Bedroom
Russian users loved the idea of the cabinet handles matching the baseboard and flooring in this closet by Na-Design. (It can be tricky to match furniture veneer, handles and solid wood features perfectly, as they usually come from different suppliers.) Readers also noted the clever length of the handles — they’re convenient for both adults and children. Of course, the closet’s beautiful interior appealed to readers too.
Will I need Planning Permission to build accommodation in my garden? If your annexe is to be used as accommodation, you would usually need to apply for Planning Permission. “Each council has a slightly different protocol. However, as a general rule, a full planning application takes up to 10 weeks (pre planning applications less),” Andrew Guppy says. “You’re not necessarily restricted in the same way with heights as you would be if you were building a garden room under Permitted Development [maximum height under these rules is usually 2.5m],” Jakki Cosgrove says. “However, the scale of those parameters sits well in domestic environments. “Good communication with the planning department is essential,” she adds, “and pre-application guidance is generally available from local councils if you want to establish the principle before advancing too far into the project.” “Converting an existing building into a liveable space is always an option,” Andrew suggests. “It’s best to start by assessing its structural integrity along with its current insulation requirements, in particular the floor, which will probably need insulating along with the walls.”
Coir, sisal, jute or seagrass Want the look and feel of carpet without a synthetic or wool finish? Think about options such as coir and sisal – they might be a little more ‘scratchy’, but they look natural and light, and have sustainable credentials (though they won’t be grown locally). “These are all grasses with different characteristics,” Helen says. “They’re natural and grow as native plants in countries such as China and Vietnam through to Mexico, Brazil and Africa. Most natural grass flooring has a latex (rubber) backing, which makes it sustainable and biodegradable. “As it’s a natural fibre, it doesn’t like water and is inherently absorbent,” she continues. “We always recommend having materials INTEC-treated. This is a water-based treatment that reduces the impact of spillage and adds to the life of the product. “Grass flooring prices vary from £30 to £100 per square metre, depending on the material, design and so on,” she adds.
Carpet Carpet might have fallen out of favour in recent decades, but it can be green – and it’s still the cosiest choice in a bedroom. Shop around for sustainable carpets made from recycled yarns, and backings made from old plastic bottles. Wool carpet is another sustainable option to consider that’s natural, durable and luxurious underfoot. “Probably the most warm and cosy of all of the flooring options, wool is renewable, insulating and hardwearing, and it can look extremely traditional or totally modern,” Helen says. “Wool carpets range in price from £20 to £200 per square metre
The pattern of the window casings has become one of the leitmotifs of the décor, picked up by the modules of the custom-made wardrobe at the back of the nursery. There is a sofa-bed in the room at the moment, so it can be used as an extra bedroom before the couple have the baby. It was selected carefully for its 2m width, so it would still be able to unfold in the space – just! A system of electric blackout blinds was integrated into the dropped ceiling, so the space can be immersed in darkness when necessary. One of the blinds is visible in this photo.
The hallway has now been narrowed and the cupboards removed to create the nursery in the centre of the flat. It has no window to the outside, but paradoxically it has the most glazing of any other room, both towards the main bedroom and the hallway. Oak uprights divide the windows into panels. The casements can be opened for ventilation. Freed of its swinging doors to the living room, the hallway gets light from both the living room and the master bedroom via the nursery, making this space at the heart of the house much less gloomy. Several rattan pendant lights at the entrance add a dreamy feel in the evening.
Focused on the magnificent view, the restrained bedroom is decorated in light and pleasing shades, reflecting the owner’s minimalist philosophy. The thick wall-to-wall wool carpet is pleasant to the touch. The bed cover picks up the square motif of the splashback. Two large rattan floor lamps complete this composition, which puts emphasis on the essential. The architects installed a wireless Sonos Play 1 speaker in the bedroom. “Wherever Charles may be in the apartment, the music he’s listening to follows him,” Déborah says.
Slim down Squeeze small-scale pieces into your mini space in order to leave enough room for the bed. This scheme, created by Kimberlee Marie Interiors, features tiny shelves with drawers for bedtime essentials. Above are hanging wall lights with slimline fittings and simple bulbs. These provide illumination without taking up space on the limited bedside surfaces
Be balanced Another way to create an uncluttered, spacious feel in your bedroom is through symmetry. In this room, for example, Burbeck Interiors has mirrored both sides of the bed with lamps, tables, wall lights an even artwork. This balance gives the space a calm look and visually widens its dimensions
They tucked the bed beneath the sloping roof and built some nifty storage around it. Each section has been measured out to accommodate essential items, and the partition between the bed and ‘wardrobe’ is the perfect spot for a wall light. By creating one multi-functioning area, the designers have freed up space in the rest of the room for other items.
A smaller deck extends off the master bedroom at the rear of the house and is enclosed by a patterned screen. “It’s the perfect sunny perch for a morning coffee,” Jack says. There’s another outdoor area next to the guest bedroom, where a courtyard doubles as a drying space for laundry.
How long will a loft conversion take? Loft conversions can vary hugely, depending on the type and era of the property and what the space will be used for. However, there is some common ground when it comes timescales. Experts suggest a minimum of three months for the actual building work, unless you’re just boarding out an existing space with a floor. Building dormers or any major extension that adds to the physical volume of the space can take a bit longer – up to six months. You will also need to factor in time for planning and prep work before the project starts. For example, you should allow three months for Planning Permission, if required. To make the project run as smoothly as possible, experts suggest making sure you’re completely happy with your layout and floor plans before you start. If you don’t get this stage finalised and you start to make changes down the line, these can create more issues and reworking may be necessary, which can cause delays.
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