Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2022 i HomeStyle

If you’re looking for genius ways to save this summer, then you’ve picked up the right magazine! From style-savvy ways to use up leftover paints (p76), to how to create a luxe outdoor living space for less (p84), as well as all of the clever ideas from our real homeowners and renters, this issue is bursting with money-saving know-how! For quick and easy updates for every room, check out 50 thrifty updates for under £30 on page 72 – it’s got lots of fab finds for the last days of summer. Then, don’t miss our upcycling challenge on page 110 – you can turn a small piece of scrap wood into a cool hallway shelf that’s convenient for keeping keys and other essentials. As usual, our real homes are packed…

PROBLEM SOLVED Wake up happy Hot and sticky summer nights are the enemy of sleep, but comfortable bedding can make all the difference when it comes to drifting off with ease. Choose natural fibres, like this cotton-and-linen mix from the Secret Linen Store, which helps you to keep your cool and be ready to take on the world in the morning. Linen fabrics look best when they’re left to elegantly crumple, so you won’t have to get steamy while doing the ironing either. RETRO TREND Ric rac is back! Scallops, wiggles and wobbles have taken over the world of interiors! Playful elements add an irresistible touch of jollity to your schemes and show that you’re not taking life too seriously. It’s really simple to add these cutting-edge looks to your…

Ensure the wall is clean by wiping it down with a sugar soap solution and a sponge. Wait for it to dry before painting. Measure the width of the space you want to paint. This needs to be divided by how thick you would like the stripes. Charlotte’s stripes are 10cm wide, but you might decide to go thicker or thinner, depending on the style you want. Use a laser level to get straight lines and lightly mark with a pencil, before applying frog tape over the lines. This is a bit time-consuming, but it will ensure that you get neat, crisp stripes. Before applying colour, paint the edges of the stripes with the base colour – in Charlotte’s case, this was white. If you’re going for two alternate colours,…

MY STORY We’d been renting for a few years when we decided to buy our own place in 2012. There are memories and a lot of personality and integrity to an older property and we were looking for a home like this, with romantic period details. I love the character and classic features of an older home, so when we first viewed this house, I was immediately drawn to the high ceilings in the living room and the hallway, as well as the sash windows and fireplace. We also loved the area. The street is so quiet and friendly, but it’s close to the city centre. While it needed a complete revamp, we could see the potential. We knew immediately it was the right house for us. The property needed…

If you’re anything like me and you change your mind a lot, stick to whites. I would go for more neutral base tones at first, and introduce your colour in items that can be easily switched out. Create moodboards on Pinterest and using Photoshop. I found it helped to visualise how a finished room will look in terms of seeing what colours complement each other. Stock up on cleaning products. With a white house like this, and two kids, plus a dog in tow, I’ve learned to clean as we go before the mess dries in. I’ve also realised how valuable a cordless vacuum is! See yourhomestyle.uk for more great real homes…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Lindsey Isla Henderson, 31, a fashion and lifestyle influencer@lindsey_isla. I live here with my partner, George Pelham, a singer-songwriter @georgepelham and our dog, Sunday. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a two-bedroom terraced house in Margate, Kent. We’ve lived here since December 2020. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE George and I both work from home so we decided to turn the old galley kitchen into a soundproofed music studio for George and the original dining room into a kitchen-diner. The rest of the house mostly just needed decorating to our taste. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We really thought about where and how we would spend our time here, and what brings us joy. I’m obsessed with colour, so adding lots of vibrancy really…

You will need • latch hook tool • 50 x 70cm rug canvas • acrylic yarn, one ball each of green, light peach, orange and white; three balls of peach • scissors • pencil or bullet tip marker • cardboard (optional) • darning needle • template 1 Go to Yourhomestyle.co.uk and search ‘floral bathroom template’, then download and print. Remember to print the design at 100 per cent scale so that it measures 50 x 70cm. Alternatively, draw your own motif onto a piece of paper of the same size. Cut a piece of rug canvas that measures 50 x 70cm and trace the floral design onto it. 2 Cut 3m of your first wool colour into 8cm lengths. To speed up this process, cut a piece of stiff…

THE LOOK Colour me happy Boost your mood with this selection of cheap and cheerful buys in a riot of bright, uplifting tones THE LOOK Coastal grandma Evoke happy childhood memories of holidays by the seaside with these bargains THE LOOK Cottage garden It’s true that the best things in life are free, but treating yourself to these pretty pieces won’t cost the earth THE LOOK Seventies cool Adopt a laid-back attitude, put on some smooth jazz and enjoy these sophisticated, budget-friendly buys…

Along with great coverage and a smooth finish, neat edges are vital if you want to feel satisfied with your DIY painting and decorating. The most important thing is to use a paint brush that’s been specifically designed for ‘cutting in’ (painting edges). Look for a brush with tapered bristles that create a thin, blade-like edge. This will give you more control and an improved finish. 01 Start painting by placing the wide tip of the brush against the edge and pulling the paint along in segments around a metre at a time. Then, using the brush as you normally would, thicken the edge by another 5–10cm. 02 With the edge complete, switch to a roller to fill in the outlined block. Start about a foot from where you’ve cut…

CLEAN SWEEP As well as looking super stylish, a Ruggable rug will refresh your kitchen in a jiffy and is surprisingly easy to keep clean. Rugs help to catch dirt and crumbs that tend to scatter about on hard flooring, so you’ll find yourself having to vacuum less often. When you’re ready to clean up, peel it off the special cushioned underlay, pop it in the washing machine and it will come out as fresh as a daisy. PRETTY TOUGH Pastel kitchens create a serene atmosphere that’s ideal for turning down the temperature when you’re cooking under pressure! For an uninterrupted sweep of soothing colour, try a splashback from Alusplash. Each one is made from solid aluminium, which can be used behind all sinks and hobs for a seamless, minimalist…

• Fence painted in Persipan; walls painted in Baked, both £25 per 1L, COAT Paints • Bar painted in Cuprinol Purple Pansy, £14 per 1L, B&Q • Cotton throw, £150, Wearth • Seating painted in Giverny and English Yellow, £23.95 per 1L, Annie Sloan • White cotton curtains, £14, IKEA • Plants, from a selection, Dobbies • White ceramic Clam Shell bowl, £30; small Shell mirror, £40; Love needlepoint cushion, £38; Dalmatian tufted cushion, £32; LA tufted Boho cushion, £20; LA tufted Diamond cushion, £20; Fruity reversible gallery wall print set, £16 for four, all Originals Studio • For a similar mirror, try the Taunton accent mirror, £233.99 for two; for a similar lampshade, try the Rayung pendant, £199.99; World Foods serving tray, £21.99; Kilner clip-top beverage dispenser, £30.89; for…

• For a similar kitchen, try the Metod units, £51 for a 40 x 37cm base unit with shelves; for a similar sink, try the Havsen two-bowl sink, £275, both IKEA • Solid oak worktop, from £153, Worktop Express • Brushed Gold Filtrata 4-in-1 boiling water kitchen tap, £595, Lusso Stone • For similar flooring try Villa Gala Oak White laminate flooring, £25.79 per sq m, Direct Wood Flooring • Victoria Metro wall tiles in Gloss White, £24.95 per sq m, Victorian Plumbing • Walls painted in Pink 02, £42 per 2.5L, Lick • Wooden shelf brackets, £5, B&Q • For a similar dining table, try the Barker & Stonehouse Covington reclaimed wood dining table, £679, Fenwick • For similar dining chairs try the Arvid dining chair, £49 each, HJEM…

• Brasilia floor and shower tiles, made to order, popham design • Countrywide White wall tiles, £44.40 per sq m, Porcelain Superstore • For a similar toilet, try the Grohe Euro toilet, £419.95, Victorian Plumbing • For a similar bath, try the Mode free-standing bath, £458.10; Mode Tate Black wall-mounted basin mixer tap, £88.99; for a similar shower, try the Mode Spencer round twin diverter valve shower set, £659, all Victoria Plum • Unik terrazzo wash basin, £269, Tikamoon • For similar wall lights, try the Vaughn lights, £55 each, MADE.com • Laursen Black wall mirror, £114.99, Fine Nordic • Lola Leopard bath towel, £28, Anthropologie • For a similar soap dish, try the Black Marble soap dish, £24.99, both H&M Home • Metal and glass wall cabinet, £119.95,…

If you suffer from hay fever, asthma or allergies, you’re probably already aware of the negative effects polluted air can have on us in our own homes. Throwing open the doors and windows come spring and summer isn’t the ideal solution when pollen and other airborne irritants can find their way in, but don’t always find their way out again. That’s why investing in an air purifier can make the world of difference. Tackling odours and chemicals from cleaning, cooking and DIY products, as well as ridding the air of tiny particles that exacerbate symptoms for allergy sufferers, makes an air purifier a must-have for any household! So if you’ve been dreaming of a peaceful night’s sleep, check out our favourite devices that will give you clean air, day or…

Meatball and Mediterranean vegetable kebab Prep time 10 minutes (20 minutes if making meatballs) Cook time 15 minutes Serves 4 INGREDIENTS • ½ lemon, zested, plus wedges to serve • 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary • 3 tbsp olive oil • Tesco 672g pack 24 beef meatballs • 1 red onion, cut into wedges • 2 courgettes, thickly sliced • 1 red pepper, cut into chunks • 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks • aioli, to serve (optional) Equipment: • 8 long skewers METHOD 1 Mix the lemon zest, rosemary and olive oil and set aside to infuse. Get 8 long skewers; if using wooden ones, soak in water for 10 minutes first. 2 Thread 3 meatballs and varying pieces of different veg onto each skewer, alternating between each. Brush…

KATIE DUTTON Staff Writer ‘I love the look of the painting ideas on page 76, so I’ll be digging out some old samples and grabbing my paintbrush!’ HANNAH TRIBE Staff Writer ‘I’m about to move into a flat with no garden, so I’m excited to try some of the indoor gardening ideas on page 84.’ KATIE NICHOLLS Senior Production Editor ‘I’m loving summer and outdoor living and I can’t wait to try the budget, colour-pop ideas on page 82.’ CATRIONA BURNS Features Editor ‘My landlord has just given the go-ahead for some decorating, so I’ll be spending the weekend painting my kitchen pink!’…

IT’S ONLY NATURAL We don’t think you can go wrong with earthy, biophilicinspired interiors. Warm soothing shades and textural plants create a relaxing, immersive atmosphere and the aesthetic can be applied to a wide range of house styles. If you’re not sure where to start when tapping into the trend, Carpetright’s new line, Earth Tones, for Autumn/Winter 2022 may help to get you inspired. From sandy rose carpet to natural cork boards, these fresh flooring options bring the outdoors in, and are guaranteed to transform your home into a cosy, grounded space. See the whole Earth Tones range and the rest of the collection at carpetright.co.uk. HAVING A SUMMER BALL Make the most of the long, warm evenings with practical and pretty lighting. If you’re hosting a party, or you…

MY STORY We were living in a two-bed flat in Margate, but decided to move back to Lincolnshire, where I’m originally from, to be closer to family. Lincolnshire has great access to London, where I need to visit for work. It’s also surrounded by countryside, which has been so good for my creativity. I spent hours looking on Rightmove for a house to rent in the area and when I saw this place, I was drawn to the wooden floors. When we went to see the house, it was better than the photos. It was really important that we found somewhere we could put our own stamp on. The landlord wanted someone who would be here a while and who would make it a home; luckily, they were open to…

When decorating, it’s best to take your time. Think about how a space will work best for you and your family before jumping straight in. Rushing into decorating means you’ll probably want to change it further down the line. Get to know what you like rather than what’s on trend right now. You can admire something without necessarily wanting it in your home. If you don’t know where to start, moodboards are your best friend. I copy and paste images onto a PowerPoint, but you could just tear images from magazines and stick them together. See yourhomestyle.uk for more great real homes…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Claire Brown, a photographer. I live here with my husband, Paddy, who is a building surveyor, and our two girls, Willow, aged three, and Bonnie Belle, six months, as well as our golden retriever, Rio. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a three-bedroom Victorian townhouse, near the south city centre of Dublin. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE We were keen to highlight the period features, starting with uncovering the original floorboards and exposing some of the brickwork. We wanted to freshen the whole place up by painting most of the walls white and putting our stamp on the rooms with pieces that are personal to us, along with vintage and high-street buys. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN As well as painting, replastering, rewiring and…

You will need • hoop • fabric • measuring tape • scissors • pins • sewing machine • machine thread • herringbone tape 1 Measure the outside edge of your hoop and add 20cm, this is measurement A. 2 To make the top of the canopy, measure the diameter of the hoop and divide it in two. Then add 32.5cm to this measurement. Call this new measurement, B. 3 Take measurement A and divide it by four, this is measurement C. Make the top of the canopy by cutting four triangles out of the fabric. Cut the base of each triangle to measurement C and the two sides to measurement B. 4 Sew all of the triangles together along their long sides using a 2.5cm seam…

Take a leaf out of Lindsey’s book and go for minimal and small furnishings, or those with narrow frames and legs, to increase the amount of space between homewares and free up as much floorspace as possible. Mirrors create an illusion of depth as they bounce light around the room – and the larger, the better. If your bedroom is small go for mirror-fronted wardrobes, and consider investing in other reflective furnishings, too. Declutter, and get smart with your storage. Try not to cling onto belongings you can’t pack away – clutter will counteract any other tricks you have used to increase feelings of spaciousness. Consider how you might be able to maximise storage with custom shelving, cupboards and furniture with secret storage compartments. Try decorating tricks, such as painting…

BE BOLD I love creating gallery walls by mixing prints, framed sentimental items, family photos and artwork I’ve made, such as the pink pineapple and orange flower. I love this angle because there’s so much to look at but the colours complement each other and really pop. My house used to be grey, grey, grey and it made me feel drab too but I’m brave enough to experiment now and I would describe my style as happy, vibrant and quirky! @_notjustgrey LOOK UP The original ceiling rose in this room was one of the first things I fell in love with when viewing our Victorian townhouse. Along with other period features, it made me realise that we could make the house beautiful again. I’d describe our home style as global…

COLOUR ZONE Energise your working day by zoning the area around your desk with bright colours. Yellows and oranges will help to keep you motivated, while a dash of nearby blue will act as an aid for deep thinking. Using different shades to define areas for specific activities, such as working, reading or sleeping, can help your mind to focus on the task. It’s a neat trick in children’s bedrooms, or for breaking up large open-plan living areas. Apply the basics of colour psychology to your paint choices and select bold tones for a lively, fun-filled area or tone things down with tranquil pastels or very deep hues in spaces designed for relaxation. Choose a pale base tone for the rest of your walls to tie your scheme together. BEFORE…

Rather than taking on the task of painting an entire room, look for areas to be creative. Consider where you can inject colour and personality without too much fuss. One option is colour blocking – a clever way to zone a space. Or, you could consider adding a little extra flair with a painted arch, horizontal strip or organic shape in your favourite colour. Another brilliant quick task to enhance a room would be to paint a frame or block of colour onto your wall around your framed art, or a mirror. Overall, the most important thing is to let your imagination run wild. Your walls are a blank canvas, ready and waiting for you to reinvent your space. After all, you can always paint it back if you change…

Trend report: we reveal the hottest Autumn/Winter looks How to make the most of your WFH space Eco-friendly décor – stylish finds that don’t cost the earth Top upholstery cleaners, amazing prizes & more!…

Save space with a mirrored wall cabinet, complete with sliding door ‘Luxury bathrooms don’t have to be pared-back – they can be bold, bright and playful, too’ Abigail 3 OF A KIND... TOWELS…

Zip and go Made with platinum silicone, Zip Top bags won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food, as plastic boxes and bags can do. Plus, they can hold hot liquids, such as soup, as well as cold foods. Choose from a range of sizes, from £11.99, at alittlefind.com. Bright days Make the most of summer light and give your windows a spritz so they sparkle. White vinegar and water is all you need Steaming up Keeping your clothes looking freshly pressed is a doddle with Breville’s handy new CompactSteam 1400W handheld steamer. Foldable, lightweight and ready to use in just 26 seconds, it’s a must-have for busy households and people on the go! £45, freemans.com. Grate success If you’re making a meal just for you or one other, and don’t…

A GIFT FROM ABOVE While the days are hot and long, and al-fresco dining seems like the best way to enjoy food, then we would recommend taking a dip... into Ramona’s Heavenly Houmous. Ramona has the family in mind as the range of flavours – Red Pepper, Original and Jalapeño – comes in 500g pots that are perfect for a crowd, and are a well-suited accompaniment to Ramona’s selection of chilled and frozen falafel (Original and Spinach & Kale). The Ramona’s range is vegan and gluten-free and we can confirm that its dips are packed full of authentic Middle Eastern flavours. You can find the Ramona’s range in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado. Houmous, RRP £3; chilled and frozen falafel RRP £3.25. SWEET AS CANDY We are suckers for a cool…

Aurélien Farjon is an interior stylist – see his gorgeous garden makeover on page 92… ‘I will be doing gardening jobs, including adding metal support to my dahlias. After that you’ll find me sipping a long drink under my pergola.’ Lara Berry is a writer and stylist who wrote our round-up of air purifiers on page 112… ‘I’ll be focusing on a corner of my garden – creating a BBQ/chill-out/outdoor cinema area so that the whole family can enjoy the last of the summer nights.’ Interiors shoot producer, stylist and writer, Lisa Moses designed a scheme in ‘One problem room, two new looks’ on page 68… ‘I’ll be doing a sun dance on our patio, after extending it from handkerchief size to a space big enough to entertain!’…

Gingham patterns evoke the best days of childhood and it’s this joyful sense of nostalgia that makes it a welcome addition to your scheme. A versatile pattern, gingham can run the gamut of a broad range of interior styles. For a stoutly heritage look with a very chic French flavour try mustard, navy and grey. To bring things bang up-to-date and create major Gen Z vibes, use punchy tones of orange, turquoise and purple. Too hot to handle Scandi gingham oven mitt, £10, John Lewis & Partners Fun in the sun Gingham check outdoor cushion, £7, George Home Pre-loved pretty Vintage blue gingham side plates, £40 for set of four, Fort Go with the throw Recycled gingham throw, £20, Ian Snow Anyone for Pimm’s? Small earthenware pitcher, £34.99, H&M Home…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Charlotte Jacklin, a content creator and stylist. I live with my husband, Jack, daughter, June, aged five, and our cockapoo, Ace. You can see more on my Instagram @charlottejacklin. WHERE I LIVE We live in a rented three-bedroom house in Lincolnshire and have been here for the past four years. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The house was a bit of a blank canvas. I wanted to decorate with florals and vintage-inspired décor to reflect my personal style and put my own individual stamp on the place. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We gave the kitchen a mini makeover, added lots of pretty wallpaper, painted some of the existing furniture and added a gorgeous fireplace surround in the living room. MY FAVOURITE PART The…

You will need • dinner candles • rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit • lint-free cloth • non-toxic water-based acrylic paint • paint palette • fine paintbrushes 1 First prep your candles by cleaning them with rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit and a lint-free cloth. 2 Pour a little of each colour of the acrylic paint into a paint palette. Using a fine brush, paint your designs onto the candles – we chose flowers and fruit. 3 Allow the paint to touch dry before applying a second coat. Leave the candles to dry for a few hours before using. Top tip Between uses, trim the wick when warm to 5mm to avoid oversized flames and to burn bright…

If your home’s original features have already been ripped out, such as fireplaces and cornicing, look in auction houses, specialist sites online and reclamation yards for items you can put back in. Budget wisely. Period renovations are often not as straightforward as new builds, so get a few quotes for each job. If you can afford it, consider employing a project manager. It might save you time and money in the long run. Use a moodboard. A renovation project can often feel overwhelming. Start a few picture collages and get your ideas down on paper to help you realise your vision. Be patient and, if you can, live in the space first before you make any big changes. Being in a period home for a length of time allows you…

Don’t ask for anyone else’s opinion. Nobody can see the vision you have for the space, and until it’s there in front of them they will never know what it’s going to be like. Trust your gut and go for it. There’s a YouTube video for everything. If you’re working to a budget or simply enjoy learning skills and getting stuck in, you’ll be able to find tutorials for everything from fitting shelves to tiling. I wouldn’t paint a north-facing room in a cold colour. Cool tones tend to make the space feel frosty and uninviting. See yourhomestyle.uk for more great real homes…

Start by marking the centre of your curve or circle. For the headboard design shown on this page, the centre point would be the middle of the width of the bed and level with the top of the skirting board. Make a mark at the widest point of your design. Cut a piece of string 10cm longer than the space between your two marks. Tap a nail into the wall at the centre point, then tie the string to the nail. At the other end of the string, tie a pencil. The distance between the nail and the pencil should be the same as the distance between the two marks on your wall. Hold the pencil so that the string is taut and lightly draw the guideline for your curve.…

COOL COASTAL  You don’t need to live near the beach to give your garden a summery seaside-inspired look. Keep things simple by adopting a palette of blues and ivory, and opt for fabrics in classic deckchair stripes for a look that won’t date. When it comes to accessories, be inspired by timeless, beach-combing finds, such as driftwood and rope. COLOUR POP This summer’s trend for brightly coloured garden furniture instantly injects fun to an outdoor space. Zesty citrus shades of lime, yellow and orange look great together, but don’t be afraid to throw some electric blue or turquoise into the mix. Avoid being too matchy-matchy and combine different colours for an eclectic feel.…

RENTED HOME STYLE GUIDE If you’re in a rented house or flat, it’s easy to feel like your hands are tied when it comes to transforming your interiors. Often the decor in rented accommodation is not in the style that you’d like it to be, and landlords aren’t always overly keen for you to redecorate... even though a refresh is likely to make the property so much more appealing in the long run! The good news, however, is that there are many ways you can make your rented home feel as homely, cosy and personal as if you owned the property, but with little risk and limited budget! Read our guide online at bit.ly/rentedflat. A WEEKLY DOSE OF HOMESTYLE INSPO Take a peek inside real reader homes and keep up-to-date…

BRING THE INDOORS OUT Maximise your time outdoors by making it as comfortable as possible. ‘I’ve added some PVC sheets on top of our pergola to protect the seating from the rain so I can dress it like an indoor space with plenty of cushions, a throw and a rug, and not worry about it getting wet,’ says Aurélien. ‘I’ve also added a little shelf above the seating area where I display ornaments, just like I would in my living room. Putting solar-powered lights inside the ceiling pendant means that on warm evenings I can relax in there until late.’ RAISE A GLASS ‘We had to dismantle the shed to get work done,’ says Aurélien. ‘As we were about to put it back up together, Fernando suggested turning it into…

JUST PEACHY Paint your space in a blush peach tone, like Laura, to add warmth to your walls and complement wooden worktops, vintage accessories and off-white units. ‘I chose this colour as it changes beautifully over the course of the day – it feels fresh and bright during daytime, then mellows into a cosy peach hue when the sun sets,’ says Laura. ‘Plus, I knew my plants would ‘pop’ perfectly with this as a backdrop!’ Remember to choose a kitchen paint for a hard-wearing finish. SMART LAYOUT Get clever with the layout, especially if you’ve inherited a tricky feature in your kitchen, like Laura’s fireplace alcove. Laura made the most of this space by putting her cooker inside and lining the back and sides with white gloss metro tiles to…

TRY DIY The tiles steal the show in Abigail’s bathroom. After finding the design on holiday in Morocco and ordering them upon their return, the couple spent hours arranging them on the bedroom floor before settling on the perfect layout. ‘Laying the tiles was a challenge,’ says Abigail, ‘as we tiled from floor to ceiling, and I was very specific as I wanted a 2cm grout line in between each row of the white subway tiles. Either save up for an amazing tiler to do the fiddly bits or go for it yourself and embrace the fact that it won’t look perfect.’ CLEVER HACKS Along with the tiles, the beautiful Tikamoon sink was another big splurge, so Abigail wanted to make sure it stood out. Together with Mark, she converted…

This pretty and practical little shelf is ideal for stashing your post and keeping keys to hand. It doesn’t take much wood to make it either, so it’s a great way to use up any wooden off-cuts. YOU WILL NEED a piece of scrap wood (measuring approximately 40 x 30cm) pencil tape measure or ruler dinner plate jigsaw with scroll saw blade workbench clamp sanding block drill with wood bit screwdriver 3 x wood screws masking tape Royal Metallics paint in Gold, £1.98 per 125ml, Protek Woodstain paintbrush 3 x square cup hooks 2 x Command Strips 1 Take a pencil and draw a 28cm diameter circle at one end of your wood, a few millimetres in from the edge. We drew around a dinner plate to create an accurate…

Story teller Libra 2 eReader, around £159.99, Kobo With a 7-inch E Ink screen offering deeper contrast, adjustable brightness and colour temperature control, the next-generation Kobo Libra 2 has plenty of features to enrich your reading experience. It boasts weeks of battery life (depending on usage, of course), an integrated eBookstore experience and it’s fully waterproof. You can choose from black or white, and there are a number of eye-catching SleepCovers available to buy separately. We love: 32GB of storage – big enough to hold up to 24,000 eBooks. Light reading Kobo Nia HD 6-inch eReader, around £89.99, Curry’s Carta E Ink technology makes text on the Nia’s high-definition touchscreen look just like it does on a printed page. And because it’s glare-free, you can read on a sunny day…

MONDAY GOAT’S CHEESE, STRAWBERRY AND BASIL SALAD PREP TIME 10 minutes SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS • 350g strawberries, hulled • 150g chevre blanc (goat’s cheese), crumbled • Freshly squeezed juice of ½ lemon • olive oil, drizzle • 1–2 tbsp basil leaves • Freshly ground black pepper METHOD 1 Halve or quarter the strawberries, if large, and arrange on a serving plate. Sprinkle the chevre blanc on top and squeeze the lemon juice over. 2 Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the basil leaves over and finish with a grinding of black pepper. Serve at room temperature. COOK’S TIP Strawberries are available all year round, but nothing beats a British summer strawberry bought for its superior taste and lower carbon footprint. Ensure the strawberry is at the peak of ripeness…