summer [PDF]

MEET TEAM

CONTENTS

OUR

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We have pulled together a great team of six to share their inspiration and ideas in‘Creating your dream home’ – before you read what they have to say we thought you’d like to know a little background information

HOLLY MASON

Marketing specialist

Born and raised in north Norfolk, Holly is a busy executive who loves living and working in Norwich but relishes every opportunity to explore the calming countryside Norfolk has to offer.

HOLLIE CRASKE

Let the light in Mix & match In bloom Mediterranean Metals & metallics Behind the scenes Lazy summer days Go al fresco Great days out By the seaside The love of layering Blissful bedrooms Spring cleaning Flooring showcase

34 36 38 40 42 45 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 59

Larder love What’s cooking Norfolk carrot cake Get kitted out Meet the buyer Pull your room together Sitting pretty Come dine At home with Hollie Off the wall Coming soon Competition The final word How to find us

Senior Designer

Newly engaged and planning her dream wedding, Hollie has a keen eye for all things creative and design related. Having bought their first home in 2014 Hollie and her fiancé Mikey are settling down to make their house a home.

BRENDAN ALLIS

ON THE COVER

Senior Designer

Wycombe dining and living range – new to Aldiss this season

A family man originally from South Africa, Brendan lives with his wonderful wife and two children by the Norfolk coast. An imaginative and creative designer, Brendan enjoys family days out and making memories.

LAURA BELL

4

Buyer

Born in Norfolk, but having lived away for the last few years, Laura is happy being back to her roots. She and her family bought a 200 year old cottage which needs renovating and cannot wait to get stuck into making it their own.

JO MALONE

Writer

A busy wife living in the countryside with her DIY-keen husband and three daughters, Jo dreams of a home where everything has a place, but finds a life of work, school and the girls’ sports tends to take over.

EMMA LEE

Editor

Emma loves music – she enjoys playing classical guitar and going to gigs and festivals. If she’s not doing that you’ll find her out running, with her nose in a book or losing an afternoon looking at home trends.

Creating Your Dream Home is published by Archant Community Media Limited, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE

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22

NEW Bedroom furniture from the Wycombe range NEW to Aldiss this spring!

LET LIGHT

Wycombe bed frame 4’6” frame £649

THE

IN

Add a splash of colour to your bed – and some cosiness if it’s a chilly evening – with a gorgeous woolly blanket or throw.

It’s time for a confession – I really love my clutter, not always-losing-my-house-keys, can’t-getthrough-the-front-door clutter. But my house wouldn’t be a home without shelves groaning under the weight of books and CDs. I know that I could keep all my music on my laptop, but I just love the whole process of browsing my own little library to find the perfect album to suit my mood. And one of life’s great pleasures is a rainy Sunday afternoon curled up with a hot chocolate and a doorstop of a novel. I’m full of admiration for people who can live minimally. And I’m thinking that now spring is here, it’s the right time to get a bit more organised and let the light in. I’m going to start with the bedroom – I really think that the experts are right when they say the key to getting a good night’s sleep is to have a calm, uncluttered space where you can really switch off from the day. I can easily while away an hour or so scrolling through interior design ideas on Pinterest. And I really love Scandinavian simplicity – neutral colours, natural woods and no fuss – comfy but not clinical. It’s a very cool look.

Small table from the Wycombe nest Used here as a bedside table. Price for complete nest £179

04 spring / summer 2016

spring / summer 2016 05

MIX MATCH AND

Sieni crockery

There’s a calmness I adore about a beautifully made bed, a table set for dinner, the light highlighting a clear tabletop – and time and space for my daughters and I to enjoy an afternoon baking cakes.

There’s always something happening in our home, but just because it’s busy doesn’t mean I don’t want it to look fabulous. I find that mixing things up with neutrals keeps the feel – and the atmosphere – light. So I keep the walls in various shades of champagne, mocha and cream, and let our family style shine through. That’s a natural element to the floors with solid oak topped by scattered rugs and, taking a leaf out of the Nordic book of easy living style, I add interest with an eclectic collection of furniture and mix and match accessories. A selection of soft and cosy throws brings wonderful textures to any room, and they look inviting whether slung over a chair or folded and stacked in a pile.

Harlow curtains

Mixing and matching fabrics and hues is my favourite way to add life and interest, bringing visual interest to each room while keeping a sense of space and freedom. I love the punchy combination of lavender and teal, so this season I’m looking out for cushions in these shades to give my sofa an update. But when it comes to tableware I like to keep it simple and sophisticated with classic white crockery and sparkling glass

CL AS H WI TH DA SH Rip up the rule book and prints, experiment with mixing up lly colours and textures to rea your stamp your personality on e dar you as d bol as home – be

Trellis storage range from £3.50

Crab design cushion £25 They may be neutral, but there’s nothing plain about my cushions. I’ve selected a mixture of textures and designs to give the feel of a much-loved collection gathered over time.

Evolve tableware 20 piece set £60 06 spring / summer 2016

we love

Collier Campbell painted garden china range

I live in the heart of Norwich, and while I love the pace of urban life, I also take every chance I can to get out into the countryside.

we love

There’s something magical about those big Norfolk skies which really lifts the spirits. My ultimate dream is to live in the sort of cottage you used to see on chocolate boxes, but in the meantime, I’m creating my own rural retreat in the city. Spring is in the air, and as the garden wakes up from its winter hibernation it’s inspiring me to bring the outdoors in.

Zagora storage cannisters from £9.95

Embracing fresh and pastel tones mixed with bright Mediterranean prints to add contrast through the home.

PRETTY FLORAL S Floral and vintage patterns have never been more popular – a way to bring the outside in with punchy bright colours and quirky designs.

Cath Kidston Birds and Roses Bedding Range

08 spring / summer 2016

I really love this season’s vintage florals. Bring a splash of colour to the living room with some flower print cushions. Try this season’s pastel trend with some floral bed linen – try mixing in some candy stripes or polka dots for an extra vintage touch.

From this season’s range of Cath Kidston bedding

Blooming lovely!

we love V & A Pompeii design bedding from £22.50

Pattern, pattern and more pattern! Go bold and clash floral and tile prints on your textiles, or choose a hint of a print for a more subtle take on the look.

Large“Olio”jar £62.99

Let the azure sky and indigo sea be your starting point for creating your own corner of the sun-drenched Mediterranean. This is one of my favourites of this season’s trends. It reminds me of holidays gone by – two lazy weeks of endless sunshine, swimming and delicious food. Turn up the heat in your own home with a palette of rich blues, rustic terracotta, whitewashed walls and sunbleached pastel pinks and yellows. Tiles aren’t just for kitchens and bathrooms – look out for the print on bed linen and cushions and mix and match for an instant update. Use metallic accessories for a luxe touch. Don’t just get the look, make it a lifestyle. When you dine Mediterranean style, every meal becomes a social occasion. In the summer one of my favourite ways to entertain is to cook up a massive seafood paella, put the pan in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in and help themselves. Don’t forget the olives!

Iznik set of 4 dip dishes £22.49

we love

Kylie Minogue Iliana curtains available in silver or praline

These copper industrial vintage style pendant lights are at the top of my spring/summer wish list.

Vintage wooden arm lamp with brushed steel shade £69

Addis retro cushion close 30L copper bin

The metallic trend has been around for a few seasons now, and there is no sign of its sparkle fading, writes Aldiss homewares buyer Laura Bell. Glitz is no longer just for Christmas – now it’s an all-year-round perma trend. I’m in the process of renovating my new home, and I’m definitely going to be adding some metallic pieces.

Delonghi copper 4 slice toaster

From open-plan city loft apartments to cosy country cottages, metallics look at home everywhere and add some everyday glamour. Mix and match your metals and really make a statement. We’re seeing a lot of copper this season, especially in lighting, dining and kitchenware, including salt and pepper shakers, cafetieres and even kettles and toasters.

Copper triple “Cage”pendant light fitting £129

Platinum is coming through as well – on my buying trips I’ve seen it in soft furnishings, including curtains, which are brilliant for adding a touch of drama and luxury to your bedroom or living room.

Copper plated salt and pepper mills £9.99 Bretagne large 3 door sideboard

Denby Natural Canvas tableware range

A staple at mealtimes on dinner tables across the country for decades, Derbyshire-based Denby pottery has just launched its new Natural Canvas range, which is in-store at Aldiss now. Emma Lee gets in touch with her inner geek on a tour of its factory.

DENBY FACTS 1

Denby can handle itself in the busiest kitchens. From the smallest cup to the biggest casserole, it can all be used with confidence in the microwave, dishwasher and freezer.

2

There are more than 5000 glazes, all harder than steel. It’s taken 180 years to get them as flawless as they are, meaning Denby tableware washes more easily, but chips less easily.

3

Denby is smashing stuff! The tableware is really much harder to crack than other tableware.

4

Each Denby piece is unique. It passes through 25 pairs of hands before reaching yours, including a test to make it as comfortable as possible to hold.

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Some ranges now feature Gourmet pieces – inspired by modern restaurants, they are extra large for dramatic effect.

Denby pottery has a special place in my heart. I spent my childhood in Derbyshire, just a few miles away from its factory. The set of Regency Green tableware which I grew up with is still going strong at mealtimes at my parents’ house. So when I was invited to the factory to have a tour and get a sneak preview of Denby’s newest range, Natural Canvas, before it was even in the shops, it was most definitely a yes from me. We got to meet the team in the design studio where new ranges are developed, see the massive industrial kilns where the pots are fired and – the part which really brought out my inner geek – visit the department where the handles are stuck on to the mugs by hand. Denby has been making pottery in this part of the country for more than 200 years. It was established in 1809 and and the clay is still sourced locally within a few miles of the factory. I was amazed by how despite technological advances, much of the process is still done by hand. Beautiful in its simplicity, Denby’s new natural canvas range is really designed for modern living.

we love Atlantic picnic range

Beautiful summer days with friends and family to share food and fun times at home or on the beach.

Coast and country four person picnic hamper £44.99

LAZY SUMMER THOSE

DAYS Ravenhead footed bowl £10.80

The days are getting longer and our lawns are (finally) getting dryer… the garden’s springing into life and it’s just begging me to get out there. Mostly that’s just to sit on the patio and admire the view with a cup of coffee, but this year I’ve got plans. I love an excuse to get cooking, and outdoors is definitely calling – there’s something definitely different about eating outside. We love a barbecue and I quite fancy turning my hand to something a bit more elaborate, so this is going to be the year I make the garden more dining friendly and build myself a fire-pit barbecue. I can just smell the chicken cooking, we’ll have plenty of picnic rugs and chairs, grab ourselves some plates and we’ll be ready. The children love getting involved, so I’ll give them a collection of bowls to fill with different salads and bread, relishes and crisps. They don’t need asking twice, and they’ll take control of the ice-cream later too! My wife will invite friends and neighbours and I know our afternoon barbecue will stretch into the evening. The garden will be filled with the sound of laughter and happy stories.

Ravenhead footed trifle bowl £14.40

COCKTAIL

PARTY

SMOOTHIE

TIME

ME MO RA BL E MA RG AR ITA that There are times when only e, lim of n classic combinatio do. tequila and Cointreau will jars g kin drin er Kiln our put We s, ute min few in the freezer for a and ter wa in s rim and dip the te then rock salt for the ultima t, min of Margarita. A few sprigs ! ers che and – a slice of lime

SU MM ER BE RRY SP EC IAL fresh We all love whizzing up a use to y eas s fruit treat in thi into smoothie maker. Poured ped top and jar g kin drin ss gla a e of enc ess the with a straw, it’s rp. slu one summer in

PINK CLOUDY LEMONADE One sip of fresh homemade lemonade in a Kilner jar and we’re transported back to those endless summers and long, lazy afternoons of our childhoods. A slice of lemon and some lightly crushed ice-cubes makes it extra delicious.

SU MM ER SY LL AB UB Giving everyone their own sert, Kilner jar with layers of des ngo ma s, rrie wine-soaked raspbe ble dou ar, sug of le ink chunks, a spr my ans me t hur yog and cream . summer puddings are sorted

FANCY

FOOD

ICE ICE

CREAM LE MO NL ICI OU S

RUSTIC LUNCH I love offering my guests something different, and quinoa and bean salads served from individual Kilner jars with fresh crusty bread and home grown lettuce makes lunch much more of an occasion. 18 spring / summer 2016

and a Fresh lemons, sugar, cream are all ker ma super quick ice cream tant ins the up jure we need to con it op sco ’ll We r. me sum taste of ve ser and into pretty glass bowls or s rrie pbe ras of with a sprinkling . too ce sau ate col cho a swirl of

spring / summer 2016 19

PICNIC TIPS GREAT

DAYS OUT

Slow the pace of life a little and take the time to enjoy our beautiful county of Norfolk, Brendan and his family explore everything from Norfolk’s histrory to it’s outstanding natural coastline.

HOLKHAM BEACH

1

Make the most of your picnic with some sweet fruit and savoury nibbles.

2

Taking the kids today? Pack a chilled bottle of local lemonade.

3

Avoid mess. Pack extra cutlery for serving as well as eating with.

4

Turn on the style with some funky paper napkins.

ON THE WATER

One of my favourite places, Holkham beach is a haven when we want to get away from it all. Whether it’s a short break or just an hour by the sea, there’s no better way to fill the lungs and relax. Famous for its seemingly endless stretch of golden sand. Pure Norfolk!

Giacometti Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts exhibition

We Norfolk families are so lucky to have the Broads on our doorstep. A day out on the water is a firm favourite for mum, dad and two youngsters. We like to pick up a day boat from Richardson’s at Wroxham and nip down to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Ranworth where there’s a floating visitor centre. What’s not to like?!

ARTS & CULTURE We like to take the kids to museums and the county council does a great job of involving youngsters in exhibitions. But mum and dad are really looking forward to flying solo at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Giacometti exhibition this summer. He was among 20th century’s best, as sculptor, painter and draughtsman – and more than 100 works will be on show. A great coup for Norfolk’s growing arts reputation.

PICNIC AT BLICKLING Once home to ill-fated flirt Anne Boleyn, Blicking and its stunning hall tells us lots about our past but also caters for the contemporary with locally-produced food and drink, lovely walks and envy-inspiring gardens. Pack a hamper and find a shady spot in the heart of on-trend north Norfolk. My kind of history!

Sieni Fishie on a Dishie platter £12.60

Marine wooden lighthouse lamp £49.99

Coulter flask with stopper £29.99

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside, but you don’t have to live at the coast to get that easy, breezy year-round summer look in your home. I love the relaxed feel that the classic, cool combination of blue and white creates – a reminder of long lazy days spent building sandcastles, paddling and eating ice creams with family and friends.

Sieni Fishie on a Dishie Acaia serveboard £18

It’s easy to turn any room into your very own coastal retreat. In the kitchen and dining room, bring in a breath of coastal air by mixing and matching blue and white crockery and oven to tableware featuring nautical motifs, stripes and solid blocks of colour. In the bedroom, layer textiles in different shades, patterns and textures to create a space so laid back and calming you’ll almost be able to hear the waves crashing on the shore. In the living room let your imagination run free – dip your toe in the trend with a few stripy cushions or dive right in with whitewashed furniture, stripped-back floorboards, rustic driftwood ornaments, seaside themed wall art and cosy knitted throws.

We LOVE hearing the sound of the waves and the feeling of sand between your toes.

SOFT FABRICS and RUSTIC driftwood make your home a COASTAL RETREAT...

22 spring / summer 2016

Elise glassware Vase £14.99 Bowl £12.99

1

Pillow talk Pimlico cushion 40 x 40cm £25 Turn your bed into a focal point in the room by piling up cushions in different colours and sizes.

1 2 2

Wrap up Merton throw 220 x 250cm £95 Add an extra layer of cosiness with a luxe throw.

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary from the world, an oasis of calm where you can kick back and relax. If you’re staying in a hotel, there’s no better feeling than sinking into a sumptuous bed at the end of the day – but there’s no reason why it should only be for holidays.

Lovely layers Meridan throw 140 x 200cm £50

For me, the ultimate treat is buying some crisp cotton sheets and some new plump pillows. I love to layer cushions, throws and blankets on the bed for added luxury and cosiness and choose lamps that throw out soft, calming light. Grey is this season’s neutral and comes in every shade from dove to slate. I love this versatile colour – I find it really relaxing, which makes it perfect for a bedroom décor scheme and it teams beautifully with any colour – from classic white to pops of this season’s hot hues dusky rose and mint. Sweet dreams!

3

Create interest with blankets in contrasting colours and textures.

3

TEMPUR® MATTRESSES Sleep is essential for your health and wellbeing. Thanks to the unique properties of TEMPUR material, conforming to the shape of your body, delivering a perfect balance of total comfort and superior support we invite you to discover the solution which is right for you. TEMPUR ® BEDS The ideal sleep experience combines form as well as function. With a fantastic range of bed designs TEMPUR provides not only a great night’s sleep, but also the perfect aesthetic solution for your bedroom. TEMPUR® PILLOWS Choosing the right pillow can improve how well your body is positioned at night and the quality of your sleep. The temperature sensitive material used in all TEMPUR pillows softens as it responds to your body heat, conforming to the natural curvature of your head and neck, offering optimal comfort and support. This enables you to relax and enjoy a more restful sleep.

Born from Space: Since our space beginning, through further research and development by our scientists and engineers, we have perfected and extended the TEMPUR technology to create a collection of mattresses, sleep systems and pillows that give you your best night’s sleep. BEDS

MATTRESSES

PILLOWS

Are you sleeping comfortably?

The TEMPUR difference is all about performance benefits

Because everyone’s definition of comfort is different, TEMPUR offers 3 different mattress collections, each with a distinct feel. Try in store today and let your body decide.

Today, only a handful of top TEMPUR scientists know the proprietary formula to make TEMPUR material. We manufacture the material in our own production facilities in Denmark and the United States, never outside company-owned facilities. We continually invest in research and development to seek new innovations in sleep and ensure that our technology and products always deliver the best sleep possible.

We’re so co that TEMPU nfident R Mattresse will give yo s u the best n ight’s sleep of yo ur life, that we’re willing to le t you try on e in your own h ome for a fu ll 60 nights see website or in store fo r details

Because of their unique performance, TEMPUR mattresses and pillows differ from all others – and provide the best night’s sleep. This performance derives from the TEMPUR material’s open cell structure, resulting in billions of supporting points that reduce pressure on your sleeping body.

#welovesleep Find out why owners love sleeping on their TEMPUR mattress

RETRO

The Geo range – turn back the clock and accessorise minimalist mid-century design with geometric prints for a retro look.

COUNTRY Embrace the great outdoors with fresh painted furniture from the Padstow range – layer textured textiles for the finishing touch.

ANTIQUE

Bring some stately splendour to your home with the Antoinette range. Give traditional antique-style furniture a touch of glamour with a luxe throw.

Pifco hand held steam cleaner £19.99

Vax Performance 10 Pet Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner £59.99

Lighter mornings and lighter evenings don’t only mean the children seem to think they can wake us up even earlier and stay up later, it means I can finally start that spring cleaning I’ve been promising our home for weeks. Giving it the refresh it deserves is made a little easier with the right products.

CYLINDER CLEANERS The powerful cyclonic bag-less cleaners have great suction power and mean I’m not forever trying to remember to buy replacement bags. A cylinder cleaner takes up hardly any space and a lightweight model makes life a lot easier too, particularly when I’m heading up stairs. HAND HELD CLEANERS For those hard to reach areas and for a quick clean up, cordless rechargeable hand held cleaners are great. I find the crevice tool particularly handy for cleaning down the side of sofas and right to the edge of worktops.

Vax Powermax Carpet Washer £59.99

A bagless cylinder vacuum that features single cyclonic technology for powerful pick-up across all floor types.

TOP TIP

A highly effective carpet washer for all carpet types with high pressure spray jets and a wide stainless steel cleaning nozzle.

Vax Flair Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner £59.99

Always vacuum thoroughly before washing your carpets and always start furthest from the door.

CARPET WASHERS I was a little shocked when I gave the carpets a deep down clean. I vacuum frequently, but a once over with a carpet washer truly brought my carpets back to life. Now I’m rather obsessed and have to admit I love an excuse to deep clean my floors. STEAM MOPS A friend introduced me to the versatility of steam mops and this model is particularly useful. It’s not only a powerful upright cleaner, ideal for hard floors such as tiles and laminates, but the detachable hand held steamer and range of attachments mean I can steam clean almost every area from the mirrors and corners of my windows to walls, the oven, sink and even the barbecue. CLEANERS FOR HOMES WITH PETS We love our pets, but I really don’t love the fur which seems to get everywhere! Luckily, cyclonic cleaners featuring a pet turbo tool, adjustable height and advanced filters make all the difference and definitely cope with pet hair. They’re more than a match for stray hairs from my three long-haired girls too!

Vax Multi Function Steam Stick Cleaner £59.99

Vax Gator 12V Car Vacuum Cleaner £29.99

30 spring / summer 2016

spring / summer 2016 31

FLOOR

FILLERS When choosing carpet there may seem to be a bewildering range of options out there, so it’s worth taking the time to work out what’s best for you. Carpets are produced in a variety of surface textures that affect the feel, appearance and performance of the carpet.

TWIST Twist carpet is a hardwearing cut pile made from twisted fibres, and is the most commonly-used style of tufted carpet. It comes in two styles - plain or heathered (slightly mottled). Heathered is perfect for busier areas in your home such as halls and stairs as marks are less likely to show.

LOOP Loop carpet is made from uncut loops of yarn. This type of carpet is great for busy rooms as the weave bounces back really easily, but isn’t recommended if you have pets, as the loops can get pulled by their claws. BERBER Berber twist carpet is made from a random blend of coloured yarns to give a multicoloured, flecked and slightly textured look.

SAXONY Saxony carpet has a deep pile which is popular for bedrooms. Long pile is more difficult to clean and can flatten easily, so it’s not recommended for busy areas of the home.

WHAT COLOUR SHOULD I CHOOSE?

TOP TIP Aldiss can loan samples of carpet so you can see how the colour will look in your home’s natural light. They also do free estimates. To find out more pop into store or visit www.aldiss.com

1 Think about the feature colours in the room – a patterned suite or a colourful rug should be taken into consideration. 2. Neutrals and paler shades are a popular choice and give an airy spacious feel to any room. 3. You can add warmth and depth with a deeper colour.

Sieni Fishie embossed jug £16.20

WHOLE

A

LARDER

LOVE

Sieni Tuscany mug £5.40

For me, TV cookery programmes are like a comfort blanket. After a long day at the office, there’s nothing I like better of an evening than settling down on the sofa with a steaming mug of tea in the company of Jamie, Mary or, the reigning queen of the kitchen as far as I’m concerned, Nigella.

Kitchencraft textiles floral blue double oven glove £8.99

Her shows give me a serious case of pantry envy. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve decided to do some baking on a rainy Sunday afternoon only to discover I’m missing something essential – so it’s my dream to have a walk in store cupboard stocked with all the magic ingredients to make whatever I fancy when the mood takes me. My home might not have room for a pantry – but this stylish Padstow larder unit is the next best thing. As well as plenty of roomy shelves for your tins and other ingredients – even a Nigella-style toolbox full of liquorice – it has a smart wine rack and handy drawers which are perfect for storing all your herbs and spices and baking knick-knacks. I think that if I had one of these I could be a domestic goddess.

Swan Retro set of 3 matching cannisters – available in cream, blue and green £19.99

Padstow Larder Unit £1,329

Traditional cast iron black balance scales £65.25

WHAT’S COOKING? Joseph Joseph Switchscales £45

Joseph Joseph 2 in 1 measuring jug

we love Turning courgettes into courgetti and butternut squash into a healthy noodle alternative.

Nest measures Take the guesswork out of baking and cooking with this comprehensive, yet compact measuring cup set.

Whiskle

we love

2 in 1 whisk with integrated bowl scraper

Tower Spudnik spiralizer £19.99

36 spring / summer 2016

Dial

Shake it

Stackable storage with datable lids

Large self tapping sieve

spring / summer 2016 37

CARROT

Meet Mal Harradine, tv presenter and food writer with over 35 years experience in the business

CAKE

YOU WILL

NEED MAKE

WITH MAL HARRADINE

Mason and Cash cane mixing bowl from £16.19

INGREDIENTS 175G LIGHT MUSCOVADO SUGAR 175ML SUNFLOWER OIL 3 LARGE EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN 140G GRATED CARROTS (3 MEDIUM) 100G RAISINS ZEST OF 1 LARGE ORANGE 175G SELF-RAISING FLOUR 1 TSP BICARBONATE OF SODA 2 TSP GROUND CINNAMON ½ TSP FRESHLY GRATED NUTMEG

BAKE Stellar hard anodised cake tin from £7.50

FOR THE TOPPING: 175G ICING SUGAR 2 TBSP ORANGE JUICE ZEST OF HALF AN ORANGE

DECORATE METHOD Preheat the oven to 180°C. Oil and line a 8in square loose bottom cake tin with baking parchment.

It’s one of the and natura nation’s favourite ve getables lly we belie ve the one Norfolk an s grown in d Suffolk a re the best Sweet, cru in Britain. nch not only are y and a wonderful co lour – carrots rea lly good fo wow, they r us, but are a fanta stic ingred mouthwate ient for a ring cake! It’s hard to beat this ve rsatile veg love the id an ea that we ’re eating ca d we it’s good fo ke but r us too.

Kitchencraft palette knife and spreader £3.15

Using a large mixing bowl, add the sugar, the oil and then add the eggs and lightly mix with a wooden spoon. Stir in the carrots, raisins and orange zest. Now sift the flour, bicarb and spices in the bowl and mix gently until all the ingredients are blended together and the mixture is soft, almost runny. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for around 40 minutes until it feels springy and firm to the touch when you press the centre of the cake. You could also use a fine skewer – just push it into the centre of the cake and if it comes out clean, it is ready. If not, leave in the oven for another 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave it in the tin for a couple of minutes. Push the cake from the bottom to release the loose bottom and your cake will come out beautifully.

TAKE Living nostalgia cake tin £20.69

Place on a wire cooling rack and peel off the paper.

38 spring / summer 2016

spring / summer 2016 39

KITTED OUT

CERAMIC

GET

Ceramic pans are non stick, so you only have to use minimal cooking oil. This also means they are super easy to clean. Many ceramic pans now also feature attractive stone effect coatings.

I moved house late last year and am planning to do lots of cooking and entertaining for family, and friends in my new home, so I’ve been doing a lot of research into pans recently! A good set of pans will last for years, so investing in the best you can afford will definitely pay off. They come in a wide range of sizes and materials, so first off think about the type of cooking you do and the kind of hob you use, as some pans are not suitable for all types of cooker. Do you have a large family or hold dinner parties regularly? In that case you will probably need several big pans. Do you cook on a range? Then you need pans with thick bases that can withstand high temperatures. Also consider whether you need a non-stick coating. The material your pans are made of can have a big impact on their performance, but with lots of different types available it can be tricky to know where to start – here’s my guide.

HARD ANODISED Hard anodised pans have an aluminium core, so they conduct heat well, plus the anodisation process means pans last longer and are non-stick.

Kitchen Aid copper pan range

COPPER Copper pans conduct heat well – and look great too. They’re often used in professional kitchens, and the price tag reflects this, however they’re a good investment if you do a lot of cooking.

STAINLESS STEEL Prestige Stone Quartz pan range Stellar 7000 pan set 40 spring / summer 2016

Raymond Blanc hard anodised pan set

Stainless steel pans are durable, so make a great choice if you’re looking for long-lasting cookware, because they are scratch resistant they stay good looking too. Stainless steel doesn’t conduct heat evenly, so look for bases containing other metals such as copper. spring / summer 2016 41

Aldiss buyer Laura Bell picks her top home trends for spring / summer 2016

METALLICS Meet Laura Bell, Aldiss’s new homeware buyer.

“Copper is still strong – we’re seeing a lot of it in lighting, dining and kitchenware, including kettles and toasters. Platinum is coming through as well – we’re seeing it in soft furnishings, including curtains.”

MEDITERRANEAN “We’ve got lots of Mediterranean-inspired cookware and soft furnishings coming in with bold prints to help create that laid-back holiday feeling all year round.”

Please introduce yourself… I’m Laura Bell and I joined Aldiss as homeware buyer in November.

COASTAL

What does your job entail? It’s a job where no two days really are the same. I might be meeting or visiting suppliers or at a trade show looking for items I think that Aldiss customers will like. I also have to be aware of trends that are coming through and what ranges are working for our customers to ensure they’re getting value for money.

“The coastal trend for blue and white continues – we’re seeing a lot in tableware and we’ve got some beautiful picnicware, including hampers and melamine cups and plates. It’s also lovely on bedding, and we’ve got a great range which features a quirky lobster motif.”

Did you always want to work in retail? When I was younger I worked part-time in a village store and got involved in ordering and behind the scenes jobs and I really enjoyed it. When I finished college I didn’t know what I wanted to do I applied for Debenhams’ management training programme and got accepted.

How did you get into buying? When I started with Debenhams I started out on the shop floor in the Norwich branch and worked my way up to head office, where I began in distribution, then into merchandising and then buying. Most recently before joining Aldiss I worked as a buyer at an independent department store and mail order company in Bishop’s Stortford.

LAURA LOVES

Shopping for a living must be a fantastic job… It is, although I always have to remember not to get carried away – something I like might not always be to the taste of our customers! It’s about getting the balance right.

Sieni Tuscany plate – more available in the range £6.30

What are your favourite items in Aldiss’s spring/ summer collections? I love the Sieni tableware range – I really like the classic combination of blue and white. And we’ve got some really fantastic metallics – I love the copper cafetieres.

La Cafetiere Pisa £16.19 for a 3 cup cafetiere also available in 8 cup

YOUR ROOM PULL

TOGETHER

The right pair of curtains can bring a stylish, co-ordinated feel to any room, writes Laura Bell. Curtains add the finishing touches to a furnished space, and Aldiss stocks a wide range of styles of both made to measure and ready made curtains to suit a variety of budgets. There are two main types of curtain headings that Aldiss stock.

GOBLET PLEAT

PENCIL PLEAT

Shown here the goblet pleat features a pinched design which forms the shape of a goblet or wine glass. This gives your curtains a more opulent look. Here the curtains are combined with a braided trim to add that extra touch of luxury.

Pencil pleats can be used with either curtain poles or tracks, ensuring a good fit for any window area. A new ready made curtain design, Headingham, has been added to the collection, with more designs likely to follow throughout the course of the season.

PUDDLED FINISH

EYELET

For a more relaxed informal look, curtains can be made or hung in such a way that they spill onto the floor, creating a fabric “puddle,” rather than finishing just on or above the skirting level.

2016 RANGE NOW IN STORE

Stylish, modern and unfussy, eyelets are a great choice for an up-to-date look. Eyelet curtains hang in wide, loose folds, so work well with both lighter and heavier weight fabrics. This style also stacks back fully and neatly so it’s a good choice if you have little space to the side of your window.

we love Ercol Evergreen chair Don’t be afraid of colour and pattern (orange and mustard are a big story this season). Upholstered sofas come in a wide range of styles. If you’re creating a coastal theme, why not go for a nautical stripe? Or bring the outdoors in with a punchy floral.

Soho Club chair

we love

Mix a neutral tone fabric with silver stud detail for the perfect compact chair.

Classic high backs and the combination of fabric and wood on these pieces.

Seville range

Blakeney 2 seater sofa

Strand Club chair

Are you sitting comfortably? If you’re not, then it’s time to think about replacing your sofa, writes Emma Lee.

Jacksonville Leather is a popular, stylish and hardworking material which is equally at home in a rural retreat or a city loft. Leather sofas are particularly suited to families as they’re easy to clean and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Salcombe sofa bed

Orkney Tartan Club chair

Kent Accent chair

There are endless styles and materials out there, so when it comes to choosing a new sofa, a look at your lifestyle is a good place to start. Do you have children and pets? If so your sofa will need to be durable and easy to clean. Have you got a large family, but limited living space? If so, the stylish solution is to get a corner sofa – you can all sit and chill out in front of the telly together without taking up too much room. If you have lots of visitors, a sofa bed is a great option for creating extra seating and a comfy place for your guest to get a good night’s sleep. When you’re choosing, make sure you try before you buy to check whether your new sofa passes the comfort test. And then you can sit back and relax…

Contour corner sofa

COME

I love how food brings people together. From a family celebration, to a long overdue catch-up with friends, a lazy weekend brunch, or Sunday roast, it’s an experience to be savoured, but family life is busy – how often do you end up having supper on the sofa in front of the telly, concentrating on what’s happening on screen? Why not make meal times a time to ditch the screens and re-connect with each other? Gather round the table – you can all pitch in and set out the crockery and cutlery – share some delicious fare and catch up on the day’s news. Meal-times will taste even better.

Jo Malone

HOME HOLLIE

AT

WITH

In 2014, Hollie and her fiancé Mikey picked up the keys to their very first home – somewhere they could get creative with colours, textures and trends and turn an empty space into a welcoming place.

we love Pastel tones stolen from our favourite coastline, quirky lights and mixing up prints.

The couple, both graphic designers, are influenced by seasonal trends as well as the iconic Norfolk coastline, with its sea and sky blues, inspiring them to give each room a fresh and modern feel. They’re also lucky to have design and décor input from Hollie’s mum and nanny Joy who’ve helped to maximise the new home’s potential with well-planned design choices, creating stylish, open spaces where they all like to spend time together.

Parlane Mini Glass Bottle Fairy Lights

BEDROOM Soft lighting is perfect for making the bedroom relaxing and warm. Bedside lights help to soften a room’s edges – and try adding a touch of romance with some twinkling fairy lights. Layers add texture and colour, so snuggle up with throws and matching bedding for a good night’s sleep.

Here we take a sneak peek at Hollie’s home after a recent shopping spree at Aldiss with mum and nanny Joy, and show how you too can get the look. Let’s start the tour…

Woodwick 22oz trilogy candles clothesline fresh

Swan retro set of 3 canisters available in cream, blue and green

Bliss towels Stow green small hyacynth linen basket

BATHROOM Size isn’t important when it comes to being creative. We’ve loved adding a splash of colour to small spaces with bright towels and accessories. And don’t forget, practical items like laundry baskets can be stylish too and are great for adding texture to the room.

we love

KITCHEN It’s the heart of our home and everyone is drawn here when the family visits. We’ve mixed a retro feel with coastal blue accessories for a fresh, modern feel. Save on space and let in light with a simple blind and choose a light worktop to open up the room.

Swan vintage stand mixer in blue

Marston mirror from £49.99

OFF WALL THE

Tea pot wall clock £39.99

Skeleton clock £89

If you’re looking to give your home an instant update, changing your wall décor is an easy and budget friendly weekend project which will make a real difference. Treat your wall as a blank canvas and really get creative. This is a chance to put your own stamp on a room, so anything goes. If your space is small, bring the light in and create the illusion of space with a mirror, or go for statement details such as a fairground-style typography light, stag head or wall mounted candle holder.

My favourite time of day is any time when the kettle is on for a brew, so this teapot clock would take pride of place on my kitchen wall. And this retro ice cream plaque makes me think of a 1950s American diner. If there’s a street that is particularly special to you, why not see if you can get a reproduction road sign? I know a few Canaries fans who would no doubt love this Carrow Road sign.

Letter lights £24.99 each

52 spring / summer 2016

Red London wall clock £69

After decades of being underrated, glass studios are now finding their products in demand once again. Look out for collections from Poole, Dartington and as shown here Voyage Maison.

COMING SOON look out for

GORGEOU

Here’s a few examples of trends we’ve picked up, which will come through in the next few months.

S GLASS S L A I R E T A M D MIXE Fabric in tweeds and tartans, velvets and prints all mixed together on the same upholstered furniture create a unique look.

PUPPY LOVE Fabrics, soft furnishings, wall art, decorative figures, lighting and even furniture. Our canine friends are on display at all of the major furnishing exhibitions.

If this magazine has given you some new ideas for furnishing your home – the great news is that the

OUR ALDISS HOME HAUL To celebrate our Creating Your Dream Home spring/summer 2016 magazine, we want to share some of our home inspiration and help you create your dream home! We have a range of beautiful home essentials worth over £500 you’re going to love! The prize has been hand picked from our beautiful magazine and you could be the proud winner of all these goodies!

To enter, simply…

1

Visit www.aldiss.com/competition

2

Fill in your details

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Click ‘ENTER’ and then you’re done!

UP TO

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SALE

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BE QUICK AS ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 3RD 2016

PLUS we will give you a

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56 spring / summer 2016

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HOW TO FIND US At the end of March one of the most well know faces at Aldiss, Ray Norman, steps down from his role as homewares buyer. He looks back on a 50-year career on the shop floor with Emma Lee. 1966 was a memorable year – Time magazine named London ‘the swinging city’ and, of course, England lifted football’s World Cup. But for Ray Norman, there’s a personal reason why it was particularly special for him. It was that Easter when, aged 15, he left school and joined the business which was to be part of his life for the next half a century. Ray started out working at Aldiss soft furnishings and linen department in Market Square, Fakenham, and rose through the ranks to become homewares buyer, a job which took him all over the UK and beyond. It was also where he met his wife, Dawn. In total 48 years of his 50-year career in retail has been spent working for Aldiss. At the end of March, Ray is stepping down from the role – but it won’t quite be goodbye – he’ll be back on the shop floor a couple of days a week. Back in the mid 1960s, we lived and shopped very differently. “There wasn’t so much colour in bed linens then,” recalls Ray. “People tended to have Candlewick bedspreads and Witney blankets. We were the first ones in town to sell duvets, which were then called continental quilts. I can remember the first duvet being sold. “We didn’t have ready-made curtains then,” he continues. “Fabric was sold by the yard and we had a sewing room where bespoke curtains were made. People tended to shop out of necessity rather than to follow fashions – credit cards weren’t so commonplace then, and people tended to save up and buy things.” In the last few years Black Friday has become a major event on the retail calendar – but back in the 60s Aldiss would have to bring in security for the start of its sales.“I remember in the 60s we had a policeman on duty in the store and on the door – people would be queued up outside,” says Ray. When Ray passed his driving test aged 19, he spent a couple of years on the road for Aldiss. Back then the store had a popular customer savings club and each week Ray would

Ray Norman drive around the county collecting their subscriptions. “I loved meeting the public and selling,” he says. “Working at Aldiss I learned the trade from the ground up.” Ray became a homeware buyer at Aldiss 33 years ago – he started the job around the time his second daughter was born. The job isn’t just about following the latest home trends, but getting to know Aldiss’s loyal customers – there are some cases where Ray has got to know four generations of the same family. “As well as going to trade shows, it’s important to get on the shop floor and speak to customers and find out what they’re looking for,” he says. Now a proud grandfather of four, Ray’s plans for his free time include seeing family, gardening, bowls and walking – he and wife Dawn recently got a puppy which is getting them out and about. But customers will still see him out on the shop floor. “I’m not really ready for my pipe and slippers yet,” he laughs.

Fakenham

Norwich

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