Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2016 i Ideal Home

Easter coming up is inspiring thoughts of sweet treats and family gatherings, as well as mini garden projects to keep me busy over the long weekend. PLANNING A TEA PARTY Easter coincides with my and my sister’s birthdays this year, so I can feel a special do coming on – a proper afternoon tea, I think (dress code ‘hats and pearls’), complete with fancy teacups and lashings of prosecco for the grown-ups. We’ve all been rather health-conscious of late, with dry January and sugar-free February, so we’re more than ready for a cake binge. The littlest Richmonds love any opportunity to put on their party dresses, topped off with Elsa crowns and whatever ‘jewels’, as they call them, (gewgaws from Accessorize…) they can pilfer from my bedroom. After tea, we’ll…

“The timeless combination of black and white has a bold new feel for this season, with sharp, masculine lines, graphic prints and global patterns”HOLLY CATFORD, ACTING STYLE AND DECORATING ASSISTANT Straight talker Make a statement with this cool cushion Cushion, £4.99, H&M On point A chevron print will keep the look contemporary Ikat cushion, £35, Furniture Village Take a seat Woven in 100% wool for durability Rani Kilim pouffe in Charcoal, £130, Myakka Shape shifter With an abstract, Eighties-style print Teacup and saucer set, £9.50, Sue Timney range, Marks & Spencer Frame academy Created using fine bone tiles Chevron frame, £16, Oliver Bonas Stand tall The pointed legs give it a crisp, modern feel Black standby tripod lamp, £129, Furniture Village Going dotty Pep up a plain white coffee table…

‘Items should tell a story and remind you of special moments, and I think that’s what Cath Kidston does’ You’d be forgiven for thinking that Cath Kidston’s designs were all by its eponymous founder. Up until recent times that was the case, but, after 20 years of growing the brand from one small shop in London’s Holland Park to a nationwide chain of 120 stores, Cath has taken a back seat. Enter Christine Hafsten, the design director tasked with safeguarding those trademark florals and adding new ones into the mix. Christine joined Cath Kidston in 2013 and spent a year working closely with Cath herself. ‘If you are as passionate about print and colour as I am, then this is an incredible place to work,’ says Christine. ‘I’m very lucky.…

1 CHOOSE YOUR BASE COLOUR Whether it’s flooring or a wall, the base colour will be the largest area of colour in your room, so place a generous sample of it onto your board. Including carpet samples will help you think about texture, too. 2 ADD AN ACCENT TONE Want to try a dramatic contrast or an accent just a few tones away from your base colour? Use your moodboard to play with options and layer it with swatches of fabric, scraps of wallpaper and paint colour charts. 3 FIND THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES These will really set the tone in your room – go for ones that share an accent colour and stick to a single theme. Don’t mix styles, or your finished scheme will look messy rather than effortlessly…

OFFSET WITH WHITE Use equal amounts of white with dark blue for a balanced decorating scheme. Go for pure or creamy whites, as grey tints will look chilly. INCLUDE WARM WOOD Rough-grained wood furniture will add warmth to colder blues and introduce texture, too. MAKE ’EM SING The right accent colours really pop against dark blue. Citrussy yellows always work, or try light greys or metallic silver. BREAK THEM UP Dark blues are heavy, so lighten with pops of pattern, staying tonal so as not to overwhelm with contrasting colours. THINK ABOUT TEXTURE Deep blues can look flat, especially over a large expanse, so add rough and textured finishes for interest. 5 BEST BLUE DUOS • Indigo and teal• Navy and turquoise• Cobalt and baby blue• Prussian blue and stormy-sky blue• Lapis and faded denim…

THE COMPANY Founded in 1999 by brothers Duncan and Lee Clarke, Clarke & Clarke now distributes fabrics and wallcoverings to more than 90 countries. The dedicated design studio, based in rural Cheshire, creates vibrant, fashion-led designs, ensuring that products are always on trend. Producing both woven and printed textiles and decorative wallcoverings in co-ordinated collections, the company has a reputation for excellent quality, innovation and customer service. THE NEW COLLECTION Taking inspiration from the refined chic of Parisian hotels, the new Chateau collection has classic fabric designs at its heart. St James is a traditional stripe in bold shades that’s ideal for use as curtains or blinds; Michel is an intricate geometric that works beautifully on upholstery; Boulevard has a bold link design with metallic touches that create a 3D…

Without doubt, tiles are the top choice when it comes to decorating walls and floors in kitchens and bathrooms. Yes, they are hard-wearing, waterproof and easy to clean, but tiles are coming into their own for reasons other than practicality right now. New innovations in design, texture, colour and finish mean that safe and neutral are no longer the norm, with homeowners coming up with more inventive ways to use tiles. From daring colour combinations and creative configurations, to using tiles in unexpected places, find inspiration for your next project in our edit. INTRODUCE SOME TEXTURE Textured tiles are a great alternative to wallpaper in a dining space. These cement tiles with an embossed pattern and a subtle matt finish add style and colour without overpowering the scheme. TRY A…

BOUGHT FOR £519,000 SPENT £470,000 NOW WORTH £1.2 million THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, detached Sixties house in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, extended at the front and rear to create a flexible family living space. The owners bought it in August 2007. WHAT IT COST Building work.......................£350,000 Kitchen.....................................£30,000 Bathrooms................................£10,000 Carpentry.................................£30,000 Garden landscaping............£50,000 TOTAL....................£470,000 WHO LIVES HERE Hannah and Colin Gee live here with their sons, Sam, 10, Joe, seven, and Fred, four. Hannah runs interiors boutique Love Inc and Colin works in the City. THE LOOK An eclectic mix of vintage finds and colourful, upcycled furniture, showcased against clean and simple white walls. LESSONS LEARNED “We employed a quantity surveyor to assess the builders’ work and costs throughout the project. It was a worthwhile investment, as it helped maintain quality and he…

BOUGHT FOR £1.5 million SPENT £67,000 NOW WORTH £1.75 million THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, semi-detached, Victorian house in Wandsworth, southwest London, bought in February 2014. WHAT IT COST Building work.........................£25,000 Flooring.....................................£13,000 Bathrooms................................£1,500 Decorating..............................£20,000 Fire surrounds............................£500 Furniture.....................................£7,000 TOTAL......................£67,000 WHO LIVES HERE Lisa and Hil Mehydene live here with their four-year-old twins, Milla and George. Lisa is founder of an online interiors boutique and Hil is a currency trader. THE LOOK Eclectic chic, with vintage finds and quirky displays set against a neutral grey background. LESSONS LEARNED “Overseeing the decorating from a distance was difficult. I realised I needed to be there for the fundamental decisions, like putting in a new kitchen, as I didn’t want to make an expensive mistake.”…

The crumbling render on the outside of the Mansers’ house has been clad in an insulated render system by Wetherby (01942 717100; wbs-ltd. co.uk ), smartening up the exterior and reducing energy costs. ‘The render needed replacing anyway, and it’s made a big difference to the way the house feels’, says Hannah. External-wall insulated render systems are ideal for both new builds and refurbishments, and can cover a multitude of sins. Sheets of rigid insulation are fixed to the outer wall and covered with render. Insulated render maximises internal space and causes minimal disruption to the household. It also gives the outer walls a crisp, new appearance and helps to improve weatherproofing and sound resistance. Filling any gaps in brick or blockwork reduces draughts and…

DULUX 0333 222 7171; dulux.co.uk/weathershield Its Weathershield range includes Smooth masonry paint and a Textured version, both of which contain fungicide to inhibit mould growth. Pick a colour or mix your own at Homebase’s Dulux Mixlab. From £30.99 for 5ltr. FARROW & BALL 01202 876141; farrow-ball.com Offers Exterior Masonry paint in 107 colours with a fungal- and water-resistant formula that’s resistant to peeling, cracking, blistering and colour fade for up to 15 years. £65 for 5ltr. JOHNSTONE’S 01924 354354; johnstonespaint.com Its range of masonry and timber paint is available in nine colours. Its Weatherguard 10-year Smooth masonry paint, £24.99 for 5ltr, resists flaking and works on brick, stone and concrete, while Weatherguard Six Year Exterior Gloss, £23.49 for 2.5ltr, resists cracking and peeling and…

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom Edwardian house in Ealing, west London. WHO LIVES HERE Sophie and Matthew Todd live here, with their daughter, Isabella, four. WHAT THEY DID The couple removed an old conservatory and added an extension with an apex roof to create a light-filled kitchen-diner. The extension also includes a separate utility room and cloakroom. THE LOOK French-inspired décor with classic Shaker-style cabinetry and upcycled vintage touches. LESSONS LEARNED “I’d think twice before putting down a dark floor again, as it shows up every speck of dirt.” THE LAYOUT The range cooker and sink sit in a run of units along one wall, with an adjacent larder cabinet housing a wine fridge. An island unit separates the cooking and dining areas…

The real thing Produced in Italy, this is authentic and delicious – just toss with pasta or gnocchi Mattarello basil pesto (150g), Fresh Pasta Company range, Ocado Vegan friendly Dairy-, wheat- and gluten-free, as well as suitable for vegans, this is great in bean salads or with roasted vegetables Free From basil pesto (190g), Sacla range, Sainsbury’s Intense flavour Made in small batches using fresh ingredients in the Isle of Wight, this is a punchy pesto Basil & garlic pesto (190g), Pink’s…

MICROWAVE ICING Simply pop it in the microwave, then pour it over the cake and leave to set Microwave fondant icing, £2.48 for 400g, Renshaw range, Lakeland BISCUIT STAMP Decorate bakes in an instant Jammie Dunker stamp, £4, nrmshop.co.uk KIDS’ PARTY CAKE MOULD No assembling – just bake and ice. Collect a few with friends and swap Princess Castle cake tin, £8.97, John Lewis SPARKLY TOPPING These diamond cake gems will add serious bling Sugar diamonds, £10.85 for 56, Squires Kitchen Shop EDIBLE LACE Bake the mix on the mat provided, then lay it on top of your cake Cake lace kit, from £3.95, Cake Décor range, Sainsbury’s…

• Some silks are washable while others can only be dry-cleaned, as their dyes aren’t colourfast. To check, wet a small section of the silk and place against a piece of white fabric or kitchen towel. If the dye doesn’t bleed, then it’s safe to hand wash. • Never use hot water on items that are meant to be dry-cleaned, as it can damage them and cause shrinkage. Avoid washing suede, leather, fur, feathers and other fragile fabrics. These should be taken to the dry-cleaners. • If the label states that the fabric can be washed, either hand wash it in lukewarm water or use your washing machine’s delicate cycle. • After washing delicates, reshape them and lay them flat on an airer to dry. Never tumble-dry them. • Never…

GIRL ABOUT TECH’S MANIFESTO I believe that tech should... Make your life easier Be super-simple to use Stand the test of time Look good and work brilliantly WHY WE LOVE THEM… All I want from a gadget bag is for it to be comfortable, protective and stylish enough to go from a meeting to after-work drinks. Is that too much to ask? I was beginning to think so, as was photographer Krystina Reynolds. ‘I found I was always carrying two bags,’ she says. ‘One for my camera and one for the rest of my things. Camera bags seemed to be designed purely with practicality in mind, so none of them reflected my personal style or that of my photos.’ Now Krystina sports just one leather camera satchel, made by her…

Smartphone snaps Instax Share SP-1 smartphone printer , FujiFilm GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Take a photo on your phone, open it up in the free Instax Share app, choose a template and filter, then create your 54mm x 85mm mini prints instantly over Wi-Fi’ Picture perfect Selphy CP1200 compact photo printer , Canon GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Produces lab-quality photos and stickers from an SD card, USB stick or over Wi-Fi. You can edit on screen and the rechargeable battery is good for 50-plus prints’ Print on the go ZIP mobile printer , Polaroid GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘This pocket printer pairs to smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth, so you can print even if there’s no Wi-Fi. It produces smudge-proof 2in x 3in snaps with a peel-off sticky back’…

Get your home and garden ready for a new season with beautifully crafted indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories from Debenhams. The spring/summer trends include calm and relaxing Retreat, made up of pieces in a palette of soft corals and watercolours, and Brighton, which is full of personality and colour, featuring striped designs that are ideal for celebrating high-summer days. Debenhams has teamed up with Ideal Home to offer readers an exclusive 10% off home and furniture. To claim your discount, visit debenhams.com and enter the code BP22 in the promotional box at the checkout. To redeem your discount in store, present the voucher on this page at the till. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 10% DISCOUNT TERMS AND CONDITIONS This offer entitles you to 10% off full-price Debenhams Home and…

= mail order available A Abigail Ahern 020 7354 8181; abigailahern.com Aldi aldi.co.uk Alternative Flooring 01264 335111; alternativeflooring.com Amara 0800 587 7645; amara.com Amtico 0121 745 0800; amtico.com And Shine 07765 530607; andshine.co.uk Annie Sloan 01865 713089; anniesloan.com Argos 0345 640 3030; argos.co.uk Artfinder 0800 133 7434; artfinder.com Arthouse 01706 230077; arthouse.com Atkin and Thyme 0844 409 9834; atkinandthyme.co.uk Atomic Interiors 0115 965 7920; atomicinteriors.co.uk B Baldwin Plastic Laminates 01277 225235; baldwin-plaslam.co.uk baldwin-plaslam.co.uk B&Q 0333 014 3098; diy.com Barker & Stonehouse 0333 355 9046; barkerandstonehouse.co.uk Bathstore 0800 023 2323; bathstore.com Bedeck 0845 603 0861; bedeckhome.com Bethan Laura Wood 07754 064070; woodlondon.co.uk Betsy Benn 01242 570731; betsybenn.co.uk BHS 0344 411 6000; bhs.co.uk BHS Furniture 0844 411 6000; bhsfurniture.co.uk Black By Design 01889 502716; black-by-design.co.uk Blendworth 023 9259 4911; blendworth.co.uk Bloom 0844 482 2332; bloom.uk.com Bluebellgray 0141 221 0724; bluebellgray.co.uk BoConcept 00 45 7013 1366; boconcept.co.uk Bombay Duck 020 8749 3000; bombayduck.com Brompton 020 8232 8484; brompton.com Burlington Bathrooms…

“As spring gathers pace, welcome the fresh feeling of the outdoors with country prints, simple seasonal flowers and splashes of uplifting colourMICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR” Bowled over This piece has artisanal style Rice bowl, £22, Raft Bags of style Stow away laundry in this reversible canvas bag Dot Dash storage pot, £42, Rastall & Daughters Country casual Go for a traditional look with this soft, curvy design Kentwell chair in Ullswater Chalk, £1,075, Sofas & Stuff Take a stand Fill with potted herbs and a watering can Whitewashed wooden plant stand, £75, The Farthing Pitch up Give rustic style a modern feel Neu pitcher, £49, Ferm Living range, Amara Coastal cool Wake up the scheme with hits of crisp blue Farah cushion in Seaspray, £40, Laura Ashley Good scents A…

“These traditional techniques are back in new and unexpected forms”MICHELA COLLING, STYLE EDITOR  THE STORY SO FAR A pattern of inlaid veneers of wood, metal or bone, marquetry is often seen on polished antique furniture. Parquetry is a geometric pattern of inlaid pieces of wood, especially used to cover a floor or to ornament furniture. The rise in value being placed on traditional crafts, coupled with a love for smart geometrics, means that these techniques are now being reinvented using new materials and graphic imitations. MODERN MATERIALS Part of a series celebrating British manufacturing techniques, Lee Broom’s Parquetry lamp is comprised of linear layers of wood veneer, blue lacquer and brass inlay. Designer Bethan Laura Wood experiments with colour and pattern – the marquetry on her Super Fake series uses…

GET TO KNOW HER SIGNATURE STYLE ‘My style is a lot like the Cath Kidston look,’ says Christine. ‘It’s about having classic and antique elements, mixed with personal items and a bit of fun. There’s a Norwegian word, hygge, which roughly translates as “cosy”, but it’s more than that, it’s a feeling – so if it’s wonderful to be somewhere or feel something, then it’s hygge. I like to think my home and approach to design reflects that.’ Although she’s Scandinavian, Christine’s style is far from the clean lines and neutrals of classic Scandi design. ‘My parents are both Anglophiles and, growing up, my mum loved British interior-design magazines, so my childhood home had bright fabrics and wallpapers and a bold teal velvet sofa – not typically Scandinavian at all.…

1 THE 70-20-10 RULE For a balanced scheme, keep 70% of the elements (say, walls and floors) as one colour, then add 20% in a second colour (fabrics) and 10% in an accent (accessories). 2 THE PATTERN RULE When mixing patterns, use large with medium or medium with small, never large with small. Pick prints that share a colour in common. 3 THE PAINTED BOX RULE The look of paint changes according to the time of day and the amount of light that is in a room. Paint the inside of a large box with a tester to create a miniature ‘room’ and see how the colour changes within a 3D space. AND FINALLY… Always add a surprise. A focal point – whether it’s a feature wall or a piece…

p 32 OFFICE DECORATION AND FURNITURE Wall and panelling painted in Stiffkey Blue Estate Emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5ltr; flooring painted in Strong White floor paint, £59 for 2.5ltr; both Farrow & Ball. Lycia rug, from £900, Bluebellgray. Kade chair, £245, Lombok. Trestle desk, £320, French Connection. Metal chest, £579, BHS Furniture. ON CHAIR Cushion made in Floreale, £56 per m, Harlequin. ABOVE/ON DESK (from top left) Large frame (on wall), £55 for two, Graham and Green. Enamel flask, £25, Design Vintage. Bird vases, £19.75 each, Graham and Green. Wall tile, £6, Sainsbury’s. Framed real butterfly specimens, £270 for six, Home Barn. Canvas letterbox, £13, The Holding Company. Medium jug, £48, Luma Direct. A5 Savannah leather journal, £29.95, Nkuku. String in a tin, £8, John Lewis. High bowl, £26.50, Iris Hantverk…

IDEAL Two tones Introduce some country charm with painted wood Dorset Pale French Grey coffee table (H49cm x W100cm x D60cm), Laura Ashley Send a message Hang some motivational words on your wall ‘Be Brave’ banner, The Calm Gallery Hanging garden Go retro cool with a crochet-look planter Macrame hanging planter with glass pot, MiaFleur Bright idea This clever Swedish design combines a light and a side table Rubn Arkipelag floor light with table (H165cm), Atomic Interiors Face to face An attention-grabbing print in bold monochrome Face cushion, House Junkie Chic chaise Opt for tailored style with smart grey upholstery Chester chaise sofa in black and white Italian fabric (H79cm x W200cm x D142cm), Habitat GREAT DEAL Curve appeal Try a warmer oak-wood top with this shapely alternative Worcester coffee…

KITCHEN-DINER Bird song Pretty up your table with some charming china Duck Egg Beautiful Birds teapot; cup and saucer; both Dunelm Shabby chic The odd vintage piece keeps the look eclectic Country Ash console table (H80cm x W110cm x D40cm), Melody Maison Rose-tinted glass Makes a striking focal point over a dining table Vintage Flower chandelier, Bombay Duck Big time Choose an oversized clock for statement style Large Gallery wall clock (diameter 50cm), Newgate Clocks High gloss This sleek table suits a modern scheme Bramante extending dining table (H76cm x W174-264cm x D90cm), Made.com A to Z Add colour to walls with this bright print Bild alphabet poster (H70cm x W50cm), Ikea Brick by brick Fake an exposed-brick wall Brick-effect wallpaper, Albany Natural Textures range, Wallpaperdirect SEE MORE ONLINE  FIND…

IDEAL Spot on Add interest to a simple grey sofa with a geometric print in white and green Poppy cushion cover, Wayfair Copper cool This modern tubular floor lamp also comes as a tabletop version Albus floor lamp, John Lewis Top table Give your scheme a retro twist with this pebble-shaped coffee table Sheesham vintage coffee table (H40cm x L117cm x D105cm), Maisons du Monde Big knit Pop at the end of the sofa for a cheerful hit of colour Knot yellow pouf, Habitat Black and yellow Use pattern to tie together a mid-century palette Koln throw, Sophie Home Take a seat Go modern with an exposed wooden frame Furia Heming medium sofa in Audry Charcoal (H66cm x W160cm x D90cm), John Lewis GREAT DEAL Go green Complement dark wooden…

GIRL’S BEDROOM Delicious trio Give the scheme a subtle hint of colour with pastel-striped furniture Blush chest of drawers (H80cm x W90cm x D42cm), Maisons du Monde Think pink Pop a soft quilt on their bed Cotton bedspread, Marks & Spencer Toy story Ideal for speedy storage of toys and games Riffla basket, Ikea To the letter Hang an initial print on the wall Playtype typography poster, Skandivis Mane attraction Add a friendly, smiley face Lion cushion, The Little Blue Owl range, Notonthehighstreet.com Beautiful bunting Tie up at the window or on a bedframe Vintage Rose bunting (L3m), Dazzle.uk.com In the frame Go old school with this dorm-style metal bedstead Felicity bed and Greendale mattress, Laura Ashley Fringe benefits Keep it cosy with a Moroccan-style rug Riad wool rug (L305cm…

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, detached Victorian villa in Surrey. WHO LIVES HERE Hannah Manser lives here with her husband Neil and their children, Agnes, four, Martha, two, and Betty, five months. WHAT THEY DID The Mansers renovated and extended the house, building a contemporary two-storey side extension, with a glazed connection to the original house, and a single-storey rear extension with bifold doors. WHAT IT COST The couple paid £808,000 for the house in 2010 and spent around £200,000 extending and renovating it. The house is now worth more than £1.2 million.…

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, Victorian terraced house in Clapham, south London. WHO LIVES HERE John Gregory and his partner Paul Harris live here. WHAT THEY DID The couple replaced the rear wall of the house with glass sliding doors and created an open-plan kitchen-diner and living area. THE LOOK Streamlined, with handleless units, mirrored surfaces, exposed brickwork and contemporary, British-designed furniture. LESSONS LEARNED “We made life more complicated by sourcing certain products ourselves. It might have been easier to use one supplier, but this provided us with the flexibility to perfect the space ourselves.” THE LAYOUT The hob and double oven are positioned in a bank of units opposite the breakfast bar, which also houses the sink. The dining and living areas are at the far end of the room…

THE PROPERTY A four-bedroom, terraced Victorian house in Mumbles, South Wales. WHO LIVES HERE Bron and Gerrard Armor live here, with Bron’s sons, Toby, 19, and Rhys, 16. WHAT THEY DID The couple turned a spare bedroom into a spacious en-suite bathroom. THE LOOK Modern traditional, with period-style fittings, vintage furniture and pops of raspberry and cobalt blue. LESSONS LEARNED “When using strong blocks of colour, like the tiles we’ve used in our bathroom, add some variety with tone and shape. We chose two different blues in two different-sized rectangles, so it didn’t feel overwhelming.” THE LAYOUT The freestanding bath is opposite the door, while the walk-in shower is to the left. A loo and vanity unit flank the large shuttered window…

Lemon drizzle cake SERVES 8 TAKES 45MIN, PLUS COOLING TIME FOR THE CAKE • 150g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 200g caster sugar • 4 eggs • 142ml soured cream • 275g self-raising flour • Zest of 2 large lemons • 3tbsp Limoncello FOR THE FILLING • 300g full-fat cream cheese • 150g lemon curd FOR THE TOPPING • Zest of 1 lemon, plus 2tbsp lemon juice • 125g icing sugar, sifted • Lemon jelly sweets 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ Gas 4. Grease two 20cm sandwich tins and line the bases with baking paper. Beat the butter and sugar with a whisk until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Fold in the soured cream, flour and zest. Divide between the tins. 2…

CLEVER CARE AND STORAGE • Remove bobbles from woollens with a special comb or electric defuzzer. • Use the right hangers: Wooden ‘shoulders’ for tops, jackets and dresses; clips for skirts and trousers; padded for delicates. • Fold woollens instead of hanging them up to prevent stretching. • Dab the centre of buttons with clear nail polish to stop them falling off. • Ease stiff zips by rubbing them with a graphite pencil. • Don’t store clothes in plastic bags or boxes – it encourages moisture and mould growth. • Don’t ball socks – the cuffs will stretch and bag. Everyone’s shrunk a sweater, turned whites pink or grey, or had to throw out something because it’s faded, stretched or gone bobbly. Follow this hard-won laundry wisdom to get it…

Cycling is a great way to be more active and explore your local area. Cycling at a gentle pace burns 300 calories per hour and can help reduce stress, plus it’s a cheap and green way of commuting to school or work, or getting to the shops. You can even make it a social activity by taking part in an organised bike ride run by a charity or local cycling group. For national events, join British Cycling’s Sky Ride ( goskyride.com ) or Sustrans’ Big Pedal ( sustrans. org.uk/bigpedal ). Q WHAT DIFFERENT KINDS OF CYCLING ARE THERE? There are two main types of leisure cycling – road cycling and mountain biking. If you’re commuting to work on your bike, you’ll most likely be…

FEATURES WE LOVE 1 It’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre Cordless ‘stick’ cleaners are a joy thanks to how easy they are to carry about, take up stairs and store. However, they’re limited by their battery life and suction power, so the bods at Dyson have come up with this agile mains-powered vacuum. At 5.5kg, it’s 30% lighter than the regular DC41, and the Royal College of Chiropractors has commended the ball technology in the base, which allows the cleaner to turn on a sixpence. 2 You still get great results Ask Dyson fans what they love about their machine and I’ll bet its cleaning power will be top of the list. The Small Ball’s double row of cyclones can capture dust and dirt smaller than the eye can see,…

“After a workout, juice carrot, apple and kale for a beta-Carotene and vitamin C hit. Adding a scoop of whey protein will also aid muscle repair”JOE WICKS , THE BODY COACH (THEBODYCOACH.CO.UK) AND PHILIPS’ AMBASSADOR FOR JUICING WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Put simply, juicing extracts juice and leaves the fibrous pulp, while using a blender pulverises the whole fruit or vegetable, so fibre is retained. The latter also purées leafy greens and soft fruits, which most juicers can’t handle. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? While both make it easy to have your five a day, juicing and blending each have their own benefits. One big difference comes down to fibre – or the lack of it. Fibre slows down your body’s absorption of nutrients, so juicing is an efficient way of getting…

Space saver NN-CT565M 27ltr combination microwave , Panasonic GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘The shallow design takes up less space, but still has a decent capacity, with clearly marked presets for ready meals, porridge and even fish and chips’ Rocks at roasts MHW 33343B 33ltr combination microwave , Hotpoint GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Does everything a conventional oven can but faster, including Sunday roast with rare beef and crisp roasties. A big shout out, too, to the Dynamic Defrost’ Banishes odours MC28H5013AS 28ltr combination microwave , Samsung GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Includes one-touch settings for fermenting yoghurt and proving bread, and a deodorising button, which you can press to get rid of any lingering smells’…

LAKE COMO, ST MORITZ & THE BERNINA EXPRESS Visit stunning Lake Como and enjoy a train journey through the Alps. SELECTED DEPARTURES FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER 2016. THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights, plus all taxes and transfers Seven nights in hand-picked four-star hotels with half board Sightseeing tours, including St Moritz, plus a trip on the stunning Bernina Express and a lake cruise to Bellagio Escorted by a tour manager DORDOGNE, ALBI & CARCASSONNE Escape the hectic pace of modern life on this tour of deepest France. SELECTED DEPARTURES FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER 2016. THE PRICE INCLUDES Return flights or Eurostar* and TGV, taxes and transfers Seven nights four- and three-star accommodation with breakfast and five dinners Tours of Carcassonne and Sarlat with cave paintings at Lascaux A boat trip…

“With cool design inspiration taken from the Fifties to the Seventies, this mid-century remake mixes bold colours and geometric patterns for a more modern-day vibe”HOLLY CATFORD, ACTING STYLE AND DECORATING ASSISTANT Make a date Available in six colours Retro square calendar flip clock in Saffron, £89, Cult Furniture Darling clementine Creates a warming glow Retro orange glass lamp, £14, Next Tea party Your morning cuppa never looked so vibrant Retro teapot, £28, Sagaform range, Cloudberry Living Comfy and chic Support your back with this flexible woven seat Mumford chair, £299, BHS Top table A handy shelf and the large surface make this a practical buy Stockholm coffee table, £195, Ikea Mug shot Ideal for a hit of colour Amanda cup in Lime, £11.50, Super Living range, And Shine Go dotty…

‘We looked for artists with a distinct point of view and those who we knew could best interpret the spirit of this season’s palette’JONATHAN ORR, VICE PRESIDENT OF DESIGN OF TEXTILES & DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES, WEST ELM Priding itself on producing pieces with unique style that can be easily incorporated into any home, West Elm has introduced the Collector’s Edition – a brand-new collaboration between its in-house design team and some of West Elm’s favourite artists from around the world. The chosen artisans were asked to design dinnerware and serveware in a fresh palette of blue, white and lemon yellow, using their own signature design ideas, as well as taking inspiration from their individual interests and surroundings. The end result is this eclectic yet cohesive range of hand-crafted pieces that reflect…

FRENCH BLUE & FORSYTHIA 120147 fabric (background), £50 per m; cushion cover made in Persico, £62 per m; both Harlequin. Sisal Herringbone carpet in Hockley, £42.38 per sq m, Alternative Flooring. Swatch from Dunwich chair in Prado Stone, £549, Multiyork. Woad 251 Absolute Matt Emulsion, £38 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene. Bowl, £10.50, Amara REFINED NEUTRALS LPU1622 flooring, £29.49 per sq m, Quick-Step. Charlecote wallpaper, £49 per roll, Wallpapers of Distinction. For a similar tray, try the Asa, £9, Houseology. For similar cushion covers, try the Sorrento, £6.99; birds, £4.99; both Dunelm. For a similar votive, try the ivory resin, £10, Debenhams LUPIN & CORNFLOWER Columbine bed linen (background), £60 for a king-size set, Bedeck. Strong White floor paint, £59 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Some Starry Night matt emulsion, £21.98…

IDEA Use whitewashed or distressed-finish pieces for a less polished, more relaxed, shabby-chic look IDEA Add a vintage feel with a heritage print from William Morris or Liberty, or try this linen from Bedeck’s V&A range Tip Find a blue-based fabric you love and use the colours from it for your scheme FOR WHERE TO BUY ITEMS SHOWN,TURN TO PAGE 40…

Bird life Choose from these ornithological designs 1 Plush plumage A detailed design in an easy-to-live-with palette Empress Foliage & Birds in Teal and Duck Egg Blue, £9 per roll, B&Q 2 Twit twoo Choose these sleepy owls for instant charm Little Owl 40637, £12.50 per roll, Collage 2015 collection, Albany range, Wallpaperdirect 3 Fab flamingos Standout style for a glamorous bedroom Lagoon in Grey/Pink 252603, £18.98 per roll, Lochs & Lagoons collection, Arthouse 4 Branch out This fun, cartoon-style design would look great in a child’s room Terry Toucan 111270, £28 per roll, Guess Who? collection, Scion 5 Choose chickens A traditional motif that’s perfect for a country-themed kitchen-diner Branscombe Chickens Linen, £40 per roll, Laura Ashley ‘Elegant and graceful or fun and frivolous, there’s a bird design to…

Try it with… YELLOW Prevent peach from overpowering a look by breaking it up with hits of bold yellow and contemporary prints Bright idea Add a sunny shade Spira Mello Yellow Scandinavian fabric, £24.95 per m, Hus & Hem Go graphic This tulip-inspired print comes in five shades Sula 111323 wallpaper, £39 per roll, Scion Day glow Make a statement Verdure Yellow Marble Matt Emulsion, £42 for 2.5ltr, Mylands of London Try it with… BLUE ACCENTS Give peach a more understated feel by teaming it with deep, sophisticated navy, using soft grey or stone hues as a background to tie the palette together Prints charming Try a dainty pattern Malin wallpaper in Nordic Blue, £23 per roll, John Lewis Blue crush Give definition to a neutral sofa with…

‘Everything we love about the house now – the light, the space – we just couldn’t see at first. It looked awful’ ‘To keep the look calm and create harmony, I group similar items and colours together’ Johanna Gilan point-blank refused to view her house when she first saw it on a property website. ‘Everything we love about the place now – all the light, the space, the courtyard – we just couldn’t see in the pictures online,’ she says, remembering her intense reaction to what is now her beloved home. ‘It really looked awful.’ At the time, she and her husband Arash were living in a rented flat with their two small children, Dylan and Daisy (three-year-old Adele was born after the move). ‘I’m passionate about decorating and creating…

‘Each area is different – the kitchen is bright and open, the ply-lined living area is warm, and the dining area has formal dark panelling’ ‘The house is in a fantastic location, with a river flowing past and beautiful views out over the countryside in all directions’ ‘We wanted something natural for the walls, and the plywood is simple, neutral and a bit different’ While house-hunting for a new home in the East Anglian countryside, Helen and Graeme Craig couldn’t help but be charmed by the particulars of a property in rural Suffolk. ‘It looked like a child’s drawing of a house – very plain and simple – and we were fascinated by its history,’ explains Helen. The property is one half of an old mill house, parts of which…

‘I love to surround myself with vintage pieces that tell a story or items brought back from our travels’ ‘The house is filled with things that remind us of the people we know, our travels and experiences’ When Lisa and Hil Mehydene decided to buy their London home two years ago, it was a snap decision. ‘We viewed this house for 15 minutes before we made an offer and had it accepted the same day,’ says Lisa. ‘The next morning, we were on a plane back to Singapore, where we were living and working at the time. It was a complete whirlwind.’ Before having twins, Milla and George, Lisa had been an advertising director. She and Hil had followed their careers to Dubai and Singapore, but were keen to return…

‘ Soften your scheme this season with our soothing approach to coastal style’ ANDREW TANNER, HEAD OF HOME DESIGN, SAINSBURY’S As we shake off the last of winter and embrace the warm return of spring, there’s no better time to give your home a fresh new look. With its muted palette and relaxed feel, the soothing Coastal homeware collection has everything you need to welcome the season in style. Keep it simple When ringing the changes for the new season, it can be tricky to know where to start. Thankfully, the Coastal range’s affordability and minimalist style means it couldn’t be easier to update your look. Start with an understated palette of white, stone and grey, then add accent pieces in cool steel and inky blue for an effect…

Many alterations can be made under Permitted Development, meaning you don’t need to get planning permission. For more information on planning and building regulations, visit planningportal.gov.uk and always check with your local authority before making any major changes. Keep your neighbours informed at all stages, and you might need to obtain party-wall agreements, too. Check the advice given at planningportal.gov.uk. For extensions and major remodelling, it’s usually advisable to employ an architect to draw up accurate plans: the Royal Institute of British Architects (architecture.com) holds a directory of approved architects. Get at least three quotes for all major purchases, including when you’re hiring tradesmen and, whenever possible, negotiate fixed prices for each job rather than paying a daily rate. It’s not usually advisable to undertake major roofing work on a…

THE PROPERTY A two-bedroom, semi-detached 19th-century stone house in High Peak, Derbyshire. WHO LIVES HERE Susan Brown and her partner David Hudsmith live here. WHAT THEY DID They knocked down an internal wall between the kitchen and a small room next to it to create a practical, light-filled kitchen. THE LOOK Modern Shaker in contemporary neutrals with stainless-steel accents. LESSONS LEARNED In a small space, restrict a bold statement shade to base units, to add drama without it being overpowering.…

WHAT IT COST Units...............................£16,000 Worktop..........................£2,500 Sink........................................£199 Tap..........................................£116 Appliances.......................£4,134 Flooring............................£1,920 Pendant lights....................£285 Banquette bench.........£2,500 Table....................................£450 Bespoke stools..............£1,000 TOTAL.................£29,104 Having maxed out their savings buying their dream home in 2005, Sophie and Matthew Todd could only manage a quick refresh of its tired kitchen. ‘I painted the cupboards and changed the handles to make do until we could afford a new kitchen,’ says Sophie, ‘but it was still small and depressing.’ Close to where Sophie runs her wedding-dress business, Elizabeth Todd (elizabethtodd.co.uk), is a beautiful kitchen showroom. ‘Every day I’d walk past it and admire its displays,’ she says. ‘I knew that would be the first place I’d head to when we were ready to buy ours.’ When that time came nearly eight years later, the couple decided to deal with the…

THE PROPERTY A five-bedroom, detached Sixties house near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. WHO LIVES HERE Lynsey and Nick Jones live here with their children, Charlie, nine, Joe, six, and Jake, two. WHAT THEY DID To create a large bathroom, the couple raised the exterior walls by 130cm to create more headroom in the attic, installed a skylight and a dormer window, and moved two interior walls. THE LOOK Country elegance, with traditional furniture in white and taupe. LESSONS LEARNED “Plan ahead how you will get large items upstairs. We had to pass the shower panel through a hole we made in the hall ceiling.” THE LAYOUT To the right of the door are twin basins, storage and a loo. On the opposite wall, there’s a walk-in shower and a freestanding…

To-do list for APRIL EAT Portlebay Popcorn in Lemon Sherbet flavour, £1.89 for 75g, Holland & Barrett. If you prefer a treat that’s not as sweet, try the Cappuccino flavour. DRINK the light, dry Clare Valley Riesling, £6.99 for a 75cl bottle, The Exquisite collection, Aldi. It won Bronze in Decanter magazine’s 2015 wine awards and goes well with Oriental food. TREAT Sunday lunch guests to a meal from the barbie – it’s never too early. For videos and recipes, visit weberbbq.co.uk/sunday-sessions. Try a new taste... GOAT’S CURD Goat’s curd is a soft cheese that adds light creaminess to sweet and savoury dishes. Use it to top bruschetta, stir it into pasta sauces, dot it onto pizzas, serve with roasted fruit or add it to savoury tart fillings. HOW TO…

1 THE BOWL The bigger, the better when it comes to cake mixing – or you’ll find that the batter splatters all over your kitchen. Look for a large, deep design that will keep all the mixture contained and is heavy enough that it won’t be pushed around the worktop by a hand mixer. Cane 29cm mixing bowl, £22.99, Mason Cash range, Very 2 THE MIXER You get what you pay for with a mixer. This Kenwood has a glass bowl, so you can see your mixture easily, and it comes with the essential attachments; a whisk, K-beater and dough hook. If you prefer a hand mixer, look for one with a motor with at least 400W power and all-metal parts (plastic bits break more easily). Chef Sense KVC5000B, £450,…

PADDED HANGERS Best for silk items, as they prevent stretching Josette padded hangers, £15 for two, Laura Ashley INDOOR AIRER Don’t tumble-dry or peg on a line – air drying is gentler Over-the-bath indoor clothes airer, £7.99, Argos LAUNDRY BAGS Stop lingerie from snagging when machine washing Cavendish Rose laundry bags, £12 for two, Cath Kidston SOFT-GRIP PEGS They won’t snag your clothes or leave any indentations Peg basket with 50 soft-grip clothes pegs, £4, Wilko HOME DRY-CLEANING Save a fortune with DIY dry-cleaning sheets Dry Clean Only, £3.49 for three sheets, Dr Beckmann WOOL DRYER BALLS Pop in the dryer drum for softer, speedier results Wool dryerballs, £12.99 for three, Lakeland CEDARWOOD BALLS Moths love woollies, so use these to repel them Cedarwood balls, £5.99 for 24, Zero In…

TO DO THIS MONTH... • SOW HARDY ANNUALS and herbs outdoors, as the soil should be warm enough by now. Prepare the bed by breaking up the soil and removing stones, then sow marigolds, nigella, candytufts and nasturtium seeds directly into the ground where you want them to flower. Follow the packet instructions and, when they start to grow, thin out any clumps of seedlings before they get overcrowded. • PRUNE early flowering shrubs that have finished flowering, such as forsythia, to maintain a neat shape and tidy new growth. Also, trim winter-flowering climbers and heather – a quick shearing over will work wonders. Buddleja, cotinus and dogwood can also be pruned now – simply cut back to just above the base. • DEADHEAD DAFFODILS and tulips, but remember to…

Robot mower Robotic lawn mower, Robomow Trimming up to 400sq m of lawn, this autonomous mower also plots the best route and can be scheduled or driven via an app Auto watering Solar watering system, Irrigatia Fix the pump to a water butt and run the hose, with its taps for each plant, around the garden. It waters every few hours, or more if it’s sunny Herbs cultivator Smart Herb Garden starter kit, Click & Grow Insert herb capsules, fill water tank, plug in – and that’s it! Let the pot’s ‘Smart Soil’ do the rest Weed killer Green Power thermal weeder, Hozelock Delivers a sharp thermal shock of up to 600°C, destroying a weed at the root in seconds flat FACT! 20% of people in the UK were cybercrime…

Centrifugal juicer Nutri Juicer Compact , Sage by Heston Blumenthal GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Promises minimal heat transfer, preserving about 70% of nutrients. A built-in bin catches the pulp’ Cold press juicer MJ-L500 slow-speed juicer , Panasonic GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Juices anything from peaches to parsley, and has an attachment to make sorbet-like desserts’ Bullet blender Nutri Blitzer , JML GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Reduces stems, skin and peel to a super-smooth drink, plus it can blitz nuts, seeds and ice. Comes with three portable cups’ Power blender Vitamix Pro750 blender , John Lewis GIRL ABOUT TECH SAYS ‘Has more than 300 recipe ideas, from smoothies to peanut butter and ice cream’…

With more than 12,000 designs to choose from, Wallpaperdirect is an online one-stop shop for wallcoverings and home accessories. There are over 100 brands available, including Albany, Tapet-Café, Layla Faye (exclusive to Wallpaperdirect), Emma Bridgewater, Harlequin, Osbourne & Little and Sanderson. This year, Wallpaperdirect’s own range of wallpapers, Albany, includes the new Symmetry collection of versatile, geometric trellis designs – a key trend for 2016. With a fresh, modern feel, these wallpapers are ideal for giving a room a sophisticated update. Wallpaperdirect can also help with your decorating decisions, from design inspiration on its blog, to the wallpaper estimator, which calculates how many rolls you’ll need for your project. Check out the how-to video tutorials, too, for advice on achieving the perfect finish. Ideal Home has teamed up with Wallpaperdirect…

Lavender is an easy-to-grow shrub with beautifully scented flowers. The nectar-rich blooms are particularly attractive to bees and the stems are ideal for cutting or drying. Your free collection will contain 24 plug plants each of ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’. ‘Munstead’ has mounds of fragrant, evergreen foliage, with a height of 45cm and a spread of 60cm. ‘Hidcote’, an evergreen semi-shrub that has purple-blue flowers in summer, has a height of 60cm and a spread of 30cm. AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OTHER GREAT OFFERS… PETUNIA ‘NIGHT SKY’ This trailing petunia has deep purple-blue blooms flecked with white. It’s ideal for hanging baskets and patio containers. Height: 25cm. Spread: 30cm. Supplied as postiplug plants. BUY 5 FOR £9.99; BUY 10 FOR £14.98 – SAVE £5 LAVENDER ‘PAPILLON’ Attractive to bees and…

1 SUNFLOWER These little chaps make the perfect snacking food. High in the disease-fighting and anti-ageing antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, they have a milder flavour than other seeds. Enjoy them by the handful or on top of a green salad, or add to cooked quinoa with chopped green olives, preserved lemon, parsley and mint for a Moroccan-inspired side dish. 2 SESAME A great source of manganese, copper, calcium and magnesium, sesame seeds give a delicate, nutty taste to food. The base ingredient for tahini, they add a lovely crunch to dishes when used whole. Try steamed veg, such as broccoli, with a dash of soy sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of seeds. 3 AVOCADO Supersized, yes, but it’s still a seed – and just as…