Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i HomeStyle

This month we’re focusing on easy ways to breathe new life into your home, with quick and affordable updates, exciting new-season trends and our spring cleaning special on page 111, packed with tried-and-tested, budget-friendly tips for a sparkling home, inside and out! Whether you’re looking to redecorate or simply revamp your existing scheme, you’ll find inspiration in our spotlight on pastels on page 14 and our spring decorating feature on page 60, where we show you affordable ways to add wow with three of this year’s hottest interiors trends. For our bedscaping masterclass, turn to page 66 and follow our steps to create the ultimate bedroom retreat. So often we focus on social spaces and leave the bedroom until last, so here’s your chance to style a sanctuary where you…

Tabletop delights The latest table setting collections from Sophie Allport have us dreaming of spring! Featuring painterly wild florals and dragonflies, the ranges include cork placemats, cotton placemats, napkins, table runners and tablecloths – everything you need to add a special touch when entertaining. And if you fall in love with these prints, you’ll also find them adorning kitchenand picnicware and a range of gorgeous cotton bedlinens and accessories. Prices start from £11.50 for a tea towel. sophieallport.com Designer floors The latest collection from innovative brand Ruggable is a striking, bold collaboration with luxury interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Ruggable’s unique rug washing technology has been combined with 13 standout designs to suit traditional and more modern settings seamlessly. Inspired by his travels across the world, there are bold geometrics…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Debbie Twinn, 38. I host craft parties and classes, and sell craft kits @make.spacechelmsford. I share my home with my husband Richard, 37, a sustainability consultant, and our eight-year-old son, Charlie. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a four-bed Victorian terrace in Chelmsford, Essex. We’ve lived here since 2020. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The house was originally decorated in neutral tones, so I wanted to add bold colours and patterns to each space with simple makeovers. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We painted the house from top to bottom in vibrant shades, refreshed the kitchen, updated the front and back garden, and retiled the bathroom. MY FAVOURITE PART It’s so difficult to say as I love everything, but the big family kitchen space…

TOP TIP If you don’t have a pom pom maker, use a fork! Simply wind the yarn round and round the outer prongs until full and round, tie a length of yarn around the middle, catching the threads in a tight knot, and cut free on each edge YOU WILL NEED • fabric • scissors • sewing machine • thread • pins • iron • ironing board • needle • 32cm x 52cm cushion pad • yarn • pom pom maker INSTRUCTIONS 1 From your fabric, cut an oblong measuring 56x36cm for the cushion front and two pieces measuring 65x36cm for the cushion back. 2 Take one of the back pieces and fold one edge over to the wrong side by 1cm. Fold it over again by 1cm and pin…

Style idea Add an industrial vibe while retaining warmth GALLERY WALL WINNER ON-TREND SHAPE ‘I transformed each room with paint, vintage pieces and artwork’ Style idea Pick up vintage crockery in charity shops to display in glass cabinets or open shelves 3 OF A KIND VINTAGE-INSPIRED ART VEGAN FRIENDLY RUG…

Combine frills, ruffles and heirloom prints to create a scheme that’s full of fun and freshness. The palette for this look is light and airy, with beige-toned pastels adding a touch of warmth for the still-chilly early days of spring. Layer up patterns and prints in similar colours for a sophisticated touch. This technique will require a little patience and planning, but the overall effect will appear effortless. The key motifs to look out for are small-scale, meadow-style florals to evoke that charming, cottage-garden feel. STYLE IDEA Rummage in charity shops to find vintage artworks on a budget ‘Break free from traditional notions of styling and mix a variety of patterns, from block prints to floral and fauna motifs and from large-scale patterns to chintzy designs, for a look that…

With over 200,000 new homes built in the UK each year, millions of us live in flats and houses less than 10 years old. New builds are energy efficient, finished with modern appliances and low in maintenance. They can also feel a little ‘flat-packed’ and lacking in the character of a Victorian, Edwardian, or mid-century home. Vintage features, such as ornate moldings, hidden corners, snug alcoves and centrepiece fireplaces help to make a space unique. But can you enjoy both the ease of living in a new build and the personality of a much older home? With just a few savvy additions and smart hacks it’s possible to give a new build a touch of old-school charm. Get ready to age gracefully with our top tips on how to achieve…

CEO of Giggster UK managing director at YourParkingSpace Property expert and founder of Move iQ Head of Growth at JustPark Q How do I offer my home for filming and photo shoots? Tyler Quiel is CEO of Giggster, a leading hourly rental platform for photo shoots, filming, events and more. He says… ‘Renting out your property as a venue for media projects such as photoshoots, music videos or short films can be a great way to earn extra income – but there are a few things to bear in mind. First, understand the value of your property – research similar ones to price yours appropriately. We’d recommend a starting price of around £100-£200 per hour to help attract short, simple projects. Make sure your property is well-represented in the listing…

Best for… small kitchens ‘An invisible kitchen can be achieved in even the smallest of spaces – the key to this is carefully considered storage. Utilise all wall space to maximise storage: tall cupboards are ideal for hiding away appliances, including fridges and microwaves. Adding cupboard doors to conceal dishwashers and washing machines will help to seamlessly blend them into your space. Small kitchens can easily become overwhelmed, which is what the invisible kitchens trend seeks to avoid. Stick to non-contrasting finishes and colours for a calming effect.’ Debra Hutt, kitchen expert, Wren Kitchens Best for… tight budgets ‘If you’re looking to achieve an invisible kitchen on a budget, paint your cabinets the same colour as the walls, so they blend in. You could take this idea further by using upcycled…

Style idea Add interest to dark corners with hanging faux foliage SMART & STYLISH ‘A rich colour palette sets the tone for my luxurious new look’ 3 OF A KIND VASES Style idea Contrast smooth bathroom tiles with a textured mat GLAM ART DECO DESIGN…

Tuck into a hearty sausage supper with these quick and easy ideas Monday VEGGIE SAUSAGE BAKE WITH CHIMICHURRI PREP TIME 15 minutes COOK TIME 35 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 700g (1lb 8½oz) Waitrose Essential Charlotte potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 red onions, cut into thin wedges • 1 large red pepper, cut into strips • ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika • salt and pepper • 8 Richmond meat-free sausages • handful spinach or chopped kale • 100g (3½oz) Waitrose Cooks’ Ingredients Herby Chimichurri Sauce Portions METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas mark 6. Toss the potatoes and 1 tbsp oil on a large baking tray. Roast for 15 minutes. 2 Add the onions, pepper and 1 tbsp oil to the…

IKEA Calm and collected Dream big with this colourful yet chilled-out scheme that’s ideal for soothing spaces ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! GET THE LOOK Use a broad palette of comforting, slightly muted colours to give your room a relaxing atmosphere. Pick shades that include a touch of grey, this will help to give your tones a softer look. Give your walls an on-trend makeover with lime wash paint (or lime wash-look wallpaper if you’re not feeling crafty!). This gentle, cloud-like effect adds a dreamy vibe to your space. Enhance the airy feeling in your room with clean-lined, white furniture and accessories. GET THE LOOK Pile up different textures to create a sophisticated scheme that won’t get knocked out of balance when you add in colour and pattern. Think rattan tablemats, linen…

It’s time to take a fresh look at pastels. These soft shades are often considered to be too delicate for serious schemes, but this year the biggest designers are using them in new, exciting ways that really pack a punch. Our easy ideas will help you get the look in your own home this spring. One of the most straightforward ways that you can add pastels to your space is with paint. Find a shade you love and drench your space with it, painting the walls, woodwork and ceilings all with the same tone. This will give the room a modern, enveloping feel and, although it’s a high-impact look, it’s incredibly easy to live with. Make your detailing work harder by picking it out in its own, statement shade. You…

BRING IN THE LIGHT Style idea Art isn’t just for walls! Bring it to your shades too ‘I’m always adding in more colour when the mood takes me’ 3 OF A KIND … BOTANICAL DISHES Style idea Play with shape and form with ceramics CLEVER LAYERING PIECE PERFECT FOR PLANTS…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Abiy Brown, 35, a logistics coordinator @pastelhousebythesea. I live with my partner, Tom, also 35, who is an outdoor instructor, our five-year-old and two-year-old. WHERE I LIVE My home is a three-bedroom 1990s house on the coast near Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales. We moved here in June 2021. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE The house hadn’t been updated since it had been built so everything needed modernising. We knew that we wanted to knock the kitchen through to create an open-plan space and that we’d need a porch to house all of the stuff that comes with having kids. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN We added colour to all of the rooms and that’s been our favourite part of the process. We’ve tried to…

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m Zoë Hewett, 45, an interior designer with my shop and studio @stylemongersofbristol, stylemongersofbristol.co.uk. I live with my daughter, Olive, who’s 13. WHERE I LIVE Our home is a two-bedroom 1950s former council flat in Bristol. I bought it in the summer of 2021. WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE Changing things for the sake of it was not an option financially and I’m all about eco-friendly design, but I did want to banish the all-beige look and add my personality and colour to the interior. HOW I MADE IT MY OWN I’ve mostly transformed each room with paint, vintage pieces, homemade curtains and pieces of art that mean something to me. I’m inspired by overseas magazines from Spain and Brazil, as well as architecture accounts on…

TOP TIP Invest in a ‘dome stenciling brush’ for this project – they’re designed with a curved head that works even on small stencils without bleeding underneath YOU WILL NEED • old chest of drawers • screwdriver • medium grit sandpaper • paintbrush • eggshell paint • Chinoiserie pattern stencil, £37.99, Ideal Stencils • SprayMount adhesive • stencil brush • paper plates • gold, silver and black acrylic paint • artist’s paintbrush • clear water-based varnish • long metal ruler • pencil INSTRUCTIONS 1 Remove the handles from your chest of drawers and set aside. Gently sand the surface to remove any flaking paint or varnish and provide a good key for the paint. Wipe away any dust and paint residue with a damp cloth and leave to dry. 2…

‘Just like choosing a great outfit, we all have that one staple piece that works with everything. And that’s how to choose a great bed frame - like my Chloe upholstered ottoman bed frame from Dreams. You want something that you are going to love for a long time, that ages with the trends. But don’t worry - you can always refresh the look with new accessories to give it a fresh, updated feel.’ Interior Designer Whinnie Williams, Interiors Expert at Dreams Bed frames When it comes to creating the perfect bedscape, your bed frame is the essential foundation for a comfortable night’s sleep, as well as ensuring the aesthetics of the room get off to the best start. When choosing a frame, work out the maximum size you can comfortably…

STEP INTO SPRING See in the new season with a flourish with these pretty finishing touches ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! MAKE MEALTIMES SPECIAL Up your kitchen game with these star buys HOME BAR BARGAIN GET CREATIVE Make time for some arts and crafts this spring SAVE YOUR SPRING MEMORIES LITTLE LUXURIES Pamper yourself with these affordable home spa treats ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! GARDENER’S WORLD Get a garden glow up with these blooming bargains LOW EFFORT HIGH REWARD PERFECT FOR PETS Who’s a good boy? Show your love with our fab finds ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES! ALL SORTED! Spring clean with these home organisation ideas ♡ HOMESTYLE LOVES!…

Lauren Harvey, Accounts Manager at The Accountancy Partnership, supports businesses from sole traders to limited companies. She says… Money you earn from your property is taxed just like any other income you get, but it’s not all bad news: • You can get a total £1,000 of property income in a tax year (6th April – 5th April), and you will not have to declare this to HMRC or pay tax on it. • You’re entitled to the property allowance even if you have other income, which is good news if you get wages from your employer and want to rent out your garage, for example. • The property allowance is given once per year – not per property! • Keep records of all your earnings so you know where…

We all want to make more environmentally-friendly choices in our lives – and this extends to our interiors too, such as using low VOC paint and upcycling preloved finds. But there’s one room where you can make significant changes: the bathroom. It’s never been easier to use reclaimed materials in your bathroom – with a little time set aside to hunt for bargains you’ll find quality tiles, taps, cast iron baths and sanitaryware available. Alternatively, repurposing a wooden cabinet into a bespoke basin unit is an easy way to add vintage appeal. If your existing suite is fully functional, you’ll be glad to know that some of the most effective eco decisions relate to water use. By turning your shower temperature down a degree or fixing a dripping tap, you’ll…

CUT OUT & KEEP! Tomato bread and butter pudding PREP TIME 15 mins, plus 15 mins resting before and after cooking COOKING TIME 45 mins SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, plus extra to serve • 60g soft butter, and to grease the dish • 1 day-old focaccia or baguette, thinly sliced • 250g ricotta • 350ml milk • 300ml double cream • 1 tbsp thyme leaves, or use chives • 5 eggs, beaten • salt and black pepper • 400g Isle of Wight cherry tomatoes, halved • 80g cheddar, coarsely grated • 200g Isle of Wight vine-on cherry tomatoes • green salad METHOD 1 Heat the oven to 165°C/145°C fan/gas mark 3 and butter a 25cm baking dish. In a bowl, beat the mustard into the butter.…

Pretty in pink Daisy chain Blooming lovely PERFECT FOR SNACKS Embroidered flowers Happy hold-all Paper petals Coffee or tea? WAKE YOU UP COLOURS! Fresh as a daisy…

TOP TIP Have fun choosing your paint colours. You could go for something to match the decor already in your room, or go for contrasting shades for added impact YOU WILL NEED • 500gsm watercolour paper • gesso • 38mm paintbrush • selection of acrylic paints • picture frame • sheet of thick card • craft knife • metal ruler • masking tape • pencil INSTRUCTIONS 1 Prepare your watercolour paper by applying two coats of white gesso using a 38mm paintbrush, allowing it to dry thoroughly between coats. 2 Next, dilute your chosen acrylic colours with water so they become more translucent. Use the 38mm paintbrush to paint different vertical-coloured stripes onto the paper. Build up the layers of colour by allowing the paint to dry before applying more…

Style idea Introduce curved, bubble shaping for that retro whippy ice-cream vibe ‘We’ve tried to add as much joy and colour as possible’ 3 OF A KIND… SHELLS Style idea Paint interesting design features like alcoves a contrasting colour BARGAIN 2-IN-1 Buy THE PERFECT PEACHY-PINK…

Powered by nature Here’s a home improvement you never knew you needed – solar-powered blinds. Available at Blinds 2go, the solar charged upgrade is available on electric roller and Roman blinds. Simply plug the discreet plate into the blind’s motor to eliminate the need for a wall socket and save on your household energy. Effortlessly convenient, there are plenty of stylish designs to choose from, too. From quiet neutrals to showstopping patterns, there’s something to suit every style. blinds-2go.co.uk Supermarket sweep Give your home a quick, easy and affordable refresh for SS25 with the brand-new range from Nutmeg Home at Morrisons. With prices starting from as little as £2, we’ll be stocking up on everything to set and style the perfect table. The best bit? You can get it all…

TOP TIP For more upcycling ideas with leftover wallpaper visit lusthome.com/pages/blog- inspo YOU WILL NEED • Abstract coffee table in Natural, £24.99, The Range (or any wooden coffee table you want to upcycle) • sugar soap and sponge (optional) • Pollyfilla (optional) • medium to fine grit sandpaper • paint brush • paint tray and small paint roller • primer (optional) • matt emulsion paint in I’m Blushing, £38 for 2.5L, Lust Home • pencil • sharp scissors • Move to the Music wallpaper in Miami Mint and Bubblegum Pink, £65 per roll, Lust Home • wallpaper paste, £7, Lust Home • wallpaper brush • black and white checkerboard washi tape, £3.30, Nutmeg and Arlo (optional) • clear matte varnish INSTRUCTIONS 1 Start by prepping your table. If necessary, strip…

About me I’m Aurélien Farjon, 42, an interior stylist and content creator @aurelienhome. I live with my husband in a three-bed Edwardian terrace in Croydon, south London. TOTAL £1,321 BEFORE My problem bathroom The toilet and bathroom were two separate rooms. We were desperate for a larger space as the original proportions were just too small. The boiler cupboard had even made its way inside the bathroom - it had to change! How I made it work The first thing we did was to knock down the wall between the two rooms, creating one larger space. The downside with doing this is that we inherited two different sized windows with no space for a mirror above the sink, unless we rerouted the pipes. With costs adding up, we decided to…

Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to refresh both your living space and your mindset, and we recommend starting with the ‘Four piles’ system – an efficient method for tackling clutter that will keep your space tidy and help towards a cleaner, more functional environment. Simply make the following piles when tidying: ‘Put away here’ for items that belong in their rightful places; ‘Put away elsewhere’ for things that belong in other rooms or areas; ‘Donate or sell’ for items in good condition you no longer need; and ‘Recycle or bin’ for things that are broken or no longer usable. After decluttering, you can tackle the cleaning with a spring in your step! Follow our helpful guide for simple, cost-effective hacks on cleaning appliances and furnishings, and look forward to…