Western Mail Article - June 20th 2009

Bring some Indian summer heat into the homeIndian chic is a very popular trend this summer.

As it’s all about vivid colours and opulent finishes its the perfect way to introduce some sultry seasonal vibes into your home.

After last summer’s washout, we need a good dose of the feelgood factor, and the sumptuous nature of Indian style fits the bill perfectly – and, as a bonus, we are currently enjoying a mini heat wave too.

If you want to put the current lust for the exotic into context, then next time you visit London have a look at the British Museum’s Indian Summer season (on until October) and the Royal Paintings of Jodhpur - Garden and Cosmos - which will be exhibited until August 23.

Lush pleasure gardens provide a backdrop to many of the pictures, depicting a life of sensual delight where the Maharajah cavorts with his doe-eyed harem girls.

The splendours of India and its irresistible life force and pulsating colours really spring to life.In a collaboration with Kew, there will also be a themed garden (though without the potentate and his entourage), along with talks, films, music and food tasting (http://www.britishmuseum.org/).

Henry Wilson, the celebrated photographer, artist and Indian expert has been commissioned by Osborne & Little (www.osborneandlittle.com) to design a magnificent collection of wallpapers.

He describes his inspiration thus:“The soaring architecture in India can be overwhelming, and much of the fine detail is easily overlooked among the kaleidoscope of pattern and colour.

It is these frequently missed decorative details that I have drawn upon for my designs.”I love his Maharani wallpaper with its luscious combo of mauves and reds, with the overblown flower designs representing the fecundity of the subcontinent.

As with any style, the trick to introducing exotic influences into the home is to stick to the ‘less is more’ motto.

If you are opting for some wild wallpaper in powerful colours, then keep the floor simple, with a plain carpet or stripped floorboards.

Don’t be tempted to go overboard as the end result will tip over into the realms of kitsch.Luxuriant fabrics are a good way of introducing a touch of glamour and mystery - choose deep seductive tones such as warm gold, hot red, regal purple and gleaming bronze.

Osborne and Little has some suitably rich colours in its Nina Campbell and Lorca ranges.

The great thing about rich fabrics in glorious colours is that they suit the torpor of summer as well as the chill of winter and seeing as we get considerably more of the latter in this country we have to be sure that the colour schemes we choose will provide comfort on our endless grey days.

For a range of interesting furniture have a look at http://www.okadirect.com/.

The roomsets pictured demonstrate how the glamour and sumptuous colours of India can be brought into the home to great effect.Cushions, rugs, lamps and lanterns add warmth, comfort and interest.

I am a big fan of rugs as they can transform a room.

Although a high quality rug isn’t cheap, there are many affordable options available from Ikea which provide the eye catching splash of colour that every room needs.

Red is my favourite colour, and I have something red in every room, even if it’s just a lampshade.

Indian textiles go in for reds of every hue in a big way, which is probably one of the reasons why the style appeals to me so much.

If you feel reticent about bold colours and how to bring them in successfully, then sticking to rugs and cushions is a safe way to introduce them - if you keep everything else fairly low key you can’t go wrong.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - June 13th 2009

Bespoke furniture brings a personal touch to the home front.

Your home should say something about you, so why not push the boat out and go in for some bespoke pieces of furniture?

Sure, it’s not a cheap route, but once in a while the opportunity to splash out comes up, and spending it on something lasting and beautiful is a good way to go.

The ultimate in luxury is to have a kitchen handmade for you, that way you’ll get exactly what you want in terms of aesthetics and practicality.

With regular fitted kitchens, there’s often some aspect that doesn’t really suit your needs or your tastes, but you have no choice but to put up with it.

Not so with made-to-measure kitchens.

Jeremy Davies is a craftsman I admire very much (01656 841 942/www.jeremydavies.co.uk), and his attention to detail is second to none.

He creates beautiful pieces designed to be loved and cherished for years.He can turn his hand to anything, from complete kitchens and bedrooms, to stand alone cabinets, chairs or tables.

He also offers a range of finishes from traditional French polish, to modern lacquers or hand-painting.

Another fantastic Welsh cabinet maker is Andrew Williams (01633 271 946/www.quailsusk.co.uk).

Andrew, known as Drew, established his business in 1979, designing and making furniture initially with the help of his grandfather, a master craftsman who followed a long family tradition of furniture making and country skills.

Drew’s cabinet making expertise combined with his intuitive ability to interpret clients’ wishes, makes for a successful relationship between craftsman and customer.

Here at Chameleon Interiors we offer a made-to measure service for sofas and chairs.

All you have to do is supply the measurements of the space you have available, and the dimensions of the sofa you require and we will advise on the appropriate proportions.

Getting the size just right is very important - a piece that’s too dominant for the room will hem you in, and make everything else look too small, while a sofa that’s too small for the room will look lost.

Custom-designed fabric for upholstery or curtains has immense wow factor, and having something unusual designed just for you gives pleasure that’s out of all proportion to the outlay.

Husband and wife team Peter Thwaites and Rebecca Aird of Rapture and Wright (01608 652 442/www.raptureandwright.co.uk) concoct some amazing deigns in a glorious spectrum of colours.

The philosophy behind their company is to be 100% British.

The cloth is woven in the UK, while the designs are conceived and hand printed in the couple’s Gloucestershire studio using skills that are rapidly disappearing in the UK.

The inspiration for their interior schemes is truly global however, recent commissions have taken their lead from a scrap of antique lace and a 13th century Persian illuminated manuscript, both reinterpreted for the 21st century.

Peter and Rebecca also produce a range of accessories including lampshades, cushions and 100 per cent Irish linen tea towels - just to complete the look.

I always think that the finishing touches are very important, so don’t hold back on the trimmings, as you may regret failing to go that extra mile.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - June 6th 2009

Kids’ stuff rulesBuying things for the kids provides great entertainment, and there are some fantastic fun and funky goods to be had.

Kitting out a kid’s room can run away with cash though, especially as the young family members grow so quickly, and their tastes change with similar speed.

Delightful though nursery furniture is, children soon become embarrassed by things that are too babyish, so you might find yourself having to buy lots of new things to fit in with your child’s increasingly sophisticated tastes.

Try and make your outlay work hard for you by purchasing pieces that have longevity - particularly important with pricey items like furniture.

Make the whole process of designing a child’s room fun by involving them every step of the way.

They love it, and tend to have very definite ideas about what they like and don’t like.For beautifully made furniture that has style and flair, take a look at the Lion Witch Wardrobe web site (www.lionwitchwardrobe.co.uk or call 0208 318 2070).

The children’s collections were designed to fill the gap in the market for appealing designs that have a contemporary edge, but are nevertheless solid enough to take all the rough stuff that kids can dole out.

The cot bed in the ‘Lolly’ range is handcrafted in beech and is designed to solve your offspring’s sleeping needs from new-born to age five.

Similarly, the storage unit in the “Buck’ range has been built with flexibility in mind, catering to your needs when your baby is tiny, while the removable shelves and hanging rail mean that it remains practical as your child’s needs change.

Bunk beds are an excellent way of saving space in a room, and kids love them too.

However, they are not recommended for youngsters under the age of four.

Another space saving option for sleepovers is a truckle bed, where the extra bed tucks neatly under the main one, and can be pulled out easily when friends come to stay.

Aspace (www.aspace.co.uk) has a wide range of affordable furniture and plenty of choice of bunks and truckle beds.

For one-off pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation, designer Flavia del Pra can’t be beaten.

I love her upbeat ceramic ‘Kaori’ lamp, with its myriad of small faces imprinted on the shade.

Her work, and that of a number of other flamboyant designers, can be seen on the Bodie and Fou web site - http://www.bodieandfou.com/.

The company was founded by two French sisters, and reflects their Gallic sense of style, as well as their sense of fun.

Their cheerful sky blue ‘Grow’ height chart would make a great gift for for the smaller residents of the house, as we all know how much they like to chart their growth millimetre by millimetre!

If you’ve set your sights on something utterly quirky, then Nest is quite likely to have the answers (http://www.nest.co.uk/).

I was impressed with the originality of the Magis El Baul toy box.

It provides the antidote to all those twee pieces that have been designed with young ones in mind.

It looks similar to a golf ball in shape and design, but is as practical as it is interesting, providing plenty of storage room to house the multitude of toys that inevitably accumulate.

The Magis Julian chairs are also fun, with their slightly abstract animal forms and chirpy primary colours.

The Bodie and Fou kids’ clothing collection is also simple and fun- have a look at the colourful crocodile pyjamas, they are irresistible.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - May 30th 2009

Give your sitting room a summer shake up.

Planning a space is a little like putting a menu together.

You have to be sure that all the assorted items complement one another and that you get harmony without repetition.

You also need a few surprises.

Individual pieces add character to a room, so don’t feel that you need a matching set of anything for the place to look right.

The trick is to combine different styles and periods of furniture and position them so that they suit the shape of the room.

Mix old with new, dark wood with gilded and painted surfaces, and chunky rustic styling with fine decorative carving.

The colour and style of your floor needs to be considered just as carefully as the walls to help set the scene and provide a backdrop for other furnishings.

A plain base gives you most scope - either a single colour fitted carpet or wooden boards (polished, waxed or painted), on top of which you can lay rugs to introduce some panache.

Rugs are a useful way of breaking up the space into different areas, and add warmth and softness.

The sitting room in the picture is formal, but the style of the rug brings in a touch of comfort that eases this, and creates harmony.

However, let’s say you have a high-ceilinged room that looks more formal than you would like it to, then you need to be careful with accessories.

Avoid creating a regimented display with pictures and accessories.

Prop pictures on shelves and mix different colours and styles to generate a more casual feel.

A sitting room needs to be conducive to relaxation so steer clear of harsh lightin

One option is to use recessed spotlights and a dimmer switch, so you can up the brightness when you are reading and soften things when you need a more soothing environment.

A chandelier makes the most of a high ceiling, and looks stunning even when unlit, complement this with lamps that glow warmly, and illuminate dark corners.

Most sitting rooms have a multipurpose life involving books, magazines, games and electronic equipment.

It can be tricky to accommodate all these disparate elements yet avoid a sense of clutter.

Consider housing your books in a study or bedroom, or confine them to a single area in a living room in which floor to ceiling shelves can form a storage grid, housing other items such as CDs as well.

If possible house TVs and sound systems in cabinets so that they don’t intrude when not in use. I have had wonderful bespoke cabinets built for a number of clients.

The sofa is likely to be the most expensive purchase in the room, therefore select it with care.

Above all it has to be comfortable.

At the end of a long day it’s important to be able to chill out in front of a good movie, or stretch out with a good book.

Take time to choose a sofa that ticks all the boxes.

While a stylish look is desirable, remember that the furnishings you choose have to be compatible with the way you live.

Choosing high maintenance fabrics when you have a family will become a nightmare as the stress involved in keeping them looking great outweighs the pleasure.

A white carpet or sofa might look fab in a magazine, but it won't look so good covered in chocolate stains and cat hairs.

My family home is also occupied by a dog and four cats, so I am careful to choose furnishings that take that into account.

Afterall, a house should be a home and not a showpiece.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - May 23rd 2009

Be prepared for summer - just in case it arrives.

Pity the poor birds trying to keep their fledgelings warm and fed despite the cold winds and torrential rain.

When the weather is poor the birds have even more of an uphill struggle keeping their youngsters alive, so we need to help them all we can by keeping our bird feeders and tables topped up with plenty of nourishing food.

The RSPB ( www.rspb.org.uk) gives excellent information on what to feed birds (and what to avoid).

Species such as house sparrows, dunnocks and finches love seed mixes that contain small seeds, while blackbirds are partial to flaked maize.

Black sunflower seeds are another good all-year staple.

Should you wish to attract the spectacular goldfinch to your patch, then you’ll need a special feeder to carry its favourite nibble - nyjer seeds.And don’t forget to top up the birds’ water bowl - and keep it clean.

If you are looking for an attractive new bird table, then have a look at the Plantstuff web site (www.plantstuff.com) - the one with the copper roof looks particularly palatial.

Plantstuff also has some excellent galvanised containers that will offset brightly coloured plants brilliantly.

Take a look at their rustic wooden seed trays too – these hark back to gentler days when there seemed to be more time for pottering contentedly in the garden or allotment.

If you are looking for seeds to nurture in these trays, then Sarah Raven is right up your street (http://www.sarahraven.com/).

She specialises in seeds to sow for the cutting garden - these plants love to be picked, and the more you do so, the more they flower.

I really love the deep summer sky blue of the agapanthus - and a tangerine and orange version of Cosmos, known as ‘Bright Lights’, is totally spectacular too.

However small your garden might be, with a bit of proper planning it can be so much more than a patch of lawn or a square of decking.

However, it might be worth investing in a spot of expert help in order to transform your outdoor space into an oasis.

Even if you are on a budget, a professional’s advice could be worth seeking - ensuring, for instance, that you don’t spend a fortune on plants that won’t thrive because you have the wrong soil or too little light.

Contact the Society of Garden Designers (www.sgd.org.uk) for a list of accredited designers.

Before launching into your garden project, ask yourself how much work you really want to do on the garden.

If the answer is ‘very little’ then avoid grass as it needs cutting regularly during the summer, and will also need some TLC if it starts getting weed or moss filled.

Flowering plants and blossoms look wonderful, but create debris that needs clearing up when they shed their petals.

For minimum fuss but maximum impact choose structural evergreens - they are a breeze to look after and look good throughout the year.

Lob in impressive splashes of colour with a few large pots of annuals, and some hanging baskets dripping with plants such as petunias.

Privacy is important - you are more likely to gain enjoyment from being outdoors if you have some peace.

Choose quality fencing and soften it with planting. For example, black bamboo against a red cedar fence looks stunning.

Virginia creeper and golden hop will spread like wildfire to cover bare expanses of fence - but beware, in a small garden they could easily sap the ground of nutrients, to the detriment of your other plants.

If you want to avoid a ‘Day of the Triffids’ experience, don’t plant something that’s too vigorous for the space available.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - May 16th 2009

Space savers galore - tricks of the trade help expand your home.

Most of us would like more space in the home than we actually have.

Even if we move into a bigger home it seems that we soon expand to fill the extra space and wish we had even more.

One answer is to throw out unwanted clobber. But most of us aren’t natural born minimalists, so stuff will accumulate, despite our best intentions.

There’s often more space in our homes than we realise though - it’s just a case of reclaiming every nook and cranny.

Older homes in particular tend to have hidden sq. footage that’s under utilised.Hallways and staircases take up a disproportionate amount of space.

Consider expanding your sitting room into the hallway, doing away with the dividing wall, to create an open plan effect.Spiral staircases are a great space saver too, and also look spectacular.

Under stairs cupboards tend to become a dumping ground for all those things we don’t know what else to do with.

Clear the lot out and think again.It might be there’s just enough space there to make a downstairs cloakroom.

If you don’t have a utility room why not hide your appliances behind folding doors? These will create a deep cupboard that can be used for other storage as well.Also consider a wall-mounted dryer. Companies such as Brabantia make them, and they save a lot of floor space. Brabantia’s version will take an entire washing machine load, and packs away neatly when it’s not in use.

In a space starved kitchen always maximise the lighting, a gloomy work area is not only harder to function in, it makes the place look smaller. Install dimmer switches so that you can create a softer effect once you sit down to eat your meal.

Reflective surfaces such as glass and stainless steel help bounce light around as well, generating an illusion of space.

Knocking down walls to create one large room is a messy though rewarding method of creating space, moreover multifunctional rooms are very popular now, and will add saleability to your property.

We all have bulky items that are hard to store and add nothing aesthetically. Ironing boards, for instance.Storing them is a bind. If you put them away in a cupboard they tend to be in there with loads of other things and are a nightmare to get in and out.Save time and space with a nifty sliding board that slots in neatly under a work surface. Look up www.kitchen-storage.co.uk for further information.

Their pullout corner units are another great way of making use of space that would otherwise go to waste.Generally speaking the area under the bed does little more than collect dust. Places like Ikea produce storage boxes that can be slotted under the bed (or anywhere else for that matter). Make sure you label them so you know what’s inside otherwise you’ll have to trawl through the lot to find what you are looking for - and you can rest assured it’ll be in the last box you rifle through!

The average bathroom in the UK is not much bigger than a king size bed, so it pays to make use of every inch.Put pipework under the floor, and consider wall mounted loos to create a sense of greater floor space.For useful ideas for Lilliputian bathrooms look up Ideal Standard’s ‘space’ range - www.ideal-standard.co.uk/01482 346 461. Ideal Standard is worth a whirl if you have a wardrobe’s worth of space in which to create an en suite - their dinky bathroom fittings will fit the bill nicely.

Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - May 9th 2009

Moroccan moods just the ticket for a sultry summer



As we are on a promise for a sizzling summer, the current passion for Moroccan influences in interior design seems to fit the bill perfectly.



Modern Moroccan isn’t all about big brass lanterns that look out of place once you bring them home, it’s much more muted and pared down.

The contemporary look still draws on a multitude of influences including Moorish, Berber, French and Spanish, but in a softer way that translates more readily to our climate.

I recently visited Marrakech for the first time, and stayed in a riad that fulfilled every expectation. No wonder I loved Dar Charkia (+212 524 37 64 77/www.darcharkia.com) as it is owned by an interior designer called Lisa, who once ran her own business in Notting Hill.



It’s situated in the heart of the Medina and provides a haven after the unremitting bustle of Marrakech.



Inside, contemporary and traditional has been mixed with great aplomb.

Traditional craftspeople have made many of the furnishings - the throws and rugs have been woven by Berber people in the nearby Atlas mountains, while baskets have been handcrafted by the women in the souk, and the pierced metal lamps were made in a workshop close to the riad.

Simple whitewashed walls sport bursts of colour such as cerise and violet, while bright fabrics add a vibrant touch.

In fact, the place illustrates how it’s possible to introduce selected elements of any style into an interior, without going overboard into kitsch.

Moorish styling tends to be very ornate, and oodles of this looks great in its natural environment, but when uprooted to cooler climates it can look a bit ostentatious.

The trick is to use it sparingly. Intricately carved screens as room separators, for instance, or a pair or lamps against a simple backdrop, look chic- just remember the less is more maxim.

Similarly the traditional yellows and deep blues beloved of Moroccans look glorious when drenched in intense sunlight.

But the key consideration when choosing colours is that the light is different here, so work out how your chosen tones will look in darkest December as well as on a bright and breezy day in May.

The modern Moorish look makes good use of reds and pinks, colours that exude warmth on a cold day, but look heady and sultry in hot weather.

Luxuriant fabrics are a good way of introducing a touch of the exotic - choose deep seductive tones such as warm gold, red, aubergine, plum and bronze.

Osborne and Little (www.osborneandlittle.com) has some suitably rich colours in its Nina Campbell and Lorca ranges.

The latest Moroccan tiles are being produced in a luscious range of cool colours that won’t look out of place in the UK.

Being handmade they come in differing sizes and shapes, which adds to the overall ambience. I’m definitely not a fan of uniformity as I think it creates a bland and homogenous effect.

The polished plaster traditionally used in baths or hammams can be a bit dark and gloomy, which is fine if you want a rest from dazzling sunlight. However, the new mode of plaster also comes in a range of gentle colours that would work well in our bathrooms and kitchens at home.

If you are wondering where to source funky Moroccan wares, then look up www.maroque.co.uk.

This site is full of items that shout ‘buy me’.



Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - May 2nd 2008

Smart flooring puts a stylish spin on interiors

The great thing about modern designs is that style never has to be sacrificed for practicality.

Take flooring, there’s a growing choice, from brightly coloured, patterned vinyl and rubber to natural fibres in striking colours, to wonderful timber boards and quality laminates.

Rubber and vinyl are ideal for the kitchen and bathroom, being resilient, water resistant and versatile.



Smart flooring puts a stylish spin on interiors

The great thing about modern designs is that style never has to be sacrificed for practicality.

Take flooring, there’s a growing choice, from brightly coloured, patterned vinyl and rubber to natural fibres in striking colours, to wonderful timber boards and quality laminates.

Rubber and vinyl are ideal for the kitchen and bathroom, being resilient, water resistant and versatile.

Smart flooring puts a stylish spin on interiors

The great thing about modern designs is that style never has to be sacrificed for practicality.

Take flooring, there’s a growing choice, from brightly coloured, patterned vinyl and rubber to natural fibres in striking colours, to wonderful timber boards and quality laminates.

Rubber and vinyl are ideal for the kitchen and bathroom, being resilient, water resistant and versatile.

A hot favourite of mine is the creative vinyl flooring from Harvey Maria (www.harveymaria.co.uk). Their designs are fabulous, and include shimmering water effects, streams of bubbles, swathes of grass and clusters of dainty daisies.

Cheaper alternatives can be sourced from www.yourfloors.co.uk.

Elsewhere in the house we generally want something a little softer on the eye - a deep carpet to create an air of warmth, comfort and welcome, or a large rug to mellow laminate flooring and stripped wooden floors.

This is particularly important in the bedroom where toes will soon become chilled when padding around on bare boards, or in the sitting room where we escape for some R&R after a hectic day.

For those with kids and dogs, a hardwearing sisal is a good option. Until recently the colour palette for this material was limited - it was pretty much a case of taupe or beige.

Now it’s a totally different ball game, with vibrant colour choices entering the equation.

Kersaint Cobb (www.kersaintcobb.co.uk) has launched a designer sisal range that includes lime green, bubblegum pink and ice blue. It’s a far cry from the subdued neutrals of old.



Although sisal is attractive and practical, it is somewhat scratchy, so for those who prefer greater comfort levels there can be nothing nicer than pure wool.

Anta (01862 832 477/wwww.anta.co.uk) has a great range of deliciously soft rugs and carpets fashioned from 100 per cent Shetland wool.

Plaid and check is very popular this year, and Anta has a particularly attractive flat weave plaid tweed design.

However, this doesn’t come cheap and clocks in at a wallet walloping £150 per linear meter.

You definitely wouldn’t want the kids spilling juice on it.

If you are on the lookout for an indestructible floor covering that still looks cool, then consider end-grain blocks. These are typically reclaimed from the beams in disused buildings, and are cut into brick-like cross sections.

They look wonderful, like a kind of rustic parquet, and are beloved of architects and interior designers like myself.

If any floor can withstand punishment while looking good, this is it. And you can rest assured you’ll never need to replace it because it has worn out.

While we are on the subject of reclaiming items for the home, there’s a company called One Eco Home (0208 835 0101/www.onecohome.co.uk) that specialises in stylish items that look good and do good.

I was very taken with the reclaimed oak and Cornish slate dining table and benches - a perfect marriage of style and function.

The company also provides a design service for those wishing to revamp their homes in a sustainable fashion.

This excellent, award-winning eco design service created an environmentally friendly interior for the eco-build selected featured on the TV series, Grand Designs.

One Eco Home also helps those with allergies select products that won’t aggravate the condition.

RE-found objects (www.re-foundobjects.com) also does a fine line in funky reclaimed goods.

Their gardening selection includes versatile rubber containers, and a two-handled bucket, as well as vintage plant pots, gardening tools and watering cans.

And for those who hanker for the days when we had tea with granny, there’s a supremely retro pom-pom tea-cosy, hand-knitted in Northumberland.


Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk




A hot favourite of mine is the creative vinyl flooring from Harvey Maria (www.harveymaria.co.uk). Their designs are fabulous, and include shimmering water effects, streams of bubbles, swathes of grass and clusters of dainty daisies.

Cheaper alternatives can be sourced from www.yourfloors.co.uk.

Elsewhere in the house we generally want something a little softer on the eye - a deep carpet to create an air of warmth, comfort and welcome, or a large rug to mellow laminate flooring and stripped wooden floors.

This is particularly important in the bedroom where toes will soon become chilled when padding around on bare boards, or in the sitting room where we escape for some R&R after a hectic day.

For those with kids and dogs, a hardwearing sisal is a good option. Until recently the colour palette for this material was limited - it was pretty much a case of taupe or beige.

Now it’s a totally different ball game, with vibrant colour choices entering the equation.

Kersaint Cobb (www.kersaintcobb.co.uk) has launched a designer sisal range that includes lime green, bubblegum pink and ice blue. It’s a far cry from the subdued neutrals of old.

Although sisal is attractive and practical, it is somewhat scratchy, so for those who prefer greater comfort levels there can be nothing nicer than pure wool.

Anta (01862 832 477/wwww.anta.co.uk) has a great range of deliciously soft rugs and carpets fashioned from 100 per cent Shetland wool.

Plaid and check is very popular this year, and Anta has a particularly attractive flat weave plaid tweed design.

However, this doesn’t come cheap and clocks in at a wallet walloping £150 per linear meter.

You definitely wouldn’t want the kids spilling juice on it.

If you are on the lookout for an indestructible floor covering that still looks cool, then consider end-grain blocks. These are typically reclaimed from the beams in disused buildings, and are cut into brick-like cross sections.

They look wonderful, like a kind of rustic parquet, and are beloved of architects and interior designers like myself.

If any floor can withstand punishment while looking good, this is it. And you can rest assured you’ll never need to replace it because it has worn out.

While we are on the subject of reclaiming items for the home, there’s a company called One Eco Home (0208 835 0101/www.onecohome.co.uk) that specialises in stylish items that look good and do good.

I was very taken with the reclaimed oak and Cornish slate dining table and benches - a perfect marriage of style and function.

The company also provides a design service for those wishing to revamp their homes in a sustainable fashion.

This excellent, award-winning eco design service created an environmentally friendly interior for the eco-build selected featured on the TV series, Grand Designs.

One Eco Home also helps those with allergies select products that won’t aggravate the condition.

RE-found objects (www.re-foundobjects.com) also does a fine line in funky reclaimed goods.

Their gardening selection includes versatile rubber containers, and a two-handled bucket, as well as vintage plant pots, gardening tools and watering cans.

And for those who hanker for the days when we had tea with granny, there’s a supremely retro pom-pom tea-cosy, hand-knitted in Northumberland.


Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk




A hot favourite of mine is the creative vinyl flooring from Harvey Maria (www.harveymaria.co.uk). Their designs are fabulous, and include shimmering water effects, streams of bubbles, swathes of grass and clusters of dainty daisies.

Cheaper alternatives can be sourced from www.yourfloors.co.uk.

Elsewhere in the house we generally want something a little softer on the eye - a deep carpet to create an air of warmth, comfort and welcome, or a large rug to mellow laminate flooring and stripped wooden floors.

This is particularly important in the bedroom where toes will soon become chilled when padding around on bare boards, or in the sitting room where we escape for some R&R after a hectic day.

For those with kids and dogs, a hardwearing sisal is a good option. Until recently the colour palette for this material was limited - it was pretty much a case of taupe or beige.

Now it’s a totally different ball game, with vibrant colour choices entering the equation.

Kersaint Cobb (www.kersaintcobb.co.uk) has launched a designer sisal range that includes lime green, bubblegum pink and ice blue. It’s a far cry from the subdued neutrals of old.

Although sisal is attractive and practical, it is somewhat scratchy, so for those who prefer greater comfort levels there can be nothing nicer than pure wool.

Anta (01862 832 477/wwww.anta.co.uk) has a great range of deliciously soft rugs and carpets fashioned from 100 per cent Shetland wool.

Plaid and check is very popular this year, and Anta has a particularly attractive flat weave plaid tweed design.

However, this doesn’t come cheap and clocks in at a wallet walloping £150 per linear meter.

You definitely wouldn’t want the kids spilling juice on it.

If you are on the lookout for an indestructible floor covering that still looks cool, then consider end-grain blocks. These are typically reclaimed from the beams in disused buildings, and are cut into brick-like cross sections.

They look wonderful, like a kind of rustic parquet, and are beloved of architects and interior designers like myself.

If any floor can withstand punishment while looking good, this is it. And you can rest assured you’ll never need to replace it because it has worn out.

While we are on the subject of reclaiming items for the home, there’s a company called One Eco Home (0208 835 0101/www.onecohome.co.uk) that specialises in stylish items that look good and do good.

I was very taken with the reclaimed oak and Cornish slate dining table and benches - a perfect marriage of style and function.

The company also provides a design service for those wishing to revamp their homes in a sustainable fashion.

This excellent, award-winning eco design service created an environmentally friendly interior for the eco-build selected featured on the TV series, Grand Designs.

One Eco Home also helps those with allergies select products that won’t aggravate the condition.

RE-found objects (www.re-foundobjects.com) also does a fine line in funky reclaimed goods.

Their gardening selection includes versatile rubber containers, and a two-handled bucket, as well as vintage plant pots, gardening tools and watering cans.

And for those who hanker for the days when we had tea with granny, there’s a supremely retro pom-pom tea-cosy, hand-knitted in Northumberland.


Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - April 25th 2009

Don’t move, improve

Moving house is one of most stressful things we can do, close to the trauma of divorce, so research would have it.

So why go through it? Many properties have untapped potential, and extra space can be created that makes the place more enjoyable to live in, while adding to its market value as well.

Before steaming ahead with that costly conversion, have a chat with your local estate agent to find out what renovations are popular with buyers in your area. Every street has a ceiling value so you don’t want to overreach in case circumstances change and you find you have to sell and move on.

If you plan wisely, you’ll add more value than your outlay, while creating a home you thoroughly enjoy living in.



I would strongly advise hiring an architect before setting out on a major conversion of any kind. It may sound obvious, but builders specialise in building things, not designing them.

If you go straight to a builder, then you miss out on a crucial stage in the process, and one that could make a significant difference to the appeal and usability of the space you create.

Furthermore, if you do find yourself having to move on, a badly designed extension is a turnoff for prospective purchasers.

The architect will have good ideas for making best use of the space available, as well as doing the practical work such as helping secure planning consent, building regulations certification, finding a suitable builder, and overseeing the building process to ensure everything goes according to plan.

There is currently a big move to sourcing environmentally sound materials for building projects, and government regulations also specify that new structures must adhere to energy-saving guidelines.

This is good news for the environment, but will also be kind to our pockets in the long run too. Once again, this is an area the architect can advise on.

Your relationship with your architect is very important, so it’s essential you find someone you enjoy working with. Having work carried out involves considerable upheaval in the home, so you want your relationship with the architect to help smooth the path, not add to the burden.



The best way to find the right person is by personal recommendation, but failing that you can contact the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) - www.architecture.com - to find a shortlist of architects in your area with suitable skills for the project you have in mind.

As the kitchen tends to be the most popular room in the house, maximising space there makes good sense. Rather than have a series of cramped rooms, why not open out the kitchen, dining and living room to create one light, bright and airy living space?

Glass structures, such as the stylish creations by Apropos (0161 343 8200/www.apropos-tectonic.co.uk), allow light to flood in creating a greater sense of space.

Sliding or French doors can be flung completely open on warm days, bringing the outside in.

Glass is a fantastic solution for a home that’s otherwise on the dark side too.

Loft conversions are eternally popular as they make use of existing space very effectively. If you put an en suite in the loft conversion it makes a self-contained bedroom that’s great for guests, or for a teenager who want more privacy, or, indeed, for a lodger, if you are thinking of generating some extra cash by letting out a room.

In terms of adding market value a loft punches above its weight as well, adding around 15-20 per cent to your home’s value.

What’s more, loft space is very attractive to live in with its arched ceiling and bird’s eye views.

Your family members will be fighting over who gets it!


Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk

Western Mail Article - April 18th 2009

Take the plunge with a natural swimming pool

On the rare occasions when we have a hot day, I feel tempted to have a swimming pool installed.

The trouble is, they tend to look ostentatious, and, for the few sultry days we have, is the expense worth it?

However, a company that creates natural swimming pools has transformed the entire concept.



Woodhouse Natural Pools (www.naturalswimmingpools.com), in partnership with Biotop, have a wonderful range that look like garden ponds and consequently fit in harmoniously with their surroundings instead of creating a visual jolt.

Unlike a conventional pool, these are a delight to look at when they are not in use as they are softened with plants, and come in a variety of gently curving shapes.

They are filled with soft, natural water that supports microscopic life and plants, which, between them, provide a powerful self-cleaning system, so there’s no need for harsh chemicals.

As the pools are relatively shallow, they warm up quickly in the sun, and therefore don’t cost a fortune to heat and there’s no burning of fossil fuels involved in keeping them warm either.

And another bonus is that they are pretty low maintenance.

These pools have been popular in mainland Europe for many years, but are only just beginning to catch on here.

Once people realise there’s an attractive, sympathetic and environmentally-friendly alternative to the angular ugliness of conventional styles, I’m sure they'll be selling like hot cakes.

The Landscape Ornament Company (www.landscapeornament.com) has a great collection of sculptures that provide a garden with a focal point. Look out for the strawberry, apple, walnut or acorn cast in reconstituted stone.

Alternatively, you can have the acorn carved in a Bath or Portland stone finish.



I was very taken with the fountain carved in a water lily shape too.

Placed in a pond with a pedestal to hold it at the appropriate height, it appears to float on the water’s surface.

The company’s timber furniture is painstakingly handmade, and is left untreated so that it weathers evocatively. Modern and traditional designs suit every location from a city garden to a country cottage, conservatory to a roof terrace.

The raw beauty of natural stone works equally well inside and outdoors. A company called Island Stone (www.islandstone.co.uk) handcrafts stone tiles, and these are ideal for a multitude of purposes, from cladding walls to create a rustic finish to landscaping aspects of the garden.

Available in marble, sandstone, quartzite, pebble, and slate, they would make a great feature wall when combined with Island Stone’s eye catching glass tiles, while outdoors they create an interesting effect for pathways and driveways.

Although expensive, stone is immensely durable, so you can expect it to last a lifetime once installed. All natural products tend to wear appealingly as well, so that they actually look better with age, whereas synthetic products have a tendency to look tawdry once the effects of wear and tear kick in.

the myriad of designs in the Island Stone stable.
Reuse and recycle is the mantra of the modern age. Re-found objects (www.re-found-objects.com) makes great use of random pieces of ephemera. The decorative metal shelf edging for example turns prosaic shelving for storing surplus pots into a work of art. At £19 it’s an affordable piece of eye candy for the garden this summer.


Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and is the owner of Chameleon Interiors. Tel: 029 2037 1277. www.chameleoninteriors.co.uk