’The Garden Fairy’ At The Royal Windsor Flower Show
Before and after Cambridgeshire home
Brand new range of doors and new door configurator! Stunning farmhouse transformed throughout!
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Editorial Director
Magazine.
Improve is all about bringing you the latest products and design ideas to help create, extend and improve living spaces, within your home and garden.
Whether you are building from new, extending, or simply refreshing an existing room, you will find some great ideas within this edition. If like me, you love checking out other people’s homes and gardens there is plenty for you to see! We have a fantastic celebrity feature with Alan Titchmarsh CBE & Anya Lautenbach ‘The Garden Fairy’. Anya reveals how to stage a ‘theatrical show’ in our outdoor spaces throughout the seasons, offers her top tips for low-cost ‘wow’, and unearths the secret life of YOUR garden, along with the power of plants and gardening for grief.
We bring you a case study on a stunning farmhouse, located in the soughtafter Fenland market town of March, Cambridgeshire, which has been transformed thanks to the installation of new windows and doors, throughout the property.
Decking paint, stain or oil? We demystify what to use and give our readers the chance to win some fabulous V33 prizes!
Enjoy this edition and have a wonderful Summer!
Christina
Start your #myresidence journey today!
AUTHENTIC TIMBER ALTERNATIVE DOORS
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Contents
6 HERITAGE & PERIOD PROPERTIES
Read our fantastic Cambridgeshire home renovation article, using timber window & doors.
Try the brand new door configurator out from Residence Collection and see how the role of good design transforms another stunning property.
20 GARDENS, PATIOS & SHADING
Welcome to the future of lawn care! STIGA, a trusted name in innovative garden technology, has unveiled its latest groundbreaking products – the STIGA A4 and A8 autonomous robot mowers. Keeping with the theme of automation, why not consider automation for your home’s shading? The BBSA (British Blind and Shutter Association) explain the benefits.
30 CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT
The Royal Windsor Flower Show with Alan Titchmarsh CBE & Anya Lautenbach ‘The Garden Fairy’. National gardening hero Alan also chats with Angela Sara West about his latest accomplishments and his recent sustainable gardening work with the King and David Beckham, while Anya reveals how to stage a ‘theatrical show’ in our outdoor spaces throughout the seasons, offers her top tips for low-cost ‘wow’, and unearths the secret life of YOUR garden, along with the power of plants, gardening for grief, and how ADHD is her superpower!
38 INTERIORS
There’s a reason yellow has never quite gone out of style. From soft buttery tones to deep mustard shades, this versatile hue brings optimism, energy and warmth to any space. Whether it’s a painted wall, a statement chair or punchy accessories, yellow has the ability to elevate rather than overpower interior spaces. Keep scrolling for our experts’ take on this sunshine shade.
Modernising a 1957 Cambridgeshire home
Naomi’s renovation using Bereco Timber Windows & Doors
Naomi and her family purchased their Cambridgeshire home in January 2017, but it wasn’t until 2019, after meeting with Back to Front Exterior Design, that their renovation journey began.
Originally constructed in 1957, the two-storey home underwent a thorough modernisation over a 10 month period. The renovation, completed in four phases using Bereco timber windows and doors, included the addition of a third floor, a rear single storey extension, and a stunning bay window in the Lounge, all thoughtfully designed to create a more spacious and familyoriented living environment.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Location
Cambridge No. of Bereco windows & doors
33
Beading Style
Traditional Internal Ovolo
Mouldings and External Putty
Style Design
Naomi opted for Bereco Sliding Sash Spiral Balance and Flush Casements from our Traditional Range, featuring a decorative Ovolo detail internally and a putty-style design externally. Beautifully finished in RAL 7038 –Agate Grey, these windows provided a striking contrast against the white rendered walls. The addition of fully concealed balances in the Sliding Sash windows seamlessly combined traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.
BEFORE AFTER
Window Styles
Sliding Sash Spiral Balance, Flush Casements
Door Styles
Entrance Door, Lipped Stable
Door, Flush French Door
Colour
RAL 7038 - Agate Grey
Developer Back to Front Exterior Design
For a classic touch, Polished Nickel ironmongery was selected across all timber windows and doors. This included Barrington Bulb End Handles for the doors, with matching Bulb End Handles for the Flush Casement windows, and Fitch Fasteners, Hook Lifts and Push & Twist Vent Locks on the Sliding Sash windows.
Bereco’s bespoke approach allows our customers to customise many details of their timber windows and doors, from glass patterns to ironmongery finishes and bar thicknesses. For the bathroom window, Naomi chose a distinctive combination of clear glass on the top sash and obscure glass in a Frosted pattern to the bottom sash, providing level 5 privacy glazing.
The rear single storey extension, designed by Back to Front Exterior Design, includes symmetrical sliding sash windows with vertical glazing bars and a pair of French Doors flanked by Sliding Sash windows coupled directly to each side. The aligned glazing creates cohesive sight lines, with the French Doors also showcasing a raised & fielded panel below. Another standout feature is the Lounge bay window, featuring a triple Sliding Sash window with two large Sliding Sash returns on each side.
Naomi said: “Bereco were meticulous in every detail and their follow up service has been excellent!”
Expertly designed by Back to Front Exterior Design and managed by Naomi (Naomi Rayner Project Management), the project transformed a red brick house into a stunning white rendered three storey home! Naomi expressed her love for the Agate Grey finish and the traditional aesthetic of her windows and doors, highlighting the remarkable transformation.
Tel: 01709 838188
Email: info@bereco.co.uk www.bereco.co.uk
The Residence Collection launches new door configurator alongside door launch
The Residence Collection is proud to announce the launch of its innovative door designer, a feature which has been introduced alongside the brand new range of doors. Created with homeowners, installers and fabricators in mind, this intuitive tool makes it easier than ever for homeowners to design their dream door, personalise every detail ready for the fabricator and connect directly with a local installer. All so that they can create the entrance of their dreams.
The designer was launched at the FIT Show 2025 and allows homeowners to explore options using all The Residence Collection systems, R9, R7 and R2. Each collection
offers a distinct approach to design and colour. R2 delivers a sleek, contemporary look with fewer colour options and the same colour inside and out. R7 is the most versatile,
with the widest colour plate and exclusive interior finish options, whilst R9 brings traditional styling with heritage charm and carefully curated finishes.
With 11 colour options–introducing new colours Turner Oak and Pebble Grey to our firm favourites of Clotted Cream and Painswick–homeowners can fully express their unique style.
The new door collection features 15 crafted designs with PAS 24 testing and SBD compliance, all of which are named after a quaint British village, offering something for every architectural taste. The designer also offers full control over the finishing details. Homeowners can customise frame colour, choose between decorative or square beading and choose their glazing preference. Hardware selections include Pear Drop,
Monkey Tail and the new Knurled handle, with nine finishes available for Pear Drop and Monkey Tail and four for Knurled.
This innovation isn’t just a win for homeowners–it’s a game-changer for the wider supply chain. For installers, the designer acts as a direct lead generation tool, helping them connect with engaged, designready customers in their area. Once a homeowner completes their door design, they simply enter their
postcode and are matched with a local, approved installer, making the process seamless and efficient.
This also gives the installer a clearer specification of the homeowner’s requirements and helps reduce any miscommunication with the homeowner. It also serves as a powerful selling tool, helping the installer network close deals more easily with a visual, interactive customer journey.
The new door designer is now live, providing an engaging and efficient way to design, visualise, and order the perfect door. It’s designed to benefit everyone–from the homeowner seeking kerb appeal to the installer growing their business and the fabricator increasing efficiency.
The new door designer is now live!
Universal charm
From characterful period cottages to contemporary new-builds, high performance flush casement windows are the perfect choice to enhance your home, says Deceuninck.
Combining authentic, stylish looks with lower energy bills and higher security, Deceuninck’s flush casement windows are the perfect all-rounder when it comes to choosing windows that enhance and add value to your home.
Characterised by frames that sit flush with the face of the window to closely replicate traditional wooden styles, Deceuninck’s expertly made PVC-U Flush Sash window product forms part of its Heritage Window and Door Collection.
STYLISH
BEAUTY & ELEGANCE SEAMLESSLY BLEND
Ideal for period properties, and for those who want to add or restore character to their homes, the Flush Window also looks great in contemporary houses. With a wide range of stunning frame colours including English Oak, Agate Grey and Chartwell Green, textured options that closely replicate the look and feel of various woodgrains, or even powder-coated aluminium, are also available for added authenticity.
warping; just a high-functioning, great-looking window, for many years to come.
“Flush casement windows are a really great choice for any property because they blend seamlessly with the building’s aesthetic in a way that really adds class,” says Deceuninck’s General Manager, Darren Woodcock.
“With no unsightly lumps or bumps for a ‘clean’ look and a clearer view, our Flush Window will retain its original elegance and performance for decades, adding value to any home and making it a cost-effective and worthwhile investment.”
Permitted by many Conservation Area officers, thanks to its flush external contours that are in-keeping with many heritage properties, woodgrain finishes can be combined with traditional hardware options, such as monkey tail handles and Georgian bars, to convincingly replicate traditional timber windows, in line with Conservation Area guidelines.
TIMELESS STYLE
With security a high priority for the vast majority of homeowners, the Flush Sash Window meets the PAS24 British security standard and also carries the Secured by Design (SBD) badge of approval for added peace of mind. SBD is a national, police-endorsed UK crime prevention initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings, using Police Preferred Specification security products designed to deter and reduce crime.
Notable security features of the Flush Sash window include multipoint locking as standard; a bespoke locking keep with a useful night vent locking position; and a hinge protector device between the frame and the sash opener for enhanced resistance to forced entry.
Offering maximum comfort and reduced home heating bills, the Flush Sash Window is super energy-efficient when compared with similar aluminium or wood window products, boasting better insulation values. Wind and rain are also kept at bay with patented, high performance,
weatherseals, while sound-proof glazing options deter unwanted noise for the ultimate sanctuary.
With a Flush Door also available to compliment the windows, boasting equally exceptional performance, security and style, a cohesive look throughout the property is fully achievable.
“The subtle timeless style and beauty of flush windows and doors is truly versatile,” adds Darren. “From quaint cottages to contemporary new-builds, they can bring instant kerb-appeal and performance benefits to your property.
“Not only will your home look better, but it will be warmer, cheaper to heat and more secure too. In turn, if you decide to move on, high-performance flush windows will likely raise its value. So, whether you’re renovating a character property, building a contemporary home, or simply looking to upgrade your current windows, Deceuninck’s Flush Sash window is the perfect choice.”
The role of good design in this stunning transformation
This stunning farmhouse is located in the sought-after Fenland market town of March in Cambridgeshire. It has been transformed thanks to the installation of new windows and doors throughout the property. But the benefits of the products installed extend far beyond the purely aesthetic, providing high levels of energy efficiency and clever solutions to manage heat within the home.
FAST FACTS
• Property based in March, Cambridgeshire
• Sheerline products installed were 3 x Prestige Bi-folds, 1 x Gable End Window
• Colour was Agate Grey (RAL 7038) outside and Pure White (RAL 9010) inside in a matt finish
• Installer was Choice Windows based in Stamford
Sheerline’s sleek aluminium profile was selected because it is in keeping with the style of the local area. It offers a traditional look, but with the thoroughly modern benefits that aluminium is starting to be recognised for. This includes thermal efficiency, super slim sightlines, and exceptional security built-in as standard.
The installer selected to work on this project was the family-run company Choice Windows of Stamford, Lincolnshire. The team at Choice Windows believe in personalised customer service, offering a consultation-style approach. This ensures homeowners receive the right products for their needs, within their budget, and with their aesthetic goals in mind.
Image: Gemma Hill Photography
As part of their service, Choice Windows use an app that enables them to superimpose the windows and doors on the house when they take a picture, enabling homeowners to visualise what the property will actually look like. This is an especially useful feature when considering changing the colour or style of the window frames.
For this particular project, the homeowners opted for three of Sheerline’s Prestige Bi-folding doors, each featuring three panes of glass. These bifolds have been designed
to offer perfectly balance aesthetics, which is reflected in the position of the bi-folds to the ground floor and then directly above as part of the second-floor balcony.
In addition to Sheerline’s bi-folds, the homeowners chose a custom-made gable end window, which adds the ‘wow’ factor to the property while also creating a stunning feature.
The homeowners opted for an increasingly popular colour combination of Agate Grey (RAL 7038) on the outside and Pure White (RAL 9010) on the inside.
One of the key considerations in this project was the fact that the property is south-facing. The homeowners had previously had issues with the curtains and furniture being bleached by the abundance of sunlight that floods the home. While natural light in the property is undoubtedly welcome, it needed to be managed.
Image: Gemma Hill Photography
Image: Gemma Hill Photography
Choice Windows made two recommendations to enable the homeowners to design a home that would be functional without compromising on style. The first was to install solar control glass, and the second was to include integrated blinds, which would give the homeowners the option to control the amount of natural light in the home.
Sheerline’s proprietary Thermlock® technology is inbuilt into the entire product range, enabling homes to stay cooler during summer and warmer during winter. It features a multi-chambered thermal design far superior to traditional polyamide systems and was recently recognised when Garnalex received a King’s Award for Innovation 2025 for its Sheerline system.
The result of this project is a stunning farmhouse transformation with the ‘wow’ factor. The home is flooded with natural light, but unlike in the past, this can now be managed, preventing too much heat and glare. Sheerline’s products add an architecturally refined quality that’s in keeping with the style of the local area, offering a stylish yet practical solution.
Image: Gemma Hill Photography
Image: Gemma Hill Photography
Meet your new gardening assistant
Welcome to the future of lawn care! STIGA, a trusted name in innovative garden technology, has unveiled its latest groundbreaking products – the STIGA A4 and A8 autonomous robot mowers. These compact, high-tech devices are here to revolutionise the way we look after our lawns, making garden maintenance easier, smarter, and completely hassle-free.
DIY INSTALLATION MADE SIMPLE
Gone are the days of complicated setups and tangled boundary wires. The STIGA A4 and A8 arrive boxed and ready to use – no professional installation needed. You can get started right out of the box, with everything guided via the userfriendly STIGA.GO App. And if you do run into any questions, STIGA’s UK-based customer support centre and online help are just a tap away, ensuring a smooth start from the get-go.
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AT WORK
What really sets the A4 and A8 apart is their use of STIGA’s patented Active Guidance System (AGS). This smart system maps out your garden and anticipates GPS signal changes to deliver consistent, efficient mowing patterns. Unlike other robotic mowers that use random routes, STIGA’s intelligent navigation ensures even grass cutting, fewer passes, and less wear and tear on your lawn.
The result? A lush, healthy lawn –every time.
TAILORED TO YOUR GARDEN’S NEEDS
Every garden is unique, and STIGA has designed these mowers to suit different lawn sizes:
• STIGA A4: Ideal for smaller gardens up to 400m², offering up to 90 minutes of mowing per day.
• STIGA A8: Built for larger lawns up to 800m², with a generous 240 minutes of daily mowing time.
Both models operate with whisperquiet efficiency, making them perfect for peaceful neighbourhoods and quiet afternoons outdoors.
CONTROL EVERYTHING FROM YOUR PHONE
Want to adjust the cutting schedule, tweak the blade height, or monitor performance?
The STIGA.GO App puts total control in the palm of your hand. With real-time updates and easy customisation options, managing your lawn has never been more convenient – or more fun.
OH SO QUIET!
STIGA, is proud to announce that its autonomous robot mowers are the only ones on the market to receive Quiet Mark certification.
Quiet Mark, backed by the UK Noise Abatement Society, recognizes the quietest high-performance products. This certification highlights STIGA’s commitment to innovation and low-noise operation.
Combining advanced technology with eco-friendly design, STIGA’s robot mowers set the standard for quiet, highperformance lawn care – ideal for peaceful gardens and residential spaces.
Total control in the palm of your hand!
SAFE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Safety is a top priority with STIGA. The A4 and A8 come equipped with advanced obstacle detection and responsive pivoting blades, ensuring they navigate safely around children, pets, garden furniture, and even curious wildlife. You can rest easy knowing your lawn is being cared for in the safest possible way.
Online exclusive offers!
These state-of-the-art mowers are available online only:
• STIGA A4 – RRP £999.00
• STIGA A8 – RRP £1,399.00
Each model includes a generous warranty and up to three years of free connectivity when you register your product.
Upgrade your lawn care routine
Why spend your weekends pushing a noisy mower when you could be sipping a drink in the sun while STIGA handles everything? It’s time to embrace smarter lawn care.
Visit www.stiga.com/uk to learn more and make your purchase.
Because great lawns shouldn’t wait for you to get home!
Autonomous robot mowers
Wire-Free Navigation – No perimeter wires, just smart GPS precision
Quiet & Eco-Friendly – Low-noise, battery-powered, zero emissions
For Every Lawn – Models suited for all garden sizes
Mow Smarter. Live More
Automation for your home’s solar shading
Shading transforms how you can manage light, privacy and the climate of your home. Shading combined with automation brings all of those benefits and makes them more effective and convenient too. The British Blind & Shutter Association explores how.
For every style, size and shape of blind, automation can use discreet, low-energy motors to raise, lower or tilt your shading at the touch of a button.
Automation allows homeowners to schedule blind movements based on the time of day and sun movements using smart home systems such as smartphone apps or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
This means blinds can lower automatically during the day to reduce solar gain or open in the morning to let in natural light, enhancing comfort and reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control.
Image: Decora
Some systems can even be connected to smart thermostats or sensors to adjust based on the temperature or light levels in specific rooms.
For example, blinds can close when sunlight exceeds a certain brightness, preventing overheating and protecting furniture from UV damage.
Of course, automation can also allow you to operate your shading while you are away from home.
In colder months, blinds can remain open to allow passive solar heating, reducing heating costs.
Internal shutters can also be automated. As well as internal shading, external shading can play a crucial role in energy-efficient building design and can be automated too. External roller and venetian blinds provide control over sunlight before it even enters your home, preventing heat gain.
External systems, which also includes awnings and pergolas, can be programmed to respond to sun position, wind speed and other environmental factors.
For instance, an awning will retract automatically during high winds or extend as the sun moves across the sky, offering seamless protection without manual intervention.
Modern shading systems integrate with smart home platforms, allowing centralised control via apps and voice commands.
This integration not only boosts convenience but also contributes to sustainable living by reducing unnecessary energy consumption, such as through heating and cooling systems.
As smart technology advances, automated blinds and shading solutions are becoming more accessible, delivering performance and style for your home.
Image: Louvolite
Image: Caribbean Blinds
BRITISH-MADE BRILLIANCE:
Caribbean Blinds and Grillo unite to transform outdoor living
Caribbean Blinds, the UK’s leading manufacturer of luxury external shading systems, has announced a new partnership with Grillo Outdoor Kitchens to deliver fully integrated, design-led outdoor cooking and dining solutions for domestic and commercial settings alike.
This collaboration brings together two outstanding British manufacturers, each known for exceptional build quality and enduring style, to create cohesive alfresco entertaining environments that perform in all weathers. At the heart of the partnership is a purpose-developed, premium louvered roof pergola from Caribbean Blinds, designed specifically to complement Grillo’s signature black outdoor kitchens. Size-matched and colourcoordinated, the solution offers seamless integration, creating a visually striking yet highly functional outdoor entertaining space.
Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean Blinds, commented:
“We’re proud to partner with a likeminded British brand that shares our commitment to quality, durability and innovation. This collaboration allows customers to enjoy exceptional outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces, protected by our awardwinning pergolas and built to last through every season.”
With the outdoor living market continuing to grow, the partnership provides a streamlined, specification-ready solution for garden designers, landscapers, architects and glazing professionals looking to deliver high-end outdoor spaces without compromise. The modular design of both systems means they can be tailored to suit a wide range of footprints, with installation supported by expert guidance from both manufacturers.
Dougal Donald, Managing Director at Grillo, said:
“Caribbean Blinds have nailed it! At our request, they’ve developed a top quality, sturdy pergola that’s both colour and size matched for Grillo kitchens. A great solution for our clients.”
Professionals and homeowners can see the collaboration first-hand at the Caribbean Blinds Dream Gardens show site in Sudbury, Suffolk, where a full Grillo kitchen and CB louvered pergola setup will be unveiled from mid-June.
For more information, visit: https://grilloliving.com/grillo-pergolas/ https://www.cbsolarshading.co.uk/louvered-roofs/grillo-pergola
Homeowners full of beans as they soak up the sunshine
With Britain basking in a spell of sunshine and a Bank Holiday Weekend on the horizon, a surge of interest for outdoor bean bag garden furniture has been revealed as an unlikely new garden trend.
Manchester-based Big Bertha Original is seeing a sharp increase in demand for its stylish, weatherproof bean bags, which offer a comfortable and contemporary alternative to traditional garden furniture, at a fraction of the cost.
As homeowners embrace the great outdoors, Big Bertha Original’s outdoor range is proving the perfect fit ahead of the summer, combining practical durability with
bold, modern design. And unlike conventional outdoor furniture, it can be easily moved and stored away during Mother Nature’s more unpredictable moments.
Made from shower resistant, UV-resistant fabric, the bean bags are built to thrive in British gardens and are becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective alternative to wood, wicker and plastic alternatives.
Big Bertha Original Buyer Hannah Blakey said: “We’re noticing a spike in sales for our outdoor collection, which is not only a fashionable alternative, but a functional one too.
“Our Sun Loungers complement any outdoor space and they’re also deceptively practical. They’re showerproof, easy to wipe clean, lightweight and retail at prices that won’t break the bank. The feedback we’re receiving is that our products are a contemporary alternative to wooden benches or bulky rattan sets. And with so many styles and designs, they do look the part when the sun comes out.”
The Royal Windsor Flower Show with Alan Titchmarsh CBE & Anya Lautenbach
‘The Garden Fairy’
National gardening treasure Alan also chats with Angela Sara West about his latest accomplishments and his recent sustainable gardening work with the King and David Beckham, while Anya reveals how to stage a ‘theatrical show’ in our outdoor spaces throughout the seasons, offers her top tips for low-cost ‘wow’, and unearths the secret life of YOUR garden, along with the power of plants, gardening for grief, and how ADHD is her superpower!
Fresh from the Chelsea Flower Show, following hot-onthe-heels of his duties at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, the honorary president of The Royal Windsor Flower Show - national horticultural hero Alan Titchmarsh - is now busy getting garden ready ahead of opening his favourite flower show, this time sporting a shiny new CBE.
“I was totally surprised but hugely honoured at the same time,” Alan exclusively tells me when I ask the muchadored horticulturalist how it felt to recently receive his coveted CBE from the King.
“Having been an MBE for 25 years, I was fully prepared to have peaked early! To be made a CBE is something I don’t think I will ever get over. I am really very chuffed.”
This humble horticulturist - whom I interviewed about The Royal Windsor Flower Show for the cover of Improve last year, too - feels honoured to have been named in His Majesty’s New Year Honours list in recognition of his incredible 60-year career and services to horticulture and charity.
“I really am so lucky to be doing a job I love, which really isn’t a job at all! It’s a way of life that I have been blessed with.”
WORKING WITH THE KING & DAVID BECKHAM
Alongside Sarah Beeny, whom I interviewed about her top property improvement tips for the cover of the spring issue of Improve, Alan is also an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, which marks its milestone 35th anniversary this year. “It’s a superb organisation which aims to make a practical difference to the lives of those it touches,” the top TV horticultural tells me.
“His Majesty the King is such a great inspiration - a man who doesn’t just say 'something should be done'. He gets out there and does it. I am full of admiration,” declares Alan. “The King is passionate about working with nature rather than fighting it, and he has that in common with all responsible gardeners.”
“I’m especially pleased to be a part of an initiative to encourage the creation of horticultural apprenticeships, alongside someone who is a keen amateur gardenerDavid Beckham,” the philanthropic gardener discloses.
“He, like me, is determined to make a difference and to explain why gardening and horticulture is so important to us as a nation. If we can get more people to understand
its value and its importance, we will be helping to ensure that our land and our landscape is cherished for the benefit of future generations.”
REPLACING DAME MARY BERRY AT THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME
Alongside his recent foray into film on YouTube and TikTok, Alan has another hot-off-the-press career announcement. “I’m honoured to have just been asked to take over from Dame Mary Berry as president of the National Garden Scheme, which raises millions of pounds each year for nursing charities,” he reveals.
“It is, for me, the perfect combination: a chance to admire other folks’ glorious gardens and, at the same time, help a range of charities, from Hospice UK to Macmillan - all organisations which remind us of the importance of doing our bit for others.”
RESPONSIBLE GARDENING AT THE ROYAL WINDSOR FLOWER SHOW
Founded by Queen Victoria in 1892, The Royal Windsor Rose & Horticultural Society (RWRHS) is one of the oldest horticultural societies still active today and boasts a rich history of royal patronage, community involvement, plus a commitment to celebrating horticultural excellence while inspiring future generations in gardening.
The charitable organisation has had six Royal patrons and rumours are rife that the King will grace the prestigious Royal Windsor Flower Show with his presence this year on Saturday 7th June at The York Club in Windsor Great Park.
“I have been the honorary president for The Royal Windsor Flower Show for a few years now and I love it!” enthuses Alan as we chat ahead of this year’s much-loved flower event.
“It’s my all-time favourite flower show because of its modest size, its huge aspirations, its glorious atmosphere and the beautiful surroundings of Windsor Great Park. Everyone who takes part is so friendly and enthusiastic.”
“Responsible gardening is something that the exhibitors of the gardens at the Royal Windsor Flower Show often reflect, and I expect this year to be even more demonstrative of that important approach to gardening. We need to enjoy the present but always have an eye to the future and sustainability. It’s a frequently used word but a really important one.”
A GARDEN FAIRY AMBASSADOR
Alongside TV presenters Chris Bavin and Angellica Bell, social media sensation and bestselling author Anya Lautenbach is a new addition to the show’s ambassadors this year.
“Gardening, sustainability and the natural world are in my DNA,” Anya tells me. “It’s my life. I have a very deep connection with the natural world, plants and the Great Outdoors.”
As the world faces an eco and cost-of-living crisis, this ‘Money-Saving Gardener’ comes to the rescue with tips’n’tricks in spades to keep costs down without compromising on style, all while ensuring we don’t adversely impact our precious planet.
Growing plants and the positivity she gains from seeing her garden thrive has given this gardening guru strength throughout her life, particularly in times of life’s challenges.
Also an author with a passion for the environment and championing neurodiversity, she shares her knowledge in her bestselling books and on her buzzing social media platforms as ‘Anya The Garden Fairy’ @anya_thegarden_ fairy where Anya also advocates the mental health benefits of gardening.
CATCHING THE GARDENING BUG
As a self-taught horticulturalist with a passion for the environment and championing neurodiversity, this greenfingered growing queen is a longtime gardener. “I was taught self-sufficiency by my mum and shown how to collect seeds and propagate plants at the age of 12.”
Her lifetime of gardening began in Poland, surrounded by a family passionate about nature. “I probably spend more time outside than indoors. I’m in the garden every single day of the year, even when it’s cold and wet. My garden, and getting creative with nature, bring me so much joy and purpose. I’m a happier person because of it!”
This happy gardener’s horticultural heroes growing up were homegrown. “It was my mum, my grandparents and my mother-in-law. They have passed on to me so much knowledge, which I’m now passing on through my content on social media and my books. I think of them every day and feel SO grateful that they have taught me how to find joy in life’s simple pleasures. I have already passed it all on to the next generation - my two sons. Both my boys literally grew up in the garden, surrounded by nature and flowers.”
A ROYAL WINDSOR FLOWER SHOW AMBASSADOR
And now, alongside her huge social media profiles, Anya has a whole new platform on which to share her advice on all aspects of gardening in the form of a famous royal flower occasion.
Making her first foray into the high-profile flower-filled event, she’s a proud new ambassador for The Royal Windsor Flower Show (RWFS) this year, which returns for its 118th edition in June. “It’s a HUGE honour for me to be an ambassador for one of the oldest shows in the country!” she enthuses.
“I moved to the UK from Poland 18 years ago, and being included in such a wonderfully British event feels very special,” says the social media creator. “It just shows how anyone can give horticulture a go, no matter your background or story, and is such a lovely example of inclusivity. It’s one of the highlights of my career.”
From floral inspiration and fab food and drink to exciting live entertainment and activities a-go-go for the kids, Anya reveals there’s something for everyone at this quintessentially English event. “This fun one-day show brings people together to celebrate gardening, nature, cookery and traditional crafts, and I can’t wait to get involved!”
FLORAL INSPIRATION & CELEBRATION
What makes the show so special? “For me, it’s the people, their passion and the skills they are willing to share, along with all the flowers and positive ambiance. Amazing things happen when people get together to celebrate flowers. It’s so great to inspire and be inspired!”
She says a flower show is a “floral celebration”, bringing so much inspiration to so many people. “I always think that I have seen it all and that I know most plants, but every time I go to a flower show I realise how much more there is to learn and absorb. It’s what makes my world so interesting. The show gardens, the growers, the nurseries, and so many other people whose passion shines through their products and services.”
NOSTALGIC CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY FOR ALL
Set in Windsor Great Park, The York Club provides a prestigious, picturesque location with sweeping grounds and ancient oaks.
This fabulous one-day event celebrating gardening, nature, cookery, traditional crafts, community and good old-fashioned fun brings together not only the UK’s most revered horticultural experts and stunning gardens and displays, but also communities and garden enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
PATTERNS IN NATURE: INSPIRED BY THE KING’S BOOK 'HARMONY'
Celebrating the mathematical beauty of the natural world through innovative garden design and artisan craftsmanship, this year's show is themed ‘Patterns in
Nature’ - inspired by his Majesty King Charles III's book 'Harmony'.
At the heart of the show is the central garden, designed by award-winning designer Alan Williams from Landform. Central to Alan’s design lies the Fibonacci spiral - nature's own mathematical sequence that appears throughout the natural world, from the arrangement of seeds in a sunflower to the spiral of a nautilus shell.
“I can’t WAIT to see the wonderful Feature Garden designed by the very talented Alan Williams!” Anya exclaims. “People can learn so much from visiting a flower show. All the plant combinations in the show garden will be hugely inspiring.”
Alongside this extraordinary celebration of nature's inherent mathematical beauty, artisans will form the beating heart of this year's garden and showground, with skilled craftspeople demonstrating their talents throughout. From willow art and block printing to glass sculptures and working with oak.
TRADITION X INNOVATION
Under the leadership of Show Director Alex Denman (a former Chelsea Flower Show manager) the event promises a meticulously curated experience honouring both tradition and innovation.
"This year's theme explores the fascinating intersection between mathematics and natural beauty," Alex explains. "Visitors will experience firsthand how the Fibonacci sequence creates harmony and balance in garden design, just as it does throughout the natural world."
“The planting scheme reflects both geometric precision and rewilded spontaneity, with native wildflowersincluding black-eyed Susans, foxgloves and lavender - arranged in spiralling clusters. A dedicated section of the garden remains deliberately untamed, creating a sanctuary for local wildlife and pollinators.”
Visitors can meet plant growers sharing their expertise, admire intricate glass sculptures echoing natural spirals and fractals, and witness the oak framer apprentice at work on the garden's central structure. “Handcrafted elements throughout the garden honour traditional craftsmanship, including spiral-patterned glass sculptures, wood carvings and block printing demonstrations, all celebrating patterns found in nature.”
FLORAL ARTISTRY
Alex reveals floral artistry has exploded at the show in 2025. “We have Micklems coming, who grow sustainable,
local cut flowers. They will be creating bouquets for people on-site, and we also have the wonderful Stone Lane Flower Company, another flower farmer specialising in dried flowers.”
There will be demonstrations from ‘The Party Florist’ Yan Skates and Mariusz Ćwik – both top-flight florists who work with sustainability and the environment in mind.
While the NAFAS regional show is a whole marquee full of entries from the region's best amateur flower arrangers.”
“People who arrange flowers have been learning this skill for years and often learned from their parents, grandparents and other people,” Anya explains. “A floral show often makes me think and appreciate the legacy of the previous generations. How lovely that all the skills can be passed on to new generations.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the entries for the competitions, especially the posy competition,” adds Anya. “There is so much passion, effort and love in their creations, and that’s so inspiring for me!”
A PROUD COMMUNITY TRADITION WITH ROYAL ROOTS
Organised by the RWRHS, this blooming brilliant flower show is supported by Ascot Racecourse, Audley Villages and Berkshire Mummies, among others, and continues its tradition of nurturing horticultural passion and creativity within the community through the Society's charitable initiatives engaging schools, inspiring the next generation of gardeners and craftspeople.
Bursting with family-friendly activities, kids will be spoilt for choice at this year’s RWFS show, with gardening activities with Little Muddy Boots, crafts with the Busy Buttons charity, along with a Wellbeing Tipi.
GROWING A GLOBAL COMMUNITY THROUGH GARDENING & GRIEF
Advocating the mental health benefits of gardening, Anya believes getting your bare hands into soil is something everyone should experience. Taking cuttings, and the positivity she gains from seeing their first roots grow, has given her strength throughout her life, particularly in times of family grief.
“When you meet a true tragedy in life, you can easily question your own existence and can even lose purpose. This happened to me when I witnessed my sister lose both her young sons to a very rare genetic condition. After both her sons passed away, I was broken.”
“I created my garden during this time of deep grief,” she divulges. “While my own children, the same age as their cousins, thrived, I watched my sister suffer, her sons fading away, leaving me feeling helpless and heartbroken. I lost purpose, and to cope, immersed myself in propagating plants.”
Gardening has given this famous horticulturalist strength and new purpose, helping hugely with her grief and healing. “After realising how much creating a garden by propagating plants and growing them from seeds has helped me through grief, in 2019 I decided to share my story on social media, and now also through my books.”
“Each root symbolised new life and control when everything else felt out of my hands… After losing my nephews, I lost my sense of purpose and took a break from the world. But in 2019, I returned with a mission: to share my story and my love for propagation, hoping to help others process their grief.”
“I started my Instagram account, where I taught propagation and shared how I turned my pain into lavender hedges, herbaceous borders, and wildflower meadows. The response was overwhelming. What began with family and neighbours quickly grew into a global community, where I connected with people who, like me, were dealing with loss.”
My garden started with pain, but it’s now a symbol of hope and resilience, proving that no matter where you are in life you can always create something meaningful that heals the heart and brings a sense of purpose.”
Author Anya's insightful first book became a Sunday Times Bestseller. She also uses her huge platform to raise awareness about the positive influence horticulture can have on mental health and proves that gardening does not need to be expensive - anyone can transform their garden into an amazing healing and happy space!
DREAM PROJECTS & COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
Her dreamiest project to date? “I created a show garden for the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival which was inspired by my own garden and my books. It was a fantastic experience.”
The highlight of her horticultural career? “The community on my social media. We tend to look for the big things, but for me the big things are happening every day. Some of the messages I receive on social media are the highlights. Words that people send truly move and touch me on such a deep level.”
GREAT GARDENS GALORE
A few of her favourite ‘must-visit’ gardens? “The RHS gardens are just amazing. I’m also a National Trust member and often visit my local gardens. Cliveden and Greys Court are on my doorstep, as well as my absolute favourite, The Waterperry Gardens, which my mother-inlaw introduced me to. It was her favourite place, and I think of her when I’m there...”
AT HOME WITH ANYA – A WILDLIFE HAVEN
As for her own personal green space, the influencer says it’s a relaxed, mainly informal country garden. “My garden is a reflection of me and us as a family,” she reveals. “It’s the most wildlife-friendly place with one of the rarest butterflies - The Purple Emperor - visiting us in the summer. I have large herbaceous borders, a vegetable plot and an orchard with some wildflower meadows. I also leave part of the garden permanently untouched and only cut the grass once a year to give back to nature.”
Anya is also potty for pots! “I love growing plants in pots. Part of our house is over 300 years-old and I love its beautiful imperfection. I like to see the same in the garden, which is an extension of our house. We have a dog, a Golden retriever called Monty, who loves being in the garden with us, making it even more enjoyable.”
GLOBAL WARMING – GARDEN CHANGES
With the importance of sustainable practices to help protect our planet, what are the main effects of climate change and global warming on gardening? “Our summers are getting drier and our winters wetter, making our gardening more challenging. It’s always good to go for resilient plants, the drought-tolerant ones that will survive the winter. I understand the devastating effects of climate change, but I still like to believe that it’s not too late to save our precious planet.”
The money-saving gardener says her favourite hardworking plants and shrubs to grow are not only beautiful but give the best long-term value for money, while also supporting wildlife and the planet.
And Alan Titchmarsh adds, “We are certainly noticing that we are able to grow a wider range of plants than ever before thanks to rising temperatures. Some plants from traditionally cool temperate areas are now finding conditions in the UK not totally to their liking. Birch trees, for instancewhich always grow best in Scandinavia and Scotland - are more challenging to grow in the south of England with increasingly warmer and often drier conditions.”
“We can moan about this, or we can start experimenting with plants that will enjoy and thrive in our changing climate - plants from the Caucasus and some from the Mediterranean. It is really important not to get stuck in the ‘if it’s not a British native it should not be in our gardens’ frame of mind,” he warns.
“Wildlife, and insects in particular, are not remotely concerned about the country of origin of the plant that provides them with shelter, pollen and nectar. They are just grateful for the sustenance. We need to grow as wide a range of plants as we can from all over the world to future-proof our gardens. Many plants that we think of as British natives were actually brought here by the Romans.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that our native flora has always been static!”
CONSCIOUS MONEY-SAVING GARDENING
“I can’t imagine doing things in a selfish way and harming the planet, says green-fingered gardening guru Anya. “I leave part of my garden permanently unmown, but to make this area more attractive I have planted lots of spring flower bulbs which bloom between spring and early summer and are followed by wildflowers. This area looks stunning, adding texture and movement.”
“Each of us should take responsibility,” she explains. “It’s our duty to protect what has been passed on to us and preserve it for the future generations. It’s not difficult to make a difference. We can still have lovely outdoor spaces and gardens and share them with our equally important wildlife. I was brought up believing that all animals and even the smallest insects have the same right to be here on this planet as I have.”
A BEE-AUTIFUL BUZZING GARDEN BY DAY AND NIGHT
This vibrant horticulturist’s husband is a beekeeper. “We have eight beehives and, as beekeepers, we understand the importance of pollinators. It’s not only honeybees, but all the other insects need help, too. People often forget about moths because they don’t see them during the day, but at night, take a torch outside and you will discover the most magical world!”
She says you’ll be surprised at the secret life of your garden after sundown. “There are some incredibly beautiful moths in our gardens. It’s important to also plant for them.”
This eco-minded flower fairy uses natural materials wherever she can in her garden projects. “Living in harmony with nature feels good, and I always try to use natural materials in the garden instead of plastic. I always create supports from pruned branches for both my plants in pots and those in the garden. As they grow, the plants are happily ‘hugged’ by the natural branches.”
“And not many people know that many plant seeds can be simply scattered around the garden and Mother Nature will do the rest for us!”
GARDENING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE - FUTURE THINKING
This social media sensation says there are so many paths leading to sustainability. “I hope more people will discover them. It’s all about having fun now but also thinking about tomorrow and preserving the past for our children, for future generations.”
“Our whole garden is here just for the insects. If something is being eaten, I usually propagate more to
provide more food for our caterpillars. It gives me great pleasure to know that not only WE love this garden, but all the insects love it, too, and they get fed. In return, many of them, including ground beetles, feed on slugs, making my gardening journey a more enjoyable experience and saving me money otherwise spent of ‘so-called’ pest control. Gardening in harmony with nature is the only way of gardening for me.”
GO WILD - MAKE YOUR GREEN SPACE SING!
Boost your plants with Anya’s easy-to-follow seed-saving and propagation tips to encourage butterflies, bees and other wildlife into your outdoor spaces and your garden will positively sing!
“It’s very important to understand that the more we intervene, the tidier the outdoor space is, the more our previous natural world can be at risk,” she warns.
“This does not mean we have to have messy gardens, but to attract wildlife we need to sometimes let things be. This can be as simple as leaving a patch of your grass unmown during the summer or letting some areas of your garden get a little bit wilder.”
REUSE, RECYCLE, REPURPOSE & PROPAGATE PLANTS FOR THE PLANET
The eco gardener’s top tips for creating stunning outdoors spaces as sustainably as possible? “I reuse, recycle and repurpose whatever I can. Nothing gets wasted in my garden. I turn stinging nettles into plant feed, use grass cuttings as mulch, and all the branches we prune as my plant supports. I buy pots and other equipment preowned if I can and often propagate plants.”
What easy swaps should we all be making with gardening? “Saving water by installing water butts is very important. Using what is available instead of always buying more. But don’t get me wrong, most of my spare money is spent in garden centres. I think it’s important to support the industry, but to also make some changes by becoming more sustainable.”
“Reusing, recycling and repurposing is such a win-win on so many levels. Using what is already available rather than buying more not only saves you money but also saves the planet.”
HEART-HEALING LAVENDER
Flower fairy Anya’s favourite summer flowers to grow? “For me, it always will be lavender. I have created my garden by growing plants from cuttings and seeds, and lavender was the first plant I propagated and planted here in the UK,” she explains.
“I did this during a very challenging time in my life when, as a young mum I faced such sad events. Life was
tough and lonely, but my lavender hedge helped heal my broken heart. The healing power of plants is amazing. My lavender hedge gave me focus and became a very healthy distraction in a sea of sadness. I’ll be forever grateful.”
THE POWER OF PLANTSPROPAGATING PURPOSE
“Roots on my lavender cuttings gave me a reason to get up, to go outside and see the progress. I realised how even looking at roots on cuttings was giving me waves of positivity. It was incredibly powerful,” she says.
“As my lavender cuttings turned into new plants and gradually created the most beautiful, scented lavender hedge, my heart started healing. I’d found purpose. By writing about it, sharing educational content on social media, listening to other people talking about their grief and sharing my own, my life started transforming…”
ADHD – A SUPERPOWER!
A champion of neurodiversity and inclusivity, Anya says her ADHD is her ‘superpower’. How does it manifest in her gardening? “As a neurodivergent person, my senses are very sharp, making me hear, see and feel things more intensely. This can be lovely but exhausting…”
She says her son was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD a few years ago. “Shortly after, I realised I also have ADHD. I am on a mission to show both sides of neurodiversity and how being with nature can make people feel happier and lead more fulfilled lives.”
“Growing something means progress, ticking boxes, feeling in control and being a ‘part’. Nature does not judge us, it includes us, and that’s so important for people who feel like they don’t fit in. Being in the garden or surrounded by nature is gentler. The sounds are never irritating, the colours and patterns are stunning, and the regularity of things like seasons make me feel content and calm. Focusing on simple tasks like making a plant support, sowing seeds or propagating plants is very relaxing.”
GET YOUR GARDEN RADARS READY…
At almost halfway through the year, what should we be planting in our gardens right now? “There are many seeds to sow for some floral displays later in the year and for next spring,” says the sustainable gardening influencer.
“Biennial plants produce foliage in the first year and flowers the following. One of the most popular are foxgloves. They are expensive if you buy them in bloom, but if you sow their seeds now, for just a few pounds you can fill your garden with fabulous foxgloves!”
She says there are many plants that can be propagated right now. “You can take cuttings of hydrangea, lavender and shrubs to create most plants for free.”
TOP TRENDS
What trends has she been seeing coming through? “I love the wildflower meadows on a small scale in small gardens. We often imagine a large field when we think of a meadow, but a meadow can also be just a square metre. I’m seeing this in public spaces and also in people’s gardens. A small area left for wildlife and used for planting spring-flowering bulbs and wildflowers. It’s such a costeffective and environmentally friendly way of adding interest. A win-win on every level!”
GET SET FOR SUMMER SOCIALS - PERFECT PATIOS!
The Sunday Times Bestseller’s top tips for getting garden ready for this summer season? “Grow perennial plants instead of time-consuming annuals. Perennial plants stay in our gardens for years, saving us time and money. I love ornamental grasses in pots. Stipa lessingiana is one of my favourites, along with Ponytail grass (Stipa tenuissima) which looks fantastic in pots and in the garden.”
As for the perfect patio, she says, “Buy a few plants and grow them in pots. Grasses add such positive vibes to a patio or seating area and can look magical in the evening sun on a sunny summer evening!”
THEATRICAL GARDENS –CREATE AN ALL-YEAR-ROUND SHOW
Anya has advice aplenty for great summer garden design. “When I design a garden, I like to think of it as a theatre script. A garden for me is a 365-day show. It’s important to me that the show goes on throughout the year and that every single day brings me something to look at, something to make me want to go outside. A garden that only looks good for a few weeks during the summer is not good enough for me!”
“Consider every season and create interest by growing plants that will keep on performing and adding interest. This can be achieved by mixing different type of plants, adding elements such as pots, furniture or a water feature. If we fill our gardens with plants that only perform
for a very short time and only look good during the summer, they will be very unattractive and boring.”
How can we create the ‘wow’ factor? “This can be done in so many ways and in every garden, no matter how small your space,” she says. “If you have a large garden, planting en masse is always a win. One hundred lavender plants planted in the right place as a hedge can look fabulous, but equally one single lavender plant planted in a lovely pot and placed on your patio can look breathtaking. One of my favourite varieties to add the wow factor is the lavender called ‘Phenomenal’. It’s probably the largest lavender I know and WOW!! It’s just amazing!”
A COST-CUTTING GARDEN FAIRY
Sharing her knowledge on social media as Anya the Garden Fairy, the creative content creator proves that gardening doesn’t need to be expensive and that anyone can transform their garden.
The ultimate expert on cutting costs when it comes to green spaces, how can we create beautiful outdoor spaces without breaking the bank? “Some of my top tips include dividing plants and less hard landscaping, instead mowing paths in the grass, and sowing seeds directly rather than buying expensive plants. Most perennials can be easily multiplied by division, so if something does well and looks good, make more by splitting your plants.”
How has her latest title, ’The Money-Saving Garden Year’ been received? “The response was amazing! It’s a monthby-month guide teaching people step-by-step how to create a garden of our dreams for less. People find it very straightforward and useful. Every day, I receive messages from people all around the world saying how much my book has inspired them and how much they have learned from it. This is incredibly motivating for me. I feel very grateful that through my book I get to stay connected with so many people.”
HAPPY GARDENING HACKS
This happy horticulturist’s top gardening hacks? “Look at your own garden as a garden centre. Split plants, propagate, and grow from seeds.” And her advice for autumn/winter gardening? “I let all the dry stems die back naturally and only clear my borders in spring, because wildlife find shelter in hollow stems and under the leaves. I still do the edging between the lawn and my borders, which makes it look quite neat, but at the same time all the insects have a chance to hibernate and survive.”
Finally, what’s next for the Money-Saving Garden Fairy? “I would like to be involved in charitable work that feels natural to me,” Anya uncovers. “This will most likely be something related to neurodiversity, mental health and protection of our precious planet. I would like to write more books and inspire more people and leave behind something meaningful for the next generation.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2025 ROYAL WINDSOR FLOWER SHOW:
• A timeless celebration of horticulture, creativity and community, the revered RWFS continues to blend tradition with contemporary creativity, with an additional focus on amazing artisans and apprenticeships this year.
• Themed ‘Patterns in Nature’ and inspired by His Majesty King Charles III’s book ‘Harmony’, the exciting 118th event promises a spectacular celebration of floral artistry, inspiring show gardens and engaging activities for all ages, plus so much more!
• Show Gardens: Expertly crafted gardens interpreting the beauty and complexity of patterns in nature, with the Main Show Garden designed by Alan Williams.
• Competition Marquee: A quintessentially British display of local talent competing in various categories, from Victoria sponge cakes to tomatoes.
• Great British Nurseries: 15 top plant nurseries showcasing and selling an array of plants.
• Talks Theatre: Featuring inspiring speakers, including Alan Titchmarsh.
• Family Activities: Circus skills workshops, Little Muddy Boots gardening activities & crafting sessions.
• Charity Master Gardeners: Displays from top head gardeners across the country celebrating the “Patterns in Nature” theme.
• Afternoon Tea at Coworth Park Hotel (The Royal Warrant Holders).
• Wine Tasting with Laithwaites.
• Lawn Games including the Croquet Lawn.
• The Flower Arrangers Tent.
• Demonstration Tent & Workshops.
• Shopping at Artisan Stalls.
• And Fab Food & Drink!
The Royal Windsor Flower Show takes place from 10am-6pm on Saturday 7th June 2025
For tickets, visit: https://rwrhs.com
AND WIN VIP hospitality tickets to the Polo in Windsor at the Winkfield Polo Club, along with superyacht charters in Mallorca, celebrity signed merch or another top prize, in our silent auction in aid of the Marsden cancer charity: Visit: www.jumblebee.co.uk/surreyfashionweekxsurreyawardscharityauction2025
Or secure non-hospitality tickets to join us at the Polo Cup Finals for just £30: www.tickettailor.com/events/celebrasianreasiacuppolo/1696085
Rotpunkt launch Loft Dark Oak on Half Grid 84.5 unit
Rotpunkt, award-winning designer and leading manufacturer of climate friendly German Kitchen furniture introduce Loft Dark Oak alongside its new Half Grid 84.5 kitchen unit with 845mm height.
Designed for comfort, the new Half Grid 84.5 unit adds to the company’s already extensive range of furniture sizes, which includes a large variety of standard cabinet widths, and special extra deep units, extra wide 750mm units, exclusive XTend collection that features H2470mm full height one-piece doors and H910mm cabinets.
Helping to subtly increase the elevation of the kitchen unit by an extra 65mm, the taller Half Grid 84.5 unit provides a more comfortable working height for taller than average users. In addition, storage capacity is also increased when using the new 845mm high unit by Rotpunkt, gaining up to 8% more cupboard space when compared to standard height base units.
Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says: “We’ve combined a broad mix of extra tall Xtend 2340mm units, Half Grid 84.5 base units and central island unit, and even a complementary extractor hood disguised in matching Loft Dark Oak to present a sophisticated handleless kitchen.”
NEW LOFT DARK OAK BY ROTPUNKT IS AVAILABLE NOW, AND THIS KITCHEN FEATURES THE FOLLOWING INNOVATIONS:
LOFT DARK OAK
Available in the company’s popular Zerox SY VER furniture, Loft Dark Oak presents a rich, deep brown wood colour with fine woodgrain surface. FSC® Certified to provide a greener alternative for the UK homeowner, new Loft Dark Oak is part of the Loft Oak door range, and joins Loft Nordic Oak as 1 of 2 brand-new oak effects by Rotpunkt in 2025.
BROWN STEEL
Loft Dark Oak is paired with Zerox KQ furniture in Brown Steel, a metallic colour option in burnished brown steel with rough surface texture. Shown on the two-one Half Grid 84.5 island unit, Brown Steel by Rotpunkt brings a natural durability, which is ultra-modern and environmentally safe.
RECESSED HANDLE
Featured on the company’s Textured Grey Stone concrete effect décor, the XGE Handle by Rotpunkt opens cabinet doors and drawers in a completely different way! Using a recessed handle that is accessed from below, homeowners can create hidden storage, which is highly contemporary. You even have the option to blend or contrast surfaces like the stone effect recessed handle with matching fronts, side panels and worktop.
SMART LIGHTING
Illuminate the kitchen inside and out with Rotpunkt vertical LED lighting, which is smart enabled and fully integrated as standard. Users can control the intensity and colour of the lighting remotely or using a digital assistant like Alexa or Siri, with all LED lighting fully customisable like the pictured illuminated baseboards and cabinet interiors in new Loft Dark Oak.
HALF GRID 84.5 UNIT
Creating more planning options for people at different heights, Rotpunkt introduce a new cabinet height in 2025 with the launch of Half Grid 84.5. Designed to improve ergonomics by focusing on user comfort and ease of use, the Half Grid 84.5 unit measures 845mm high so end users can select the most appropriate height for their needs and stature.
CLIMATE FRIENDLY
Creating climate friendly kitchen living interiors, 80% of all Rotpunkt furniture is made of Greenline BioBoard Gen2, which is made of up to 90% recycled wood, plus all wood elements are FSC® Certified to support the company’s ongoing pledge for sustainable design.
COFFEE MACHINE UNIT
Save space and keep your worktops free from clutter with a hidden coffee station, complete with innovative pullout coffee tray and integrated power supply. Able to provide optimum convenience in an open-plan kitchen, the new Coffee Machine Unit by Rotpunkt is designed to hide away small appliances like a coffee machine and toaster to create a dedicated breakfast cupboard that can disappear when not in use for a truly a modern and sophisticated look.
Rotpunkt‘s new Zerox SY VER Loft Dark Oak with Zerox KQ Brown Steel & Textured Grey Stone is priced from £17,500+vat. For more information, please contact Rotpunkt UK: email info@rotpunktuk.com or visit www.rotpunkt.co.uk .
GOLDEN HOUR
Embracing yellow in your
interiors
There’s a reason yellow has never quite gone out of style. From soft buttery tones to deep mustard shades, this versatile hue brings optimism, energy and warmth to any space. Whether it’s a painted wall, a statement chair or punchy accessories, yellow has the ability to elevate rather than overpower interior spaces. Keep scrolling for our experts’ take on this sunshine shade.
PALE AND MELLOW YELLOWS
Not all yellows are bold and bright. Calm and comforting, buttery tones and muted ochres are quietly gaining momentum, bringing a soft warmth to walls, textiles and furniture.
YELLOW AS A SUBTLE ACCENT
Used sparingly, yellow can be the perfect finishing touch. From yellow-toned cushions to a hint in artwork of accessories, even the smallest hint of this sunshine shade can lift an entire space.
“Yellow is known to stimulate the left side of the brain which helps with clear thinking and decision making so it’s a hue to certainly consider in your home office environment, too. An option would be to use it as an accent colour on woodwork, within a window reveal or zoning a corner of that room in yellow.”
Emma Bestley , Creative Director and Co-Founder at YesColours
Uppingham Armchair in Warm Yellow
£1,199, Bridgman
No. 1 Pendant in Oak
£745 Tom Raffield
The Rustic Plank in Daisy Chain from £49 per m2, Knot & Grain
Aga Rayburn Stratus Extra Tall 100 Electric Fireplace Suite
£2,755, Direct Fireplaces
stylish design with family-focused functionality
CuddleCo, the brand renowned for blending stylish design with familyfocused functionality, is set to expand its nursery furniture collection this summer. Introducing the Remi 3 Piece Nursery Furniture Set, including a cot bed, dresser changer, and wardrobe; the perfect option for modern families looking to bring a gentle, yet modern charm to any home.
The Remi Cot Bed blends clean lines with calming neutrals and warm wood tones. Its minimalist style and modern yet timeless appeal makes it a beautiful choice for a contemporary nursery, supporting from 0-5 years. With 3 mattress base positions it can be easily adjusted to a day bed, once little ones grow out of their cot bed.
A practical and stylish nursery essential, the Remi nursery dresser is designed to grow with little ones. The three spacious soft-close drawers are perfect for storing nappies, wipes, clothing and other baby essentials. Whereas the thoughtfully designed removable changing top is an essential in the early years, before it transforms into a timeless set of drawers, making it a long-lasting piece of furniture that can be used well beyond the baby years.
The Remi Wardrobe completes the range. A spacious and functional storage solution for baby’s bedroom, this double wardrobe features two removable hanging rails, internal shelf and large bottom draw. With two serene shades to choose from, it comes in a statement muted Green and a stunning Cashmere, both offering a minimalist yet stylish aesthetic.
RRP: From £449.00 - £1,350.00 | Stockist: John Lewis and www.cuddleco.co.uk
DECKING PAINT, STAIN OR OIL?
V33 DEMYSTIFIES WHAT TO USE
Anyone with timber decking would agree that it’s a good idea to care for it to ensure that it’s not only looking its best but is protected from the elements. However, knowing your oil from your cleaning product or your stain from your paint might feel a little daunting. V33, whose range of decking products is sold through B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon, is on a mission to simplify what to use when.
Richard Bradley, V33’s UK Head of Marketing says: “I think that people may well be a bit baffled about whether to choose decking oil, stain or paint. So, here’s what I hope is a helpful explanation. Firstly, here’s the difference between decking stain and paint: decking stain is essentially a coloured finish which allows the natural grain of wood to show through it, whereas decking paint, being opaque, covers imperfections. Decking oil, on the other hand is the right choice if you want to enhance the natural beauty of the timber instead of masking it with colour.
“Aside from aesthetic considerations, if you choose wisely, the right product will give you performance benefits too. For example, seek out a decking oil that not only resists rainy weather but also has enhanced UV filters to protect the timber from sunlight damage. Look for a decking stain that is hard-wearing, and provides long-lasting weather protection. These days, it’s possible to find one with plant-based resins. The decking paint you choose should also provide excellent weather protection, should not flake or peel and should be washable. For both decking paint and stain, it’s also worth checking for anti-slip properties too.”
V33 High Performance Decking Stain, V33 Colour Guard Decking Paint, V33 UV-Resistant Decking Oil and V33 High Performance Decking Oil fulfil all these requirements. Before using any of them, the decking should be carefully prepared for finishing, preferably using V33 Tough Deck Clean & Revive. This fluid helps eliminate any greying effect, cleans off mould and mildew, and ensures the finishing product can be properly applied.
7 of our lucky readers will receive a bundle of 2 products including V33 Tough Deck Clean & Revive + V33 UV Resistant Decking Oil 5L size in the shade ‘Clear'. Each individual prize bundle is worth just over £77. Overall prize giveaway is just over £539!
christina@improve-magazine.co.uk with your address and the answer to this question: What is the name of the brand that makes
