Life Magazines (London editions) February 2018

ASCOT SPRING GARDEN SHOW 2018 This high-quality boutique event showcasing Britain’s finest horticultural talent has been created with the gardening enthusiast in mind.

FROM THE

A

EDITOR

scot Racecourse has created the Ascot Spring Garden Show – the south east of England’s first garden show of this scale in 2018 – with the gardening enthusiast in mind.

This high-quality boutique event, showcasing Britain’s finest established and emerging horticultural talent, has been planned and designed

by Stephen Bennett, former Shows Director at the Royal Horticultural Society where he was responsible for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the launch of all other major RHS shows.

Building on the success of their 25th anniversary event in 2017, BADA, the British Antique Dealers’ Association, will be returning to Duke of York Square for 2018. Showcasing more than 5,000 objects from a hundred of the UK’s foremost dealers in art, design and antiques, BADA 2018 will offer collectors, curators and art lovers the chance to view and purchase exceptional items of incomparable craftsmanship and provenance.

Gavin Gardiner’s first sale of 2018 is highlighted by two magnificent guns that showcase the wonderful gunmaking talent in the UK today.

A collection of around a dozen guns by London gunmaker Frederick Beesley, includes the magnificent Presentation quality Dinosaur gun, that was among the last guns completed by this maker in 2006 and appears virtually unused. Estimated to fetch £30,000- £40,000, the gun is engraved

by Bill Sinclair and its construction utilises the talent of many of the finest gunmakers working in the trade today.

Faye Manning Editor

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Alex Lux ••••• Fashion Editor Lara Accison ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• senior business development manager Vanessa Lane ••••• ACCOUNT MANAGERS Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman Anita Hill ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith

CONTENTS EVENTS

09

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

72

HOLIDAYS & TRAVEL

85

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area and investigate beautiful homes and properties The finest independent schools in the UK

Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

107

HOUSE & GARDEN

137

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

181

Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of London’s finest interior companies Everything you need to create the perfect London kitchen

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

EVENTS – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i m a g e : ASCOT S P RING GARD E N SHO W

PROPERTY FEATURE

Richard Young Gallery

Photographic shoot with celebrity photographer Richard Young Richard Young has developed a new photographic concept based out of his gallery in Kensington – Richard Young Walk-Ins

BOOKINGS To book an appointment, please contact: Jack Glover Gunn at gallery@richardyoungonline.com Telephone 0207 937 8911 www.richardyounggallery.co.uk www.richardyoungonline.com Richard Young Gallery 4 Holland St, London W8 4LT

Top: Photography by Richard Young; Right: by Simon Brown; Left: by Lorenzo Agius

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aunched in September 2015, Richard Young Gallery features a studio where the public and invited celebrities are invited to walk in and have their portrait taken by the legendary celebrity photographer.

Get the chance to feel like a celebrity yourself, as Richard shoots an entire roll of black and white film in 10 minutes! Clients receive three silver gelatin prints and the contact sheet of the images which are hand selected by Richard from each shoot. Gift Vouchers are also available. The perfect gift for the person who has everything. Prices start at £1800.00 per shoot.

Richard comments “In 1979 I was commissioned

by French Vogue and David Bailey’s Ritz Magazine to shoot Sir Ralph Richardson being photographed

by Sir Cecil Beaton. I watched as his assistants set up the shoot. Finally the great man himself came out and took about 10 shots, and that was it. I was intrigued. I plucked up the courage. ‘Sir, I see you have only taken a few shots?’. He turned to me and retorted, ‘My dear boy, if you can’t get it in one roll of film it’s just not worth bothering!’

Richard Young is at the forefront of celebrity photography. With a career spanning 40 years, Richard’s exceptional eye and unique approach has cemented him as the most trusted and prolific contemporary photographer to the stars.

As both a portraitist and photojournalist, his unerring ability to capture the moment and present a candid, inside view into the world of celebrity has resulted in iconic images that are celebrated in publications throughout the world.

Richard has photographed a diverse and distinguished range of famous celebrities, capturing some genuinely unique moments over the course of his career. He took the last photograph of Keith Moon at a party with Paul and Linda McCartney, just hours before he died. Richard visited orphanages in Romania with Michael Jackson, photographed Sting’s wedding to Trudie Styler and toured the country with the Sex Pistols. He has covered parties for the Cannes film festival and the Oscars in Los Angeles. He accompanied and documented United States troops in Iraq and Fidel Castro in Cuba.

These examples are only a few of Richard’s diverse achievements, and are a mark of the trust and liking that he inspires in his subjects. With an archive of over 2 million images, Richard Young’s prolific body of work could easily serve as documentation of popular culture over the past 40 years.

EVENTS

Experience a century of the exceptional at

BADA 2018 14th – 20th March, Duke of York Square, Chelsea

B

uilding on the success of their 25th anniversary event in 2017, BADA, the British Antique Dealers’ Association, will be returning to Duke of York Square for 2018.

Showcasing more than 5,000 objects from a hundred of the UK’s foremost dealers in art, design and antiques, BADA 2018 will offer collectors, curators and art lovers the chance to view and purchase exceptional items of incomparable craftsmanship and provenance.

In a departure from their traditional loan exhibition, BADA will mark its 100th anniversary with a unique showcase which draws inspiration from the rich depth and remarkable calibre of their members’ objects. BADA has partnered with two leading designers, Joanna Wood and Paolo Moschino, to create a series of contemporary living spaces incorporating key items from our members’ collections, which aims to establish the role of fine art and antiques in a contemporary context.

In addition to celebrating their proud heritage, BADA 2018 will also observe the Association’s commitment to encouraging emerging talent and growth within the industry. To which end they are delighted to welcome a number of new BADA members, exhibiting at the event for the first time, including The Peartree Collection, Karen Taylor

Fine Art, Licht & Morrison Ltd, and Tom Rooth Fine Art. Traditional, modern and contemporary art will once again be strongly represented. BADA 2018 will also offer plenty of options for lovers of fine furniture. As well as celebrating the very best in fine art, fine furniture and antiques, BADA 2018 will also host a broad range of exhibitors specialising in modern and contemporary design, interiors and fashion. Jewellery always proves popular with BADA visitors, with many of the UK’s finest antique jewellery dealers exhibiting at BADA 2018.

Other specialisms well represented at BADA 2018 include porcelain and ceramics, textiles and carpets, silver and metalware, clocks, watches and scientific instruments, glass, lighting, arms and armour, sculpture, Asian and oriental art, and antique boxes. Every object on display is individually vetted for quality and authenticity by BADA’s Vetting Committee of industry leading experts, meaning visitors can buy with complete assurance.

BADA 2018 will be held at Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY. For further details and a list of exhibitors, visit www.badafair.com Follow BADA on Twitter and Instagram @BADA1918

Above: The Earl of Hardwicke’s gilded armchairs, attributed to John Linnell English Circa 1770 100 x 66 x 71 cm. Courtesy of Godson & Coles © Godson & Coles. Opposite, from top: The Wertheimer Phoenix Casket by Samson Wertheimer (1811-92), mounted with an early 17th century Florentine pietra dura Phoenix panel Italian and English Circa 1856-60.

Courtesy of Thomas Coulborn & Sons © Thomas Coulborn & Sons; Couple et fenêtre ouverte sur la mer, 1926’ George Barbier (1882-1932) Ink & watercolour on paper Signed & 1dated 2 F1926 E B21Rx 15.5cm.

U A RCourtesy Y 2 0of1John 8 Adams Fine Art © John Adams Fine Art; Japanese gold lacquer vase decorated with flowers and birds in mother-of-pearl, abalone and coconut shell Japanese Meiji Period signed Kaneko. Courtesy of Laura Bordignon © Laura Bordignon

FEATURE

Family Film Experts H

ow often do you reach for your smart phone to film your children?

Or perhaps you have a camcorder specifically for filming your family?

These days it is easier than ever to capture milestone moments on film but more often than not the memories are confined to a tape, memory card or the cloud as sentimental but time-strapped parents struggle to know what to do with all the footage.

As the parents of two young boys (Joseph, 5 and Charlie, 2) Ed and Charlotte Danson fully understand the desire to capture every moment for posterity. They are the couple behind Lemongrove Productions, a film production company based in West London that specialises in weaving together home videos and shooting Film Portraits to create beautiful films that are treasured by the families who commission them.

Ed Danson, a former broadcast cameraman and editor, explains: “it’s really difficult to edit your own footage, even if you do have the time and technical expertise. A parent will film baby’s first steps for hours, but actually you only need a few seconds of footage to convey that moment in an edited film.

Equally parents will proudly shoot an entire school concert but no one really needs to hear Silent Night performed by 30 enthusiastic recorders in its entirety ever again…

What we do is help families with the daunting task of what to do with their family footage. The first task for many is to compile a digital archive.

We gather together all of their footage, which is usually spread across lots of devices and can include everything from cine film, mini dv tapes and VHS to iPhone and GoPro footage. We then transfer it all. So every memory is backed up on a hard drive, labelled in chronological order and in a format that you can access via your computer or television. It’s immensely satisfying and gives clients great joy to know that it’s sorted.

Once footage has been located we can begin editing. Taking footage from a designated period of

14 FEBRUARY 2018

time, incorporating photos, titles and effects where appropriate and set to a soundtrack of your choice.

Some clients have a film made annually, others decide on a highlights reel to mark a big birthday or special occasion. It’s a real privilege to be allowed to edit people’s home videos and one that we never tire of.”

Charlotte Danson continues… “Our other passion is Film Portraiture. This is when we spend a day filming with a family. We interview the children and the parents and capture them all on camera together. We give them all the raw footage but also edit together a 15 minute ‘Film Chapter’ that depicts their family at that point in time. We capture their children’s voices, mannerisms, opinions and dreams.

The day also gives the parents a moment to reflect and record their thoughts on the magic and mayhem of parenting. The results are fantastic and provide brilliant reference material for future 18th and 21st birthdays and wedding speeches! One client told us that “after ten years of being consigned to a voice behind the camera on family holidays it was brilliant to finally make it on to the screen”.”

Given Ed and Charlotte run a business dedicated to preserving precious memories you would assume they would be entirely up to date with their own home video editing. “I wish!” laughs Charlotte, “though for Christmas, Ed produced a film from our wedding footage, 6 years on from the big day. On Christmas night we sat down to watch it with my family and thoroughly enjoyed it, it was wonderful to hear my father’s speech again and marvel at how young we looked!”

“Ed and Charlotte Danson fully understand the desire to capture every moment for posterity”

THE DETAILS Lemongrove Productions Ltd. www.lemongroveproductions.com 020 8090 3049 info@lemongroveproductions.com

Photo credit @tinytoesbyaggi

EVENTS

Ascot Racecourse will be sporting a different kind of colours this April…

ASCOT SPRING GARDEN SHOW 2018 13th – 15th April 2018

A

scot Racecourse has created the Ascot Spring Garden Show – the south east of England’s first garden show of this scale in 2018 – with the gardening enthusiast in mind.

This high-quality boutique event, showcasing Britain’s finest established and emerging horticultural talent, has been planned and designed

by Stephen Bennett, former Shows Director at the Royal Horticultural Society where he was responsible for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the launch of all other major RHS shows.

Forming part of the historic Crown Estate, the Ascot Spring Garden Show is supported by The Savill Garden and The Valley Gardens at Windsor Great Park. It promises top-quality horticulture and gardening advice, unsurpassed service and state-of the-art facilities that are recognised the world over.

Visitors to the brand-new show can look forward to six ‘Town and Country’ themed show gardens, that have been designed and built by established and award-winning designers. An additional six gardens 16 FEBRUARY 2018

will also be on display, created by student teams from talented horticulture colleges, as part of the Young Gardeners of the Year competition, hosted by ITV’s Love your Garden co-presenter David Domoney.

Show visitors can also peruse a fine array of horticultural trade exhibitors – from leading manufacturers and suppliers of the best garden equipment, greenhouses, tools and machinery to designers of outdoor sculpture and stylish garden ornaments – purchase plants from a range of specialist plant nurseries and enjoy a daily programme of free talks and personal guidance from horticultural experts.

Perfect for Mother’s Day, a botanical-themed afternoon tea has been designed by the talented Ascot chefs in partnership with celebrated pastry chef Claire Clark and is available in the Parade Ring Restaurant for pre-bookings and on-the-day.

Free parking and a complimentary plant creche and porter service are also available for the duration of the show.

THE DETAILS Advance tickets are just £20. For further information and to buy tickets for the Ascot Spring Garden Show visit www.ascot.co.uk/gardenshow or call 0844 581 6990.

EVENTS FEATURE

A single mother who invented a revolutionary pressure-relief saddle pad is riding high as the device takes the equestrian world by storm.

PROTECTING NUMBER ONE H

elen Ross starred in a revealing and dramatic photo-shoot to promote the award-winning winged saddle pads which she designed while bringing up two small children.

The stylish pads fit neatly across a horse’s spine to reduce pressure from everyday activities and competitions and have been independently scientifically proven to work more effectively than conventional pads. Helen, a former fashion model, paid her way through university and studied equine science to create the winged saddle pads after recognising the need for greater comfort for horses.

“I have always loved horses and it is great that it has gone so well,” says Helen, from Kent. “It was amazing to do the photo-shoot for the product I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a single mother and the images certainly show my strong side.“It’s not everyday you get the chance to canter around wearing heels and it was great fun. But I also hope it shows that women can be strong.”

Helen’s product won the 2016 British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Innovation award and her company – HRP Equestrian - sponsors Olympic medallists Lucinda Fredericks and Jock Paget, and international event rider Adam Trew.

The success of the design has caught the attention of other manufacturers and Helen is fighting a legal battle against copycat versions.

“I am very proud of my wing saddle pad design and refuse to allow other companies to benefit from my invention,” she adds. “We are the only legitimate manufacturer and seller of the winged saddle

18 FEBRUARY 2018

pads which have done so much for the health and welfare of horses and our lawyers have written to a number of firms warning them to stop infringing our rights.”

Helen has also used her design skills to invent a support device to help her son Hugo, who has a rare condition, breath better at night. She also launched the charity Hugs4Lungs - to give support to families whose children suffer with lung disorders and breathing difficulties.

For more details visit www.hrpequestrian.com or telephone 0207 859 4393

EVENTS

Votes for Women

Image: © Museum of London

at the Museum of London

2018 is the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act, the law that gave the first women the right to vote in the UK. Commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage with displays and events at the Museum of London.

The newly opened Votes for Women display reveals the fascinating stories behind iconic objects from the museum’s unique Suffragette collection, including Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal. At the heart of the display is a powerful, newly commissioned film that reflects on the contemporary relevance of the militant campaign that continues to inspire, shock and divide opinion. Banners, posters, medals and personal items relating to the Suffragette movement can also be seen in the museum’s permanent display in their People’s City gallery.

Delve further into the suffrage movement with these special events.

Votes for Women weekend Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 February, 11am – 4pm Enjoy a creative weekend of free performances, banner-making workshops, photography, poetry and more. Designed specifically for families with children aged 10+ but older and younger visitors are also welcome.

necklace in Suffragette colours to take home with you.

Image: © Museum of London

The Suffragette legacy Saturday 24 March, 2-5pm Explore the legacy of the suffrage campaign through the eyes of writers today, including Di Atkinson and Caitlin Davies. This panel event will be followed by book signings by the authors and an exclusive presentation of the museum’s unrivaled Suffragette collection.

London on wheels: a suffrage story Saturday 5 May, 10am – 1.30pm Take a bus tour around the capital to see the sites of campaigns and rallies and hear the stories behind names such as the Pankhursts, Millicent Fawcett and Emily Wilding Davison. Limited availability.

Images: © Museum of London

THE DETAILS Find out more about the newly opened free display and book tickets for the programme of events at museumoflondon.org. uk/votesforwomen

Deeds not Words with Tatty Devine Saturday 17 March, 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm Join independent British jewellery company Tatty Devine in a creative masterclass, making your own Sponsored by the Museum of London

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EVENTS

DC EXHIBITION: DAWN OF SUPER HEROES

Above: Costume From The Joker and costume from Batman

The O2, From 23 February 2018

THE DETAILS ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ Opens: 23rd February 2018 - 9 September 2018 Tickets: Adult £22/Child £11/Concession £19.80/Family of 3 £39.60/ Family of 4 £55/Family of 5 £60.50.

All tickets are subject to a booking fee To book, please visit www.DCExhibition.co.uk Facebook: @DCexhibitionUK Twitter: @DCexhibitionUK

F

ollowing a successful run in Paris, 2018 sees the London premiere of ‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’, a unique exhibition presented by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products in collaboration with Art Ludique-Le Musée. Opening on 23 February at The O2, this one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, The Penguin and Mr. Freeze.

The Exhibition will bring fans closer to the world’s most iconic characters and will feature more than 200 original comic pages, around 300 preparatory sketches and concept artworks for the cinema, together with 45 original costumes, models and props used in the iconic films. Fans visiting will be able to walk through the exhibition, which runs in chronological order, with each room offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the mythical DC Universe.

‘DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes’ will feature: • Exclusive artworks from the highly-acclaimed Wonder Woman film, directed by Patty Jenkins, that premiered in the summer of 2017.

• Costumes and props from more recent films such as; 1989 to 1999’s Batman franchise directed by Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher, the acclaimed The Dark Knight trilogy directed by Christopher

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Nolan, as well as The Man of Steel, Batman V Superman and the recent Justice League by Zack Snyder.

• Original drawings of DC’s stable of famous Super Heroes and Super Villains.

• Original costumes from blockbuster DC films including the famous cape worn by Christopher Reeve in the Superman movies and Lynda Carter’s iconic Wonder Woman costume from the 1970s.

The exhibition will showcase almost a century of artistic creations that followed the introduction of an innovative new genre imagined by two adolescents from Cleveland, Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, the creators of Superman. First introduced in Action Comics #1 in 1938, Superman, the world’s first Super Hero, quickly revolutionised the era, influencing art, literature, fashion, TV and film.

While Superman is a tireless champion dedicated to protecting life and battling injustice with his array of superpowers and abilities, Batman is a mortal man fighting crime using his intellect, physical training, and an arsenal of gadgets and vehicles.

They are two opposites - the near-god and simple mortal.

However, this contemporary mythology would not have been complete without the fundamental presence of Wonder Woman, a character who became a trailblazer and symbol for peace, justice and equality. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman became the foundation for the genre on which all subsequent Super Heroes are based.

EVENTS FEATURE

Five star families at The Dorchester

T

he Dorchester is very happy to welcome children and families, with their concierge happy to arrange a variety of family activities throughout London, or arrange a qualified babysitter or nanny if needed.

Many rooms at The Dorchester can be interconnecting to accommodate families, and they do their very best to ensure your guest room feels like home for you and your family.

In your room, you can enjoy the following amenities and activities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Luxury home from home comforts include: • Freshly-baked cookies • A special gift pack • Luxury mini bathrobes and slippers • Family channels for your TV* • Children’s books and board games* • Family DVDs and CDs* • Nintendo Wii and PlayStation with a selection of games* 24 FEBRUARY 2018

*Available on request

Housekeeping can arrange a variety of infant items in your room upon request, including bottle steriliser, crib, cot, highchair, baby bath, microwave and bottle warmer.

The Dorchester has a variety of dining options designed for young taste buds and we are happy to accommodate special requests. The Dorchester can accommodate any specific dietary requirements including organic and low or no sugar diets. You may also arrange a consultation with the chef to discuss your family’s dietary needs.

Children’s menus are available in The Promenade, The Grill at The Dorchester and in-room dining, presented in specially designed children’s crockery.

Both restaurants offer high chairs and colouring books. In-room dining is also pleased to offer an expertly selected baby menu. For more information, please contact the switchboard team.

For further information, please contact The Dorchester on 020 7629 8888. 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA. www.dorchestercollection.com

EVENTS

LONDON DESIGN WEEK 2018 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, 4 – 9 March 2018

THE DETAILS There is courtesy transport and entrance is free.

For more details, visit www.dcch.co.uk or telephone 020 7225 9166 Opening times Trade preview: 4 – 6 March 2018 All welcome: 7 – 9 March 2018 10am – 6pm

F

or six days in March, London Design Week 2018 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the nerve-centre of creative excellence – an unmissable event that is essential for anyone who wants the inside track on the latest design thinking.

This celebration of the new season includes new imaginative installations, more than 100 immersive experiences, bespoke pop-ups and tempting food and drink. Visitors who value talent, skill and provenance can discover the latest offerings from 120 global exhibitors, while international speakers share their knowledge at the authoritative Conversations in Design series. The stellar line-up includes, amongst others, Martin Brudnizki, Martin Hulbert, Jay Grierson, Lord Snowdon, Sophie Ashby, Hubert Zandberg, Sir Peter Osborne, Susie Atkinson, Peter Mikic, Linda Boronkay, Christopher Jenner, Afroditi Krassa, Marianne Cotterill, Simon Mitchell and architects Fiona McLean and Mike Stiff.

Channelling the design world’s rising spirit of

individuality and creative expression, London Design Week 2018 seeks to go beyond fleeting trends. This is an event where powerful design professionals can engage with established makers; style-seekers can delve deeper into their design passions via talks, demonstrations, workshops and discovery tours; and luxury brands can converse with emerging influencers and tastemakers.

The programme aims to be both accessible to all and sophisticated in its outlook, broadening awareness of outstanding design. A global audience of visitors and a host of international brands make this an event whose influence reaches far beyond its London base.

Claire German, managing director, says ‘Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour has become known for its strong curated events. London Design Week 2018 promises a magical combination of design encounters and ways to connect with 600+ leading international brands, unseen anywhere else, all contributing to the many elements which will make this an unmissable week.’

Social Media @designcentrech #LDW18AtDCCH

PARTICIPATING SHOWROOMS: ABBOTT & BOYD • ALTFIELD • ALTON-BROOKE • ARTE • ARTERIORS • ARTISANS OF DEVIZES • BAKER • BAKER LIFESTYLE • BELLA FIGURA • BESSELINK & JONES • BIRGIT ISRAEL • BLACK & KEY • BRIAN YATES • BRUNSCHWIG & FILS • C & C MILANO • CECCOTTI COLLEZIONI • CHASE ERWIN • CHRISTOPHE DELCOURT AT GMR INTERIORS • CHRISTOPHER HYDE LIGHTING • CHRISTOPHER PEACOCK • COLE & SON • COLEFAX AND FOWLER • COLONY • CREATION BAUMANN • CRESTRON EMEA • DAVID SEYFRIED LTD • DAVIDSON • DE LE CUONA • DECCA (BOLIER) • DECORUS • DEDAR • EDELMAN LEATHER • ESPRESSO DESIGN • EVITAVONNI • FLEXFORM • FOX LINTON • FROMENTAL • GALLOTTI&RADICE • GEORGE SPENCER DESIGNS • GIORGETTI • GLADEE LIGHTING • GP & J BAKER • HOLLAND & SHERRY • HOULES • IKSEL – DECORATIVE ARTS • INTERDESIGN UK • J. ROBERT SCOTT • JACARANDA CARPETS • JASON D’SOUZA • JEAN MONRO • JENSEN BEDS • JIM THOMPSON • JULIAN CHICHESTER • KRAVET • LACAZE LONDON • LEE JOFA • LELIEVRE PARIS • LEWIS & WOOD • LIZZO • MARC DE BERNY • MARVIC TEXTILES • MCKINNEY & CO • MCKINNON AND HARRIS • MULBERRY HOME • NADA DESIGNS • THE NANZ COMPANY • NINA CAMPBELL • NOBILIS • ORIGINAL BTC • OFICINA INGLESA FURNITURE • PAOLO MOSCHINO FOR NICHOLAS HASLAM LTD • PERRIN & ROWE • PHILLIP JEFFRIES • PIERRE FREY • POLIFORM • PORADA • PORTA ROMANA • PROVASI • REMAINS LIGHTING • ROMO • RUBELLI/DONGHIA • SA BAXTER ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE • SAHCO • SAMUEL & SONS • SAMUEL HEATH • SAVOIR BEDS • SIBERIAN FLOORS • THE SILK GALLERY • SIMPSONS • STARK CARPET • STARK FABRIC • STUDIOTEX • STYLE LIBRARY • SUMMIT FURNITURE • SUTHERLAND PERENNIALS STUDIO • SWD • TAI PING • THREADS AT GP & J BAKER • TIM PAGE CARPETS • TISSUS D’HELENE • TOPFLOOR BY ESTI • TUFENKIAN ARTISAN CARPETS • TURNELL & GIGON • TURNELL & GIGON AT HOME • TURNSTYLE DESIGNS • VAUGHAN • VIA ARKADIA (TILES) • VICTORIA + ALBERT BATHS • VILLEROY & BOCH • WATTS OF WESTMINSTER • WEMYSS • WEST ONE BATHROOMS • WHISTLER LEATHER • WIRED CUSTOM LIGHTING • WOOL CLASSICS • ZIMMER + ROHDE. PLUS OUTSIDE PARTICIPANTS DESIGNERS GUILD AND OSBORNE & LITTLE IN CHELSEA

26 FEBRUARY 2018

EVENTS

Hans Holbein the Younger (c. 1497–1543), Robert Cheseman, 1533, Oil on panel, 58.8 x 62.8 cm, Mauritshuis, The Hague, inv. 276, Photo © Mauritshuis, The Hague, Exhibition organised in partnership with Royal Collection Trust

Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641), Charles I in the Hunting Field, c. 1636 Oil on canvas, 266 x 207 cm, Musée du Louvre, Paris, Department of Paintings, inv. 1236, Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (musée du Louvre) / Christian Jean, Exhibition organised in partnership with Royal Collection Trust

Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641), Charles I, c. 1632–36, Black chalk on paper, 47.9 x 36.5 cm, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Purchased with the support of the Vereniging Rembrandt, inv. RP-T-1887-A-1162, Photo © Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Exhibition organised in partnership with Royal Collection Trust

he Royal Academy of Arts, in partnership with Royal Collection Trust, presents Charles I: King and Collector, a landmark exhibition that reunites one of the most extraordinary and influential art collections ever assembled. During his reign, Charles I (1600-1649) acquired and commissioned exceptional masterpieces from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century, including works by Van Dyck, Rubens, Holbein, Titian and Mantegna, amongst others. Charles I was executed in 1649 and just months later the collection was offered for sale and dispersed across Europe.

Although many works were retrieved by Charles II during the Restoration, others now form the core of collections such as the Musée du Louvre and the Museo Nacional del Prado.

inventory compiled by Abraham van der Doort (c.1580-1640), first Surveyor of The King’s Pictures, recorded the contents of the collection, providing a detailed account of the artistic tastes and high level of connoisseurship within the king’s circle.

Charles I: King and Collector includes over 90 works generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection. Major lenders also include The National Gallery, London; the Musée du Louvre, Paris; the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid; and Mobilier National, Paris; as well as numerous other public and private collections.

Anthony van Dyck’s monumental portraits of the king and his family form the core of the exhibition: his first major commission upon his arrival in England, Charles I and Henrietta Maria with Prince Charles and Princess Mary (‘The Greate Peece’), 1632 (Royal Collection), and his two magnificent equestrian portraits, Charles I on Horseback with M. de St. Antoine, 1633 (Royal Collection), and Charles I on Horseback, 1637-38 (The National Gallery, London). They are shown together with Van Dyck’s most celebrated and moving portrait of the king, Charles I (‘Le Roi à la chasse’), c.1635 (Musée du Louvre, Paris), which has returned to England for the first time since the seventeenth century.

Charles I commissioned some of the most important artists of his day, and the exhibition includes Peter Paul Rubens’s Minerva Protects Pax from Mars (‘Peace and War’), 1629-30 (The National Gallery, London) and his Landscape with Saint George and the Dragon, 1630-5 (Royal Collection) as well as Van Dyck’s spectacular Cupid and Psyche, 1639-40 (Royal Collection). Particular attention is given to the patronage of Queen Henrietta Maria, including works

by Orazio Gentileschi and Guido Reni.

In addition, the exhibition presents the most important Renaissance paintings from the collection, including Andrea Mantegna’s monumental series, The Triumph of Caesar, c.148492 (Royal Collection), which commands a dedicated gallery within the exhibition, as well as Titian’s Supper at Emmaus, c.1530 (Musée du Louvre, Paris), and Charles V with a Dog, 1533 (Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid). Other Renaissance

artists represented are Correggio, Agnolo Bronzino, Jacopo Bassano, Tintoretto and Paolo Veronese as well as Albrecht Dürer, Jan Gossaert, Hans Holbein the Younger and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Further highlights are the celebrated Mortlake tapestries of Raphael’s Acts of the Apostles, c.1631-40 (Mobilier National, Paris), arguably the most spectacular set of tapestries ever produced in England, as well as the precious works formerly kept in the Cabinet at Whitehall Palace, including paintings, statuettes, miniatures and drawings.

Christopher Le Brun, President, Royal Academy of Arts, said: ‘Charles I is one of history’s greatest collectors, the Royal Collection is one of the world’s greatest collections and the Royal Academy’s galleries are amongst the finest in the world.

With such a combination this exhibition provides the perfect launch for our 250th anniversary celebrations in 2018’. www.royalacademy.org.uk

Charles I: King and Collector T “Charles I: King and Collector reunites 140 of the most important works” Charles I: King and Collector reunites 140 of the most important works for the first time since the seventeenth century, providing an unprecedented opportunity to experience the collection that changed the appreciation of art in England.

In 1623, two years prior to his ascension to the throne, Prince Charles visited Madrid. The Habsburg collection made a lasting impression on the future king and he returned to England with a number of works, including paintings by Titian and Veronese. Intent on creating his own collection, he acquired the esteemed Gonzaga collection, which had been accumulated by the Dukes of Mantua. He also commissioned important artists, most notably Anthony van Dyck, who was appointed ‘principalle Paynter in Ordenarie to their Majesties’ in 1632. In collaboration and competition with other collectors close to the Stuart court, namely Thomas Howard (1586-1646), Earl of Arundel, and George Villiers (1592-1628), Duke of Buckingham, Charles I amassed a collection unrivalled in the history of English taste.

By 1649, the collection of Charles I comprised around 1,500 paintings and 500 sculptures. An 28 FEBRUARY 2018

Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641), Henrietta Maria with Sir Jeffrey, Hudson, 1633, Oil on canvas, 219.1 x 134.8 cm, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Samuel H. Kress Collection, inv. 1952.5.39, Photo © Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

EVENTS

GAVIN GARDINER LTD AUCTION OF MODERN & VINTAGE SPORTING GUNS & RIFLES Sotheby’s, New Bond Street, W1a 2Aa, Wednesday 18 April 2018

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avin Gardiner’s first sale of 2018 is highlighted by two magnificent guns that showcase the wonderful gunmaking talent in the UK today.

A collection of around a dozen guns by London gunmaker Frederick Beesley, includes the magnificent Presentation quality Dinosaur gun, that was among the last guns completed by this maker in 2006 and appears virtually unused. Estimated to fetch £30,000£40,000, the gun is engraved by Bill Sinclair and its construction utilises the talent of many of the finest gunmakers working in the trade today.

Comprising a Holland & Holland type selfopening mechanism, the left lock is engraved with a mammoth against a wooded landscape, while the action base is adorned with a flying pterodactyl above a smoking volcano and the right lock is engraved with a running deinonychus.

From over the border, is a fine pair of 12-Bore

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“Creative Art” engraved single trigger round action over and under ejector guns by Scottish maker David McKay Brown. Engraved with large Scottish scrollwork, the maker’s name is signed within a panel. Carrying an estimate of £30,000-£50,000, the maker confirms that the guns were built in 2003 and appear relatively little used and retaining virtually all of their original finish.

The auction of more than 200 lots of vintage sporting guns, rifles and shooting accessories, is the only sale of Sporting Guns to be held in the heart of London’s Mayfair and will have a strong section of 12-bore Sporting Guns by England and Scotland’s finest makers.

For further information, please visit www.gavingardiner.com or call 01798 875300 You can follow Gavin Gardiner on Twitter @GavinGardiner and on Facebook @Gunauctioneer

EVENTS

Meet the lambs at Bocketts Farm this Spring!

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njoy a great day out at Bocketts Farm this Spring with hundreds of baby lambs due! There are up to 70 lambs due during February Half Term, and a further 300 baby lambs due from 23rd March. Meet the Shepherd sessions will run daily during the school holidays with plenty of opportunity to meet the baby lambs, hear all about our ewes and even watch a live birth! Animal Handling sessions will also run daily with baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies to see.

The full programme of farm activities also includes pony rides, tractor rides, goat milking and pig racing.

This Half Term don’t miss the Pony Parlour sessions and Birds of Prey flying demonstrations and at Easter, enjoy egg themed trails, chocolate treats and fun Easter storytelling sessions.

With acres of play to enjoy outdoors including pedal go-karts, tree house towers, sandpits and slides, plus the indoor play barn and tractor driving zone, there’s plenty of play to enjoy for all ages.

Bocketts Farm, Nr. Leatherhead, Surrey Open Daily 10am- 5.30pm www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

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EVENTS

The Abbey Road Record a Song Experience H Abbey Road Studios offer a unique experiential event: the Record a Song Experience.

ome to countless landmark recordings, the legendary studio complex has a phenomenal history spanning over 85 years and has played host to artists including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Frank Ocean, Sam Smith, Kate Bush, Ed Sheeran, Radiohead, Lady Gaga, and Adele. The studios are also available to hire for a select number of special events each year.

Through their Record a Song Experience, they offer an extremely exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to record in the very same studios that are filled with decades of inspired, creative moments.

Working with award-winning Abbey Road recording engineers and professional vocal coaches you will be guided through the recording session to record the song of your choice in the famous studio.

At Abbey Road Studios, the engineers and producers are so proficient that you will be played your edited and mixed recording immediately after finishing your last take, and soon after be handed a freshly made CD of your bespoke recording session. Food and drink can be incorporated into the experience through their exceptional in-house caterer.

Other additions include displays of magnificent recording equipment and striking pianos including the one Paul McCartney used to record Lady Madonna and which countless other artists have played and recorded on.

One thing’s for sure, it will make for an unforgettable evening in the most famous studios in the world.

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You can book your own Record a Song experience by getting in touch with the Abbey Road Studios Events team via their website or by emailing the team at events@abbeyroad.com; Abbey Road Studios, 3 Abbey Road, London, NW8 9AY, t +44 (0)20 7266 7230; www.abbeyroad.com

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EVENTS FEATURE

Fit for a Queen The Royal Warrant holders

From piano tuners to opticians to a whip maker, the Royal Warrant holders belong to a very special club

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he history of the Royal Warrant can be traced back to medieval times, when competition for Royal favour was intense and the Monarch had the pick of the country’s best tradespeople. By the 15th century, the Lord Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, formally appointed tradespeople with a Royal Warrant of Appointment – a practice that continues to this day.

A Royal Warrant of Appointment – A crest that states “By Appointment To…” is a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales for at least five years, and who have an ongoing trading arrangement.

The Monarch decides who may grant Royal Warrants. These are known as the Grantors: HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales. Today there are around 850 Royal Warrant holders representing a huge cross-section of trade and industry, from individual craftspeople to global multi-nationals. They are united by a commitment to the highest standards of service, quality and excellence. Almost all Warrant holders are members of the Association.

There are silversmiths and jewellers, champagne houses and wine merchants, wheelwrights and gun-makers, glovemakers, luxury car manufacturers, tailors and kiltmakers - the kind of luxury brands befitting of a royal family who reside in palaces and castles.

Some firms have a record of Royal warrants reaching back over more than 100 years. Warrantholding firms do not provide their goods or services free to the Royal households, and all transactions are conducted on a strictly commercial basis. Chocolatier Prestat was the last warrant

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holder to be appointed by the Queen Mother - who loved their chocolate mint fondants and violet cremes - in 1999.

To apply for a Royal Warrant, a company must have been doing business with the household for at least five years. If they are successful, they can advertise the fact by displaying the Queen’s coat of arms. “The Royal Warrant is the ultimate seal of approval,” says Roger Gadd of whip maker Swaine Adeney Brigg. “Our customers definitely take note of it, which is good for business.”

But a Warrant also carries with it responsibilities.

Beholders must exercise discretion, and make it their duty not to let standards slip. “Royal warrants don’t just cover what the Royal Family needs, but what a business needs, so there are agricultural and engineering service suppliers, as well as the technology that supports a large business,” says Richard Peck, secretary of the Royal Warrant Holders Association.

For more information about Royal Warrant holders visit www.rwha.co.uk

Prestigious Royal Warrant Holders in London include: Asprey Berry Bros & Rudd Ltd Cartier Elizabeth Arden Fortnum & Mason Jeeves of Belgravia Champagne Bollinger Gieves & Hawkes Holland & Holland Jeroboams The Ritz Hotel

events

The Ultimate Fashion Festival…

Where Fashion Comes To Life 22-25 February 2018

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taged in London Fashion Week venue: The Store Studios, 180 Strand – this is the only event that gives you unparalleled access to the industry to experience the best of British and international fashion including a showcase of designer and trend catwalks shows, designer shopping and industry talks

Catwalk Take your front row seat at an authentic catwalk show. Here you can watch a parade of top models showcasing collections from some of London Fashion Week’s finest designers, exclusive to the London Fashion Week Festival schedule, as well as inspiring presentations that reveal the key styling tips and the biggest trends of the new season to know now.

Fashion’s Biggest Pop-Up London Fashion Week Festival offers the very best in designer shopping. With galleries of must-have British and international brands at exclusive industry insider prices and 150 top men’s and women’s brands to shop from, every taste and budget is catered for. Top up your wardrobe with expertly selected ready-to-wear, accessories and jewellery. So whether it’s clothing, handbags, shoes or gifts you’re seeking, your shopping spree starts here.

Leading Industry Experts Have you always wanted to ask how your favourite designer made it, or what it takes to be a top fashion editor? The London Fashion Week Festival talks programme includes a series of Q&A interviews and panel discussions with industry experts. Hosted by top presenters, you’ll also have the chance to ask your questions and gain exclusive access to these inspiring industry leaders.

Book your talk when you purchase your show tickets to secure your seat. (some seats may be available at no cost on the day, but this is not guaranteed and seats will be allocated to paid ticket holders, followed by LUXE guests, before other visitors are seated)

“Top up your wardrobe with expertly selected ready-to-wear, accessories and jewellery”

Experience Fashion’s a fatiguing business – so recharge and relax with a pampering session administered by top beauty professionals. Try out a new season hairstyle or make-up trend and pick up handy tips from the experts in the process.

THE DETAILS Tickets now on sale at www.londonfashionweekfestival. com/tickets Venue: The Store Studios, 180 Strand, WC2R 40 FEBRUARY 2018

COMING THIS SPRING:

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oming to The Concept Store this Spring 2018 is the Luxury Designers Collective - A collaboration of the best in Art, Fashion and Lifestyle, spearheaded

by Adeela Salehjee who spent a decade working for iconic labels Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior, Burberry to name a few and is now the Founder and Creative Director of her eponymous luxury cashmere label.

Having participated in a number of pop up shops in the last year, she wanted to bring together a one stop shop pop up concept featuring fresh, creative and one of its kind creative talent from fashion, art and lifestyle. An experiential space representing resort wear, womenswear, cashmere, jewellery, silk scarves, shoes, bags, sunglasses, nightwear, millinery and an exciting new innovation in skincare technology with live demonstrations.

Their participating brands are leaders in their field with a celebrity clientele including The Duchess of Cambridge, Katherine Jenkins, Poppy Delevigne & Zara Philips.

Taking place from the 12th of March - 20th of March 2018 inclusive at: The Concept Store, 340 Kings Road, London SW3 5UR Mon - Sat 10am - 7pm, Sun 11am - 6pm Enquiries Email: info@adeelasalehjee.com Sign up to the newsletter at www.adeelasalehjee.com or email info@adeelasalehjee.com for information on the Press / Opening Party.

THE LUXURY DESIGNERS COLLECTIVE!

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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he NSPCC with the help of Harry Redknapp and Chris Robshaw are hosting two rather special upcoming events in the exclusive surroundings of Mayfair restaurant, Sexy Fish. The events will provide unrivalled intimate access to the evening’s star hosts with all guests having the opportunity to meet, spend time with and actively participate in a Q & A away from the cameras.

These special evenings will no doubt provide great entertainment and the opportunity for guests to hear some great insights and stories from the sporting hosts’ careers in their respective games whilst enjoying the exceptional hospitality of The Coral Reef Room at Sexy Fish.

Ticket price includes a 6 course tasting menu as well as wine, beer and cocktails.

Tickets are available for £795 pp with proceeds from the events going to support the NSPCC’s work in helping to keep more children safe with both events aiming to raise a total of £50,000 to help this fantastic cause.

To book your place at the table of one of these not to be missed events contact the NSPCC on sportsboard@nspcc.org.uk or 020 3772 9748.

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ABOUT THE NSPCC

“The events will provide unrivalled intimate access to the evening’s star hosts”

The NSPCC help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives.

They protect children at risk.

And, work to find the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening. They change the law and visit schools across the country, helping children understand what abuse is. And, through the NSPCC’s Childline service, give young people a voice when no one else will listen. But all this is only possible with the support of the general public.

Every pound raised, every petition signed, every minute of volunteers time, helps make sure the NSPCC can fight for every childhood. www.nspcc.org.uk

The NSPCC with the help of Harry Redknapp and Chris Robshaw are hosting two rather special upcoming events in the exclusive surroundings of Mayfair restaurant, Sexy Fish. Proceeds from the events will support the NSPCC’s work in helping to keep more children safe.

To book: 020 3772 9748 sportsboard@nspcc.org.uk

Image credit Kate Cowdrey / Kate Codrey Photography

FEATURE

NATURAL CURIOSITIES Nature-inspired homewares brand The Curious Department takes home the “Engaging Print” gong in the Top Drawer S/S 18 PaperAwards, sponsored by GF Smith

Department says “To have only launched our stationery collection 6 months ago and to be awarded a prize by esteemed industry insiders is beyond amazing!

We’re so grateful for everyone who voted and and we’re so happy to have our designs recognised as ‘Engaging Print’”.

More about The Curious Department:

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he Curious Department first launched into stationery in September, which included insect-decorated golden notebooks and delicately coloured flora and fauna gold foil greeting cards. Featuring their signature Art Deco inspired designs from their Metamorphosis and Elemental collections, the range now boasts its first ever award.

As part of Top Drawer S/S 18, the PaperAwards featured a panel of industry experts from Heals, Harrods, West Elm and Selfridges, major influencers, as well as a public vote, to select the best in emerging stationery, including the categories recognising ‘Engaging Print’, ‘Emotive Design’ and ‘Engaging Use of Colour’.

Chris McShane, co-founder of The Curious

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Launched late 2016, The Curious Department is the London-based homewares brand and design studio founded by Chris McShane and Ross Taylor.

Their first collection, ‘Metamorphosis’, examines the underestimated beauty of nature, turning bugs and insects into dazzling designs, patterns and products for the home. In Sepetmber 2017, they soon followed up with a second collection ‘Elemental’, exploring the relationship between flora and fauna, using repeated patterns representing the elements: earth, air fire and water.

From limited edition gold prints, to butterfly cushions and insect-adorn fine bone china, through to hand mounted ethical butterfly taxidermy, The Curious Department is a fitting tribute to the latest interior trends, as well as the Victorian fascination with entomology, adding in a few splashes of Art Deco opulence for good measure. All products are designed by them and made in the UK. To view the full stationery collection visit www.thecuriousdepartment.com

The Happiness Planner is a planner and journal designed to help you create more happiness and fulfillment in life by embracing the power of positive thinking, mindfulness, gratitude, and self-development.

Shop: www.thehappinessplanner.com Blog: blog.thehappinessplanner.com Download our iPhone App: thehappinessplanner.io Connect with us on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

events

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2018 Preview, 16th – 20th February 2018

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ondon Fashion Week is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world - and one of the ‘big four’ international catwalk influencers alongside Paris, Milan and New York. It presents an unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry.

While most of us are not even thinking about our summer wardrobes, designers will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2018 Collections.

It’s a week where designers are free to create at will and experiment with new trends, with the world watching as fashion history is made.

Returning to the show are luxury designer brands including Burberry, Antonio Berardi, Jasper Conran, Aspinal of London, David Koma, Pringle of Scotland, Mulberry, House of Holland, Peter

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“It’s a week where designers are free to create at will and experiment with new trends”

Main image: Burberry Show Finale Above: Naomi Campbell & Penelope Cruz At The Burberry Show

Pilotto, Sophia Webster and Temperley London.

Fashion retailers, hotels, restaurants and bars across London join in the celebration of London Fashion Week by hosting special events and promotions both in-store and online.

Designer Showrooms, located at The Store Studios, 180 Strand, is home to over 150 British and international designers. The international element of the showrooms illustrates that the doors to London are truly open, with designers showcasing from Dubai, Finland and South Korea. The pull of London on a global scale is undeniable. The UK continues to be an attractive and fertile home for an array of designer businesses of any size.

Of the four fashion capitals, London is the only city that hosts the Designer Showrooms in the same venue as the official British Fashion Council (BFC) Show and Presentation Space. The LFW Designer Showrooms have launched many global brands, including a number of on-schedule designers.

The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists’ cutting-edge collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. The allure of the show is exceptional and London Fashion Week continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe.

For more information about London Fashion Week including up-to-date schedules, news, video and much more go to www.londonfashionweek.co.uk. Follow on @LondonFashionWk and join the conversation #LFW

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EVENTS

The National Wedding Shows Olympia London 16-18 February ExCeL London 14-15 April

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he UK’s biggest wedding shows returns for 2018 with even more wedding specialists and top show features. The Catwalk shows will showcase the latest collections from the nation’s hottest designers, retailers and boutiques. Including looks for the bride, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-bride and groomsmen.

With hundreds of wedding suppliers you can be sure to tick off lots of wedding planning ‘todos’ in just one day. Find your dream dress! Try on as many dresses as you like from an unrivalled selection of bridal shops and designer labels, with no appointments necessary.

Talk to dedicated travel experts and create your ultimate honeymoon or wedding abroad in The TUI Wedding Travel Lounge and set your creative side loose with DIY wedding workshops in The Inspiration Lab. Get essential wedding planning guidance from guest speakers at The Hitched Wedding Planning Platform.

Enjoy a day of luxury with the VIP experience!

Benefits include: • A VIP goody bag • A complimentary glass of fizz • The latest issues of Confetti magazine • Reserved seating at the Catwalk Show • Fast-track entrance to the show • Exclusive access to the VIP lounge

THE DETAILS For more information or to book tickets visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Facebook www.facebook.com/ nationalweddingshow Twitter @nationalwedding Instagram thenationalweddingshow #TNWS

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EVENTS

London as you’ve

never seen it before!

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asten your seat belts for a slide around The Shard! Two new virtual reality experiences have made their debut at The View from the Shard - on their open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor of the tallest building in Western Europe!

Visitors can test their nerves up to 800ft above the city on ‘The Slide’ an adrenaline-fuelled 360-degree virtual reality experience. Guests ‘slide’ around its peak on a simulated helter skelter at speeds of 100mph along imaginary open-air tubes that corkscrew around the skyscraper – all via a curved platform which moves around beneath them during the two-minute ride.

The second ‘Vertigo’ allows visitors to really face their fear of heights! This virtual adventure sees the building fall away, leaving you suspended in the air, walking across The Shard’s early infrastructure and balancing on scaffolding of the stripped back construction of Western Europe’s tallest building.

Romeo the fox - The View from The Shard’s mascot that represents the intrepid real fox who was discovered on level 72 during construction of the building - also makes an appearance as guests take instructions from the construction sites foreman.

Both exhilarating experiences heighten the sensation by blowing fresh air at the guest during their session.

Patrick Allen, CEO of The View from The Shard said, “As the tallest attraction in the UK, we are always looking for new ways to offer exciting and innovative experiences for our visitors. The consumer technology space has been an area we’ve been keen to explore for a while and we are excited to be working with the design companies behind the VR, Happy Finish and INITION to introduce these two new adventures to the attraction’s visitors”

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THE DETAILS Only suitable for ages 12+, further restrictions may apply.

A virtual reality experience can be unsuitable for people with certain ailments or conditions. A waiver outlining these conditions must be read and signed prior to using the experiences. In the event of heavy rain or storms, the VR experiences will be unavailable.

The VR experiences are available daily from 10am-10pm and are subject to queues, so early arrival is advised to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available to book online at www.theviewfromtheshard.com

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FEATURE

Why Do Men and Women View Valentine’s Differently?

Although we don’t like to stereotype, usually there are amusing differences in the subtle ways we view Valentine’s Day, and all the associated paraphernalia and products, as a gender.

We look at some of the more obvious differences between men and women when faced with February the 14th on the calendar.

Women See Valentine’s as an Opportunity Many women see Valentine’s Day as an opportunity.

It’s a monumental day that could herald change.

For single women it’s a chance to embrace love and lust in all its forms, it’s an excuse to be the one who takes the lead and the one who takes a chance. For women in a relationship it’s an opportunity to inject a little spark back into the drudgery. Of course, it does take two to tango though…

Men See Valentine’s as an Opportunist Men tend to view Valentine’s through an opportunist’s eyes. It’s their time to shine. They’re aware that few women enjoy being alone on Valentine’s and so this special day is a single gentleman’s dream. It’s much easier to adopt the role of knight in shining armour when a woman’s eyes are full of the dreamy mist of romance. For those who are part of a couple, Valentine’s Day is a guarantee for extracurricular activity. As long as the gifts are well received…

Women Anticipate Valentine’s with Excitement Women tend to enjoy the build-up to Valentine’s Day they become swept up in the fairy-tale and embrace the promise of a better more fulfilled romantic relationship or liaison. Despite being a unisex celebration, it’s usually the woman who is spoiled rotten. Women expect gifts, luxury lunches, declarations of love, even proposals, for some, Valentine’s Day is better than birthdays or Christmas. This puts an awful amount of pressure on the male…

Men Anticipate Valentine’s with Fear For men, the dawning of Valentine’s Day can be a minefield. The male is thrust unceremoniously into the driving seat and they must adopt the role of telepath, planner and romancer, all with an unlimited budget. Will the standard flowers and chocolates be enough? Should he make a huge 54 FEBRUARY 2018

“They become swept up in the fairy-tale and embrace the promise of a better more fulfilled romantic relationship or liaison” declaration of love? Should he attempt to replicate the viral YouTube videos doing the rounds? Will flowers and chocolates be too much? Fortunately, many women are simply happy with one on one attention and a little spoiling this doesn’t stop them from coveting though…

Women See Love Themed Products in Shops to Splurge On Every year Valentine’s seems to grow bigger. There are more love themed products to spend money on, more experiences, more expectation. Women seem to adore the emphasis on this one day of love as they imagine being the recipient of a romantic break, a Spa getaway, a fluffy robe with tiny love hearts embroidered on, some silky lingerie.

Men See Commercialism to Avoid Men tend to view these products with suspicion. It’s commercialism with a cold heart. They believe that if they look closer, they’ll see the same Christmas offerings repurposed for Valentines. The red scented candles, the Santa themed lingerie, the fluffy stuffed animals, all upgraded with a touch of romance and the label of Valentine’s Day. Despite the differences both men and women have a lot to look forward to on Valentine’s Day. These opposites mean both sexes attract and blend beautifully to create the ideal February 14th.

If single however, and dread the thought of Valentine’s Day alone let the The Next Chapter (www.nextchapter.global) help you find your perfect match. Make this Valentine’s one to remember.

Dana Cowie fine art Dana Cowie is a Canadian artist with an english background. Her art might be described as Contemporary impressionism. the paintings are loose, painterly and atmospheric. She moves freely from various subject matter and is inspired by daily life. ideas come as she walks her neighbourhood.

Dana keeps notebooks full of sketches and ideas and sources the images with her photographer husband, Harry Gils, and later paints the images in her studio. Cowie pays special attention to spatial relationships, tone and colour. there is a sense of life and movement in her work.

Cowie always knew from a young age that she wanted to be an artist. after attending art school she continued to paint, and worked in public art galleries and as a visual stylist. Later when Cowie settled down to start a family she decided to paint exclusively and has been developing her practice ever since. as well as painting the world around her, Cowie also paints commissions. She loves to help clients realize their dreams into art. Popular commissions tend to be favorite holiday landscapes, portraits, animals and beloved homes. the UK and it’s history is a huge influence to Cowie’s art and style. She hopes to visit soon to paint some local scenes.

Visit www.danacowie.com for information regarding upcoming shows and to browse new work in her online shop or email dana@danacowie.com to find out more.

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PROPERTY

The Property Rich List 2017 Grosvenor Crescent is crowned the most expensive street in England and Wales.

Here are the most expensive streets according to Lloyds Bank, with an average house price: 1. Grosvenor Crescent, Belgravia, Westminster:, £16,918,000 2. Ilchester Place, Holland Park, Kensington and Chelsea: £16,700,000 3. Eaton Square, Belgravia, Westminster: £13,585,000 4. Chester Square, Westminster: £12,534,000 5. Carlyle Square, Kensington and Chelsea: £11,618,000

Grosvenor Crescent

A property in East Road, Weybridge

reputations as exclusive addresses, for not only their rich historical legacy, but are both close to exclusive amenities in Knightsbridge, Sloane Street and Chelsea, as well as the capital’s business and entertainment districts.

Outside of London, seven of the top 20 most expensive streets in England and Wales are in Surrey, with three alone in the suburban town of Weybridge, with average prices ranging between £3.9m and just over £5m.

Further afield, expensive streets in, or close to, Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset, an area dubbed “Britain’s Mayfair-on-Sea” also makes the table, and is home to former Premier League managers and millionaire businesspeople.

Lloyds has said there are now 73 “million pound streets”, where the typical property is worth at least £1 million, dotted right across England and Wales.

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rosvenor Crescent located in the heart of Belgravia, has average property prices of £16.9million according to a report by Lloyds Bank. The street stretches from Duke of Wellington Place to Belgrave Square, and is a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Mostly made up of grand flats rather than houses, its Grade II-listed properties are thought to have been built between 1837 and 1860.

But while residents in Grosvenor Crescent are celebrating, their wealthy neighbours in Eaton Square – which topped the bank’s table a year ago – have each typically seen more than £3m wiped off the value of their property in the space of 12 months, cutting the average price to just over £13.5m. A £55million mega mansion was listed for sale in the prestigious square in 2016 but is no longer on the market, which could account for part of the price readjustment.

London not surprisingly is home to six of the most expensive streets in England and Wales, all of which are in the prime boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. Both have established

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6. Kensington Road, Kensington and Chelsea: £10,185,000 7. East Road, Weybridge, Surrey: £5,053,000 8. The Green, Richmond: £4,706,000 9. West Road, Weybridge, Surrey: £4,578,000 10. Charlbury Road, Oxford: £4,470,000 11. Coombe Park, Kingston-uponThames: £4,295,000 12. Queens Drive, Leatherhead, Surrey: £4,222,000 13. Crick Road, Oxford: £3,978,000 14. Cavendish Road, Weybridge, Surrey: £3,881,000 15. Fishers Wood, Ascot, Berkshire: £3,762,000 16. Leys Road, Leatherhead, Surrey: £3,749,000 17. Gorse Hill Road, Virginia Water, Surrey: £3,727,000 18. Icklingham Road, Cobham, Surrey: £3,559,000 19. Ham Common, Richmond: £3,303,000

Ilchester Place, Holland Park

20. Panorama Road, Poole, Dorset £2,361,000

PROPERTY

The Listed Property Show 2018 Olympia, 24th & 25th February

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he Listed Property Show returns to Olympia to celebrate its 12th year in 2018. Organised by The Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC), the show brings together the industry’s best all under one roof, to save you money, time and stress.

If you are maintaining, renovating or conserving your listed home – or even looking to buy one – The Listed Property Show is not to be missed!

You can gather more information for your listed property in one weekend than you can through months of personal research. Bring your plans and drawings, or hypothetical plans, to talk through with the expert exhibitors.

Show features include: • Advice on all aspects of owning a listed property including buying, surveyance, VAT, grants, maintenance, energy efficiency, insurance and legal issues.

• Ask The Experts – Put your questions to the largest ever panel of leading industry professionals including Conservation Advisors, planners, experts in VAT and insurance, architects, solicitors and leading names from Historic England. Nowhere else will you find such an extensive range of

expertise in one place.

• Independent Conservation Advisors for stress free one-to-one conversations.

• Over 150 of the country’s leading suppliers to listed buildings.

• Advice on hypothetical plans to alter your building.

• A full interactive lecture programme.

• Architects, planners and caring builders.

• Practical demonstrations including plaster work, wood carving and flint walling.

• Insider knowledge on furnishing your listed home with antiques and period pieces.

• Plus, the whole Listed Property Owners’ Club team will be on hand for you to meet!

TICKETS Tickets for the show cost £10 in advance, or £15 on the door.

Under 16’s go free.

LPOC members will receive 2 free tickets.

If looking to purchase advance tickets, LPOC are also offering a discounted annual membership at £48 (usually £60) which means you will receive 2 free tickets to the show plus the rest of the membership benefits for the year!

MORE INFORMATION For more show information and to book your advance tickets, please visit www.lpoc.co.uk or call 01795 844939 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheListedPropertyOwnersClub Twitter: www.twitter.com/Listed_Property

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Our HomeMaker service means you making will be fully unpacked and we leave your home with the furniture installed, the Truly your new house a Home, instantly. beds made, curtains up, the crates emptied, the home dressed and even dinner on the table.

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PROPERTY

Tower

A new level of luxury living has arrived in the heart of London

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n an exclusive partnership with Versace Home, the global symbol of opulence, AYKON London One brings you the ultimate in branded living experiences.

Versace Tower is about to light up the multibillion pound Nine Elms regeneration zone, in the shape of a designer piece of property for those who love a label. Thanks to a collaboration with Italian fashion house Versace, 50-storey Aykon London One will be the glitziest tower on the block.

The £600million tower, dubbed the ‘Jenga tower’ because of its appearance, is due to open in 2020.

A studio can be bought for £747,000, with onebedroom apartments from £1,116,000, and twobedroom flats from £1,877,000. As the floors start to rise, so do the prices. A top-floor duplex would set you back £13 million.

Choose from studios to one, two and three bedroom arrangements, finished to the highest standards, with special ‘winter gardens’, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. Even the

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“Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics”

chandeliers in the residents’ lounge are gold-plated filigree, while “V” for Versace Home is in marble patterns inlaid into the walnut floors at the entrance to each apartment.

For their money, buyers certainly get plenty of Versace branding in their homes. The style house’s trademark Greek key decorates splashbacks, kitchen islands and mirrors in the white marble bathrooms, while master bedrooms are decorated with lavish amounts of pale gold-and-cream Versace wallpaper.

Residents will enjoy in-house dining, a concierge, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gymnasium plus a luxury swimming pool and spa - all tricked up in Versace’s trademark maximal style of opulent colours and fabrics. Even the children’s playroom has a patchwork Versace carpet in primary colours, plus a double-height yellow slide and designer chairs.

Each of the building’s outdoor spaces will be unique, with its own focal sculptures, water features and landscaping aesthetic, all complemented by stylish furniture and specialist lighting.

Nine Elms is already home to the New Covent Garden Market, the brand-new US Embassy and Battersea Power Station, a cherished feature of the London skyline. It’s also blessed with almost two miles of Thames river frontage, and will be lined with cafés, bars, restaurants, cultural attractions and public space as part of the planned regeneration.

Since construction work on “Versace Tower” began in August, 170 of its 360 homes have sold.

Unsurprisingly, many overseas buyers have taken the bait, from the Gulf States, Hong Kong, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. Developers have come under fire for selling highly priced flats at Nine Elms to overseas buyers before addressing the British market. www.aykonlondonone.com

PROPERTY

The Listed Property Owners’ Club

Six simple steps to protect your listed home “Chimney stacks and parapets are particularly exposed and vulnerable so look out for open joints where mortar joints may be letting water in”

L

isted buildings rely on regular inspection and maintenance to keep them in good repair and to prevent more serious problems developing. Spotting potential problems is not difficult, here The Listed Property Owners’ Club share six simple steps to ensure you protect your home’s unique history and character.

STEP 1: CHECK THE ROOF Check ridge tiles which sometimes come loose and need to be re-bedded. Use binoculars to look for any damage to lead flashings or mortar fillets at the junction of the roof with walls, parapets or chimney stacks. Check in the loft to see if there is any evidence of leaks or gaps in the roof covering.

STEP 2: CHECK THE CHIMNEY STACKS Chimney stacks and parapets are particularly exposed and vulnerable so look out for open joints where mortar joints may be letting water in.

STEP 3: CHECK THE GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES Check that gutters are not blocked by leaves, that they fall effectively towards the downpipes, and that the joints are not leaking. Look for cracks or rust on cast iron rainwater goods.

STEP 4: CHECK THE DRAINS Check that drains are not blocked by leaves and debris and that the traps are free flowing. Flush through rainwater gullies with a bucket of water or a high pressure hose to remove any sludgy deposits.

STEP 5: CHECK THE WALLS Check for cracks or areas where damp is presenting a problem and that any airbricks are not blocked.

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Cracked, flaking or blistering paintwork is a sure sign that decoration is required.

If you are concerned about any more serious defects consult a competent conservation builder, a conservation engineer or a conservation surveyor.

The Listed Property Owners’ Club can help you find someone local to you.

STEP 6: CHECK YOUR HOME INSURANCE POLICY Despite your best efforts to maintain and conserve your listed home, there are some eventualities that can’t be prepared for. Should the worst happen, would your insurance policy provide adequate cover? A quick chat with the LPOC Insurance team will help reveal any hidden nasties in your current policy, and make sure that you and your listed home are fully protected.

For further information visit www.lpoc.co.uk or telephone 01795 844939

FOOD & DRINK PROPERTY

Spire London: Western Europe’s Tallest Residential Skyscraper L

ondon’s skyline will have a new player come 2020, when construction will finish on the £800million+ residential skyscraper Spire London.

The tower, which will be the tallest of its kind in the UK and Western Europe, will have 67 storeys and measure up at 771ft (235.145m) high. Located in Hertsmere Road, Spire London will be within walking distance of busy business district Canary Wharf and look out over the 30acres of water in West India Quay.

Spire London will boast a concierge, residents’ gardens and luxury lifestyle amenities. The spa on the 35th floor will house a 465sq-m pool room with an infinity-edged swimming pool, lounge areas and a Jacuzzi – all to be enjoyed with a backdrop of stunning London-wide views. There will also be a 185sq-m gymnasium and fitness studio with changing facilities.

The tower will provide 861 apartments – 765 of which are available for private sale and include suites, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex penthouses. Residents will also be able to enjoy the private roof-terrace gardens on the third floor, which offer 929sq-m of outdoor space to make the most of London’s

warmer days.

The architects, inspired by the building’s Chinese developers Greenland Group, have taken influences from the orchid flower (cultivated in China for thousands of years) – and also from the building’s waterfront location. Three ‘petals’ The interiors of the building have been put together by leading interior designer Nicola Fontanella of Argent Design. The building’s showstopper will be the ground-floor throughlobby, which with its 6m-high ceilings, columns, feature lighting, lounge seating and concierge will give the impression of a luxurious boutique hotel.

Claiming to be the highest and most far-reaching views ever provided over the capital, residents of Spire London will be able to look out over the Thames, Canary Wharf, the City of London and our city’s most famous landmarks.

Apartments at Spire London are priced from £595,000 (999-year leases, virtual freehold).

For further sales information and to reserve a place at the launch event contact joint sole agents CBRE and JLL on 020 3813 2471 www.cbreresidential.com; www.residential.jll.co.uk; www.spirelondon.com

“The tower will provide 861 apartments – 765 of which are available for private sale and include suites, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex penthouses”

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Say hello to Shui Me a multi-award winning range of luxury reed diffusers.

Here’s where the art of aromatherapy meets the harmonising intentions of Feng Shui.

Each Shui Me diffuser: • is made with 100% pure organic essential oils • is made with an alcohol-free base oil derived from sustainable sources • is made in the UK • has a life span of around four months – lasting at least twice as long as other leading alcohol based reed diffusers • has a luxurious therapeutic aroma –

pure, clean and untainted • is free from harmful chemicals Shui Me offers three blends to support three different aspects of your wellbeing from which you can benefit: • Relax – a soothing blend of lavender, ylang ylang and petitgrain to help you let go and promote a good night’s sleep • PURity – a zesty fusion of citronella, lemongrass and sweet basil to purify the mind and sharpen your focus

• UPlift – a divine balance of cedarwood and bergamot to relax you after a long day and guide you to a brighter mood Shui Me offers more than the average reed diffuser and goes above and beyond to deliver not only a beautiful aroma but a therapeutic, wellbeing experience for you and your family and friends – bringing the experience of a spa day into your home or office.

shui-me.com hello@shui-me.com

EDUC ATION

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR THE FUTURE

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hilippa Cawthorne, headmistress of Bassett House School, a co-ed prep school in Notting Hill, believes in preparing children to meet the challenges of the future. “With artificial intelligence poised to make people redundant from many traditional careers in the near future, it is crucial that children are given the right tools to enable them to flourish.

Children need to be adaptable, resilient, creative and willing to take risks to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.”

The ethos of Bassett House is to provide a childcentred forward-looking education. Montessori methods are used from the nursery upwards, with an emphasis on independent learning, encouraging children to find things out for themselves and be responsible for their actions and belongings.

Each day, children make finely-tuned decisions to determine the levels of risk they will (or will not) accept and develop an increasing mastery of

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concepts and skills, upon which they can draw in the future. Bassett encourages a growth mindset approach to their learning, not giving up when they find something difficult to achieve; rather than ‘I can’t do it’, they say ‘I can’t do it yet’.

It is this grounding that not only helps the pupils gain places at some of the most prestigious senior schools in London but also to thrive once they have moved on.

Bassett House children, right from the start of their education in the early years, have the benefit of specialist lessons in music, games, computing, French and art and an extraordinary range of clubs, enrichment activities. In addition to this, older children enjoy residential trips where they may push boundaries and let their imaginations soar.

School clubs such as orienteering, martial arts and fencing are selected to encourage ‘thinking on one’s feet’, the development of leadership skills, teambuilding and active problem-solving. Residential trips are chosen to introduce the children to new experiences, from learning how to rig and sail a boat to bushcraft activities, where children can make their own shelter, build a campfire and cook in the freedom of a wild wood.

The skills employers are looking for today favour people who work well in a team and are good at problem-solving. If children are to have the confidence and skills to thrive in an increasingly challenging world, they need to learn how to develop their own awareness of limits and boundaries – to learn, in short, to take risks.

THE DETAILS To see the school in action, attending an open afternoon is highly recommended.

The next one takes place on Friday, 2nd March, between 2pm – 3.30pm.

Please ring Thalia Demetriades on 020 8969 0313 to arrange a visit to the school.

Bassett House School 60 Bassett Road London W10 6JP Email: registrar@bassetths.org.uk www.bassetths.org.uk

EDUC ATION

International Mindedness Should you be part of the new trend?

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here once the concept of international mindedness seemed intellectual or aloof, it now seems like basic common sense to be taught how to enjoy, thrive and respect different cultures; to come out of school equipped with the skills to live and work successfully with people from other countries or cultures, or to be able to thrive anywhere in the world you choose to live.

And if there is one form of education that truly embeds international mindedness, more so than perhaps any other, it’s an international education in an international school.

Developing global citizens Learning to appreciate and absorb cultural differences is just part of everyday life in an international school like ACS Hillingdon. From a young age, students integrate with many different cultures, equipping them with the life skills to be global citizens and instilling them with a broad outlook. In a classroom with peers and teachers representing up to 40 different cultural backgrounds, students cannot help but develop a deeper and broader understanding across complex subjects.

Students also establish lasting friendships with peers from around the world and for them, nationalities are not a label or a defining characteristic. They readily share their experiences from their home culture or places they have lived and celebrate their diversity. This naturally develops a global outlook which extends way beyond the classroom too.

Qualifications with a global outlook Qualifications and learning programmes that extend beyond national boundaries have to be central to an international education. Such programmes 74 FEBRUARY 2018

have International Mindedness international recognition not for their name alone, but for their academic rigour and as a positive indicator of the personal development of an individual.

One of the leading education programmes in this respect is the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is consistently cited by university admissions officers as the best preparation for higher education over other traditional UK curriculums. Admissions officers believe that IB students cultivate vital aptitudes needed to thrive at university including an ability for independent enquiry, self-management skills and open mindedness.

To find out more about ACS International Schools, or to register for an open morning visit www.acs-schools.com/opendays.

ACS Hillingdon: Telephone: 01895 818402; Email: hillingdonadmissions@acs-schools.com; Website: www.acs-schools.com/acs-hillingdon

EDUC ATION

‘Little people day nursery knew they were good, but how did they become

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‘OUTSTANDING?”

his was a question posed after the last Ofsted inspection at Little People of Fulham. Like many nursery managers, Jane Gleasure concentrated on the “foundations…which lay with the quality of staff and their skills” focusing on keeping them motivated, well qualified, develop in-house and external training, regular team meetings and following best practice Jane believes you can see the improvements in the happy contented children at play. Recent achievements such as achieving Bronze & Silver awards by the Healthy Early Years Partnership and the Millie’s mark for excellence in First Aid training and practice result from inspirational and passionate leadership. All settings will follow the Early Years Foundation stages of learning, but inspectors are looking for the children to be truly engaged with the learning process. Much of this you can see in the children’s work, development folders or on the display boards. One recent practical improvement

by Dawn Cove at Little People of Willow Vale was the introduction of “Forest School’- trips in wellies

“Jane believes you can see the improvements in the happy contented children at play”

THE DETAILS

and wet weather gear, to local parks to see and learn about the natural environment, taking calculated risks like climbing trees, identifying birds and insects. Children make their own decisions about their play and their environment in an adventures way. School trips to the local farm, fire stations, local markets and a small children’s theatre excite not just the children but energise staff too.

At this age learning is fun and the Montessori method of teaching helps “Children learn their early number, writing and reading skills brilliantly. They are extremely well prepared for their next stage of learning”. Ofsted 2016. What must never be lost is putting the children first. Safeguarding policies and procedures together with regular reviews and training ensure that an Outstanding nursery’s primary focus is always the children in their care.

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If you would like to know more about what makes Little People Day Nursery outstanding please call Alison Truss – Manager on 0207 386 0006 or email alison@littlepeople.co.uk.

For more information about Little People of Fulham. 250a Lillie Road, Fulham SW6 7PX visit the website at www.littlepeople.co.uk

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Independent Co-educational 2-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

Rosemead Preparatory School & Nursery

Open Morning Wednesday 14 March 2018, 9.30am-11am Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available 020-8670 5865 email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

HOLIDAYS & travel – Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : T RAIL F IND E RS

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Stay calm and kickstart your holiday at The Connaught The Connaught offers the ultimate stress-free “The Night Before” sleepover to eliminate pre-holiday travel tension

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his summer, The Connaught in Mayfair, known for its legendary five star Butler service, has launched ‘The Night Before’ the ultimate pre-holiday sleepover to ensure early rising globe-trotters experience the smoothest, stress-free start to their holiday. ‘The Night Before’ carefully thought out series of rituals, turns the dreaded early morning flight call into a joyous holiday start.

The Connaught takes charge from the moment guests are collected from their homes by chauffeur driven car armed with the essential 10 point travel check list; passport...check, sun-cream... check, iron off...check.

Arriving at the hotel, guests are met by their butler who whisks their suitcases away to be pressed and repacked using secret Connaught techniques honed over the years, ensuring the wardrobe arrives spick and span ready for the beach club – no travel irons necessary. Guests are then escorted to the legendary temple of relaxation, the Aman Spa, deep in the heart of The Connaught where a series of treatments and rituals ensures the stress of travelling is gently massaged away allowing them to return to their rooms for a light evening supper and early turn down and a good night sleep.

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ABOUT THE CONNAUGHT In the heart of London’s Mayfair, The Connaught, part of Maybourne Hotel Group, blends contemporary style, classic English character and impeccable service to create the ultimate in sophistication. Rooms and suites to suit every mood, exquisite cuisine from Hélène Darroze, the charm of The Connaught and Coburg Bars, and Europe’s first Aman Spa make this the perfect place to rest, relax and dine in style.

ABOUT MAYBOURNE HOTEL GROUP Early next morning ensuring no flights are missed, a gentle wake-up call with soothing cup of morning tea and a destination bound weather forecast, wakes guests who are then tucked into airport bound chauffeur car, complete with take away breakfast and a warm farewell from The Connaught doorman.

The holiday can officially begin…Connaught style. ‘The Night Before’ includes, a one-night stay for two people, chauffeurdriven car from home to The Connaught within a 40 miles radius, pre-travel checklist, treatments for two people at the Aman Spa, Butler to re-pack suitcase, early morning takeaway breakfast with chosen reading material and chauffeur-driven car to London airports or railway stations. Rates start from £1,060 per night for a Deluxe King Room (inclusive of tax). Offer must be booked two days in advance.

Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.

THE DETAILS To book “The Night Before” please call the Reservations Team on +44 (0) 20 7107 8945 or email reservations@the-connaught.co.uk www.the-connaught.co.uk

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

London Cruise Show 18th and 19th February 2018

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urope’s largest cruise show is returning to London, bringing together the best specialist operators and holiday providers all under one roof. Visitors to the show can come face to face with some of the top names in the industry.

With cruise lines sailing to some of the most remote locations on earth, it can be overwhelming deciding which route is right. The London Cruise Show aims to connect cruise enthusiasts with their perfect cruise. There has never been a better time to jump on board!

Adventure travel is taking the cruising world by storm as the trend seeps into cruise’s plush corner of the travel industry, but expedition cruising still retains the luxury element, so less backpacks and more five-star dining with a side of adventure. For those who love nature and wildlife and are itching to discover the destination they’re visiting, expedition cruises allow for more niche, experiential excursions such as hiking, kayaking, and personal encounters with locals. Exhibitor, Oceania Cruises, offers an adventure into the unspoiled wilderness of Alaska, where guests have the opportunity to experience dog sledding near Juneau, visit the Heritage Centre in Noonah where native Tlingit culture comes alive through song and dance, and cruise through glorious Hubbard Glacier.

Azamara Club Cruises can take you to the Caribbean idyll of Cuba; steeped in history and culture and bursting at the seams with vibrant music and salsa dancing. Itineraries feature ports of call in Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Santiago de Cuba. To provide travellers with a truly immersive experience, Azamara Club Cruisers has created a variety of shore excursions offering guests the chance to explore from sunrise to sundown.

Health and wellness is becoming increasingly popular and Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer guests

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the opportunity to indulge in the new holistic wellness program on their Mediterranean voyages on-board Seven Seas Voyager. The small-group experiences include activities such as yoga, tai chi, walks, visits to local spas and even laughter therapy.

Some fantastic wellness offerings include European spas, thermal swimming pools and natural ponds where guests can feel rejuvenated as they apply skinsoftening black mud. Destination highlights include relaxing in France, Spain and the Mediterranean coast under the sun.

See some of the world’s most exotic destinations and cruise with ease from the UK – cruise holidays are a fantastic way to reach far flung and exotic destinations, and with a number of cruise lines offering UK departure points, travellers can enjoy the convenience of not needing to step foot on a plane to get there. Holidaymakers can start their holiday much sooner than if they were travelling further afield.

UK departures are well and truly on the rise, with a number of cruise lines announcing new UK based cruise ships offering customers a more cost effective option by cutting out the cost of flights for the whole family.

For more information visit: www.cruiseshow.co.uk or follow London Cruise Show on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

“It’s best known for its sumptuous stretches of sand, but this Italian island also offers a range of photographic opportunities”

Master a new creative skill on these hobby breaks, says Sarah

Marshall.

picture this :

TO P P H OTO G R A P H Y H O L I DAYS

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

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nyone can be a photographer thanks to mobile phone technology, but if you really want to get creative with your images, nothing beats a good old-fashioned camera. Whether you use a simple compact or a fancy SLR, there’s no better way to document your travels. And if you want to learn while on the road, a photography holiday is the obvious solution. Aimed at amateurs right through to seasoned pros, these excellent holidays should be in your frame for 2018.

The wildlife masterclass: Antarctica Get three photographers for the price of one on this epic Antarctic charter, which promises excellent wildlife opportunities, entertaining lectures and lots of laughs along the way. Paul Goldstein, Mark Carwardine and Chris Packham are all presenters, conservationists, authors, photographers - and good friends. There’ll be joining forces on the RCGS Resolute, a luxury expedition ship recently purchased by One Ocean. As Chris Packham says: “You don’t have to go to the end of the world to take a great photo, but it helps.” www.exodus.co.uk

about the cultural and natural history of this surprisingly under-explored island. www.photography-holidays.co.uk

The assault on all senses: India A regular contributor to Wanderlust magazine, photojournalist Steve Davey understands what it takes to get a good editorial image. His pictures always tell a story and he aims to share that skill. Along with plenty of instruction, there’s also ample time to relax on these breaks. This year, Steve is offering several departures including one to India exploring erotic temples, the Taj Mahal and Holi celebrations. www.bettertravelphotography.com

The sophisticated city option: Vienna Although perhaps not the first choice for most, cities present many possibilities for creative photography. Filled with art and grand architecture, Austria’s capital is a very pleasing model, and this short workshop makes the most of mastering urban techniques. Nikon ambassador Jeremy Walker leads the trip and guarantees one-to-one tuition in the small seven-person group. www.tatraphotographyworkshop.com

The surprising short haul wonder: Sardinia

The blow-your-mind landscapes: Iceland

It’s best known for its sumptuous stretches of sand, but this Italian island also offers a range of photographic opportunities - from rose pink sunsets dipping into flamingo-filled lagoons, to ancient ruins and folkloric masked characters. Tour leader Renato Granieri has clocked up numerous awards, including a medal in this year’s prestigious European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. A Sardinian native, he’s well placed to share stories

Nature is at it’s most spectacular in Iceland, a dream destination for aspiring landscape photographers.

Escaping the growing crowds of Reykjavik, this trip heads to the mesmerising north in winter, where other-worldly lava formations and frozen waterfalls form natural compositions. And if you’re lucky, there might even be an opportunity to see the Northern Lights! www.wildphotographyholidays.com

M Y KO N O S P R I N C E S S : T H E U LT I M AT E L I F E S T Y L E M Y KO N O S H O T E L Mykonos Princess, the only ‘’Lifestyle Hotel’’ of the ‘’Preferred Hotels & Resorts’’ in Mykonos Island is the unique combination of luxury services, the authentic Greek hospitality & the Mykonian way of life.

Mykonos Princess Hotel is a Mykonos beach hotel, within 5 minutes walking distance from the crystal clear waters of Agios Stefanos beach.

In a great location with gorgeous views and close enough to Mykonos town, Mykonos Princess is the perfect getaway and the ideal place to stay if you’re planning your holiday in Greece.

Our hotel offers nine room categories, according to your wishes and budget.

Our 40 rooms are influenced by Cycladic architecture, ideal for moments of relaxation and calmness with stunning sea views.

During your stay, our helpful and attentive staff will take care of all your needs and also provide you with any information on places worth visiting in Mykonos.

Our wide range of facilities and services, tailored to your needs, will turn your stay in Mykonos Princess hotel into a pleasant, comfort and memorable experience.

The personalized experience of staying with us, in Mykonos Princess stands out and Mykonos Princess wins -again- the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award 2018 and is included in the 25 Best Hotels in Greece in the 11th place.

www.princessofmykonos.gr

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

New Experiences, New Adventures…New Zealand

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ew Zealand, one of the world’s most inspiring travel destinations, promises eye-popping natural attractions, diverse cities, adrenaline-packed outdoor activities and unique cultural experiences.

We’ll let you into a little secret – Trailfinders, the UK’s No. 1 tour operator to New Zealand, has some exceptional value holidays flying with Air New Zealand. Give them a call or pop into your local Trailfinders Travel Centre to take advantage of exclusive offers. only available when you book with the travel experts, and start planning your ultimate New Zealand adventure today.

A better way to fly with Award winning Air New Zealand It’s not just the innovative product, free-poured New Zealand wine or delicious fresh food that sets them apart, it’s their crew – helpful and professional without losing that down-to-earth Kiwi touch.

Sit back, relax and experience the ergonomicallydesigned Economy seat, stretch out on the innovative Skycouch, enjoy your luxurious leather seat in Premium Economy or unwind in Business Premier™, home to one of the longest beds in the sky. Choose from hours of on-demand entertainment, enjoy super-fresh food along with a top up of New Zealand wine and say cheers to your holiday of a lifetime.

New Zealand, the Trailfinders way…

It’s all about nature so look forward to some truly eye-popping natural attractions.

New Zealand is a road tripper’s paradise with great roads and some incredibly scenic routes – and they drive on the left too! Trailfinders consultants are on hand to offer advice and inspiration to ensure you make the most of your precious time away. They have access to an in-house App that works out carefully constructed routes so you’ll see 94 FEBRUARY 2018

all the highlights at a leisurely driving speed, you are on holiday after all!

Their Best of New Zealand fly drive holiday showcases all this magnificent country has to offer. You’ll fly in to Auckland and return from Queenstown with Air New Zealand, so you won’t waste time retracing your tracks.

If you’re after a real adventure, discover the abundant natural highlights and hidden gems of New Zealand on a motorhome holiday. You’ll only have to unpack once and your Trailfinders consultant can recommend a wonderful selection of campgrounds along the way.

Trailfinders Unique, Boutique & Luxury New Zealand fly drive holiday comes highly recommended for discerning travellers who are looking to stay in the finest lodges and hotels. Set in magnificent, scenic locations, all offer unique experiences and outstanding Kiwi hospitality – simply ask for details.

THE DETAILS Call Trailfinders on 020 7795 4551 and look forward to New Experiences, New Adventures – New Zealand!

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Midtown NYC

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echnically, New York’s Midtown stretches from 14th St, skimming the bottom of Union Square Park, up to 59th St. It’s the central belly of Manhattan Island, bustling with people and stacked high with gleaming skyscrapers - the Empire State, the Chrysler, the Rockefeller Center. The grassy High Line marks its west flank, while Hell’s Kitchen and Koreatown provide bubbles of relative calm. And then there’s Times Square, pulsing endlessly with Technicolor ads.

In recent years, New York’s other boroughs and districts (think arty Williamsburg and foodie Brooklyn) have upped their visitor-temptation game, but Midtown is getting back on its feet with a whole raft of new and enchanting attractions. Here’s what to do when you get there.

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NYC’s Midtown is enjoying a renaissance and it’s not all big business anymore.

See the sun rise at the Empire State Building If you can handle the early start, you can book a new sunrise tour ($100/£72 per person, limited to 100 guests a day) to watch the city winking in the dawn light and see New York’s avenues as quiet as they’ll ever be. Another $25/£18 and they chuck in a grilled breakfast too.

Visit esbnyc.com Feel like a giant at Gulliver’s Gate Play at being a giant in a world of miniatures off Times Square, featuring replicas of Europe, Asia, Russia, Latin America, the Middle East and New England, handmade by craftspeople across the globe. The detail on each model is immense - look out for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the New York subway and Spider-Man suspended from the Brooklyn Bridge. You can become part of the miniature world too, by having your likeness made into a teensy human model, or using keys to trigger volcanic explosions, kick-start carnivals, and prompt toy vehicles into action.

Visit gulliversgate.com Be at the centre of the action at Moxy Times Square This boutique hotel on 7th avenue has got the proximity you need to the centre, but enough distance that your eyes can catch a break from the kaleidoscopic billboards. The rooms are functional but stylish, squishing in a bed and stripped-back amenities - they’re a place to sleep and change before quickly heading out on your next NYC adventure. But aside from the plump and buttery tear and share garlic bread in the in-house hotel restaurant Legasea (mains from $21/£15), it’s the

view of the Empire State Building from the rooftop terrace at Moxy’s Magic Bar that wows - if you can drag yourself away from its mini golf course.

Rooms from $139 USD/£101.

Visit moxytimessquare.com Enjoy the game at the NFL Experience If you can’t get out of town to a match at the MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and the New York Jets, get an American Football fix at the new NFL Experience. Stuff your brain with facts about the league’s 32 teams, practise your passing skills as a budding quarterback, and use digital face-tracking tech to see what you’d look like in full pads and jersey. Finally, settle into the 4D cinema, complete with chairs that jolt and screens that throw you right into the Super Bowl.

Visit nflexperience.com Explore under the sea at the National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey Moving from room to room at this interactive exhibition, prepare to be bombarded by shoals of digital fish that flutter and dart, activated by your footsteps. Columns of faux-coral turn luminous dayglo at your touch, while digital sea lions will flip and spin in ‘training’ sessions, reflecting back at you the shapes you make with your arms. And a 3D whale may just make you scream... There are also thoughtful and frank education stations where you can learn the impact - good and bad - that humans are having on the planet’s seas.

Visit natgeoencounter.com For more information about New York and its attractions, visit NYC Go, The Official Guide To New York City (nycgo.com)

Santorini, Greece info@cocoonsuites.com www.cocoonsuites.com

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Experience luxury in the Indian Ocean with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts SHANGRI-LA’S HAMBANTOTA GOLF RESORT & SPA, SRI LANKA

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hangri-La Hotels & Resorts offer travellers and families a relaxing and engaging holiday in some of the world’s most exotic destinations. Choose from a range of vibrant cultural experiences, recreational and rejuvenation activities amidst the natural splendour of a tranquil, tropical retreat, and we can think of no-one better to help plan you next escape than award-winning Trailfinders.

Paradise really is just a phone call away with their travel experts on hand to help you discover the epitome of luxury across the Indian Ocean with Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.

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Overlooking the pristine southern coast of beautiful Sri Lanka, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa is located along the ancient Spice Route in a city steeped in rich history. Guests can soak up the sun on the ruggedly beautiful beach, beside one of the 3 swimming pools or head to the spa to enjoy a relaxing treatment. The resort is also the first on the island to have its own golf course, with 18 beautifully landscaped holes appealing to casual and seasoned players alike. With a host of free activities, fantastic family options and decedent dining, you can discover the true Spirit of Sri Lanka at ShangriLa’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa.

SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES This fabulous resort, located in the remote southernmost tip of the Maldives, is the definition of luxury where all experiences are tailored to suit your passions. Choose from private villas perched atop the emerald green jungle or strung along the turquoise shoreline, the perfect haven for couples and families alike. With so many activities to choose from you can spend your days snorkelling on the house reef, playing

a round of golf, relaxing in the tranquillity of CHI the spa or enjoying the sensory pleasures of eating and drinking at the islands 3 wonderful restaurants and 2 bars. Welcome to your elite private hideaway, where extraordinary adventures await.

SHANGRI-LA’S LE TOUESSROK RESORT & SPA, MAURITIUS This luxurious resort, located on the east coast of Mauritius, offers an unrivalled standard of privacy and personalisation in an atmosphere of refined island indulgence. The beautiful surroundings are complemented by the ‘east meets west’ design elements which run throughout the resort, providing intimacy and seclusion for couples as well as extensive grounds, beautiful beaches and spacious pool areas which are ideal for families. Along with an 18 hole championship golf course, where guests can enjoy free daily green fees, the fashionable restaurants, bars and entertainment venues offer bespoke experiences and luxurious indulgences.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius, provides a tranquil island escape perfect for complete rest and relaxation.

Call Trailfinders on 020 7795 4551 to book or visit trailfinders.com for more inspiration.

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

Your holiday search begins here!

The Telegraph Travel Show, ExCeL London, 23 – 25 February 2018.

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iscover 2018’s hottest destinations at The Telegraph Travel Show. A must attend for the discerning traveller, the Show will be jam packed with a wealth of advice, tour operators and destinations to ensure you make the most of your annual leave! Visitors to the Show will be able to get face-to-face with the likes of Peru Safari, Wendy Wu Tours, Tucan Travel - as well as browse destinations including Jamaica, India, Brazil, Italy and more.

Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, family getaway or romantic long-haul escape, The Telegraph Travel Show is the perfect place to start the search for your next holiday…

Destinations Theatre brought to you

by Travelbag Take a seat and discover how to make travel safer, fairer and better in 2018 curated by The Telegraph’s award-winning editorial team. Plus, adventurer David Cornthwaite will be sharing his breathtaking sea voyage along 1,243 miles of Norwegian coast.

More speakers will be announced soon.

One-to-one travel advice Stop by the Travel Genius Bar for one-to-one, impartial travel advice from a The Telegraph journalist. Advance appointments sold out in less than 36 hours, but their experts will be on hand throughout the day to help you plan your next getaway.

Wine tastings The Telegraph’s wine expert Susy Atkins will take visitors on a tour of France and Italy through a variety of grapes and vineyards. There will even be the opportunity to sample a variety of Champagne!

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Fly in style Voted best long haul airline by Telegraph readers this year, Singapore Airlines the Show’s official airline partner, will be showcasing their luxury new business class and first class cabins. Don’t miss your chance to sample their on board culinary offering at the Show!

World Cuisine Whether we’re browsing a bustling food market, dining in world-famous restaurants, picking up a quick bite from a food truck or cooking together over a bottle of red, food is integral to our travel experiences. Join professional chefs including Lesley Walters, for interactive cooking classes and culinary demonstrations from across the globe including Grenada Tourism.

Readers can claim a limited number of complimentary tickets from www.telegraph.co.uk/travelshow complimentary tickets must be booked in advance. The on the door price will be £22 for adult tickets.

“The Telegraph Travel Show is the perfect place to start the search for your next holiday”

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

T The Naka Island Resort pier

Thailand – Smiles better

Whether you’re looking for pure relaxation, adventure or romance, the ‘Land of Smiles’ fits the bill perfectly and who better to take you there than Trailfinders, the No.1 Tour Operator to Thailand.

Sheraton Samui Blue Monkey Bar

railfinders consultants have the terrible task of sampling the sights, road-testing the room service and researching restaurants worldwide to ensure they create a holiday like no other.

You’re sure to be tempted by Thailand with Trailfinders tried and trusted recommendations below but remember – anything is possible The Naka Island Resort, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Koh Naka Yai Set on the unspoilt island of Koh Naka Yai, with its tranquil atmosphere of understated luxury this exclusive retreat is the perfect place for a romantic and intimate getaway. Laura Kennedy, Trailfinders Manchester: ‘From the moment we arrived we were wowed! Our Tropical Pool Villa was beautiful with its private pool and I can imagine some guests never wanting to leave their villa.’

Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui This beautiful resort offers spectacular rooms and first class facilities in a great location. Sarah Vose, Trailfinders Liverpool: ‘One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in. Rooms have the wow factor with private pool on the deck. The free flowing champagne during Saturday brunch is a nice touch as is the complimentary afternoon tea – the only issue I had was wanting to stay longer!’

Sheraton Samui Resort, Koh Samui Located on a quiet stretch of beach and just a short drive from Chaweng, this beautiful resort is a great choice for any stay on Koh Samui. David Robinson, Trailfinders Canterbury: ‘The hotel was lovely, ideal for families and couples alike as it’s quieter but easy enough to get to the livelier Chaweng Beach.’

Vana Belle Ocean View Pool Suite Terrace

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit swimming pool

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Sheraton Samui pool

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers pool

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok With elegant and spacious rooms, a prime location in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit district and wonderful dining options, this popular hotel has everything needed for a luxurious city stay.

Kevin Glass, Trailfinders Cambridge: ‘A very classy and laid back tropical haven in a fantastic location with a BTS and MRT station and Terminal 21 Shopping Centre on its doorstep.’

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Bangkok This resort style hotel provides a great riverside base for visitors to Bangkok offering excellent value for money and stylish rooms with stunning views across the Chao Phraya River. Suman Sharma, Trailfinders London: ‘Very convenient location with a free shuttle boat to Taksin Pier to access the Sky Train.’

Call Trailfinders on 020 7795 4551 to find your perfect Thailand escape or visit trailfinders.com for more inspiration.

H OLIDAYS & TRAVEL

A Day in the Life of

E sprit S ki E

sprit Ski looks after the childcare with flexible or seamless all day options, so you can enjoy your skiing – but what does that mean?!

Esprit Childcare gives you the ability to spend as much time on the slopes as you desire, with all and part-day care available. Babies and toddlers go to the exclusive Esprit Nursery, whilst older children are taken to ski school…This is just part of our super-convenient ‘Seamless Service’ that helps you maximise your time on the mountain.

2.00pm Snow Club! Now it’s time for a fun afternoon of games, treasure hunts, igloo and snowman building, arts and crafts, snowball fights, bum boarding and more! This takes us all the way through to…

We follow an Esprit Sprite (aged 6) to see exactly what happens on a typical day….

7.30pm Cocoa Club starts whilst parents enjoy Adult Dining. Every night has a different theme and involves games, story-telling or quiz nights. Every night can be ‘date night’ as FREE Baby/ChildListening is also available every night in all Esprit Chalet Hotels, Xtra Chalets and larger chalets, and in all properties on staff night off.

8.30am Esprit Snow Rangers escort all the excited children to ski school, who follow behind chanting ‘repeat after me’ songs! Then it’s time to clip on the skis and spend the next few hours with the ski instructors, learning to zip down the mountain.

Meanwhile Mum and Dad get to head for first lifts!

Esprit Sprite lessons (ages 5-12) run for all abilities with a 1:8 ratio. Our younger guests aged 3-4 have Spritelet lessons in the afternoons, when it’s generally warmer and snow is softer.

11.30am Skis off, and it’s back home for a supervised lunch after all that skiing. Parents can lunch up on the mountain and catch some rays on a sun terrace.

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5.30pm High Tea - fully supervised by the childcare team, with lots of yummy and healthy food to fill those tummies. Mum and Dad can come and join too and catch up on their children’s high energy day.

Esprit Ski offers catered chalets and Chalet Hotels in top resorts including Courchevel, Val d’Isère and St Anton. Packages include flights, transfers and chalet board - a full breakfast, afternoon tea, and three or four course dinners with wine. Esprit’s youngest guests can enjoy Nursery from 17 weeks - 40 months.

The Nurseries are run by qualified English-speaking Early Years Practitioners and have strict ratios.

Call the Esprit team on 01483 915 274 or visit www.espritski.com for more details.

fashion, HEALTH

& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : W HI T E IN W IN T E R

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

CONFIDENCE- BOOSTING HAIR AT HEADMASTERS

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he first Headmasters salon opened in Wimbledon Village in 1982. With dedication and commitment to our core values of combining premium hairdressing and amazing service, Headmasters grew into an international salon group with 56 salons that are committed to making each and every person who enters their salons the best version of themselves.

The beauty world moves fast and Headmasters constantly introduces new treatments, blow-dries and colouring techniques to keep you ahead of the latest trends and innovations. The Headmasters blend of exquisite cutting, beautiful colouring, catwalk-quality finishing and charming, devoted

You can also join the Headmasters VIP Club!

It is completely free to join, and you can benefit from 25% off every appointment between MonFri 9am-4pm and 10% off at all other times.

This offer is not valid with any other offer or for under 16’s. T’S & C’s apply.

Read the VIP Club FAQ’s and terms and conditions on the website.

Book your appointment today by calling 0345 459 7700

customer service, means you can relax safe in the knowledge you are in the hands of experts.

Headmasters invest in the highest quality colourants that won’t damage your hair and will leave it super shiny and glossy. All of their stylists and colourists are trained to the very highest standards and they have more L’Oreal Master Colour Experts than any other salon group.

Every colour at Hadmasters is bespoke. Book a complimentary colour consultation today where our expert colourists will find the perfect colour to suit you.

Book your couture colour today 0345 459 7700 www.headmasters.com 108 FEBRUARY 2018

For more details, and to find your local Headmasters salon visit www.headmasters.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

The True Importance of Jewellery and the Sentiments behind the gift

The Perfect Gift at Michael Platt When words are not enough…

Say it with JEWELLERY

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ou may be surprised how easily the deepest feelings can be expressed with Jewellery; Jewellery speaks directly from the heart.

What renders a piece of Jewellery truly remarkable are the beautiful memories and emotions of the occasion that it will forever be associated with.

Some may struggle to express themselves with words or fail to communicate often enough how they feel about a special person. Sometimes it’s just not possible to find the best way to articulate those feelings. The perfect piece of Jewellery, enduring and long lasting, says so much more than words ever can. True sentiment behind a thoughtful gift of jewellery is often under estimated. Whether the jewellery boldly declares I Love You; I Need You; Well Done; Thank You; Congratulations; You’re Special to me or just celebrates a moment in time, it always does a brilliant job of reflecting heartfelt emotions.

For jewellery to have emotional impact, one doesn’t need to spend zillions. Choosing a winning jewellery gift that best conveys your sentiments may not be easy or obvious. When visiting Michael Platt, Goldsmiths and Jewellers in Wimbledon Village a magnificent array of sparkling rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets that beautifully express the subtlest of messages can be found within a wide selection of silver, gold and platinum ranges.

It may not matter exactly what the jewellery piece is, whether small or large or what the cost may be. A personally selected item, thoughtfully chosen, is all the more likely to capture priceless sentimental and emotional value. If you are unsure of what to select and feel the need of some assistance, Michael Platt’s 110 FEBRUARY 2018

friendly and knowledgeable sales associates and Goldsmiths have a wealth of experience in aiding customers with special choices.

A custom made Bespoke Piece of Jewellery is the ultimate jewellery gift. With some thought and just a little effort, a wonderful unique piece can be tailor made in-store to suit personal requirements and budget. Michael Platt specialise in working directly with customers, guiding them through the bespoke jewellery process from start to finish, bringing ideas to life in their in-store workshop operated by fine Master Craftsmen.

Working together with Michael Platt on a personal bespoke piece, from new or re-design of worn or dated jewellery, can be an extraordinarily exciting journey that does not need to be complex or necessarily expensive. Commissioning a bespoke item presents an opportunity to take part in creating a truly original outstanding piece of jewellery that directly reflects the personality of the recipient and, once given, will always mean so much.

Michael Platt specialises in the re-design of dated, worn out or inherited jewellery often giving broken yet cherished family heirlooms a new life whilst retaining sentimental value. Diamonds and gemstones can be used in a new setting or an exact replica piece can be recreated to pass on to future generations.

Jewellery that is weighted with meaning and thoughtfulness will be highly appreciated, enjoyed, valued and forever treasured.

Michael Platt Goldsmiths and Jewellers www.michaelplatt.co.uk 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DW Tel: 020 8947 4774; Open Tuesday-Sunday

Iuri Shubladze creates one-of-a-kind bags and clutches with a sexy modern sensibility, handmade at the highest level of craftsmanship.

Our designs play with scale and motif, and mix materials in fresh, unexpected pairings.

Chic, fun, brilliant. See the collection at www.iurishnyc.com Buy Clutches, Bags and Wallets Online - Iuri Shubladze www.iurishnyc.com

Model - Guri Shubladze Photographer - Lana Fidanian

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Revealed: 90% of females feel they lack energy, says new survey

D About VÖOST At VÖOST we love all things effervescent. We’re all about providing funky and delicious, vitamins and minerals, designed to suit your busy lifestyle!

Discover a simple way to support vitamin and mineral intake if you struggle to get your RDA. To find your fizz, simply take 1 tablet daily, dissolved in 200ml of water. Enjoy!

For stockists see voostvitamins.co.uk/stockists

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o you find yourself lacking in energy? You’re not alone.

According to a new survey 90% of British women reported they lack energy at some point with 38% reporting that they feel like they lack energy all the time.

The survey, commissioned by VÖOST Vitamins and Minerals, polled 1,109 females who are UK residents and are either employed on a full time or part time basis, as well as people who are unemployed, students and retired.

The study was undertaken to further understand Brits’ attitudes and usage of supplements, reveal any misconceptions when it comes to vitamins and minerals and to gather an insight into the nation’s dietary and lifestyle habits.

65% of women who said they felt like they were lacking in energy, were in full time employment.

When it comes to the dietary habits of those who reported they were lacking in energy; 62% of women admitted they do not get their recommended 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.

Of the total respondents 58% confessed they do not get their recommended 5 a day, with 44% of those who said they don’t get their 5 a day admitting it’s because they find it difficult to incorporate fruit and vegetables into their daily diet with 19% saying it is because they work too many hours/have long working days, so struggle to find the time.

Tom Siebel, Managing Director of VÖOST Vitamins and Minerals says, “You should be able to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from a balanced diet (except for Vitamin D). A consequence of a poor diet, in general, is feeling lethargic and lacking in energy, whilst a healthy balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is imperative to help our bodies function normally so we can feel at our best”.

Dr Michelle Braude, who qualified as a Doctor

after Graduating from University College London, before becoming a Nutritionist, adds “I see so many clients whose main complaint is constantly feeling tired, lethargic and lacking in energy. This is almost always down to a poor diet and insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables. The body has a requirement for a range of vitamins and minerals to keep our cells functioning properly, and our bodies feeling and functioning at its best”.

Tom adds, “There are however specific vitamins and minerals which have been shown to help reduce tiredness and fatigue. In particular, these include vitamin B, vitamin C and Iron.

Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Iron rich food such as leafy greens, contribute to normal energy yielding metabolism i.e. they help to unlock energy from food and so not getting enough of these vitamins in your diet could contribute to feelings of lethargy”.

“Consuming enough of the right foods each day can sometimes feel like a big ask when you’re busy, ie trying to balance a career, family and social life. “No time” or “too busy” are almost always the reasons given for a poor diet and insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables. This applies to a wide range of people, from busy parents at home, to high-flying corporate executives. Lack of time often lends itself to poor eating habits and food choices, and thus insufficient intake of all the essential nutrients including vitamins & minerals.” Adds Dr Braude.

Tom concludes, “As a company we are committed to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle through diet and exercise, and the responsible use of supplements. We aim to provide consumers with the facts and science needed to help them confidently make informed decisions about their own lifestyle choices”.

The online survey was conducted by VÖOST Vitamins amongst UK adults 18+ throughout September 2017.

Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

BEAUTY & FASHION INTRODUCING JOELLE PARIS Joelle Paris is a signature range of skin and hair care products created by renowned beauty Guru Joelle Mardinian. It was launched in 2014 after four years of research and development in the finest beauty labs of France. With the ultimate belief that skincare through beneficial ingredients keeps you looking healthy year-round, Joelle Paris creates a stunning array of products that promise to make the quintessential Middle Eastern woman feel and look her best.

DETOX RANGE: Joelle Paris introduces a unique new hair care range compromising a detox shampoo and mask. Using the kindest ingredients including silk proteins and eucalyptus plant extract, together these soothing products target dry hair, helping restore softness, shine and volume. Whilst the detox shampoo gently peels and cleanses the scalp, the mask nourishes dry and damaged hair.

J GLOW RANGE: J Glow is as a multi-tasking skin miracle range offering a complete daily skincare routine which rinses away impurities, reduces imperfections, and gets the skin ready to face the world with a radiant complexion. The first step is the All Face Wash, a soap-free formula with a bonus of Alpaflor Alp extract for natural goodness. Following is the Facial Toner & Balancer, a dual action toner that balances the skin’s pH levels. To finish is the Facial Balancing Cream, including vitamins A, C and E for a bright, nourished complexion.

SO COOL RANGE: The triple action cleansing range ensures the best of skin even in hot, humid days, leaving the skin feeling clean, refreshed and hydrated. The Cool & Clear Facial Wash both soothes and cleanses by using micro fats that moisturise and calm the skin. Clear Eyes is a dual-action sensitive eye makeup remover that leaves the eye area soft and smooth, perfectly free of oily residue. Lastly, It’s Cool is a cooling fix which refreshes hair, face and body in a single spritz, and even doubles up as both a make-up primer and remedy for split ends. www.joelleparis.com

“Joelle Paris creates a stunning array of products that promise to make the quintessential Middle Eastern woman feel and look her best”

TIED UP This gorgeous bag tie is the perfect way to brighten up your favourite bag.

It’s limited edition andmade from 100% silk. Measuring 55x55 cm, it’s machine hemed and made in Britain.

A perfect accessory for any handbag. £30, www.in-spaces.com

HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN

Umbrellas are one of life’s little essentials (especially in the UK!) These folding umbrellas are neat and compact so perfect for a handbag, glove box or briefcase. Measures 25.5cm x 5cm when closed and opens to provide a canopy of 95 cm. Covered in our quirky ‘Cats and Dogs’ design it features black labradors, dachshunds, terriers, jack russells, pugs and some super cute cats. £24, www.sophieallport.com 114 FEBRUARY 2018

WE LOVE These pretty sterling silver bangles and cuffs which are sure to brighten up any outfit, day or night. (£30, www.hersey.co.uk)

round-up ‘Stories from Arabia’: An ultimate exotic experience exploring the latest from the ready to wear fashion scene, to be held at the iconic De Vere Connaught Rooms in London’s Covent Garden After the grand success of ‘Stories from Morocco,’ a unique celebration of Moroccan haute couture Caftan fashion which debuted during London Fashion Week S/S18, founder of the event Jalila Elmastouki has now extended the concept on an international scale. ‘Stories from Arabia’ will be an immersive day and night event celebrating the works of top Arab international designers of ready to wear garments in collaboration with SK PR & Events UK. ‘Stories From Arabia’ will host a media lounge, incredible catwalk show and sophisticated rooftop after-party.

Featuring the works of seven contemporary designers hailing from the Middle East, North Africa, the USA and the Gulf, the catwalk will celebrate truly stunning collections drenched in opulence and artistic flair. One of the designers to watch out for is Los Angeles based designer Laila Aziz, whose label Kayat Design has become a

favorite of celebrities including Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne and Jennifer Lopez.

Another designer is the prominent Moroccan Meriem Belkhayat, whose glamorous, crystal adorned outfits once caught the eye of Susan Sarandon, who wore one of her creations for the Marrakech Film Festival. With seven collections to be unveiled, guests are promised a visual celebration of decadent silk and delicate fabrics used to envelop and hug the female form. The full designer line-up also includes Ahmed Albalushi, Bassma Boussel, Ghita Lahrichi, Velvet Abaya and Maysoon Alshami.

Elmastouki has been promoting Arab designers on international platforms for many years and showing how its evolvement within the mix of cultures through the Middle Easter and North Africa.

WHITE IN WINTER While black dresses may have been making the headlines over in the US, as stars banded together at the Golden Globes in support of the Time’s Up campaign, back home we’ve been seeing celebs kitted out stunning all-white ensembles that are making us rethink the pale hue.

“The catwalk will celebrate truly stunning collections drenched in opulence and artistic flair”

Elmastouki: “It is my mission to share with the world Arab identity and its perception to a foreign audience, by creating a bridge between Arabia and the western world to change the way people think about the region and to support Arab designers by making their work accessible to a British audience” Sponsoring the show will be luxury British accessories designer Aruna Seth with her signature footwear. Seth’s clientele include Pippa Middleton, Kate Hudson and Princess Beatrice amongst others.

Alongside Seth, sponsorship comes from overseas with beauty brand Joelle Paris, a signature range of skin and hair products from the finest beauty labs in France, created by renowned beauty Guru Joelle Mardinian.

Throughout the day, there will be an allocated ‘Stories Lounge,’ a relaxing space for guests to escape the fashion bustle with complimentary nibbles, a henna tattoo artist, and a photo booth for holiday-worthy shots amongst stunning Arabian backdrops. As dusk falls and the captivating catwalk ends, guests are invited to close the day in style with an Arabian after-party on the rooftops of the iconic De Vere Connaught Rooms. Whilst dancing the night away, guests will be treated to mouth-watering Middle Eastern inspired canapés from the renowned chefs at London’s Beit El Zaytoun.

The ticketed event will take place on Monday 19th of February 2018, open to those that are keen to enjoy all that ‘Stories from Arabia’ has to offer.

For more details, please visit: www.storiesfromarabia.com.

All images: PA Photo/Handout

stories from arabia

Reiss Hetty Belted WrapFront Coat, £190 (was £295), available from Reiss

Monsoon Henrietta Embellished Short Bridal Dress, £349, available from Monsoon

V By Very Divine Pointed Mules, £32, available from Very

FEBRUARY 2018 115

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bespoke Clothes

– What a joy !

The invitation to that fabulous event arrives and after the initial thought of - ‘ how wonderful’ - the question quickly pops into the mind - ‘ what on earth should I wear?’.

What to do when going to a tailor / dressmaker.

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large number of both men and women are once again turning to a tailor or dressmaker to have bespoke clothes made, especially when it comes to special occasions. The desire to have something beautiful made that will fit perfectly and wont be seen on anyone else is once again increasing in popularity.

In days gone by both men and women would have a tailor or dressmaker that understood their shape and would make clothes that enhanced their figure and subtely cover their not so great bits.

People didn’t have so many clothes back then – rather a few well cut, well made pieces that always did them justice. The desire for this is once again appealing to more people than ever.

Today the shops are filled with clothes of all shapes, colours, styles. It can actually be confusing as to what to wear. What to buy? What to be seen in? The fashion may dictate a style that doesn’t really suit. Or a colour that is draining. Or everything available is sleeveless or too short. And more importantly, mass produced clothes, with the thought that someone else may be wearing the same outfit – just doesn’t feel appealing.

And here in is the joy of bespoke. Most people know what styles really suit them. What clothes bring them compliments and what colours make them look their best and thus the reason why so many people are heading to their tailor for a special one off piece, or to have their favourite pieces replicated. Plus there is enormous joy in visiting one of the many fabric shops in London and choosing a piece of fabric that you know wont be seen on anyone else!

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If possible have an idea of what you would like. Take photos, pictures from magazines, ideas, drawings, or take a favourite dress/es or trouser suit that has elements you really like. It may even be the bodice of one and the sleeves of another !

Choose a dressmaker that is creative, happy to talk through ideas and open to letting a dress or outfit evolve as the making process take place. You may want to decide on sleeve style or neck depth later on when you see the dress taking shape.

If possible wear the underwear you will wear under the finished dress / outfit as this can make an enormous difference when being measured and to the end shape.

Get a quote for the finished outfit. The cost is surprisingly comparitive to buying a ready to wear outfit. Ask if the dressmaker can order fabric at wholesale prices – this can save money. Especially on plain silks / wool crepes / linens. Or bring your own fabric and ask for a making up price.

Set a time frame in place for fittings and to have your outfit finished in plenty of time for the event.

Having an outfit made does not have to be a lengthy process. You will need approx 2 fittings.

Enjoy the process. After the initial scariness of meeting the dressmaker and being measured the fun starts and the creative process begins. Fittings are always enjoyable as the garments evolve and your creation starts to take shape.

The joy of having a custom made piece, or indeed an entire wardrobe of clothes, is second to none when it comes to feeling good and looking fabulous! We all want to look unique and feel individual and what better way than heading to your dressmaker with a piece of gorgeous fabric and a headful of ideas! www.barnessewingroom.com

‘Over the past year, Alina Petra slowly transformed from a swimwear company to a ready-towear and Haute Couture brand.

It was a vision of very chic and luxurious bridal swimwear collection that made this brand transforming change. To do a little bit more then what previously was possible, became our company motto. This is how a little glamorous Bridal Swim idea turned into our first 10 pieces of FW18 Haute Couture Collection that will be seen for the first time on runway of New York this February.

Our swimwear trends are changing from season to season also and we are always working on bringing fresh ideas and comfort to the beach, so please be sure to follow us for new updates on our site and Instagram.

www.alinapetra.com Instagram: alinapetra_ap

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

INTRODUCING

YUYU L et us take a moment to consider the age-old hot water bottle. Warm? Check.

Practical? Check? As practical as it could be? Perhaps not. As luxurious as it could be? Definitely not.

Introducing the YuYu, an invention hailed by a eureka moment from founder and visionary Richard Yu. The humble hot water bottle is a prosaic comfort but the YuYu, well... It gives anyone who has ever said hot water bottles can’t be fashionable ample reason to reconsider. It is the epitome of luxury, and there’s more.

The world has fallen down the rabbit hole of well-being and health, and rightly so- it is an important component of a fruitful life. Our bodies have become accustomed to being ignored; relentlessly hectic lives dictate a go-go-go attitude with calendars to match, and our nervous systems pay a heavy price. Sometimes life needs to slow down and move to an altogether more relaxed beat.

A YuYu is a balm for the overworked and whackedout, mentally and physically.

The long and flexible shape of the YuYu makes for great manipulation. Snaking around your body, the hottie disperses unwelcome aches, pains and or built up tension. Imagine if feeling better could be as simple as relaxing properly? We admit, it’s a utopian concept, but we can’t recommend the unassuming power of the YuYu enough.

Making your hottie will soon become an attendant bedtime ritual and one that you will long for. The time spent with your YuYu will see a feeling of soothing serenity course through your

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system, and in turn, your life. It’s a bedfellow from whom you’ll never grow apart.

We are still very much in the throes of winter.

Cosy evenings are a hot commodity, and with a YuYu, that personal time you value so much can only be enhanced for the greater good.

It’s no wonder YuYus are now staple fixtures of some of the most prestigious hotels and spas around the world. Just be prepared to have one thrusted into your wonderfully pressed and pommelled arms following a treatment. Like most things once dismissed as a bygone, hotties have come full circle, and the YuYu is in a league of its own.

Discover why everybody’s talking about YuYu at www.yuyubottle.com

“Snaking around your body, the hottie disperses unwelcome aches, pains and or built up tension”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

BE MY VALENTINE Choosing the perfect Valentines gift for her doesn’t have to be a labour of love! We spoke to top jewellery designer Sylvia Kerr for her tips on shopping for jewellery this Valentines and her insider top tips for giving the perfect love token.

C

hoosing a piece of jewellery for your loved one is easy when you’ve done your homework. Firstly you need to look at the existing jewellery collection. Do they favour gold more than silver? Does your partner adore diamonds or veer towards another stone?

Does she prefer necklaces to earrings? You can still keep an essence of surprise with your Valentines gift by taking a look at her jewellery box and undertaking some subtle detective work in passing conversation.

Once you have an idea (earrings/bangle/necklace etc.) and which precious metal, you can start to shop around. The beauty of buying into our brand is that we have numerous collections to suit all tastes and pockets. Because each piece is thoughtfully designed to work with each other throughout our entire range, you can start with something smaller such as a brooch or pair of earrings and continue to add other pieces for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmasses to come. We also offer a bespoke service, where we work closely with our clients to create a unique piece like no other. For example, you may have bought into a particular collection but then want something extraordinary for a significant anniversary, yet wish to gift jewellery with the same essence that your partner can wear all together.

We can make this a reality - from incorporating anniversary relevant precious stones through to creating a truly individual piece with engraving.

Look for versatility in the jewellery you are buying. Could it be worn during the day but look equally great teamed with a dress for evening?

Does it have a timeless, yet contemporary feel to its design? These are all important factors in buying fine jewellery. As a woman, creating jewellery

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for women, I know most of us want easy to wear beautiful accessories that ‘finish’ our outfits beautifully, which is why my designs do just that. I have also created several pieces that offer greater versatile for women who travel and do not wish to take so many pieces of jewellery: for example, the Blenheim Tassle Neck Chain comes with a beautiful tactile detachable tassel which can be removed and replaced with our stunning cultured pearl Blenheim Bauble. The neck chain is also the perfect length to wrap around your wrist to wear as a beautifully contemporary wrap bangle.

If you are struggling to make a decision, then don’t be afraid to contact the jeweller directly.

We pride ourselves in offering our clients expert guidance and advice. Having worked closely with clients for many years, after a brief chat on email or via the phone, we can typically ascertain the right gift choice for your loved one! We also offer gift wrapping as well, which is also very popular. www.sylviakerrjewellery.com

“Because each piece is thoughtfully designed to work with each other throughout our entire range, you can start with something smaller such as a brooch or pair of earrings and continue to add other pieces”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HOW TO GET A BOOST THIS SPRING 1.Eat the right foods

According to a recent survey by VÖOST Vitamins and Minerals, 58% of the British women aren’t eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.1 Fruit and veg are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre – essential nutrients that your body needs to help you feel at your best. Whilst eating the wrong foods can make you feel lethargic, eating a healthy, balanced diet can help you feel more positive and energetic.

Generally, a healthy diet consists of foods that meet all the food groups, including fat and carbohydrates, and all the essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Calcium.

You should be able to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need from a balanced diet (with the exception of Vitamin D). There are also specific vitamins and minerals which have been shown to help reduce tiredness and fatigue. In particular, these include Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Iron.

Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Iron rich food such as leafy greens, contribute to normal energy yielding metabolism i.e. they help to unlock energy from food and so not getting enough of these vitamins in your diet could contribute to feelings of lethargy!

Discover new VÖOST Energy When life gets busy, getting enough of the right foods each day can sometimes seem like a big ask, so there are times when we need an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. NEW VÖOST ENERGY effervescent tablets can help fill some of these nutritional gaps.

B Group Vitamins help in the maintenance of general wellbeing Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B3 help to convert food to energy B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

2. Try the 10 minute workout Physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood and energy.2 In fact one recent study shows that even a 10-minute workout involving a single minute of very intense exercise may produce health benefits similar to longer, traditional endurance training. So there really is no excuse for not getting in shapethere really is enough time!3

3. Stay Hydrated One of the most important things you can do to avoid feelings of fatigue, is to drink enough fluid.

Sometimes you feel tired simply because you’re mildly dehydrated. A glass of water will do the trick, especially after exercise. 4 Should you decide to take a supplement; VÖOST effervescent supplements can be taken with 200ml of water and enjoyed. This way you are also actively hydrating yourself, as well as providing support should you struggle to get your RDA. Sources: 1. VÖOST attitudes and usage survey September 2017. The survey, commissioned by VÖOST Vitamins and Minerals, polled 1,109 females who are UK residents and are either employed on a full time or part time basis, as well as people who are unemployed, students and retired. 2. www.nhs.uk/ Livewell/fitness/Pages/whybeactive.aspx. 3. www.journals.plos. org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0154075 4. www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/self-helpenergy-tips.aspx 124 FEBRUARY 2018

Also contains Guarana and caffeine For stockists see voostvitamins.co.uk/stockists

“One recent study shows that even a 10-minute workout involving a single minute of very intense exercise may produce health benefits similar to longer, traditional endurance training”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

HRHshadows Therobotic Duke of Cambridge surgeons at The Royal Marsden

The Duke of Cambridge has visited two pioneering robotic surgeries at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where he was given the opportunity to experience simulated ‘virtual surgery’.

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he Duke, who is President of The Royal Marsden, met Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, and his team as they performed minimally invasive robotic surgery on a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma. He also joined Mr Asif Chaudry, Consultant Upper GI/Oesophagogastric Surgeon, as he performed a robotic oesophagectomy, a procedure only available at The Royal Marsden - playing a leading role in developing the use of robotic surgery for a range of cancer operations.

With Prof Paleri in control, the Duke got the chance to move the markers for the robot arms and make ‘virtual’ incisions on screen, as well as finding out about the benefits of the technique.

The da Vinci robot’s dual console allows a robotic surgical fellow to operate from one set of controls while the lead surgeon is able to observe and follow the procedure from a second set. This feature has allowed The Royal Marsden to create the UK’s first and only robotic surgery fellowship which will train up to 30 multi-disciplinary surgeons of the future in robotic surgery over the next 10 years.

Robotic surgery offers patients less invasive, shorter operations compared to open surgery, with fewer scars and faster recovery. The robot enables surgeons to see in close detail via 3D magnified images at the robot’s console. Its ‘arms’ allow for microscopic movements, removing all natural

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About The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

human tremor, and the ‘hand’ can rotate 360 degrees. These features provide far greater accuracy and control compared to manual open surgery, which is especially important for hard-to-reach tumours.

Prof Vinidh Paleri said: “Performing head and neck surgery with the da Vinci robot reduces what would be a 12 hour open surgery operation into a two hour operation. Patients can be home in three days rather than two weeks, and they are saved from having visible scars. ” Robotic surgery also brings a significant benefit to the surgeons. Open surgery is very physical work and many surgeons retire early due to wrist, shoulder, or back problems. The robot eliminates the physical work; allowing surgeons to have a longer working life so they can to continue use their vast experience for the benefit of patients.

The Royal Marsden also uses surgical robots to treat urological, gynaecological, gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer patients. www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk; www.royalmarsden.org Twitter @royalmarsden; Instagram royalmarsden; Facebook royalmarsden

The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Today, together with its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), it is the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe.. It is a centre of excellence with an international reputation for ground-breaking research and pioneering the very latest in cancer treatments and technologies.

Since 2003, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has funded the latest developments in cancer research, diagnosis, treatment and patient care.

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Introducing…

My very own facelift procedure (It’s non-surgical!)

“I just look so old. The market’s full of youngsters in their 20s, I can’t believe that any interviewer will take me seriously”

W

hen Susanna came to see me she was stuck in a rut. In her mid-40s, she had been working as a supply teacher for several years. Although she was desperate to apply for more permanent and more senior jobs, she lacked the self-confidence to do so.

Susanna was convinced that the loose skin on her face made her look far older than she really was, and that interviewers would discriminate against her because of her age.

While she was desperate for a cosmetic procedure to tighten her skin and restore her looks, she was also very nervous about her pupils and colleagues knowing she’d had work done. It was vital, she said, that any change was as subtle as possible.

In the meanwhile, she scoured the industry press for adverts for permanent teaching positions – and applied for none of them.

It was around that time that I finished developing my very own non-surgical face-lifting technique, called the R-Lift. It is so revolutionary that, I’m delighted to announce, last month we received a trademark for it!

I started thinking about the technique four years ago, when I began seeing lots of people with what I call “the pillow look”. Their cheeks had been filled out in an effort to lift their skin, making them look, to my mind, a bit like hamsters. It was trendy at the time (!), but I knew that it wasn’t right for our patients, who wanted a much more natural look.

Over the subsequent 18 months, I worked to develop a procedure that gave the same effect as a 128 FEBRUARY 2018

facelift, but without patients having to go under the knife; using a minimum number of needles; and at a fraction of the cost. Most importantly, it needed to leave patients looking normal – not fake.

With the R-Lift we inject small amounts of dermal fillers into as few as two points on either side of the face. Unlike ordinary fillers, we run a cannula beneath the skin’s surface, to release the fibrous bands that fuse skin to muscle and this fades deep wrinkles.

The minimal use of needles means pain is unlikely - 99% of patients don’t require any anesthetic and bruising is extremely rare. It also meant we could keep the cost down to £900 at the lower end.

And the results? The R-Lift refreshes and restores your skin, making you look younger – but still like you. People won’t know you’ve had anything done, they’ll just think you’re looking great.

Take Susana. She had the R-Lift about 18 months ago, and hasn’t looked back since.

Within weeks, she noticed such a difference that she had the confidence and self-assurance to apply for the jobs she had previously shied away from. That insecure and self-doubting teacher who had approached me months before was given a permanent teaching job soon after. When I heard from her recently, she had been given additional responsibilities.

This procedure is only available here at Riverbanks. If you’d like to find out more, please hit ‘reply’. We’re really excited about the new trademark, and would love to tell you more about how it can help you look fabulous, too.

THE DETAILS For more information visit my informative website www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk and subscribe to my email list.

Or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of my aesthetic doctors call 01582762877 to book in.

Dr Rav i Jain

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Get Back to Living

Recover faster from joint replacement surgery

H

ealthcare stories are not always good news, but if you’re one of the many thousands of people in the UK suffering from ongoing knee or hip pain, there can be light at the end of the tunnel; joint replacement surgery can make a big difference.

The Fortius Joint Replacement Centre at Bupa Cromwell Hospital is one of the few dedicated private joint replacement centres in London, where patients can choose to undergo an operation through their private medical insurance or pay for it themselves.

Situated in the leafy borough of Kensington, the Fortius Joint Replacement Centre brings together some of London’s leading orthopaedic surgeons, Bupa Cromwell Hospital’s excellent nursing care, assisted robotic technology and an enhanced recovery pathway, offering the highest standard of clinical care. You can be out of hospital after only three days, recovering in the comfort of your own home on a specialised rehabilitation programme.

So what is it that makes the difference for the patient? Joint replacement techniques are improving all the time, and the most important factor is the surgeon’s knowledge and skill, so finding a surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with is a good place to start.

Your surgeon will tell you what the chance of success is going to be, as a joint replacement prosthesis doesn’t feel or behave exactly like a real human joint, especially knee replacements.

It’s important that you are fully informed by your surgeon before the operation to avoid dissatisfaction afterwards.

In recent years improvements have included better pain relief after the surgery, and developments in surgical techniques that mean less swelling, a faster recovery and less time in hospital. This means you have more time to spend getting back to the things you love doing, whether it’s walking, hiking, playing tennis, playing with grandchildren or simply living a life free from daily pain.

If you’re suffering from hip or knee pain, it’s as simple as picking up the phone to speak to one of our team about joint replacement. You can see any one of our hip or knee surgeons, and know that you’ll be in safe hands.

Tel: 020 3195 2442 www.fortiusjointreplacement.com

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“Joint replacement techniques are improving all the time, and the most important factor is the surgeon’s knowledge and skill”

THE PERFECT SMILE

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

H

ampstead is London’s original urban village and located right at its heart amongst the cafes and boutique shops you will find a unique dental practice.

Dental Perfection has been welcoming patients from Hampstead and surrounding areas through its doors since 1979.

The Dental Perfection focus is clear and patient expectations are top of their list of priorities, alongside superior dental skills and an individual approach to patient care. Their motto, ‘A healthy smile is the prettiest thing you can wear’ really says all you need to know about this friendly, village practice; the Dental Perfection team have combined an impressive range of expertise with the latest in technology to give clients the best smiles they can.

Small wonder people return to Dental Perfection time and time again.

Dr Mehran Sanei graduated as a dentist in the UK in 1992, and attained his Masters degree and Speciality in the USA in 1999. He is the practice Principal and is recognised by the British General Dental Council and the American Dental Association as a Specialist in Prosthodontics, which includes disciplines such as general dentistry, cosmetics, dental implants, crown/ bridgework, full mouth reconstructions, removable dentures and joint therapy. He is rightly proud of his team, which includes specialist Endodontist Dr Shahrzad Rahbaran and Consultant Oral Surgeon Mr Anish Shah who practise at Dr Sanei’s sister practice in Harley Street.

Dental Perfection are confident in their ability

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“The Dental Perfection focus is clear and patient expectations are top of their list of priorities”

to overcome dental challenges. Their specialist treatments include dental implants for those with missing or damaged teeth, root canal therapy to reverse the effects of deep decay, gum treatment to help counteract the damage caused by gum disease and treatment or removal of wisdom teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are a speciality at Dental Perfection and the practice goes to every effort to ensure that the team receive the best in training in the latest professional techniques.

Treatments range from the fitting of porcelain veneers and bridges to TMJ therapy for those with joint and jaw muscle discomfort.

One of the many charms of the Dental Perfection practice is their commitment to the on-going dental health of their patients. Their dedicated Hygiene Centre offers a range of services and client education. Poor dental hygiene can cause bad breath, gum disease and ultimately possible heart problems; Dental Perfection have a direct access policy, which allows hygiene appointments and services without first having a dental examination. Clients can drop in, make an appointment and go back to enjoying the allures of Hampstead Village.

Dental Perfection is a practice so dedicated to the fulfilment of patient expectations; that the last word should go to their clients.

“Could I please ask you to pass on my sincere thanks to Dr Sanei for putting such a beautiful smile on my daughter’s face this evening.” www.dentalperfections.co.uk

Lucy Bradshaw Jewellery designs and creates bespoke sterling silver jewellery with a twist of colour. Each collection is unique with a classic elegance to compliment your personal style.

As seen in Vogue, Tatler and Elle.

To view their stunning collections you can visit their website at www.lucybradshaw.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Focus on…

WINTER ILLNESSES

Winter is a beautiful time of year but can also be the trigger for common winter illnesses. Dr Angela Rai of the London General Practice provides some advice for the winter months.

I

nfluenza is a common winter illness, an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and characterised by sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and extreme tiredness. Other symptoms include a dry cough, sore throat and congestion.

Colds have some of the same symptoms as flu, but a cold is caused by a different virus, has a more gradual onset and is usually less severe. Colds cause more nasal symptoms and the flu more characteristically causes fever, fatigue and muscle aches.

These viruses can be very unpleasant, and recovery is usually 2- 7 days. Flu may be complicated by developing more severe infections such as bronchitis or secondary bacterial pneumonia. There are certain groups that are at higher risk of developing complications of flu, including people over 65years, those with underlying health condition such as diabetes and heart disease, pregnant women and children under six months.

The flu virus is spread by droplet spread. The virus is contained in tiny droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone infected coughs or sneezes. If someone breathes in the droplets they can catch the flu, similarly if they touch surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touch their nose or mouth they can become infected. It is therefore very important to wash hands frequently and regularly clean surfaces such as keyboards and door handles.

Flu vaccination can help prevent flu, although as the flu strain often changes, protection can vary and is not 100 percent. However, it is currently the best

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protection we have for an unpredictable virus that can cause an unpleasant illness and severe disease in some people.

Flu vaccine is available from GP Practices as well as pharmacies. Annual flu vaccine nasal spray is also offered to children aged 2 and 3 and to reception class, school year one, two, three and four.

It is recommended that all pregnant women should be vaccinated whatever stage of pregnancy they are at.

Managing symptoms includes looking after yourself at home with rest, drinking plenty of water to keep well hydrated, and keeping warm.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for fever and pain, and good hygiene and hand washing should be practiced to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Antibiotics are not prescribed for flu and they do not affect the virus, but they may be used if you develop a secondary bacterial infection such as a chest infection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is another virus that causes a respiratory tract illness and can be severe in infants. In young children under 2 it can cause Bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Most children with bronchiolitis have mild symptoms and recover within 2 to 3 weeks but it is important to look out for more serious breathing difficulties and seek medical attention. Symptoms include a rasping and persistent dry cough, wheeze (rapid or noisy breathing), brief pauses in breathing, feeding less and vomiting. At home it helps to keep your child upright to make their breathing easier, giving them plenty of fluids, keeping the air moist with a humidifier and relieving fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Some children will require hospital admission if they are not getting enough oxygen into their blood because of breathing difficulties.

Norovirus also known as the winter vomiting bug causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It usually clears up by itself within a few days. Symptoms include sudden onset of vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

You can also experience fever, headaches, abdominal pain and cramps. There is no cure, however there are measures you can take to ease the symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – specific rehydration drinks also help to replace the electrolytes you lose when you have diarrhoea. Take paracetamol for any aches and pains and get plenty of rest and eat plain foods such as soup, rice or bread. Adults can be given antiemetic medication to stop the vomiting if required. If you become very unwell and symptoms persist you should seek medical attention.

You can help prevent norovirus and other similar viruses by following simple measures.

• Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, not just alcohol gels as the virus is not killed by alcohol gels.

• Disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated and wash items of clothing and bedding that could have been contaminated.

• Do not share towels.

• Follow good toilet hygiene.

• Avoid raw and unwashed food, oysters have been shown to contain norovirus.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place) Tel: 0207 935 1000 OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK Private GP services www.thelondongeneralpractice.com Occupational Health and Corporate Health Services www.londonocchealth.com

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H OUSE & GARDEN

Top tips for buying a quality bed A

restful night of sleep is vital for good health and well worth a solid investment. Here, Brent Cooper, Managing Director at Westend Bed Company, shares his top tips for buying a new bed as well as exactly why getting a good night’s sleep is so important.

As with many things in life, you get what you pay for, and the same applies when choosing a bed.

Bargain-priced beds may feel adequately supportive, reasonably comfortable and reassuringly familiar in the showroom, but be aware that it will quickly deteriorate and you will find yourself suffering from poor sleep very quickly along with the damaging effects of sleep deprivation. Investing in a highquality bed not only provides a more comfortable night’s sleep from day one but the health benefits

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and the improvement in mood can last a lifetime.

Soft, medium or firm?

Like the Goldilocks conundrum – as soon as you lie in a bed that is too hard or too soft, you can normally tell straight away that it’s not the bed for you. The right bed is the one that isn’t noticeable when you’re lying in it. What do you feel when you lie in the bed? If you sink down too much the bed is too soft but if you don’t sink down at all, then it’s too hard. Correct support is crucial, but that does not mean the bed has to be rock hard. You should be able to sleep ‘in’ a mattress as opposed to lying on top of it as this will allow your body and muscles to relax, allowing you to enter the Deep Sleep Stage of the Sleep Cycle, ensuring that you wake up feeling refreshed.

Think about the size Heat control is important – sleeping too close to your partner will increase your body temperature.

When it is time to sleep you need to be able to move into your own half of the bed and allow your body to cool down. Always buy the biggest bed your room will take. Your bed should be big enough for you to stretch out comfortably and turn over easily.

The more space you have the less disturbed you will be when your partner moves. Length is also a key thing to consider when choosing a bed. Your bed should be at least 6 inches longer than you are tall.

Natural fillings Our Sleep Experts always advise opting for a bed with natural fillings. Beds made from foam, latex and memory foam offer excellent support but they struggle to regulate your body temperature, leading to uncomfortably hot and disturbed sleep.

Natural fillings such as horsehair, wool and cotton help to regulate temperature and efficiently manage moisture control allowing you to enjoy quality sleep, every single night.

Bespoke design Although you probably have many things in common, it is unlikely that you and your partner have the same support requirements when it comes to beds, so ultimately someone ends up compromising. If one of you does not have the correct level of support, neither of you will be able to enjoy quality, undisturbed sleep. It might be worth investing in a bespoke mattress – one that will benefit both parties.

Complimentary Sleep Consultations Embarking on buying a new bed can be quite a daunting task. With so many different models, tensions and levels of support to choose from it can be hard to know where to begin. The team at Westend Bed Company understand this and offer complimentary Sleep Consultations to every customer. These consultations last 45 minutes and involve a lifestyle evaluation and sleep analysis to help their customers find the correct support system, model and style of bed to allow them to benefit from truly restorative sleep.

Try a variety of models The best way to find the perfect bed for your requirements is to try a few different models. As well as providing unrivalled sleep advice, the team at Westend Bed Company has also sourced the finest collection of luxury beds from across the globe, including the largest collection of Hypnos beds in the UK, Marshall & Stewart’s Diamond Collection and two of the best adjustable beds in the world – the market-leading Supercad adjustable bed from Treca Interiors Paris with exquisite French design and craftsmanship, and the revolutionary Nottinblú PBS Fluid, which has been imagined, designed and made in Italy, combining physics with innovative engineering skills. Browse the entire collection of luxury beds and speak to the team to find the bed of your dreams.

“We recently bought a new Marshall & Stewart Sancy mattress set and life has just got better and better because of it. Not only is it beautifully made but we have now had the best sleep ever. We had never appreciated what a difference a decent mattress can do and now just cannot wait to get to bed. Sleep has got deeper and better – the quality is second to none and the best bit is, it feels as though you have the bed to yourself as you cannot feel someone else moving around in bed with you.

Our new mattress is absolutely the best thing we own.

I wouldn’t change it for anything else – it’s completely wonderful.”

– Emma Redmayne, Publishing Director – World of Interiors

The details: Visit the showroom at Westend Bed Company at 215 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8QT or call 020 7723 2925. For more information, please visit www.westendbedcompany.com or find us on social media.

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C BROS CONSTRUCTION & C BROS JOINERY ELEGANTLY SHOWCASE STUNNING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND INTERIOR STYLING

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xperts in full refurbishment including basement conversions and kitchen extensions, brothers Michael and Dan Cretu, are uniquely placed to execute seamless contemporary living.

The guiding philosophy of the brother’s construction practice, is to revive cramped urban living conditions into adaptable family living spaces, filled with space and light. These design transformations, allow clients to live in homes that are perfectly adapted to suit their lifestyle requirements.

Based in Surrey, all bespoke joinery works are meticulously handcrafted by their sister company C Bros Joinery. Using experienced craftspeople, the brothers ensure all fittings are expertly engineered; all materials and elements are customizable and are sourced from only the best suppliers.

“We work to the highest standards, to create a renewed lease of family life through contemporary construction, architecture and interior design.

Creating space is paramount, alongside a premise to maintain original architectural features, including exterior facades, windows, staircases and fireplaces.

It’s these details that enable the realisation of beautiful contemporary living environments” – Michael Cretu Call now for your free consultation.

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SERVICES: Construction: Basements I Interior Design I Full Refurbishment Joinery: Sash Windows I Patio Doors I Bespoke Joinery I Bespoke Stairs

THE DETAILS For more information about C Bros Construction & C Bros Joinery’s services t: (020) 8648 9004 e: office@cbrosservices.co.uk C Bros Construction www.cbrosconstruction.co.uk C Bros Joinery www.cbrosjoinery.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS GORGEOUS CUSHIONS napoleon bee

The Napoleon Bee cushion in some ways encapsulates the work of Glaswegian design house Timorous Beasties being as it is a collection of simple antecedent parts melded into a sophisticated new whole.

From the lush pile of the velvet, to the deep Oxford border of the case, to the welcome imposition of the screen printed bee itself this confection has become the closest thing a cushion gets to becoming a classic. Available in a range of beautifully vivid colours the Napoleon Bee is an oversized friend to understated sofas everywhere. £108, www.rume.co.uk

MAKE A STYLE STATEMENT

Living It Up take inspiration from the Art Deco era in their new Ezra bed; a stunning centre-piece for a high glam Hollywood boudoir. The Ezra is an upholstered bed with a distinctive Art Deco headboard.

Upholstered in luxurious European fabrics, the Ezra takes a classic retro design and brings it up to date with Living It Up’s superb build quality and high levels of comfort. Their extensive fabric range is perfect if you are looking to inject some colour and style into your bedroom. Available in a range of 53 different upholstery colours and finishes. £890, www.livingitup.co.uk

NEW COLLECTION FROM ESCAPOLOGY Add an industrial edge to your colonial styled home with the Bay lighting collection from Escapology.

Featuring three designs including a chandelier, wall light and flush ceiling mount, each light in this range can be used inside and outdoors, which is perfect for keeping your home looking co-ordinated throughout.

Simple and rustic, the collection was inspired by the American Colonial look, which infuses both urban and rural styles into a setting, making these lights suitable for a variety of decorating trends. www.escapologyhome.com 142 FEBRUARY 2018

wild wallpapers Woodchip & Magnolia create and manufacture unique wallcoverings including the latest design collaboration with Cowboy Kate and Surface Pattern graduate Jess Howard.

Beetle Jewels in Silver/Grey, £99. www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk

BAY CHANDELIER £690,

BAY WALL LIGHT (small), £180

ABSTRACTION Available in 3 sizes, and a choice of faux suede, canvas, or linen fabric, this blue abstract cushion is printed onto durable, machine washable canvas. Based on an original abstract fluid painting by Louise Mead. £20, www.louisemead.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Art for the floor:

‘The Gallery Collection’ from Roger Oates Design

Art inspired designs beneath your feet

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he Gallery Collection comprises four eyecatching new patterns across fourteen colourways and draws on the quality and breadth of recent London art exhibitions.

Taking cues from the geometric drawings of Agnes Martin at Tate Modern and the vivid flowing colour of Howard Hodgkin at The National Portrait Gallery to the Royal Academy where Barnet Newman did so much with just two colours and three stripes, the shows have been an inspiration.

Beginning as an experiment in balance and proportion the bold multi width stripes of Switch are painted across the breadth of the runner. The tonal greys in ‘French Grey’ are mixed with soft shades of pink in ‘Fraise’. Asymmetric at 60cm the runner design can be mirrored into a generous 1.2m symmetric stripe when joined as a rug.

Hayward and Fairfax take their linear roots in Agnes Martin’s grid canvasses with their seemingly

simple stripes mathematically calculated to be pleasing to the eye. In Fairfax, the stripes are spread evenly across the design whilst in Hayward the same stripes are swept to the edges to create a contemporary graduated border. This pair of designs complement each other perfectly, for combinations of stairs, fitted landings and rugs.

A favourite design from the archive, Vernon has been updated in style with a new herringbone texture and given a contemporary palette.

Woven on traditional looms the narrow width 100% wool runners are set to steal the show. A smart way to frame your staircase they make a colourful opening statement for entrance halls. For larger spaces, several of the designs can be joined seamlessly by hand to create show stopping, highly distinctive, fitted floorcoverings and rugs. www.rogeroates.com; Tel: 020 7351 2288; 1 Munro Terrace, Chelsea SW10 0DL

H OUSE & GARDEN

Stylish flooring ideas for your bathroom Finding the perfect floor design for your bathroom will add the finishing touch to your brand new look.

A bathroom floor needs to be both durable and stylish to meet all of your needs and should give your bathroom a strong and solid foundation.

W

ith so much choice available, it can be hard to decide on one option.

Take into consideration your daily routine and lifestyle: Do you have children who will need a slip-free and hardwearing floor? Or do you have a glamorous and grown-up bathroom suite that requires an equally chic floor?

Don’t be afraid to try unusual materials, such as wood, which can work well in a bathroom, despite any concerns you might have about the humid conditions affecting the wood. Try hardwood, laminate or PVC flooring to get the same effect, but without the damp results. Floors in marble, granite or polished concrete will also create a dramatic effect and lend a chic, polished finish to your bathroom. These are all hard-wearing materials that will look stunning and last for years.For something truly unique, try cork or rubber. Popular in the 1960s and 1970s, cork is back in a big way and is one of the most eco-friendly floor options around.

Rubber is warm, waterproof and easy to keep clean, so a great option for anyone with children. Solid

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wood or laminate floors aren’t usually suitable for bathrooms as the humidity will cause the material to discolour, swell and warp. But hardwood floorings, such as teak and bamboo, can work well (doublecheck with the manufacturer first) and engineered wood and bathroom-specific laminate - made with PVC - are designed to withstand moisture.

“Don’t be afraid to try unusual materials, such as wood, which can work well in a bathroom”

H OUSE & GARDEN

3D FLOORING ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH? It is turning the heads of wealthy homeowners who have a spare £20,000 or more in their back pocket, and want to create a unique interior like no other. Rich property owners are always looking to outdo each other, and this is one way to achieve just that and get the wow factor

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e know there are numerous ways to add personality to your home – but 3d flooring is certainly more daring than just block colour feature walls and novelty wallpaper.

You can literally transform your floors into incredible works of art. The astonishing images appear life-like even when viewed from multiple angles. It’s not just a picture, it’s a large-scale art object , which fundamentally changes the idea of what flooring can do.

Much like the 3D street art you see in major cities, it has now been brought into the home to much effect! Instead of being a background, the floor becomes the main detail. Automatically, all furnishings, walls and even lighting become a background for the 3D image. The wide range of

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“You can literally transform your floors into incredible works of art. The astonishing images appear life-like even when viewed from multiple angle”

colours and modern technologies allow the creation of unique self-levelling floors with panorama or 3D pictures, created by designers according to your wishes and suitable for any interior.

Choose your design carefully though… a 3D floor that gives the appearance of the floor collapsing from under you, is not for the fainthearted or those with a nervous disposition!

The technology of manufacturing 3D selflevelling floors requires highly skilled professionals.

A high-quality and properly installed resin floor will delight you with its beautiful appearance, practicality, originality and uniqueness for many years to come.

They are also perfect for your child’s bedroom or playroom, your little one won’t be able to contain their excitement at seeing such a creation.

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Creating & Making Your Quality Lounge Suites is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year of being established in Watford. The family run business pride themselves on a reputation for offering a personalised and professional service to many clients over the years.

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ot only does the beautiful 6,000 sq. ft. showroom have a huge range of furniture on show but they also source most items for customers including sofas, beds, fitted wardrobes, coffee tables, dining tables and chairs. Their vast fabric library in store enables customers to choose whatever fabric is suitable for your furniture project.

Their furniture is made by highly skilled and experienced craftsmen, and always endeavour to work with customers for a speedy lead time from order to delivery. Bespoke sofa corner units can be made on a rapid turnaround of 4 weeks.

Fitted furniture products such as wardrobes, lounge and TV units are created using a professional CAD design and build service with our craftsmen carrying out a professional on site measure up.

As well as offering interior solutions to our many residential clients Quality Lounge Suites also offer a complete service to property developers, show homes, hotels and restaurants etc.

Whatever enquiry you may have we will always offer you our best advice in a friendly and professional manner and will guide you through your whole project however big or small. We will do our best to make sure you are completely happy with your finished product.

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“Fitted furniture products such as wardrobes, lounge and TV units are created using a professional CAD design and build service�

Furniture Dreams

Above & below: Quality Lounges teamed up with Charlotte Green interiors

THE DETAILS Mail: sales@qualityloungesuites.co.uk Address: 289 Lower High Street, WD17 2HY Tel: 01923 227 200

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exploring the benefits of underfloor heating You have a steaming hot shower or a relaxing soak in the bath… the last thing you want is to step out onto a cold floor.

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igh comfort levels, together with low running cost and environmental benefits, have resulted in a growing demand for underfloor heating systems.

Underfloor heating is the most comfortable form of heating because it is largely radiant, and completely unobtrusive Some people estimate that this gives an average of 15% more usable space in a room. It is completely safe and more hygienic than radiators. And more energy efficient.

Energy efficiency Most new buildings can be kept warm with heating power in the range 35 to 75W/m2, which can be achieved with floor-surface temperatures of just 24 to 27°C. The maximum floor temperature should not normally exceed 29°C, although up to 34°C is acceptable for bathrooms.

An underfloor heating system uses water at a much lower temperature than that required by radiators, making it ideal to be fuelled by alternative energy sources such as solar or geothermal energy. Depending on the conductivity of the floor, the water needs to be between 40 and 60°C to reach the design floor temperature. By contrast, radiators generally require the water to be at 70 to 80°C.

comply with Part E of the Building Regulations.

Screed Before the screed is laid, edge insulation should be set all round the periphery of the room to allow for thermal movement in the screed during the year. The heating pipe is fixed to the top of the insulation, just before the screed is laid. The pipe should generally be set at 200 mm spacing.

This is close enough to guarantee best heating performance and minimises the length of pipe needed. The pipe can be stapled to firm insulation and fixed with screw clips to soft insulation.

Another option is system plates. These vacuumformed plastic panels have moulded pipe grippers to hold the pipe securely and at regular spacing.

Timber floors (floating) Panels of insulation are used to support a timber floor deck. This is normally formed from tonguedand-grooved panels of chipboard or plywood.

Floating-floor panels with pre-cut pipe channels and factory-fitted aluminium heat diffusers are available to be used instead of plain insulation panels to support a fully floating deck. These purpose-build panels have a higher conductivity and help minimise downward heat loss.

Floor types

Timber battens, joists and I-beams

If the boiler cannot supply the water at the required temperature, it is necessary to add a water-mixing control unit to reduce the water temperature before it enters the underfloor heating system.

There are forms of underfloor heating to fit every type of floor construction (screeds, fully floating timber floors, battened and joisted floors), as well as floor constructions that incorporate acoustic components required to

Battens are used where the floor loadings are to be higher than can be supported by a fully floating floor or where the floor deck is to be formed from planks to be nailed down to a support. Softwood joists are commonly used in intermediate floors, although manufactured I-beams are often used because they can be stronger and are more stable dimensionally.

Pre-fabricated batten/joist panels are available from Wavin to fit between battens and automatically space these at nominal 400/600 mm centres or to be fitted between softwood joists. Underfloor heating is easy to install. The mechanism for fixing pipe or heating cable into the floor is simple.

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“A water underfloor heating system can sit beneath pretty much any type of flooring”

H OUSE & GARDEN

“If you can’t make it to their showroom, they will bring the samples to you, so that you can view them in your home, before you commit to a purchase”

“The Chair People Bum Test” View their samples in your home free of charge!

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ntrigued? We were too…firstly let’s tell you a little bit about this unique Chair Company.

The Chair People are specialist manufacturers and suppliers of bespoke designer seating for the home!

at the extensive range of chairs, requested your free fabric swatches, and looked at any extra specification options available, you can then request up to 3 chair models that you’d like to try out in your home.

Their ranges include Dining Chairs, Armchairs, Bar stools, and Occasional Chairs.

YES THEY BRING THE CHAIRS TO YOU!

As they offer made to order chairs, quality and choice is forefront of their mind. Choose from endless fabric options from the most prestigious fabric houses in the country! Their fabric library is so extensive they are even able to offer hardwearing fabrics to their domestic customers that are used in commercial settings such as hotels and restaurants.

Each made to order chair is offered with a 5 year guarantee.

Their 2500 sq ft Showroom in Shropshire, holds an extensive range of models and they have design advisors on standby to help you with the process.

You can view the fabric and leg finishes, and discuss any extra specification options such as, beading, piping, buttons and fabric combinations. You can even adjust the height of your bar stool.

They know convenience is key and a visit to their Showroom isn’t always possible. So their design advisors will be more than happy to guide you through the entire process over the phone, and are able to send you leg samples, and can arrange for fabric swatches to be sent to your home. They like to offer that “personal shopping experience!” They also understand that sometimes just seeing swatches and leg samples isn’t enough, and that people need to see, and feel the chairs for themselves, so they have this covered aswell! And this is where their “BUM TEST” comes into action!

Once you have browsed through their website 158 FEBRUARY 2018

Their delivery driver will contact you to advise when he’s next scheduled in your area and a convenient appointment is then made! They even call you 1 hour prior to arrival to limit any inconvenience!

The chairs are then brought in to your home, so that you can see them in the surroundings they are meant for, their driver will stay with you for around 20 minutes to ensure you have ample time to try them for comfort and size.

The Chair People understand that choosing furniture for your home is so important and they want to make sure you are completely comfortable with all aspects before you commit to a purchase, which is why they are more than willing to go above and beyond to ensure their customers are completely happy!

We have not heard of such a service ourselves, and they are certainly ranking high with their customers, for service!

With the highest rating possible on Feefo, and customer reviews such as …

“We were so lucky to find The Chair People, the level of service is absolute quality from visiting the store to receiving delivery.

So much help and guidance was provided to ensure that we chose the perfect design and colour of the seating to match our new kitchen and floor tiling.

We will always contact The Chair People first for any future seating requirements and will not hesitate to recommend them to others.

Well done to everyone” Like the customer quote above, we have no doubt you will only have an exceptional experience when choosing The Chair People.

THE DETAILS For more information, contact their sales department on 0330 900 3300, email at sales@thechairpeople.co.uk or browse their website at www.thechairpeople.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Fabulous floors from Turgon

As we enter the New Year, and new interior design trends emerge, we are left undecided as to which bits of furniture to keep that we recently purchased. Typical.

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ell, we can tell you one thing. Your wooden floors going nowhere.

Your furniture may change, and you can dabble all you want with colour schemes for walls etc. but your wooden floors going nowhere. The interior industry experts tell us that the interior fashion is leaving the minimalist Scandinavian features behind, and we are moving forward maximalism and rich earthy colours. And nothing else shows the natural earth tones better then a wooden floor.

Just like everything else in the interior design industry, the wooden floors market will change its shape and tones as well.

As predicted, in contrast with previous years where we used to see more pale white and deep grey tones and mostly planks, the future shows rather a different trend. We are going back to classic wood patterns and designs. This tells we will be looking at more herringbones , chevron and custom made 160 FEBRUARY 2018

patterns. The bright side of this trend is, it will last forever, because classic doesn’t mean boring and these floors have shown their uniqueness since forever. They will never be out of trend, you just have to play around with the colours.

Talking about colours, the future seems bright, rich and colourful. Even though the natural tone of the wood will remain the most famous, we are happy to see more rich tones such as orange brown that give that warm heritage that we’ve been missing. Walnut, cherry and natural oak are already trending.

This year we will be seeing more reclaimed wooden floors. Recently we have discovered historic reclaimed woods that have been on the bogs for thousand of years, and they have shown to be a perfect reclaimed wood solution for the future because of their strength and density.

Once again, keep your wooden floor, they will last forever in fashion. www.turgonflooring.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Villeroy & Boch present:

The new Finion Premium Collection

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delicate and purist design, high-quality material and workmanship while boasting versatility and individuality.

Finion, the new premium bathroom collection from Villeroy & Boch, creates a luxurious bathroom setting with its exclusive bathroom ceramics, elegant furniture, stylish lighting concept and high-quality monolith bath, making it an oasis of relaxation and well-being. Designed as an extensive complete bathroom collection, Finion offers a wide range of possible combinations. The three different types of washbasins in three ceramic colours look stunning when combined with the numerous models of vanity units in ten colours.

The bath also provides greater design freedom thanks to the design ring in three elegant metallic colours, lighting and Colour on Demand, opening up new scope for individuality and uniqueness in the bathroom.

Innovative ceramics – Washbasins made from TitanCeram The renowned designer Patrick Frey exploited the excellent material properties of TitanCeram in creating Finion. “I took full advantage of the benefits of TitanCeram for the flowing, strongly contoured design of the washbasins as this material allowed me to make very thin and fine forms.” It resulted in ten 162 FEBRUARY 2018

ceramic washbasin models whereby the wall-mounted and surface-mounted washbasins have walls that are only 6 mm thick. The collection has surfacemounted, wall-mounted and vanity washbasins, ranging from a compact hand washbasin that is 43 cm wide to a spacious 130 cm double washbasin, therefore providing a perfect washbasin solution for all tastes and almost any room layout – from small guest bathrooms to roomy well-being oases. An optional integrated ceramic valve that is available with the ViFlow overflow system blends harmoniously into the washbasin, emphasising the collection’s premium character.

The wall-mounted toilet and bidet enhance the bathroom setting with their clear linear design. The rimless toilet is invisibly secured with SupraFix and fitted with DirectFlush technology. The SoftClosing feature closes the slim 40 mm toilet seat softly and silently and can be removed quickly and easily via QuickRelease when it is being cleaned. To improve comfort, the new ViClean-I 100 shower toilet can also be integrated into the Finion bathroom design.

Finion has been selected to receive an iF DESIGN AWARD 2017, one of the most prestigious design prizes in the world. The winning products are the freestanding bathtub, the washbasin and vanity unit and the WC with seat. www.villeroy-boch.com

“The new premium bathroom collection from Villeroy & Boch, creates a luxurious bathroom setting”

D y e r H D aw I T N uN e r aI T Bc e l ry x e e e F P O rl I v e e 5 l l 1 al e D a I lF F F r e S T O N% u 20

slab Italian Porcelain Natural Stone Bespoke Fabrication

01494 670 866

sales@slabtiles.co.uk www.slabtiles.co.uk 2 The Broadway, Beaconsfield Buckinghamshire HP9 2PD

H OUSE & GARDEN

Every good seat deserves a good caning.

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ir Robert Walpole was First Lord of the Treasury, Leader of the House of Commons and Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1721 – 1730.

Among his many innovations the one most pertinent to the antiques trade was his advocacy of the bonded Warehouse. Were it not for them we would not have the enormous amount of fabulous wares from all over the world which we now consider to part of our national heritage. Plus of course the luxury items for immediate consumption like exotic spices which changed our way of living forever.

Of the more mundane materials to be arriving in bulk since their earlier controlled supply in the late 17th century was cane. When spliced and interwoven across a wooden frame it created a light and more comfortable seat and back for a chair than had ever been known. So exclusive was it to begin with that only His Majesty King Charles II could afford to have a set of folding and caned chairs for his tents

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on Hounslow Heath went he went to view the horseraces.

The earliest canework will show quite large holes, around 1.5mm, whereas by the 1690’s the work was much finer with holes reduced to .75 mm. By this time the demand for cane had spread and the craft of weaving it was starting to grow into an industry, only to be thwarted by the introduction of webbed upholstery much as we know it today. So from the 1730’s cane seated chairs were rarely seen on sophisticated chairs until the classical period of the last quarter of the 18th when delicate seating demanded lightweight supports for cushions.

From then on, and indeed until the 1930’s, we see complete sets of settees and chairs with allround caning to seats, backs and sides. Out of fashion again in the 1950’s, mainly because so many extant examples needed repair – by its very nature it was prone to damage – it is gratifying to see that once again the craft of weaving cane is coming back to prominence in both creating the new and renovating the old.

For more information about John Bly Antiques: 533 King’s Road, Chelsea, email john@johnbly.com; www.johnbly.com

“Of the more mundane materials to be arriving in bulk since their earlier controlled supply in the late 17th century was cane”

H OUSE & GARDEN

Creating beautiful attic bathrooms

Looking for an inventive way to make effective use of a loft conversion? An attic bathroom can transform your new room into a show-stopping area.

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ucked away in the roof, an attic bathroom can be a quiet retreat from everyday life and, with the right finishing touches, will become a warm and welcoming place to escape to after a busy day.

Make the most of your space by working with the original features: exposed beams, a sloping ceiling and extra skylights can all create a beautiful attic bathroom to relax in. Or, you can create something special from scratch, adding in your own accessories and features.

Working with the natural architecture of your attic, you can choose a shower and clever storage solutions for smaller areas. Well-placed mirrors will also create the illusion of a much larger bathroom, lending a light and airy feeling, even to cramped attic spaces. Add extra features to larger rooms, such as a freestanding bath or a heated towel rack to add a luxurious touch to your new attic bathroom.

How to design a loft conversion bathroom Before starting to build a loft conversion you will need to check if you need planning permission 166 FEBRUARY 2018

“Make the most of your space by working with the original features”

from your local planning department. However, regardless of whether or not you need planning permission a loft conversion will require Building Regulations approval.

When building a loft conversion bathroom, or indeed any additional bathroom in the house, consult a specialist in bathroom loft conversations – they can give you all the expert advice - initially whether or not your boiler is capable of supplying hot water to the extra bathroom. One solution to this could be an electric shower that produces its own hot water on demand.

Also, consider if you wish to have a window in your loft bathroom, and if so where. Have a clear idea of what you want for your bathroom, but be aware that you may have limitations or need to make some changes based on the layout of the room. For example, where the staircase will need to be and if there are any restrictions with plumbing. Again the experts can advise you and suggest ideas on how to achieve your loft bathroom retreat. Whether a full or part en-suite, it will provide the privacy to unwind - and of course add value to your property.

• Decorative Carpets in all sizes • • Tribal rugs and weavings • • Kelims and other flatweaves • • Runners of all lengths • • Tapestries and textiles •

Discounts on selected items Aaron Nejad Gallery Specialists in antique and contemporary rugs, carpets, kelims and textiles 4 Church Street, London NW8 8ED E: anejad@talktalk.net • www.aaronnejad.com 0203 489 5370 • 07976 826218

Fine Miniature Silk Hereke Rug Turkey, circa 1950. Signed. 1.10m x 0.69m This exceptional piece is one of a collection of fine silk rugs which we have in stock

H OUSE & GARDEN

The perfect Collaboration

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ead by millions every week, and frequently on TV and Radio, home guru Alison Cork has built up a formidable reputation as a trusted homes and interiors expert, with an unfailing eye for quality and value. Her latest venture with Victorian Plumbing, the largest online bathroom retailer in the UK, explores the premise of delivering unique style curated around three key styles. Catering to everyone’s design tastes from sinks, bathtubs, taps, tiles, mirrors, radiators, rugs, basins and valves.

The Scandi-Retro range (pictured above) encompasses both the natural and simple influence of European decor with that everlasting retro look.

It creates a very simple, easy to achieve look which relies on artisan-style finishes and interesting details.

Across the Scandi range, wood, leather and ceramics are used to provide a natural and minimal look.

Alison comments ‘I’m a huge fan of retro and the pared back style of the Scandinavians. Somehow it manages to combine the best of the past with a crisp modern edge to it - simple but interesting, with a focus on natural materials such as wood, leather and ceramics.’

The gorgeous Boutique Chic range draws inspiration from the worlds chic hotel bathrooms.

Influenced by Alison’s travels, it combines fine style with the comfort of luxury spas and hotels; allowing you to create the luxurious feel in your own home.

‘As a frequent traveller, I have come to appreciate a well-designed and luxurious hotel bathroom. Nothing can make you feel more instantly comfortable and ‘at home’ than an invigorating shower or a big cosseting bubble bath, in a clean, sleek room.’ Alison adds. ‘My

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Boutique bathroom is designed to bring all of that chic decadence into your own home, a room of beautiful simple shapes, calming neutral colours, tactile natural materials and a touch of Zen. All you have to do is wrap yourself in a huge, soft, cotton bathrobe…and relax into your very own home spa.’

The Heritage Elegance range is for those who admire timeless, traditional design. Everyone has ‘their style’ and for Alison, it’s the elegance of classical styling. At the heart of Heritage Elegance is a magnificent freestanding bath which oozes comfort, opulence and style. Alison explains ‘Heritage Elegance is about period drama and a dash of glamour, about taking time to pamper yourself in the glory of days gone by. After all, an Englishman’s home is always his castle and your bathroom should be your ultimate haven.’ www.victorianplumbing.co.uk

“The gorgeous Boutique Chic range draws inspiration from the worlds chic hotel bathrooms”

WINTER LIGHTING TRENDS

H OUSE & GARDEN

170 FEBRUARY 2018

CIRCUS PENDANT

CIRCUS PENDANT

BEADS

THE MEMBRANE

Whether found in the kitchen, living area, or entrance hall, modern pendant lighting is central to spaces that bring people together and celebrate the social side of life.

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t Innermost we know the importance of getting the right unique pendant lights for your BEADS interior. Whether choosing contemporary pendants for a modern space, or something more classic for a traditional interior, there are plenty of options to create show-stopping home decorative lighting.

We thrive on taking unique ideas and creating beautiful, thoughtful and innovative lighting pendant displays. To create a real impact, don’t be afraid to have fun with scale and use oversize pendants or multiple sizes and colours. Here are our top examples of pendant light fixtures that steal the show.

The Membrane by design by Jette Scheib for Innermost is a stunning and unique pendant that is very versatile for residential interiors. Here, it is hung low over the dining table, reflecting light so that the punctured glass catches the attention.

Sometimes less is more, and this Scandinavian contemporary interior is perfectly accented by the neutral tones of the grey Circus pendant. Here, one simple statement piece provides perfect home decorative lighting.

This residence in Hannover, Germany, uses the classic Circus pendants in a close cluster, using a

variety of sizes to create an excitingly unique display of modern lighting.

For a total showstopper look no further than Beads, which has been used in this apartment in London to accent the feature colour: orange.

With their highly reflective finish and intriguing bulbous forms, Beads are the pendants guaranteed to add luxury to any interior.

This beautiful house in Connecticut oozes style with Stupa being used for an unique modern lighting display.

Be brave and add a cluster of colourful pendants to instantly make an innovative and show-stopping feature in a space with high ceilings.

“We thrive on taking unique ideas and creating beautiful, thoughtful and innovative lighting pendant displays” If you want to brighten up a contemporary home, don’t be afraid to mix and match unique pendant lights in various colours. This jolly interior has Snowdrop suspended in a row as a rainbow of colour. Bringing vibrance to the space as well as providing beautiful lighting, this installation is a great way to bring STUPA fun into home decorative lighting.

Check out www.innermost.net for even more lighting ideas that will make your interior the most appealing place to be this winter.

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NINA’S HOUSE is an award-winning bespoke furniture store in Chelsea which allows clients to customize most aspects of their chosen piece.

Specialising in solid wood, it houses a stunning collection of high-quality rustic and urban designs made from natural materials.

For more information call 0207 751 5827, visit 281 King’s Road, London, SW3 5EW or log on to www.ninashouse.com.

H OUSE & GARDEN

MODERN RUSTIC STYLE The Winchester Tile Company (part of Original Style) launches its newest modern rustic range - Elements

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he Elements range consists of two separate collections of beautifully glazed English brick tiles (Panorama and Origins). The products boast gorgeous new shades - from subtle neutrals to daring, jewellike tones of green and blue - uneven surfaces with a smooth or textured finish, as well as stunning depth and variation of colour. Irregular, unique, infinately varied - it’s all part of the beauty of these hand crafted tiles.

The Origin collection elicits a sense of new

beginnings; each tile has an artisanal feel and comes in five neutral tones - perfect for creating a modern rustic look. With Panorama the uniqueness lies within the softness of the glaze, which allows for the feel of the bisque to come through each layer, resulting in a speckled look. The shades chosen for this collection are inspired by the striking colours of the English countryside - from the blues of the sea to the earthy greens and warm browns of British landscapes. www.originalstyle.com

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H OUSE & GARDEN

LOOK AHEAD:

GARDEN FURNITURE TRENDS 2018

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ridgman have launched an exquisite new 2018 garden furniture collection, inspired by the latest trends of using mixed materials alongside sumptuous comfort and convenience. With stylish armchairs, comfortable sofas and scratch-resistant tables, our furniture is ideal for both lounging and dining!

Verona Collection: The exceptional Verona Dining and Lounging collections has an incredible 10 year guarantee. Also, it’s maintancence free, weatherproof and comes with accompanied Aqua Grey fully waterproof cushions – so your fabulous furniture is protected even on rainy days. Relax and have a glass of wine as there is no need to worry about red wine spillages – your cushions will stay stain free!

Beautiful but durable, this Verona Dining Collection is made with quality craftsmanship in mind.

Verona Lounging Inspired by the breath-taking Italian coasts and seas, the gorgeous Verona Lounging collection is perfect for the outdoors. With wonderful shades of grey, this collection is expertly crafted to give you maximum comfort and quality! Made from aluminium, this remarkable Verona Lounging collection boasts premium longevity whilst being stylish. Designed by Bridgman, the collection 174 FEBRUARY 2018

features an array of sumptuous sofas, relaxing sun loungers and comfy lounging chairs - ideal to chill outside with friends and family.

Verona Dining The Verona Dining collection, designed by Bridgman, is true testament to the fresh mixed material trend. Combining sophisticated rattan dining chairs with high quality aluminium and high pressure laminate (HPL) tables - the Verona Collection is guaranteed to impress. Beautiful but durable, this Verona Dining Collection is made with quality craftsmanship in mind.

Paris Collection: Add a touch of modernity to your outdoor area, with our magnificent Paris collection. Ideal for small spaces, the incredible Paris collection is easily storable with lightweight stacking armchairs, sun loungers and even flat folding dining tables! Effortlessly durable maintenance free materials; resin, HPL and aluminium which require minimal effort to clean.

These table tops are made out of HPL which means they are not only water resistant, they are scratch resistant as well. Better still, the Paris collection has 3 year guarantee. This Paris collection is impressively unique as it is comfortable with the need of seat cushions! Available in 3 stunning shades; volcanic grey, volcanic black and ice white.

To stay even more on trend, add a touch of Bridgman Georg Jensen, Voyage Maison and Villeroy & Boch accessories to make your garden furniture a statement piece! www.bridgman.co.uk

Tavole Calde Ltd are based in Alfriston, East Sussex and are the UK’s leading supplier of terracotta and Roman stone mosaic dining tables for the home and garden.

Email address: info@mosaic-table.co | Website: www.mosaic-table.co | Tel: 01323 871965

HHOUSE OUSE && GARDEN GARDEN

Storage solutions

for a calm and stylish home With creative fittings and a few good habits, any space can be streamlined and sorted. The Remodelista experts reveal how. WORDS: Sam Wylie-Harris

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ho says storage can’t be stylish?

And for a sense of calm and control, Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick, the authors of Remodelista - a new book packed with ultra-slick organisational tricks to deploy all over the house also suggest embracing some ‘Daily Rituals’, little habits that often take no more than a few minutes but can have life-changing effects.

For instance, studies suggest that people who make their bed every day are not only more rested than non-bed-makers, but happier, healthier and more successful. Opening your mail every day is another of their tips, to avoid that dreaded build-up

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of unsorted life admin that can weigh heavily on the mind (and clog up drawers!).

Along with handy storage tactics - such as ‘Hang It’, ‘Cart It’, ‘Label It’ and ‘Tray It’ - the book sets out to illustrate how, with clever lay-outs and fittings and adopting a few simple habits, being sorted and tidy can be aesthetically-pleasing and make a huge difference to our wellbeing, even when space is tight.

So whether you need to know how to make the best of a compact kitchen, or want to edit your wardrobe ready for the new season, here are five ways to make an art out of order and live better through organisation, with the help of our designminded friends at Remodelista.com...

“Studies suggest that people who make their bed every day are not only more rested than non-bed-makers, but happier, healthier and more successful”

H OUSE & GARDEN

A Shaker-style entry A storage-lined open foyer is a great, versatile option for busy households. Taking inspiration from the Shaker use of peg rails to hang all manner of things, all you need to assemble your own version is a sliver of hall off your front or back door.

Why it works: Pegs close to the entrance help ensure kids’ bags land in the right spot (parents’ bags on other end), designated coat pegs offer a place for each family member, a Shaker-style hanging shelf provides a home for small items, a chalkboard marks daily reminders, and an Ikea Tjusig Bench (fROM £35, Ikea.com) doubles as a shoe rack.

The ultimate compact kitchen A small workspace can still make good use of open and closed storage: Cookware and dishware are concealed behind cabinet doors, and a clever storage rail keeps often-used tools close at hand but off the counter.

Why it works: Stacked dishware and decanted pantry goods maximise cabinet space, S hooks and metal clips hold kitchen scissors, coffee filters etc, trays anchor the counter, a small hanging basket holds utensils and a print adds an artful touch - a small detail that makes a big difference.

The instant cocktail party Let’s face it, you’re more likely to throw an impromptu drinks or dinner party when your tabletop elements are kept at the ready in one place.

A kitchen or dining area drawer is especially handy for this kit.

Pro tip: Store the items on trays so you can lift them out for quick delivery to the table - and then use trays for serving.

Preparedness kit: Bar tools comprising corkscrew, bottle opener, jigger and mixing spoon; candles, tapers and tea lights, matches, ice bucket, glasses, serving trays, ready-for-the-table flatware in leather pockets, cloth napkins rolled into napkin rings.

A well-ordered wardrobe A fashionista’s dream - fitted with floor-to-ceiling storage, this space holds a wardrobe’s worth of 178 FEBRUARY 2018

clothing. Canvas bins, wire baskets, cardboard boxes and metal dividers - most from office and kitchen supply departments - make the shelf storage much more efficient.

Why it works: Jumble-preventing bins and baskets create discreet storage zones on open shelves, piles of jeans, sweaters and T-shirts limited to six per stack, metal-rimmed paper key tags serve as labels on bins and baskets and allow for easy sorting, glass fronted drawers are a bespoke detail worth copying (they protect shoes while enabling you to see what you’ve got), and an industrial kitchen stool provides a place to put on shoes, drape clothes and reach high shelves.

An elegant all-in-one laundry cupboard This compact laundry has birch plywood shelves and drawers for all the essentials. There’s also room for general cleaning supplies, electronics and a foldup ironing board tucked into the side, which can be hidden behind closed doors.

Why it works: Laundry detergent is decanted and stored in a stainless steel dispenser, a galvanized metal bucket holds household cleaning supplies in a portable kit, laundry essentials are sorted by function in a combination of shelves and drawers, and the hard-to-reach top shelf is put to good use as a home for Wi-Fi equipment.

Tips extracted from Remodelista: The Organized Home by Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick, photography by Matthew Williams, published by Artisan Books, priced £15.99.

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LUXURY

KITCHEN guide

– Everything you need to create the perfect London kitchen – i m a g e : N E P T UN E K I T CH E NS

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

ABBOTT’S FLOORING Stylish Designs and Dedication

The addition of a blind, shutter and curtain department is a master stroke. It is run by another of the Abbott team so the family connection continues. Abbott’s is definitely worth a visit; allow at least 2 hours if not 3 as you enter a world of stylish flooring and carpet displays and the most impressive blind and shutter department I have seen. This is upstairs where you get the Amtico, Karndean engineered wood, laminate display areas, and the high quality and desirable materials for your curtains; it will take your breath away.

Recently, we decided to go retro and lo and behold Abbotts came to the rescue! There were some stunning William Morris designs to choose from, but wanting to go for a quirky retro feel; Tom in the showroom was able to present their range of superb fifties and sixties designs.

They really can cater for all your tastes whether traditional or modern. We chose a modern take on an old theme by using an Alternative Flooring Quirky design that looked amazing, it could not have worked out better.

“I

have been using Abbotts for nearly 40 years, The first thing that hits me every time I visit, is that they are always updating their showroom to not only reflect their amazing range of flooring, carpeting, shutters and blinds, but also to illustrate the latest designs and trends on the market.

The staff are incredibly experienced, knowledgeable and friendly, and most importantly - available to advise and guide me as to the most suitable range for my property. With Abbott’s being a traditional family business, you get that personal service and the same fitting team each time. This makes it all the more a pleasant experience.

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“For high-quality and a dedicated and experienced team that go that extra mile for you to achieve your dream interior, definitely head to Abbott’s.”

– Mrs A Mason-Phillips, a loyal and valued customer for 40 years.

For more information about Abbott’s please visit www.abbottsflooring.co.uk 470-480 Roman Road, London E3 5LU Telephone 020 8980 4158 Email info@abbottsflooring.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

SPC & REMEB - Working Together S ituated next to hip Story Coffee, is 119 St John’s Hill , home to SPC Stone and Remeb Kitchens. Respectively run by Mark Jermyn and Greg Jakubek. Though two separate companies, Mark and Greg like nothing more than discussing how they can bring together their design mindsets to work together for a client.

They are more than happy to chat with you about interiors, kitchens and the best materials for surfaces, wet rooms and bathrooms in order to find a creative solution to your brief, or simply give you a steer in the right direction.

The two met when they were consulting on a project for The Crown Estate in Pimlico, and realised they could combine their complimentary approaches to materials and design to deliver some really unique and interesting interior solutions.

“We recently worked on a kitchen for an architect that had to be designed around a climbing wall” explains Greg, “The bottom of the wall was in the basement and then it rose up through three storeys of the house. We produced a contemporary oak veneered kitchen and Mark installed beautiful Arabescato marble which really brought the whole kitchen to life.”

To discuss any future projects, please don’t hesitate to contact either Mark or Greg. Perhaps

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make time to meet at the showroom to get a fuller picture to what they can do for you.

SPC, 119 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SZ; 020 7228 0707. The showroom stocks a range of stone and marble finishes on site along with examples of kitchen cabinetry and home interiors; www.spc-ltd.com; www.remeb.co.uk

“We recently worked on a kitchen for an architect that had to be designed around a climbing wall”

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Extend your kitchen If you’ve set your heart on creating a large open-plan kitchen extension then you are not alone. This is one of the most sought-after features in a modern home and one of the most popular home improvement projects

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ost households find the kitchen/ dining space is the heart of family life and the room they spend most of their time in — cooking, eating, socialising, working and relaxing. The key to creating the perfect open-plan kitchen is getting the space and the layout right first before deciding on kitchen units, design details and decoration later.

FINDING SPACE FOR A KITCHEN EXTENSION? If you want access to the garden and privacy, the kitchen is most likely to be at the rear or side of the house. If possible, it should be accessible from the main hallway and not through another room. You may be able to achieve the space you need by re-modelling the existing layout, removing some internal walls to link two rooms together, or by converting and linking an integral garage.

Alternatively, you could extend at the rear or side of your home to gain extra space.

Small extensions to a house may not need planning permission if they fall within the definition of permitted development. Larger extensions always need planning permission. Alterations to a listed building always require listed building consent, whether or not the work is permitted development.

Getting the design of the space right is fundamental. It will help you make the most of light, plan your different zones for cooking, dining and living, plus decide where to position utility space and appropriate lighting.

Once you have the space that you want designed, you can start thinking about the kitchen layout. It is worth consulting two or three experienced kitchen designers for their ideas. Make sure you give them a clear brief of what you are trying to achieve, but listen to their advice in terms of layout to suit the space, such as designing a galley, L-shaped or U-shaped layout, or introducing an island or appliance wall.

A good designer will understand the importance 188 FEBRUARY 2018

of function (ergonomics) and incorporate all the appliances you have specified. Once the basic layout is agreed, you can finalise details like the style of the units, cupboard doors and drawer fronts, worktops, splashbacks, sink, taps and the rest of the design details.

When you have finalised your layout and chosen your supplier, the designer will be able to produce detailed wiring and plumbing plans so the builders can put the services in place during the building phase. You can then have the plastering and decorating work done and the flooring laid, ready for the kitchen installers to arrive.

Bear in mind that while the extension is being carried out there will be times when your kitchen is unusable - depending on the scale of your project you could be talking a couple of weeks or a couple of months, so do make arrangements to prepare for this.

Just keep telling yourself, it’ll be worth it in the end!

“Getting the design of the space right is fundamental. It will help you make the most of light, plan your different zones for cooking, dining and living, plus decide where to position utility space and appropriate lighting”

Beautiful flooring for beautiful homes

BESPOKE WOOD FLOORING LUXURY VINYL TILES STYLISH CARPETS EXPERT FITTING SERVICE For beautiful new flooring that will last,contact Abbotswood Flooring, and they will cater for all your flooring needs.

Abbotswood Flooring Ltd

258-260 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB Telephone: 020 8543 5083 or 0207 938 1000 Download the app or email: info@abbotswoodflooring.co.uk www.abbotswoodflooring.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

In the interior design world, there’s a lot of hype about traditional, modern and contemporary kitchens but if you’re looking for something with a quirky yet timeless edge, here are a few retro kitchen ideas.

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Tap into the retro kitchen revival

etting the retro style into your kitchen is bang on trend right now as more and more manufacturers of kitchen appliances are including retro-styled items into their range. Large kitchen appliances such as fridge freezers can really set the tone of the retrostyled kitchen, but in order to make the most of the look you really need to match the rest of your kitchen with similar styling.

You need to decide on the theme or era you would like your kitchen to be. Some fun ideas are the American diner style 50’s, the mod look of the 60’s, or the bohemian look of the 70’s. A retro style has a fun, lively feel to it, with bright colours, wild designs and an overall sense of “flair”.

So, how can you bring a retro style design to your kitchen? Let’s take a look at some common elements of this energising decorating style:

1950s The quintessential colour scheme of the 1950s was pink and turquoise. These colours were used on appliances, walls, floors and counter tops, as well as on vinyl-covered kitchen chairs with futuristic steel or aluminium legs and coordinating tables. Another popular colour scheme in the 1950s was red and white, for the more contemporary American diner of the fifties.

1960s The 1960s moved towards more neutral colours, such as earth tones, browns, copper, black and white. Copper-coloured appliances were the rage, with neutral earth tones or browns complementing the appliances. Black and white kitchens were also popular, with snow-white appliances, black counter tops and black and white checkerboard-tiled floors.

Pop art had a firm footing in the 1960s. Artists such as Andy Warhol and David Hockney with their pop art references to mass culture (soup cans, comic strips, images of icons like Marilyn Monroe) crossed over into interiors, and on to murals, wallpaper and 192 FEBRUARY 2018

posters. Whether you choose the hippy ethnic look or plastic space age, it will be far out!

1970s The 1970s brightened up a little with harvest gold, avocado green and poppy orange as the popular kitchen decorating colours of the decade. Every kitchen and laundry appliance were available in these colours. Kitchen cabinets were made of dark wood to complement the brighter earth tones. Checked wall tiles, curved worktops and cabinets complete the look.

1980s Fresh, clear colours came into vogue in the 1980s, putting behind two decades of earth tones. Kitchens in the 1980s were decorated in country blue, country pink, cobalt blue or hunter green. Lightercoloured cabinets, such as oak or maple, were installed to further brighten up the kitchen decor.

CURVES Creating features such as curved kitchen worktops, breakfast bars, dining extensions or fluid worktops gives the kitchen an organic look that’s very much in keeping with modern retro styling. If you’re upgrading and including a brightly coloured retro fridge freezer, for example, it’s likely to have much more attention to detail in the lines of the shape than your standard white kitchen appliance.

Carrying on this curvy, sleek look into moulded and shaped worktops draws the decor together, making your kitchen the true heart of the home, as it’s supposed to be.

In terms of fixtures such as lighting and kitchen taps; chrome suits the retro theme quite well whilst it’s bang on trend for modern kitchens too. Having a retro kitchen in your home is the perfect way to create a unique kitchen design that differs from the typical modern layout. Finally, don’t overlook the final details – vintage tea, coffee and sugar jars, light fittings, prints, fabrics and tea towels all go a long way to finishing off the retro kitchens look.

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

KITCHEN FLOORING THAT’S MADE TO LAST

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White Mist Oiled, priced from £69.00 per sq m.

hen it comes to kitchen projects, flooring is as important as the kitchen cabinets. The flooring will be down for a long time and will be expensive to change, so it makes sense to get it right first time round. A good quality wooden floor is hard to beat. It’s hardwearing, durable, family friendly and there’s a massive choice of designs and colours. With wood flooring ticking all the right boxes, the only real dilemma is which style to choose. Peter Keane, Director of The Natural Wood Floor Company, shares his advice.

“Simple shaker cabinets and parquet flooring are two classics which won’t date, so with this combination there’s no danger of it going out of fashion. If you fancy a change, the cabinets can be revamped with a lick of paint and the parquet floor can be sanded and sealed with a different coloured finish. We can’t imagine anybody tiring of these subtle grey pebble tones, but it can be reassuring to know that the option is there.”

Oak Parquet, priced from £47.00 per sq m

here as you can lay the blocks in a variety of designs, like this classic herringbone pattern, or there’s also basket weave and brick designs. “Parquet is on the top of everybody’s wish list at the moment. It’s been making a steady comeback for years now and is definitely here to stay. It’s a sign of true quality.

Nobody can resist the charms of a well-made parquet wood floor,” says Peter.

For a light and bright floor, Peter recommends The Natural Wood Floor Company’s White Mist Oiled boards. “The cool white and grey tones of our White Mist flooring give the oak a modern feel, but the knots and swirls of the wood’s grain mean that you still get all the character. As for the finish, oils are the most practical sealers for areas of heavy use, like kitchens, as it’s easy to carry out spot repairs. A small area can easily be re-sanded and sealed without it having an impact of the rest of the floor” says Peter.

“Simple shaker cabinets and parquet flooring are two classics which won’t date” Introducing pattern is going to be big in 2018 and the good news is that wood flooring is a great way to achieve this. Parquet is the obvious choice 194 FEBRUARY 2018

Oak Chevron Premier Unsealed, priced at £89.00 per sq m

THE DETAILS The Natural Wood Floor Company, 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London Sw18 Ieg www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk; 020 8871 9771

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Bespoke furniture meets a demand W

ith pressure on every inch of space in urban homes, combined with a desire for a social area where family and friends can convene, a Roundhouse kitchen meets a growing demand for a bespoke solution that absolutely fits a client’s space and also is precisely tailored to individual requirements.

The company’s made to measure kitchens work ergonomically and feel wonderful to use and to spend time in. A Roundhouse bespoke design will remain looking good for years as the furniture is of the highest build and design quality, increasingly a very ‘sellable’ feature when it comes to moving to a new house.

Roundhouse furniture is built to last, and every piece is designed to fit regardless of size and shape.

Bespoke offers an almost limitless range of finishes, materials, colours, fittings and styles and because the company manufactures kitchens and furniture in its own UK factory, many finishes are totally unique.

A Roundhouse kitchen is not merely made to measure; it is totally flexible – marrying a discerning contemporary aesthetic with timeless elegance, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The company creates beautiful British furniture to suit the most exacting requirements and to serve the maximum potential of each space.

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The company’s understated furniture is influenced by modern architecture and design, using innovative materials, texture and colour. Roundhouse furniture is truly bespoke, which means that almost anything is possible – from designing and building for a difficult space, to creating a specific unusual finish.

Widely recognised for its inspiring use of materials and textures the company’s R & D team has recently developed a series of unique finishes; Patinated Silver, a new metal wrap to add to a growing roster of rich and reflective metallics and a rough sawn timber finish, which brings deep texture to kitchen cabinetry. Many of these new finishes can be seen in Roundhouse showrooms across London & the South East, which showcase the very latest kitchen furniture.

Roundhouse is proud to be British and totally made to measure, making furniture to any size and virtually any finish, colour or veneer. Call in and meet the friendly team in the flagship West End showroom or visit any one of the company’s five other showrooms in the Fulham, Clapham, Richmond, Guildford and Cheltenham.

‘Made in Britain, Built to Last.’ Roundhouse 11 Wigmore St London W1U 1PE 020 7297 6220.

Visit www.roundhousedesign.com for more details or call to book an appointment on 020 7297 6220

Top: Roundhouse Urbo matt lacquer bespoke kitchen in Farrow & Ball Hague Blue and Little Greene Paint company French Grey and Patinated Silver matt metallic finish. Clamshell Caesar Stone Composite worksurface and polished plaster splashback. (Photography Nick Kane) Centre and bottom: Roundhouse Classic lay on Urbo painted bespoke kitchen in Farrow & Ball Moles Breath with island in Metal Wrap - Brass Matt-Sanded Finish. Worktops in stainless steel & marble. (Photography Nick Kane)

“Roundhouse is proud to be British and totally made to measure, making furniture to any size and virtually any finish, colour or veneer”

Main image: Roundhouse Urbo bespoke kitchen in Farrow & Ball Pavilion Grey with island in horizontal grain rough sawn Oak. Worktops in brushed stainless steel with welded sink trough and on the hob & sink run, composite stone with a sharknose edge. (Photography Darren Chung)

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Kitchens

are the new living rooms

For many people, the kitchen is quite simply the heart of the home: a place for socialising, cooking, family meals, baking and hosting dinner parties.

F

rom time to time, it’s also the room which could make-or-break a property sale, so it’s vital that it’s full potential is maximised. These days sellers need to be particularly aware of the kitchen’s importance, as in some cases – especially at the higher end of the market – potential buyers will expect a newly designed kitchen. More often than not, though, buyers will at least want it to be fitted with some of the latest mod-cons before they move in.

It was revealed recently that an integrated wine cooler has been the most popular luxury kitchen item in the past 12 months, according to around half of the kitchen designers and property developers recently surveyed by Direct Line. It comes as no surprise that a wine cooler is the leading luxury item in a modern kitchen, with wine continuing to dominate the kitchen table. Wine coolers are now installed into high-end properties as standard, according to 50% of developers surveyed.

On average, people spend in excess of £30,000 on a new kitchen, and buying bespoke means you will be purchasing into the realms of the higher class. Whilst many people go to mass produced kitchen manufacturers for their kitchens, that may look tired after 2 years…your kitchen will remain absolutely perfect for many years to come. Having a room in your home that is totally individual to you is a way of expressing yourself and turning your

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house into your home.

Bespoke kitchen designers are experts, with years of knowledge of not only creating beautiful kitchens but also of the latest appliances, fixtures and fittings and innovations in finishes. And they really go the extra mile to understand your needs and ideas. Bespoke kitchens are built by skilled craftsmen and have a practically limitless choice of materials, colours, fittings and styles.

For pure luxury, buying bespoke is the best that money can buy.

“On average, people spend in excess of £30,000 on a new kitchen”

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Bespoke Kitchens Where life meets style

Quote ‘Life’ for exclusive discounts

W

ith over 10 years of experience in the industry, Amberth, an Islington based bespoke Interior Design Company specialise in kitchens, bathrooms and fitted Interiors. They are renowned for their craftsmanship, and attention to detail, creating custom made cabinetry and furniture to suit their clients’ needs and expectations.

Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home into a comfortable one of a kind space. With their own team of designers and fitters, projects are taken on board from initial concept right through to demolition and installation. Working with any size, they transform the style and functionality of Interiors. Their projects are managed by Amberth, ensuring the entire process is a stress-free experience for their clients.

Beginning with a free consultation at their studio, 3D visuals are designed according to the given brief and a total of 2-4 designs are proposed, complete with a quote. Amberth are flexible and happy to make changes to the design to ensure their clients

“Amberth help those wanting to transform a room or an entire home” 200 FEBRUARY 2018

are happy. Once the design is approved by the client, the process is followed with a detailed space assessment at the property giving the designers and project manager a visual sense of the space they are working with. A site survey is carried out where measurements and photographs are taken to be used during the design process moving forward.

Having exclusive access to a wide range of materials from around the world, the dedicated team of designers work closely with the project manager to produce high standard designs with top quality finishes. Each project is approached differently with a dynamic embrace of contemporary and traditional design, producing fantastic spaces that their clients love.

Being a family run business, Amberth pride themselves on building long lasting relationships with their clients and often receive a vast number of clients through recommendations. If you are in the area feel free to stop by for a quick chat, there is always someone on hand to help.

For more information about Amberth Studio visit www.amberth.co.uk. 311 Essex Road London N1 2BD; Telephone 020 7354 8958 or email: studio@amberth.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Chichester

Suffolk

Kitchens TO LAST A LIFETIME Limehouse

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he Neptune kitchen collection is made up of four signature designs: Chichester, Suffolk, Henley and Limehouse. All crafted from solid timber, all structured with traditional joinery, and all created with a careful balance between effortless function and beautiful form.

Henley

Chichester

THE REFINED HENLEY

THE CLASSIC CHICHESTER From £8,000 The epitome of traditional English style with cockbead moulding and a simple kind of perfection.

Every component within the Chichester kitchen is made to work together or as standalone pieces and every width is dissimilar to give it a bespoke look and feel. It’s the kitchen that one of Neptune’s founders has in his own home and has done for 25 years and counting.

Our favourite part? The ladder and sliding rail to reach the uppermost cabinets.

THE SHAKER-INSPIRED SUFFOLK From £9,000 Taking its cue from the disciplined Shaker movement, the Suffolk is pared-back to the essentials with very little embellishment; it all 202 FEBRUARY 2018

happens behind closed doors. Painted on the outside but left as exposed oak on the interior, it achieves a perfect balance.

Our favourite part? Its very clever larder cabinet.

THE DETAILS To keep up to date with Neptune and subscribe to their newsletter online at neptune.com. Your nearest neptune stores are in Chiswick, Fulham and Wimbledon, neptune.com/findastore. To keep up to date with Neptune and subscribe to their newsletter online at neptune.com

From £13,000 Crafted entirely from oak and showcasing some impressive curved cabinetry, this is Neptune’s most luxurious kitchen. From cornicing to skirting, its every inch is carefully sculpted from the highest quality timber and has instant country warmth.

Our favourite part? The cavernous double drawer unit.

THE CONTEMPORARY LIMEHOUSE From £12,000 This is the sleek one. Strong, sharp lines lend it a streamlined look and with over 30 processes that go into building a single door, it’s Neptune’s most technically advanced kitchen to date.

Our favourite part? All its hidden secrets (the pullout spice rack, the discreet wine rack, the stone prisms that act as drawer dividers).

Creo Cabinet Makers Ltd, 5 Longmead, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PL T. 01747 852137 • www.creocabinetmakers.com

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

Tomas Kitchen Living Something You’re Going To Love!

T

omas Kitchen Living are a fabulous British brand, specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of beautifully functional kitchens and furniture. The look is described as ‘Classic Modern’, the quality is superb and the prices are not unreasonable all things considered!

Founder and Head Designer Tomas Hinton opened the first London showroom in Hampstead Garden Suburb in the spring of 2016 after establishing showrooms in St Albans and Cambridge – where all this lovely stuff also gets made!

A kitchen project will usually begin with a visit to one of the three showrooms. This can be by appointment (if you want to meet Tomas) or you can simply drop in during normal opening hours (10-4.30 Tues to Saturday) for a look around. While you’re there, make sure you check out those solid oak drawers, ply carcasses and gorgeous earthy colours. This not only looks good – it IS GOOD! If you like what you see (you almost certainly will) and budgets are more or less in alignment a Design Meeting will be arranged. The kitchen projects vary

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in price according to size and specification, but a typical kitchen with appliances and tops usually comes in between £28-33k inc VAT. Tomas have also developed a really interesting furniture side… dining tables, lounge tables, side boards etc all complement the kitchens beautifully - and work equally well on their own. Furthermore, Tomas are dealers for many of the top Danish furniture and light brands such as Louis Poulsen and Carl Hansen & Son. The design details, the quality and the colours all combine to create something special, something different - something you’re going to LOVE! To find out more call in at one of the showrooms, phone 0800 023 6471 or visit the website at tomas-kitchen-living.co.uk

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

How to plan your kitchen lighting Essential for preparation and cooking, lighting can also be used to create mood and atmosphere at the flick of a switch.

O

ne of the first things you’ll need to consider when planning your new kitchen is the lighting, as electrics and fittings have to be installed at the start of the project, before plastering, decorating and the fitting. It’s an integral part of any scheme and this is your one chance to get it right.

The key to a successful scheme lies in layering the effects, so you should try to zone the lighting according to its use - working (task), dining and mood (ambient) and creating the wow factor (feature). It’s important to concentrate on all three and consider dimmable solutions for even more flexibility.

Installing ceiling lighting can pose some difficulties, but it is possible to illuminate a kitchen without using any ceiling lights. There is a wide range of spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and strips that can be placed either under or on top of kitchen units.

It also means you can be more creative, as it’s possible to conceal fixtures and fittings. Every kitchen, no matter how large or small, needs efficient task lighting. This is as much from a safety point of view as anything else. You’ll need direct lighting wherever any food preparation is taking place worktops, sinks and hobs to make sure chopping and cooking can be done safely and without shadows.

Undermounted options are perfect for this and be sure to look for recessed or semi-recessed options, as exposed light fittings will collect grease and dirt more easily. For the hob area, choose an extractor with four or more halogen lights and if the island is to be used for prep, highlight it with pendant lamps combined with recessed downlighters. These should always be controlled on a separate circuit, so make sure you talk to your electrician before any installation takes place.

The latest trend is for easy-to-use sensoroperated products. They’re extremely practical - when preparing food, there’s no need to wash your hands every time you need to flick the switch, simply wave your hand in front of the sensor.

Drawer and cabinet lighting can also be operated on sensors, instantly coming on when the door is opened. Not only do they look great, the lights make it much easier to find that elusive corkscrew or pizza cutter.

Open-plan kitchens with a dining area or those with a breakfast bar need a combination of adequate lighting for eating, with softer lighting for after-dinner conversation.

Dining tables and island units will benefit from a series of overhead pendant lamps (rise-and-fall

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“There is a wide range of spotlights, downlighters, uplighters and strips that can be placed either under or on top of kitchen units”

versions can be moved up or down when needed) while lamps and wall lights will create a warm glow that sets the mood.

Mood lighting can change the ambience of the kitchen from practical preparation zone to a chillout or entertaining space. Plinth lighting - especially strip lights - around an island unit or breakfast bar gives the illusion of floating furniture, which can create a magical feel at night and is great for wowing guests.

If you have a period property or interesting features, such as an exposed brick wall, that you’d like to highlight, consider accent lighting that can be used to focus on a particular area or design element in the room.

This is where you have the chance to set your kitchen apart. The LivingAmbiance by Philips is a range of coloured lighting that can be changed to suit your mood. ‘The kitchen is probably the most actively used room in the home,’ says Ashley Smith, consumer lighting marketing manager for Philips, ‘so lighting should be an integral part of its design. Good lighting improves the functionality, appearance and energy efficiency of your kitchen and also impacts on your wellbeing.

LivingAmbiance lets you access a whole host of colours and shades of white to create the mood you want - from cool to warm - whether entertaining friends or cooking for the family.’

Sensio’s LED RGB 30W remote control and receiver is another option, as the remote control enables you to create any mood at the touch of a button. Choose from a slow or rapid colour change with a memory function to activate the settings previously used. Other effects include colour changing back-lit glass splashbacks and light strips beneath the worktop on an island unit.

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

The heart of

THE HOME

On average, people spend from £8,000 to a massive £20,000 on a new kitchen. It is about creating a dream space…so depending on the price range, what can that buy you?

French country kitchen This look combines rustic country charm with a grand, chateau-like sophistication. Opt for units in an aged shade of parchment or dove grey featuring beautifully-turned, bevelled detailing. Team with natural stone or slate on the floor, black or cream enamel Aga, chunky wooden worktops and tiled splashbacks in earthy shades. This also works well with freestanding features, so choose an antiquestyle armoire for displaying tableware and an island unit with matching hood as a focal point. Hang copper pans on a black wrought iron pot hanger 208 FEBRUARY 2018

Shaker Style kitchen The clean lines and rustic feel of a shaker kitchen means they appeal to those who adore both contemporary design and a classic look and feel. The round knobs, pillow-fronted doors and beautiful woods are features that epitomise the classic shaker style kitchen. The floor plan in a shaker kitchen is open, with cabinets often lining the sides of the kitchen. An island in the middle can make an attractive and very useful addition and can be created for you in classic shaker styling. This dignified, elegant kitchen is never excessive but nevertheless stunning to look at and work in.

Retro Kitchen A retro kitchen is styled in a way that includes elements that imitate kitchen trends of the past. You might find psychedelic colours that hark back to the 1970s, or even appliances based on those found in American households of the 1950’s. Adding a touch of retro fun to your new kitchen can be a great way to give character to the space, and is sure to provide a few nostalgic talking points.

Contemporary Kitchens The sleek look that comes hand in hand with a contemporary kitchen will provide instant gratification. The practical use of space allows for more movement in the kitchen and provides easier access to storage areas and necessary equipment as you prepare those mouth-watering dishes. Also, contemporary colours provide a more open feeling which adds into the functional atmosphere of the space. That is, in essence, one of the great benefits of contemporary custom kitchen designs; the array of options available. No matter what your exact tastes and preferences, there is a contemporary kitchen design that will meet all your specific needs.

and accessorise the room with rustic oil bottles and richly coloured earthenware.

LAYOUT

“No matter what your exact tastes and preferences, there is a contemporary kitchen design that will meet all your specific needs”

Your kitchen should be designed for whatever you are likely to want to do in it. There are people who want to frame pictures, wash dogs, even do keep fit in their kitchens. If you’re remodelling from scratch and have a large space, think open plan and multipurpose – somewhere to eat, work, cook and relax.

Kitchen experts John Lewis of Hungerford advise thinking hard about your lifestyle. “The vivacious party animal” needs a U-shaped kitchen with island in the middle and open ended for social gathering, for example. “The Good Life fans” prefers a big L-shaped layout with a range-style cooker, large fridge and freezer and large farmhouse table. “The London weekday bolthole” needs galley-style layout with plenty of wall storage cabinets because most of the below surface cupboards are filled with appliances and gadgets. Meanwhile the “pony club set” loves a free-standing pantry offset to a wraparound kitchen with peninsula and, of course, an Aga.

LUXURY KITCHEN GUIDE

A fantastic

floor show T

LAMINATE

o put on a fantastic floor show, start by looking at the construction of your existing floor and make sure it’s suitable for the type of flooring you’ve got in mind. Heavy materials such as stone or terracotta tiles need a solid concrete base. If you’re laying a floor over wood, go for lighter materials such as lino, vinyl or wooden floorboards

VINYL FLOORING Comfortable and warm underfoot, vinyl is one of the most cost effective flooring options and comes in a range of colours and patterns. For a durable surface that won’t fade, choose a vinyl with the colour running through - those with surface patterns tend to develop a patchy look over time.

Your supplier can advise you on the correct grade for your kitchen and, if you have the budget, have it installed by a professional, as badly fitting vinyl will peel at the edges. To keep it looking pristine, sweep it regularly and clean with a non-abrasive cleaner.

STONE OR SLATE Consult an expert if you’re thinking of using stone or slate on a kitchen floor as its porous nature means it can stain easily. It’s also one of the most expensive floors you can buy, but it will add value to your home. To reduce the risk of staining, go for the less porous slate rather than marble or limestone and make sure you have it professionally sealed. Look at travertine too – a natural stone made in Italy from calcium carbonate. It has a pitted appearance, comes in many colours and stands up to most cleaning products, making it the durable choice. If you have kids and pets running around, natural stone may not be the best option for you.

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“Comfortable and warm underfoot, vinyl is one of the most cost effective flooring options and comes in a range of colours and patterns”

This is a great, cost-effective option that creates an authentic, real wood plank effect at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. These days, you’ll also find stone and ceramic tile effects too. Laminates are tough so they’re ideal for busy households with lots of traffic in the kitchen. To create the appearance of real wood floorboards, choose a laminate with bevelled edges that form a v shape between the planks when they’re butted up together. Even better, this flooring is designed to be clicked together so there’s no need for messy glue and you can even lay it yourself if you’re a competent DIYer.

HARDWOOD A real hardwood floor is expensive, but will add value to your home. Treat it with a Polyurethane finish to make it easier to maintain and clean. Wipe spills up quickly though, as any water sitting for a length of time on the floor will result in warping.

Unlike laminates, if your floor gets damaged, you don’t have to replace the boards – you can simply sand them down and treat them again.

CERAMIC TILES A popular choice for kitchens as they come in so many colours, textures and patterns allowing you to create your own unique look. You can even use a central colour and create a tiled border all around to frame the floor. Remember though, you need a solid concrete base for tiles as floorboards would shift underneath and cause cracks to form. Ceramic can be cold underfoot so consider installing underfloor heating. Choosing your kitchen flooring is as crucial as choosing the overall theme for your kitchen, so consult a specialist designer for further advice.