Not off the rack Forget practical – these brightly coloured vintage luggage racks from the

London Transport Museum shop inject a bit of fun into storage. Rescued from several Metropolitan Line Tube trains, the aluminium units have been

lovingly restored and powder-coated in the 12 iconic Underground-line colours, as well as gold and white for good measure. H21xW100xD32.5cm,

£180 for a small rack. (020 7565 7295; ltmuseumshop.co.uk)

Bulletin News

Stop preSSFlat-pack furniture is best known for its practicality and affordability, rather than its good looks. Wintec Innovation

has introduced some curve appeal to flat-pack design with its Stratflex chair models that have an attractive sculptural quality. From £120 each.

(wintec.co.za)

3 of the best Colourful

dining chairsLiven up your table with one

of these striking seats

Scarlet fever talia dining chair in lacquered beech in red

(H83.5xW48xD51.5cm), £99, Habitat (0844 499 4686;

habitat.co.uk)

Updated icon Standard Sp chair in plastic in citron and

metal in black (H80.5xW43.5x D50cm), £360, Jean prouvé at

Vitra (020 7608 6200; vitra.com)

Stacking up Copenhague chair in stained oak in blue

(H80xW49xD50cm), £234.50, Hay at Nest

(0114 243 3000; nest.co.uk)

Pretty Cute GDM loves Katy Goutefangea’s new range

of geometric-patterned cushions in delightful summer brights, including coral

and turquoise. they are hand-printed in her east London studio, alongside her

vegetable ink-printed gift paper. H40x W40cm, £55 each. (katygoutefangea.com)

Brutalist beautiesphotographer Simon phipps’ stunning screen prints on brushed-aluminium panels portray a sensitive and realistic portrait of brutalist buildings, like London’s Barbican estate (above left) and post office tower (above right) – both of which are in quite a fragile state. Five per cent of each sale goes to the twentieth Century Society, which aims to save these gentle giants from gradual extinction. £275 each. (020 7288 1996; twentytwentyone.com)

neW taCtiCsFurniture institution ercol

has upped its game in the design stakes. its studio

Couch (left) has been given a dramatic revamp with a

black frame and bright fabric (H79xW206xD88cm), £4,145 as

shown. in addition, the new svelto range features pieces with a more urban

edge than you’d expect from the British brand. (01844 271 800; ercol.com)

DesiGnNew products to make your house a home Words Charlotte Luxford

Outside the boxtake your decorating creativity outdoors

this summer with these textured wall tiles from Ann Sacks’ new ASC Modern collection. each individual tile measures

H7.6xW22.9cm; group together as shown to define zones in your garden, such as a pool area or al fresco dining space. pictured in antique mirror and

white shimmer, from £601.40 per sqm. (020 3055 0802; annsacks.com)

DouBLe taKeGo for a warehouse-meets-industrial feel with Mr Perswall’s new Captured reality range of wallpaper. using the latest photographic technology, it’s an easy and affordable way of adding tactile interest to your surfaces. styles include wood cladding, copper plate and painted concrete (shown). From £27 per sqm. (020 8442 8844; mrperswall.co.uk)

MuSt reADIf you’re toying with the idea of an all-black scheme, Stephen Crafti’s latest book Designing with Black: Architecture & Interiors (£35, the

Images publishing Group) is a must.

Copper worksEmbracing this year’s big metallics trend is Corinna Warm, who has designed these elegant pendant lights for innovative furniture and lighting brand Innermost.

The Glaze shades juxtapose delicate ivory ceramic with glowing copper for a sophisticated, yet ultra-modern

and timeless finish. From H31xDiameter14cm, £255.

(0845 260 0051; innermost.net)

Bulletin News

staCKeD-uP styLethis striking angular house in the Bavarian countryside was designed to avoid intruding into the nearby hillside. Fabi architeckten (+49 941 900 333; fabi-architekten.de) has taken the form of the archetypal house (mirrored in the top-half of the property) and twisted it, creating a clever structure with two clearly defined living spaces: a cantilevered communal area above a combined bedroom and bathroom.

Autumn NoVeMBer 2013

DIAry DAteHead down the secret passages of Somerset House to discover rIBA’s

Forgotten Spaces exhibition: 26 novel ideas to transform London’s abandoned spaces into public attractions, from a tube-station public pool to a zoo in old gas

holders. 4 october–10 November, admission free (somersethouse.org.uk)

Bulletin News

arCHiteCtureGrand ideas to use in your grand design Words Charlotte Luxford

Bright exampleIf you’re looking to bring natural light into a basement

conversion, take a look at this London mews house transformed by McKinley Spaces (020 7590

3123; mckinleyspaces.com). Daylight flows in through roof glazing, which

also serves as the floor of the terrace above. the living

wall and sleek water feature bring in an

element of the outdoors.

Inspired by traditional Kentish weatherboarding and the nearby woodland, Matthew Heywood (020 7352 7583; matthewheywood.co.uk) designed this family home in rural Kent with large geometric windows contrasting with a black-clad exterior. From inside, the effect is that of peering through the irregular trunks and branches of the trees towards views of the landscape beyond. Currently for sale at £1,195,000 through Knight Frank (01732 744 477; knightfrank.co.uk).

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Branching out

PitCHeD uPthe giant hipped roof of this winter retreat in Canada’s ontario, supported by a tent-like pole, was designed to maximise views of the neighbouring lake and to shed persistent snow and rain. MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller architects (+1 416 593 6796; mjmarchitects.com) created the 215sqm property for a family that wanted a modern streamlined home retaining a cottage feel.

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WitHout WaLLs Mix the intimacy of smaller rooms with the benefit of open-plan living by introducing partial walls, as in this north London property. ar Design studio (01962 864 641; ardesignstudio.co.uk) installed a contrasting black wall that runs through the single-storey extension and into the garden, dissecting the layout into clearly defined living spaces.

It’s a trend Portable homesWhether it’s down to affordability or the desire for a private retreat, there’s a growing demand for portable prefab homes. This elegant 27sqm-container (above) from Madrid-based architect Abaton (+34 913 521 616; abaton.es) can be assembled in a day and comes with a fully equipped living room/kitchen, bathroom and double bedroom, costing from €32,000 (approx £27,100). For off-grid sustainable living, the Chamfer Home (right) by S-Archetype is an ideal solution and costs from €55,000 (approx £46,590) (+30 210 931 6780; s-archetype.com).

App ALert Never miss an architectural gem again with phaidon’s Architecture travel Guide (£2.49, itunes.apple.com). the

interactive app pinpoints more than 1,500 buildings across the world, from small houses to airports.

bathroomSThe latest inspiring designs on tap Words Charlotte Luxford

in the knowSimply switching to flow-control showerheads, like the new Beat eco and Nectar eco from Mira Showers, could save water and reduce your bill. A family of four could save up to £850 a year, so they’re well worth the £29

each price tag. (0844 571 5000; mirashowers.co.uk)

BULLETIN News

Could black be making a splash in the bathroom? Revolutionising traditional sanitaryware are dark, dramatic pieces like this Sasso basin (right), £1,560, from the Alternative Bathroom Company (020 3375 9002; alternative bathrooms.com). If you like the idea of a black bathroom but want to keep things more low-key, choose moody units like Duravit’s Ketho range in lava black (below). Prices start from £240 for a wall shelf. (0845 500 7787; duravit.co.uk)

It’s a trend back to black

Caged inIf you’re a fan of industrial-inspired interiors, you’ll love Next’s new autumn/winter range of bathroom products. Swap wooden units and mirrored cabinets for its edgier wire cages (H45xW35xD20cm) – just £25 each, they’re a steal. Complete the look with the Dogtooth towel bale, £28. (0844 844 8000; next.co.uk)

Far eaSt movement

Style & substanceBathrooms are often tight on square footage, but that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on style. Modular storage is a popular way of saving space in the home, and ex.t has brought it into the bathroom with its stylish Collage range. Conceived by Swedish designer Sigrid Strömgren, the units come in different shapes and sizes to suit your room. Collage cabinets, from £441 each; Collage vanity unit (H89xW165xD52cm) £1,687. (+39 055 331 700; ex-t.it)

KitCHensFeast on the latest innovations and ideas Words Charlotte Luxford

3 of the best Kitchen

accessory ranges

Inject some fun and colour with these

cheerful prints

Retro look Bolstad collection, from £5 for an oven glove, Habitat

(0844 499 4686; habitat.co.uk)

Fruity style Kompotti range, from £10 for a pot holder, Marimekko at Heal’s (0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)

Graphic design Welsummer, from £19 for a hot handle, Lindsey Lang (07944 595 098; lindseylang.co.uk)

CooL teCHGet organised with

samsung’s new t9000 fridge (H185xW90.8xD90.8cm) that

has a huge 895L capacity. With an integrated 10in LCD display, its evernote app is perfect for sharing photos

and recipes. the lower-right unit can also be used as a

freezer or fresh-food storage. around £2,500. (01932 454 358; samsung.com)

Sleek choiceIf you want a minimal,

handleless kitchen but can’t afford designer prices, see high-street brand Magnet’s stylish new

solutions. Choose from three ranges; the Integra Grey

(shown) follows the trend for matt finishes. From £5,246 for a 12-unit design. (01325

744 094; magnet.co.uk)

Add colour to your collectionIf you’re a fan of Dutch brand Jansen+co’s bright and playful tableware, then take a look at its

new My range of mix-and-match colourful bowls and plates. Either

buy a few pieces to brighten up an existing white dining collection or go all out

and invest in a complete set. From £7.95 for a bowl (H6.4xDiameter13.9cm) and £13.95 for a

plate (Diameter20.7cm). (+31 020 489 2938; jansenco.nl)

KeeP it tiDyif your kitchen drawers are in need of a declutter, Joseph Joseph’s new Drawstore range could hold the ideal solution. Great for bespoke units, as items can be adjusted to fit different sizes. From £22 for a cutlery tray. (020 7261 1800; josephjoseph.com)

GDM loves Italian company Made a Mano’s tiles, especially its latest range Komon tatto. Influenced by traditional Japanese designs, the tiles are very tactile as they’re made from natural lava stone. With unique metallic glazes, simple motifs and neutral colours, this new collection goes well with this season’s grey palette. Head to tom Dixon’s shop in London to see the entire collection, or view them online. From £543.60 per sqm. (07958 521 387; madeamano.com)

COASTAL RENOvATION Kirkcudbright, Scotland Considered to be one of the finest and most unusual buildings in south-west Scotland, Castle Haven (known as the Coo palace by the locals), is made up of an iconic five-storey, 23-metre high tower and an A-listed edwardian dairy farm. It needs a lot of work, but what makes up for this are the stunning sea views and original features, including glazed bricks, Italianate details and Art Nouveau troughs. For sale through CKD Galbraith for a guide price of £485,000, or get your hands on a portion from £75,000. (01556 505 346; ckdgalbraith.co.uk)

CLEvER CONvERSIONAt The Chapel, Somerset this former coaching inn and

Methodist chapel in Bruton is more than just a boutique hotel; it also houses an artisan bakery, a wine store and a restaurant. In addition, it’s often used for film screenings, art exhibitions and one-off events, including royal Ballet performances and book

launches. original features are on show in the five large double rooms, some of which also have great views. From £100 per

night for a double room. (01749 814 070; atthechapel.co.uk)

RURAL HIDEAWAyTy Hedfan, Powys this sustainable, award-winning hovering house, with solar panels and green roofs, was built by owner and architect Featherstone young (020 7539 3686; featherstoneyoung.com). A stone’s throw from the Brecon Beacons National park, ty Hedfan sleeps up to eight people and features a jaw-dropping cantilevered living room perched over the ysgir river. From £1,000 a week; around £36 per night for a double room. (ty-hedfan.co.uk)

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Quirky buildings for less than £500,000 to transform into dream homes Words Charlotte Luxford

unusuaL ProJeCts

NOT RUN OF THE MILLAnglesey, Wales While many mills on the island have fallen into total disrepair, this one has been newly renovated and has the potential to be the perfect family home. All the hard work has been done to this four-storey, three-bedroom property, including re-wiring, central heating and plumbing – all you have to do is finish it off. Its crowning glory is the 360°-observation deck with views across to Snowdonia. For sale through Fine & Country for £385,000. (01248 711 999; fineandcountry.com)

FLOATING HOME Rochester, Kent once aboard the Golden Sunrise, with its wishbone chairs, Finnish open-tread staircase and Scandi-style accessories, it’s easy to forget that this modern home is actually a houseboat. previously located at London’s Canary Wharf, the vessel now sits overlooking the river Medway in Kent with views towards rochester Castle. In just over half an hour you can be in London St pancras from Strood station. on the market at £120,000 (allow around £200 a month for mooring), it’s good value for an unusual two-bedroom commuter bolthole. (020 7704 3504; themodernhouse.net)

SKy-HIGH LIvING Kenilworth, Warwickshire Were you inspired by the spectacular tV water-tower on the 100th episode of Grand Designs? Here’s the chance to buy your very own – and at a much cheaper price. planning permission has been granted to turn this redundant building into a four-bedroom, four-reception room home. For sale for a guide price of £289,000, Knight Frank (01789 297 735; knightfrank.co.uk).

HOMES Property

ISLAND ESCAPEOut Skerries, Scotland If you thought owning an island was solely for the ultra rich, think again. this set of five islands, covering more than 600 acres, could be yours for just £400,000, or buy them separately from £25,000 each. the ruggedly beautiful estate, nine miles from Shetland, comprises two main islands and three smaller sites. It attracts plenty of wildlife and has a thriving fishing and island community, of which you would be landlord. With planning permission granted too, it’s hard not to be tempted. (0131 222 9600; knightfrank.co.uk)

Take a break in an architectural gem for less than £200 per night Compiled by Charlotte Luxford

GranD GetaWays

COUPLES’ RETREATHill Croft, north-west Scotland this sleek five-star one-bedroom modern croft near thurso is aimed at couples and honeymooners. traditional materials, including the Douglas fir framework, are juxtaposed by contemporary touches like the corrugated tin roofing, huge glass panels and wealth of eco features (solar power, a wind turbine, and tyres and sheep’s wool for insulation). Kitted out sparingly with a mix of locally crafted pieces and Conran Shop furniture, the property costs from £1,100 a week; around £157 per night for a double room. (0844 500 5101; underthethatch.co.uk)

CITy HEIGHTSSt Pancras Clock Tower, London Watch the city go by from your very own landmark. Central to key London sights, and obviously with good transport links, this two-bedroom two-bathroom conversion includes original features, such as exposed brickwork, wooden beams and the clock-winder’s room. Visitors can use the St pancras Hotel’s room service. Sleeps up to six. From £1,368 for a three-night stay; around £152 per night for a double room based on six guests staying. (0800 612 4377; onefinestay.com)

WINNING WINDMILLHunsett Mill, Norfolk Awarded the rIBA Manser Medal in 2010 for its cedar-clad extension, Hunsett Mill is an ideal spot for exploring the Norfolk Broads. With a minimalist interior and five light-and-airy bedrooms, this nineteenth-century Grade II-listed mill-keeper’s house also has spot-on eco credentials – electricity is the only off-site resource. From £1,600 a week; around £57 per night for a double room. (hunsettmill.co.uk).

HOMES Places To Stay

The renowned fashion, textile and homeware designer talks to GDM about her iconic style Words Charlotte LuxfordorLa KieLy

at HoMe WitH

here isn’t a typical working day for me, which i feel so lucky for – they are all very different. If I’m in London I have breakfast with

my family and then walk the 200 yards around the corner to the office with our labradoodle Olive. Then there are meetings with my design team to talk about new collections or perhaps a meeting with a company that would like me to design something specific, like the interior of a Citroen car.

i like to get out of the office regularly and go to places that inspire me like The George Clifford Herbarium at the Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk) or east London’s Geffrye Museum (geffrye-museum.org.uk). The capital is great for the sheer variety of experiences open to you – from the parks, museums and theatres to the architecture and the people. London is a big, vibrant melting pot of history and culture.

I work with my husband Dermott; we bring different talents to the business and there is a wonderful empathy and support built in as we have been together for many years. Starting a business can be stressful, so to be able to share the experience with someone that understands, can support you and that you trust implicitly is a happy place to be. We try not to discuss business at home – that is family time.It’s important that we switch off, not just for ourselves, but also for our two sons, Robert (18) and Hamish (15).

I love working on fashion and homeware design, but they are very different disciplines. I enjoy both tremendously and

DesiGner ProFiLe

Who is she? Irish fashion, textile and homeware designer based in LondonWhat was her big break? In 1992 her royal College of Art exit collection of hats was snapped up by HarrodsWhen did she set up her business? orla founded the orla Kiely partnership with her husband Dermott in 1995Dream project to design a hotel from top to bottomWhat she wanted to be when she was younger An architect orlakiely.com

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it is cathartic to switch from one to the other – it keeps my head clear and creative juices flowing. There is some amount of crossover, too. For example, when i am designing a fabric for a dress i might look at it and think that it would look fantastic as a cushion.

From my own House collection, the pieces I use every day are the task lamp with its integral shelf, just because it is so practical – it’s perfect for my mobile phone, keys or just a glass of wine. i think good design is all about flexibility and function. The kitchen larder cabinet is also a favourite. You can get so much in there and it also has space to hang mugs, and it slots into small spaces really neatly. A utilitarian beauty!

I’ve recently been writing a book called House, which is due out in October (£30, Conran Octopus). it contains photos of my own home, advice on how to use pattern and colour and plenty of mid-century design inspiration. Also, this autumn I’ll be launching a new range of kitchen textiles, bedding and towels, and I’m also collaborating with technology brand Belkin (belkin.com) to create a range of computer and mobile phone accessories.

i love the mid-century era for its combination of form and function. The styles find beauty in functionality. At the end of the day, if something doesn’t actually work you will fall out of love with it.

I love discovering new things for the home, particularly at the Mid-Century Modern shows at Dulwich College (modernshows.com), the Peanut Vendor in Islington (020 7226 5727; thepeanutvendor.co.uk) and the Modern Warehouse in Hackney (020 8986 0740; themodern warehouse.com). However, my favourite thing is the family piano. It reminds me of when my younger son was small. I can hear him playing when I look at it.

the designers i’m really inspired by are Lucienne Day, Finn Juhl and arne Jacobson.They do not try to conceal the practical application of the object. But if there’s one item i wish i’d designed, it would be the Boby trolley by Joe Colombo (far right) – it’s such a wonderful storage item to have both at home and in the office.

I love colour and obviously print, however, I believe that I know when to stop – which really is the trick with any kind of design. I like objects to fulfill a function and then be as beautiful as they can be.

If you want to use patten in your own home, my top tip would be to start with an accent – an injection of something exciting into a room – so you should think about where the focus should be, for example, a beautiful rug, a few cushions or lampshades, just don’t over clutter.

‘i love colour and print, however, i believe i know when to stop – which is the trick with any design’

Calyx fabric in grey, £75 per m, Lucienne Day at pallant Bookshop (01243 781 293; pallant bookshop.com); Boby trolley in red, £279.50, Joe Colombo at Nest (01142 433 000; nest.co.uk)

The Geffrye Museum, London

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of the showGrand designers Gwyn and Kate ap Harri took a leap into the unknown to rescue a Twenties cinema in South Yorkshire and transform it into a family home Words Charlotte Luxford Photography Darren Chung STAR

this picture All that remains of the former Kensington Palace Cinema is the original facade, to which Gwyn and Kate added the diving-board roof overhang

Tv excluSive

Homes South Yorkshire Tv house

JANuAry 2014 68

E ntrepreneur Gwyn ap Harri and his wife Kate didn’t set out to be massive risk takers when they went house hunting in their hometown of Thorne, South Yorkshire. Their search was borne purely out

of practicality – they wanted a bigger garden and an open-plan living space – but what they’ve ended up with is something they could never have imagined in their wildest dreams.

The couple looked at plenty of existing properties in the area, but it would have cost more than half a million pounds even to get close to what they were looking for. They eventually decided that the only way might be to build their own home, and realised that the old cinema in town had the potential to be something spectacular. Buying it would save a local landmark and, most importantly, it would provide the all-important spacious garden for their sons Jac, eight, and Dylan, six.

‘Even though it was a bit of a mad idea, it was actually

based on practicality,’ explains Gwyn. ‘Buying the cinema was a calculated risk, but we went to the planners twice before putting a bid on the building and I was confident that we’d get permission to turn it into our family home.’ Initially Gwyn wanted to knock it down and start from scratch, admitting that he didn’t truly appreciate the building for what it was. He remembered it as the grotty Merlin’s nightclub from his teenage years rather than the former Kensington Palace Cinema of its Twenties heyday. Naturally, the planners swiftly rejected this request.

After some hard negotiation, the cinema was purchased for just £90,000 in February 2011, and the couple contacted Gwyn’s old school friend Jeremy Southgate, a London-based building designer. Kevin McCloud called them ‘remarkably brave’ when they decided to put complete trust in the only designer they knew, especially as he wanted to transform

‘Buying the cinema was a calculated risk… i was confident we’d get

permission to turn it into our home’

left Kevin McCloud said he was ‘gobsmacked’ when the couple decided to rip up the original terrazzo floor. It reminded Kate of her old school WCs, so the couple have replaced it with a modern polished concrete surface

above A large kitchen diner runs along the back of the house with access to the garden through Gwyn’s beloved hydraulic window

this picture and above Having an open-plan living area was one of the most important aspects of the build for Gwyn, Kate and their sons Jac and Dylan

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the cinema into a daring and minimalist concrete-laden building that would maintain only its original facade. Southgate showed them some pretty radical contemporary projects and despite both Gwyn and Kate being very sceptical, they agreed to his ambitious plans. ‘He didn’t mention the concrete without loads of examples,’ explains Gwyn. ‘As soon as I saw the photographs I thought: “That actually looks really cool”.’

It was apparently a harder decision for Kate, who initially craved a traditional homely decor. Instead, she and Gwyn took a leap of faith, agreeing to pour thousands of pounds into something they couldn’t be sure they wanted, let alone liked. ‘For us it was the fear of the unknown and there was a lot of that for me and Kate,’ says Gwyn. ‘We’re not architects, designers, or builders. We were essentially spending huge amounts of money on something we were unsure of. It would have been easy to take the safe option but we were striving to make the best house we could. It didn’t make any sense to us when it was just the bare concrete frame, but once it all came together it was just stunning.’

For Gwyn, the hardest part was playing the waiting game – getting permission took eight months, not the eight weeks they were expecting. ‘That was the most stressful time because it was the only thing we weren’t in control of,’

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‘you have to strive to make something beautiful by being courageous’

this picture The whole project was about making a practical, functional home – storage units in the stair treads are a clever use of space

this picture Jeremy Southgate persuaded Gwyn and Kate to use unfinished materials; a visit to a similar property inspired the exposed concrete wall in the master en-suite walk-in shower

this picture Jac and his brother Dylan have identical bedrooms on the first floor separated by the main family bathroom

says Gwyn. ‘It got to the point where I spat my dummy out and phoned the council and said “Come on, are we going to do this amazing thing or what?” To be fair to them, they did agree shortly after.’

The building work itself was relatively straightforward, except perhaps Gwyn and Kate’s decision to tear up the original terrazzo floor that Kevin tried to persuade them to keep during the TV show. Kate thought it looked like her ‘old school toilets’ and Gwyn decided that it was too much of a heat sink. Despite their best efforts to restore it, the pair decided to replace it with aggregate flooring – something that Kevin was actually very impressed with, despite having ‘worked [himself] into a lather about it’.

The cinema now stands as a stark modernist-style property,

far right This home just wouldn’t be complete without the cinema room on the second floor – it was once the projector room of the old cinema

right The downstairs bathroom has an original Thomas Crapper WC – the inventor was born in Thorne

with its white render, timber cladding and open-plan living area that’s connected to the garden – which once housed the 300 square metre auditorium – by a giant hydraulic hangar door. The interior also offers no hint that this was once a picture house, instead taking its inspiration from the brutalist National Theatre on London’s South Bank with board-marked concrete in the four bedrooms and the main open-plan living space. The old foyer is now a spacious hallway that leads directly into the kitchen, dining and living area. To the right is the office and kids’ playroom and to the left, a utility room with a downstairs bathroom that houses one of Gwyn’s favourite features. ‘We have an original Thomas Crapper toilet as he was born in Thorne,’ says Gwyn. ‘In the church we got married in there’s a little stained-glass window with a toilet on it!’

this picture Original arched windows at the front of the property are a major feature in the family bathroom

right Gwyn and Kate’s master bedroom with en suite is decorated in soft greys to mirror the concrete walls

SuppliersPROJECT TEAM Designer Works Architecture (020 7224 8750; worksarchitecture.com) Builder Wilsons Construction (07866 497 358; wilsonsconstruction.com) Garden design earthworks (07958 199 403; earthworksnorth.co.uk)STRUCTURE Building materials Howarth timber (0844 801 3031; howarth-timber.co.uk) Cladding Bennetts timber (01472 350 151; bennettstimber.co.uk) Concrete floors Carr restoration (01158 220 602; concretefloorpolisher.co.uk) Joinery Chapel Joinery (01427 753 858; chapel-joinery.co.uk) Bricks and underfloor heating Spinks (01302 321 514; aespink.com) Glazing Humberside Glazing (01724 270 441; humbersideglazing.co.uk) Hydraulic window Gwindow (gwindow.co.uk); Graham Ball Joiners (conservatories lancashire.com); Hydroswing (hydroswing.co.uk) Doors and concrete cappings Maltings timber Merchants (01302 794 700; maltings timber.co.uk) Patio and decking travis perkins (travisperkins.co.uk) Steel fabrication AC Fabrications (07979 545 996; acfabrications.com)

Pool Crightons Hydropool (01733 305 143; crightons-hydropool.co.uk)FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen Magnet (01325 744 093; magnet.co.uk) Lighting urban Cottage Industries (020 7193 2119; historic lighting.co.uk) WC and washbasin thomas Crapper (01789 450 522; thomas-crapper.com) Upstairs bathrooms Spinks (as before) Electrics and audiovisual Virtue electrical (virtueelectrical.co.uk) Fireplaces Bio Fires (020 7724 1919; gelfireplaces.com) Home cinema yamaha uK (uk.yamaha.com); epson uK (epson.co.uk); Bowers & Wilkins (bowers-wilkins.co.uk); Sevenoaks Sound and Vision (sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk); AVID4u (0845 459 7889; avid4u.co.uk); HDanywhere (01684 576 348; hdanywhere.co.uk)FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Artwork in living room Matt Brewster (matt-brewster.co.uk) Curtains, blinds and upholstery Aspire Interiors (01302 886 485) Sofa, kitchen table, bunk beds, bedside tables, cushions Indigo Furniture (01629 581 800; indigofurniture.co.uk) Choose unfussy furniture and textured fabrics for a

soft but minimal scheme like Gwyn and Kate’s – p56

The couple moved into the property in early August, although Gwyn admits this was too early with ‘bits and bobs’ still left to do (not least the entire kitchen floor), but he and Kate are coming to terms with the enormity of what they’ve achieved. ‘We absolutely love it, but it’s overwhelming for us. It’s a bit like being on holiday thinking you’ll be leaving eventually, but it’s actually just our home now.’

Their old house, just 200 yards away, was quite dark with a small north-facing garden, so the couple really wanted their new home to be spacious and light, with one of the most important aspects being a bigger garden and a connection with the outdoors. Gwyn’s four-metre-high glazed hangar door was the focus of this; he claims that they have it open most days. ‘The boys have spent more time outside here than they did in all the years at our old house,’ he says. ‘Every night they’re either playing football or they’re on their bikes or in the pool.’

The total spend was £450,000 – £100,000 over the original budget – but Gwyn says that it wouldn’t be the house it is without the extra cost. For him, despite the concrete being more expensive than they anticipated, it was worth it. ‘We never thought it would be as beautiful as it is, not in a million years,’ he says. ‘You have to strive to make something beautiful by being courageous, not just going for the off-the-peg solution, but really celebrate what you’re doing.’

So would they do it again? ‘We might be tempted to build

this picture With the ‘Gwindow’ raised, the living space is linked to the garden, which used to be the auditorium

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1 Original art Le Jeu unframed limited-edition

print on vellum paper (H76xW56cm),

£94.99, Fernand Leger at Art.co.uk (020

8435 6556; art.co.uk)

2 Subtle lines ribble cushion in cotton in

blue (H50xW50cm), £25, John Lewis

(0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)

3 Refectory style rufus solid oak dining

table (H74xW180xD95cm), £650, Habitat

(0844 499 4686; habitat.co.uk)

4 Sleek seating Stratos bar stool in metal

and walnut veneer (H80xW38xD39cm),

£51.35, Julian Bowen at Wayfair (0800

169 0423; wayfair.co.uk)

5 Tactile feel Autograph pleated throw in

polyester in silver (H240xW220cm), £99,

Marks & Spencer (0845 609 0200;

marksandspencer.com)

6 Contemporary curve oracle coffee table in

high-gloss fibreglass in white (H40xW120x

D60cm), £354.80, Aspect Design at All

Modern (0800 917 1825; allmodern.co.uk)

7 Solid surface Wall panel in cement in natural

grey (H120xW60cm), £55 per sqm, Concreate

(01276 859 111; concreateflooring.co.uk)

8 Naked light e27 pendant in glass and

silicone in black (H25xDiameter13cm; cord

400cm), £55, Muuto at Made In Design

(020 7692 4001; madeindesign.co.uk)

9 Customisable option Square corner sofa

in vintage leather (H94xW174xD100cm),

£3,550, Indigo Furniture (01629 581 800;

indigofurniture.co.uk)

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Style finderSoften a pared-back scheme like Gwyn and Kate ap Harri’s with warm materials and textured layers Compiled by Charlotte Luxford

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this picture Natural light streams into the high-ceilinged rooms through an original stained-glass roof lantern

Eline Thissen and Kristof Snels have opened up the interior of a tired Belgian townhouse to create a bright and airy family home Words Charlotte Luxford Photography Luc Roymans

Spaceinvader

Homes urban terrace

townhouse into a modern, family friendly space. ‘They wanted an open and bigger kitchen and a lot more storage space. Everything had to be much lighter and brighter,’ says Studio 8’s Catharina Adams. ‘One of the most important aspects of the renovation was giving Eline and Kristof space to enjoy family life and entertain their guests. They made us a moodboard, which was very handy during the design process.’

Prior to finding the three-storey period property, the couple, both in advertising, had lived in a smaller apartment for three years with Kristof’s daughter Emma-Louise, 11. Before that, they were all on a houseboat in north Antwerp. Although they’d grown used to compact living, Eline and Kristof now wanted a proper family home, so maximising space was crucial to the project.

The kitchen on the ground floor – once a tight, galley-style space – has been opened up with a freestanding countertop with all the white goods tucked away in a utility room concealed behind a sliding door. A small cloakroom was added under the stairs (the original WC was outside the house), while the main bathroom on the first floor is cleverly designed to include both a shower and a bath, despite its small size. This latter work was originally going to be done at a later stage, but while renovating the kitchen they

above Studio 8 made most of the furniture for this project, including the bookcase, which is Eline’s favourite piece

above left Eline and Kristof were living in rented accommodation nearby and had been searching for more than a year when they found their townhouse

left The couple used a white stain to brighten the original oak floorboards. Modern furnishings, such as the sofa and fire, contrast with the nineteenth-century mantelpiece

F or many buyers, finding the perfect home is all about location, location, location. This rings true of Belgian couple Eline Thissen and Kristof Snels. Already living in the buzzing area of south

Antwerp, surrounded by restaurants, bars and the Museum of Modern Arts, the couple loved what the area had to offer, but desperately needed more space for their growing family. They had been house-hunting for well over a year before they realised that their potential dream home had been staring them in the face all along – just 50 metres away from their front door. Once they finally discovered the house, it didn’t take them long to decide that it was the one for them.

‘We had looked everywhere, but just couldn’t find a home that had lots of space and especially light,’ explains Eline. ‘The townhouses here are often very dark, but we walked into this one and were immediately hit by the light; we fell in love with it straight away. We knew the basics were essentially OK, so it was just a case of transforming it to our taste. We viewed it in the morning and bought it in the evening.’

Rather serendipitously, the couple had also spotted that there was a design and construction firm, Studio 8, right next door. They quickly approached it to see whether it would be willing to tackle transforming the nineteenth-century

Homes urban terrace

discovered that the bathroom had a leak. Fixing the problem meant they had to rip out the bath, so it made sense to renovate the rest of the room, too.

The work took less than three months, so within six months of buying the property the family was able to move in. With the structural alterations out of the way, the focus was on making the interior as bright as possible. ‘I really wanted a light and airy house, so we painted the walls reflective white and then added splashes of colour with accessories to make it more homely,’ says Eline. ‘The wooden dining table, kitchen island and the original floorboards all have the same whitewashed-oak finish. Beforehand, the floor was very dark so we needed to brighten it.’

Probably the most striking original feature, and a vital source of light, is the stained-glass roof lantern in the open-plan kitchen and dining space. Eline picked out a mint green hue from the patterns in the glass and managed to match the colour in the PU-flooring, which was poured over the old tiled floor. There’s also an original stained-glass panel in the bathroom door, and elsewhere in the home the

couple have kept decorative plasterwork to maintain some of the period feel of the property.

To avoid the interior looking too stark (the rooms are up to four metres high in some cases), the family has included graphic details, such as the Cole & Son tree wallpaper in the dining area, and splashes of bright colour to make it more cosy. The unanimous favourite feature, however, is the living-room bookcase, which is a bespoke piece by Studio 8.

‘It was designed to fit perfectly in place,’ explains Adams. ‘The height is in proportion with the size of the room, with a lower section next to the door, so when you enter the room you’re not visually hit by a tall cabinet. We also positioned the working area near the wall to give it a cosy and enclosed feeling.’

Eline adds: ‘We knew we wanted something to display all our books and ornaments and I think a proper bookcase gives an interior warmth – you can see there’s life in the home. It’s very inspirational to be surrounded by literature. And the open layout that we’ve created in the living space allows us to be together as a family.’

Since the project was completed, Kristof and Eline have

above Eline and Kristof wanted an open-plan interior for entertaining. Cole & Son’s Woods wallpaper makes a striking feature of the far wall in the high-ceilinged dining space

above right Knocking down the dividing wall has linked the kitchen with the ground-floor space

right Matching the age of the house, the 1875 billiards table was a gift from Eline’s family

pla

ns: e

dgar

Hof

fman

n

The layout: 300sqm

N

SECOND FLOOR

BEDROOMBEDROOM

FIRST FLOOR

BEDROOM

BILLIARDS ROOM

BATHROOM

GROUND FLOOR

KITCHEN

DINING

UTILITy/PANTRy

LIvING ROOM AND WORK SPACE

‘one of the most important aspects of the renovation

was giving eline and Kristof space to enjoy family life’

BEDROOM

1 Sleek profile Croma 220 Showerpipe

ecosmart in chrome (Diameter22cm), £567,

Hansgrohe (01372 465 655; hansgrohe.co.uk)

2 Colourful storage 505 shelf system in

white/mustard (H199.7xW191.8xD40cm),

£2,240.28, by Luca Meda for Molteni & C

at Ambiente Direct (0870 005 2275;

ambientedirect.com)

3 Sculptural lighting Cluster lamp in finish A

(H16xW16xD14cm), £325, Moooi at Nest

(0114 243 3000; nest.co.uk)

4 Dark shine Black square mosaic

(H30.6xW30.6cm), £144.07 per sqm, Diesel at

topps tiles (0800 783 6262; toppstiles.co.uk)

5 Sturdy design Natural dining table in oak

(H76xW220xD95cm), £1,850, Heal’s (0870

024 0780; heals.co.uk)

6 Soft geometrics remix silk cushion in blue

(H50xW50cm), £59, Ferm Living at Cloudberry

Living (07780 693 034; cloudberryliving.co.uk)

7 Asymmetric shape Naoko sofa in blue

(H90xW180xD87cm), £800, Habitat (0844 499

4686; habitat.co.uk)

8 Circular frame Frank round side table in slate

black (H47xDiameter35cm), £771, also in six

other colours, by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia

at Chaplins (020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk)

added to their interior with new buys. ‘We travel a lot and often we will see things for our home,’ says Eline. ‘I went to Copenhagen recently and went mad. I also like searching the internet for original pieces that aren’t easy to find in Belgium. Now the house has a lot more in it – we’ve got a cabinet packed with objects we’ve found at flea markets.’

Accessories aren’t the only new additions to the home – the pair now also has a seven-month-old baby boy, Sepp. ‘We’ve just turned one room on the first floor, that was basically being used for storage, into our bedroom and we have three bedrooms on the second floor – so we’ve just got one more room to fill now!’ says Eline. Also on the first floor is a playroom that houses a billiards table made in 1875, the same year as the house. It was a gift from Eline’s family; they run the games and billiards specialist company Thissen Biljarts, which has been in business for more than a century. This room also serves as Eline and Kristof’s dressing room, with some recently added built-in storage providing space for their clothes.

While the house is almost complete two and a half years on, Eline says she’d still like to work on the hallway, believing ‘a house is never quite finished’. She and Kristof both say they would definitely work on a project again, especially if they could work with Studio 8, who have become great friends.

Add pops of colour to a selection of practical pieces in natural tones to emulate Eline and Kristof ’s look, p80

SuppliersPROJECT TEAM Design, construction and bespoke furniture Studio 8 (+ 32 3 336 6879; studio8.be)FIXTURES & FITTINGS Kitchen appliances Atag (020 8247 3993; atag.co.uk) Bathroom taps puravida by Hansgrohe (01372 472 001; hansgrohe.co.uk) Bathroom WC Starck 3 by Duravit (0845 500 7787; duravit.co.uk) Bathroom vanity unit Kvik (kvik.be) Wallpaper Woods by Cole & Son (020 7376 4628; cole-and-son.com)FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES Kitchen pendant lights tossB (+32 5054 3549; tossb.com) Living-room pendant light Coop (+ 32 3 294 5460; coop-living.com) Sofa Scoonwoon (+32 3 232 4572; scoonwoon.be) Dining table Scoonwoon (as before) Dining chairs Ikea (0845 358 3363; ikea.co.uk) Ladder shelf in bathroom Blokker (+32 3 288 2200; blokker.be)

this picture Although the bathroom, with its original stained-glass door, was tight on space, Studio 8 managed to fit in both a shower and bath

this picture One of three bedrooms on the second floor, Eline’s stepdaughter Emma-Louise’s room is filled with colourful accessories

Homes urban terrace

3

Style findercopy eline Thissen and Kristof Snels’ eccentric style by matching unusual designs with bursts of colour Compiled by Laura Snoad

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Editor’s choicE Fur aND HiDe ruGS

1 Koldby cow hide in black (H320xW450cm), £180, Ikea (020 3645 0000; ikea.co.uk)2 Lene Bjerre reindeer hide (H115xW105cm), £337.50, occa Home (0844 879 4258; occa-home.co.uk)3 Sheepskin in silver and brown (H90xW60cm), £58, the Wool Company (01208 821 113; thewoolcompany.co.uk)

SoFt GreyS

1 Mole’s breath estate emulsion, £34.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball (01202 876 141; farrow-ball.com)2 topal matt emulsion, £38.12 for 5L, ecos organic paints (01524 852 371; ecosorganicpaints.co.uk)3 China clay mid intelligent emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene (0845 880 5855; littlegreene.com)

Use these colours to create your palette

Interior-design advice* ‘A clean, crisp palette of milky white, relaxing

grey and icy blue evokes the crispness of a wintry day and can be warmed up using berry red accessories,’ says emma Mann, head of home design at Sainsbury’s.

* Take inspiration from the Nordic folk look that has become a hugely influential interior trend; go for delicate crochet knits, festive cushions with Fair isle prints and sleek pieces of furniture in light woods.

* If you want to add a touch of colour to a pared-back grey scheme, look for cold pastels, which are very on-trend this season; try mint green and pale pink for soft furnishings.

* Bring in the Scandinavians’ love of the outdoors with fresh evergreen foliage such as pine, holly and ivy. use pine cones and clusters of berries to add texture and colour – a real christmas tree also awakens the senses and looks the part.

* To keep your room looking sophisticated, choose natural materials such as warm wood, cardboard, paper, hide and wool, and avoid too much pattern – just use it sparingly in accents.

MakE a schEME

Trade secretIf you have a modern

white-walled interior, add

natural materials and

metallic decorations for

a subtle festive feel

MAIN PICTURE Large sofa Gianna in fabric in grey (H83xW206xD85cm), £898 Small sofa Gianna in fabric in grey (H83xW150xD85cm), £798 Nest of tables Cow in oak veneer and MDF in white (H46xDiameter61cm), £298 Coffee table Cow in solid

birch and MDF in white and oak (H52xW100xD60cm), £298 Sideboard Cow in veneered oak in white (H94xW115xD48cm), £399 Cushions Cosy, Life is Beautiful,

Love and mohair fringe (H43xW43cm), £15 each Cushion Circles in jacquard in blue (H43xW43cm), £10, all Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262; sainsburys.co.uk)

Adding this shade to any colour will make that hue appear softer and more lively, so when applied to an entire room, grey naturally provides a relaxing

and welcoming base – ideal for the main living area. Keep it simple and wintry by adding white details and soft furnishings, plus blonde woods for warmth.

gEt this lookKeep it simple with on-trend buys

Fan room decoration in tissue in silver (Diameter45.7cm), £6, Marks & Spencer (0845 609 0200; marksandspencer.com)

St David’s Cross cushion in wool in silver (H45xW45cm), £50,

Melin tregwynt at Heal’s (0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)

Carrie petite sofa in birch and polyester in porto grey (H88xW149xD82cm), £799, John Lewis

(0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)

Charlbury nest of tables in oak (H45x W57xD39cm), £145, Barker & Stonehouse (0333 355 9169; barker andstone house.co.uk)

MakE a schEME

1 Listowel in cotton in F6165-01, £76.50 per m (W138cm), osborne & Little (020 7352 1456; osborneandlittle.com)2 Akin in viscose, linen and polyester in 130536, £39 per m (W137cm), Harlequin (0845 123 6815; harlequin.uk.com)3 tobias puritan in viscose, jute and cotton in brown, £34 per m (W140cm), John Lewis (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)

eArtHy NeutrALS

Use these colours to create your palette

1 Canton intelligent matt emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene (0845 880 5855; littlegreene.com)2 yellow chrome emulsion, £31.77 for 2.5L, Mylands (020 8670 9161; mylands.co.uk)3 Ladybird matt emulsion, £29 for 2.5L, Designers Guild (020 7351 5775; designersguild.com)

Interior-design advice* ‘Wood, stone and rust-coloured slate have a

timeless appeal and work really well together, while paints in mellow browns, burnished oranges and deep ruby reds such as Fired earth’s terracotta warrior, alizarin earth and dragon’s blood are surprisingly versatile,’ says rob Whitaker, Fired earth’s creative director.

* Think about layering colours and textures to add plenty of visual interest and to prevent the scheme from becoming too dark. With decorations, favour warm metallics, choose lights with a soft yellow glow and jewel-coloured ornaments to lift the look.

* Use strong shades of red and browns to anchor the room, which can then be complemented by furniture and accessories in a wide variety of colours due to their adaptable nature.

* For a really cosy interior, use these earthy tones with natural materials; opt for wooden furniture rather than glass and silver-looking metals, for example.

* Be careful not to pair these colours with a forest green if you don’t want a traditional christmas scheme – go for turquoise, white and an ochre-based yellow.

Editor’s choicE cHecK Fabric

reindeer tea light in tin (H9xDiameter6cm), £6,

the Contemporary Home (0845 130 8229; tch.net)

Stripe pillowcase in cotton in multi-colour (H48x W74cm), £15, Joules (020 7836 6055; joules.com)

MAIN PICTURE Bedstead Shoreditch double frame in metal (H116xW146xD202cm), £325 Square pillowcases Stripe in polyester and cotton (H65xW65cm), £6 each

Pillowcases Stripe in polyester and cotton (H50xW75cm), from £10 per pair Double duvet Broderie anglaise in polyester and cotton (H200xW200cm), £45 Throws Knit and shearling in acrylic (H150xW130cm), £35; Fleece in polyester (H150x W130cm),

£18; Check in lambswool (H160xW125cm), £60 Cushions Check in lambswool (H43xW43cm), £18; Knitted in acrylic in natural (H43xW43cm), £12 Basket Set of

two in seagrass (H30xDiameter40cm), £35 Lamp easel in wood and cotton (H142xDiameter75cm), £120, all Next (0844 844 8000; next.co.uk)

There’s something warm, welcoming and calming about a rich, earthy palette, making this scheme perfect for Christmas. Due to the versatility of burnt

orange, brown and red, decorations in equally opulent colours such as ruby, turquoise and emerald work well. Add tea lights and candles for a warm glow.

gEt this lookProducts to warm-up your scheme

Trade secretIf you don’t want a

completely classic look,

pair your red scheme with

teal rather than the usual forest green

rowley tripod lamp in wood with cotton in white (H169xDiameter70cm), £254, Artisanti (0845 259 1410; artisanti.com)

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Normandy bedstead in iron (H123xW140xD199cm), £525, Feather & Black (01243 380 600; featherandblack.com)

CooL IDeAS ForkitchENs

DRINK A TOAST Street Champagne flute in crystal, £36, orrefors at Skandium (020 7584 2066; skandium.com)

SMART COOKIES progiotti set of six cookie cutters in stainless steel, £26.50, Alessi (020 7518 9090; alessi.com)

STATE OF THE ART Dream espresso and coffee machine, £499.99, Ascaso at

Selfridges (0800 123 400; selfridges.co.uk)

SPACE SAvER Beverage Centre wine cooler in

stainless steel, £610.77, rangemaster (0870 789

6110; rangemaster.co.uk)

CRySTAL CLEAR Fia carafe, £67, Design House Stockholm at occa Home (0844 879 4258; occa-home.co.uk)

CONTRASTING MATERIALS Kontra fruit bowl in bamboo and stainless steel,

£125, Stelton at Cloudberry Living (cloudberryliving.co.uk)

NEW METALLIC SHADE Artisan

stand mixer in apple cider, £429,

KitchenAid at House of Fraser (0845 602 1073;

houseoffraser.co.uk)

DECADENT DINING Five-piece cutlery set in stainless steel and 24-carat gold plate, £32, Anthropologie (020 7349 3110; anthropologie.eu)

OvERSIzED DINNERWARE Kaleidoscope plate in bone

china, £27.50, Donna Wilson (020 7749 0768;

donnawilson.com)

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collEctors’ CorNer

ADvERTISING MEMORABILIA

tube 150 A4 poster, £9.95, London

transport Museum Shop (0800 952 0089; ltmuseumshop.co.uk)

COLLECT THE MENAGERIE Bird bowl in stoneware with platinum glaze, £128, Jonathan Adler (jonathanadler.com)

ICONIC ARCHIvE Arts & Architecture 1945–54: The

Complete Reprint, 118 magazines in 10 boxes, £450, taschen

(020 7881 0795; taschen.com)

ORIGINAL ART Limited-edition signed screenprint, £2,160, by Gary Hume at tate Shop (020 7887 8869; tate.org.uk)

TRADEMARK LOOK Flora scented candle in ceramic vessel, £99, Fornasetti at Amara (0800 587 7645; amara.com) BIRTHDAy EDITION

eames Hang It All in powder-coated steel and painted wood, £198, Vitra (020 7608 6200; vitra.com)

STyLISH DISPLAy CASE Vitrina tall

cabinet in solid oak and glass, £2,299,

by Hierve for Case Furniture (020

7622 3506; case furniture.co.uk)

PINT-SIzED DESIGN Miniature rood Blauwe Stoel, £150, Gerrit rietveld for Vitra at the Conran Shop (0844

848 4000; conranshop.co.uk)

TEATIME LUXURy Form tea set with tray, teapot, jug, caddy, milk jug and sugar dish and spoon, from £50 for tea caddy; £515 for set, tom Dixon (020 7183 9737; tomdixon.net)

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Celebrates 150 years

DeCeMBer 2013 127

Cool col our

SIXTIES REvIvAL 620 armchair with birch ply/polyester frame and leather upholstery, £2,400,

Dieter rams at Vitsoe (020 7428 1606; vitsoe.com)

For CHrIStMAS 2013100 idEas For CHrIStMAS 2013100 idEas

PANS FOR PROS Seven-piece cookware set in copper, £1,499, Mauviel at Harrods (020 7730 1234; harrods.com)

Sourcebook Decorating

Editor’s choicE PaTTerNeD ruGS

DuCK eGGTrade secret This calm and elegant

colour is perfect for

creating a good first impression in

a hallway

MakE a schEME

1 B-movie mauve vintage flat matt emulsion, £24.99 for 2.5L, Crown (0870 240 1127; crownpaint.co.uk)2 oak fern matt emulsion, £34 for 2.5L, Fired earth (0845 293 8798; firedearth.com)3 Doeskin matt emulsion, £29 for 2.5L, Designers Guild (020 7351 5775; designersguild.com)

Use these colours with Laura Ashley’s duck egg

1 Iona in hessian (H200xW140cm), £310, Harlequin (0845 123 6815; harlequin.uk.com)2 Fiesta in wool (H200xW140cm), £299, WovenGround (020 7731 7704; wovenground.com) 3 Homegrown in tibetan wool in blue (H274xW183cm), £3,334, edward Barber & Jay osgerby for the rug Company (020 7908 9990; therugcompany.com)

MAIN PICTURE Wallpaper pippin in teal/linden, £36 per 10m roll (W52cm), Sanderson (0844 543 9500; sanderson-uk.com) Cushion pippin in cotton in teal/

linden, £32 per m (W130cm); deben in mixed fabric in teal and pistachio, £32 per m (W130cm), both Sanderson (as before) Rug Cressida in wool in aqua and olive (H200xW140cm), £549, Sanderson (as before) Metal rack Fantastic filing rack in zinc (H97xW53xD4cm), £30, Cox & Cox (0844 858 0734; coxandcox.co.uk)

This popular blue is not only soothing and calming, but it creates an expansive effect, which is great for small or narrow spaces – hallways, bathrooms and galley kitchens would benefit. To pep it up, use with a slightly zinger lime or a flash of coral that will bring the colour alive.

gEt this lookChoose these key products

Duck egg matt emulsion, £28 for 2.5L, Laura Ashley (0871 983 5999; lauraashley.com)

Interior-design advice* Keep the look fresh and contemporary by using

lots of crisp white (great for highlighting architectural details), and use wallpapers and fabrics that have clean and vibrant patterns, such as this classic floral Pippin design (left).

* A blue of this weight creates a serene and tranquil mood that is ideal for more personal spaces, like a bedroom. it can also make a space appear brighter and wider, so good for hallways, too.

* Try with other aquatic shades; look for diluted watery tones – an inky navy such as Farrow & ball’s drawing room blue for a deep and dramatic look, or try pavilion blue and tunsgate green for a subtle feel. (01202 876 141; farrow-ball.com)

* Contrasting colours of coral and lime work well – both enhance and revive the blue for a more uplifting scheme; try Dulux’s coral flair or luscious lime. (0844 481 7817; dulux.co.uk)

* For a cohesive feel, co-ordinate the dominant colour of your wallpaper with your fabrics and accessories used elsewhere in the room.

toulon pendant in painted metal in shutter blue (H16x Diameter36cm),

£70, Garden trading (0845 608

4448; garden trading.co.uk)

panton chair in polypropylene in white (H83xW50x D61cm), £205, Vitra (020 7608 6200; vitra.com)

Waffle hand-welded wire storage rack (H60xW60xD15cm), £95, Loaf (0845 468 0723; loaf.com)

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Sourcebook Decorating

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1 tarquinia in chenille in F6401-09, £55 per m (W136cm), osborne & Little (020 7352 1456; osborneandlittle.com)2 Maze in satin in teal, £34 per m (W145cm), Harlequin (0845 123 6815; harlequin.uk.com)3 Meiko in cotton in topaz and natural in 120210, £30 per m (W137cm), Scion (0845 123 6805; scion.uk.com)

Three of the best patterned designs

A mid-century favourite, teal has an uplifting effect when used effectively. It works best over a large area with contrasting

accents of white, citrus or red for a refreshing scheme. For a cosy space, match with ox-blood red and purple

teALBLue

Use these colours with Dulux’s teal tension

1 Alterior satin in blushing, £22.84 for 1L, eicó (0845 073 9432; eico.co.uk)2 Intelligent matt emulsion in Vincent, £39.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene (0845 880 5855; littlegreene.com)3 Matt emulsion in night sky, £40.87 for 2.5L, Mylands (mylands.co.uk)

Volani highboard in lacquered wood in white and walnut veneer (H132.5xW183xD50cm), from £2,395, BoConcept (boconcept.com)

tilde Imbottita chair in Canaletta walnut and fabric seat (H85xW54x D52cm), £820, porada at Chaplins (020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk)

Matt emulsion in teal tension, £24.29 for 2.5L, Dulux (0844 481 7817; dulux.co.uk)

Trade secretMatch with crisp white

in a modern interior –

subtle touches of red

complete the look

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MAIN PICTURE Table occa dining table in walnut veneer (H74.5xW183x D91.5cm), £459, BoConcept (boconcept.com) Chairs Marstal in walnut veneer and leather-look in black (H89xW44xD53cm), £249 each, BoConcept (as before) Stool Vig in walnut veneer and lacquer in white (H78xDiameter37cm), £189, BoConcept (as before) Clock Bow in glass in red (Diameter28cm), £39, BoConcept (as before)

Interior-design adviceTeal was heavily used in the Fifties and Sixties, which is why it works so well in today’s contemporary room schemes with mid-century inspired furniture, such as the pieces from boconcept (left).

Match with red; try a lipstick-bright or orange-red, depending on whether it’s bluer or greener in hue. red is best used as a supporting accent as it’s readable on a teal background, but not as the prominent colour.

Great for lifting a neutral scheme – use as a feature wallpaper and cushions in a living room, tiles at dado- rail height in a crisp, white bathroom, on a splashback in a kitchen, or as a throw and curtains in a bedroom.

Choose your mood; for a calm look match with greys, creams and taupes, or uplift with crisp whites, citrus colours and bold blues. Mix with a monochrome scheme for a dramatic look.

‘Teal is a beautiful jewel colour that effortlessly marries drama and sophistication,’ says Dulux’s global colour designer louise Smith. ‘For an exciting mix, accessorise with an acid yellow (lemon punch) or deep plum (velvet ribbon 1).’ (0844 481 7817; dulux.co.uk)

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gEt this lookUse these key buys to create the styleZ

Duo maxi pendant in aluminium in black and braided flex in red (H30xDiameter23cm), £95, John Lewis (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com)

Editor’s choicE FabricS

Sourcebook Decorating

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1 purl in overcast blue (H240xW170cm), £129, Made (0845 557 6888; made.com)2 Mangas Mini Campana in wool (H136xW80cm), £539, Gandia Blasco at Heal’s (0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)3 trenzas in wool in taupe (H240xW170cm), £700, Gan at Chaplins (020 8421 1779; chaplins.co.uk)

CrISp WHIte

Use these colours with Dulux’s ultra white

1 taylor’s grey matt emulsion, £30 for 2.5L, Graham & Brown (0800 328 8452; grahambrown.co.uk)2 pink slip intelligent matt emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene (0845 880 5855; littlegreene.com)3 Drawing room blue estate emulsion, £34.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball (01202 850 240; farrow-ball.com)

Trade secretWhite acts as a great foil

for bold colours – soften

the look with bright

textiles and accessories

in varying textures

Interior-design advice* Choose a crisp white paint with light-reflecting

particles, such as this ultra white lumiTec paint from Dulux (0844 481 7817; dulux.co.uk). This ensures it’s going to be durable and easy to clean, too.

* Be inspired by the colours of old Japan or a Mondrian painting to make a bold statement. Try scooter red, jet black and city blue from crown’s equilibrium range (0870 240 1127; crownpaint.co.uk).

* For a sophisticated modern look, combine white and silvery blues for a relaxing ethereal scheme in a bedroom or south-facing living room. Try Farrow & ball’s all white paired with calluna (01202 850 240; farrow-ball.com).

* Keep a room bright and airy by adding a white soap or whitewash to floorboards, or choose a blonde wood like ash or Douglas fir – Dinesen has a good range (+45 7455 2140; dinesen.com).

* Consider texture in an all-white scheme; shadows play a large part as each object absorbs light differently, so build up layers for a visual interior.

Editor’s choicE KNiTTeD ruGS

Hand-knitted pouffe in cotton in fuchsia (H38xDiameter 48cm), £64, Sabichi (01909 544 570; sabichi.co.uk)

ultra white matt emulsion, £24.99 for 2.5L, Dulux (0844 481 7817; dulux.co.uk)

Lean floor lamp in brass and metal in black (H130xW46x Diameter22cm), £608, orsjo at Nest (0114 243 3000; nest.co.uk)

MAIN PICTURE Armchair ro in aluminium and fabric in pink (H113xW80xD97cm), £1,974, Jamie Hayon for Fritz Hansen at utility Design (0151 708 4192; utilitydesign.

co.uk) Sofa one in oak and fabric in pewter (H74xW198xD80cm), £3,880, Another Country (020 7193 5692; anothercountry.com) Side table Colour Wood

in chestnut in pink (H39.2xDiameter60.3cm), £751, Scholten & Baijings at twentytwentyone (020 7837 1900; twentytwentyone.com) Coffee table Carve in marble in white and oak (H33xDiameter80cm), £1,295, Bethan Gray for G&t at FAo Shop (0844 415 3075; fao-shop.com) Rug Fairisle in wool in rose cloud

(H200xW140cm), £895, Donna Wilson for SCp (020 7229 3612; scp.co.uk)

Increasing the feeling of space, white also adds clarity and tranquility. If you have an architecturally interesting property, white will lift the features and

show them off at their best; why do you think so many grand designers use it? Mix with bold accent colours and timeless furniture for a winning look.

gEt this lookChoose these products to create the scheme

Free range coffee table in marble and walnut (H37xDiameter91cm), £499, Blu Dot at Heal’s (0870 024 0780; heals.co.uk)

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1 trilby claypaint, £29.50 for 2.5L, earthborn at paint & paper (01603 400 777; paint-paper.co.uk)2 Blue bird flat emulsion, £32.50 for 2.5L, Alexander’s of Ipsden (01491 839 958; alexanderinteriorsltd.co.uk)3 Capirinha matt emulsion, £34.20 for 2.5L, Sanderson at Chapel Interiors (0800 652 0990; chapelinteriors.co.uk)

Use these colours with Little Greene’s sunlight

Interior-design advice* A cheerful, clean yellow will make a room

appear brighter, but if you’re after something warmer and more sophisticated, try a mustard hue like Farrow & ball’s sudbury yellow.

* Create an unusual and ultra-contemporary look by pairing yellow with a bold combination of royal navy and black; add some flashes of bright white to lift the final scheme.

* This Fifties-inspired mustard colour will look great with a mid-century styled interior – just add felt grey upholstery, teak furniture and a selection of air-force blue accessories.

* Use yellow furniture to update an existing neutral scheme to move it from bland to bright. Try an upholstered vintage sofa, painted bookcase or a set of lacquered dining chairs.

* It’s fine to mix dark and light yellows as long as you can maintain the same balance between green- and orange-tinged versions of the colour. avoid using these shades with dark furniture and flooring as the overall effect could be oppressive.

MakE a schEME

Editor’s choicE SMall GeoMeTric FabricS

1 Hopscotch in linen union in Chinese green, £84 per m, rapture & Wright (01608 652 442; raptureandwright.co.uk)2 paxos in polypropylene in F6483-05, £54 per m, osborne & Little (020 7352 1456; osborneandlittle.com)3 underground Marylebone in viscose/polyester/cotton in kingfisher, £75 per m, Kirkby Design (01623 756 699; kirkbydesign.com)

DIJoNThis is a warm and dense colour with a slightly ochre appearance. It’s not as zingy as other saturated yellows, which makes it ideal for bedrooms

(stronger yellows can be disruptive to sleep). It has a green base to it, which blends well with lime and turquoise accents, and will make a room appear

more intimate – it’s a sophisticated shade that won’t dominate a space.

MAIN PICTURE Cushion Array in wool in blue (H40xW40cm), £50, Harlequin at John Lewis (0845 604 9049; johnlewis.com) Throws Array in wool in blue

(H170xW130cm), £195; Knitted in wool and polyamide (H150xW130cm), £150, both Harlequin at John Lewis (as before) Pillowcase Leaf in cotton (H50xW70cm), £20 each, Harlequin at John Lewis (as before) Duvet cover Leaf double in cotton

(H200xW200cm), £75, Harlequin at John Lewis (as before) Wall light Foglio in metal in white (H21xW37cm), £183, Flos at John Lewis (as before)

gEt this lookOpt for a mix of bright accessories

Trade secretLayered textiles in strong

blue and black are perfect

against this hue – it’s

a good choice for a bedroom scheme

Jarris cushion in cotton in blue (H40xW40cm),

£124, Missoni Home at Amara

(0800 587 7645; amara.com)

Cricket side table in oak (H62x W48xD48cm), £320, Kay + Stemmer at SCp (020 7229 3612; scp.co.uk)Bird ornament

in metal in light blue (H18.6x W6xD19cm), £7, Debenhams (0844 561 6161; debenhams.com)

Sunlight intelligent matt

emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene (0845

880 5855; littlegreene.com)