Talking Japanese

CONTENTS

COVER STORY FOOD

A Matter of Trust This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Trust. But how much do you know about them?

PROPERTY

Talking Japanese Discover the hybrid trend of elegant Japanese minimalism combined with rustic Scandinavian

Sign of the times Funky signage for your home

9

A VE Day Cake Featuring an eggless fruit cake for all the family to enjoy

LIFESTYLE

4

Keeping you safe Covid-19 advice from the government

8

VE Day This year marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day

20 10 Our latest instructions Take a look at a selection of our latest properties on the market About us Get to know us a little better and see why we are your agent of choice

14

Health Focus Exercising at home

Get your rental garden spring and summer ready Now is the perfect time to spend time in your garden

WELCOME TO THE APRIL ISSUE! T hese are unprecedented times. However, as the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has said, “we will do everything in our power to help”. He is confident that the UK will bounce back – and so are we. All our staff would also like to take this opportunity to give a big thank you to you, our clients, for your patience and understanding at this difficult time.

Although our office is currently closed due to government advice, we are still operational from home, so please continue to call or email, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

We are proud to be able to continue to bring you your magazine too, which includes lots of articles and lifestyle content to help you get through this difficult period. We will of course let you know when we are back to being fully operational.

Until next time, take care and stay safe.

#STAYHOMESAVELIVES

Linda McKeown Editor

A stand-out trend has been rich silk textures, bird motifs, oriental prints and structured furniture shapes – all inspired by Japan and Scandinavia

JIMI SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED DAY BED WITH BASE This Jimi day bed has a Scandinavian feel and clean, simple lines that is sure to look perfect in any children’s bedroom. With natural solid pine legs, bed size is approx. 90 x 190cms. £297.50 www.laredoute.co.uk t

FLIGHT DINING CHAIR Inspired by iconic designs from Denmark, this walnut stained wood and cool grey fabric upholstery chair is stylish and timeless. Ideal for kitchens, dining rooms and home office spaces. £129 www.cultfurniture.com t

TALKING JAPANESE

The hybrid trend of elegant Japanese minimalism combined with rustic Scandinavian simplicity, means that you can now have the best of both worlds. And perfect for you if you prefer a less-is-more approach!

Clutter-free spaces, combined with clean lines and a calm colour palette, is all you need to achieve the latest Japanese inspired trend. The key here is to keep the colour palette you use, soft. Do this by embracing the calming tones of pale blue, muted green, light grey and pink. Mix these with accents of richer shades, such as teal, indigo, rust, emerald and black to really make an impact. ACHIEVING THE LOOK

When it comes to furniture, try and mix the paleness of blonde Scandi woods with Japanese signature style of black and dark woods. Doing this will help to bring depth to your furniture. This new trend can work in any room: just use your imagination! However, it is important to remember that quality over quantity is the best approach. By not overloading your space, you will allow the design to ‘breathe’ and make the right impact. This is especially true for smaller spaces such as a study or spare bedroom. MAKE AN IMPACT

However, when it comes to larger spaces such as living rooms and master bedrooms, the busy patterns and statement dark pieces of furniture will work well together.

Here are some of our favourite finds for achieving the look in your home…

5-DRAWER CHEST OF DRAWERS This combination of acacia wood and dark green is sure to create a reassuring ambiance in your interior. Featuring five storage drawers, giving you plenty of room to organise your clothes, bed linen or accessories. £487.50 www.maisonsdumonde.com t

DANVILLE SIDEBOARD A gorgeous Japanese inspired sideboard. Made of wood and featuring two independent modules using a central separator, it also has a hinged door with metal handles. 74cm H x 115cm W x 30cm D. £294.99 www.wayfair.co.uk t

DINING TABLE AND SET OF 2 BENCHES

The understated design means this table works well in contemporary and traditional set-ups with the matching Fjord benches completing the look. Crafted from robust solid oak legs, this table and bench set is perfect for everyday use. £279 www.made.com t

Clutter-free spaces, combined with clean lines and a calm colour palette, is all you need to achieve the latest Japanese inspired trend