Cambridge Property Edition November

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

NOVEMBER 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE’S GROWTH: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

PROPERTY NEWS TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

ambridge’s growth is both a blessing and a curse: on the one hand, a flourishing tech scene, which attracts top companies and their employees, is good news for our local economy; on the other, it puts an increasing strain on our housing market and road infrastructure. Is it all getting too much for what was originally a small fenland market town? Or do we just need a new way of looking at the issue? Surely, with all its forward-thinking minds, Cambridge can come up with something.

In this month’s issue, Marika Brundell of Carter Jonas discusses this hotly-contested topic and proposes a solution. Read more on page 19.

We also find out more about the new development Ninewells, which is putting a big emphasis on sustainable, responsible living – with allotments and nature ponds all incorporated into the plan.

Our Dream Home of the month harks back to centuries past and presents a delightful option for a family looking for a home with all the trappings of country life, that still connects well to Cambridge and London. Find it in Bassingbourn, set within several acres of land. Details on page 18.

Finally, as the comfort and appeal of a long soak in the tub increases the colder and wilder it gets outside, so Angelina Villa-Clarke looks at how to turn your bathroom into a harmonious haven. We heart the Skyros Delft porcelain tiles by Tile Mountain, and remain all in-favour of the free-standing bath craze. The inspiration starts on page 27.

JENNY SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR

jennifershelton@bright-publishing.com 01223 499463 For commercial enquiries, contact Maria Francis 01223 499450 Natalie Robinson 01223 499451

ON THE COVER...

All products shown are from Marks & Spencer. Shop at their Cambridge store, off the Market Square, or online. www.marksandspencer.com

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY

NEWS

Edition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER’S HOME FOR SALE IN CAMBRIDGE

OLD NORTH ROAD, BASSINGBOURN In Bassingbourn a stunning period property, set in over three acres of land, has come to the market through Cheffins.

Grade II listed, this spacious, detached home benefits from a charming village location as well as convenient access to Royston station, just three miles away, which provides fast links to Cambridge and London King’s Cross.

The house itself features eight bedrooms, five reception rooms with

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open fireplaces, sash windows and other original features, five bathrooms and an attractive family kitchen. There is also a detached barn with planning consent for it to be converted into a home studio or an annex. There is also driveway parking, while the large, mature garden is a particular feature.

A guide price of £1.3 million is invited.

Contact Cheffins on 01223 214214. www.cheffins.co.uk

The former home of a Nobel Prize-winning physicist attracted much attention when it went to market through Redmayne Arnold & Harris. Kapitza House on Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, was once owned by Pyotr Kapitza, a Russian who worked with Ernest Rutherford in the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University where he also started the influential Kapitza Club. A Fellow of Trinity College, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1929 – becoming the first foreigner to receive the title. In 1978, Kapitza won the Nobel Prize in Physics ‘for his basic inventions and discoveries in the area of low-temperature physics’.

Designed by Kapitza together with the renowned English architect H C Hughes (who also designed the Grade II-listed Mond Laboratory for Kapitza on the old Cavendish site) in the early 1930s, the house is a detached, three-storey family home with six bedrooms. The house was built with double glazing from the beginning (somewhat unusual for that time), and the large lawned garden is a particular feature.

The house has remained in the family’s ownership since it was built. It went to market for £975,000. www.rah.co.uk

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PROPERTY

CAN CAMBRIDGE KEEP UP?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? With the Cambridge Cluster growing at a rapid pace, Carter Jonas asks the question: can the city keep up with the increasing demand for new homes, and what’s the cost to its historic aesthetic?

Over the last 50 years, Cambridge’s tech presence has flourished, resulting in the city becoming the most established and powerful cluster in Europe. That being the case, large tech corporations, like AstraZeneca, and big retail companies such as Amazon and Apple, have begun relocating to the area to capitalise on this close network of like-minded businesses and the availability of highly qualified graduates and scientists.

This is great for the local economy, however it also puts substantial strain on the residential area. So what’s being done? According to the SHMA carried out as part of the Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Local Plans, around 33,000 new homes could be built by utilising some of Cambridge’s surrounding green belt land.

Marika Brundell of Carter Jonas says: “Building on Cambridge’s surrounding green belt land is a topic of much debate.

Some residents’ associations have spoken up about the idea, however the Local Plans stipulate that the housing can be built without using the most valuable parts of the land, and that much of the desired land is of poor quality.”

According to the Centre for Cities report, it is estimated that approximately 4,500 new homes a year are needed to keep up with demand. It states that over 17,000 homes are already in the pipeline from sites such as Northstowe and Cambridge East. A further 2,000 could potentially be delivered by utilising some of the brownfield sites around the city.

If the proposed plans to develop on the city’s green belt land don’t come to fruition, what are the alternatives?

It’s clear that Cambridge is going to

continue growing at a rapid pace, and if the answer isn’t to build out then the only way is up. The city has already seen its first high-rise development in The Marque, and now there are plans to replace Wilton Terrace on Station Road with a nine-story office block as part of the CB1 development.

This has paved the way to build high-rise residential buildings. Late last

IF THE ANSWER ISN’T TO BUILD OUT THEN THE ONLY WAY IS UP year, plans were unveiled to construct an eight-story, mixed-use development on Newmarket Road, just off East Road.

Similar to the idea of building on green belt land, such developments have also caused controversy, as there are concerns that they will clash the historic aesthetic of Cambridge.

“The word high-rise is quick to put people off, however we’re not talking sky-scrapers,” adds Marika. “Absolute height restrictions can be enforced to ensure the city’s skyline is protected. I wholeheartedly believe that the heritage of Cambridge should be preserved, but that shouldn’t mean that we can’t plan for the future and ensure Cambridge’s growth continues.”

One way or another, Cambridge will need to adapt to its rising demand for housing. But with the right restrictions and considerations put in place, there’s no reason why the city’s historic and picturesque aesthetic should be marred in the process. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY MARKET BOUNCE PREDICTED With leading property website Rightmove reporting the lowest levels of property for sale for some years, we could be forgiven for thinking that the property market was going through a quiet period.

The reality is somewhat different, say estate agents Strutt & Parker. Lower than normal stocks of property for sale is often an indicator of a strong market where demand is outstripping supply. In the current climate, a new property to the market, providing it is priced sensibly and marketed comprehensively, is unlikely to sit on the shelves for long.

Says Cameron Ewer of Strutt & Parker in Cambridge: “Now is also a good time to move as there are some exceptional fixedrate mortgages available. The growing regularity of statements from the Bank of England suggests that interest rates are going to rise in the next 12 months, but with inflation reported lately at zero, a rise this autumn looks very unlikely.”

Those wary of taking a step up the ladder and taking on a larger mortgage should bear in mind that the impact of any rises is likely to be minimal for the majority of home owners and buyers. According to the Council for Mortgage Lenders, the numbers of arrears and repossessions have fallen to their lowest levels since quarterly records began in 2008.

“The lettings market remains buoyant, too, with values steady or rising in some areas. There has been little fallout from the Government’s proposal to reduce the amount of tax relief available on Buy to Let mortgages from 2017, with most landlords taking the long-term view. With rising capital values, landlords still see their investments as good news.”

Adds Cameron: “After an unremarkable spring property market, we predict a seasonal autumn bounce from September to November. With low inflation and low unemployment, the general economic outlook is positive. The summer weeks are invariably a little distorted in terms of activity with it being the prime holiday period, but the signs are that there will be a decent market in both sales and lettings during the months ahead.” www.struttandparker.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

N TO G S N W PI O M D U EA TR M

RESERVE A NEW HOME NOW AND BE IN BY CHRISTMAS If you’re thinking about moving house but want to be settled by Christmas, the advice from Barratt Homes is to act now.

Barratt’s development of new homes at Trumpington Meadows has proved popular with people keen to take advantage of its proximity to Cambridge rail station and schools, and only one remaining plot is available overlooking Orchard Park.

The Puffin occupies a corner plot on Trumpington Meadows and would make an ideal family home. Accommodation is set over three floors and includes five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two en suites, a premium-designed kitchen with ceramic floor tiles and stone work surface, built-in double combi oven, and coffee machine.

There is also a double garage.

Customers are being encouraged to reserve now in time for Christmas.

Part exchange* is available, which lets Barratt act as your guaranteed buyer, and eliminates unpredictable chains. The developers offer fair market value based on two independent valuations, and you avoid estate agent fees entirely. What’s more, your property will be fitted with quality energy efficient appliances which come with our exclusive warranty.** As well as an efficient, contemporary family home, you’ll benefit from being on the edge of a 148-acre country park.

Prices start from £989,995.

For more information, contact Barratt Homes on 0844 811 4888. www.barratthomes.co.uk

For more information contact Barratt Homes: 0844 811 4888 www.barratthomes.co.uk

Disclaimer: Offer available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Prices correct at time of going to press if mentioned.

Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Calls to our 0844 numbers cost 7 pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. *Any offer made to purchase your existing home will be based on a sale within 8 to 10 weeks. **Please speak to one of our Sales Advisors for further details.

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments C PE S -S ME GH O HI H 0 ILY 27 AM F

NINEWELLS LAUNCHES IN CAMBRIDGE In September, the sales and marketing suite, and show homes at Ninewells opened, offering prospective buyers a glimpse into life at this new development.

Ninewells, by Hill, stands on the fringes of the city with views over the rolling Gog Magog Downs. When complete, the scheme will comprise 270 contemporary, highspecification family homes and apartments all within easy reach of the centre of Cambridge, the railway station and the M11. Keeping in harmony with nature is one of the key aims at Ninewells, which incorporates picnic spaces, ponds and allotments. It takes its name from local nature reserve, Nine Wells, which contained the springs which supplies Hobson’s Conduit – once the source of drinking water for Cambridge.

Rob Hall, deputy managing director at Hill, says: “Ninewells offers the perfect retreat for busy professionals and families. It’s close to the historic city centre and has very good transport links to London, but offers residents a rural and relaxed atmosphere.

Cambridge itself is a real cultural hub, with a lively arts scene and plenty of independent theatres, galleries, restaurants and boutique shops. It is no surprise that a growing number of commuters, as well as big technology companies, are relocating here.”

He adds: “With their spacious proportions and stunning interiors, the properties available at Ninewells make spectacular family homes. They’ve been designed for modern living and are great for both home working and active lifestyles – they offer something truly unique to the Cambridge market.”

The homes themselves will be light and spacious, with either four or five bedrooms, priced between £950,000 and £1.8 million.

Homes can be reserved off-plan now. www.ninewells-cambridge.co.uk © Dave Webb

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CAMBRIDGE GREEN LIGHTS PIONEERING WATER-SAVING TECHNIQUE Cambridge Water has agreed with the University of Cambridge to support the UK’s largest water recycling system at its North West Cambridge Development.

The agreement will see two water supplies installed on the 150-hectare site – one which recycles rainwater to use for flushing toilets, clothes washing and gardening and one supplying high-quality treated water for drinking and cooking.

Both are designed to minimise potable water consumption on the development site, which will include 3,000 homes, 2,000 postgraduate student rooms, a supermarket, hotel and primary school. With these measures in place the development should reduce average potable water consumption to 80l per person per day – almost half of the UK average.

Phil Newland, managing director for Cambridge Water, says: “We are delighted to support the university in this innovative and highly sustainable development.

“The commitment to provide the UK’s largest water-recycling system will help raise awareness, and encourage other developers to consider water efficiency.”

Brian Nearney, commercial director of the North West Cambridge Development, adds: “The agreement between Cambridge Water and the university is an innovative collaboration that meets the development’s high-sustainability targets. The pioneering method of recycling rainwater in this region is something to be proud of, given the area’s relative water scarcity.”

The first phase of North West Cambridge is due for completion by Spring 2017. nwcambridge.co.uk

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INTERIORS

LOTUS CEILING PENDANT £199 M&S BIBA OPULENCE CHANDELIER £260 HOUSE OF FRASER

PLEASURES

8-CUP GOLD CAFETIERE £35 HOUSE OF FRASER

PINEAPPLE JEWELLERY STAND £20 OLIVER BONAS

GOLD VINTAGE STYLE PHOTO FRAME £14 AYERS AND GRACES

Inject a little opulence into your interiors with these metallic marvels

CHATEAU KING-SIZE BED £1,827 GRAHAM & GREEN

BONNE NUIT CHEST OF DRAWERS £659 NEWTONS

LARGE SUNBEAM MIRROR £665 THE FRENCH BEDROOM COMPANY GOLD GILT EMMANUEL CHAIR £710 SWEETPEA & WILLOW

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INTERIORS WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

THE BIG

SOAK The bathroom is the place where we can escape for some much-deserved ‘me’ time.

From statement flooring to boutique bathtubs, the latest designs showcase innovative ideas to help you create your own private retreat from the world

RADICAL RETREAT: Create the ultimate escape with Fired Earth’s recently launched Versailles single-ended bath, £2,100, and hand-decorated Casablanca tiles in Nassim, £27.95 per tile (01223 300941, www.firedearth.com)

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INTERIORS

THIS IMAGE Make a statement with the stylish Skyros Delft porcelain tiles, £3.29 per tile, from Tile Mountain (01782 223822, www.tilemountain.co.uk) BELOW Create a seamless look with shimmering VBS Tiles, POA, by Granite Transformations (01223 843333, www.granitetransformations.co.uk/cambridge)

FEATURE FLOORS Where once design schemes for bathrooms were focused largely on wall decor, the latest ideas to emerge are making the most of what goes on underfoot. Statement flooring can add pops of colour where you don’t expect it and give a visual style statement. Elaborate floor tiling works well in small rooms with an otherwise minimalist look.

Lee Thornley, founder of Bert & May (020 3744 0776, www.bertandmay.com), experts in reclaimed and handmade tiles, agrees with this: “Tiles are a fantastic way to add colour and pattern into a space, particularly on the floor, which often gets overlooked. There are so many different options, from muted and rustic reclaimed terracotta to hand-poured encaustic tiles in gorgeous colours. Tiles such as these work excellently with underfloor heating, and can be sealed for easy maintenance and a polished finish.”

Many bathrooms lack a clear wall on which to create a statement feature, so the floor is the next obvious area to create a focal point. In smaller bathrooms, a floor

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with impact adds an elegant touch without being overwhelming.

Cambridge-based Granite Transformations (01223 843333, www. granitetransformations.co.uk/cambridge) is a one-stop shop for sourcing a range of inspiring materials – such as shimmering glass mosaics, granite, quartz or recycled glass floor tiles. Meanwhile, at Tile Mountain (01782 223822, www.tilemountain.co.uk) stand-out options include the stunning Delft Blue Skyros, a Spanish porcelain tile that is designed to replicate a vintage or encaustic pattern, and the Doblo Grey Cube Mosaic, a deco mosaic cut from polished porcelain

IN SMALLER BATHROOMS, A FLOOR WITH IMPACT ADDS AN ELEGANT TOUCH tiles to create a visual stepped cube effect – a pattern that has been used for centuries on tiled floors.

Renowned for its exclusive range of tiles, Fired Earth’s Cambridge-based store (01223 300941, www.firedearth.com) can

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INTERIORS

ABOVE LEFT Relax in a contemporary organic bathroom with these Native Porcelain Tiles, £65.84 per m2, from St Ives Tile and Stone (01480 467800, www.stivestileandstone.co.uk) ABOVE RIGHT Guns N Roses Porcelain Tiles, £139.20 per m2, have a subtle textured finish, available from The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse (020 8993 5545, www.sacw.co.uk)

help create a new vision for your room.

The brand’s senior tiles category manager Caroline Gow gives her expertise: “There’s endless potential to be creative when it comes to bathroom flooring. Since

AS A GENERAL RULE, BIG IS BEAUTIFUL WHEN IT COMES TO TILING BATHROOMS the key pieces in a bathroom tend to be white, a beautiful floor is the perfect way to introduce colour and pattern into the scheme. Fired Earth’s new Neisha Crosland collections are really versatile and are equally at home in contemporary and more traditional bathrooms. They’re also very much in keeping with the continuing trend for geometric pattern. Choose from pretty porcelain designs – a low-maintenance yet stylish choice for busy family bathrooms – timeless encaustic tiles in sophisticated pastel shades, and stunning, hand-decorated metallic motifs.”

She continues: “White marble mosaics will introduce a decorative touch and

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a welcome sense of texture. They’ll also feel lovely underfoot – something which is even more important in the bathroom than elsewhere in the home – particularly if you opt for underfloor heating. Fired Earth’s new North Haven Penny Mosaics are flecked with mint and verdigris, giving them a really fresh look that’s ideal for bathrooms.”

Over at The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse (020 8993 5545, www.sacw.co.uk), a subtle approach is key to achieving a stylish finish.

Director Stuart Wisbey gives his take on the subject: “Lighter coloured tiles can make a small bathroom look bigger, as they reflect the light more than darker colours, giving an airy and spacious feel. A top tip is to use the same wall tiles as the floor tiles, as this will enhance the feeling of space by creating a continuous look. As a general rule, big is beautiful when it comes to tiling bathrooms.

Large-format tiles have fewer grout lines, which in turn means less grout to clean and keep fresh, while creating a stylish seamless surface. Porcelain tile options have broadened greatly due to technological advances, and anti-slip finishes can now be applied to porcelain, making them ideal for bathrooms and wet rooms.”

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INTERIORS

KEEP IT NATURAL The look of natural woods, stone and earthy materials seems perfectly suited to a room that is used for pampering and bathing.

An organic look can be achieved by simply adding in natural-look accessories.

Source rough-hewn storage baskets from BHS (www.bhs.co.uk), wooden ladder towel rails from Next (www.next.co.uk) and burnt-orange towels and black laundry baskets at Sainsbury’s (www. sainsburys.co.uk). Marks and Spencer’s (www.marksandspencer.com) new tactile Silk Route lanterns, baskets and copper lighting are perfectly suited to the trend.

Meanwhile, at Cambridgeshire’s independent tile emporium, St Ives Tile and Stone (01480 467800, www. stivestileandstone.co.uk), owners Emma Pratt and husband Jon have over 30 years experience in shaping stylish bathrooms.

“Trends come and go, but there’s definitely a rise in popularity for natural surfaces,” says Emma. “Options such as limestone, travertine and terracotta can look stunning, but they can also take a lot of upkeep, and may not represent the most practical choice for meeting the modern-day demands of family life.

“We pride ourselves on finding what the customer wants in terms of style but we also meet customers’ expectations in terms of practicality, too,” she continues.

“There are some fantastic alternatives in ceramic and porcelain, that offer a similar ‘natural’ look but without the need for time-consuming treating and careful cleaning. Wood-look tiles, for instance, have become very popular of late: extraordinarily realistic, they give all the look and charm of a real wooden floor, but with all the benefits

THIS IMAGE Add in wooden accessories such as this solid wood Ladder Towel Store, £45, from Next (www.next.co.uk)

of the most hard-wearing surface, that’s easy to clean.”

Those who are looking for a cohesive and natural look should check out the range of natural stone, wood and marble bathroom furniture made by craftsmen at Stonearth (0115 714 8030, www.stonearth. co.uk). The brand sources raw materials, such as American oak, Italian travertine and Egyptian marble, in order to create high-end furniture with that wow-factor: think of oak vanity units, walnut washstands and stone basins.

Based in Cambridgeshire and offering bespoke designs for bathrooms, David

Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers (01763 261010, www.davidhallfurniture.co.uk) has also witnessed the rise in the natural look for cabinets.

Commercial director Frances Hall comments: “It is the love of wood and fine craftsmanship that makes our cabinets so beautiful. We are noticing a trend towards introducing the colours, patterns and textures of wood, and increasingly successful wood-effect flooring materials are being developed which have none of the maintenance and shrinkage issues of the natural material but bring the warm, natural tones into the bathroom.”

ABOVE AND RIGHT David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers are a local source for beautiful wooden cabinetry, POA (01763 261010, www.davidhallfurniture.co.uk)

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INTERIORS

BOUTIQUE BATHING Free-standing curvy bathtubs, custom ‘his and hers’ vanity units and super-sized showers – these days our bathrooms are becoming closer to those in design hotels.

Sculptural, free-standing tubs, in particular, are a must-have in any new bathroom and give an elegant style statement.

Phil Etherden, managing director of The Albion Bath Company (01255 831605, www. albionbathco.com), which offers 54 different styles of tubs, explains: “The focal point of any impactful design is always a grand bathtub. For a large room with a high ceiling, choose a classical free-standing bath with generous dimensions. When it comes to layout, position the bath so it’s the first piece you see when you open the door.

Tubs are decorative as well as functional, so make it a feature piece. If space allows,

place the tub towards the centre of the room, or position the tub so you can have an inspiring view out of a window!”

Also offering a range of wow-factor baths is BC Designs (01206 827100, www.bcdesigns.co.uk), a brand at the forefront of bathroom innovation and design for over 30 years. From a stunning polished bath with ball and claw feet, to the modern, circular Chalice Acrymite Acrylic Bath, you can choose what suits your style – whether that is contemporary or classic.

For an opulent, budget-busting bathroom, look to Touched Interiors (0845 463 0083, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk).

Its jewel-inspired wash-basins and bathtubs – shaped like faceted black gems – are unique, one-off pieces, while the brass and gold-plated high-gloss Bubbles bathtub is a futuristic piece suited to glamorous mansions.

Creating iconic designs – for all budgets – is luxury bathroom specialist CP Hart (08458 731 122, www.cphart.co.uk).

Designers Dan Cook and Rachel Martin have pinpointed a growing movement towards what they call ‘contemporary classics’.

“A major story in bathrooms of late has been the profusion of modern takes on classic designs,” Cook and Martin say. “Here, traditional configurations and details are given a fresh twist. The Urban Chic range from Karol looks great with Gessi’s Eleganza basin and brassware, creating an interesting classic-meets-contemporary juxtaposition.

An extension of this theme is the use of marble in bathroom design, with particular highlights including Artelinea’s illuminated marble basin and Neutra’s Duo range.”

Floating vanity units and stylish furniture for plenty of storage are key to creating a design-concept bathroom. Walk-in showers, with oversized panes of glass rather than walls, are also popular, and help to create a feeling of space and well-being.

David Millon, marketing director of luxury bathroom manufacturer Villeroy & Boch (www.villeroy-boch.co.uk), comments: “The trend for hotel-style additions to the bathroom has gathered momentum over the past few years, but recently a shift in approach has meant that homeowners are spending more on statement pieces – as they would in the kitchen or living room, perhaps. Free-standing baths have been popular for a while, but consumers are now considering pedestal washbasins and wallhung furniture as standout pieces. Freestanding and wall-hung are the preferred methods for installing bathroom suites. I believe people enjoy the space and freedom they provide in terms of floor space.”

THIS IMAGE The sensual Kurv Bath, from £2,878, BC Designs (01206 827100, www.bcdesigns.co.uk) LEFT The Bubbles Bath Tub, £29,310, Touched Interiors (0845 463 0083, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk) TOP The Geminus Roll Top Bath, £1659, the Albion Bath Company (01255 831605, www.albionbathco.com)

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INTERIORS

ROOM REFLECTIONS Of course, a vital piece for any bathroom is a focal-point mirror. The latest trends see feminine-style Venetian mirrors, quirky hexagonal style, and vintage black and gold porthole mirrors, as seen at Luku Home (0118 348 3878, www.lukuhome.com), being incorporated into modern-day bathrooms.

HomeSense, in Cambridge's Beehive Centre (01223 462457, www.homesense. com), is a treasure trove when it comes to finding unique homewares. They currently have a range of bronze and monochrome mirrors that reflect (pun intended) current trends.

CONSUMERS EXPECT MORE AS THE DEMAND FOR EXTRA FEATURES GROWS

THIS IMAGE Distressed Mirror, £245, and Round Deco Mirror, £375 (LEFT), from Luku Home (0118 348 3978, www.lukuhome.com) BELOW RIGHT Villeroy & Boch’s True Oak Collection includes this Farmhouse Touch basin, from £648 (www.villeroy-boch.co.uk) BELOW LEFT The Vero mirror cabinet, prices vary, from Duravit (0845 500 7787, www.duravit.co.uk)

Launching its new L-cube collection of bathroom furniture, which utilises mirror technology, is Duravit (0845 500 7787, www.duravit.co.uk). Martin Carroll, UK managing director, comments: “The demand for mirrors and mirror cabinets with integrated lighting systems has increased year on year. Consumers are moving away from basic mirrors and mirror cabinets towards sophisticated designs with integrated technology, such as Bluetooth connection and LED lighting, which provide not only a functional space in which to wash, shave and apply their make-up but also give ambient mood lighting to enhance the room.”

He continues: “Our brand–new furniture range L-Cube, for example, offers mirrors with a frame of light which can be turned on and off with a simple hand motion. The dimmable LED lighting ensures a perfect, glare-free illumination. Consumers have come to expect more from designers and manufacturers, and the demand for extra features and gadgets is continuing

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to grow as technology advances. Future mirror cabinet designs will not only reflect the simple, minimal designs of today’s modern bathroom, but will understand that function is as equally as important as design. For us, one important feature of all these innovations is intuitive operation.

Having to study the instructions before using the sound system, for example, is not everyone’s idea of convenience.”

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HIGH DRAMA The latest technology is also stretching to other areas in the bathroom – such as intelligent showers and taps.

Designers Dan Cook and Rachel Martin at CP Hart (08458 731 122, www.cphart.co.uk) give more detail: “Digital technology remains a key focus in the bathroom and is beginning to meet the needs of our technology-driven culture, creating a more liveable space that strikes the right balance between design and experience. Digital showers emerged onto the market with button controls,

OUT ARE THE TAUPES AND NEUTRALS, IN IS THE DRAMATIC COLOUR SCHEME but are now starting to feature simple touchscreens that control the lighting, scents, varying water temperatures, and pressures. The Dornbracht Sensory Sky is the ultimate luxurious shower; it has different types of rain, mist, light and fragrances that complement each other, and it also provides a selection of three pre-programmed choreographies.”

The way in which a bathroom is styled is also changing with the times – out are taupes and neutrals and in is an increase in dramatic colour schemes – think inky-blue walls, metallics and

Moroccan-inspired decor. Adding to this is the use of glamorous lighting – such as the shimmering chandeliers found at BHS (www.bhs.co.uk) – that were previously confined to living areas. Coloured feature radiators are also having a moment and add to the drama.

“We have noticed that there is a growing trend for alternative designs in towel rails

THIS IMAGE Visit Andrew James Bathrooms in Cambridge for a wide selection of premium bathroom brands (01223 211970, www.andrewjamesbathrooms.com) ABOVE CP Hart’s Hoxton Grey range, POA, brings an elegant living-room feel into the bathroom (08458 731 122, www.cphart.co.uk)

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and radiators,” says Dave Thornback, UK sales manager at radiator specialists Vasco (01254 704420, www.vasco.eu).

“Customers want to make more of a design statement. A trend is emerging for soft natural colours, earthy tones and metallics, such as bronze in a matt finish; these designs blend seamlessly with modern and traditional interiors and are definitely a popular trend. Texture is also something to look out for. A subtle, tactile finish to the radiator, especially when combined with colour, adds depth and interest to interiors.”

Finally, Charlie Surbey at Andrew James Bathrooms in Cambridge (01223 211970, www.andrewjamesbathrooms.com) gives us his insight into the modern-day bathroom: “Feature bathrooms are all the rage right now. We are seeing people making real statements in what used to be the smallest, most-forgotten room in the house. Glamorous lighting, opulent tiling, touchscreen shower valves and stylish sanitaryware give a feeling of a bathroom as a true retreat. Some even have built-in televisions, circular baths and cabinets inspired by antique furniture. There is even an option to install an app on your mobile to correspond with your bath at home: you can fill your bath up at a set temperature with just a click of a button. You can even do this out of the house, so it is ready for you when you get home. The bathroom has truly come into its own.”

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