Home Help: 1 February
I visited a retired couple the other day who wanted to downsize from a threebedroom house on the outskirts of town to a more central, two-bedroom flat. But they kept putting off the move. ‘What if more grandchildren arrive?’ was their reason.
They needed a third bedroom for visitors but, when I dropped by, I noticed that they had not used theirs for years and it had become a dumping ground. In fact, it was clear that they were also worried about what to get rid of when moving.
My tip was to put every item of clothing they owned in one place, to make editing easier. We dress from memory and what we can see immediately – what we bought ages ago has often been put away and forgotten.
In order for the couple to fit as much as possible into their new flat, every inch of space would have to be used. The French armoire might have to go in favour of fitted, floor-to-ceiling cupboards, and the upper space would store out-of-season items.
Storage is always important – and getting a carpenter to make bespoke cupboards may not be as expensive as you think. The choice is then either to make a feature out of sliding doors by wallpapering, painting in a bright gloss, or blending them in with the wall. I have even seen a wardrobe that had been faced with an attractive abstract pattern made from pieces of wood.
Under-bed storage is another great way to use space efficiently. Loaf has a good selection of beds that come with drawers underneath – the Store bed even has a mattress that lifts on a hydraulic system to reveal a huge storage area.
The company also sells a Double Decker truckle bed (£745) that converts from a daybed into two singles. This would suit the grandchildren.
For occasional visitors, The Bolton Sofabed Company has a range of sofabeds that, according to decorator and designer Nina Campbell, ‘look good and are comfortable too’. There is a good range of sizes. The Carina and the Lavinia come in wide (186cm) or narrow (137cm), and cost £2,976 and £2,748 respectively.
If these pieces of furniture need to go up a narrow staircase, you can forewarn The Bolton Sofabed Company to make the arms and back detachable so that the item can be assembled in situ. There is a charge for this.
From left to right
1 Laragh sofa bed, £3,480, by The Bolton Sofabed Company: as before
2 Store bed with Chloe headboard, from £1,240, by Loaf: 0845-459 9937, www.loaf.com
Main Image above:
3 Sophie stool bed, £2,634, by The Bolton Sofabed Company: 020-7751 5551, www.theboltonsofabedcompany.com
4 Tight Space with Marie headboard, from £805, by Loaf: as before
Email design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk
They needed a third bedroom for visitors but, when I dropped by, I noticed that they had not used theirs for years and it had become a dumping ground. In fact, it was clear that they were also worried about what to get rid of when moving.
My tip was to put every item of clothing they owned in one place, to make editing easier. We dress from memory and what we can see immediately – what we bought ages ago has often been put away and forgotten.
In order for the couple to fit as much as possible into their new flat, every inch of space would have to be used. The French armoire might have to go in favour of fitted, floor-to-ceiling cupboards, and the upper space would store out-of-season items.
Storage is always important – and getting a carpenter to make bespoke cupboards may not be as expensive as you think. The choice is then either to make a feature out of sliding doors by wallpapering, painting in a bright gloss, or blending them in with the wall. I have even seen a wardrobe that had been faced with an attractive abstract pattern made from pieces of wood.
Under-bed storage is another great way to use space efficiently. Loaf has a good selection of beds that come with drawers underneath – the Store bed even has a mattress that lifts on a hydraulic system to reveal a huge storage area.
The company also sells a Double Decker truckle bed (£745) that converts from a daybed into two singles. This would suit the grandchildren.
For occasional visitors, The Bolton Sofabed Company has a range of sofabeds that, according to decorator and designer Nina Campbell, ‘look good and are comfortable too’. There is a good range of sizes. The Carina and the Lavinia come in wide (186cm) or narrow (137cm), and cost £2,976 and £2,748 respectively.
If these pieces of furniture need to go up a narrow staircase, you can forewarn The Bolton Sofabed Company to make the arms and back detachable so that the item can be assembled in situ. There is a charge for this.
From left to right
1 Laragh sofa bed, £3,480, by The Bolton Sofabed Company: as before
2 Store bed with Chloe headboard, from £1,240, by Loaf: 0845-459 9937, www.loaf.com
Main Image above:
3 Sophie stool bed, £2,634, by The Bolton Sofabed Company: 020-7751 5551, www.theboltonsofabedcompany.com
4 Tight Space with Marie headboard, from £805, by Loaf: as before
Email design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk