Follow our tips and bring the ideas seen in some of this issue’s properties into your home
Erica Miller shows how you can achieve the style secrets in this issue’s homes
s l iding door
When space is at a premium, often the solution is to think outside the box, like Lisa James did with her bedroom. She installed an interior sliding door, behind which is concealed a compact en suite bathroom. Instead of swinging open into the room, the door glides along a top track. When it is closed, it blends seamlessly into the painted wooden wall panelling. As an alternative, you could opt for a pocket door. This also slides, but it disappears when fully opened into an adjacent compartment or wall cavity. It usually travels on rollers suspended from an overhead track, but in some models, this can be on the floor. The downside of this door is that it has hidden parts and hardware, making it tricky to repair.
letterbox w indow
This is a horizontal, narrow window, often used behind a sink unit to let in light without sacrificing privacy, as demonstrated in the Caprons kitchen. To frame the window, the couple added a thick wooden shelf that is slightly wider than the length of the opening – a great place to display favourite pieces of china. This style of window is particularly useful in a kitchen where a property is overlooked, so you get the benefit of natural light without upsetting the neighbours. It’s also a great choice where you need plenty of storage but don’t want to compromise on brightness, as the window can be slotted in between units, allowing the upper ones to be taller. Or it can sit at countertop level to highlight a particularly good view outside.
mot i f shu tt e r s
Clare Standing has enhanced her bedroom by adding custom-made wooden shutters with a cut-out heart motif, reminiscent of the type used in Alpine areas. This charming yet simple shape not only adds a touch of romance, it also lets in light while keeping the space private. Plain white shutters will allow you to change the interior decor in years to come without having to replace them. Plus, they help retain heat, thereby saving money, and can add value to your home. Choose shutters crafted from sustainable wood in a style and scale that suit the room. Most shutter companies provide a home service, where a consultant measures up and fits to your requirements, but a skilled carpenter would be able to make something bespoke.