Ideal Home

I love the collection of inspiring, space-challenged real homes that our brilliant houses editor Ali has put together for this issue. As you might imagine, I live and breathe all things interiors and am constantly compiling images of my favourite spaces. I spot them everywhere – on the pages of Ideal Home, on Reels and images that I save on Instagram and I can spend many a happy hour totally lost on Pinterest, adding to my inspiration boards. And what do I always love most, without fail? Genius solutions for making spaces work harder. Because let’s face it, many of us are living in homes where space is at a premium. I share my living space with a husband who has a tendency towards hoarding (sorry Mr Young, it’s the truth!)…

MATT SIBERRY STYLE & TRENDS EXPERT As head of home at Pinterest, Matt is perfectly placed to spot the trends based on what we’re all searching for on Pinterest. NICKY PHILLIPS INTERIOR STYLIST & DESIGNER Nicky is a master of colour when it comes to decorating your home, from full room redos to easy tweaks. KALPANA FITZPATRICK MONEY EXPERT An award-winning financial journalist, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio, and editor of moneyweek.com. SARAH RAVEN GARDEN EXPERT Sarah is a gardener, teacher and writer, and her monthly Ideal Home column is packed with advice and inspiration for small gardens. THE HOME OF GREAT IDEAS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS…

SURPRISE IN STORE Mid-century Habitat Perhaps not such a surprise! As the brand celebrates its 60th birthday, Habitat presents a collection of furniture and accessories that epitomises the magic of mid-century style. Inspired by the era when it all began, the latest collection to adorn the aisles of Sainsbury’s (and Habitat online) features retro-style dinnerware, lighting, wall art and bedding, perfect for popping in your trolley. Bigger pieces like this gorgeous velvet sofa and iconic coffee table can be ordered online and delivered to your door. IH LOVES... Stylish paper fans Paper fans, from £49 each, Couverture & The Garbstore What to do this month... DO Visit Wakehurst in the green and pleasant landscape of West Sussex this summer, and witness the UK’s largest outdoor art installation. Kew’s wild, botanic sister-garden will play host to Planet Wakehurst,…

Now and then, the high street comes up with something so utterly fabulous, it looks as if it’s come from a designer boutique. Here are some of our latest discoveries that will make your home look more expensive without the big spend……

HOME NOTES WHO LIVES HERE? Celine Chanez, founding partner of energy sector consulting firm, Atlante & Cie, and children, Philippe, 13 and Angèle, eight. THE PROPERTY A 39m-long 5m-wide barge, built in 1945 and moored on the River Seine, west of Paris. 1“Flexible furniture is key to a live/work space” ‘The sofa is modular, which is very practical, as well as being really fun. It provides great freedom as the sections can be pushed back against the walls when I am practising yoga. It looks great, too, in a space dedicated to relaxation.’ BUY THE KEY PIECES Mah Jong Kenzo Takada sofa, price on request, Roche Bobois. Ziggy rug in Pink, from £99, Ruggable, has this look. Try Davia round solid oak coffee table with metal legs, £799, La Redoute 2“Open-plan creates a relaxed feel” ‘Having lived for years in…