< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - KITCHENSL u n awww.lunaceramics.co.ukAFFORDABLE LUXURYINCREDIBLE CHOICE25 Bathrooms in complete room settings.Friendly knowledgeable staff & free CAD design.Extensive display of modern & traditional Kitchens.5,000 sq foot showroom.B a t h r o o m sK i t c h e n slunaceramics.co.uk - 5 Bishops Road, Lincoln, LN2 4JZ - Tel 01522 521112 - lunaceramics.co.uk German made German madespecialists can offer bespoke solutions based around yourexisting units, so there’s no need to take everything outand spend months and months living off microwave meals.Many companies now also offer 3D modelling solutions soyou know what you’re getting before you commit to yourmakeover.The trend for 2014 seems to be mostly towardsminimalism – removing the chintz and instead looking toScandinavia for monochrome interiors. Simple sleekunits and unfussy clean lines certainly catchthe eye, and you can use built-in storageto make sure everything you need isstill there. In fact another optionmight be a long open shelf todisplay everything on. You don’thave to stick with plain white, either– grey, pale blue or green provide afresh feel.If you’re one of those people whoseem to run their lives from their kitchenPHOTO: NEW MALVERNLincolnshire’stop kitchenspecialists canoffer bespokesolutions028-031:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:37 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY31LINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - KITCHENSwww.cooksandcompany.co.ukTel: 01636 593910Cook House, Brunel Drive, Newark, NG24 2FBOpen: Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pmCome and compare the very finestkitchen appliance brands & Germankitchen furniture all in one place. In store now, the exclusive Miele M-Touch ovens & Quooker Nordic tapsVisit our brand newshowroom to see theseamazing taps in acon!The amazingconvenience of boilingwater on tapInstant access to 100°C water,energy-efficient and money-saving, 100 percentsafe and mul-purpose.NEW!FUSIONthen this trend is likely to be hugely welcome, so you’re notendlessly moving bowls and bouquets out of the waywhenever you want to sort out your accounts. You couldeven “zone” your kitchen and have contrasting colours andmaterials across one work surface. That would certainly addan extra layer of interest as one obvious problem withminimalism is that it can sometimes appear a bit cold. Oneor two items of interest, such as seating in natural materials,should be enough to make it feel more like a home and lesslike a lab.For some families, the minimalist approach is all well andgood, but it’s unlikely to work quite so well if they’ve gotinquisitive children running around. With the family verymuch in mind, many kitchens are now being seamlesslyintegrated into the rest of the home, creating an open planfeeling. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the space – thesedays you can buy dining tables and chairs in exactly thesame materials and finishes as kitchen cupboards andworktops, meaning they blend seamlessly into one another.Moving the bulky appliances off the work surfaces (whichcan also prove valuable if inquisitive children are about) andinto fitted cupboards can also provide a much cleaner andless imposing space.Whether we’re relaxing, entertaining or working, ourkitchens need to be able to cope with everything we throwat them – and the new trends certainly help that.PHOTO: HINTONS HOME028-031:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:37 Page 432 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - BEDROOMSTropical paradiseWhy not go for a bold bedroom scheme by painting yourwalls and introducing eye-catching over-sized florals in theform of a wallpaper panel or wall stickers? You could alsopaint or even stain floorboards darker or choose a darkcarpet, then turn the bed into a feature with pastel sheetsand bed linen covered in brightly-coloured over-sizedblooms - all very much on trend this year! Less is more withthis look, with the more plain paint colours supplying a realcontrast to the statements made with the décor, the aim isto create a warmer and more inviting place.Gorgeous greysThis year, Scandinavian designers are recommendingneutral greys. This might seem cold and functional, but,done well, they actually give a classic look and contrasts canbe made with different shades. Go from off-white to almostcharcoal black to make a quiet, but bold look. Coupled withsome woodland-inspired art or ephemera, it can really lookquite sophisticated. No longer boring and lifeless, grey isthis year’s subtle winner.A touch of the highlandsTartan patterns are back for 2014, but with a moderntwist. By keeping it simple and industrial – you can coverwalls with concrete-texture-effect wallpaper, use simple andstark wooden flooring and inject a bit of class with a stylishcluster light fitting or lamp. There’s a whole host of tartanyou can go for, but why not couple colours you like?There’s bound to be a clan for you and this will be thefocus of the room. Go north for some inspiration, why not?Chameleon styleOne thing we’ve noticed recently is picking a neutralstyle and then changing it whenever the mood takes you.As interior design specialist Arianna Vargas says, ”I thinkwe’ll see a trend towards chameleon décor in 2014. Insteadof settling on one fixed look, people will opt for a versatileneutral base and use big-impact accents to easily changetheir decor.” This could be something as simple as using uniformedthrows and loose material to flavour a room to yourmood, or having furniture that is moved from room toroom as function dictates. For example if you live in amore open plan space, orchestrating gatherings inbedrooms by introducing huge throw cushions or beanbags could work, or even extra seating that could turnthe bedroom into entertaining space.Hotel in the homeWith hotels no longer stuffy white sheets and bigfluffy towels, bedrooms are starting to look a lot likehotel suites. This is no bad thing of course, large roomybeds, extravagant, yet universal headboards, morefunctional bedside lighting and table and chairs andlarge windows to let in a lot of natural light arebecoming de rigeur.Lighting is one of the most important factors inaffecting mood, and that’s where the soft mood lightingof hotel rooms work. Why not add some plants andgreenery to add an extra warm homely invitingatmosphere? The only down side is you’ll not have thethrill of room service cleaning up after you!Five beautifulbedroomsWith so much choice available for bedrooms, it’s sometimes hard to know where toturn when it comes to picking a style. Here’s five on trend looks for 2014 thatwe’re confident will give you the look…032-033:Layout 1 11/4/14 10:49 Page 1Hotel in the homeTropical paradiseA touch ofthe highlandsPHOTO: CATHERINE LANSFIELDPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/PHOTOGRAPHEE.EUGorgeous greysPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/F.SCHMIDTChameleon style032-033:Layout 1 11/4/14 10:49 Page 234 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - BATHROOMSSoak awaythe stressWhether you’re shopping for a new bathroom,changing the layout or just looking to give yourexisting room a facelift, you’ll find everything youneed right here.It’s somewhat appropriate that this month’s Lincolnshire Todayhas a coastal theme as one of the big trends when it comes tobathrooms in 2014 is a take on coastal beach style. White wallsand floorboards, accompanied by simple white accessories,provide an oasis of calm and evokes a sense of sunshine 365 daysof the year.It isn’t surprising that many people are looking for bathroomfurniture that perhaps are more closely associated with livingrooms and bedrooms – chairs, cushions, vases and rugs can allmake it a more appealing environment to spend time in. Take yourcue from the spas you see in Lincolnshire’s top hotels and you’llhave everything you need to relax and unwind. You’re obviously alittle limited in some of the items you can choose – lighting needsto be bathroom safe and anything that needs cool, dry conditionsis out – but other than that more or less everything goes if youthink it’ll make you feel good.There are definitely lots of options when it comes to tiling yourbathroom as well. Lincolnshire retailers such as Wilton Studioshave many unique, exclusive and original items on display,together with a vast range of tiles – including a bespoke handpainting service for colour matching, feature panels and murals.Companies like these and Bathroom Desires use the latest 3Ddesign software and professional industry qualified fitters to makesure what you’re getting is unique and right for your surroundings.Tile trends for 2014 include chic wood-effect porcelain tiles thatoffer all the warmth of wood, with the practical features ofceramic. In fact some style experts recommend using the sametiles on the walls and the floor to create a really fluid and cleaneffect. Also big in 2014 are geometric designs with a retro flavour,and marble – not necessarily the real thing but also new realisticmarble-effect tiles. By using the same size and type of tiles on allsurfaces, you can make a space feel much bigger.If you’re looking for a bathroom specialist it’s worth checking tomake sure they’re a member of the Tile Association so you knowyou’re going to get quality and exceptional service.If you’re lucky enough to have an en suite bathroom thenthere’s the opportunity to emphasise its links with the bedroom bycontinuing the design scheme from there. In fact something thatseems to have become something of a trend in recent months hasbeen the bath in the bedroom! For older readers this may bringback memories of the tin bath in front of the fire, but many hipboutique hotels do make something of a feature of bringing theVilleroy & Boch Legato vanity unit034-035:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:39 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY35INSTALLATION:A friendlyand professional servicefrom our experienced team.DESIGN:Free home visitand design service.DISABLED:Specialists inwet room designs.OPENING TIMES:Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pmTuesday to Thursday 1 hour privateappointments availablefrom 6 - 9pmBeautiful bathrooms without theexpensive flannelBathroom Desires55 Queen Street, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 3ENTel: 01673 843351www.bathroomdesires.co.ukBringing back personal one to one servicesTel: (01472) 210820 www.wiltonstudios.co.ukCleethorpes Business Centre, Jackson Place, Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Grimsby DN36 4ASLarge showroom at rear of Cleethorpes Business CentreOpening Times: Mon - Fri 9-5pm Sat 10-3pmTTAGuaranteedJust add water!...DESIGN • INSTALLATION • SERVICEBeautiful Bathrooms & Tiles....bytwo rooms together to create a decadent and luxurious space torelax and unwind. If you’ve got the space it may be worth a try,though you may wish to invest in screens or dividers if you feelyou deserve some privacy at least some of the time.Blue and white have usually been the signature colours forbathrooms – with avocado, perhaps wisely, long having fallen outof favour – but it’s clear that anything that makes you feel relaxedand content will make for the perfect setting.PHOTO: COURTESY THE PURE COLLECTION FROM SMITHS BRITEN034-035:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:39 Page 236 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - DECORCandles: Yes, having naked flames in your home can seemdangerous, but really, who can beat a cosy night in or indeed nowthe sun is coming out, a late night out in the garden with somebeautiful firelight dancing across all present? We’ve seen somefantastic designs recently, but why not go for unusual holders,lamps or holders? We’ve seen a trend recently for people usingvintage jam jars or coloured glass to give a bit of an alternativelook to the old candlestick or holder designs. Lighting these can bethe perfect accompaniment to a bath too or to bring the mooddown to a relaxed level in the evening.Storage: Well, we’re all aware thanks to years and years ofinterior decoration shows, but storage is always of a premiumthese days. Thankfully, those awful coloured plastic boxes andcrates seem to have been eschewed in recent years in favour ofwooden boxes or even metal boxes and shelves with a rustic,vintage look. One trend we’ve seen recently and are rather takenwith is the use of stepladders as shelving, be it as a stand-upladder in the living room or a ladder sawn in half to make quirkyshelving for the study or bedroom! There’s a whole load ofoptions, most noticeably those which utilise items used for yearsfor their intended purpose, but now repurposed and given new lifeas usable storage. Fruit and vegetable crates for example areperfect for storing those knick knacks that can clutter up thehome, so why not be adventurous? For the bathroom, why not be a bit nautical with your storagesolutions? Whites and blues suit most bathrooms, but the odd bitof nautical rope would be fantastic too. It gives a sense of theaquatic and means you get a bit of escapism into proceedings too.Those finishing touchesWe’re fans of these last little touches that make a place look all yours. There’s a whole wealth of styleswe’ve seen in recent times, but here’s some fantastic touches…L&CFABRICSQUILTING SEWING HABERDASHERYSEWING MACHINESMATERIAL RIBBON BUTTONSSTOCKISTS OFMODA , MICHAEL MILLER, RILEY & BLAKE, LEWIS & IRENE, RJR, NUTEX, JOHN LOUDEN & RED ROOSTERVonnylovesOllyTel: 01472 600874Email: lcfabrics@live.co.uk201 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN35 7HBSizzixBIG SHOTPre BookSewingClassesInfo on all classes onFacebook page036-037:Layout 1 11/4/14 10:51 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY37LINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - DECORArt: We’re advocates of art here at Lincolnshire Today. If youhaven’t got inspiration from our monthly look at local artists,there’s still a whole world out there and we’d urge you toinvestigate. Try and find something that really speaks to you on apersonal level, whether this is silk-screened art from your favouriteband, a scene painted locally or something completely abstract,there’s a load of choice, not only within art galleries within thecounty but at craft shops and boutiques too. We’ve had a realrevelation in recent times when it comes to crafts in particular,glass artists seem to be more prevalent in Lincolnshire than a lot ofother places and we can see why. The ways in which glass can beworked and the results you can get almost speak for themselves. The same goes for other crafts, be it sculpture or unusualmaterials such as felt or even natural materials, we love to see asense of personal style when we visit homes, particularly on ourmonthly property pages.Soft furnishings: With such a variety of furniture now inevidence in many people’s homes and leather being more popularfor sofas and chairs these days, soft furnishings is sometimes aneglected area. For what reason, we have no idea, but there’ssuch a fun variety of options available you can really stamp yourown mark on a room with the right accessories. Vintage styleshave seen a ramp up in terms of patterned cushions and throwsand even pictorial designs are proving popular. What your home should be is a reflection of your outlook onlife. If it isn’t, then it never truly feels like a home and after along day at work, isn’t that what you want to come back to?SUNNY BLINDSwww.sunnyblinds.org.ukCALL US FOR YOUR FREENO OBLIGATION QUOTATION & SURVEYShowroom Open:Monday - Friday10am - 5.30pmSaturday10am - 2.30pmClosed SundaysSUNNYBLINDS & CURTAINSSHOWROOM @ 126 ROMAN BANK, SKEGNESSTel: 01754 896 558 or 0800 458 9117SUNNYBLINDS & CURTAINS OF LINCOLNSHIREEVERY SOLUTION FOR YOUR WINDOW FASHIONS...Thinking of Interior Wooden Shutters?‘Lincoln Cathedral Moon’ exclusive limited editionfor the gallery by Lawrence Coulson. Cost £450 Limited edition of 50See us at theNottinghamshire County Showon 10 -11th May and theLincolnshire Show18 -19th June. Lawrence Coulson will be painting live atthe Lincolnshire Show on our behalf.8 Bailgate, Lincoln, LN1 3AEwww.TheLittleRedGallery.co.uke: art@thelittleredgallery.co.ukt: 01522 589134036-037:Layout 1 11/4/14 10:51 Page 238 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREHaving lived pretty much all over thecounty, James grew up experiencing thediverse nature of Lincolnshire. With stintsin Boston, Alford, Theddlethorpe, Louthand now Lincoln, his coastal paintingshark back to childhood walks onTheddlethorpe’s quiet and unspoiltbeach, but also moments he’s picked upfrom travelling.James says, “My influences are amixture, travel has always inspired mebut it’s mainly things that stick in mymind that I end up painting. It can besomething as simple as an empty table ina café that can stay with me and get usedlater for inspiration.“I was recently in Norfolk at Holkhambeach and it reminded me a lot ofTheddlethorpe, particularly the longrushes that grow in the sand there.”James got into art due to hissurroundings, but also his family’sinfluence, his father being an artist too, “Iguess it’s a real part of my overall make-up,” says James. “It was a natural thing topursue, but it’s also something I reallyenjoy. I don’t make bold statements withmy work, I get the enjoyment out ofcreating something aestheticallypleasing.”As far as influences in other artists,James does plough an individual trenchof his own and admits his favouriteartists wouldn’t be ones you couldidentify in his work, “My favourites areRothko and Jackson Pollock amongothers and I’m a real fan of JackVettriano too, someone who isn’tTides of talentJames Relf, a Lincolnshire-based artist has a style that evokes the smell of salty sea air, the sound of the wavesand memories of secluded beaches. We meet up with him, in Lincoln, to talk influences.038-039:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:44 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY39LINCOLNSHIRE LIVING - ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIREobsessed with getting into largergalleries or selling the most.”James studied for a foundation degreeat De Montfort University when it wasbased in Lincoln, and found his workmigrating to fashion photography for ashort time before returning to painting.“I don’t necessarily paint every day,sometimes I will go weeks withoutpainting, then something can take rootin my head and I can paint a few piecesall at once.“One of my latest pieces, ‘Waves 2’ isone that happened like that, where thewaves are quite dramatic, whereas at thesame time I was also producing moreabstract and minimal pieces.“I try and have a running themethrough my work, but some end uplooking quite different as I like to bequite spontaneous.”It’s not just us impressed withJames’s work, fashion guru Gok Wanrecently bought a piece from one ofhis exhibitions when he was in Lincolnfilming for a television series. “Thatwas great, I actually got to meet himtoo. He bought a few pieces while hewas here so he’s obviously a fan ofart.”James is exhibiting at The Collection inLincoln as part of Lincoln A-Z, a project being organised by Paul Tyler andJohnny Haw from Siren FMfrom 6th December. His work is also on displayat Lincoln Art Works onWest Parade.James welcomes enquiriesand commissions viainfo@jamesrelf.com038-039:Layout 1 11/4/14 11:44 Page 2Next >