRELL, JODY STEWART, POLLY ELTES

and mirrored doors are ideal for making While it may be exciting to choose wardrobe.’ The fitting price could
spaces look bigger.’ the finish and customise your also vary depending on where in the
‘Mirrored sliding doors can be fitted wardrobes to your exact country you live.
expensive due to their weight and the specifications, the cost of actually If you’re looking to keep costs
mechanism necessary for fitting them,’ fitting them is another important down and have bought your fitted
says Thomas. But if this is a key feature factor to consider. Some brands will wardrobes from a high street retailer,
for you, it may be worth the cost. ‘Hinged include fitting in the final design for example, it is possible to fit them
doors rather than sliding versions will price, but this isn’t always the case. yourself. However, your home is as
typically be cheaper,’ he adds. Dave Sayce, property and removals big a consideration here as the
‘The number of doors on the outside expert and MD of Compare My quality of the instructions. Thomas
will also have an impact. For example, Move, says you should budget for only recommends this ‘if the space is
if you have high ceilings and want to labour costs of ‘around £250 a day. not irregularly shaped and you are
maximise every millimetre of storage, the However, the fitting process confident in your DIY skills.’ For truly
cupboard doors of any additional top shouldn’t take more than a day or bespoke designs, fitting it yourself
boxes may affect the price,’ says Rachal. Q two for an average-sized fitted may not be possible.

FEBRUARY 2025 63 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 | PROMOTIONAL FEATURE |

Smart
sanctuary
DISCOVER HOW SMART TECH
CAN BRING PEACE TO YOUR
LIVING SPACE THIS YEAR

A Google Nest smart

thermostat can be
controlled from your
phone, so you can turn
up the heat when you
want to get cosy

“ With smart tech you can easily

”
adjust the lighting, heating and even
music to create a cosy home
GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR

FEBRUARY 2025 64 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Adjust the lighting in
your home throughout
the day with just your
voice, via the Google
Nest smart speaker

N
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/COLIN POOLE, MARK SCOTT

ow that the New Year to switch on and off on cue when linked
celebrations are behind us, a to a Google Nest smart speaker.
return to routine and the hustle
and bustle of the working week is KEEP COSY
unavoidable. So having a calm and cosy Having a warm house to return to is all
space to retreat to at the end of each the more important in winter, with a
day, or to unwind in at the weekend and smart thermostat proving an invaluable
let all your stresses dissipate, is all the piece of kit for ensuring your home is
more essential. If you’re wondering welcoming when it matters most. Easy
how you can transform your living to use and super stylish, the Google Nest
room into this dream space, that’s smart thermostat allows you to get the
where smart tech can help. temperature just right from your phone,
or set the heating for specific times of the
LIGHT IT RIGHT day, all of which saves energy (and you, MORE INFORMATION
At this time of year, when it’s dark each money) compared to having it on 24-7. Visit ee.co.uk/tech to buy the latest
morning when you rise and dark again tech for your home, together with
by early evening, the perfect lighting SIT BACK AND RELAX a host of tips and support to help
set-up is a must. Smart lighting can be If you love to unwind in front of a you when you need them.
key to setting your mood for the days good box set or movie, EETV has you
and weeks ahead, from lighting your covered. An EE TV package comes with
way before dawn every day to providing EE Broadband and includes Sky channels
a soothing ambience in the evenings. from NOW, Netflix, discovery+ and
Whether you’ve invested in several much more. So if the idea of creating a
smart bulbs or just upgraded your comfortable, cosy space for the end of a
existing lighting fixtures using smart busy day appeals, discover how EE can
plugs, they can all be voice-controlled help you turn your dreams into a reality.

FEBRUARY 2025 65 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 EXPLORE | EXCITE | INSPIRE

IDEAL IDEA
Visual
balance
When hanging a single piece
of artwork over a sideboard,
sofa or other wide item of
furniture, choose a design
that is narrower than the
width of the furniture below
by around 10cm each side
to balance the look.
HEATHER YOUNG,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHOTOGRAPH KATIE LEE

FEBRUARY 2025 67 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 | STYLE HOME |

I LOVE MAKING

LAURA AND PATRICK BUTLER-MADDEN USED THEIR DESIGN AND

PROPERTY DEVELOPING FLAIR TO TRANSFORM THIS ONCE POKY
VICTORIAN COTTAGE INTO A LIGHT AND SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

FEBRUARY 2025 68 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

WHITE ROOM
Plain walls are the
perfect base for a
carefully chosen
selection of pieces

HOME NOTES
WHO LIVES HERE?
Laura Butler-Madden is an
interior designer and founder of
Grove England. She lives here
with husband Patrick, a property
developer and photographer, and
their four-year-old daughter Lily.
THE PROPERTY
A three-bedroom red brick
Victorian cottage in the
Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

“The secrets
of broadening
a narrow
space”
‘The symmetry of double doored
cupboards either side of the fireplace
creates a feeling of breadth, as can
the straight lines of latitudinal beams,
open shelves and striped patterns.
Keep shelf ornaments to a minimum
and be bold about leaving open
spaces. Pick light colours and hide
the TV – the painting above the fire
flips up to reveal ours!’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Blanca sofa, from £2,445, Meli Meli.
Isaac armchair and stool, £1,860 for
both, Love Your Home. Painting, price
on request, Kristin Gaudio Endsley

FEBRUARY 2025 69 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

IDEAL HOMES

“Enhance the
sense of space
and light”
‘A spiral staircase takes up far less space
than a traditional staircase and floods
the room with light from above.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Theodore armchair (left), from £995, Soho
Home. Bermuda armchair, £399.99, The
Rattan Company. Muse Snake and Apple
cushion, £340, Jonathan Adler. Sisal bouclé
carpet, from £157sq m, Crucial Trading

RUSTIC TEXTURE
Sisal carpet is practical
underfoot and adds
warmth and character

FEBRUARY 2025 70 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

“Keep it bold
yet simple”
‘The narrow table, delicate cafe chairs
and L-shaped banquette afford a
generous, sociable dining area. Dramatic
fabric and bold art add visual interest.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Kobe oval table, from £569.99, Wayfair, is
similar. Curtains in Garden Party, price on
request, Pierre Frey. Columba herringbone
flooring, price on request, Havwoods. Pale
l’originelle light, £260, Georges Store

MODERN UPDATE
Slim herringbone flooring
adds a contemporary twist
on a classic laying pattern
 “
MARBLE, to me, is like natural
ART. The patterns in the
stone are MESMERISING and
no two inches are the same

BOLD COLOUR
Using a vivid teal blue
shade on the cabinets adds
wow factor to this space

FEBRUARY 2025 72 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

“Gently blend
old and new”
‘We chose traditional country-style
cabinets set against pale wooden
chevron flooring and dramatic,
modern marble tiles. We wanted it
to be contemporary, but timeless.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Margate Manor kitchen, from £30,000,
painted in Trinity Blue, £95 for 2.5ltr, deVol.
Swan neck brass wall lights, £45 each,
Pooky. Perrin & Rowe Phoenician sink and
mixer with rinse taps, £1,095, House of Rohl.
Arabescato marble, from £216sq m, Porter

FEBRUARY 2025 73 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

“Add warmth
with natural
textures”
‘Egyptian cotton bed linen and super
king-size pillows give ultimate comfort,
and a high bedhead adds extra luxury.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Bespoke frilled cushion, £110, Haines
Collection. Elbow antiqued brass wall light,
£54.50, Pooky. Merino bed throw, £395,
Johnstons of Elgin. Wool bouclé carpet,
£157sq m, Crucial Trading
 IDEAL HOMES

“Make
functional
spaces sing”
‘Elegant tiles, lighting and fittings are
transformative. The roof window pours
light into the room which bounces off
the glass and mirror, and an under-basin
cabinet gives ample storage.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Chester single vanity unit, £2,490 and
Hepworth three-hole lever taps, £717,
Porter. Alsace honed marble chevron
mosaic wall tiles, £177sq m, Mandarin stone

FEBRUARY 2025 75 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

“Create a calm
and serene
bedroom”
‘Lily’s bedroom is pale, neutral and restful
but with sophisticated accents, such as
her wallpaper and chandelier.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Oliver Furniture wood original bunk bed,
£1,969, Soren’s House. Try the Sicilian gold
tiered glass easyfit ceiling light, £85,
Rockett St George. Harlequin bedside
table, £175, Cam Cam. Leopard Walk
wallpaper, £138 a roll, Cole & Son
 IDEAL HOMES

SWAN NECK
Hadano wall light in
natural brass, £66,
Där Lighting

LUXE LOOK
Marble White matt
porcelain tiles,
£59.99sq m,
Tile Mountain

AGED
BRASS COLOUR POP
Cup handle, Avalon Blue wood
£10, Pushka paint, £22 for 750ml,
Home Thorndown

STYLE
MUST-HAVES
BE INSPIRED BY LAURA
AND PATRICK’S HOME
BOTANICAL
BEAUTY
Poster print by
Pierre-Joseph
Redoute, £15,
Wallsauce

GRAPHIC
STRIPES
Black & White
striped cushion
cover, £50,
Cox & Cox

“Generosity
doesn’t have to
FEATURE CHARLOTTE COLVILLE PHOTOGRAPHS DAN DUCHARS

mean size”
‘We chose comfort and luxury despite the
petite confines of our cottage. It has to be DETACHABLE DESIGN
super king-size beds loaded with pillows, Pensham Pure White
cushions and rugs even if we compromise the bunk bed, £899,
space a little. After all, our guests will be Cotswold Company
sleeping rather than walking in this room!’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
White scalloped bed linen, from £120 for a
double duvet, Sophie Conran. Peacock natural
rattan bedside cabinet, £349 for a set of two,
The Rattan Company. Similar botanical framed
prints, £425 for a set of nine, Oka

FEBRUARY 2025 77 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

| FAMILY HOME |

REVIVAL
INSPIRED BY THEIR
SHARED LOVE OF
ART AND DESIGN,
LAURA AND DAN
BARFIELD HAVE
TRANSFORMED
THEIR VICTORIAN
PROPERTY INTO A
LUXURIOUS, WELL-
THOUGHT-OUT
FAMILY HOME

Living room
‘The real showstopper in this
space is the oversized pink glass
chandelier. It’s so striking and
people always comment on it.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Try large ceiling light with Cipria
glass, £1,583, Etsy. Bespoke artwork,
Gommie. Pebble coffee table,
£938, Quirky Interiors. Armchairs
in Marigold, £109m, Morris & Co

FEBRUARY 2025 79 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 W
hen Laura and Dan had their first child,
they decided to swap big city life for
something more peaceful. Top of their
wish list were a commutable area with
good transport links and a peaceful
location surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO MOVE?

‘Dan and I lived in a cool warehouse-style basement
flat in Crystal Palace for six years. It was our first
home together and perfectly suited our lives as young
professionals in London. However, when our son
Oakley arrived, it was time for a new chapter – and
we really wanted a family home with a garden.’

HOME NOTES WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS HOUSE?

‘We were searching for a period property with
WHO LIVES HERE? character and space, hoping to renovate and create
Laura Barfield, a freelance our dream home. We had viewed a lot of Victorian-
fashion and interior designer, style townhouses, but nothing felt quite right until
lives here with her husband, we found this one. We were instantly drawn to the
Dan, and sons Oakley, five, abundance of light pouring in and the huge back
and Marlowe, two. garden meant there was the potential to extend.
THE PROPERTY We knew it could become something truly special.’
A three-bedroom, late
Victorian end-of-terrace WHAT WORK NEEDED DOING?
house in Surrey. ‘The house has undergone a complete top-to-toe
renovation. We rewired and replumbed, repointed
all the brickwork, and knocked through the small
kitchen into the former dining room, adding a 4m
rear extension to create more space for the kitchen
THE LAYOUT and a separate utility room. Every space has been
stripped back and replastered, period features added
A narrow entrance hall leads straight into the open-plan area, or restored, ceilings underpinned, and new floors laid
home to the snug and kitchen, plus utility room. A door to the
immediate right takes you into the living room and a staircase throughout. The only thing we didn’t need to replace
further along the corridor leads to the upstairs bathroom and were the windows, which had been recently updated.’
bedrooms, across two floors. From the kitchen, double doors
lead into the conservatory (with dining area) and garden. WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
‘Most of the building work took place in lockdown,
and we moved between our parents’ houses, which
was stressful at times. Despite the challenges, we all
squashed in and made it work. I had some help with
Oakley while I project-managed the renovation and
CONSERVATORY
DINING AREA

KITCHEN

Dan worked. Being furloughed, planning the interiors

BED
ROOM gave me a creative outlet. We faced a few delays due
to planning issues, but eventually we received the
green light, and everything came together.’
BATHROOM

SNUG LOFT AREA

ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE RESULT?

‘Although the renovation has been costly and time-
consuming, it allowed us to customise every detail
LIVING BEDROOM BEDROOM to suit our family. We put a lot of thought into every
ROOM
choice to create the right feel in each room and ensure
a smooth flow throughout. It truly is our happy place,
GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.’

FEBRUARY 2025 80 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

Opening up the kitchen and

adding the EXTENSION has made a
“
”
huge difference to how we LIVE

Kitchen
Concealed handles give the CHEVRON
brass-fronted cabinets a sleek PATTERN
industrial look, which contrasts Add natural warmth
with the traditional Shaker-style and beauty to a room
cabinetry in the utility and along with oak flooring
the opposite wall (see overleaf).
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls and woodwork in Green
Smoke, from £59 for 2.5ltr, Farrow
& Ball. Chevron engineered oak
floor, price on request, Ecowood

FEBRUARY 2025 81 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Kitchen
Laura has combined elegant
marble-style worktops and
deep green cabinetry with
warm brass accents to create
a sophisticated yet cosy space.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Shaker-style cabinetry, price on
request, DIY Kitchens. Simple
quartz Statuario worktop, price
on request, Stone Synergy. Clover
bar stools, £249 each, Danetti
WHITE
CEILING
Bright, clean
white provides
a contrast to
the green walls
and cabinetry
 IDEAL HOMES

Kitchen/snug
A skilful combination of colour
and pattern, from the artworks
to the sumptuous fabrics, have
been chosen by Laura to add
a luxe feel to the scheme.
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Pouffe in Opia in Petrol, £140m,
House Of Hackney. Snuggler seat
in Morris & Co Bluebell, £99m,
ART ZONE Jane Clayton. The large artwork is
Create focal points a commission by Amelia Mullins
in key areas of your
home with uplifting
pieces you love

FEBRUARY 2025 83 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 FOCUS ON…
ADDING PERIOD
FEATURES
Laura’s home is now full of period features and
details. Here’s what you need to know…

Q Period features add plaster ceiling roses or tiles

historical charm to your for your fireplace are easy
home. They also add value updates. Use reclaimed
to it as they attract buyers pieces for an authentic feel.
who are looking for houses Q Use professionals to
with character. install more complicated
Q Research the style that features but try doing
suits your home and decide simpler projects yourself.
what to add – it could be You can access DIY tutorials
anything from simple wall on YouTube to guide you.
mouldings to a marble Q Costs vary depending on
fireplace. Then plan a what you are fitting. While
design that works with your decorative trim can be as
existing architecture. cheap as £3 a metre, a
Q Choose your materials. marble fireplace could cost
Lengths of wood mouldings, several hundred pounds.

Hallway
‘We loved the light from the
windows in the hallway, and the
arch, which featured the original
acanthus corbels. These were a
source of inspiration for the
elegant cornicing we chose for
this space and the front room.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Wall painted in French Grey Mid
intelligent matt emulsion, £64 for
2.5ltr, Little Greene. Shaftesbury
radiator, from £201, Trade Radiators

Kitchen/snug
The couple have curated a
collection of artworks they both
love and have displayed favourite
pieces in key focal areas
throughout their home. ‘Art really
adds character and makes your
home unique to you.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Renato ceiling light, £695,
Soho Home

FEBRUARY 2025 84 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

Main bedroom
BE BRAVE ‘We wanted to capture the
Adding a bold
colour into a room
feel of a beautiful luxe hotel
gives the space bedroom. We chose a dramatic
depth and interest dark teal colour and added
panelling to frame some
beautiful botanical wallpaper.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Plantasia in Indigo wallpaper, £140
a roll, House Of Hackney. Walls
painted in Lick Teal 3 eggshell
emulsion, £45 per 2.5ltr, B&Q
Family bathroom
‘Originally two rooms, a large
usable family bathroom was key.
We designed it with an old-
fashioned pull-chain toilet, large
walk-in shower, double vanity
unit (right) and a huge bathtub.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Admiral double-ended bath,
£1,935, Burlington Bathrooms.
Hoxton gloss porcelain tiles in
Teal, £50sq m, Mandarin Stone
 IDEAL HOMES

Oakley’s room
FEATURE MARISHA TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHS JAMES FRENCH.

‘When our first son was born

in Crystal Palace, I found this
wallpaper featuring the iconic
Crystal Palace dinosaurs, which
I knew had to be the main
feature of his room. I also
upcycled some furniture using
offcuts of the wallpaper, which
tie the whole scheme together’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Extinctopia wallpaper in
Peppermint, £159 a roll,
Divine Savages

STYLE MUST-HAVES
MACHINE
WASHABLE
Traditional rug,
BREAKFAST
BAR BE INSPIRED BY LAURA AND DAN’S HOME £190, B&Q

Eton velvet
stool, £99.99,
Homescapes DURABLE FABRIC
Online Oscar sofa covered in smart
velvet, £3,150, Sofa.com

PRACTICAL
SCRUBBABLE ALTERNATIVE
PAINT Sky Grey marble-
Easycare Village effect porcelain floor
Maze matt wall paint, tiles, £25.99sq m,
£28 for 2.5ltr, Dulux Tile Mountain

FEBRUARY 2025 87 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 | FAMILY HOME |

CAREFULLY
BECKY NEVITT SUMS UP THE
MODERN-CLASSIC LOOK WITH
MUTED HUES, LIMEWASHED PIECES
AND VINTAGE-STYLE ARTWORK

FEBRUARY 2025 88 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

Kitchen
‘I really wanted a classic,
hand-painted kitchen, but
it had to be on a budget.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Kitchen in Taupe Grey and
Diamond Grey, price on request,
Mereway Kitchens. Shaftesbury
lights, £189 each, Neptune. Low
weathered-oak farmhouse stools,
£199 each, Webb House Furnishers

“
I use the same
APPROACH for my
home as I do
when styling a
showroom at
work. Keep saving
IMAGES of things
you like until you
see a running

”
THEME

BECKY NEVITT,
HOMEOWNER

FEBRUARY 2025 89 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 W
hen an ex-rental house came on the
market two doors from her mum,
Becky Nevitt was eager to take on a
new challenge in the street where she
grew up. She had recently renovated
a four-bedroom detached 1920s property on a busy
road. By contrast, this 20-year-old Georgian-style
detached house was on a cul-de-sac within a gated
estate, making it more suitable for sons Ethan, Mason
and Harry to play out. ‘This is my fourth renovation,’
says Becky, who felt a newer home wouldn’t throw up
as many unexpected issues. ‘I’ve moved frequently
over the years in order to climb the property ladder to
HOME NOTES bigger houses in nicer areas. Doing a lot of the work
myself means value can be added quite quickly.’
WHO LIVES HERE?
Becky Nevitt, 33, director of WHAT WORK DID YOU DO?
family business Webb House ‘I wanted to create an open-plan kitchen-diner and
Furnishers, lives here with living room, so knocked down a wall and relocated
her children, Ethan, 13, the kitchen to the large family room. It used to have a
Mason, 10, and Harry, seven. spiral staircase leading to a den in the loft, but we
THE PROPERTY added a hatch so that space is used for storage now.
A five-bedroom, three-storey The large conservatory was also demolished to make
detached house in Crewe. the space lighter and more connected to the garden,
as well as converting a study into a first-floor laundry
room and replacing all four bathrooms.’

THE LAYOUT
DID YOU DO MUCH WORK YOURSELF?
‘As many evenings and weekends as I could manage,
The large open-plan living room and kitchen-diner can be found
I’d be here working on the house. The only help that
to the right of the hallway. To the left is the family room/play I needed was a builder for knocking down the wall,
room and at the back of the ground floor is the study, loo and a tiler for the kitchen floor as it would have taken
utility room. On the first floor is the main bedroom, en suite, forever, and a carpet fitter.’
walk-in wardrobe, laundry room and a ‘grown-up’ living room.
On the top floor are four more bedrooms, two with a
jack-and-jill shared bathroom, and a family bathroom.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
‘My previous house was more modern in style and
our old sofas had been battered by the children - the
only thing I brought from our last house is the office
BEDROOM BEDROOM
chair, and even that’s been reupholstered! It was nice
to start from scratch and I love how my style has
evolved. For this house, I wanted a classic, timeless
BEDROOM BEDROOM and rustic look so have added lots of panelling for
BATHROOM
interest, bronze and black metals, elegant chandeliers
SECOND FLOOR and textured jute or sisal rugs, as well as antiques.
Having a cohesive feel throughout is nice and I really
thought hard about how we’ll use each room.’
STUDY
KITCHEN-DINER
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
LIVING LIVING
FAMILY AREA ROOM ‘I’d love to build a garden room or convert part of the
ROOM/ MAIN
PLAY
ROOM
BEDROOM garage into a gym. We love the space and the area, but
if an interesting project came up for sale that was
nearer to the boys’ schools and friends, I might be
GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR tempted.’ Follow Becky on Instagram @insidenumber5

FEBRUARY 2025 90 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

“
After you’ve got the BASICS
right, you can add
ACCESSORIES and change

”
things with the SEASONS

Dining area
‘I wanted a simple dining table
in light washed oak that would
EXTENDABLE be durable for the children.’
TABLE BUY THE KEY PIECES
Perfect when hosting Hartford dining table, £679,
family and friends Webb House Furnishers. Gingham
check seat pads, £10 each,
Dunelm. Limestone-effect
porcelain tiles, price on request,
Ceramic Tile & Bathrooms

FEBRUARY 2025 91 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 First-f loor
living room
‘I decided to create a relaxed
corner here, with a chair for
reading or having a coffee.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Parker Knoll Hoxton armchair,
£1,179, Webb House Furnishers.
Ardini lamp in marble and rattan,
£199, Lights & Lamps. Artworks,
from £15 each, Musée Home

FEBRUARY 2025 92 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

Living area
GLASS Removing the conservatory
CHANDELIER off this room has made a big
Adds a touch of difference. ‘It didn’t really flow
glamour to the scheme and we wanted a patio instead.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Chedworth armchair, £699;
crystal tiered chandelier, £609,
both Webb House Furnishers

FOCUS ON…
PORCELAIN FLOOR TILES
Becky chose
porcelain floor
tiles with a
Rather than choosing limestone, Becky opted for porcelain limestone effect
tiles – find out why they’re a popular choice… for a natural look

DURABILITY cloth or a mop, plus they resist

Porcelain tiles are incredibly stains and bacteria.
hard-wearing as well as being
resistant to scratches and chips, VERSATILITY
making them ideal for high-traffic Available in a wide range of
areas such as kitchens. finishes, from natural stone to
wood-effect designs, there are
MOISTURE RESISTANCE lots of styles to choose from.
Thanks to their non-porous
surface, they resist moisture, UNDERFLOOR HEATING
making them perfect for Porcelain is compatible with
kitchens, bathrooms and even underfloor heating, adding
outdoor spaces. warmth to its sleek look.
However, it can be more
LOW MAINTENANCE expensive than other flooring
Porcelain floor tiles are very options, both for materials (from
easy to clean with just a damp £25 to £100sq m) and installation.

FEBRUARY 2025 93 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

IDEAL HOMES

Harry’s bedroom
‘I’ve added a bit of a vintage feel
with the woven tapestry and
school desk. It’s got pen marks and
scratches already that add to the
character, so you don’t need to
worry about it getting marked.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Ammonite and Parma Gray
modern emulsion, £59 for 2.5ltr,
Farrow & Ball. Wall hanging, £185,
Moppet. Lion head, £90, Jenni Wren

Main en suite
The bird artwork is similar to the set
in the downstairs loo for continuity.
‘I’m drawn to botanicals, birds and
landscapes. When I buy new art, I
like it to look a bit vintage.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Try Verona freestanding bath,
£799.95, Victorian Plumbing. Bird art
prints, from £25 each, Musée Home.
Avani unit, £49, Dunelm, is similar

A canopy above the

bed adds a fun,
playful touch
 IDEAL HOMES

GALLERY
WALL
A mix of framed
photographs and
prints makes an
eye-catching
focal point

Mason’s bedroom
‘I’ve redecorated this space to
make it feel more grown up, so
the room can evolve as Mason
gets into his teens. I’ve enjoyed
playing with colours and
industrial accents that I wouldn’t
necessarily want elsewhere.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Drop Cloth and Stiffkey
Blue modern emulsion, £59 for
2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Spaceman
art print, £29.95, Desenio

FEBRUARY 2025 95 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

IDEAL HOMES

Main bedroom
‘Having that gap underneath the
bed rather than a divan gives an
illusion of a larger floor space.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Slaked Lime Mid;
panels in Slaked Lime Dark, from
MUTED HUES £57.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene.
Simple, earthy Harrison Spinks Chalfont bed,
colours create a calm, price on request; Alberta
timeless feel rustic bench, £229; Cromwell
bedside table, price on request,
all Webb House Furnishers

FEBRUARY 2025 96 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES
FEATURE KAREN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHS KATIE LEE

Harry’s bedroom
‘Harry loves to climb so he’s
always on his climbing wall. It’s a
lovely thing if you’ve got space.’
PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY

BUY THE KEY PIECES

FAMILY MUST-HAVES
DURABLE
RUG STORAGE SET
Keal Round Kubu
handwoven
jute rug, £229,
Industville
ROOM FOR
MORE
CUTE PRINT Otto smoked oak
Nonsense and painted six to
Alphabet by eight seater dining
Edward Lear, table, £629.99,
£25, V&A Oak Furnitureland

FEBRUARY 2025 97 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 | IDEAS HOME |

STICKING TO A PALETTE OF GREEN, PINK AND YELLOW,

AND MIXING IN VINTAGE FURNITURE AND ART, HAS ENABLED
DERYA BERBER TO ACHIEVE AN AUTHENTIC PERIOD FEEL

FEBRUARY 2025 98 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

Living room
‘Colour-drenching with a deep
moody green and adding
accessories in brass is a
combination that’s hard to beat.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Paint, Olive Colour intelligent
matt emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr,
Little Greene. Owl and Willow
rug, from £129, Morris & Co at
Ruggable. Kentwell sofa in
Caroline Maria Applebee Collage
fabric, £5,140, Sofas and Stuff

MANTEL VASE
Creates a perfect
vintage look
 a
fter living in a series of new builds while
moving around the country for her
husband’s job, Derya Berber took a leap into
the unknown with a neglected period
property that needed a major renovation.

WHAT WAS THE ATTRACTION OF THIS HOUSE?

‘The location was ideal, and it had a large garden. We
hadn’t been particularly looking for a period property, but
this house had so much potential. It originally had six
bedrooms and one bathroom, but we knew this wouldn’t
work for us. We moved in between lockdowns, and
decided to go for it and do all the work in one go, which
HOME NOTES meant eighteen months of disruption, dust and chaos.’

WHAT ORDER DID YOU DO THE WORK IN?

WHO LIVES HERE? ‘We completely replumbed and rewired, installed a new
Derya Berber, a full-time mum,
central heating system and replastered all the walls. That
her husband, Reshid, a surgeon,
sons Kerem, 10, and Erdem, seven, took around six months, and I was desperate to get onto
and cats Skip and Wotsit. the décor, but had to be sensible. We took down a wall
between two small rooms on the top floor to create the
THE PROPERTY guest suite. On the first floor, we sacrificed a bedroom to
A four-bedroom, three-bathroom, give us a much bigger main bathroom, plus we changed
three-storey semi-detached
the original bathroom into an en suite for our younger
Edwardian house in Nottingham,
son’s room. We had to move around from room to room
which they moved into in
December 2020. during the building work; a low point was when all four
of us were sleeping in the room at the top with strips of
wallpaper hanging down everywhere.’

THE LAYOUT
HOW DID YOU APPROACH THE DÉCOR?
‘The character of our home guided my interior design
choices. I believe it’s important to embrace the style of
Stepping through the front door and porch into the
large entrance hall, the living room is on the left at the a property, appreciate its unique features and enhance
front of the house, with the kitchen/breakfast room them. I did some research into Edwardian colours and
and dining area to the rear. The downstairs loo and design before I started. I like to stick to a palette of three
utility room are adjacent to the kitchen. Upstairs is the colours, and I took my shades of green, yellow and pink
family bathroom, and the boys’ bedrooms at the back from the original stained-glass windows. I’d never been a
of the house. One of them has an en suite; the main
bedroom is at the front. On the second floor there fan of wallpaper before; I always worried that it would
is a large guest bedroom with an en suite. date quickly. But in this house, it just seemed right. I’ve
surprised myself by embracing dramatic florals.’

WHAT ABOUT THE COLOURS?

‘I like a mix of dark, moody and light shades and
DINING
BEDROOM BEDROOM it depends on which way the room faces. In the
AREA
KITCHEN/
north-facing rooms, I’ve gone light. Our bedroom
BREAKFAST
ROOM is a pale pink. I’m really into colour drenching as
GUEST
BEDROOM I’ve never liked white ceilings. We’ve drenched
ENTRANCE EN SUITE six rooms now, and it makes such a difference.’
HALL
EN SUITE

WHAT’S NEXT?
PORCH
SECOND FLOOR ‘I’ve loved sourcing the vintage furniture and art
LIVING that is dotted around the house. Now we’ve got the
ROOM MAIN
BEDROOM taste for it, I think we’ve got one more renovation
in us, but I’ve promised to wait until the boys
finish secondary school. We’re here for quite a
GROUND FLOOR FIRST FLOOR while.’ Follow Derya @prettylittleedwardian.

FEBRUARY 2025 100 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IDEAL HOMES

Dining area
‘Mixing vintage pieces, such
as the chairs, and a striking
chandelier with the modern
table and bench creates a
unique characterful feel.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Rita chandelier, £423, Pooky.
Willow Boughs rug, from £129,
Morris & Co at Ruggable. Temis
table, £729, Tikamoon, is similar

COSY THROW
Keep it handy for
cooler days

FEBRUARY 2025 101 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Kitchen
‘We decided to have the
existing cabinetry resprayed
for a new look. It only took a
day and cost around £1,000.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Units in Clay and Olive Colour
intelligent eggshell, £80 for 2.5ltr,
Little Greene. Otoro lights, £150
each, Nkuku. Try weathered oak
stools, £225 each, Cox & Cox

BAR STOOLS
In natural oak add
warmth and texture
 IDEAL HOMES

Kitchen
‘For the makeover, we matched
most of the units to the walls,
while the island is in the same
green as in the living room.
We also changed the handles.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Kilburn handles in bronze,
from £16.80 each, Corston
Architectural. Striped vase,
£15, John Lewis & Partners

“
Decluttering is such a
GOOD way to make your
home feel BETTER without

”
spending any money

FEBRUARY 2025 103 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

IDEAL HOMES

FOCUS ON…
HANGING WALLPAPER
IN BATHROOMS
Derya’s tips on making it an easier process

Q Make sure if you’re planning feel too overwhelming to have

to put wallpaper in a bathroom it on all of the walls.
that there is good ventilation
within the space – it’s the QIf you have a freestanding
most important thing. Using bath, consider papering the
wallpaper in a poorly ventilated wall behind the bath to create
bathroom isn’t recommended. a focal point – but far enough
away from major splashes.
QChoose the wallpaper first
before you make any decisions QIf the walls aren’t straight,
on the colours or patterns use lining paper underneath to
for the other surfaces and help disguise imperfections,
build the scheme around it. prevent shrinkage and improve
the durability of the wallpaper.
QDecide on how many walls And finish with a varnish
are to be wallpapered. If it’s a afterwards to help protect
large, intense pattern it may the wallpaper from moisture.

STAIR RUNNER
Choose a simple
style alongside
patterned wallpaper

Hallway
‘This area felt cold and empty
before we decorated; initially, I had
thought twice about using such a
large expanse of wallpaper, but I’m
glad I trusted my first instinct.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Golden Lily wallpaper in Green/
Red, £145 a roll, Morris & Co.
Try Stonegate Carpets for a
similar stair runner, from £75m

Bathroom
‘The vintage washstand was a
Facebook Marketplace find for
£120, and it was the first thing
I bought before we’d started
any of the work on the house.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Elegance Carrara marble countertop
washbasin, £397, Lusso Stone.
Chelsea straight tall basin tap, £334,
Burlington. Woodwork and fire
surround in Calke Green estate
eggshell, £78 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

FEBRUARY 2025 104 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Bathroom
‘A freestanding bath was always
on my list, and I’d envisaged it
painted black. But once I’d put
the wallpaper up, I knew the
bath had to match a colour in it.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Millbrook bath, £1,285, The Cast
Iron Bath Company. Bath in
India Yellow estate eggshell,
£78 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball.
Artemis wallpaper in Moss Green,
£195 a roll, House of Hackney

VINTAGE PIECE
Choose wooden
items with a similar
colour and grain

“
Our HOME
wouldn’t feel the
same without our
UNIQUE finds

”
IDEAL HOMES

Main bedroom
‘I chose a dusty blush pink –
that wasn’t too sugary – for
our bedroom, and picked out
the delicate shade with the
bedding, rug and blinds.’
BUY THE KEY PIECES
Walls in Pink Ground estate
emulsion, £57.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow
& Ball. Pink and Rose rug, from
£149, Morris & Co at Ruggable

BEDSIDE TABLE
Contrast a modern
bed with a more
traditional design

FEATURE STEPHANIE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID GILES

PLANS RICHARD HOOKWAY

STYLE MUST-HAVES HAND CRAFTED

Oak bar stool, £250,
INSPIRED BY DERYA AND RESHID’S HOME Sophie Allport

PRETTY BLINDS
Linwood Hester linen
in Pink/Green,
DEEP SHADE £73.90sq m, Cooshy
LEAFY
THEME Knightsbridge
Cher light in Green satin paint,
Antique Gold, £24.45 for 750ml,
£138, Cotterell Annie Sloan TROPICAL PATTERN FLORAL LOOK
and Co Truman sofa in Orchid Bloom, Delilah rug, from
£1,850, Mind The Gap £35, Dunelm

FEBRUARY 2025 106 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

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 HANDLELESS
DESIGN
Gives the run of units
a streamlined finish

‘We use the bar stools a lot – for

breakfast time and homework as
well. There are two sockets in the
island, hidden away under the
worktop, which meant the fitters
didn’t need to cut the stone.’
Pure bespoke handleless kitchen in
Flour; Aurora Carrara quartz worktop;
fluted oak back panel, all price on
request, John Lewis Of Hungerford

FEBRUARY 2025 110 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

KITCHEN NOTES
WHO LIVES HERE?
Maria Mele lives here with
her husband, Mariano, and
three children, Tomas, 16,
Mateo, 14, and Vincente, 10.
THE PROJECT
As part of a full house
renovation, the back of the
house was extended to
incorporate a large, open-
plan kitchen-dining area.
TOTAL COST
£100,000

Natural touch
| KITCHEN PROJECT |

MARIA MELE’S VISION FOR HER KITCHEN WAS

CLEAR – A SOCIABLE SPACE WITH SCANDINAVIAN
INFLUENCES, NEUTRAL COLOURS AND LOTS OF WOOD

FEBRUARY 2025 111 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 w
hen Maria Mele
and her family
moved to their
new house two
years ago she
knew it would need a total renovation,
but her vision for the kitchen was
clear. ‘We really knew what we wanted,’
explains Maria. ‘I love Scandinavian-
style interiors, with neutral colours
and lots of wood. And steel-framed
windows were a must-have – it all
needed to work around those.’
Maria worked with architect Maria
Steimberg from Ohma Studio to design
a sociable space. ‘We spend so much
time in the kitchen, it was important
to get it right,’ says Maria. ‘I wanted to
be able to do things while the children
were in the same space, doing their
homework. Or if I’m hosting a dinner
party or cooking for my family and
they’re at the dining table I want to be
part of the conversation – that’s why
we decided to have a large, central
island with me facing the dining table
while preparing food. Food is a big
part of our family, we want to be all
together in the same place, and the big
open-plan kitchen allows us to do that.’
PRACTICAL Building work went smoothly, with
PORCELAIN the family moving out for the messiest
Is hardwearing and parts. ‘We didn’t have any issues and I
perfect for conducting think that’s because we were 100% sure
underfloor heating on what we wanted before we started,
with very detailed designs that we
were involved in from start to finish,’
says Maria. ‘The studio did an amazing
ABOVE ‘I love everything job translating my ideas into reality.’
being neutral, because I don't Mixing wood, exposed brick and
want to get bored in a few industrial steel-framed glazing with
years with the handles or the
colour of the kitchen. I can a white kitchen has resulted in a
add interest with accessories pared-back but considered scheme
and decorations.’ that’s full of texture. ‘In every house
Noko wicker dome pendant I’ve lived in we’ve added a white
ceiling lights, £275 each, Nkuku. kitchen – it’s a great starting point to
Wood-effect floor tiles in
Forest Natural, £137.15sq m, decorate around.’ says Maria. Although
Porcelanosa. Maloux Black oak all the major renovations on the house
bar stools, £32 each, B&Q have now been completed, Maria is
considering adding doors to the snug,
RIGHT ‘I was concerned that which is next to the kitchen. ‘We
the built-in extractor fan on
the hob wouldn’t be as always wanted something that was
powerful as a traditional one, connected, but after two years of being
but it works well and looks able to hear my kids shouting while
much nicer than having one in playing the PlayStation, I’m ready to
the middle of the ceiling.’ close it off!’ laughs Maria. ‘But it would
KMDA 7272 FR-U Silence
induction hob, £3,099, Miele. have to be steel-framed or glass doors
Flex 3-in-1 boiling water tap, – I love the light that flows from the
£1,250, Quooker front to the back of the house.’ Q

FEBRUARY 2025 112 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

MIX IT UP
A mix of cupboards
and deep drawers
provides plenty of
storage space for
appliances to be
hidden away

‘I wanted solid wood flooring to

contrast with the white kitchen
but was worried it wouldn’t be
hardwearing and practical
enough with our three boys. We
went for porcelain tiles which
look almost identical to wood
and are super-easy to clean.’
Steel-framed doors, price
on request, Fabco

FEBRUARY 2025 113 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

RENOVATION

‘Exposed brick makes the

kitchen feel warm.’
For similar chairs, try oak
Danish dining chairs, £129
each, Nordina Home. For a
similar table, try John Lewis’
Larsen 12-seat in oak, £1,329

“ We want to
be all TOGETHER
in the same
place, and the big
OPEN-PLAN

”
kitchen allows us
to do that EXTENDIBLE DESIGN
Fits more guests when
entertaining
MARIA MELE
HOMEOWNER

STYLE MUST-HAVES
WORDS & STYLING ALI LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHS NATHALIE PRIEM

INSPIRED BY MARIA’S HOME

MODERN SHAPE BACK TO BLACK
Scandi White plant Tinkisso kitchen tap,
pot with stand, £146.99, Dowsing
£39.95, Lime Lace & Reynolds

RUSTIC TEXTURE
Tunis pendant, £129,
Where Saints Go

INDUSTRIAL STYLE LASTS A LIFETIME

Victoria metal kitchen Cast iron casserole dish
stool, £99, Cult Furniture set, £89 for two, ProCook

FEBRUARY 2025 114 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

Bold and beautiful

| BATHROOM PROJECT |

WHEN RENOVATING THEIR VICTORIAN HOUSE, KAREN

AND JOE TURNED AN UNUSED GUEST BEDROOM INTO
AN EYE-CATCHING BATHROOM WITH A MODERN TWIST

HOME NOTES
WHO LIVES HERE?
Karen Clough lives here with
her husband Joe and their
children, Luna and Iris, and
Pebbles the cat.
THE PROJECT
To convert a spare bedroom on
the first floor to create a
generous-sized en-suite
bathroom leading off the
main bedroom.
TOTAL COST
£4,000

Black taps can get worn

quickly, so Karen and Joe went
for chrome fittings instead.
Arezzo Matt Black 800x800
frameless quadrant shower
enclosure, £389.95; Hansgrohe
Raindance Select S 240 two-spray
shower head with wall-mounted
arm in chrome, £480.17, all
Victorian Plumbing

FEBRUARY 2025 117 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 These unusual floor tiles were an
end-of-line bargain. Karen
bought 2sq m more than she
needed in case some were
broken on delivery.
Duke roll-top bath, £399.95;
Oxford close-coupled toilet,
£179.95, both Victorian Plumbing.
For similar floor tiles try Osaka
matt hexagonal patterned tiles in
Charcoal, £32.50sq m, B&Q

“ ”
We now have our very own GROWN-UP
SANCTUARY that has lots of LUXURY elements

a
fter a long day, Karen and Joe Clough completely to bring our bathroom ideas to life,’ says Karen.
longed for a space to unwind in. However, renovations hit a stumbling block when the
They decided to play with their bathroom company went bust. Karen says: ‘Eventually we
home’s layout to create an en-suite got our money back but it did put us behind schedule by
bathroom leading off from their months.’ In the meantime the couple did what they could
main bedroom. The previous owners of their five-bed themselves, such as laying floor tiles and painting the
property had altered the house in the 1990s and on the walls and vintage vanity unit. ‘Our plumber dry-fitted the
first floor there was a separate living space with its own washbasins and taps so that they were ready to go when
kitchen and lounge. ‘When we bought this property, our new suite finally turned up.’
we always planned to convert it back into a proper Karen designed the en suite using her favourite colours,
family home,’ says Karen. pink and yellow. ‘I purposely chose traditional fixtures
She had always dreamed of an en-suite bathroom, so and fittings to give our modern and colourful bathroom
they decided to convert a guest bedroom into her ideal a classic twist,’ she says. To finish off the look of the
bathing space. ‘We wanted a bathroom just for us, where bathroom, she shopped for accessories on the high street.
our children’s clutter wouldn’t take over,’ she explains. By August, the bathroom was finished. With its soothing
‘We spent ages playing around with different ideas before feel, it has become Karen’s place to relax. ‘We now have our
we found the one that worked best for us,’ she adds. very own grown-up sanctuary that has lots of luxe elements.
With the help of a builder friend, work on the bathroom And as it can only be accessed via the main bedroom it’s
got under way in February 2020. As they were starting all ours to enjoy,’ she says. ‘I never used to take baths, but
from scratch, they needed to knock through a new now it’s my go-to way to unwind after a long day.’
doorway, put in the pipework and install electrics. Read more about Karen’s renovation on Instagram
‘Joe went to school with our builder, so we trusted him @karenanita or blog welliguessthisisgrowingup.co.uk. Q

FEBRUARY 2025 118 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

Karen made her vanity unit from

a retro sideboard, which she
sanded and painted. The top has
been treated with a specialist
lacquer so it is watertight.
Isa terrazzo basin, £99, Tikamoon.
Vanity unit, £170, Department
Manchester; painted in Yellow-
Pink interior oil eggshell, £43
for 1ltr, Little Greene

POP OF COLOUR
When painting
bathroom furniture,
make sure you use
specialist paint in
a fun colour

FEBRUARY 2025 119 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

RENOVATION

Good lighting is essential

in a bathroom, giving an
extra glow in the morning.
For similar mirrors, try
Sklum’s oval aluminium
wall mirror, £54.95. Metro
Brick flat gloss pink wall
tiles, £18sq m, Tiles Direct

FEATURE MAXINE BRADY PHOTOGRAPHS COLIN POOLE

STYLE MUST-HAVES £££

Style
INSPIRED BY KAREN AND JOE’S HOME saver
GOLDEN GLOW
Brass opal disk
PERFECTLY PINK wall light, £119,
Soho Rose wall tiles, houseof
£44.40sq m,
Porcelain Superstore
OVAL SHAPE
Origins TRADITIONAL
Docklands DESIGN
capsule mirror JTP Grosvenor
50, £192, Envy Pinch
Bathrooms wall-mounted
NATURAL STONE bath shower
Nero stone round mixer, £406,
DIY UPDATE basin, £430, Sanctuary
Golden Somer wood paint, Indigenous Bathrooms
£22 for 750ml, Thorndown

FEBRUARY 2025 120 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IMPROVE | EXTEND | CONVERT
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/MALCOLM MENZIES

IDEAL IDEA

Colourful
frames
If you’re reglazing or planning
an extension, consider
coloured window frames.
Available on materials such as
timber, aluminium and uPVC,
they’ll perfectly frame the
view to the great outdoors.
HEATHER YOUNG
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

FEBRUARY 2025 121 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

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FEBRUARY 2025 122 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 IH
PROJECT FOCUS

Single-storey
extensions
CONSIDERING ADDING AN EXTENSION TO YOUR
HOME? OUR EXPERT GUIDE TAKES YOU THROUGH
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW, FROM
PERMISSIONS TO THE REALITIES OF LIVING ON-SITE

Single-storey extensions are create something completely

among the most popular ways to unique to your needs and those
add extra space and value to a of your family.
house – and it really isn’t hard ‘If you are tired of the existing
to see why. Unlike two-storey aesthetics, or want to introduce
extensions, single-storey designs something more purposeful,
often don’t require planning this type of extension can be
permission, plus they can totally transformative,’ explains
transform an existing layout, architect Jason Laity, director
allowing you to use your home at Unity Architects.
in ways you hadn’t perhaps
previously considered, as well
as enhancing the external
appearance of your property.
Here, we take you through
everything that is involved with
building a single-storey
extension, from how much to
budget to the ways in which
professional designers can
help develop your plans to

FEBRUARY 2025 123 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 What are
.1
the pros

a
(and cons)?
Before commencing any kind
of home improvement project,
be that a kitchen extension or
a loft conversion, you need to be sure
that the effort, cost and disruption to
day-to-day life will be worth it in the
end. In order to be sure that a single-
storey extension is right for your needs
and your home, it is important that you
fully understand all the pros and cons
associated with this type of addition.
On the plus side, single-storey
extensions don’t always require planning
permission and can completely

.2
transform the appearance of your
existing home. ‘A single-storey extension
may present an opportunity to establish
a new architectural language for your
WILL I need

a
building,’ explains Jason. They’re a great

an architect?
way to bring more natural light into your
home as well as adding space. What’s
more, a single-storey design is usually
quicker and cheaper to build than a This all comes down to personal drawings that incorporate what you
two-storey extension. preference, your budget and need in your new extension. You need
On the downside, a single-storey the type of extension you drawings to comply with planning and
extension won’t always fall under are building. While small, simple building regulations. You also don’t want
permitted development. And if it’s additions could well be designed by a to build it and find the rooms in the
poorly designed, it could negatively homeowner or builder with experience front of the house have no light as it is
affect a home and look out of proportion. of this kind of project, most people will blocked by the extension.’ It’s worth
‘It could result in a loss of natural light benefit from some kind of professional mentioning that some companies
into the existing house,’ warns architect architectural input. specialise in designing and building
Graham Ford of Graham Ford Obviously hiring an architect is going single-storey extensions, but their
Architects. ‘One way to get around this to push costs up, but if you take the designs may be more ‘off-the-shelf’
is to create a courtyard that allows light view that the extension is a way to boost compared to those of an architect.
and ventilation into the existing rooms.’ the value of your home, it could also In addition to the possibility of
Finally, a single-storey extension is less mean that your extension ends up employing an architect, you will need to
cost-effective per square metre than a adding more value in the long run. consider who is going to manage the
two-storey addition. ‘Numerous external ‘You don’t need an architect for a project. Many homeowners take on the
surfaces all point towards a large surface single-storey extension,’ says Jason. role of project manager themselves. This
area, which will need insulating and ‘But an architect is trained to exceed a means they are in charge of developing
cladding,’ explains Jason. ‘Not least, the client’s expectations across all types of a schedule of works, budgeting, paying
cost of foundations will be associated development. Appointing an architect is contractors on time, ordering materials
with a single-storey, when they are likely likely to yield the best results.’ as and when required and co-ordinating
to be able to support additional stories Graham naturally agrees, saying: trades. This takes considerable time and

“
without significant variation in price.’ ‘It’s always best to have a set of effort and it can be hard to juggle while
also holding down a job and running a

You will need to

household. In some cases, project
management will be undertaken by your

”
consider who is going to
architect. If you are hiring a building firm
to act as main contractor (as opposed

manage the project

to hiring in individual trades) they may
also act as project managers.

FEBRUARY 2025 124 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 How much
.3
a
will it cost?
While it is impossible to give
an exact figure on what your
individual project is going to
end up costing you, there are some
useful figures to bear in mind.
‘In London, you should allow
£3,000sq m for your extension if it is
a flat site,’ advises Graham. ‘Costs of
construction will be less in other areas
of the country, so check with your
architect.’ Most experts agree that,
outside London, you should budget
between £1,500-£2,500sq m
(excluding VAT) for a single-storey
extension. The lower figure could be
expected by those building a
standard structure, while the top
figure is reflective of very high
standard extensions or those on
difficult sites – and could, realistically,
cost significantly more than this.
Be aware of hidden costs: you need
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT While employing an architect isn’t a legal requirement, to factor in units, plumbing and so on.
you’ll almost certainly get better results if you work with one; a well-designed extension ‘Always allow money for engineers,
can enhance your house and improve the amount of light reaching other rooms within; architects and party wall surveyors,’
while your attention will naturally be focused on the bricks and mortar of the extension, says Graham. ‘Their fees are not
remember to set aside money for things such as paint, blinds or curtains too included in the square metre rate.’

[ RESOURCES ]

Pro help
‘Remember you also
need to allow a sum
of money for interior
fixtures and fittings
such as special paint
finishes, blinds,
curtains, kitchens and
so on,’ says Graham.
As prices can vary
dramatically, ‘The
best advice is to do
research on all these
items well before you
start your project.’
FEBRUARY 2025 125 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
 .4
that there will be periods of time
when the disruption can be a little
overwhelming. ‘You may be able to live [ RESOURCES ]
in the house, but you will need to have a
Pro help
HOw long
robust separation from the building

a
works, especially if you have children,’
‘The foundations [of
will it take?
says Graham. ‘You may also need to
have a temporary kitchen installed.’
Jason tentatively agrees: ‘If the
your home extension]
This will very much depend construction region can be suitably will depend on
on the size and type of
extension you are building,
isolated from the remainder of a
dwelling, then it may be possible to
contextual factors, such
as well as how much of a DIY input remain living on site. This can present as soil types, proximity
you plan on having.
‘A period of three to six months should
cost savings as you won’t need to find
accommodation elsewhere.’ However,
to other buildings,
be sufficient to complete this type of the experience of living in and around adjacent basements
building work,’ says Jason. ‘However,
no two projects are the same and there
your own construction project is not for
everyone. ‘Noise, vibration and dust
and the complexity of
are many influencing factors when it could be constants for months,’ the extension above
comes to timescales.
‘Factors such as scale, complexity,
continues Jason. ‘Returning to the ground,’ explains
debate of finances, a contractor may
integration with the host building, charge more if they need to work Jason. Professional
structural work, timely availability of around you, as this might involve more advice helps: ‘A
materials, procurement of specialist complex construction operations, health
items and whether you wish to remain and safety measures and more time structural engineer will
living on-site during the construction spent on site to get the job done while be able to guide you
process will all have an effect [on the working around a household.’
duration],’ he adds. That said, many homeowners do when it comes to the
From a financial perspective, most continue to live in their homes while sizing, design and
homeowners will be keen to remain extending the property. Be prepared
living in their home while the single- for periods when you will be surrounded depth of foundations
storey extension is under construction. by mess and dust indoors, plus expect for a project.’
However, it is important to recognise lots of mud externally.

You may wish to move

out of your home during
the building period

FEBRUARY 2025 126 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 LEFT If your extension will share a wall with your neighbour’s property,
you will need a Party Wall Agreement ABOVE If your home is in a
Conservation Area or Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, permitted
development rights may have been removed; check before proceeding

.5
Do I need planning permission?

a
While many single-storey extensions can be built without needing to get
permissions, it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ rule. We explain why this is the case
One of the biggest making a planning application your local council or architect sometimes carry out work
headaches for any or whether to proceed via so all restrictions are without the need to contact
homeowner hoping permitted development.’ considered,’ advises Graham. building control. This will
FEATURE NATASHA BRINSMEAD PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/BRENT DARBY, CHRIS SNOOK, COLIN

to make changes to their ‘Permitted development If your extension doesn’t save you time and
property has to be whether rights are granted by fall within permitted (potentially) money, too.
or not planning permission is Parliament and entitle you development rights, you will In addition to building
required – but the good to build without needing to need to apply for planning regulations approval, if
news when it comes to apply for planning permission before starting your house is terraced or
single-storey extensions is permission,’ says Graham. work. If you have chosen to semi-detached, you might
that they very often won’t There are always exceptions, use an architect or house need a Party Wall
require you to go through though, so you need to be design professional, they will Agreement if your extension
the process. This tends to be absolutely sure that your often be able to submit involves a wall that is shared
the same when you’re home complies before you plans on your behalf. with your neighbour. These
planning a loft conversion. break ground. For instance, Even if your extension are designed to ensure no
‘The rule of thumb is that if your home is in a doesn’t require a planning damage is caused to your
if your proposal is not in Conservation Area, or a permission application, you immediate neighbour’s
accordance with permitted designated Area of will still need to adhere to property and can help
development rights for Outstanding Natural Beauty the building regulations. prevent any disputes further
POOLE, DOUGLAS GIBB, JAMES MERRELL, PAUL RAESIDE

householders then you will (AONB), these rights may For starters, you are down the line.
require planning permission,’ have been removed. ‘If you required to submit a Full Ideally, you want to keep it
explains Jason. Working out own the entire house and it Plans application for the informal and have a chat with
if your design is in is semi-detached you can proposed work to the your neighbour, explaining
accordance or not is by no build no deeper than 3m building control department exactly what you are
means straightforward, from the original house – 4m of your local authority. Your planning to do and how long
though, as Jason points out. if it is detached,’ continues architect, builder or project it will take, in advance of
‘The permitted development Graham. ‘You cannot extend manager (if you are using issuing them with a Party
technical guidance the width by more than one) should be able to do Wall Notice – you can
document is 50 pages in 50% of the width of the this on your behalf. Bear in download samples of these
length. Your architect should existing house. mind that if you are using online from Right Survey
be able to advise whether ‘Check the Planning Portal contractors who are building (rightsurvey.co.uk/
you would benefit from (planningportal.co.uk) or with control-certified, they can party-wall-notices).

FEBRUARY 2025 127 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 NEED TO KNOW

Your renovation
checklist
GUARANTEE A PROJECT RUNS SMOOTHLY FROM START
TO FINISH BY FOLLOWING THESE ESSENTIAL MUST-DOS
 RENOVATION

A
renovation project
has so many moving
parts that getting all
your proverbial ducks
in a row before you
start work can ensure the whole
process runs as smoothly as possible.
With a little forward planning and a
degree of knowledge about how
your kind of project runs, you should
easily be able to avoid any issues, and
finish on time and on budget.

1
CHECK THE NEED FOR
PLANNING PERMISSION
The very first thing you need to
consider when planning an extension is
whether or not you are going to need
planning permission for it – if you fail to
check this right at the start of the project
you could run into all kinds of issues
before building work even gets
underway. While many extensions can
be built under permitted development,
there are certain standards and size
restrictions to bear in mind, and if you
have already added an extension you
may already have used up your rights.
In addition, if you live in a conservation
area or a listed building, permitted
development may well not apply.
Always check with your local planning
Under permitted
department to be totally sure that development a side
you’re not going to fall foul of the law.

2
extension must be
no more than half
DISCUSS YOUR PLANS the width of the
WITH NEIGHBOURS original house Roof beams can
Letting your neighbours know

“
become a feature
about your extension plans is key to when extending
ensuring the project runs without into the eaves

if your
a hitch. Aside from the courtesy of
informing them that you’ll have

plans affect
builders on site (which comes with its
fair share of dust, noise and parking
issues), if you share a wall with your
neighbour that will be affected by
a new extension, you will also have to
neighbours
consider a Party Wall Agreement.
To begin with you will need to serve
then it’s
your neighbour with a Party Wall Notice.
This means writing to them and telling
courteous
them, in detail, of the work you have
planned, as well as the date work will to inform
start, access requirements and so on.
Your neighbour then has three options them first,
available to them: to write back giving
their consent, to refuse consent, or avoiding

”
to come up with a counter notice in
which they can request that additional future
hitches
works are undertaken at the same time
(such as repairs to the shared wall).

FEBRUARY 2025 129 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Well-considered
glazing ensures
your extension
won’t make the
house too dark

Use a design
professional to
elevate sketchy
ideas into reality

3
BUDGET WISELY
A comprehensive spending plan
with a contingency of at least
10% extra is a must to ensure you
can fund your project through to
completion. You should start your
project by breaking down each element
into what it will cost and ensure you
have enough funds in the pot to get
each stage completed.
‘A big mistake is not getting an
accurate budget for the project at the
feasibility stage,’ says architect Graham
Ford of Graham Ford Architects. ‘When

5
the first drawings are done you need
to get an estimate for the job from it could be a decision you go on to SEEK THE INPUT OF A
a quantity surveyor or alternatively a regret. You’ll need to plan out a detailed PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER
builder that your architect recommends.’ schedule of works – this is basically a The services of a skilled architect
Once your builder has given you a comprehensive list of every single task or other house design professional (such
quote, you’ll be able to tweak the plans that needs carrying out to take the as an architectural technician) cannot
accordingly to suit your budget. It’s project from start to finish. The list be underestimated when it comes to
far better to make changes at this should be in order of when the work extensions. A quick sketch you’ve come
stage than later down the line when needs doing and must feature everything up with might be a good way to start
work is under way – this will only cause from applying for planning permission when you are initially conveying your
frustrating delays and will definitely to ordering windows and doors. ideas to an architect, but when it comes
push up the cost of your extension. ‘If you are too busy, then you may want to submitting your design for planning

4
your architect to manage the build for permission or building regulations,
BE REALISTIC ABOUT you and be a contract administrator,’ professional input is needed.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT suggests Graham Ford. ‘Just because ‘One of the biggest mistakes
Acting as your own project you manage IT or have management homeowners make is not investing in a
manager comes with a whole host of experience in other fields, it does not comprehensive, professional design
benefits – cutting costs, giving you full necessarily mean you can manage service from the outset of a project,’
control over the build, and so on. That construction. You can get into a lot says architect Jason Laity, director of
said, unless you are prepared to give a of trouble if there is a dispute Unity Architects (unityarchitects.co.uk).
considerable amount of your time to the with a builder and you are unable to ‘The main risk to a homeowner is
project and are inherently well organised, negotiate a satisfactory outcome.’ committing substantial financial sums

FEBRUARY 2025 130 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

Envisage how you

want to use your
new space – a
window seat makes
the most of a view

“
Fit a shower
under a sloped

”
ceiling to max

a well-executed reno out dead space

will add space and value

FEATURE NATASHA BRINSMEAD, GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/

to construct an extension. But if the to shop around for a competitive policy

project hasn’t been designed to a high and also that you don’t forget about
standard, it may be to the detriment of this important aspect.’

7
the property and not add any value,
whether that value is measured BE PREPARED FOR LIFE ON
experientially or in resale value.’ A BUILDING SITE
If you are trying to reduce your costs, There’s a lot to be said for remaining
it is possible to use an architect just for in your house during a renovation, as it
DARREN CHUNG, JEREMY PHILLIPS, COLIN POOLE, CHRIS SNOOK

your design, rather than to see the helps to keep costs down, but don’t
project through to completion. underestimate the toll it can take on

6
the entire household – mentally and
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE physically. Dust has an uncanny way of
ADEQUATE INSURANCE seeping into every nook and cranny,
When you undertake a large-scale however well you think you have sealed
renovation, such as building an extension, off the building work. If you work from
you may discover that your existing home or are at home during the day with
house insurance is no longer valid – so young children, you will also have to be while will protect you to a degree from
be sure to check this out. ‘We always prepared for lots of noise and disruption. any nasty shocks. If you feel that this
recommend that you contact your There might also be times where you might be too disruptive for your work or
insurance provider to ask for advice as are without power or water, where family, see if you can all temporarily
soon as you begin the design process,’ the living spaces are exposed to the relocate to a family member’s house, or
explains Alistair Crerar, founder of elements or where you have no cooking seek out a short-term let somewhere
Acre Design (acredesign.co.uk). ‘This or washing facilities. It is doable but nearby for you all to escape to when the
ensures that you have plenty of time expecting a level of discomfort for a worst of the works are in full flow. Q

FEBRUARY 2025 131 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 trending on…
IDEALHOME.CO.UK
Colour that makes Best mattress
a kitchen feel cosy You spend a third of
Want to inject some warmth to your your life sleeping (or
kitchen through colour? We have the trying to sleep) so it
stands to reason that
lowdown on the shades that make a
buying the best
space feel instantly cosy… mattress you can afford
makes total sense. Yes,
they’re expensive. But
doing the research and
choosing well can
transform your quality
of sleep instantly. Our
guide has all the info
you need, plus our top
rated tried and tested
mattresses, too.

“Need energy-

”
small living
saving ideas? We’ve all
room ideas the advice you need
Having a small living HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
room is the reality that
many of us have to deal
with, but that doesn’t
mean you have to
compromise on style.
From the best colour
schemes, to clever

PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/LIZZIE ORME, PAUL RAESIDE, RACHAEL SMITH, ANNA

storage ideas, we’ll help
you elevate your tiny
living space into
something special.

How much does it cost to

run an oil-filled radiator? Extension mistakes to avoid
This affordable and portable heating If you want your project to run smoothly
option could be the answer to your and result in the home of your dreams, take
winter woes. Discover how to get the a look at our list of the easiest renovation
most warmth for the lowest spend. mistakes so you can steer well clear of them.
STATHAKI; GETTY IMAGES/IULIIA MIKHALITSKAIA

CONNECT WITH US FOR MORE GREAT IDEAS

SEARCH BROWSE PIN FOLLOW

idealhome.co.uk @idealhomeuk idealhomemag @IdealHome

FEBRUARY 2025 132 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

KITCHEN FOCUS
NARROW KITCHENS
DON’T LET A SKINNY SPACE BE A DEAL BREAKER – OUR EXPERTS
WILL HELP YOU AMPLIFY EVERY INCH WITH THEIR TOP TIPS

W
hen puzzling over how
to design a kitchen with
narrow proportions, it’s
easy to focus all your
attention on the
practicalities. But while plotting ample
storage and an ergonomic flow
between cooker, sink and prep areas is
important, it’s often those space-
boosting design tweaks that lead to the
most successful small kitchens. ‘I often
recommend creating a focal point at
the end of the room, perhaps with a
small table, shallow display unit or a
piece of statement artwork. This can
work to bring the look together and
distract unwanted attention away from
any spatial restrictions,’ says Kasia
Piorko, founder of Kate Feather.

USE NARROW-DEPTH CABINETS

In seriously narrow kitchens, a double
galley layout using full-depth units on
both sides will leave the middle walkway
compromised. ‘My top tip for narrow
kitchens, if you haven’t got room for
full-size units on both sides,’ says interior
designer Dean Keyworth, ‘is to use Swapping wall
30-35cm deep wall units stacked up on cupboards for
each other on one side. This provides shelves can give a
plenty of storage and you can even house more spacious feel
shallower equipment like a microwave or
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/FIONA WALKER-ARNOTT

integrated coffee machine,’ he explains.

LAY DOWN A RUNNER CUT THE CLUTTER

CHOOSE LIFT-UP DOORS ‘A patterned runner in a narrow or galley A lack of storage is one of the main
If ditching the wall cupboards to create a kitchen adds style as well as texture,’ says negatives of any narrow kitchen. Richard
more spacious feel is a non-starter on the Julian Downes, managing director of Fibre. Keyes, head of design at Hobson’s Choice,
storage front, swap kitchen cabinets for ‘Choose a directional pattern to help draw suggests taking a ‘less is more’ approach
units with lift-up doors. ‘Instead of pulling the eye through the room to the open and seeing these storage restrictions as
the door out to the side, the lift-up space beyond. The softer surface of a rug an opportunity to streamline your space.
cupboard allows you to open the door by transforms the feel of a narrow kitchen, ‘Consider how much storage you truly
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

pulling it up towards you. It’s ideal for tight and if you don’t have underfloor heating need,’ he says. ‘If you fill the kitchen with
areas and prevents doors from clashing then it will help add much-needed cabinets from floor-to-ceiling, you are at
or cutting off space,’ explains Jen Nash, warmth.’ Machine-washable runners such risk of closing the space in, and making it
senior design lead, Magnet. Open as ones from Ruggable are a smart choice feel even smaller. It’s far better to have
cabinets are another great space-saving for busy kitchens, as are outdoor rugs, fewer cabinets, than cramming everything
option and let you display favourite pieces. which are designed to be hosed down. in and not being able to find it.’ Q

FEBRUARY 2025 133 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 guide

Multicookers
INVEST IN ONE OF THESE MULTI-TASKING APPLIANCES AND
UNLOCK A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF CULINARY POSSIBILITIES
BEFORE YOU BUY
Make sure your model has
Q Multi-cookers combine the
abilities of different appliances,

the functionality you require; most

such as a slow cooker or a rice
cooker, into one do-it-all unit.

feature a pressure cooker function,

Their functions include (but are
not limited to) slow cooking, air

others an air fryer (or both)

frying, pressure cooking, sautéing,
roasting, grilling, baking,
dehydrating, reheating, toasting,
cooking rice and making yogurt. GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR
Q Models that feature both
pressure cooking and air frying
functionality will allow you to roast
meat and veggies to perfection
(by pressure cooking them first,
then air frying for a crispy finish).
Q As they can do so much, the
scope of their functionality is led
by you. After buying, take the
time to read the instructions
thoroughly and check on the
brand’s website to see if it offers
any step-by-step recipes to follow.
The more you familiarise yourself
with the options and presets, the
more you will use it.
Q Capacity-wise, as a rule, a 5ltr
model will suit a couple or a family
of three, while upwards of that is a
better choice for a larger family.
Q Some models have presets (or
pre-programmed cooking times)
while others don’t. It’s really down
to personal preference whether
these are important to you or not,
but if they are (for cooking rice,
for instance) check that your
machine features them before you
buy, and note that (for example) a
rice preset is designed to cook a
specific amount of rice, and a stew
preset to cook a specific type of
meat. Otherwise, you’ll have to
play around with the controls a bit
and work out the timings yourself.
Q Look out for handy features like
dishwasher-safe accessories, keep-
warm functions and steaming for
extra convenience and versatility.

FEBRUARY 2025 134 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 RENOVATION

BEST COMBI AIR FRYER

NINJA FOODI 9-IN-1 MULTI-
COOKER OP350UK
Tried Tested
We believe that any product
CAPACITY 6ltr PRESETS None should be simple to use, stand
COOKING FUNCTIONS the test of time, look good and
Pressure, steam, slow cook, work brilliantly to make your
yogurt, sear/sauté, air crisp, grill, life easier. Our testing team put
bake/roast, dehydrate each product through its paces
INCLUDED Reversible rack, Cook &
at home, over several weeks,
Crisp basket with detachable diffuser,
cooking pot, pressure lid PRICE £139 pitting them against everyday
situations. Those products that
A great choice for those who want
make the mark are awarded a
an air fryer and multicooker in one,
this is the most entry-level Ninja multicooker. star rating. And
It’s smart, though, with an uncomplicated display panel. The the very, very EST. 1920
central dial allows you to switch between the cooking functions, best are awarded
as well as increase and decrease timings and temperatures. The our ‘Ideal Home
Approved’ APPROVED
air frying lid is hinged to the side of the cooker, so when you

use the pressure lid you need to allow room for the crisp lid to recommendation.
stand upright. The air frying is really good, though. We were
able to roast a chicken by pressure cooking, then air frying it.
REASON TO BUY Dishwasher-safe accessories, lots of recipes
REASON TO AVOID Bigger footprint than
other multicookers
RATING 4.5/5 BEST 8-IN-1 MODEL
SAGE FAST SLOW
GO MULTICOOKER
CAPACITY 6ltr PRESETS 8
BEST COMPACT DESIGN COOKING FUNCTIONS Pressure cook, slow
cook, steam, sauté/sear, sous vide, reduce
MAGIMIX COOK EXPERT INCLUDED Stainless steel cooking bowl and
CAPACITY 3.5ltr metal bowl, 3.6ltr stainless steel trivet PRICE £169.95
food processor bowl PRESETS 13 The images on the front of this model make it
automatic programmes, one easier to get to grips with, plus the pressure
expert manual programme cook mode releases the valve hands-free. The
COOKING FUNCTIONS Steam, hinged lid can be removed, but taking it off
soup, blend, chop, bread and more can be a little fiddly. In testing, we made a
INCLUDED Universal blade, steamer delicious risotto in just 18 minutes, and unlike
basket and tray, whisk, heat-resistant a hob-cooked risotto it required no stirring.
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI, MILLIE FENDER PHOTOGRAPH GETTY IMAGES/HAOLIANG

spatula, three-layer food processor, Another dish we tried was a chickpea curry
two slicing discs, two grading discs using dried chickpeas on the legume
PRICE £1,195 setting. This was a big win, and
This features a wide range of while we’re not usually fans of
attachments that allow it to double up as a food using dried chickpeas for
processor and a multicooker. As well as kneading cooking, this machine may
dough and doing pretty much everything a food have converted us for how
processor can do, the presets will help you make easy the process was.
soup, frozen desserts and so on. There are online REASON TO BUY
Magimix groups that share tips and recipes on Controls are easy to use
making a wide variety of things, from mulled wine and it has a keep warm
and porridge to custard. function, too
REASON TO BUY Very powerful blending and REASON TO AVOID They don’t
dishwasher-safe parts recommend putting the
REASON TO AVOID Very expensive cooking bowl in the dishwasher
RATING 4.5/5 RATING 4.5/5

FOR MORE MULTICOOKERS, VISIT IDEALHOME.CO.UK/BUYING-GUIDES-REVIEWS

FEBRUARY 2025 135 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Buying guide

Blenders
ADD MORE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES TO YOUR
DIET WITH ONE OF THESE TOP-RATED MACHINES
BEFORE YOU BUY
Q A higher wattage doesn’t necessarily
make a blender better. The build of the
machine, from the jug to the blade design,
can make a big difference to its
performance. The majority of modern jug
blenders have four blades, sometimes with
additional mini blades nestled around the
stack. They’re usually angled too, which
helps them whip up pieces from the
bottom of the jug, creating a vortex to drag
blender contents down from the top.
Q Basic models tend to have just a few
speeds while more feature-packed blenders
will have several. All will probably feature a
pulse option for quick bursts of speed.
Depending on the model, you may find
programmes for blitzing soup, crushing ice
or making frozen desserts. Some even have
dedicated cleaning programmes that will do
all the hard work for you once you’ve filled
the jug with water and washing-up liquid.
Q Blender jugs are made from either glass
or plastic. Glass tends to be sturdier and
less likely to scratch, but a BPA-free plastic,
such as Tritan, is a good option. It’s strong
yet lighter than glass, which can make all
the difference if you’re lifting a heavy jug
of soup. A 1.6ltr jug should cover most
everyday blending but in order to get the
most of out of your blender, look for a
capacity of around 2ltr.
Q Additional features include lids with
small measuring cups and additional
milling and grinding blades (suitable for
seeds, nuts and sometimes coffee beans).
Some blenders might come with mini
containers for blending smaller amounts of
food, or single-serve, on-the-go blender
cups. Another useful accessory is a tamper
– it fits through the lid to allow you to
move solid chunks of food towards the
blades if they get stuck.

You’ll get loads more use out of a blender if the

parts are removable and dishwasher-safe
GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR
 RENOVATION

BEST OVERALL
VITAMIX 3500I BLENDER Tried Tested
TYPE Plastic DIMENSIONS H40xW20.8xD26.8cm We believe that any product
POWER 1200w CAPACITY 2ltr PRICE £749 should be simple to use, stand
This is an excellent machine and a favourite of the test of time, look good and
many professional chefs. You can use it to make work brilliantly to make your
your own butter, dips, mayonnaise, non-dairy milks, life easier. Our testing team put
nut butters, hot soup from scratch without a pan in each product through its paces
sight, bread and pasta dough, wholegrain flours, at home, over several weeks,
baby food and frozen desserts… essentially, almost pitting them against everyday
anything you could make in a food processor. Its
situations. Those products that
construction is sturdier than other blender brands
and while there aren’t any programmes, the make the mark are awarded a
Vitamix doesn’t lack options – 10 speeds plus a star rating. And
pulse button mean you can scroll between gentle the very, very EST. 1920
liquefying and pulverisation. It comes with a best are awarded
brilliant recipe book and a tamper. our ‘Ideal Home
Approved’ APPROVED
REASON TO BUY Large capacity 
with excellent self-clean mode recommendation.
REASON TO AVOID It’s expensive
and not all parts are dishwasher-safe
RATING 5/5

BEST FOR FAMILIES

BEST MULTI-USE BLENDER MAGIMIX POWER BLENDER
NINJA FOODI HB150UK
TYPE Glass
BLENDER AND SOUP MAKER DIMENSIONS H46xW20.8xD26.8cm
TYPE Glass POWER 1300w CAPACITY 1.8ltr
DIMENSIONS H45xW20x21.5cm PRICE £200
POWER 1000w CAPACITY 1.7ltr This model comes with five
(cold) or 1.4ltr (hot) PRICE £150 auto programmes (one of which
This multipurpose blender can is a genius time-saving self-
make soups, sauces and more. cleaning setting) that takes
Though there are cheaper soup the effort out of blitzing ice,
makers on the market, our reviewer smoothies, desserts and soups,
found that the Ninja Foodi could alongside four speeds plus a
move from task to task with ease, pulse setting for when you want
from crushing ice to making nut more control. The thick glass jug
butter from scratch. The 30-minute makes this feel like a durable
soup programme chops, blends, option, while the design is suitable
stirs and heats for you, even keeping for both right- and left-handed users.
the finished soup warm for up to 60 It occasionally struggled to liquidise
minutes. The obvious downside to perfectly and tiny seeds had the
this blender is that the capacity only tendency to end up in the final
allows you to make three portions of soup at a product. But on the whole, it’s a solid
time. What’s more, the jug features fixed blades, option if you need an all-rounder and
FEATURE MOLLY CLEARY, GINEVRA BENEDETTI

all of which need to be washed by hand. you’re picky about quality.

PHOTOGRAPH GETTY IMAGES/WESTEND61

REASON TO BUY Sturdy glass jug with a lid REASON TO BUY Easy controls with
that locks into position a measuring cup in the lid
REASON TO AVOID Handle position favours REASON TO AVOID No pouring lip;
right-handed people can only blend hot foods up to 60C
RATING 4.5/5 RATING 4.5/5

FOR MORE BLENDERS, VISIT IDEALHOME.CO.UK/BUYING-GUIDES-REVIEWS

FEBRUARY 2025 137 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Buying guide

Heated airers
FREE UP YOUR RADIATORS AND DRY YOUR LAUNDRY
QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY, WHATEVER THE WEATHER
BEFORE YOU BUY
QThere are two main types of
heated airer: heated drying pods
and heated drying racks. Heated
drying racks feature heated bars
over which you drape your damp
laundry. The laundry-drying process
is a little more labour intensive with
a heated drying rack as you might
need to readjust longer items to
give all sections a turn next to the
heated bars. In our tests, the
turnaround from wet to dry washing
was between six and ten hours.
QHeated drying pods use a
high-powered fan that circulates the
hot air within the zippable cover to
dry washing quickly – in our tests,
this took roughly three hours. The
disadvantages of this sort of drying
pod are the noise of the fan (heated
drying racks are silent) and the fact
you can’t squeeze much washing in
at once – these airers won’t hold a
full load of laundry, but they’re great
for drying a school uniform or
sports kit quickly.
QHeated clothes airers take up a
fair amount of space when unfolded
so before you buy, have a think
about where you will use (and store)
yours as it will need to be located
near a plug socket and away from
kids and pets.

Speed up drying
QAs a rule, heated airers are best
used in the largest room possible

times when using

as your washing will release
moisture as it dries, and more

a heated airer by
space means the air has more
room to circulate, which

buying a cover for

will speed up drying times
further. It’s also worth

it (if it doesn’t
noting that although a
heated airer emits warmth into

come with one)

the space where it’s being
used, this probably isn’t
sufficient as a replacement
for central heating or other GINEVRA BENEDETTI, DEPUTY EDITOR
methods designed to actually
stave off the cold in a room.
 RENOVATION

BEST OVERALL
JML DRIBUDDI HEATED
INDOOR AIRER
Tried Tested
We believe that any product
WASHING 18 items on hangers SIZE H160xW70x should be simple to use, stand
D70cm WATTAGE 1200W TIMER Yes the test of time, look good and
FOLDABLE No, but dismantles PRICE £79 work brilliantly to make your
Unlike standard heated airers, this pod design life easier. Our testing team put
features six poles at the top from which you hang up each product through its paces
to 18 hangers laden with clothing. You then zip up the at home, over several weeks,
cover and the integrated fan blasts out warm air that pitting them against everyday
circulates within to dry the clothes in around two to situations. Those products that
three hours. It dismantles when not in use. The only
make the mark are awarded a
downside is it can’t hold much, but it’s still perfect for
quick-drying school uniforms and sports kits in cold, star rating. And
wet weather. It’s worth noting that the powerful the very, very EST. 1920
1200W fan uses more energy than a standard 300W best are awarded
heated airer. However, in our tests, it didn’t need to our ‘Ideal Home
Approved’ APPROVED
stay turned on for as long as a standard airer.

REASON TO BUY Super-fast drying and useful for recommendation.
delicates or items that need to be hung
REASON TO AVOID Takes up a lot of
space, plus the fan is noisy
RATING 4.5/5

BEST FOR BED SHEETS

DRY:SOON THREE-TIER
DELUXE HEATED AIRER
WASHING 15kg of washing
BEST FOR VERSATILITY SIZE H132.5xW70xD74cm
MINKY SURE DRI HEAT WATTAGE 300W TIMER Yes
POD DRYING SYSTEM FOLDABLE Yes, folds down to 8cm
deep PRICE £249.99
WASHING Works with a three-tier airer If you need a heated clothes airer
(not included) that can dry 15kg of washing with a larger capacity, then this is the
on 21m of drying space SIZE H135xW68x airer for you. It can handle 15kg of
D60cm WATTAGE 850W TIMER Yes washing thanks to its 21m of drying
FOLDABLE No PRICE £90 rack space. It’s also one of the best
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a heated airer, options for drying large items like
per se – it’s a drying system that turns a trousers, sheets and towels as they
three-tier drying rack into a fan-powered can be more easily draped over its
heated airer. With it, you get a zippable cover three tiers of heated shelving. The
that fits a standard three-tier airer (not included) eye-level control panel makes for easy
FEATURE AMY LOCKWOOD PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/

and a small motor with a fan that generates use, and an auto shut-off timer means
warm air and circulates it within the cover to you don’t need to worry about
dry washing faster. It’s a little fiddly to assemble, remembering to switch it off.
and the fan motor is bulky to store, its controls Although the airer is sizeable once
could be of better quality, and that fan motor erected, the aluminium frame folds
also means noise. However, it’s an excellent down to just 8cm deep, which makes
choice if you have an existing three-tier airer it easy to tuck it out of sight behind
you want to convert over winter. furniture or in a cupboard.
REASON TO BUY Converts a standard REASON TO BUY Compact and
tiered airer into a heated drying pod dries a lot of washing in one go
REASON TO AVOID Needs a fair bit of REASON TO AVOID Quite expensive
storage space compared to the other airers
RATING 4.5/5 RATING 4.5/5
JO HENDERSON

FOR MORE HEATED AIRERS, VISIT IDEALHOME.CO.UK/BUYING-GUIDES-REVIEWS

FEBRUARY 2025 139 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

RENOVATION

BATHROOM FOCUS
HOW TO SAVE ON A NEW BATHROOM
WHY SPLASH OUT? DISCOVER SMART WAYS TO SAVE ON
YOUR BATHROOM BUDGET, WITH HELP FROM OUR EXPERTS

C
ompared to a living room
or bedroom, a bathroom is GoodHome Maza
one of the more expensive matt Black
rooms in the home to bathroom, from £75
for a single wall-
revamp, not least because
mounted bathroom
they require more specialists such as cabinet, B&Q
plumbers and tilers to get the job done.
We asked a team of experts for their top
tips on coming in (or under) budget.

CHOOSE SECOND-HAND
There’s no shame in making use of other
people’s unwanted bathroom fittings when
renovating. In fact, it’s kinder for the
planet, as well as being a brilliant budget
bathroom idea. Tanya Steinhauser,
co-creative director at Festival Of Thrift
recommends looking on local selling sites,
where you’ll often get items offered for
free and don’t have to add in the cost of
delivery or collection.

SHOP THE SALES

With so much competition in the
bathroom industry, it’s always worth
spending a little time hunting for special
offers and deals. ‘When buying new
bathroom items look for combined offers,
like two-for-one and percentage
discounts on multi-buys, as well as
seasonal discounts,’ suggests Tanya. and use the correct sandpaper to ensure designers can save you money,
all old flaking paint is removed and the especially if you’re a bit green on the
surfaces are smooth,’ says Nick Parsons, reno front. ‘A good interior designer will
DO IT YOURSELF head of technical development at brush help your budget go a lot further and
While the plumbing and electrics are manufacturer Harris. ‘It’s also important can offer advice on when to save and
best left to the professionals, there are not to rush the process and always use the when to invest,’ says Dean Keyworth at
still plenty of opportunities to save recommended coats of paint. On Armstrong Keyworth.
money by doing some of the building bathroom woodwork, this is usually a thin, While interior designers do (and
and decorating work yourself. Learning even coat of primer, followed by at least should) charge for their time, their
how to tile is a skill that can be self- two coats of paint to ensure full coverage budgeting skills can offset the expense
taught with a little help from YouTube and protect against moisture.’ and you’ll end up with a far more
FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON

and, unless you buy very large or very upmarket look than you could ever have
thick tiles, you won’t need to invest in hoped to achieve planning your
expensive tools. Painting is also a great HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER bathroom alone. Depending on how
DIY option that’s within most able people’s While this might seem like something they charge, some interior designers will
skillset. ‘If you’re repainting woodwork, that’s exclusively for the super-rich, pass along trade discounts on products,
always begin by preparing the surfaces often the opposite is true and interior which can be as much as 40%. Q

FEBRUARY 2025 140 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 CLEAN | ORGANISE | SOLVE

DEEP CLEAN
Get a sparkling kitchen
using natural remedies
such as lemon and salt,
as well as vinegar and
bicarbonate of soda.
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/SIMON WHITMORE

WHAT Discover the CHEAPEST time to run your washing

machine on page 142, as well how to CLEAN your sofa bed
TO DO on page 143; read all about the fees involved in MOVING
HOME on page 144; then turn to page 145 for all the
THIS advice you need to give a small bedroom a DECLUTTER;
MONTH skip to page 149 for the LOWDOWN on how to sell your
stuff online; and finally flip back to page 147 for the latest
tech to help improve your AIR QUALITY at home...

FEBRUARY 2025 141 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 HOW TO...
NO-NONSENSE SOLUTIONS
TO EVERYDAY HASSLES

When is it
cheapest to run
your washing
machine?
Certain energy tariffs, called
Economy Tariffs, offer cheaper rates
for energy used in off-peak hours.
The most common are Economy 7
and Economy 10 tariffs. David
Miloshev, electrician and HVAC/
heating expert at Fantastic Services
(fantastichandyman.co.uk) says,
‘Economy 7 is a time-of-use tariff that
provides cheaper electricity for seven
hours during off-peak times, usually

How to hang
overnight – hours vary depending on
your supplier and location, but are
Stash away those often between 11pm and 6am in winter
curtains in a and midnight and 7am in summer.
little silica gel rented home
Economy 10 offers 10 hours of
cheaper electricity in three periods:
sachets you get Whether you’re renting or can’t drill
typically late at night, in the
afternoon and a short period in the
evening. The exact times depend on
in packaging into a wall, you have plenty of options…
your supplier.’ So if you’re on one of
TENSION RODS Before you hang any these tariffs, it makes sense to use
safely in a ziplock curtains, always check how much weight
the rod will bear. Tension rods are easily
the washing machine, dishwasher, or
heated airer during off peak times
bag, and if you installed without any additional tools and
are a dream for holding up curtains. They
when the electricity is cheaper.

get your phone stretch across the window recess under

tension, providing strong support.

or other tech TWIST & FIT RODS Similar to tension

rods, these are secured across your
wet, pop it in the window, and then adjusted in length
to fit the window frame They can hold

bag to remove all lightweight to medium-weight curtains,

with more expensive twist-and-fit rods
being able to hold heavier drapes.
the moisture NO DRILL BRACKETS These stick to the
wall using strong adhesive strips, allowing
you to hang a traditional curtain rod.
Again, always check the maximum weight.

FEBRUARY 2025 142 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 Are you protected
for storm damage?
Ceri McMillan, spokesperson at Go.Compare
(gocompare.com) has the lowdown…
‘Check what you are covered for on your home
insurance policy. Does it offer emergency cover, if
a roof tile has flown off and there is water coming
in? Does it cover you for damage to garden furniture,
plants, and so on? Check the extent of the damage,
mark the time it took place, where the damage is
and, if possible, take pictures. Then contact your
insurer. Temporary repairs might be necessary, but
you should call your insurer’s emergency helpline
first for advice. Keep receipts for emergency repairs,
as these will form part of your claim. Although it
may be tempting to tidy up, if the damage isn’t
causing a hazard, leave things as they are in case a
loss adjustor needs to visit to assess your claim.’

Ikea’s Badring water leak sensor Easy ways to curb

(£9) sounds an alarm when it condensation on
detects water. Connect it to the your windows
Dirigira hub (£60) and it will DRY WASHING OUTDOORS
Whenever you can, it’s best to hang
alert you on your smartphone wet clothes, towels and bedlinen
outdoors to dry. If this isn’t possible,
spread them out on an airer in a
bathroom with an extractor fan
How to clean a sofa bed running, or place a dehumidifier nearby
to take the moisture out of the air.
ILLUSTRATIONS MELANIE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/DOMINIC BLACKMORE

Return your multitasking spare bed to its former

FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI, AMY CUTMORE, JULLIA JOSON, KEZIA REYNOLDS, SOPHIE VENING

glory in just four steps…

USE PAN LIDS WHEN COOKING
CLEAR THE CREVICES Begin by removing Not only will this save energy and
1 the sofa cushions, then fold out the bed and
start mining for anything that may have been
cook the contents quicker, it will
prevent the steam from boiling liquids
lost in the body of the sofa, from loose escaping into your kitchen and
change to your kids’ or pets’ toys. condensing onto cold window glass.
GET THE VACUUM OUT Run your vacuum
2 cleaner over the sofa surface but don’t use it
on the mattress as this could disturb the
WIPE DOWN YOUR WINDOWS
Window condensation is usually at its
fillings. Run a soft brush over the mattress worst in the morning when doors and
instead to remove any dust. windows have been closed all night
TACKLE ANY STAINS Using a mild washing- and the air inside is warm, as damp air
3 up liquid or a specialised upholstery cleaner,
gently blot until the stain fades away. Never
has nowhere to escape. Make a habit
of mopping up or wiping away the
rub it as that will seal the stain. Test the liquid excess moisture with a towel or cloth.
on a hidden area of the sofa beforehand to
make sure it doesn’t damage the material. OPEN YOUR WINDOWS EVERY DAY
FRESHEN UP THE CUSHIONS & COVERS
4
To help prevent condensation forming
To remove any lingering smells from the on walls and ceilings, it’s worth giving
upholstery, sprinkle baking soda over the your home space to breathe by
sofa, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it opening the windows for around
off. Flip and plump the cushions regularly too. 10 to 15 minutes each day.

FEBRUARY 2025 143 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 MONEY MATTERS

A brief guide to selling your home

IDEAL HOME’S COLUMNIST AND EDITOR OF MONEYWEEK.COM
KALPANA FITZPATRICK SHARES HER FINANCIAL WISDOM

As well as making sure your house is

as appealing as possible, there are
how much you want for your property. But
beforehand, it’s worth carrying out any
Do these
many other things to consider when repairs that may impact the asking price. three things…
selling your property. Our money expert Check out sites like Zoopla or Rightmove
Kalpana Fitzpatrick, looks at what costs to see what similar properties on your
are involved and how to get organised. road have sold for and estimated prices.
1
Energy Conveyancing
START
performance FIND OUT
solicitor fees DECLUTTERING
If you are selling, you There are also the legal costs
will need to have an MORE… to consider. Conveyancing
If you’re moving, now is
COUNCIL TAX the time to have a good
Energy Performance costs can average between
Don’t assume your old clear out and get rid of
Certificate (EPC) that £600 and £950**. The fee
home and new one are in anything you don’t need
rates the energy is split into two parts – legal
the same council tax band; anymore. Moving with
efficiency of your fees (which are charged
check at gov.uk/ clutter is a waste of money.
property, using A to G council-tax-bands. by the conveyancer) and
See our decluttering
ratings, with A the best REMOVALS disbursements (third party
feature on page 168.
and G the worst. This Get an idea of removal charges for services, such
certificate must be costs at comparemymove. as transfer of ownership
available before you put
your property on the
market and an estate
com, and choose a
company that is a member
of the British Association
documents). If you are selling
a leasehold property, there
may be additional costs.
2
agent will ask you for it. of Movers (bar.co.uk); it
has a strict Code of REFRESH
If you have one, it is
Practice for members. Removal costs YOUR WALLS
valid for 10 years. You It’s easy to underestimate Before you put your house
can see if a property just how much stuff you have on the market, it’s worth
has a valid EPC by to pack, but a good removals giving all your rooms a
visiting gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. company can take the stress out of making fresh lick of paint to make
If you need a certificate, book an sure all your valued possessions make it them look more appealing
independent energy assessor; find one safely to their new home. Be ready to pay to buyers. Make sure the
at gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate hundreds if you’re hiring a small van to rooms are fully aired
move yourself, and thousands if you’re before viewing starts.
Estate agent fees hiring a professional firm to do it all for
The actual costs of selling will depend on you. The cost may depend on the size
your property price, but keep in mind
estate agent fees can be anything
of your home and distance travelled, but
expect to fork out an average of £4,000. 3
between 0.9% and 3.6%* of the value of
your property. The average high street MOVE YOUR MAIL
estate agent fee is 1.42% based on a no When you have your moving
sale, no fee agreement. So on a £285,000
ILLUSTRATIONS MELANIE BROWN/PAULA JARDINE

date, contact royalmail.com/

house, you can expect to pay estate agent
*HOME OWNERS ALLIANCE **REALLYMOVING

start-your-redirection to
fees of around £4,000. Online estate send your post from your
agents are cheaper as they do not have old home to your new one.
the same overhead costs; they have fixed Contact your bank, energy
fees in the range of £0 to £999. and utility suppliers,
media subscriptions and
Setting the asking price so on directly with your
Before you sell, you also need to know new address.
how much you want to get for your
property. Ask two or three estate agents
to give you a valuation before you decide Follow Kalpana on Instagram
@KalpanaFitz

FEBRUARY 2025 144 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 GET ORGANISED
Small bedrooms sorted
TRANSFORM YOUR POKY ROOM INTO A STREAMLINED
SANCTUARY WITH HELP FROM THE EXPERTS

Small sleeping spaces are not unusual

but there are plenty of ways to make the Built-in storage
most of them. And knowing how best behind the bedhead
to organise a small bedroom can really makes the most of
make the difference. unused space
We’ve consulted a number of experts
to find out their top tips, from how to
store stuff to choosing furniture that will
maximise a tiny space. Jenny Wilkins,
founder of Rejig Organising and member
of the Association of Professional
Declutterers and Organisers (APDO),
says, ‘Organising a small room can be
challenging, but with a few clever
strategies, you can create a functional
and tidy environment.’

Keep clutter to a minimum

When you have a small bedroom on your
hands, the worst thing you can do is
overwhelm it with stuff – you’ll end up with
a cluttered-looking space that will appear
even smaller than it actually is. The key is
keeping only the essentials in the room.
‘The bedroom is a space to relax, unwind
and of course, sleep, so keep belongings
to a minimum and make sure everything
has its place,’ says Jasmina Gluszynski,
founder of Forty Home Staging and
APDO member. ‘The more you have, the
harder it is to tidy, so limit your belongings,
whether that’s books, clothes or decorative
items. If you like a bold style, try swapping
trinkets for bold patterned bedding.
This limits the number of physical things areas, so making sure the floor doesn’t feel like the room is closing in on itself
to tidy up, but keeps your style.’ become a “floordrobe” is really important.’ when you walk in. Put a wardrobe into a
Laura Haddy, founder of Clear The This goes for furniture, too – replace a corner if possible. Think about built-in
Chaos and APDO member, continues, traditional bedside table with a bedside storage if you’re considering investing in
‘Start with the bed. This should be your shelf and show more floor that way. ‘Use your bedroom – if it’s being built bespoke,
sanctuary, so keep it free of unnecessary shelves instead of bedside cabinets and it can be tailored to help make the room
items that don’t help you sleep. Look at wall-mounted lamps to free up floor space layout more appealing.
your bedside table – only keep essentials around the bed,’ says Jenny.
like a lamp, alarm clock, and a book. Try an ottoman
Anything else should be relocated to a Hide furniture with paint Houses rarely have linen cupboards these
more appropriate spot. Keep only items In older houses, fitted cupboards were days, so where do you put the spare
that are truly worth their space.’ often narrow from front to back, so to bedding? An old-fashioned blanket box or
cope with the amount of clothes we have storage ottoman is the perfect solution
Clear the floor these days, build out the cupboard into and a great way to organise a small
‘Too much furniture or furniture that’s too the room, then disguise it by painting it bedroom. Lift up an ottoman’s lid and you
big can make a room feel really small,’ says the same colour as the walls and it will can stash bulky bedding; the design is
Sian Pelleschi, owner of Sorted! and almost seem to disappear. Positioning is usually narrow so it won’t take up too
APDO president. ‘Revealing as much floor also key – placing a wardrobe or tall piece much space at the end of the bed, and it
space as possible opens up the smallest of of furniture near the doorway can make it will provide an extra seat, too.

FEBRUARY 2025 145 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

USE VERTICAL SPACE
A bedroom door
Every small
When thinking about a room’s
size, we usually consider width surround makes bedroom needs…
a great site for
and depth, which doesn’t handy shelves
account for its height, and
vertical space is often under-
used. It’s a small bedroom
mistake that can be avoided.
‘Go up!’ says Jenny. ‘Add
up-to-the-ceiling shelving – this
can be installed all around the
room, and, being above head HANGING UP
height, will feel less cluttered.’ Rayos over-door multi storage
This includes floating shelves hooks, £45, Olive Bonas
and wall cabinets, plus hooks
and pegboards. ‘Use wall-
mounted hooks or pegboards
for accessories and other small
items, eliminating the need for
another chest of drawers,’
says Gemma Samuels, lead BEDDING BOX
designer at interior design Button top ottoman storage
studio Happi Habitat. bench, from £795, Loaf

Sloping ceiling?
£££
Fit low-level

Style
storage to utilise

saver
the void space

INVEST IN FITTED
WARDROBES
Built-in furniture is ideal for
small bedrooms as it is the
best way to make the most
of every available inch of
space. Instead of wardrobe
doors that open outwards LAYERED LADDER
into the room, go for sliding Cotswold Essentials
doors or even a design that storage ladder, £65,

PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/BRENT DARBY, CHRIS SNOOK, DOMINIC BLACKMORE

opens forwards then slots Cotswold Company
sideways into the recess.
If you want to include a
dressing table, this can be
incorporated hidden behind
a door, with a stool that
tucks underneath. When
you’ve finished using it, close
the door and you have a
seamless, sleek finish. STORE & DISPLAY
Large hexagon wall shelf in
Black, £20, Online Home Shop
FEATURE ALISON DAVIDSON, GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Maintain a small space with regular tidying

QTry not to leave clothes bed or above the door. Hang storage; a bedside table with
lying on a chair for longer than shelving here and store the handy drawers, and so on.
a day. If you do, they tend to stuff you need but don’t use Keeping stuff out of sight
pile up, especially if you’re often, as it can be a little makes for a tidy space.
very busy (or very tired). Deal harder to access. QFree yourself of a bedside
with them the next morning, QIf you’re buying new table altogether by installing a
either back into the wardrobe furniture, always look for wall-hung bedside light and
or into the laundry basket. something with hidden hanging a shelf above your STASHED SEAT
QMake good use of the dead storage. A storage bed with headboard for your bedside Bloor storage stool in Oyster
space on the wall above your divan drawers or ottoman must-haves instead. casual bouclé, £80, Next

FEBRUARY 2025 146 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 TECH SOLUTIONS
Indoor air quality
EVERY HOME IS PACKED WITH INVISIBLE AIRBORNE POLLUTANTS.
FIND OUT HOW TO ENSURE YOU’RE BREATHING AIR FREE OF ANY NASTIES

It’s no secret that if you live in a built-up

area of the country, the air quality won’t
Keep track with a monitor
Air quality monitors are small devices that
The lowdown
be as good as in the countryside. You How they’re ‘smart’ and
regularly test a room’s airborne particle
need just look at the fact that seven of where to find the best brands
matter (or PM). According to the UK
the UK’s major cities – Aberdeen, Government website*, PM is ‘…everything
Birmingham, Bristol, Dundee, Edinburgh, in the air that is not a gas. Some of these
Glasgow and London – have all enforced toxins may enter the bloodstream and be
Low Emission Zones in recent years. transported around the body, lodging in the
However, not many realise that the air you heart, brain and other organs.’ Most air
breathe in your home is also most likely quality monitors will also track carbon
filled with low-level toxins, too. Tech is dioxide, humidity and temperature.
keeping up, though, with at-home
CLEVER TECH
The majority of air quality
monitors keeping track of the various
contaminants available, as well as purifiers Clean the air monitors and air purifiers
If you’re concerned about the air quality in available now have added
that catch the gases and extract them,
your home, the quickest way to remedy it smart functionality so you
releasing clean air in their place.
is to invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers can control them via a
have built-in air quality monitors that companion app on your
What exactly are the continuously scan the ambient air in a smartphone or tablet.
indoor pollutants? room, and when certain pollutants are They’ll alert you when the
There are oodles of ways that clean air can detected, they draw the air into the air quality is poor and can
be compromised in your home. Emissions machine and send it through a filter to be programmed to switch
CONCENTRATIONS-OF-PARTICULATE-MATTER-PM10-AND-PM25 **TO FIND THE SQUARE FOOTAGE, MULTIPLY LENGTH BY WIDTH.

caused by a fire or stove, and even cooking clean it, eventually releasing purified air on automatically when
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI ILLUSTRATION PAULA JARDINE *GOV.UK/GOVERNMENT/STATISTICS/AIR-QUALITY-STATISTICS/

smells are to blame. Airborne toxins like back into the room. Depending on the the level drops below a
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), model, they do this several times an hour. certain point. They’ll also
which include a range of harmful chemical This can naturally make a huge impact on notify you when their
gases emitted from paint, furnishings and any allergens. How quickly or efficiently a filter needs to be
detergents, also add to poor air quality machine does this is measured in CADR cleaned or changed.
indoors. Finally, dust and pollen can fill the (or Clean Air Delivery Rate). The higher Some models can also
air, aggravating existing allergies and the CADR rating an air purifier has, the be voice-controlled.
asthma. While opening your windows quicker it will be at purifying the air.
when you cook or after you’ve painted a
room will help the pollutants escape, it’s PM2.5
not always the most practical option – it 22°c
49%
may be too cold or you may live near a
main road. That’s when tech can help.
TOP BRANDS
If you’re keen to buy an air
quality monitor for your
NEED TO KNOW... home, look for brands like
Airthings, Eve and Netatmo,
Make sure you as well as retailers like Ikea
and Amazon. Expect to pay
check that a between £40 and £70. As air
purifiers do both jobs, they’ll
purifier can nearly always cost more than
monitors. Look for trusted

handle the size brands like BlueAir, Dyson,

Meaco and Vitsey, while
Dupray and Brivv have extra
of your room clever designs that stand out
from the rest. Expect to pay
before buying** upwards of £100.

FEBRUARY 2025 147 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 HAPPY HOME

MAKE MONEY ONLINE

How to sell furniture second hand
FROM PREPPING THE FURNITURE TO DRIVING A HARD BARGAIN, THIS IS ALL
YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING MONEY FROM UNWANTED FURNITURE

Clearing out your home can give you

some much-needed space. But rather Your unwanted item
than ditching unwanted furniture at the could be someone
tip, why not turn it into an extra bit of else’s must-have
income? Whether it’s in tip-top condition
or needs someone to work their
upcycling magic, you can always
guarantee that someone out there will
pay for your unused furniture if you
know what you’re doing.

Prepare your furniture

for selling
While buyers can give or take chipped
paint or a wobbly table (as long as you
were honest about these features in the
first place), they won’t appreciate
second-hand furniture that’s covered in
dust or mould or missing a door. So, it’s
important to prepare your second-hand
furniture for selling before you really get
started. Margaret Larson from Sustainable
Furniture explains, ‘It is important to carry
out a deep clean. This will ensure furniture
pieces are looking their best, to help
achieve a quick and high-profit sale.
Furniture made from wood, glass or metal
can be cleaned using a damp cloth to
remove dust, and if there are any lingering
tough stains, try spot cleaning with a
sponge, warm water and mild washing
up liquid. Then, to finish, buff and polish
using suitable products to restore the
furniture’s appearance. For upholstered
pieces, start by lightly hoovering the
surface to remove debris, then spot clean
any tough stains and plump cushions for
the perfect finishing touch.’

Take the best photos

‘Pictures may be worth a thousand words, make the most of natural daylight to from and the item’s history are the basics.
but bad photography won’t sell your ensure your images are bright and sharp.’ Once you have written your description,
furniture,’ explains Hannah Rouch, second run it through a spell checker, as listings
hand expert at Gumtree. She advises, Write a clear and with incorrect spellings are far less likely
‘Take photos of the item against a plain honest description to be found online.’
background so it’s clear what you are ‘A one-line description might make You should also explain the delivery or
selling, and whatever you do, only post the buyer think you have something to collection method. If you’re willing to send
images that are in focus. Buyers will want hide,’ says Hannah. ‘Put yourself in the the furniture to your buyer, confirm who
to see as much of the item as possible – buyer’s shoes and think about what they will be covering the postage fees. If they
warts and all. So, take photos of the object need to know to ultimately make the live locally, you could also explain that
from all angles and clearly show any purchase. Practical information such as you’re willing to deliver the item to them
defects that are present. When shooting, measurements, the material it is made for an extra fee if required. Alternatively,

FEBRUARY 2025 149 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

HAPPY HOME

Choose the
Selling a large item?
Think about you will right platform
deliver or ship it Compare and contrast the
different options available
EBAY.CO.UK Easily the most
popular buying and selling platform
worldwide, it’s incredibly easy to
buy and sell on eBay. If you’re a
private seller and haven’t gone over
your monthly allowance of 300 free
listings each month, selling
furniture second hand on eBay is
free. You will have to pay a
percentage to the platform when
your item sells, though.
ETSY.COM/UK Famous for its
independent sellers and small
businesses, Etsy is a common
platform for buying and selling
second-hand goods. However, it
favours buyers rather than sellers.
To sell anything on Etsy, you’ll be
charged a 16p listing fee, a 6.5%
transaction fee, and then a 4% +
20p payment processing fee.
FACEBOOK.COM/
MARKETPLACE This is a handy
and totally free way to sell furniture
second hand to those in your local
area. There are no fees to pay and
you can have your buyer pick it up
from your home. Just keep an eye
out for scammers.
GUMTREE.COM Dubbed the
number-one classified ads site in
the UK, Gumtree is a great platform
for selling second-hand furniture.
While it’s usually completely free to
list your items on Gumtree, certain
confirm that you will be selling the items furniture, and it’s up to you how you want services do incur a fee.
for collection only. to play that game. If you are willing to wait VINTED.CO.UK A popular choice
a little longer to get what you want for for those buying and selling
Settle on a price your item, stick to your advertised price, pre-loved clothes, you can also sell
It can be easy for sellers to become but if you want to get rid of it quickly, it’s second-hand furniture on Vinted.
emotionally attached to their items and probably worth compromising and finding As it’s primarily known for selling
ask for more than the furniture is worth. a comfortable middle ground between clothes, shoes and accessories, it
However, a good rule to follow is that you and the buyer. Whatever you choose, may take you a little longer to sell –
second-hand furniture in good condition it’s important to respond quickly to but it is completely free to use.
can be sold at around 70-80% of the potential buyers’ enquiries and keep SHPOCK.COM/EN-GB This relies
original sale price. Ava Wilson, chief editor things short and professional. on finding potential buyers close to
at Unclutterer, adds, ‘Research similar you, which is a great option for
items to price yours competitively. Be Seal the deal those who don’t have the ability to
realistic about the condition and age of When you’ve found a willing buyer and post furniture. There are no fees
your furniture.’ One of the easiest places have settled on a price you’re both happy involved, and there’s even added
to do this research is on your chosen with, you can then arrange for the buyer and seller protection.
selling platform. If you find something exchange of money and goods. Precisely PRELOVED.CO.UK It’s free to sell
similar that’s been for sale for months, it’s how this is done will depend on whether furniture on this platform –
highly likely that it’s been priced too high, you’re posting, delivering, or exchanging however, you can become a
and therefore you should lower your on collection, and how you choose to member for extra perks. Sell your
expectations accordingly. accept the money. Ultimately, you are the furniture using a single photograph
only one who can make the decision on and description, or become a paid
Engage with people how you are paid. But you should never Preloved member to be able to add
Many people will try to haggle over the send any items to a buyer without multiple photos and respond to
price of pre-loved and second-hand receiving the money first. Q buyers straight away.

FEBRUARY 2025 150 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 PROJECT | STYLE | ADVICE
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPH GETTY IMAGES/JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

Plant of
the month
CROCUS
Adding pops of welcome colour to
a wintry February, these perennials
are best planted in autumn in
clusters of at least five or six, in
borders, pots or in grass. They
love full sun and will easily
spread by themselves,
year after year.

FEBRUARY 2025 151 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS MONTH
WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE CHANGING SEASONS

QPREPARE YOUR POTS

First, gather together all your containers
and pots and assess them. Recycle any
that have split due to frost or suffered
other damage. Broken terracotta and
ceramics can be recycled as crocks.
Then give all your pots a brush and wash
down, using a mild solution of warm
water and washing-up liquid, adding a
capful of household bleach to kill germs.

QPLANTUP A COLOURFUL
WINTER CONTAINER
Use a winter container to add colour to
your outdoor space. Gardener Sarah
Raven loves to plant a perennial
wallflower, Erysimum Winter Orchid, in
February. ‘It’s renowned for flowering
from spring right through the summer
and it’s often one of the first plants to
come into full bloom,’ she says. The
scented flowers emerge as a coppery
orange, turning to purple as they age.

Garden
must-haves
1 2

3 Get ahead and prune any apple

WHERE TO BUY and pear trees while they’re still
dormant, but leave plum, cherry
1 Round bamboo fibre birdbox available in
Blue, Orange, Pink or Green, £9.95, Rex
London 2 Gardener’s handcare kit, £12,
John Lewis 3 Copper plant labels, £30 for
a set of five, Copper & Green and apricot trees until the summer
FEBRUARY 2025 152 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
 GARDEN

Plant these
indoors now
(move outdoors
in summer)
1 BEGONIA
Give this plant plenty of light (but not
direct sun) and it’ll bloom all year round.
2 FUCHSIA
Plant in well-drained soil and place in a
spot with both sun and shade.
3 GERANIUM
This sun-loving plant flowers from late
spring to early autumn.
4 HOYA
Thriving in warmer temperatures, this

1
delicate climber needs support.

rune your shrub roses

While old-fashioned shrub roses are usually pruned
in November, it is best to prune modern shrub roses
by the end of February before they start to put on

2
PHOTOGRAPHS GETTY IMAGES/JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY; TORRIPHOTO; URBANCOW; YONCA60; ROSEMARY CALVERT; ORCHIDPOET
new growth. In colder parts of the UK, many rose
fans avoid pruning until at least the end of February.
Remember, these rules apply to shrub roses only.

QADDSPARKLE TO
A WINTER GARDEN

3
One of our favourite plants to bring a
touch of joy to a garden in the winter is
Cyclamen coum. These tiny plants with
silver-and-green leaves and pink flowers
are on the same small but perfectly
formed scale as snowdrops. They’re fully
hardy and will flower from December
into March. They are happiest when
situated under deciduous shrubs, but can
also be left to naturalise in short grass.

4
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI; JAYNE DOWLE

QSORT YOUR SEEDS

Start preparing seed beds this month and
sowing vegetables under cover. Invest in
seed trays, as this will make it easier
when it comes to moving the tiny plants
outside. ‘Try starting with some salad
veg, broad beans and summer cabbages,’
says Chris Bonnett, owner of Gardening
Express. ‘You can start these in the
greenhouse in seed trays, or outside
under cloches to protect the seeds.’ Q

FEBRUARY 2025 153 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 I
t’s fairly well known that some
houseplants purify indoor air. In
fact, a study by the University
of Birmingham* revealed that in
some conditions, introducing
five houseplants to a small, poorly ventilated
room could reduce nitrogen dioxide – a
common pollutant – by as much as 20%.
Plants with large leaves absorb more
carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the
atmosphere, while moderating humidity
levels in your home to help lower levels of
pathogens such as fungal spores, bacteria
and viruses. Furthermore, plants can help to
improve mental health and boost immunity
levels while adding natural decoration, too.
So if you’d like to choose houseplants
that reduce airborne pollutants, read on…

special

Purifying plants
DISCOVER THE HOUSEPLANTS THAT CAN REDUCE
AIRBORNE PATHOGENS LIKE BACTERIA AND MOULD
 GARDEN

PEACE LILY
(SPATHIPHYLLUM
WALLISII)
Deservedly popular, the peace lily
may help to keep bacteria and
mould spores at bay and it has been
shown to absorb small quantities of
benzene, a harmful VOC used in
many industries and found in car
exhaust fumes. Ideal for beginners,
this compact plant produces glossy
dark green leaves and long-lasting
white tear-shaped flowerheads,
which emerge in spring.

ARECA PALM (DYPSIS

LUTESCENS)
The areca palm is thought to
reduce levels of airborne bacteria
and mould spores and to absorb
small quantities of VOCs. Also
known as the butterfly palm
because its fronds resemble these
beautiful insects, this tall plant
requires space to develop its wide,
arching leaves, but if you have a
suitable room, it’s easy to care for.

Peace Lily in a Navy

ceramic ribbed pot,
£25, Beards & Daisies

FEBRUARY 2025 155 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 WEEPING FIG (FICUS
BENJAMINA)
This elegant houseplant has been
shown to regulate levels of bacteria
and moulds in the air and to absorb
small quantities of VOCs and other
harmful gases. Although quite
demanding, when happy a weeping
fig will reward you with graceful
arched stems of small green leaves.
Mist the leaves in summer and do
not move or repot it, as this can Rapunzel devil’s
result in leaf drop. ivy, from £15 (pot
not included),
Patch Plants

DUMB CANE ‘CAMILLE’ DEVIL’S IVY

(DIEFFENBACHIA (EPIPREMNUM AUREUM)
‘CAMILLE’) This easy-to-grow plant has been
Prized for its duo-tone leaves, the shown to help to slightly reduce
dumb cane may help to absorb toxic levels of benzene (see peace lily), as
gases given off by some paints, and Ficus well as mould spores and airborne
it’s believed to reduce mould spores benjamina, bacteria. Devil’s ivy, or pothos as it’s
and airborne bacteria. Ideal for a from £38 (pot also known, is tolerant of almost all
tabletop when young, mature plants not included), light levels, bar direct sun, and you
can reach up to 5ft (1.5m) and are Patch Plants can use the flexible stems to trail
more suited to a pot on the floor. from a hanging basket or climb up a
pole or along wires fixed to a wall.
 Snake plant, from
£10 (pot not
SNAKE PLANT included), Prickle
(SANSEVIERIA
TRIFASCIATA ‘LAURENTII’)
Also known as mother-in-law’s
tongue, this helps reduce airborne
mould and bacteria, as well as
slightly lowering levels of VOCs. It
has sword-like variegated leaves,
making it ideal for small rooms, and
while it prefers light shade, it will
also tolerate lower light levels.
Overwatering is one of the few ways
to kill it, so allow the compost to dry
out between waterings and reduce
moisture levels further in winter.

FEBRUARY 2025 157 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

GARDEN

Large Dracaena
GOOSEFOOT PLANT Fragrans
(SYNGONIUM Steudneri, £65 (pot
not included),
PODOPHYLLUM) Beards & Daisies
Goosefoot or arrowhead vine has
been shown to reduce airborne
fungal spores and bacteria and
absorb small quantities of VOCs. Its
heart-shaped leaves make a
dramatic statement in a hanging
basket or climbing up a mossy pole.

DRAGON PLANT
(DRACAENA FRAGRANS)
Perfect for beginners, the dragon
plant strikes a pose with its spiky
variegated foliage, while research
shows that it’s the best plant for
absorbing acetone, found in nail

FEATURE ZIA ALLAWAY, GINEVRA BENEDETTI PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/TIM YOUNG; JEMMA WATTS; ALAMY STOCK PHOTO/MLLE SONYAH;
varnish products. It is also thought

GETTY IMAGES/PARTH DOBARIYA, INA TS, BILAL PHOTOS *BIRMINGHAM.AC.UK/NEWS/2022/COMMON-HOUSEPLANTS-CAN-IMPROVE-AIR-QUALITY-INDOORS

to help reduce moulds and bacteria
from the air. Tolerant of a wide range
of light levels, except direct sun, use
it to dress up a gloomy corner in a
living room or bedroom.

FEBRUARY 2025 158 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 GARDEN

focus

ADD WINTER COLOUR

THERE’S NO NEED TO WAIT FOR SUMMER TO TRANSFORM
YOUR GARDEN INTO A RIOT OF COLOUR – HERE’S HOW…

M
any believe gardens to be
dull, barren spaces during
the winter, devoid of colour YOU WILL NEED
and greenery, with a pallid Q Iris ‘Frozen Planet’,
palette that matches the £7.99 for 20, Crocus
weather. But there are plenty of ways to Q Azalea ‘Dwarf Lilac’,
bring life and colour to your outdoor £12.99 for a H12cm plant,
space – you just need to know how. Thompson & Morgan
Q Prunus subhirtella
ADD WINTER-FLOWERING NATIVES
autumnalis ‘Rosea’
‘The first way to add colour to a drab and
cherry blossom, £239.99
dreary winter garden is to plant some for a tree in a 25ltr pot,
colourful winter flowers,’ says Craig Hopes Grove Nurseries
Wilson, co-founder, director and in-house
gardening expert at Gardener’s Dream.
‘These plants can withstand colder
temperatures and frost better than most
and are certain to bring a little splash of
colour back into any winter garden,’ he
adds. Opt for the likes of pansies,
cyclamen, snowdrops, dwarf irises,
hellebores and violas to add some
colourful winter charm to your space.

PRIORITISE EVERGREENS
Another option is planting evergreens.
‘Evergreen hedges and trees retain their
glossy green leaves all year round, so
when most of the garden is sleeping
over winter, evergreens will keep their
leaves all year,’ says Morris Hankinson, Snowdrops can
director of Hopes Grove Nurseries. cheer your garden
Morris goes on to suggest evergreens as early as January
like choisya, thuja, cotoneaster, buxus
and elaeagnus, as ‘these will also give
wildlife shelter during the colder months’. structure, recognisable fragrance and as a backdrop to some bright red,
PHOTOGRAPHS GETTY IMAGES/JACKY PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY

‘Sarcococca confusa, known as sweet colourful flowers,’ suggests Morris. orange or yellow stems of cornus, such
box, is one of the most fragrant hedging Alternatively, Morris adds that ‘Prunus as ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’.’
plants to grow for winter interest,’ subhirtella autumnalis ‘Rosea’ is a cherry
FEATURE KAYLEIGH DRAY AND GINEVRA BENEDETTI

Morris adds.’Not only is it evergreen but tree that blooms with pretty pink LEAVE PERENNIALS OVER WINTER
it also flowers from December to March flowers from November to March’. ‘After perennials finish flowering in
with a sweet fragrance and then later autumn, instead of cutting them back,
has big black berries.’ INCLUDE PLANTS WITH leave them until spring when new growth
INTERESTING STEMS AND BARK appears,’ suggests Morris. The stems,
CONSIDER SOME WINTER- ‘Winter interest isn’t all about colourful old foliage and seedheads will not only
FLOWERING TREES flowers,’ says Morris. ‘The bark of many provide homes and food for birds and
It doesn’t matter how big your garden is, trees and stems of plants can also bring animals, they also add beauty to a quiet
you can easily add colour to yours with a beauty to a winter garden,’ he says. winter garden. ‘Perennials such as sedum,
winter-flowering tree. ‘Hamamelis (witch ‘Betula pendula (silver birch) with its echinops, asters and phlomis, plus many
hazel) is a well-known tree that gives silvery-white and almost ghost-like trunk more, will look great with a dusting of
winter interest, thanks to its wonderful looks phenomenal in winter, especially snow or frost on,’ adds Morris. Q

FEBRUARY 2025 159 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 HAPPY HOME

Camphill Village
Trust dipped
beeswax candles,
£9 for two,
Different Kind

IDEAS FOR A SUSTAINABLE HOME

“
GOODS THAT
‘Slow offers a reupholstery DO GOOD
service (not just for its own Launched by Liz Warner, former CEO of Comic

”
products) which is run out of
Relief, Different Kind sources products created by
ethical producers and independent artisans from all
its workshops in Yorkshire over the world. Focused on gifting, the site offers
beautiful and unusual items for house and home,
plus food and drink, individually or in gift boxes.
Producers include the Shetland Soap Company,
which employs people with autism and learning
disabilities to produce toiletries and skincare, and
brush company Iris Hantverk, which creates jobs for
visually impaired people in Sweden and Estonia.

Reduce,
reuse recycle
SALVAGE STYLE Founded in 2019,
houseof is now stocked in a raft of
high street stores like John Lewis and
H&M Home. But visit the brand’s
website and you’ll discover Rehoused
– a range of one-off vintage
Wharfe three-seater and antique lighting
sofa in Mandarin salvaged from
performance plush across Europe.
velvet, £4,350, Slow Each unique piece

Slow & steady

has been restored and rewired
to UK lighting standards.

wins the race

SIMPLE SWAPS Reduce the
amount of single-use waste your household
produces by swapping to reusable alternatives.
Easy switches include cotton wool to washable
New sofa company Slow aims to create sustainable furniture with a pads; cling film to beeswax wrap; and tampons and
timeless appeal using a zero-waste approach. Each piece is built using sanitary towels to period cups and period pants.
non-toxic materials, with FSC beech frames and fillings of natural FILL IT UP Online retailer Cult Beauty has a
latex over chemically treated foam. There are seven styles to choose section on its website dedicated to make-up and
from, in a variety of sizes and fabrics, in over 70 colourways. Prices skincare products that offer eco refills – find them
start from £1,600 for an armchair and £1,950 for a two-seater sofa. all at cultbeauty.co.uk/c/refills

FEBRUARY 2025 161 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 ONE
HAPPY HOME S

M
AL
L STE
UPCYCLE PROJECT

Mini magnetic fridge

P
storage pots

IN GOOD TASTE
Try theming your tins
around a favourite
cuisine or food

YOU WILL NEED

O Some empty decorative

tins O A roll of magnetic tape (try

Amazon) O Scissors O Florists’
oasis (optional)
Most mini tins have a removable
lid, which is easy to discard.
Make sure you clean the inside of
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/POLLY ELTES

the tin thoroughly, too. Next, cut

a self-adhesive magnetic strip to
size and stick it on the back of
your tin. Arrange a few of them
on your fridge door to hold pens
or pencils, bottle openers or bag
FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

clips. Or fill with a small block of

florists’ oasis, wrapped in a piece
Don’t scrub the of plastic to protect the inside of
design off the the tin, and add a few flowers.
outsides when you
clean your tins!

FEBRUARY 2025 162 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 HEATHER YOUNG UPS THE SPA
VIBES FOR STRESS-FREE BATHING

Word on the street is that spa

bathrooms are set to be one of the
biggest interiors trends this year, no
doubt driven by our ever-increasing
understanding of how big a part our
homes play in how we feel. Our drive
to optimise our spaces to boost our always add bath oil, whether it’s a soothing blend, or a
sense of wellbeing is moving into the bathroom, few drops of my trusty essential oils (I love jasmine or
with a desire to create a space from which lavender). I’ve also started adding a vase of eucalyptus
we can escape the stresses of day-to-day life. on the windowsill. The moist air in the room helps
If you popped over to my house, I definitely to release a soothing fragrance from the eucalyptus
don’t think anyone would describe my bathroom leaves, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
as a ‘spa-style’ retreat. While there’s nothing I’m popping one more thing on my wishlist to up
majorly wrong with it (hence it being very low on the relaxing spa vibes. I really enjoy listening to
our renovation to-do list), it’s pretty functional, music (and podcasts) and it’s one of my go-to ways
and isn’t going to set the world alight when it to help me wind down, but having a full sound
comes to bathroom design! It’s a pretty compact system in the bathroom is definitely a long way
room – something I’m sure a lot of us have in off being a reality! Instead I’m going to invest

“
common – and I really haven’t done much in a decent Bluetooth speaker so that I can enjoy
to it since we moved in four years ago. I’m not up a sound bath while I’m in, well… the bath! Q

It’s a functional
for going as far as re-tiling the
room, but I wonder if I could

space, but my
give the painted surfaces
(including the ceiling) a

”
bathtime toolkit helps
quick and easy makeover…
Everything’s currently white,

me wind down
which can feel a bit cold
and uninviting. Knowing
how much colour can impact
mood, I think it’s worth introducing a more
PHOTOGRAPH FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/JAMES FRENCH

CORD FREE
restful shade into the scheme. Comes with a
While the family bathroom may not look the handy remote
part, it definitely does play a role when we’re control. Katherine
rechargeable table
looking for ways to relax, calm down, and reduce lamp, £115.50, Pooky
our stress levels. Everyone in my family, including SOOTHING TUNES
myself, is a fan of a long soak in the tub. I used to Hours of wireless
light a couple of candles rather than having the listening. Willen II
main light on, but since investing in a wireless portable speaker,
lamp last year, that’s become my lighting option £99.99, Marshall
of choice. It creates a lovely mellow glow, and is FRESH SCENT
Treat your senses.
dimmable, so I can find the perfect light level. Happy Place Picking
Next up in my happy home bathtime toolkit is Poppies bath soak
scent. Sometimes I light a scented candle, and I set, £12.50, M&S

FEBRUARY 2025 163 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

Want something hearty and
delicious to eat this month?
Check out these comforting
cheese-infused dishes,
courtesy of BBC Saturday
Kitchen’s James Martin

CHICKEN STUFFED WITH

HERBS AND RICOTTA
See page 167 for recipe
 HAPPY HOME

JAMES’S TIP
Swap the Cheddar for
another hard cheese that
melts well – like Gruyère

CAULIFLOWER CHEESE
See page 167 for recipe

FEBRUARY 2025 165 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

 JAMES’S TIP
Make sure you use full-fat
versions to ensure the best
flavour and texture

COCONUT AND
GINGER CHEESECAKES
See opposite page for recipe
 HAPPY HOME

Chicken stuffed with Cauliflower cheese Coconut and ginger

herbs and ricotta SERVES 6 cheesecakes
SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MINS MAKES 4 READY IN 4 HRS 30 MINS
READY IN 1 HR 30 MINS, PLUS RESTING
O 1 cauliflower, cut into florets and O 100g ginger cake, thinly sliced O 200g
O 100g ricotta O A few sprigs of mint leaves reserved O Olive oil, for drizzling cream cheese O 200ml crème fraiche
O 1 small bunch of coriander O 1 large chicken O 1ltr full-fat milk O 1⁄2 onion O 1 bay leaf O 300ml double cream, whipped O 25g
O Olive oil, for drizzling FOR THE SAUCE O 1 clove O 100g butter O 50g plain
caster sugar O 1tbsp dark rum O 1tsp
O 1tbsp olive oil O 1 shallot, diced O 300g flour O 400g Cheddar, grated O 1tbsp vanilla bean paste O 50g desiccated
wild mushrooms, chopped O 15g butter Dijon mustard coconut, toasted TO SERVE O Pineapple,
1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6.
O 300ml veal jus O 50ml white wine O 50ml
cut into chunks O Papaya, cut into chunks
2 Place the cauliflower florets and leaves
double cream O A few sprigs of tarragon O Cape gooseberries O Coconut shavings

1 Preheat the oven to 200C /Gas 6. on a roasting tray, drizzle with olive oil O A couple of sprigs of mint

2 Pop the ricotta and herbs into a food and season. Roast for 10 mins until 1 Preheat the oven to 110C/Gas 1⁄4.
processor and blitz until smooth. Transfer lightly charred. 2 Place the ginger cake on a lined
to a piping bag and snip the end off. 3 Warm the milk in a saucepan over a baking tray and put into the oven to
3 Use your fingers to release the skin medium heat. Stud the onion with the dry out for 4 hrs.
over the chicken breasts and create a bay leaf and clove and add to the milk to 3 Put the ginger cake in a food
pouch, then pipe the cheese and herb infuse for 10 mins. Remove from the heat. processor and blitz to a fine crumb.
mixture under the skin. Put the chicken 4 To make the sauce, melt the butter in a Divide most of the ginger crumb evenly
onto a roasting tray, then drizzle with pan over a medium heat, whisk in the between four 10cm ring moulds and
olive oil and season. Roast for 1 hr 10 flour and then add the milk gradually, flatten with the back of the spoon.
mins, then remove from the oven and discarding the onion. 4 Whisk together the cream cheese,
leave to rest for 20 mins. 5 Add half the Cheddar to the sauce, crème fraiche, cream, sugar, rum, vanilla
4 For the sauce, heat a non-stick pan then take off the heat and add the and coconut, then spoon into the
until very hot, add the oil, then the shallot mustard and season. moulds. Smooth the top of the mixture,
and mushrooms. Add half the butter and 6 Put the roasted cauliflower into an top with the remaining ginger crumb,
RECIPES TAKEN FROM CHEESE BY JAMES MARTIN (£25, QUADRILLE)

fry for 2 mins. Pour in the jus, wine and ovenproof dish. Pour over the sauce and then place the cheesecakes into the
cream. Sprinkle over the tarragon, bring top with the remaining cheese. Pop centre of four serving plates. Heat the
PHOTOGRAPHS DAN JONES FEATURE GINEVRA BENEDETTI

to the boil, then reduce by half. Add the under the grill for 8-10 mins. Serve with outside of the rings with a kitchen
remaining butter and season. pork chops, steak or a roast dinner. blowtorch to remove them.
5 To serve, carve the chicken into eight 5 Decorate with a selection of fruit,
pieces, pile onto a platter and spoon coconut shavings and mint sprigs.
over the sauce.

QFind these
recipes and more
in Cheese by
James Martin
(£25, Quadrille)

FEBRUARY 2025 167 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

HARMONIOUS
LIVING
Decide to keep
only the objects
and gifts that
bring you joy

NEED TO KNOW

Mindful ways
to declutter
your home
TURN A STRESSFUL CHORE INTO A CALMING,
REFLECTIVE RITUAL WITH THIS THERAPEUTIC
APPROACH AND REAP THE BENEFITS
 HAPPY HOME

C
lutter around your
home may add
character, but it can
also have a negative
effect on your mental
health. Having a
mindful approach to decluttering will
help turn an overwhelming task into
a self-care ritual. A great way to start
tackling the overflow of ‘stuff’ is with
a checklist, but adopting an intentional
mindset will help you let a lot more of
the clutter go. ‘It’s one thing to want
a minimal and tidy home, it’s another
thing to feel emotionally able to create
it,’ explains mindfulness coach Kate
Greenslade (onlinemindfulnesscoach.
com). ‘Because our feelings influence
our behaviour, emotions can get in the
way of having a “good clear out”. It
might feel uncomfortable to throw
away things we’ve had for years.’
Start by getting into the right
headspace. ‘Mindfulness is the art of
being present,’ says positive psychology
consultant and coach Tamara Judge
(oysteroutcomes.co.uk). ‘It involves
observing thoughts, emotions and bodily
sensations – whether positive, neutral
or negative – with a compassionate,
non-judgmental stance. Mindfulness isn’t
about avoiding discomfort; it’s about
navigating it with grace.’ Once you’re in
the right state of mind, try these
strategies recommended by our experts…

1
FOCUS ON ONE STREAMLINED
TYPE OF ITEM FAMILY AREA
This method is great if you’re a
‘collector’ and have a weak spot, for You may feel guilt at
example, for shoes, books or beauty getting rid of kids’
products. Lifestyle coach Jessica Barclay artwork, but also
(thelifestylecoachuk.com) reveals how to freedom and
edit your hoard. ‘I did this recently with satisfaction when
someone who had a lot of shirts. If you the task is going well
gather all of the shirts together, you can
FAVOURITE
assess which are favourites, which ones
you wear regularly and if you have any THINGS
duplicates. This helps you to process how Weed out your
much of your space these things are broken and
taking up; and whether the items or the unfashionable
space is more valuable to you.’

2
jewellery and create
a display of your
PICK THE BEST,

“
best-loved pieces
DITCH THE REST
It’s one thing slimming down a
stockpile, but another getting rid of things
that have emotional significance. Jessica Getting rid of clutter

”
deepens our connection
says, ‘Kids’ artwork is a good example.
In my house, we designate a space to

with our home

display it and once that’s full, we select
one or two pieces to be stored in an

FEBRUARY 2025 169 IDEALHOME.CO.UK

envelope, such as one for each school home is a reflection of ourselves, so
year. We take photos of the rest and let making significant changes can trigger
them go. This also ties in with the idea of stress. It can feel that we’re changing our
not saving things for best, like the best identity, which can be disconcerting. But
china or dresses for special occasions and doing this understated cleaning of our
then hardly ever using them. Why spend home regularly has many benefits,
the majority of your life using things that including reducing stress and anxiety.’

6
are your “least” and not your “best”?’

3
HAVE A ONE-ITEM-ONCE-
DO IT ONE A-WEEK RITUAL
DRAWER AT A TIME Choose one thing a week and put
Zoom in on one small area and it in a box ready for the charity shop.
enjoy the instant gratification of creating Tamara recommends this as, ‘a great habit
order from chaos on a small scale – even if to get into to reduce the mental load your
it’s just the junk drawer. Jessica advises: environment puts on you. Choose a good
‘This is good for the novice declutterer. time without distractions, especially if
You can practise without the overwhelm you’re going through items that have an
of a large space or a huge category of emotional connection. Watch out for
items. If you empty out one drawer it “thought traps” (reasons not to get rid of
doesn’t create a huge mess, so you won’t things). If you notice yourself falling into
burn out from decision fatigue halfway one, gently steer yourself back to the
through. You also get to see and feel the present moment by engaging your senses
benefits of having that one space done, – what you can see, feel, smell, hear and
get through it quickly and reap the taste – and let the thought or feeling drift
rewards. And this will make you want to by without engaging with it.’

7
work on the next task.’

4
HAVE A ‘SLEEP ON IT’ BOX
BANISH WHAT If you struggle to let go of items,
GETS YOU DOWN or can’t decide if you need them or
This one is pure Marie Kondo: walk not, put those things in a box. Set an alert
around the house and seek out the items on your phone for six months’ time. When
that do not ‘spark joy’. We’ve all got them that time comes, if you haven’t used,
– gifts we’re keeping out of politeness, missed or thought about those things,
branded mugs (because we love a you can safely get rid of them.
freebie), horrible heirlooms or items with Tamara explains, ‘this decluttering
negative memories attached. method is great because it can give you
Jessica says, ‘Life’s too short to be time to reflect on specific items and work
surrounded by things you don’t love. I through any thoughts and feelings that
want to have the things that are most fit you can’t let go of in the moment.’

8
for purpose and bring me the most joy. If
someone gives you a gift that you don’t PLAN A SLOW
like, the gift has served its purpose and ROOM DO-OVER
now it can be given to charity. Prioritise one room. Break down the
‘With heirlooms, it’s not that they should task into bite-sized chunks – either by
all go but just keep ones you actually love category of items or by each piece of
and have positive connections with.’ storage furniture (bookcase, cupboard,

5
chest) – and enjoy the journey, whether
GO LITTER PICKING you do one chunk per day, week or
Set aside 15 minutes a week to go month. Tamara says, ‘There isn’t the time
around the house with a bin bag pressure here; it could drag out and lead
gathering anything that’s served its to increased stress if it takes too long. As
purpose. Junk mail, expired food, broken a coach, I would suggest setting a clear
toys, shoes and clothes that can’t be goal for how you will know you have
repaired, then sort it for recycling. This is finished, and how you will stay motivated

“
low-stakes decluttering. Kate says, ‘Our if it takes longer than expected.’ Q

Clearing out one drawer

”
at a time ensures you won’t
get decision fatigue
FEBRUARY 2025 170 IDEALHOME.CO.UK
 HAPPY HOME

SOOTHING
SLEEP SPACE
While organising
the bedroom,
break it down
into manageable
bite-sized projects

FEATURE VANESSA RICHMOND PHOTOGRAPHS FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM/CAROLYN BARBER, DOMINIC BLACKMORE, JOANNA HENDERSON,
CHILDREN’S CUPBOARD
CORNER LOVE
Get the kids Start in the kitchen
involved in sorting with out-of-date
out their rooms; groceries and
old or unloved toys any doubles of
can go to charity utensils or tools

PAUL MASSEY, TIM YOUNG

 hometruths RUBY BHOGAL GETS UP CLOSE AND
PERSONAL WITH HER HOME
The Great British Bake Off
finalist and author lives in
south London with her fiancé,
BBC presenter James Stewart,
and their Maltipoo, Milo
WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY
PLACE AT HOME?
The kitchen, but it is also the place that
gives me stress and anxiety. We’ve got a
sofa in that room because I spend 98% of
my time in there. If James is away for
work, I won’t even go in the living room.
I’ll spend all my time in the kitchen,
either baking or at the table working.
In the morning, I’ll do admin and
prepare for whatever task I’ve got in the
afternoon. The easiest bit is the baking,
which I can do with my eyes closed!

WHAT’S YOUR HOMEWARE

ADDICTION?
James would go nuts if I buy any more
glasses, which I seem to do every time we
go on holiday. When we’re hosting in the
summer, I like to have an array of IN THE
different glasses in different heights to HOT SEAT
help to tablescape ever so slightly.
Shoes on or off? Off. I’m
always barefoot.
WHAT IS YOUR HOME PET PEEVE?
Eat at the table or on
The fact our house has wasted space. laps? Table.
We’re renting a four-bedroom house and Lighting – bright or
because there’s only two of us, there are DO YOU TRY YOUR HAND AT DIY? moody? Brightly lit.
rooms we don’t ever use. We jumped at I love DIY. If anything needs to be fixed, it’s Quick shower or long
the property because it’s brand new and me doing it! Even though my dad’s a bath? Long shower!
FEATURE GEMMA CALVERT PHOTOGRAPH RACHEL SHERLOCK

I’ve got a thing about hygiene. mechanic, if anything needs doing at my Colourful or neutral?
parents’ house, Mum waits for me to go home Neutral with a pop of
DO YOU HAVE A BAD HOME HABIT? to do it. DIY is very satisfying and gratifying. colour, like my orange rug.
I never take the bins out. James does it Neat or creative chaos?
so well, that I don’t want to take that ARE YOU A GOOD HOST? Other than the chaos in
I would like to say so. Coming from an Indian the kitchen, everything
role away from him!
has to be put away.
family, I really know how to feed people. Even
Music, radio, TV or quiet?
WHAT CHORE DO YOU HATE? if someone isn’t hungry, I’ll be forcing a slice
I like to bake in silence.
Cleaning my fridge. So much stuff goes in of cake on them before they go! I got into
my fridge and I don’t clear it out and cooking way before baking. There’s a six-year
clean it as often as I should. Last week age gap between me and my siblings so while
QRuby Bhogal’s debut
strawberry juice dripped onto the shelf, they were at university, I spent a lot of time at cookbook One Bake Two Ways
then all the way down to the bottom home alone with Mum in the kitchen. That’s is out now, available at all good
drawers. It wasn’t fun to clear up at all. where my love of food comes from. booksellers and supermarkets

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