The easy way to transform your home
Boomerang kids, extra guests and older relatives? Creating a kitchen island or utility room from an unused space can be done with minimum fussÉ
Savvy homeowners know that the one thing that really adds to a home – and its value – is using space to its maximum advantage. Creating a brilliantly useful utility room, kitchen island or a kitchenette for older relatives or boomerang kids, can make a life-changing difference.
It’s all about “improve, don’t move” these days, after all.
but before you start factoring in expensive building work, look to industry experts saniflo for a range of innovative plumbing products, designed for every kind of space and every kind of challenge.
With 60 years’ experience, saniflo has practical solutions to suit a variety of different renovation projects, with no major plumbing work required – even when there’s no easy access to conventional drainage.
Why not convert your basement into a utility room? by using a sanivite+ product, you can pump away grey waste water (from washing-up and so on), even if it has to pump up to street level. or if you want to add an island unit into your kitchen so you can open out your kitchen space to become a kitchen diner – sanivite+ will pump away from a sink and/or dishwasher.
saniflo’s experts are happy to advise on the best product for you, so whatever your dream project, discover new possibilities with saniflo.
its lovely green mottled effect,” says Claire. “I decided to keep it, but a few weeks later, I opened the front door as the very moment the plasterer was about to cover it over – I let out a scream just in time!” The rough, untouched texture has provided the perfect foil for her collection of glam 40s and 50s mirrors.
“I love detail, texture and drama,” says Claire, “so wherever I go, I’m on the lookout for the unusual, and I’ve developed a sixth sense for visualising what works together.” As a result, each room has its own individual feel. In the light violet living room, velvet and gold create an ethereal atmosphere, while the bathroom has the feel of a whimsical retreat, thanks to its indulgent tub and artwork from around the globe.
Claire loves how a change of context can bring out an entirely different side to a piece of furniture. Gilt sconces reminiscent of forgotten music halls, pleated cushions in softened silks or a cabinet of oldfashioned china take on a new character and appear beautiful all over again. Some pieces, such as a bedroom chest and armchair, were even rescued from the street. “It’s amazing what you can find if you’re quick,” says Claire. “The pair of antler chandeliers in the living room were a great eBay find – they came from a hunting lodge,” she says. “I love how you can imagine them standing out against dark panelling, yet here, they’re recast in a gentler light.”
On Christmas Day, the whole family will be here, including Claire’s sister >>
emma and their parents. “mum still cooks a traditional dinner and just leaves me to decorate the table – which is my idea of the perfect division of labour,” says Claire. emma’s daughter maisie and Claire’s son jake will be on elf duty, in charge of doling out everybody’s presents.
When it comes to decorations, decadence and elegance combine for an evocative festive feel. “We always have a proper tree, then smaller clusters of decs alongside sprigs of natural berries,” says Claire. once Christmas is done and dusted, there’s a good chance she and ali will push back the furniture and turn the ground floor into a huge dance floor. “We laid dark walnut flooring throughout,” Claire explains. ‘When I first walked in, it looked as perfect and polished as a dance studio. our last big party was before the days of having kids, and we hired a Dj and filled the house with black helium balloons. since having the boys, our parties have calmed down a bit, but I reckon we’re working up to have another one soon.” We have a feeling it’ll be a magical night!
Master bedroom
Above: A vintage French bed adds a retro note in this sleek attic space. For something similar, try the Antoinette double bed in Red plush velvet, £1,405, Loaf
Boys’ bedroom
Left: Claire steered clear of pastel blues in favour of a darker shade that her sons could grow up with. Wooden furniture painted in moody shades is a great way of adding atmosphere. w&h
“Decadence and elegance combine for an evocative festive feel”