purpose, Alma advises it is time to pause and review. A qualified nutrition professional can help tailor a plan to your individual needs rather than following trends blindly
Spotting Hidden Risks
Duplication and hidden risks are surprisingly common. A multivitamin might already contain zinc, vitamin D or selenium, which you may also be taking individually
“High doses of some nutrients, like zinc or fat soluble vitamins, can actually harm your health,” warns Emily. “Iron, selenium, iodine, vitamin A, D, E and K are all stored in the body so taking more than you need can create imbalances ”
Alma adds that quality matters just as much as quantity Cheap supplements may not contain what they promise and some oils, like fish oil, can oxidise if poorly stored Reading labels carefully, sticking to reputable brands and checking dosages is essential
Ruchi points out that trends can lead to unnecessary risks. Electrolytes can be helpful if you sweat a lot but some formulations are high in sodium, which may not suit people with hypertension Collagen is popular, but under 40, the body generally produces enough naturally
“Supplements should fill gaps or address specific health objectives,” says Ruchi “The more targeted the stack, the clearer the benefits ”
many different people,” she says. A highlight of the year is The Ealing Beat, where she and her mother, who visits annually from abroad, spend the day browsing and meeting artists “Each piece is a memory of talking to the artist and of a lovely day out with my mum ”
The day often ends with a glass of wine at Questors Theatre before returning home with new treasures.
Inside, the design suits busy family life Glass bi-fold doors, roof lights and wide windows draw the greenery of Half Acre Wood into the living space “The room is really light and airy and despite being fairly big, it’s really cosy. ”
A separate playroom gives everyone breathing space before coming together in the open plan kitchen and dining area
Her favourite room is the office “It reflects both of us, ” she says, nodding to the Marshall stack and guitars alongside upcycled IKEA pieces and a wardrobe door turned mirror that once hosted childhood games of hide and seek
Ealing Living Magazine & Leslie & Co are on the search for Ealing’s Most Exclusive houses. Do you want to feature? If so, email louisa@ealinglivingmagazine.co.uk and paul@leslieandcompanyuk.com
personal to the client avoids cliché. A “whimsical” child’s bedroom, for example, needn’t mean cartoon motifs An eclectic mix of antiques, layered prints and varied textures can create magic that still feels timeless
Use materials and palette as your anchor
Both designers emphasise that texture, tone and proportion do far more work than themed accessories ever could. Rather than filling a coastal room with shells and anchors, Rudolph suggests relying on sun-washed colours, natural fibres and relaxed shapes The theme is expressed through materials –linen, rattan, pale timber – not decorative objects shouting the idea
Lydia Jane follows a similar formula: keep 70–80% of the room classic and timeless, and let the remaining 20% gently nod to the theme In a modern farmhouse kitchen, that might mean pairing a simple shaker kitchen with a rustic refectory table –enough to suggest the story without overplaying it
Avoid permanent, costly commitments
One of the biggest mistakes people make is investing heavily in literal, permanent elements – themed wallpaper, statement flooring or expensive furniture chosen purely to fit the concept “People overthink the theme and buy big costly items rather than pieces they genuinely love,” says Lydia Jane If the theme fades, you ’ re left with expensive regrets Instead, choose one subtle cue – a tone, a finish, a shape – and echo it lightly through the space This approach keeps the room flexible and future-proof
Introduce contrast for depth
Rudolph believes the quickest way to make a room feel flat is committing too uniformly, where every item reinforces the same idea. “That removes depth,” he explains.
Greenford Quay itself is a fascinating backdrop
This major mixed use waterfront neighbourhood has transformed 26 acres of former industrial land, once home to GlaxoSmithKline and the Sunblest Bakery, into a vibrant community of homes, cafés and public spaces Developed by Greystar, it is now one of the UK’s largest purpose built rental communities, with more than 2,100 homes set around landscaped areas and the canal New independent businesses are steadily opening their doors and there is a growing sense of community, helped along by canal side festivals and events
Although we visited for brunch, Layla’s offers an all day dining menu that stretches far beyond late morning staples. There are aperitifs and nibbles for leisurely afternoons, a Flammekueche menu featuring the classic tart flambé topped with onion, bacon and cheese, and a host of tempting mains including a burger and a Crab Caccio e Pepe that I am already planning to return for
As for our brunch, it more than delivered The Eggs Royale arrived on a butter croissant baked until crisp, layered with silky smoked salmon, perfectly poached eggs and a glossy
spirituality, combining an evidence-based understanding of the nervous system with therapeutic sound practices Using crystal singing bowls, gongs and other instruments, sessions support stress reduction, improved sleep and overall wellbeing No experience necessary
Held regularly at Questors Theatre (Ealing Broadway), The William Hobbayne (Hanwell), This Curious Life / Seal House (South Ealing) and ArtsEd (Chiswick) Private bookings available for birthdays, hen parties and workplace wellbeing events
Website: www.soundsanctuarylondon.life
Instagram: @soundsanctuarylondon
