forest cabin
A stove-top kettle (and – bonus – a real stove) You can’t argue with an electric kettle for speed and efficiency. And if you have a boiling-water tap, you’re even further ahead – they’re the ultimate in convenience, especially when you need instant hot water for cooking pasta or making a speedy morning cuppa. But what about slow Sunday afternoons? You’ve just come in from a good blustery walk in the woods, and buttered crumpets and the teapot are on your mind. What’s the rush? Speed is most certainly not the essence here. Rather, waiting – yes, a while – for a stove-top kettle to begin its comforting whistle is all part of the ritual of a proper afternoon teatime. And they look sooo good.
Similar to plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) is another humble construction material that is starting to appear as a finishing surface in modern interiors. Construction is similar to MDF, but rather than fine particles, larger wood pieces are combined with glue and resin then compressed to achieve this rustic-looking board. Fans of bare brick walls, reclaimed wood and exposed piping are bound to get on board with the raw appearance of OSB. It works well on feature walls and ceilings, as in this cottage, as well as joinery and furniture.
Upcycle and recycle Think outside the kitchen showroom box. If you’re a fan of the shabby chic look, then work it to your advantage and upcycle what’s already to hand, items that have been given away or pre-loved materials going cheap. The cabinet fronts here are old cupboard doors that have been chopped up and sanded, and add the kind of beautifully weathered style you can’t generally buy off the shelf. This eclectic kitchen features other money-saving recycling ideas, too. Scaffold planks have been used as a worktop, and salvaged corrugated iron has been fitted to the walls instead of conventional tiles.
Know the different types of paint What kind of paint should you choose? It depends on how long you’re happy for your kitchen to be out of action. For example, an alkyd paint is waterborne and therefore has no odour. “The technology in this type of paint means it will provide the highest levels of wear and tear, but it does take longer to cure and set than other paints,” says Shaw. “Once it’s completely dry though, it will provide the most durable and long-lasting finish.”
Take a dip in a lake (or build your own natural swimming pond) Remember that childhood summer holiday you spent playing in the local stream or pond? Well these days, if you have enough space in your garden, you can create a natural swimming pond. These are a relatively new invention in northern Europe that rely on plants rather than chemicals to create a great swimming environment. And when not in use, it’s a great feature and wildlife reserve in itself.
Building kitchen cabinets from reclaimed wood instantly creates a lovely log cabin vibe. Its rough, natural, slightly unkempt finish is pleasingly shabby chic, while the variation in tone adds warmth and character. Find a local carpenter who can help you realise your vision, and source wood from local reclamation yards or online.
Scatter bulbs for a striking springtime At certain times of the year there isn’t much happening in the garden, but you can soon change that by giving a seasonal blast of interest with single bulb planting. It doesn’t have to be costly if you try this idea: plant thousands of snowdrops under trees. They are the first real signs of growth each year and if you plant them ‘in the green’ (in leaf rather than just bulbs) in February, they will establish quickly and spread their magic every year.
Nothing says luxury and party like a hot tub. This one sits comfortably in its surroundings, and I love the way the old tree was incorporated to give some shade across the space. There are lots of different hot tubs available, from modern to more rustic designs like this one, and you don’t need a lot of space. Some of the lighter ‘soft tubs’ can be stored away in a shed or garage in the winter, while a fixed tub only needs to take up a small, 3m sq corner of the garden.
Craft your own If you’re a dab hand with a wood saw and plane – or just a very enthusiastic beginner – why not have a go at making your own garden gate? A DIY branch gate like this is a simple and inexpensive way to add masses of rustic appeal to your garden and blends in effortlessly amid a natural setting. Pick up a good DIY handbook from the library or research garden gate basics on the internet – and go for it! You’ll love your gate all the more for having created it with your own two hands…
For a fantastically vintage-style cloakroom, swerve the bathroom salesrooms and source an old bucket from a vintage store or reclamation yard instead. When plumbed in, it becomes a quirky and fully functional alternative to trad white ceramic.
Cabinets
A cooker that also runs your heating Not only can heat storage range cookers be used for cooking and warming the kitchen, some models are designed to heat the home, too, with a boiler built into the body of the cooker. These cookers are capable, in some designs, of heating up to 20 radiators using oil, gas, electric or solid fuel. ‘Range cookers that also run the central heating have moved with the times and you can now get models with A-rated condensing boilers,’ adds Laura.
Kitchen
Old wooden boxes and crates become super useful when perched on a worksurface, operating as both storage space and shelves. Pick them up at car-boot sales or in vintage stores. Fitting hooks under the top edge and on the sides maximises them to the full.
Surround a basin A chunky length of wood works as a surface for this bathroom’s basin, and continues up the walls. Regular oiling will keep the wood protected and in good condition, while a deep basin helps keep splashes to a minimum.
Upcycle a Welsh dresser A sturdy Welsh dresser was a staple in many households in our grandmothers’ day. These days, dark wood antique dressers are finding a new lease of life as the trend for upcycling takes hold and they are repainted in an array of colours. Look out for vintage Blue Willow, Wedgwood and Royal Crown Derby china, plus various Royal Jubilee plates to complete the look.
Make it multiple If you’re a fan of map prints, try dedicating one single wall or area to house them all, making an en masse design statement. To keep the look considered, try to run a cohesive element throughout, whether it’s frames in the same colour or maps in a similar style.
Repurpose household ladders for storage and display An old wooden ladder attached to the kitchen ceiling is a great place to hang cumbersome pots and pans. By hanging larger kitchen wares overhead on S-hooks means that everything is in reaching distance and you can enjoy the benefit of having more kitchen storage below. Hanging a few pot plants provides an attractive touch.
Tea stained wood
Tea stained wood
bed pulling out from under a wall of storage
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