Angus' ideas
What are the downsides of using cork as a flooring material? “Not all ranges are waterproof,” Lena says. Where the range isn’t, she adds, you can buy waterproof sealant for the joints, but would need to wipe up spills swiftly. The grey plank cork flooring used in this bathroom, designed by Nimtim, is from a waterproof range. “Cork is not as robust as other flooring types – stone, wood, terracotta, for example – so it’s worth thinking about longevity and maybe not using it in really high-traffic areas,” Nimi suggests. “It also doesn’t cope well in areas where there’s a lot of direct sun, such as next to large, glazed openings,” Lydia adds, “as this can cause UV and expansion issues.”
This pared-back but chic modern-country hall looks more spacious for two reasons. First, the small window opens up the space by providing a clear view of the outside. Second, the built-in storage ensures everything has a place so there will be no clutter to cramp this hall’s style. The clever cabinetry even provides a place to sit when putting shoes on or taking them off.
The reason this modern hall looks so big and inviting is all down to the doors that lead from it into the living space. If you swap standard doors for glazed ones, it will open up both your hallway and your sitting room in one fell swoop. Here, the bright yellow feature wall also contributes to the entrance hall’s bright, chic vibe.
Cool bannisters and hall storage
Cool colour cabinets and herringbone flooring
The hallway is filled with doors, so Kia livened up the space by choosing different colours for each one – yellow leads to the bathroom, dark blue to the master bedroom, and the living room door (behind the camera) is light blue.
Grey door, blue skirtings
Stove in corner
The fireplace is a great example of how Judith kept things simple yet not sterile. “I used an oversized, exaggerated fireplace box, and I didn’t want to junk it up with a bunch of stuff,” she says. Instead, there’s a plain black metal surround with a clean white oak mantel floating over it.
Q