Ideal Home May 2021

As soon as March 29 went in the diary, my focus immediately switched from the multitude of indoor decorating projects we currently have on the go, to our outside space, which has been completely neglected since we moved into our house. I’m excited about the prospect of being able to socialise outdoors (assuming everything has gone to plan, of course), but our garden is in dire need of a thorough tidy-up (understatement of the year) before it’s in a fit state to host visitors. Having moved here just before lockdown 3.0, this is my first chance to show off our new home to friends and family, and I’d like to make as good a first impression as I can. There are some great quick fixes for your outdoor (and indoor) space in…

LAURA ASHLEY IS BACK The iconic brand has returned, partnering with Next to bring back some of its textiles, wallpapers and furniture alongside brand-new pieces. Ornate Tapestry Floral is just one of the classic designs that have been given a modern twist; it’s available as bed linen, wallpaper and on the Garrick headboard. Shop online and in Next stores nationwide. The hero piece SOFA. COM’S DINING CHAIRS Meet the oh-so-chic Coco and Margaux. If eating in is the new dining out, their cool curves and upholstered finish will dress up your dining space and bring home all the glamour of luxe restaurant interiors. Choose from cool neutrals or eye-catching accent colours, in fabrics including spill-resistant Smart velvet. Both styles are available as bar stools too, so just line up the margaritas! We’re in love… Dunelm’s natural…

My design is inspired by tufted rugs…

ELEGANT COUNTRY This versatile illustrative stripe features a delicate leaf design in a neutral palette. Botanical Stripe in Light Green, £42 a roll, Borastapeter at Jane Clayton & Company SIMPLE NEUTRAL Thick blurred-edge pink stripes alternate with pristine black lines for a modern and sophisticated design. Race in Nude, £75 a roll, Coordonne at Wallpaperdirect TEXTURAL WEAVE Add interest to walls with textile-effect stripes in a spectrum of blues and greens. Spectro Stripe in Emerald/Marine, £85 a roll, Harlequin at Sanderson Design Group SERENE STROKES Inspired by artistic brush marks made on pottery, this hand-rendered design lends a laid-back Scandi feel to interiors. Marquee Stripe in Ochre, £80 a roll, Cole & Son FLUID LINES Inky-blue watercolour-effect stripes on a plain background offer a look inspired by Shibori. Orleans in Teal, £49.99 a roll, A Street Prints at Wallpaperdirect…

Blending period style and contemporary cool to create an airy family home that tells our story, was the thinking behind doing up our Edwardian suntrap,’ says Fiona Richardson. ‘I agonised about what look to go with because I didn’t want a typical Australian renovation with white walls, a copper box on the back of the house and big doors opening on to the garden. Large boxy conversions can lack warmth and purpose, and we wanted a cosier home in which to bring up our boys.’ When Fiona and Nick bought the property, it was a single storey rabbit warren, split up into two apartments and two bedsits. ‘The previous owner had rented it out as student digs and it hadn’t been touched since the 1960s.’ The couple enlisted the help of…

MY GO-TO STORES ● ARMADILLO & CO Luxury handcrafted rugs made with natural materials and sustainable processes. ● COLE & SON Browse its Fornasetti collection for intricate wallpaper inspired by the artist’s unique and dreamlike world. ● JAIME HAYON For contemporary light fixtures that will bring a sophisticated feel. STYLIST’S NOTE “Deep shades and lots of texture help an open-plan space feel more inviting”STEPHANIE DURRANT, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR…