Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom – January 2016

It might be the ultimate cliché but I do love the beginning of a new year and all its sunny prospects for fresh starts and new beginnings. Things often feel hectic during the festivities and this time gives the license to hit ‘refresh’ and re-set the system to a whole new and more laid back rhythm. And as much as there’s the itch to re-paint, re-upholster andre-invigorate, I'm also very much inde-clutter mode. In fact, mid-month you’ll usually find me knee deep in a kitchen or bedroom cupboard cleaning,re-organising and clearing out. If you’re anything like me you’ll be paying particular attention to making the most of every inch of your kitchen space with clever storage tips, compact appliances and innovative design – read more in Small Wonders on page 82 – and if you’re a hoarder of clothes and accessories, see how you can make free standing storage your new saviour in Take a Stand on page 136.Anyone planning a new bathroom should turn over to Natural Selection on page 119 where writer Lara Sargent looks at what’s luxurious in bathrooms now and how our leaning towards natural materials is mirroring what we’ve already seen happen in kitchen design. ‘Today’s bathroom doesn't need to be packed with flashy finishes, glossy furniture and ornate accessories,’ she writes, pointing out that there are quieter,more pared-back and sophisticated design ideas coming through now,and with a more sustainable approach to the environment at large.Meanwhile shopping-wise, if you’re planning on incorporating that dream AGA or similar into your kitchen scheme, turn to All The Range on page 102. You can also peruse ways to achieve a successful food preparation area, considering sinks and taps on page 67, as well as free standing baths on page 128 and bedroom wallpaper on page 146. Enjoy the issue!