Cambridge Property Edition May

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FREE MAGAZINE

AN EXPERT GUIDE

BUYING TO LET

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

PROPERTY NEWS

TURN OVER FOR

MAY 2015

INTERIORS

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SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK Property & Home Edition | May 2015 | 3

WELCOME

his May, my garden adventure continues. Like nearly everyone (judging by the collective hum of lawnmowers drifting over Cambridgeshire), we took advantage of last month’s unseasonable sunshine to tackle the lawn and do the fi rst of the pruning. It was winter when we moved in, so each

new fl ower to raise its head and unfurl has been an unexpected delight, and I’m looking forward to seeing what further surprises May has in store.

We also took the executive decision to knock down the previous owner’s very large, very dilapidated shed, uncovering two disgruntled frogs in the process. I’m hoping I can entice them back when I get round to digging my wildlife pond (also good for bats, which feed on the insects). Gardens cover around 270,000 hectares of the UK, and even the smallest yard can be a valuable habitat for all manner of bird and beast. Encourage a corner of your lawn to grow tall and go wild to lend a hand to butterfl ies and bees, while a woodpile, left undisturbed, will off er shelter and a veritable buff et of creepy-crawlies for toads and hedgehogs.

Now that the frogs and hogs are sorted, onto the human homes. As ever, we’ve got lots of lovely ones to show you this month, including one handsome city centre home and another in Cottenham off ering lots of space and a sought-after village location (see page 14). There’s more from our buy-to-let expert at CTP Property, plus the latest on the new homes development at Great Chesterford.

Then, read on for interiors advice and inspiration, including what’s trending in terms of accessories and other fi nishing touches (ie. the fun stuff ).

Enjoy your house and garden this May,

COVER STARAll of the products on this month’s cover are available to buy at HomeSense, the Cambridge branch of which is located at The Beehive Centre. To be in with a chance of winning a £500 HomeSense gift voucher, see page 71 of Cambridge Edition. www.homesense.com

For commercial enquiries, contact Maria Francis 01223 499450Lauren Widdowson 01223 499451

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES [email protected] 01223 499463

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PROPERTY NEWS

WORDS JENNY SHELTON Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in

the buzzing local property market

Anyone who has passed through Trumpington lately might have noticed an addition to its historic high street. In February, new estate agency Cooke Curtis & Co opened its doors, serving Cambridge and the nearby villages. Sam Cooke and Jamie Curtis had worked for some of the biggest names in town before deciding to combine their experience and local knowledge so that they could branch out on their own.

The idea with Cooke Curtis & Co was always to build a very traditional local estate agency. “When you look at the business

in the City, all of the most successful, long-lasting and respected fi rms have been companies formed by experienced local people who have had the pride and confi dence to put their own names above the door,” says Sam. “That’s what we wanted to do.

“But we also thought it was time someone brought a more modern approach to the business. What we wanted to provide was an honest, ethical, transparently run service that people could trust and that they would feel comfortable dealing with. Many people are very cynical about what estate

agents do and having had to deal with all sorts during my career they’re often right to be so. But we want to change their mind, to show that some agencies can balance the right amount of rampant materialism with the right amount of style, attention to detail and, perhaps most importantly, the right amount of heart.”

A couple of months in it seems Sam and Jamie’s vision is catching on, as their books are already swelling with For Sale and Under Off er properties. For more information, check them out online.www.cookecurtis.co.uk

With 35 years of expertise behind them, Sam Cooke and Jamie Curtis have combined their knowledge and experience to build a local estate agency with a modern, ethical and transparent approach to the business.

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SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK14 | Property & Home Edition | May 2015 SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

Students look in spring for places to live come September. Group lettings are usually tied up by the end of May, so now's the perfect time to attract groups for the next academic year.

Managing a property yourself is fi ne for the experienced, but off ers no access to Rightmove to eff ectively market your property. You’ll also have to deal with enquiries and viewings yourself. Often this is the fi rst time students have rented, and you’ll deal with four or fi ve of them - plus their parents, who’ll want to know everything’s done legitimately. It has plus sides, but being a student landlord can be more labour-intensive.

An agent will off er either full or let-only management, which will mean you are the tentant's main point of contact, you'll also arrange the viewings yourself and be responsible for all the legalities.

We off er full management services and rent our properties for 12 months, single contract. This ensures everything is taken care of (like registering the deposit and arranging the inventory) and lets the landlord be hands off . If you’re new to letting, I’d advise this. You also get that added level of objectivity.

Whether you’re using an agent or are managing it yourself, landlords naturally want to keep an eye on their property once it’s occupied.

Landlords must give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, unless in an emergency, and it's good practice to keep on good terms with your tenants. Don’t go round more than every three to six months - we employ cleaners so we have eyes on our property without having to.www.ctpproperty.co.uk

IN TOWNFair Street, CambridgeA highly desirable Victorian terrace has come up in Cambridge city centre: an appealing prospect for someone in search of a family home, with bags of character, that puts you right in the thick of things. The property stands in Fair Street, and once belonged to Jesus College. It has been brought up to date in a way that’s in-keeping with the property’s age, and features a reception hall, smart sitting room with sash windows and an open fi replace, a kitchen/breakfast room and sunny utility/conservatory. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and a bathroom, while a shingle and paved garden can be found outside.

This fantastically placed, truly ‘Cambridge’ property has a guide price of £695,000. Contact Strutt & Parker on 01223 459502.www.struttandparker.com

OUT OF TOWNHigh Street, CottenhamThis character property in Cottenham would be ideal for a family looking for internal and external space, together with a thriving village setting. The house, which dates from the mid-19th century, stands on the high street and off ers attractive, fl exible accommodation. This includes a living room with wood-burning stove and French doors to the garden, a recently refi tted kitchen with utility area, four bedrooms (two double), a modern family bathroom and ample parking. The garden is a lovely feature, being laid to lawn with a paved terrace. The property also comes with a two-storey outbuilding: ideal for use as a home offi ce or studio.

Cottenham is just over fi ve miles from Cambridge and 12 from Ely, and provides schools, pubs, shops and other amenities.

This fi ne family home has a guide price of £550,000. For further details, contact Carter Jonas Bradshaws on 01223 472011.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR LANDLORD:• Do they require a guarantor? • Ask about joint and civil liability: what

happens if one of you drops out or falls behind with rent?

• Which bills (including wifi ) are included?

CHARMING VILLAGE HOUSE • FOUR BEDROOMS5.5 MILES FROM CAMBRIDGE • GUIDE PRICE £550,000www.carterjonas.co.uk

Looking to sign up student tenants? Christopher Toynbee of CTP Property advises on whether to use a property management service or go it alone.

PART #6: MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

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SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK16 | Property & Home Edition | April 2015

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

Th e latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

WORDS JENNY SHELTON

Developers Redrow Homes are taking inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement to create a phased development of new properties in Hauxton named Hauxton Meadows. The fi rst phase, known as Sanderson Manor, was released for sale off -plan in April, with Cobden Gardens set to follow in late summer.

The names of the phases are a nod to T J Cobden-Sanderson, a designer from the Arts & Crafts era who studied law at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Tonia Tyler, sales director for Redrow Homes (South Midlands), says: “As Hauxton

Meadows will feature designs from our Heritage Collection of traditional looking Arts & Crafts infl uenced homes, we felt it was fi tting to pay tribute to T J Cobden-Sanderson by naming the fi rst two phases of the development in his honour.”

When complete, Sanderson Manor will off er 37 homes in a choice of three, four and fi ve-bedroom designs. Cobden Gardens however, will feature a further 61 two- to fi ve-bedroom homes.

“The volume of enquiries we have received from people interested in buying at Hauxton Meadows is evidence that there’s

a demand for new homes in this part of Cambridgeshire,” adds Tonia.

“People are really excited about the prospect of owning a home that enjoys the charm and character of a ‘period’ property, with the style, convenience and practicality of being brand new with sleek bathrooms and en-suites, and well equipped kitchens."

Hauxton Meadows is just over a mile from the M11, with Foxton Station just three miles distance, off ering journey times of around an hour to London King's Cross.For more information call 01223 665254 or see www.redrow.co.uk/hauxton

ARTS & CRAFTS INSPIRE NEW HAUXTON HOMES

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SUCCESS AT MIDDLETON GREENAll properties at Middleton Green, on Cambridge’s Milton Road, have been snapped up, according to joint developers Enterprise Property Group and Laragh Homes. The development of 14 homes has now successfully sold out, thanks in part to its accessible yet peaceful location.

Simon Somerville-Large from Laragh Homes comments: “The scheme has been very popular with purchasers looking for a traditionally built property in a private location with good sized gardens, fi nished to a high standard. The Milton Road area of Cambridge is up and coming, with a new station planned for next year, growth of the business park and the guided bus all helping attract buyers to the scheme.”

Toby Greenhow, head of Savills residential development sales, adds: “Middleton Green has been popular with those looking for property across the region, either for a family home, a buy-to-let investment or a property to downsize to. The design of Middleton Green has been a particular attraction. Traditionally designed houses aren't the norm in Cambridge and the developers have delivered something new which has proved very popular.”

As Middleton Green comes to an end, Enterprise Property Group and Laragh Homes are getting ready to launch their next Cambridge scheme. Helix House stands on the corner of Perne Road and Radegund Road in the heart of the city, and will comprise a collection of 12 one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a retail unit on the ground fl oor. For more information contact Savills on 01223 347147. www.savills.co.uk

CITYSTAY APARTMENTSYou’ve heard us waxing lyrical about Cambridge’s many new developments, so how about staying in one for a weekend? CityStay off ers self-catering apartments for visitors and business trippers alike looking for something more than just a hotel. These smart, modern apartments provide something of a home from home, with space to cook, relax, shower and sleep – and absolute fl exibility to go about your usual domestic routines.

CityStay has 12 diff erent apartments at 11 locations around town, including The Belvedere on Hills Road and Ceres on Station Road (both handy for the station), Dove House on trendy Mill Road and Citygate, close to Cambridge’s Science and Business Parks. www.citystayuk.com

The pretty village of Great Chesterford is desirable for many househunters, but those largeperiod properties which give the area its character aren’t always easy to come by. Happily, housebuilder Bellway are off ering would-be buyers a slice of village life at their new development, Cottingham Park. A new show home opened earlier this spring, giving a tangible insight into life in these modern family homes. The development off ers a range of two-bedroom bungalows and three- to fi ve-bedroom houses.

Karen Coulson, sales director at Bellway Homes Essex, says: “Showing residents whatthey're getting when buying from Bellway is really important. The new homes at CottinghamPark fi t with the traditional style of homes in the village, but off er the contemporary, high quality specifi cation modern families need for daily life. We’re thrilled to be able to off er such amazing homes in a gorgeous location, and would encourage potential purchasers to visit the show home and discover the uncompromising attention to detail we put into every home.”

The homes are designed to appeal to the whole market, from the fi rst-time buyer to growing families and downsizers. The development is located next to an abundance of green space, and local amenities include a primary school and several good pubs. Prices start from £334,995 for a two-bedroom bungalow and from £599,995 for a fi ve-bedroom home. For further information call 01223 862876 or visit www.bellway.co.uk

SHOW HOME OPENS AT COTTINGHAM PARK

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Property & Home Edition | May 2015 | 21SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

INTERIORS

Work the typography homewares trend with these statement pieces

OH LA LA PRINT £3.43TWOMOONSANDAFRY SHOP ON ETSY

RUST CARNIVAL LETTERS £50 ARK

‘ALL OF THE THOUGHTS’SCREEN PRINT BY ROB RYAN £120 ROB RYAN

WOODEN HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOCKSBY LE TROUSSEAU £27.50 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET.COM

TYPOGRAPHY TEXT MAP OF THE WORLD MAP FROM

£11.79 RED BUBBLEREAL MOSS DECORATIVE LETTERS BY THE LETTERLOFT £28.95 NOT ON THE HIGH STREET.COM SCRABBLE INSPIRED WALL ART

FRAME £18 CLAIREABELLEMAKESSHOP ON ETSY

RETRO LIGHTBOXES£65-£75 GRAHAM & GREEN

A B C PAINTED NURSERY LETTERS £15.95 DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

NEON HEART WALL ART £79, LOVE LOVE £59, WOOP WOOP £59, LA LUNE £59 & WAKE UP £79 ALL OLIVER BONAS

A B C PAINTED NURSERY

DOTCOM GIFT SHOP

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: CREATE A COHESIVE LOOK BY CHOOSING ACCESSORIES AND COLOUR PALETTE THAT BLEND TOGETHER SUCH AS THIS SELECTION

FROM JOHN LEWIS, FROM £60 FOR THE MIKO FLOOR CUSHION (01223 361 292; WWW.JOHNLEWIS.COM).

Make sure your home has a sleek, fi nished look by pulling together all the right details. From lighting to lust after to wallpaper to swoon over, choose the right accessories and you can instantly and easily update your décor. Here’s how to get it just right.

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

INTERIORS

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SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK24 | Property & Home Edition | May 2015

INTERIORS

Dressing windows is often a costly area of decorating a room. Most of us invest once and stick with that choice for many years. Because of this, it's important to choose something adaptable which will work with a variety of schemes and will easily adapt if you update the room’s décor.

Cambridge Sunblinds (01223 460192, www.cambridgesunblinds.co.uk) is a one-stop shop for all types of window treatments, including blinds, curtains and shutters. Fiona Garwood, director, gives her insight: “Cambridge Sunblinds is a family-run company with over 33 years experience. We offer a wide selection of blinds, curtains, roman folds, shutters and awnings – both manual and motorised.

We can supply and install blinds with advanced specifications that can reduce the heating bills in your home by up to 15%, saving you money and energy!"

She continues: “Blinds not only have functional benefits, they can also enhance a room’s overall scheme and make it look polished and ‘finished’. There are a huge variety of styles to choose from. Roman blinds in rich fabrics can give a luxe, sumptuous feel to a room, while shutters are more modern and streamlined.”

For a unique investment, QMotion UK’s automated blinds are an innovative step in advancing the home (0845 450 1606, www.qmotionshades.co.uk). Ian Claxton, director at QMotion UK, comments: “The blinds operate from one central point by finger touch via a smartphone, tablet app or remote control. The wire-free concept means no cords, power or control wires required and the user can install a fully

motorised and intelligently controlled shading system without using an electrician or chasing out walls. There’s acollection of over 400 fabrics and colours available, or, as a personal touch, you can supply your own imagery for QMotion UK to manufacture the blind with.”

For those who like a contemporary, no-fuss look, shutters are a popular choice.

ABOVE A polished investment: automated blinds from QMotion UK can be controlled by an iPhone or remote control (0845 450 1606; www.qmotionshades.co.uk).

Keeping abreast of new home trends can often be a confusing affair. Whether you match or whether you clash, the key to pulling a look together is often in the small details. Select items for your home that you love and you’ll cherish them forever. Remember less is often more when it comes to accessories and, where possible, seek out expert advice. Whether you are looking for new curtains or refreshing your soft furnishings, professionals are a great source of new ideas and they can advise on what will work in your given space. Here, we seek out some leading experts to help you on your road to home glory.

What’s in, what’s out, what’s over, what’s on the radar…

WINDOWS TO YOUR WORLD



INTERIORS

Shuttercraft Cambridge (01223 581339; www.shuttercraft-cambridge.co.uk) supplies a range of window shutters in hundreds of colours and style options.

“Plantation shutters look stylish, and off er many benefi ts over more traditional window coverings, especially when dealing with hard to cover windows like those in conservatories,” says Ryan Jarvis, owner of Shuttercraft. “We off er a made-to-measure service and therefore can fi t just about any size, shape or complexity. We off er specialist advice on shutters and a free consultation service.”

For a sumptuous look, you can’t beat swathes of curtains made of a luxurious fabric. Luxury textile brand Kvadrat’s latest curtain collection, entitled Sparkling, Drizzle and Drill, has been designed by Danish duo Aggebo & Henriksen and is made up of subtle, shimmering patterns (020 7324 5555, www.kvadrat.dk). Giving

LEFT View the world: Shutters give a modern and streamlined eff ect, such as these from Cambridge Sunblinds, POA, (01223 460192; www.cambridgesunblinds.co.uk). BELOW Move with the times: the new Faces collection from luxury Swedish brand Kinnasand (020 7324 5555; www.kinnasand.com) gives a personality to a room.

FABULOUS FLOORS

the wow-factor to any room, the pattern starts as a unicolour at the bottom of the curtain. As it moves up, it melts into a lively play of organic shapes, which taper away into the white base fabric.

Meanwhile, the new Faces collection from luxury Swedish brand Kinnasand (020 7324 5555, www.kinnasand.com) is made up of 27 unique curtains designed to refl ect the expressions of real faces.

Kinnasand’s creative director Isa Glink,who designed the range, comments: “From the outside, curtains defi ne howpeople perceive windows - the ‘faces’ of architecture. Giving them distinguishing characteristics means the textiles create personality and stimulate curiosity about the interior. Inside a building, curtains play a key role in establishing the feel of diff erent spaces. They introduce vibrancy and charisma, ensuring that rooms are as individual as the people who use them.”

Property & Home Edition | May 2015Property & Home Edition | May 2015 | 25

Taking their inspiration from the fashion world, carpets and rugs are moving away from plain, block colours in neutrals to new vibrant patterns, which refl ect the geometric and graphic prints seen on the catwalk.

Natalie Littlehales, consumer marketing manager at the British heritage carpet brand Brintons (0800 505 055, www.brintons.co.uk) agrees that this is a growing trend: “Grids and graphics from the ordered world of geometrics are the inspiration behind the new checks and prints in Brinton’s collections for SS15. The Padstow range, for example, is a fresh, modern and fl exible carpet available in a wide range of colours. The palette is inspired by the seaside with soft ice cream shades of blue, pink and spearmint, balanced by subtle greys.”

While patterned carpets, however subtle, are not for everyone, an easier way to introduce the trend is simply by investing in a statement rug. From the Gypsy Cowhide rugs at Mineheart (0845 467 4580, www.mineheart.com) to the bold Starlight rugs at Luku Home (020 8943 3683, www.lukuhome.com), the choice is endless.

Advising on how to choose the right rug for you is Adam Robertson,

ABOVE Brinton's Padstow sherbert Spot, £75 per sq m, (0800 505 055; www.brintons.co.uk).RIGHT Gypsy Cowhide rug, £688, (0845 467 4580;www.mineheart.com).



INTERIORS

managing director of Urbane Living (020 7138 3838, www.urbaneliving.co.uk): “When choosing a rug it is important to think about the choice of material and its suitability for the space in which it will be used. Durability is key in high traffic areas, such as hallways and landings, whereas sumptuous deep piles will add a sense of luxury in rooms, such as a bedroom. Area rugs are a great way to finish a room as they help to bring colours and style together while adding comfort and warmth. Consider the impact you want from your rug then choose colours that either blend seamlessly to unify a room or create a statement to define your space. Often lighter colours will make a room look larger whilst darker colours can be used to create a cosy intimate feel. Choosing the correct size rug is vital for creating a well-balanced room. In a dining room for example, I advise customers to push chairs back from the dining table and add another six inches to this measurement to ensure your rug will be large enough to accommodate seated guests. Often the size of a rug however comes down to personal opinion. If you want to unify a room, a large rug will do this effectively, however, a number of smaller rugs can break up a room into different zones with great success also.”

Those wanting to keep ahead of the curve should keep an eye out for the new rugs soon to be launched by luxury rug brand Danskina (www.danskina.com).

The new collection, Fringe, Dew and Argali, was designed by the brand’s design director Hella Jongerius and upcoming designer Daniel Costa to celebrate the beauty in simplicity and the material innovation and skilled craftsmanship.

RIGHT Create a home with a heart by adding in a touch of luxury with a sumptuous rug. Far right is the Luxe Rug, £500, from Luku Home (020 8943 3683, www.lukuhome.com) and right are rugs from new brand Danskina (www.danskina.com).

IMAGE Add interest to flooring with a new-wave patterned carpet,such as the Padstow Surf Spot Carpet, £75 per sq m (0800 505 055; www.brintons.co.uk).

When choosing a rug it is important to think about the choice of material and its suitability for the space in whichit will be used


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A simple, aff ordable way to instantly lift a room is to add in specially selected throws, cushions and accessories, like candles and vases. The key here is choosing the correct styles and shapes for a cohesive look.

Sally Chamley, owner and founder of Black Orchid Interiors (0844 854 2794,www.blackorchidinteriors.co.uk) says: “When working with contemporary furniture like rectangular sofa designs keepall accessories such as cushions, mirrors and vases rectangular. Keep the same orientation as this creates an ordered look that helps when creating symmetry.

“Use textures cleverly - if you're working with spots, particularly in fabrics, choose a raised spot and refl ect this in ceramics thathave a raised spot in the pottery. On hard and soft materials, textures pull a scheme together and combine to great eff ect.”

Off ering a range of complementary colours and textures, unifi ed by a strong diagonal graphic in the weave of the fabric,

is the Raf Simmons and Kvadrat collection of cushions and throws (020 7324 5555, www.kvadrat.com). Harlequin’s (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com) vibrant new Amazilia range of cushions is luxurious with its mix of tropical paradise motifs, such as hummingbirds, butterfl ies and feathers, counterbalanced with soft, ombre velvet cushions and watercolour designs.

Head to HomeSense (01223 462457, www.homesense.com) for an inspiring mix of home accessories. From country chic to urban cool, HomeSense buyers fi nd unique one-off pieces of everything from the eclectic to the essentials. The store has a continually changing range of stock due to its daily deliveries of new homeware.

Also off ering an eclectic mix to suit all tastes is online boutique Adventino (01529 307812, www.adventino.co.uk), which off ers a range of cushions inspired by the animal world and British countryside.

Meanwhile at interior design store Absolute Abode (020 8090 3210, www.absoluteabode.com) you’ll fi nd a curated collection of homewares. Kirsty McMorron, founder says: “Tactile textures on throws and cushions are a key trend for spring-summer 2015. We love Margo Selby andJessica Zoob’s beautiful cushions, which instantly add colour and reinvigorate a living room ready for summer. Freshly cut roses as a fi nishing touch will create a welcoming scent, or neutral soft furnishings create a relaxed atmosphere.”

TAKE A SEAT

TOP Keep it monotone: stylish accessories andfurniture from Black Orchid Interiors, from £62,(0844 854 2794, www.blackorchidinteriors.co.uk).ABOVE LEFT Alpaca throw, £195, by Bronte by Moon at Absolute Abode Emporium (020 8090 3210, www.absoluteabode.com). LEFT Source a whole selection of home accessories at Home Sense (01223 462457, www.homesense.com).



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Update rooms with the latest wallpaper designs, from bold swirling prints, such as those at Farrow and Ball (01223 367771, www.farrow-ball.com) to organic papers inspired by nature at Urbane Living (020 7138 3838, www.urbaneliving.co.uk).

Boasting innovative textures and finishes, the Anthology collection of wallpapers from Harlequin (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com) will please lovers of sophisticated schemes. With its palette of metallic tones, the collection has a faded glamour appeal with tarnished copper, platinum, sapphire and pearl at its core.

“Geometric shapes are gaining popularity in wallpaper designs,” says Sally Chamley, owner of Black Orchid Interiors (0844 854 2794, www.blackorchidinteriors.co.uk). “Large format hexagonal designs in neutrals, black and white are very dominant and should be used on accent walls only. Working with such a bold shape demands accessories to be complementary but not competitive with the overall look. You could introduce the shape in the form of a hexagonal fruit bowl in pure white for example, this would complement the wallpaper but not shout. Mixing shapes needs to be well considered in order to get the correct balance.”

While wallpapers can be effective, you can also create feature walls by using collections of mirrors, frames and themed artwork. Philippa Prinsloo, design manager, Home at John Lewis (01223 361 292, www.johnlewis.com), advises: “A cluster of black

and white photography looks visually appealing and strong regardless of your colour scheme, especially framed in the same range of frames. For maximum impact, choose an oversized piece in a smaller space. The contrast creates an installation-like feel, particularly if it's a contemporary or abstract piece. Hallways and bathrooms are popular places to display art. Showing works of the same genre look great in small spaces. On stairways, graduate the height of images as you travel up the stairs. If you don’t wantto rely on prints or artwork in small spaces, use mirrors. They look great, and make rooms look bigger and brighter.”

For a truly unique feel, look in vintage stores, such as Cambridge-based Oxbow and Peach (www.oxbowandpeach.co.uk). Owner Georgie Mitchell says: “Combining vintage with contemporary pieces createsan individual style that looks as though it has evolved over many years. Blending modern trends and items with personal importance is what makes a home unique. Don’t be afraid to be eccentric, put imagination into your styling.”

WONDER WALLS

IMAGE Pared black glamour: the Sumatra range of wallpaper, from £8 per linear sq m,blends neutrals with shimmering tones (020 7138 3838, www.urbaneliving.co.uk).

TOP Paisley wallpaper, £95 per roll, from Farrow and Ball (01223 367771, www.farrow-ball.com). ABOVE Ellipse Wallpaper, £114 per roll, from Harlequin (0845 123 6815, www.harlequin.uk.com). BELOW Vintage accessories give a unique sense of style to a home – cutlery from Oxbow and Peach, prices vary, (www.oxbowandpeach.co.uk).

While wallpapers can beeffective, you can alsocreate feature walls with mirrors, frames and themed artwork



INTERIORS

Every interior designer will tell you how important lighting is. It’s also a way of injecting glamour and personality into a pared-back scheme. Luku Home (020 8943 3683, www.lukuhome.com) is a one-stop shop for many styles of lighting, from retro-inspired lamps to unusual pendants.

David Hunt Lighting (01295 672 200, www.davidhunt-lighting.com) is a goodsource of unusual finds, like its ammonite table lamps. At Fritz Fryer (01989 567416, www.fritzfryer.co.uk) you can find on-trend industrial-style lighting, such as the glass dome lamps and metal pendants.

“Statement lighting is making a big return with large open shades as a focal point to the room,” says Jenny Hurren, owner of Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443, www.outthereinteriors.com). “Our favourites include Peng, a shiny metallic Nordic style pendant and Maginti, an open lab style pendant.”

Lovers of contemporary lighting can source designs at King’s Road emporium, Christopher Wray (020 7013 0180, www.christopherwray.com). Chris Jordan, managing director, comments: “The perfect

LIGHT UP THE ROOMlighting scheme makes a difference when creating a welcoming atmosphere. Choose a wall-mounted uplighter to cast a soft diffused light on the wall and ceiling, most effective when used with a dimmer switch. Add a floor lamp for a warm glow and to brighten dark hallway corners. Consider a light with a statement shade or detailing so it's functional as well as a piece of decorative art."

Renowned for its collection of unusual vintage lighting, Renaissance London (020 7251 8844, www.renaissancelondon.com) founder owen Pacey says: “Original 1970s lighting gives an original edge to an interior, it’s a real design statement. Good quality pieces look very smart. There's a real trend for pieces from this time, especially chandeliers, like sputniks. Pick out individual pieces to create an eclectic look without being ‘Del Boy’ inspired and choose design-led elements from the period rather than the gaudy brown and oranges that were popular back then and it becomes easy to incorporate into the home. Make sure you avoid imitations and stick to one of two smart original designs from the period.”

ABOVE Light up the room: add a splash of colour with a statement light such as the Floriss Suspension Light in lime green, £645, from Christoper Wray (020 7013 0180, www.christopherwray.com). RIGHT Sayer seahorse table lamp, £177, by David Hunt Lighting (01295 672 200, www.davidhunt-lighting.com).

LEFT Bubble Table Lamp,£280, Luku Home,(020 8943 3683,

www.lukuhome.com

ABOVE Murano SputnikChandelier, £2,600, Renaissance London(020 7251 8844, www, renaissancelondon.com).RIGHT Groove Light, £195 Stuff of Dreams, www,stuffofdreams.com


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