Cambridge Property Edition October

Brought to you by Cambridge Edition

OCTOBER 2015

www.cambsedition.co.uk

Help to Buy ISAs EXPERT ADVICE

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN

PROPERTY NEWS TURN OVER FOR

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WELCOME

oving house is a bit like a long-distance run: the end result leaves you feeling elated, with something to shout about on Facebook, but getting there can be a bit of an uphill struggle. Cambridge is especially notorious for its ruthless property market, where potential buyers need to act fast if they’re to snap up the home of their dreams. In an ideal world, we’d sell our old house at exactly the moment we find our perfect new home, making a seamless transition. In reality, however, we’re all too dependent on other people in the chain. Renters too dream of making that swift move from old place to new, without having to pay two lots of rent in the interim weeks.

One local company has identified a solution: during those in-between weeks or months, stay in a serviced apartment. It might sound a little out there, but if it helps reduce the stress around moving, all options are worth hearing. Read on for more.

Also in this issue, marvel at the new homes built in a traditional style in Swaffham Prior, and nose around the new show home at Mitchams Park, part of the old Cambridge City football ground (pages 20-21). Plus there’s expert commentary from Carter Jonas Bradshaws on the government’s new first-time buyers’ ISA (page 19).

Finally, if autumn evenings see you reaching for the paintbrush and eyeing up new decorating jobs around the house, take a look at our rundown of the latest new wallpaper trends: we’ve got birdcages, bikes and vintage motifs aplenty. And Angelina Villa-Clark shines the spotlight on stylish, multifunctional kitchens (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...

Hoxton double bedstead £749, Juxtapose duvet set £80, yellow geometric bedspread £85, Kennedy table lamp £62, all available at House of Fraser. www.houseoffraser.co.uk

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PROPERTY

PROPERTY Y AP OU AR R S TM PA EN CE TS

NEWS

SERVICED APARTMENTS OFFER SENSIBLE SOLUTION In Cambridge’s competitive housing market, being in a position to move quickly is key. Your Space Apartments offer almost 80 serviced apartments from 12 locations in the city, and have found that some guests are using a short stay in one of their properties to help them move fast once they’ve found their dream home.

“Buying a house in Cambridge these days is so difficult that you only really stand a chance of having an offer accepted if you are a cash buyer, ie. you have already exchanged on your own house,” says Suzanne Emerson, director of Your Space Apartments. “This means a time gap between moving out and moving into the new home. Some people rent long-term during this gap but that can mean a commitment of six months’ minimum.

As an alternative, some people use a serviced apartment.”

She continues: “The flexibility of a serviced apartment means you can just book the nights you need and you don’t have to sleep on a friend’s couch or stay in a hotel – you can live a normal life.” www.yourspace apartments.com

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

Mark Wood of Carter Jonas Bradshaws on the Government’s Help To Buy ISA When the government announced the budget, much was made of the changes to the Inheritance Tax Allowance. What was overlooked, however, was the government’s declaration to continue to inspire firsttime buyers with the launch of the Help To Buy ISA. The government first introduced Help To Buy in 2013 and have so far helped 83,000 people get onto the property ladder – but they feel there are still not enough people taking that first step.

The property market relies on first-time buyers, but many struggle to raise enough capital for a deposit. Property demand is high and rental rates are on the increase, so saving can be hard. And, since the financial crisis, returns on any savings are very low.

The new ISA will be available from this autumn and is designed to reward those saving hard for their first home. The plan will see the government add 25% to savings put into the account. The maximum contribution is £50 on a £200 monthly deposit, up to a total amount of £3,000 on £12,000 of savings; the money has to be used on properties worth up to £250,000 (£450,000 in London).

The accounts are limited to one per person rather than one per home, which benefits people buying together. The downside is you can’t contribute to a cash ISA and a Help to Buy ISA in the same tax year.

So if you opened a cash ISA after 6 April 2015, you will not be able to open a Help to Buy ISA when they launch. The Help To Buy ISA will be available through banks and building societies by autumn this year, for persons over 16 years of age (£1,000 deposit).

With the high prices in and around Cambridge, first-time buyers need as much help as possible, and this initiative is a step in the right direction. www.carterjonas.co.uk

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PROPERTY

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN The latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

SHOW HOME OPENS AT MITCHAMS PARK The redevelopment of the former Cambridge City football ground continues with the opening of a new show home for Mitchams Park, a smart new development of houses and apartments.

Located off Milton Road, just north of the river, the stylish new collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- to fivebedroom houses is conveniently located within walking distance of the city centre and Midsummer Common. All homes are generously sized and benefit from private outdoor space; either a balcony, garden or roof terrace.

This latest Crest Nicholson development follows the success of Kaleidoscope, towards Cambridge station, which sold out in October last year.

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The four-bedroom Pembroke show home offers a stylish example of life in these high-quality, eco-aware, easily maintained properties. Ample living space is arranged over three floors, including a stylish kitchen with top of the range Smeg appliances, and bathrooms are fully fitted with timeless all-white Roca suites. The dining area is complemented by large windows, which draw natural light into the room, and back onto a secluded garden.

Annette Cole, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson Eastern, says: “Mitchams Park is a truly unique development set in an unbeatable location.

Nestled within a secluded, landscaped area, the development is within close proximity to the city centre, university colleges, the

planned new Cambridge North train station and other local amenities.”

Fine-dining fans will find two quality restaurants within walking distance of the development: the unique Restaurant 22 and two-star Michelin restaurant Midsummer House, while local pubs The Portland Arms and The Old Spring are well worth frequenting, too.

The development will also pay homage to Mitchams Park’s football heritage by integrating a public art display and themed landscaping on-site, details of which will be revealed early next year.

The marketing suite and show home are open daily from 10am to 5pm. To schedule an appointment, call 01223 656338. www.crestnicholson.com

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PROPERTY

NEW HOMES CELEBRATE LOCAL HERITAGE Just 12 prestigious new family homes have been launched at Mill Grange, a development

by Hill in Swaffham Prior.

Mill Grange offers homes for all family sizes, with three-, four- and five-bedroom styles available, all of which are detached and offer the very best in modern living.

Swaffham Prior is an historic village, with many houses dating back as far as the 17th century. As such, every Mill Grange home purposefully mirrors the attractive patchwork effect of these traditional village rooftops and echoes the traditional architecture of the village, including two homes which replicate the beautiful black timber cladding from the nearby Fosters Windmill.

GE IOR AN PR GR L AM IL H M FF A SW

Inside, all properties feature contemporary kitchens with stone-grey cabinetry, quartz worktops and builtin appliances. Underfloor heating runs throughout the ground floor of each of the new homes and solar photovoltaic panels attached to the roof help to capture the sun’s energy in an eco-friendly effort to keep energy bills to a minimum.

Mill Grange is located less than ten miles from Cambridge station, which offers direct train links to London King’s Cross in under 50 minutes.

Tony Woodman, sales director at Hill, comments: “Mill Grange is a beautiful familyfriendly development, which incorporates

EVERY HOME ECHOES THE TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE OF THE VILLAGE our high standards of design amid a traditional village setting. With a population of just under 850 people, Swaffham Prior offers an intimate yet thriving and friendly village community. The quality of finish and attention to detail found in Mill Grange homes is of an impeccably high standard and we expect the family homes to be snapped up very quickly.”

Prices at Mill Grange start from £475,000 for a three-bedroom detached home through to £750,000 for a five-bedroom detached property. www.hill.co.uk

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INTERIORS PALM JUNGLE WALLPAPER BY COLE & SON £77.95 LIME LACE

GARDEN TOILE PINK WALLPAPER £30 DIGETEX HOME

BICYCLE STAMPS WALLPAPER, FROM £52.77M2 PURLFROST

BLACK & WHITE STRIPED WALLPAPER £59 HOLLY’S HOUSE

Make a statement with these quirky and cool wallpapers WALLPAPER VICTORIA’S MEDLEY, SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET £199 IN-SPACES

SANDERSON FLAMINGOS WALLPAPER, TURQUOISE/PINK £54 JOHN LEWIS

MINI MODERNS OUR ADVENTURE WALLPAPER £55 JOHN LEWIS

BIBLIOTECA WALLPAPER MURAL 4 BY EKATERINA PANIKANOVA £249 THE ORCHARD Property & Home Edition | October 2015 | 23

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INTERIORS HEART OF THE HOME A flexible kitchen space, such as this Harvey Jones Retro Linear Kitchen, reflects all the needs of your family. Kitchens start at ÂŁ18,000 (0800 389 6938, www.harveyjones.com)

WORDS ANGELINA VILLA-CLARKE

HOT TRENDS FOR KITCHENS From dining to cooking, completing homework to entertaining friends: the kitchen is a multifunctional hub of the home. Take note of the latest trends to turn yours into a showstopper SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

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INTERIORS

WONDER WALLS With many of us choosing a neutral palette for our cabinets and a clean, pared-back design ethos for our kitchens overall, a statement wall can really bring a kitchen to life. One way to achieve this is by using wallpaper, which is now firmly back in vogue for kitchens.

Renowned for their high-end wallpapers, Galerie Wallcoverings (01892 700730, www. galeriehome.co.uk) has a wide choice of contemporary and kitchen-themed papers on offer. Eloise Olde Wolbers, director at Galerie, comments: “From quirky, bold geometric motifs to classic country stripes and florals, the versatility of our wallpapers enables an on-trend look to be created through a striking feature wall or combination of prints, whilst providing the perfect backdrop for cooking, baking and kitchen entertaining. Complete the look by contrasting busy patterns with wooden textures and statement accessories.”

Calling on images of nature to give an ethereal look to a room is Farrow and Ball’s (01223 367771, www.farrow-ball.com) new wallpaper collection, which takes inspiration from the Dorset countryside (where the brand hails from). Tall grasses, endless hedgerows and pretty blossoms are all represented to create a soft, peaceful look in the home.

Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow and Ball, says: “Our Dorset-inspired wallpaper collection conjures images of lazy days in hazy fields. This range aims to embrace and appreciate the beauty of nature around us. It is also part of a wider design trend for trees, plants and leaves, as people

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CREATING A COSY HAVEN IN YOUR HOME IS ALL ABOUT OFF THE WALL ABOVE The new Feather Grass wallpaper, £110 per roll, from Farrow & Ball (01223 367771, MIXING www.farrow-ball.com) BELOW LEFT Victoria Eggs’ American Diner COLOUR wallpaper, £125AND per roll,TEXTURE at Graduate Collection (0845 872 4919, www.graduatecollection.co.uk) BOTTOM LEFT Barker & Barker’s Lily Sky Wallpaper from the Serenity range, £79 per roll (01223 733730, www.barkerandbarker.co.uk).

USE RETRO, GEOMETRIC DESIGNS TO UPLIFT CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS OR TRANSFORM A COUNTRY KITCHEN take a moment to connect with the nature around them.”

The kitchen is unique in the home in that it has a variety of architectural elements to take into account when you’re designing a scheme. Search out bold colours and dramatic designs for small areas of the room. This will give a visual impact to contrast against ‘harder’ elements – such as the cooker or range, extractor fan, as well as sink and taps.

Janet Dixon, chief designer at design house Barker & Barker (01223 733730, www.barkerandbarker.co.uk), gives her advice: “Creating a fabulous feature wall in your kitchen is not as easy as you might think, as walls are often broken up with cupboards, windows and doors. Choose a wall that will provide the most impact and use retro, geometric designs to uplift contemporary kitchens or transform a

country kitchen with soft, floral patterns.

If space is limited, create bursts of pattern by framing a piece of kitchen furniture to make it stand out. Vertical stripes are great for creating height and making a room feel bigger. You could create an exciting feature by using wallpaper on the inside of an open cupboard or dresser. Colour is also a great way to create that wow factor, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your wallpaper!”

Keeping it unique to the kitchen is the quirky wallpaper by designer Victoria Eggs, available at Graduate Collection (0845 872 4919, www.graduatecollection.co.uk).

Featuring images of kitchenware as well as American diner typography, it adds the fun factor into a scheme. Meanwhile, for a true statement, Wallsauce.com (01772 284110, www.wallsauce.com) creates bespoke wall murals and wall graphics, which can be made to fit any wall, using state-of-theart technology. The collection includes inspirational photography, contemporary

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INTERIORS

WONDER WALLS ABOVE Distressed bricks from Galerie Wallcoverings’ Factory II Collection of wallpapers, £339.50 for a wall panel (01892 700730, www. galeriehome.co.uk) BELOW LEFT Wallsauce’s Eyam Camper mural, from £30 per m2, (01772 284110, www.wallsauce.com) BELOW RIGHT Handmade and reclaimed tiles from Bert & May (0203 744 0776, www.bertandmay.com)

designs, sporting imagery, superhero, film and comic characters, and fine art classics.

Sean Ogilvie, designer at luxury kitchen company, Harvey Jones Kitchens (0800 389 6938, www.harveyjones.com), gives his insight: “We’re seeing a trend in feature walls coming back to kitchen design. A key look is using characteristics already within the room and including these as features within the kitchen design such as exposed brickwork, or simply using a bold colour on one wall as a focal point.

“Bright colours work well within kitchens, making a bold focal point and injecting character and charisma into your kitchen,” he continues. “You can introduce colour to the room through painted cabinetry or walls, or for adventurous types, both!”

Tiles, of course, are perfect for creating the wow factor in the kitchen. Choose a contrasting yet complementary design or colour for a small area – such as around a range

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or oven in an alcove – to give an elegant focal point to your kitchen.

Handmade and reclaimed tiles from Bert & May (0203 744 0776, www.bertandmay. com) are a beautiful addition to a room.

The handmade tiles are made by a family of fourth-generation artisan tilers in Cadiz, Spain.

Each tile is meticulously crafted using ancient methods, and crushed marble is included as part of the cement mix in order to strengthen the tiles, also giving a shimmer to the finish.

Lee Thornley, director of Bert & May, says: “Tiles are a fantastic way to add colour and pattern into a space.

There are so many different options, ranging from muted and rustic reclaimed terracotta to hand-poured encaustic tiles in gorgeous colours.”

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INTERIORS

VISUAL APPEAL ABOVE Tomas Kitchen Living’s OriginalSHEER kitchen with island, POA (01223 300858, www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk) RIGHT Starburst Pendant, £495, and Pyramid Dining Table in copper, £1,494, both from Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443, www.outthereinteriors.com) BELOW LEFT Acrylic Ovals Armchair, £495, Decorative Ampersand, £34, and Ceramic Vase in Copper, £49, also from Out There Interiors

MARVELLOUS MONOCHROME The appeal of a black-and-white scheme is one that has never really fallen out of fashion.

It is, of course, a classic scheme, which looks smart and sophisticated and can work in a range of combinations. The high contrast – think black granite against white cabinets – is extremely effective. This time around, mix up the look. Opt for black cabinetry with white surfaces, for instance, or choose both black and white cabinets for a mix-and-match look.

Jenny Hurren, founder of Out There Interiors (020 8099 7443, www. outthereinteriors.com), gives her style tips: “The kitchen is arguably the most creative room in the house – whether culinary or visually – it is therefore the ideal playground to experiment with design and style. Go bold with statement walls to perfectly contrast

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kitchen cabinets – I love the simplistic, statement look of polished concrete and with Piet Boon’s genius concrete-look wallpaper. Team with luxe golds and marble for modern opulence, or opt for statement monochrome cabinets and accessories for the ultimate in industrial chic.”

If you have a cream or white kitchen, give it an instant update by adding in allblack accessories, or paint a wall using blackboard paint to achieve a modern-day monochrome look. If black is too stark, choose a midnight blue for a moody, dark and dramatic palette.

Tom Hinton, founder of the Tomas Kitchen Living brand of kitchens based in Cambridge (01223 300858, www. tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk), adds: “I’ve used the colours found in my father’s and grandfather’s abstract oil paintings to create a great range of earthy colours – known as Abstract Five Colours.

“The range includes three ‘interesting’ shades of white, plus a proper black and a lovely off-black called Foreshore Slate. For a warmed-up and turneddown monochrome look try Foreshore White and Foreshore Slate mixed together.”

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INTERIORS

IN AWE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL Copper lighting, lever handles, concrete surfaces and contemporary taps: kitchens are becoming increasingly industrial in style.

Focus on architectural features to achieve the look. Remember that simplicity is key.

Polished chrome or nickel, matte finishes and ‘raw’ accessories, such as chunky wood-chopping boards, ultra-modern electricals and artisan crockery add up to an ‘unfinished’ look which is part of the trend.

It goes without saying that anything floral, frilly or kitsch should be banished to the back of the cupboard.

The clean lines of the OriginalSHEER kitchen range by Tomas Kitchen Living (01223 300858, www.tomas-kitchen-living. co.uk) provide the perfect foundation for creating a minimalist, architectural style.

The handleless design with its angled edge profile works well with ergonomic curves or straight square-edge designs. The secret is in the simplicity and timeless style. For handles, consider the Skate model – a great selection of inset handles.

Handcrafted using traditional joinery techniques by skilled artisans, Fired Earth (0113 243 0748, www.firedearth.com) kitchens are timeless and offer a range of free-standing units that fit in with this trend. Fired Earth’s creative director, Rob Whitaker, says: “The industrial kitchen look is surprisingly versatile, working equally well in contemporary and more traditional interiors.

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LEFT OriginalSHEER, Tomas Kitchen Living, POA (01223 300858, www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk) ABOVE Callerton Barbican Kitchen from Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms, prices start at £20,000 (01223 213266, www. cambridgekitchens.co.uk) BELOW RIGHT Fired Earth’s Moderne Freestanding Kitchen in Lorien Green, from £12,000 (01223 300941, www.firedearth.com)

Far from being an all-or-nothing style, you can do everything from completely embracing it to simply incorporating one or two key elements. Work with a palette of metallic greys and earthy or rusty browns, and keep lines minimal, with paredback detailing. Chrome bar handles and streamlined mixer taps in finishes such as brushed stainless steel have just the right utilitarian look, and rugged, hard-wearing flooring and metro-style, brick-shaped wall tiles are ideal since they’re functional but a pleasure to live with, too.”

One important feature for this look is the choice of countertops and splashbacks.

Concrete is still growing in popularity and, as well as shades of grey and earth tones, the material is also now available in a range of muted shades. Hammered and distressed metals in dull finishes are also of the moment for splashbacks. If that feels too harsh, opt for glass in metallic finishes such as silver, grey-blue or opaque white.

Noted for its luxury kitchens, Cambridge Kitchens & Bathrooms (01223 213266, www. cambridgekitchens.co.uk) is at the forefront

IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT ANYTHING FLORAL, FRILLY OR KITSCH SHOULD BE BANISHED

of new trends. Sarah Wade-Gledhill, director, reveals: “A neutral palette will always be popular with a modern-day kitchen. To keep it in line with new trends, it is easy to simply update handles or add new accessories.

We are seeing an increasing number of customers opting for an industrial feel to their space. Think copper lighting, a monotone colour scheme – often with contrasting islands – and pared-back surfaces, such as concrete. Add in opulent tiling and new technology to give a luxe sheen to the finished look.”

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INTERIORS

SENSATIONAL STORAGE Clever storage is a prime concern when designing a modern kitchen. These days there’s a multitude of new ideas to hide the essentials away. Double-tiered drawers, custom-built cutlery trays, hydraulic, easyclose doors and contemporary pantries are all among the latest designs on offer.

Wharfside’s Team 7 cutting-edge, madeto-measure kitchens (020 7253 3206, www.wharfside.co.uk) utilise the latest thinking. Owner Jonathan Stewart says: “Where Team 7 kitchens really come to life is the innovative storage solutions and finishes you can add to make your kitchen extra special. Clever accessories create order, versatile inserts help you make use of every inch and store food hygienically and securely. The glass and stainless steel containers are as good-looking as they are practical, the stylish sinks are generously sized, the innovative waste-sorting systems keep your kitchen clean and tidy, and the optimally matched lighting creates a feelgood kitchen – we spoil you for choice!”

Open shelving also gives versatility in a kitchen and a modern feel to the look. Keep things neat and tidy and opt for artfully placed crockery, cups and accessories all in the same colour palette. User-friendly and practical open shelving gives a warm, livedin feel and is very functional.

Tomas Kitchen Living (01223 300858, www.tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk) has developed the clever Modbox Creations.

“It’s a collection of dovetailed, modular, box shelving made from solid oak. They

KEEP THINGS NEAT AND TIDY AND OPT FOR ARTFULLY PLACED CROCKERY

ABOVE Pull Out Drawer, Linee Kitchen by Wharfside, from £1,100 (020 7253 3206, www.wharfside.co.uk) BELOW LEFT Modbox Creation by Tomas Kitchen Living, POA (01223 300858, www.tomas-kitchen-living. co.uk) BELOW RIGHT Open shelving, Linee Kitchen also by Wharfside, from £1,600

work well as part of a kitchen ‘run’ or as freestanding pieces,” says Tom Hinton, founder. “Create your own Modbox with different door options, colours and a range of inserts such as the popular Bottle ‘X’.”

Freestanding units can add extra storage – modern, low-level sideboards or shabbychic armoires add character and personality in an otherwise off-the-rack kitchen.

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To perfectly match your needs, when planning a complete overhaul of your kitchen, consult a bespoke manufacturer of kitchens, such as Langtry Furniture (01353 725380, www.langtryfurniture.co.uk), who offer a wide range of storage solutions to suit all needs. Available are hidden recycling bins, wine cupboards, fold-out larders and space-saving, pull-out corner cupboards.

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ABOVE LEFT Black Star countertops and Liberty diamond glass Mosaic tile backsplash by Granite Transformations (01223 915 899; www.granitetransformations.co.uk) ABOVE RIGHT Luxury Glam Kitchen, POA, By Design Kitchens (01223 248409, www.bydi.co.uk) BELOW FROM TOP Fired Earth’s Yoshino Japanese Bloom tiles, £199.80 per m2 (01223 300941, www.firedearth.com). Original Style’s Voni glass hexagon mosaics, prices vary (01392 473004, www.originalstyle.com). Där Lighting’s Buffalo Pendant, £94.50, and copper and polished chrome Hasana Pendant, £83.50 (01295 672200, www.darlighting.co.uk). Sainsbury’s copper kitchenware, from £5 (0800 636 262, www.sainsburys.co.uk). Touched Interiors’ Copper Coffee Table, £2,130 (0845 463 0083, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk)

LOOK OF LUXE Dial up the luxury factor with layers of texture and opulent finishes: think mother-of-pearl tiles, shimmering surfaces, marble counters and copper accessories. Homeowners are increasingly choosing warmer metals, such as gold, copper and bronze, instead of the usual silver, chrome and stainless steel. They give a gleaming accent to most colour palettes as well as adding a lavish touch.

Touched Interiors (0845 463 0083, www. touchedinteriors.co.uk) offers handcrafted furniture from around the world and boasts an extensive range of opulent interior furnishings.

Its latest Copper Collection includes a coffee table, a gold-leaf pebble room divide and gold and copper-plated dining chairs. “The collection takes inspiration from the rose-hued bronzes and golds that have dominated the catwalk and interiors trends in 2015,” says Kunal Trehan, director.

“Metallic colour tones are playing an increasingly important role in modern design, and warm burnished copper is this year’s hottest shade – perfect for adding an autumnal glow to your interiors. The rich tones exude warmth, style and glamour, and the versatility of the trend-setting shades allow pieces to work in a variety of settings. Copper works beautifully alongside natural materials such as bare bricks for a modern rustic look, or alongside rich crushed fabrics and dark woods for a luxurious and sophisticated effect.”

For those who want to simply give a nod to the trend, it’s easy to introduce small elements into your room. Copper lighting, like the pendants from Där Lighting (01295 672200, www.darlighting.co.uk), is particularly effective. Hang a row of three over a dining table or island for impact. For a professional cook’s look, opt for polished copper cookware

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– available at Sainsbury’s (0800 636 262, www.sainsburys.co.uk).

Mosaic tiles in pearl tones, with gold flecks or lustre finishes, contrast beautifully and elevate an otherwise ordinary-looking space. Seek them out from Cambridge-based Fired Earth (01223 300941, www.firedearth. com) or Original Style (01392 473004, www.originalstyle.com).

Finally By Design Kitchens (01223 248409, www.bydi. co.uk), located on Clifton Road in Cambridge, is a specialist in creating luxury kitchens. Sarah Wade-Gledhill says: “We are seeing a rise in people wanting that look of luxury in their kitchens.

Where once the kitchen was merely a practical space our visions are now becoming increasingly imaginative. Gold taps, copper surfaces and statement lights all combine to give the wow factor. Kitchen areas are becoming larger and incorporating family rooms and dining areas. As the hub of the home, customers are always on the look out for something that stands out from everyone else and which looks a little bit different. I would suggest investing in the basics – quality cabinetry and flooring that will last for years to come. Then you can easily update by changing handles, choosing new paints and wallpapers as trends come and go."

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